Gordon Ramsay yuks it up on The Hour (Photo by Brian Corcoran, 2009)
He came, he saw, he plans to conquer. Yesterday evening on CBC’s The Hour, Gordon Ramsay confirmed rumours that he will open a restaurant in Toronto. While the chef is reluctant to divulge details—he’s still in the planning stages—he says that he is definitely looking to expand his culinary kingdom north. Ramsay reports that he’s already scouted two sites in town for his first Canadian location. The date of the opening is still unclear, but it looks like the place will be 12 to 18 months in the making. Why so long? With satellite operations all over the world, Ramsay wants a real hand in this one. “We want to invest directly,” he explained, rather than work remotely. “I want to do it properly.”
“I love it here,” Ramsay said to a packed house at the Canadian Broadcasting Centre. And what’s not to love? The city has plenty to tempt a world-class restaurateur: a lively international dining culture, construction projects on every downtown corner (despite the economy) and better table manners than Ramsay can boast. The Brit also notes Toronto’s proximity to that other metropolis of eating and drinking: New York. Hogtown is just “a short hop,” said the chef, which makes frequent visits from NYC a cinch.
But be still Ontarian hearts; when asked his favourite restaurant in Canada, the award-winning chef showered surprisingly curse-free praise on Whistler’s Araxi. The acclaimed restaurant echoes the sentiment of Ramsay’s new book, Healthy Appetite: keep it simple. Ramsay was impressed with the use of what he called “humble” local and seasonal ingredients. “If it’s not available, it’s not on the menu. It’s as simple as that.” This cooking code, he claims, should govern menus, no matter how high-end the restaurant. If all of this sounds familiar, it may be because Toronto is already overrun with locavores. Ramsay is about to enter an educated marketplace, where diners are already familiar with the local farms and artisanal ingredients. We are looking forward to down-to-earth food with plenty of high-colour personality that can take on the likes of Jamie Kennedy. Torontonians may be polite, but we love a little healthy competition.
Christine:
One word to describe your voice on this message board:
TROLL
One word to describe your wild imaginings about total strangers on this message board, as well as your logic:
FAIL
You are hilarious!
February 22, 2009 at 12:04 pm | by Miss HughesChristine:
Why, oh why do you presume that anyone who disagrees with your, quite frankly, vile behaviour on here, works within the hospitality industry?
The anonymous nature of boards such as this are quite obviously the only outlet you have for so many frustrations you have in your lonely, vacuous, well-fed life.
Talking of which… Why don’t you “out” yourself?
Just say you were to shed that anonimity… Perhaps a link to a little picture?
I am pretty sure that there are so many, many people who work in restaurants in Ontario who would love to know EXACTLY who you are, so as they can give you the “special” service you so OBVIOUSLY deserve.
February 22, 2009 at 9:46 pm | by BrucejuiceHey… I made a few grammatical errors there. Sorry.
According to your broken logic that means I must be a waiter.
Nope.
By the way…
What does “defent” mean?
February 22, 2009 at 9:51 pm | by BrucejuiceChristine,
February 23, 2009 at 12:35 am | by jimmyjamsHave fun in Santorini. Hopefully all the kebabs won’t go to your ass as much as your restaurant knowledge has gone to your head. You are truly something to behold.
Brucejuice,
February 23, 2009 at 12:48 am | by Steven CraigThat is a fine idea! Christine should post a picture of herself so that when we enter a restaurant, see that face, we would be prepared to speak to someone and request a table far from it, and her very hostile and unpleasant manner. I’m sure any waiter across the restaurant universe would be very appreciative with this also. Great suggestion Brucejuice! Why should she spoil it for the rest of us?
Wow, I must admit this is one of the most riveting pillow fights of all time yet i feel compelled to join in. I apologize for all grammar and spelling mistakes since it seems to fuel this banter further. I think both of you need to be aware of a few things.
February 23, 2009 at 1:02 am | by can't help myselfCupcake, your restaurant is great it has been a staple in Stratford for many years and been the home of many great chefs. All you are doing is bitching about PR yada yada yada…..read your own blog all you are doing is braging about you and your restaurant telling us how great it is as well as your life of pole and leisure is. Bottom line if you don’t like Gordon Ramsey don’t go and support him with your money or that of your sugar daddies. Ironically you and Tinkerbell seem to have a lot in common. You both want to tell us how great your lives are and how much money and facebook friends you have.
Tinkerbell, I feel that you are being as close minded as your opponent. Saying Canadian chefs can’t hold whatever to others around the world is possibly the most naive statement ever. Do you call all the restaurants ahead of time in Canada and announce that you will be dinning with them tonight so they can do a little extra to try and impress the golden foodie that is you….I don’t think any truly great chef would care if YOU think they compare to someone in another country. What really made me write this however is your comment about servers. Although I think cupcakes rant was abnoxious and well stooopid you took this down the wrong path.
