Toronto Restaurants by Stephanie Dickison

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At The Pass with Leah Henry

At The Pass is a weekly series showcasing Toronto’s best chefs. You won’t find any celebrity chefs featured here. Perhaps you already know these fine cooks, but maybe not. They’re not famous - yet. But it’s time these talented, passionate, hard-working chefs got a bit of the spotlight. Meet Leah Henry.

🕒 4.5 min read

Currently

Pasta Cook, Giulietta

Formerly 

Bar Isabel, La Banane

Favourite dish to make right now

Anything with udon. I usually eat late at night and always have udon and dumplings in my freezer.

Last cookbook purchase

Flour Water Salt Yeast: The Fundamentals of Artisan Bread and Pizza by Ken Forkish

Have you read it/tried any recipes

Yes. Red Wine Rigatoni with Beef Cheeks. I absolutely loved it! I made for a dinner party (when those were still a thing) and everyone loved it! I'd definitely make it again.

Name one dish or ingredient you’d like to see gone from menus 

Beets! I might be alone on this one, but I can’t stand beets.

And one dish or ingredient that you’re excited about right now and would like to see on more menus

I’m excited for all the spring and summer produce Ontario has to offer! Honestly I love peas and asparagus. Super simple and versatile. I also love ramps, especially since we're able to easily forage them in Ontario.

Biggest influences

Probably my Nana. She’s 81 and still rides her bike out to the grocery store, which is incredible. I don’t even bike anywhere. She’s still an amazing cook. And I’ve also always loved Jamie Oliver. Something about simple food with friends and family is why I love cooking.

If you could eat at any restaurant in the world

Anywhere in Iceland! I’ve always wanted to try their cuisine.

Last thing you ate

Ham and cheese sandwich. Always on a croissant, with dijon and mayo (Hellmann’s of course), maybe some arugula. It's my go to snack in a pinch! Whenever I'm on the run, it’s just something super easy to make and always good.

Three must-have ingredients always in your fridge

Onions, garlic, and lemons.

Guilty pleasure

Cookies… specifically Craig’s Cookies in Parkdale.

Top 3 favourite Toronto restaurants

Quetzal, BB’s, Gus Tacos 

Top 3 favourite Toronto bars

MoK, The Caddi, The Gaslight

Go-to drink

Rye and ginger.

One habit you have in the kitchen that you should lose, but can’t seem to shake

Trying to do too many things at once. I find myself always running around.

And one habit you have in the kitchen that will inspire young chefs

Setting up my station up as soon as I get in.

Hidden talent

I can roller skate! For food-related talents, I can make pretty good Guyanese roti. Thanks, Nana!

Best career advice you ever received

Never be scared to try something new.

Worst career advice you ever received

To never question things.

Your advice for a young cook starting out in the business

Find a kitchen where you not only love the food, but the people as well. Having people you vibe with can make a real difference.


In order to support chefs during this time, the monthly At The Pass series is now WEEKLY. Know someone in Toronto or GTA who should be featured? Submit their name for consideration. And yes, you can nominate yourself.    

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