Where Chefs Eat
Where Chefs Eat is a weekly series that asks Toronto chefs and restaurant owners to name their favourite places to dine in the city: where they go for everything from weekend brunch to late-night cravings, fancy dinners to dessert.
This week: Aki Erenberg and Ricardo Barrientos, founders of BEAR Steak Sandwich
Known for: A focused menu featuring their iconic steak sandwich, a pork sando and a cheeseburger.
Aki Erenberg and Ricardo Barrientos started Bear Steak Sandwich as a backyard pop-up with their single titular menu item but soon grew into a College Street brick-and-mortar and now a new outpost in the food hall at The Well. Their menu is tiny but mighty: they sell their titular OG steak sandwich, plus a pork sando and a cheeseburger. That’s it. (They do indulge in monthly collabs so they can stretch their creative cooking muscles on the regular.)
“For as long as the sun has risen, meat on bread has been a staple in every culture,” Barrientos says. “What we love about sandwiches are the versatility and ubiquitousness of their popularity.”
Double the chefs mean double the recommendations. Here, the pair share a bounty of succulent spots for TTC-worthy eats and drinks across this great city of ours.
Hidden gem
Kong’s Hot Tacos, 28 Bathurst St.
kong’s
“They are run out of a shipping container in STACKT market, slinging fantastic tacos. The award-winning bulgogi taco is my personal favourite.” —Barrientos
Golden Star Burgers, 7123 Yonge St.
golden
“We talk about burgers a lot in Toronto, but not enough love gets shown to Golden Star out in Thornhill. Tucked away between towering condos, this real hidden gem just north of Steeles has been serving the same fantastic flame-grilled burgers and fries for generations of Thornhillians. Get the Banquet Burger and fries, find yourself a seat in the same diner booths that bring you back to a simpler time, and wash it all down with a grape soda.” —Erenberg
Repeat reservation
Patois, 794 Dundas St. W.
patois
“You get the best of both worlds here. You won’t need to choose between your jerk chicken and chow mein. They are consistently delicious and a staple in the restaurant rotation.” —Barrientos
The last best thing you ate
Harry & Heels Donuts, various locations
harry
“A sprinkles doughnut filled with marshmallow filling. It’s as good as it sounds.” —Barrientos
Renaissance Pizza, 809 Dundas St. W.
renaissance
“There’s plenty of good pizza in Toronto, but I’m not talking about the places you line up for. Renaissance Pizza is run by two friends who would make Detroit-style pizza in their homes and took that dream to Dundas and Palmerston. Using dough that takes 36 hours to perfect, they serve a mushroom truffle pizza that is divine. Smoked bacon, truffle aioli, caramelized onion, mushrooms… not too heavy, but hits the spot each time.” —Erenberg
Current obsession
giragi
“Taline’s sister restaurant just opened at The Well and, true to form, they are putting out some fantastic food. The lamb kebab is deliciously addictive.” —Barrientos
Comfort food
Conejo Negro, 838 College St.
canejo
“The patio in the summer is a great place to be and they execute well on all of the comfort food classics. The fried chicken, mac and cheese, and the cornbread are fantastic.” —Barrientos
Tokyo Hot Fried Chicken, 656 College St.
tokyo
Tokyo Hot Fried Chicken’s meal boxes check all the boxes for comfort food: crispy fried chicken over rice with your choice of signature sauce. No frills, no problem.” —Erenberg
Best dessert
The Big Chill, 566 College St.
the big chill
“They are a neighbourhood institution, and it is tough to beat an ice cream cone on a hot day. The biscoff ice cream was my go-to this past summer.” —Barrientos
Café Belem, 546 College St.
cafe belem
“The team at Café Belem have perfected the pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tart) and coconut bun, and its addition to the Little Italy neighbourhood has been a welcome one. Natas are flaky and rich like they make in Portugal, while the coconut bun is the perfect balance of sweet without being gooey sweet. Pairs perfectly with an iced Americano.” —Erenberg
Lunch spot
Great Fountain Fast Food, 8 Glen Watford Dr.
great fountain
“Anyone growing up in Scarborough has either heard of or visited Great Fountain Fast Food in the Agincourt Mall. While the menu is expansive, they’ve managed to keep every dish affordable and delicious for regulars and newcomers alike. Run by the same great family for years, the cult classic T39 (garlic fried chicken on fried rice) comes with iced lemon tea and soup is a must-try: all for under $20!” —Erenberg
Best late-night craving spot
Ozzy’s Burgers, 66 Nassau St.
ozzy
“Open until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, Ozzy’s is a Kensington Market gem. It’s tough to go wrong with a freshly grilled burger and poutine after an eventful night.” —Barrientos
Gracie’s Pizza, 1181 Dundas St. W.
gracie’s
“Why not satisfy your late-night cravings at the same place you spent your late night? Gracie’s Pizza in Get Well Bar does daily specials and serves a mean slice that hits the spot. The sauce has the perfect level of tang, and the crust is just sturdy enough to hold the well-balanced amount of cheese and toppings. They even have their own hot sauce!” —Erenberg
Favourite weekend breakfast place
Emma’s Country Kitchen, 810 St Clair Ave. W.
emma’s
“The cinnamon bun pancakes are as good as they sound. Hot, warm, cinnamon-y and served with brown-sugar butter. I will continue to get them every time.” —Barrientos
Place I’m dying to try
Golden Horseshoe BBQ, 657 Dupont St.
golden
“Anything smoked low and slow for more than 12 hours is always a winner in my book, especially when it’s being smoked by the pitmaster prodigy Andrew Golden. I’m excited to give it a try.” —Barrientos
