“Bake Master Battle” is back with a fresh batch of new episodes (airing on Food Network and streaming on Citytv+), with baker extraordinaire and hyper-realistic cake artist April Julian of “Is It Cake?” fame returning as judge. This time, the challenges are spring-themed, with creations like edible gardens and macaron petting zoos competing for the win.
“I’ve competed in multiple baking competitions before, both televised and not, so the most interesting part of ‘Bake Master Battle’ was experiencing that world from a completely new perspective,” Julian says. “As a judge, I get to apply everything I know as a baker, an artist and a food lover to assess the incredible creations our competitors put forward, while also drawing on firsthand knowledge of just how hard it is to deliver under those time constraints and that pressure.”
So which restaurants deliver every time for Julian? She shares her go-to spots with us here.
Best date-night spot
“OK, it’s not the most romantic spot, but a great date to me is one where the music is good, the staff is fun and the food is top-notch. The Filipino dishes felt new and fresh to me, and yet stayed close enough to the familiar flavours of my childhood that I could still recognize the originals.”
Best bakery
Mon K Patisserie, 1040 Coxwell Ave.
“This is our favourite bakery in the city — our go-to when we want to bring something special to a family dinner. Their seasonal offerings, like strawberry shortcake, never disappoint. More regularly, we come for the kouign amann: sweet, sticky and salty, with impossibly thin laminated layers. We save it for weekend breakfasts, and my daughter likes to unwind it until she gets to the prized centre knot where the buttery caramel pools the thickest.”
Hidden gem
Bodega Henriette, 1801 Gerrard St. E.
“A tiny restaurant tucked into a residential neighbourhood across the street from a public school, it has vintage wallpaper, turquoise wainscoting and pops of orange that give the space a warm, inviting feel. Their brunch and lunch menu is hearty and has something for everyone in my family, from classic French toast to mac and cheese topped with cinnamon-dusted pork belly and maple-spiked chimichurri.”
Repeat reservation
Lake Inez, 1471 Gerrard St. E.
“I love the cosy, eclectic interior and laid-back atmosphere. The dishes are inventive without veering so avant-garde that they lose their sense of comfort. When their cornbread with lobster butter is on the menu, it’s a must-order.”
Last best thing I ate
Som Tum Jinda, various locations
“My husband and I shared the som tum tod on a recent date night, though I could have easily demolished two plates myself. It’s fried papaya salad, and it hits every note I crave: spicy and briny, with just enough sweetness to balance the salt and heat. The textures make it even more addictive: a distinct chew from the green beans and dried shrimp, a juicy burst of acidity from tomatoes and crisp fresh papaya, then a glorious crunch from peanuts and fried papaya all tangled together.”
Lunch spot
Tatsuro’s, 1378 Queen St. E.
“They specialize in Japanese-style toasts and pastas, and my go-to when I want to max out my daily calories before 2:00 p.m. is their wafu carbonara: a beautifully poached onsen egg and a generous helping of parmesan coat the noodles in a luscious sauce, while ponzu and bacon add salty, citrusy accents in every bite. I usually pair this with something caffeinated, like their seasonal miso brown sugar latte, or else it’s lights out after lunch.”
Favourite weekend brunch place
Vi Vetha Bistro, 2485 Queen St. E.
“We never have to wait and the staff always greet us like old friends. We’ve been regulars for years, and I’m pretty sure the place has kept the same decor and team since well before we arrived on the scene. You’re spoiled for choice with their smorgasbord of brunch and lunch items and rotating specials. The food is always consistent, with generous portions, and there’s always a side of something fresh, whether it’s a salad or perfectly ripe fruit. Pair that with bottomless drip coffee and it’s everything you’d want to get your weekend off to the perfect start.”
Best takeout
Shawarma Empire, 1823 Lawrence Ave. E.
“I’m in love with their chicken shawarma plate; a massive pile of juicy, well-seasoned shawarma with a side of lentil rice, hummus, pita and salad is more than enough for me and my daughter to share when I don’t feel like cooking.”
