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: Josh Ling, chef de cuisine at Café Renée.
Known for: rich, indulgent Italian brasserie cuisine.
“We really are blessed to be surrounded with so many different chefs who tell their stories through their food,” says Josh Ling, chef de cuisine at Café Renée. “I love that when you go out in Toronto, you can get absolutely everything you’re craving — and even discover a bunch of new places while you’re out.”
Multitudes have been discovering the buzzy Café Renée on King West, thanks to its prominent place in the city’s social-media firmament. DaiLo owner Nick Liu started up the Italian brasserie, with Ling holding it down with a sinfully rich menu. “The unapologetically butter-filled food says goodbye to your diet plans and ensures that you get to eat all your cravings that you are too afraid to cook for yourself at home,” he says.
When Ling doesn’t feel like cooking at home, here are the spots he hits in Toronto for the best in food and drink.
Best date-night spot
Alma
“Some of my favourite bites at Alma have been the tapioca fritters, wonton noodles, and a past dessert of theirs, the custard tart. Chef Anna Chen and her team make everything in-house, including their own rice wine for cooking. You can really taste the care and attention that goes into each plate. I always find myself ordering way too much but never regretting the second bowl of noodles, and the laughter and conversation that comes with it. Their cosy design and location takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the downtown core and really lets you escape with your partner to truly enjoy a night to yourselves.”
Hidden gem
La Salumeria, 2021 Yonge St.
La Salumeria
“With all the influx of new sandwich shops, one of the best hidden gems has to be La Salumeria in Midtown. The store itself is already amazing with the selection and variety it has, but the sandwich is the main show. Do yourself a favour and grab some bread from the front, walk to the back and ask Carlo for the house special. Loaded with cured meats, fresh mozzarella, hot peppers, fig jam, and olive oil, it does not miss.”
Repeat reservation
Pii Nong Thai, various locations
Pii Nong
“Ever since they opened, I haven’t been able to stop coming back. From the service, the decor, and most importantly, the food, everything is on point. Their seafood especially stands out for me. Their crispy mini crab larb is so addicting I wish I could have a giant bucket of them to snack on at home like popcorn. The Thai pang karee crab also makes me drool just thinking about it. Using some sticky rice to mop up all the curry sauce afterward is definitely the way to go.”
Fancy dinner
Linny’s, 176 Ossington Ave.
Linny’s
“There’s a good reason that Linny’s was recently recognized by Canada’s 100 Best for both their design and their food. The space is stunning and thoughtfully designed, but the food, as usual, is what makes it one of the best steakhouses. The steaks are obviously amazing, coming from small quality farms, but it’s the smaller details that make the meal even more memorable: the whole roasted garlic served with the hanger steak, a side of pickles to cut through the richness, and the complexity of their green salad that most chefs skip over. Everything seems intentional and cared for.”
Best dessert
Bang Bang Ice Cream & Bakery, 93A Ossington Ave.
Bang Bang
“I’m such a sucker for their ice cream sandwiches with cookies. The fresh, soft, and chewy cookies are so decadent and perfect for a walk around the Ossington area.”
Best late-night craving spot
House of Gourmet, 484 Dundas St. W.
House of Gourmet
“House of G has been a long-time favourite of mine, and where we always tend to gravitate toward after service. My go-to order is shrimp and egg with flat rice noodles, sautéed pea tendrils with garlic, and the sweet-and-sour pork.”
Best takeout
Tinuno, various locations
Tinuno
“To be honest, it has been awhile since I’ve ordered from them, but their Kamayan meals always hit the spot. The quality is amazing and the quantity will definitely leave you in a food coma afterward. Their service every time I’ve messaged them is always impeccable and the more I talk about it the more I’m craving them again.”
Favourite coffee shop
Maha’s, 226 Greenwood Ave.
Maha’s
“They are better known for their brunch but let me tell you about their coffee. It is the smoothest and best coffee I’ve ever had, hands down. The cardamom and honey latte never fails to make me smile.”
Place I’m dying to try
Bisteccheria Sammarco, 4 Front St. E.
Sammarco
“I’ve always been a big fan of Giuletta and Osteria Giulia. Any time I’ve been there, the food is absolutely amazing and there are even nights where I dream about having some of their pastas again. When I heard they opened a steakhouse, I knew it had to be added onto my list of restaurants to try. If it is anything like their past restaurants, it is going to be drop-dead amazing.”
