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: Lonie Murdock, chef at Miss Likklemore’s
Known for: Showcasing bold, island-inspired Caribbean flavours through vibrant, personal dishes.
Toronto is filled with talented chefs doing great things inspired by their home countries, says chef Lonie Murdock — “and that’s exciting.” Murdock’s own restaurant, Miss Likklemore’s, is an ode to her family and friends. “To be able to give people a unique experience representing my lineage and the roots of my collective Caribbean family is so special,” she says. “To have diners come in and say this is my first Caribbean dining experience, to born-and-grown West Indians stopping to thank the kitchen team at the end of their meal, fills me with unmatched pride.”
Next up for the Caribbean cooking powerhouse: she’s currently putting the finishing touches on the menu for her second restaurant, ISLA, a fine-dining spot set to open this month in Washington, DC. “Built around an open-fire hearth, I’m excited to explore open-flame cooking and delve further in to the beauty of island ingredients,” she says.
Back home in Toronto, these restaurants and bars are the places that Murdock recommends most.
Best date-night spot
Mother
“After 20 years with my partner, I’m getting the garlic fries. I will also get tartare everywhere that it is on the menu. Make sure to try the Affogato Express espresso cocktail, too.”
Best bakery
Le Gourmand, 152 Spadina Ave.
le gourmand
“Win my heart with a Le Gourmand chocolate-chip cookie.”
Hidden gem
Gateau Ghost, 974 College St.
ghost
“Grab a pastry first thing in the a.m. or the bulgogi breakfast poutine for brunch, or pork and king crab mandu for dinner, and wash it down with mango ginger turmeric iced tea.”
Repeat reservation
Quetzal
“Love the open-fire cooking. The food is always 10 out of 10.”
The last best thing you ate
ACR Hot Roti & Doubles, 2680 Lawrence Ave. E.
ACR
“Get the fresh doubles.”
Fancy dinner
And/Ore, 1040 Queen St. W.
and/or
“Women-run restaurants are my happy place. I love the chef’s tasting menu.”
Comfort food
The Diner’s Corner, 678 Yonge St.
diners
“The fried chicken and oxtail combo with rice and peas and a side of plantain is my go-to. They have been in three or four different locations over their lifetime. I always find them and order the exact same thing.”
Best dessert
Prime Seafood Palace, 944 Queen St. W.
prime
“Order the chocolate cake — it’s giving Matilda vibes.”
Lunch spot
Oretta, various locations
oretta
“Since I am usually already at work, I like to pop in down the street and grab one of their salads. It’s quiet, so I can gather my thoughts before service.”
Best late-night craving spot
416 Snack Bar, 181 Bathurst St.
416
“I always get the Korean Fried Chicken and a margarita. I’m easy to please.”
Best takeout
Yueh Tung Restaurant, 126 Elizabeth St.
yueh
“My husband and I order from here almost once a week, pretty much every Sunday. Our order includes the chili chicken with white meat, egg-fried rice (but no peas!), crispy beef, dry chili shrimp, or spicy green beans, and Chinese broccoli.”
Favourite weekend brunch place
Mildred’s Temple Kitchen, 85 Hanna Ave.
mildred
“I have been going here since it was on Sudbury, and their pancakes and service never miss.”
Favourite coffee shop
Neo Coffee Bar, various locations
neo
“I make a horrible coffee, so I’m so happy there’s one right by the restaurant. Iced coffee with oat milk (but no sugar) and a breakfast cookie is my go-to order.”
Best cocktail bar
Bar Pompette, 607 College St.
bar pompette
“Summer is not complete without a paloma, and their Paloma Quemada is immaculate.”
Place I’m dying to try
Lake Inez, 1471 Gerrard St. E.
lake inez
“I’ve wanted to get the mystery patio menu forever and have been on the waiting list multiple times with no luck, so…hey, guys! Hi!”
