Out in Jordan Station, Ont., about an hour from Toronto, magic is made. After making it to the top six the past several years, last year Restaurant Pearl Morrissette finally ascended to the #1 spot on Canada’s 100 Best restaurants list. This is but one of many accolades co-owners and chefs Eric Robertson and Daniel Hadida have received for their fabled farm-to-table experience.
Now they’re lending their shine to a good cause, Chefs for Change. Last year’s inaugural charity event raised more than $1 million, funding more than 50,000 meals for students. This year, Robertson and Hadida will be joined at the April 14 culinary fundraiser by many of Toronto’s most acclaimed chefs, including Patrick Kriss, David Schwartz, Rafa Covarrubias, Steven Molnar and Daniele Corona. “One in four students in Toronto face food insecurity each day. School can be a struggle enough for students,” Hadida says. “As a community of chefs, I feel we can draw attention to this to build nutrition programs, provide immediate funding and call upon both the private and public sectors to act on this issue.”
Here are the fellow restaurants the Pearl Morrissette chefs like to support when they’re in town.
Hidden gem
Ricky + Olivia, 996 Queen St. E.
“It’s a very talented team, executing delicious comfort food.” —Eric
Stop Restaurant, 397 Roncesvalles Ave.
“Old-school charm and dining, presented in a casual yet refined style.” —Daniel
Repeat reservation
Imanishi Japanese Kitchen, 1330 Dundas St. W.
“Whenever anyone asks me where to go or where I want to eat in Toronto, it’s Imanishi. It has something for everyone, and you can point at anything on the menu and it’s going to be delicious.” —Eric
Union, 72 Ossington Ave.
“It’s a classic staple in Toronto that consistently serves up warm hospitality and delicious food.” —Daniel
The last best thing you ate
Bisteccheria Sammarco, 4 Front St. E.
“The grilled calamari is to die for.” —Daniel
Falafel Plus, 1065 Canadian Pl.
“Get the stuffed falafels. I can’t describe it; you just have to go try them.” —Eric
Fancy dinner
Linny’s, 176 Ossington Ave.
“All the charm of a traditional steakhouse but in a beautiful room, presented in a light and fresh way.” —Daniel
Comfort food
Le Swan, 892 Queen St. W.
“It’s just easy: the food is simple, in a way, but also not. It’s like the best of classics in a beautiful, well-thought-out space.” —Eric
Best dessert
Dotty’s, 1588 Dupont St.
“Their soft-serve has clean, distinct flavours and the perfect texture.” —Eric
Lunch spot
Waterworks Food Hall, 50 Brant St.
“There are lots of great options from independent Toronto businesses.” —Daniel
Famiglia Baldassarre, 122 Geary Ave.
“It’s worth the line-up. The team takes such care in everything they make; it’s always incredible and just sets the benchmark for pasta in Canada.” —Eric
Best late-night craving spot
Sampo, 370 College St.
“It’s open late and cooking until almost 2 a.m. You can scratch many itches on the menu, from fried dishes to gomaae or yakisoba.” —Eric
