Why have just one restaurant when you can have two?
Chef and owner Missy Hui’s and/ore is two restaurants in one, both operating out of the same kitchen, but each part is completely different. Above Ground offers à la carte shared plates and snacks like her signature devilled egg and mushroom katsu sandwich, while Below Ground is tasting-menu-only, featuring star dishes like grilled lobster with fermented red currant, ikura and rutabaga, and Ontario corn financier with corn kakiage, blueberry and lemon verbena. Her restaurants also stand out for their fun events program, offering everything from cocktail classes with the bar team to bringing in local artists to teach their craft.
Hui herself remains a lifelong learner. “I’ve been in industry a long time now,” she says. “The thing that excites me the most about cooking these days is getting to work with and still learn from my peers. Toronto has a tight-knit restaurant chef culture: the hustle is real but so is the support. Everyone wants everyone to do well because we all just genuinely love to cook.”
Here’s where Hui heads when she wants to see what her talented colleagues are up to.
Best bakery
Max Bakery, 11 Villa Ada Dr., Markham
“It’s a bit out of the way for me, so any time I visit, I’m buying at least six pineapple buns and eating two that day. The bread base is so soft and fluffy, and the crumb coverage is the perfect ratio. Anyone who has had their pineapple buns knows the joyful mess of eating them on the drive home and having a lap full of crumbs.”
Hidden gem
The Old York Tavern, 167 Niagara St.
“This place has staying power and has evolved, but I feel like it’s a bit if-you-know-you-know. Unless you live or work in the area, a lot of people still don’t know how great this place is. Get the onion dip — enough said.”
Repeat reservation
Rendez-Vous Ethiopian and Eritrean Restaurant, 1408 Danforth Ave.
“When I first moved to Toronto, I was introduced to this place by a Beck Taxi driver. You can never go wrong with the veggie combo with injera and an order of doro wot.”
The last best thing you ate
Miss Qu Barbecue & Restaurant, various locations
“My team friends are obsessed with their sweet and sour crispy eggplant. It’s the perfect amount of crunch, salt, spice, sweet and sour.”
Current obsession
“I love breakfast foods any time of day, but their breakfast sandwich with the pile of pickles on the side is perfection. It’s not far from where I work, so it takes some self-control not to eat it whenever I want.”
Comfort food
White Lily Diner, 678 Queen St. E.
“I often run into other chefs from around the city here, it’s just a warm and welcoming space serving inspired classics we all grew up with.”
Best dessert
“I love their OG banana éclair but I’m a sucker for anything they do during strawberry season. You may have to wait in line, but it’s totally worth it.”
Lunch spot
Mermaid Fish & Grill House, 4700 Ridgeway Dr., Unit 72, Mississauga
“As we all know, GTA traffic is no joke, but this spot is worth the drive. I never know what I’m going to order until I’m asked and say it out loud because it’s an even toss-up between the fried red snapper and the Singari-style butterflied seabream.”
Best late-night craving spot
Haidilao Hot Pot, various locations
“It takes a little bit of coordination to make it happen, but if it’s been a particularly long week, you have to make a trip to Haidilao. Most people in my life are very serious about hot pot; we make elaborate plans for our own broths and oils, have at least five types of fish balls and eat for hours. Sometimes you just need a high-quality, reliable and comforting treat where the work is done for you.”
Best takeout
Adonis, various locations
“The hot food counter offers amazing value for money, and the food is delicious. There’s lots of variety to choose from, but you can never go wrong with the falafel plate. Just say yes to all the options (potatoes and rice, hummus and hot sauce) and get a fattoush side salad. You can also buy extra fresh pita that are made in-store and still warm.”
Favourite weekend brunch place
“It’s a carb load. Try the pineapple bun with butter, scallion-oil pan-fried chicken rice with egg, and HK milk tea. I don’t get out for breakfast or brunch very often, so when I do, I am all in.”
Place I’m dying to try
Santa Madre, 1437 Gerrard St. E.
“I’ve always been a fan of chef Luis Valenzuela’s food. Though his restaurant Carmen closed many years ago, it remains one of my all-time favourite restaurants in the city. Can’t wait to try his new spot!”
