Food is getting exciting again in the city. So says Zachary Darke, executive chef at contemporary French bistro Parquet, which received a Michelin nod in its first year. “COVID forced us to pause, but the energy is back; beautiful, simple ingredients are abundant; culinary creativity is on the rise; and guests are feeling adventurous,” he says. “This creates pressure on chefs to stay fresh and novel, and to chase potential instead of resting on our laurels.”
Darke joined Parquet this past fall, eager to take old French techniques and recipes and bring them forward in new and exciting ways, he says. “Think perfect duck confit on a bed of fermented cabbage studded with apple, pancetta and confit duck heart. Or halibut in rich chicken broth with walnuts, barley and tapenade,” Darke says.
So which Toronto dishes are invigorating him most these days? Here, Darke shares the meals that really get him going.
Danny’s Pizza Tavern, 611 College St.
“My partner and I always eat the mozzarella sticks, the chopped salad and the pepperoni pizza. And their sundae dessert specials are always a must.”
Duo Pâtisserie, 230 Commerce Valley Dr. E.
“Specifically their roast-beef croissant and their egg tart called the ‘8.’ The Rockee is also a must every time I go.”
Molkagtez, 1263 Queen St. W.
“It’s around the corner from my house. I go for the pastor tacos and the Camarones à la Diabla (spicy shrimp).”
The last best thing you ate
Butter Chicken Factory, 560 Parliament St.
“This is where I go to eat a lot of curry. They make an amazing saag paneer, which I can eat endlessly.”
Prince Street Pizza, 472 Front St. W.
“As a busy new father, their Mercer Margherita pizza has been saving my bacon on Sunday nights lately.”
Loga’s Corner, 216 Close Ave.
“Their chicken lemongrass momo is out of this world. Drench everything in their hot sauce.”
Pho Ngoc Yen, 1090 Kamato Rd.
“Specifically their short rib pho and lemongrass chicken coconut sticky rice.”
Best late-night craving spot
The Owl of Minerva on Bloor, 700 Bloor St. W.
“Spicy octopus and pork bone soup at 2 a.m. any day of the week.”
Cafe Neon, 1024 Queen St. W.
“I always get two fried eggs, toast and their house-made baked beans. The beans are amazing.”
Balzac’s Coffee, various locations
“I’m a vanilla latte with steamed oat milk kind of guy.”
Doc’s Green Door Lounge, 3106 Dundas St. W.
“They have this drink called the Brown Derby, which is wonderful: bourbon, grapefruit, salted honey and lemon. A close second is the Rum Punch.”
“It’s been on my list for years and I just haven’t had the chance to go yet.”
Dumpling House, 328 Spadina Ave.
“I always get the spicy tofu skin with jalapeno, and one fried and one steamed dumpling. I love the fact you get black vinegar and chili sauces at the table to mix yourself. The spicier, the better.”
Canton Chilli, 418 Spadina Ave.
“A Toronto staple. Everything on the menu is good. My favourites are their chili chicken (so spicy) and their killer won ton soup. You can also never go wrong with any noodle dish from the menu.”
Bang Bang, 93A Ossington Ave.
“I love ice cream. I usually go to Bang Bang once a week. Their burnt toffee ice cream and mint chocolate ice cream are impossible to choose between.”
