“MasterChef Canada” season three champion Mary Berg is heading back into the MasterChef kitchen, but this time as a judge. “MasterChef Canada” may have been on hiatus for four years, but the thrilling cooking competition is back on CTV (airing Tuesdays) with a new crop of eager cooks ready to compete for the title, each packing more personality and plating skill than ever before.
“I know what these home cooks are going through; I can see their wheels turning when a challenge starts, their nerves trying to get the best of them, and the joy and pride they feel when they really nail a dish,” according to Berg. This experience has informed her judging style, she says: “I would say that I’m encouraging but I don’t pull punches. Telling someone something is good when it isn’t doesn’t do anyone any favours.”
Berg also hosts “The Good Stuff with Mary Berg” on CTV and has a new cookbook coming out next fall, but she always has time to hit old favourites. “There is always something new and innovative going on in (Toronto’s) restaurant scene but the thing that I find the most pride in is that a lot of institutions have stood the test of time.”
Here, she shares some of her most beloved old-school haunts, along with a few new go-tos.
Best date-night spot
Alder, 51 Camden St.
Best bakery
Choux Lab, 386 Royal York Rd.
Hidden gem
Piccolo Caffe E Vino, 111 John St.
Repeat reservation
Union, 72 Ossington Ave.
Current obsession
Uno Mustachio, 95 Front St. E.
Fancy dinner
Le Sélect Bistro, 432 Wellington St. W.
Lunch spot
Queen Mother Café, 208 Queen St. W.
Best late-night craving spot
Ayla, 794 Dundas St.
Best takeout
Pho Ngoc Yen, various locations
Favourite weekend breakfast place
Canadiana Grill By The Lake, 2454 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
