Over the past five decades, the Cheese Boutique has become a Toronto food institution. The shop still churns out delicious dairy and other tasty delights, now employing 135 people to run its 12,000-square-foot foodie compound.
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: Afrim Pristine, co-owner of the Cheese Boutique
Known for: Running the Cheese Boutique, a Toronto food institution now in its 55th year, and serving as executive chef at the new jazz bar Small Talk.
Co-owner Afrim Pristine, a certified Cheese Master, happily advocates not only for the more exotic variants but also for Canada’s own bustling cheese industry, highlighting talented Ontario makers like Golspie, Stonetown, Gun’s Hill, and Mountainoak as innovators to watch. These days, he’s especially keen on funky, aromatic, and super-flavourful cheeses. “The creamy goat cheeses that stink up a fridge, the pungent blue cheeses, and the small, delicate French-style wash-rind cheeses are all totally my jam,” he says.
Pristine has been bringing his cheese-pertise to new places, too. He signed on as executive chef at the new jazz bar Small Talk, which just opened, and a cookbook will be out next fall.
In his rare time off, he and his young son recharge at these spots, drawn by their outstanding offerings.
Best date night spot
Harry’s Steak House, 3277 Bloor St. W.
Harry’s
“I have a two-year-old, so date nights with my wife are rare, but we absolutely love this place. I’ve been a west-end boy my whole life, so Harry’s has a cool, old-school steakhouse vibe that my wife and I love. The owner knows me so well that the moment he sees me, the garlic bread, chicken liver paté and pickled veg are at my table within minutes of arriving.”
Hidden gem
Apache Burgers, 5236 Dundas St. W.
Apache
“I grew up around the corner from them, close to Kipling and Dundas. They have old-school charbroiled burgers, the best onion rings, and this grape drink that looks nuclear but is the best thing ever.”
Repeat reservation
Viaggio, 1727 Dundas St. W.
vlaggio
“We go five or six times every summer and sit on their patio. We brought our son Leonardo, and the staff are so good with him and practically babysit him so my wife and I can enjoy dinner. Their cacio e pepe with nduja sausage is one of the top pastas in the city. Also, their steak tartare and the tiramisu pancakes are must-order items.”
The best last thing I ate
Salt Wine Bar, 225 Ossington Ave.
Salt
“Their fried chicken is one of the most underrated dishes in the city. I think about it a lot, actually. People need to know about this dish!”
Current obsession
The Chase, 10 Temperance St.
the chase
“Cory Vitiello is one of the most innovative chefs I know. His miso-glazed black cod gives me heart palpitations: it’s perfection.”
Fancy dinner
Via Allegro Ristorante, 1750 The Queensway
via allegro
“Head here for some high-end, exciting Italian food.”
Comfort food
Milano’s Pizza, 3886 Bloor St. W.
milano’s
“It’s become my son’s favourite, too. Cheese and pepperoni pizza, potato wedges and chicken fingers: it’s the best place to watch a football game or go if my son is in charge.”
Best de ssert
Scaramouche, 1 Benvenuto Pl.
scaramouche
“Ninety-eight per cent of the time, it’s no dessert for me, but the coconut cream pie at Scaramouche is the best. It’s my mom’s favourite as well, and I order one every year for her birthday.”
Lunch spot
Eataly, various locations
eataly
“When my family and I go shopping at Sherway Gardens, we have a slice of their Roman-style pizza, a gelato, and everyone is happy.”
Best takeout
Fat Fork, 2200 Dundas St. E.
fat fork
“I love their chicken souvlaki dinner. My son loves the rice and Greek lemon potatoes. The value is amazing and we always have lots of leftovers.”
Weekend brunch
Bar Raval, 505 College St.
bar raval
“I work a lot on weekends, but Bar Raval brunch is my favourite spot. It’s casual, it’s easy, and I love a Spanish fizz spritz and some Spanish small plates.”
Best cocktail bar
Bar Poet, 1090 Queen St. W.
bar poet
“If I’ve got a late event, it’s a great spot for a snack and drink. I don’t drink a ton, but I love me a negroni.”
Place I’m dying to try
Linny’s, 176 Ossington Ave.
linny’s
“Chef David Schwartz might be the hottest chef around right now. I love the concept, I just haven’t had the time to go — but it will happen soon.”