I am not a waiter so save your breath just accept that your view of servers is just as obnoxious and far more stoooooopid. Get this through your head you are not better than other people because you might have a lil money and have friends that know great chefs. Wake up the people in the kitchen serve you just as much as those at your table. Its a process and seeing that your background is finance you should understand that you pay money for a service (not the type of service twinkletoes does those other six months of the year) and these head chefs you revere so, no matter where in the world they are from are part of that team and process. So basically you think you are better than everyone in any business that provides you the customer a service.
In conclusion all I want is for cupcake to open his mind not mouth realize this isnt communism and anyone can open any restaurant or business they please. If Ramsey is as bad as you say then he will fail and you are the king of the world. Tinkerbell please understand you are not the greatest thing since slice bread and unless you post a picture somewhere i can see I will stay with the belief that you are an ugly person inside and out who goes to restaurants to feel better than others and about yourself. Congrats you are the uber snob who is the reason the rest of us get lesser service because you need to monopolize everyone’s time because you are a pretentious insecure wench. Some of those servers might be single parents or even relatives of yours if you took your head out of your ass or Cupcakes Irish napkin.
Christine?
Hello… ?
I know people who you should speak to…
Seriously, I do.
People who can help people with social problems like yourself.
February 23, 2009 at 8:40 pm | by BrucejuiceChristine,
I will not get into everything you have been battling about.
But as a Maitre d/Sommelier/Server in one of the Toronto restaurants you have named as a quality destination. Your comments about who you are and those lots in life meant to serve you is telling of the way you live life.
I have accepted my lot to serve, enjoy and enhance diners experiences to the best of my abilities. Loyal guests, patrons and friends for almost 20 years in the restaurants I have worked have been kind and treated all staff with respect and understanding that it is these people along with great chefs that make dining enjoyabe. I think you need to make dining simply enjoyable again.
February 24, 2009 at 3:02 am | by maitre dYeah, jerk-offs, why don’t I do that…send you my pic so you can wank off on it. I’d rather eat at Rundles than do that. Morons. Just as I thought, typical gutter talk from people that don’t know any better.
Geez, I knew business was slow, but this is ridiculous. Can’t you waiters find SOMETHING else to do than cry that your feelings have been hurt???
Anyway, have fun in frigid Stratford today. I’ve been in sunny Dallas the last couple days and have been enjoying the dining scene here quite a bit, and giving my tips to servers that actually care about my dining experience. What a concept.
February 24, 2009 at 11:51 am | by ChristineChristine…Is it true women are more attractive in Texas?
February 24, 2009 at 12:53 pm | by Kate YoungAlso are there any restaurants you reccomend there?
ooppss… recommend
February 24, 2009 at 12:58 pm | by Kate YoungChristine: “send you my pic so you can wank off on it. ”
Oh, that image just made me throw up into my mouth.
You are certainly no “lady” Christine.
February 24, 2009 at 8:07 pm | by betina foodieOff topic (from the posts above) but here goes….
Not a real foodie but have recently become interested in both cooking and the restaurant business. Though I have never been to any of Ramsey’s restaurants (or any of the finer establishments in Toronto for that matter), I find Gordon Ramsey is one of the most entertaining and straightforward celebrity chef on television today.
Now back to the action…
February 24, 2009 at 10:18 pm | by BobsyouruncleAs a total outsider, I’ve been to Rundles three times, and only seen Gordon Ramsay on television. Rundles – class: Ramsay – bulldog. Rundles – delicious: Ramsay – Bulldog. OK… he has a certain je ne sais quoi, and his food is probably delicious. I would eat in any of his restaurants – yes. And okay, I’d gush if I met him. However…he is a corporation. Rundles is a small and beautifully established restaurant that compliments the theatre town during the season it is open. Richard – I don’t know personally, but I know who he is, and he was a charming host. I know people who work with him, and like him very much. Christine – your comments are actually having the opposite effect, and people will be intrigued now. Rundles should thank you. But fortunately, it doesn’t need to. I would eat there again, and again. It was, by far, the loveliest dining experience I have ever had. Richard, don’t degrade yourself by giving Christine any further due. Christine, this is what you do on holidays?
February 25, 2009 at 10:08 pm | by MariaI just wanted to give my little input.
I am a young cook, and I am so very proud of our Canadian cuisine. I have worked my little butt off, cooking in restaurants like Rundles and Jk wine bar. Canada is new on the scene relative to European countries when it comes to gastronomy, but we are getting there, people like Neil Baxter, Jamie Kennedy, Micheal Statlander, James Walt, etc etc.. are ones we as Canadians should be supporting, not bashing.. Christine.
I also feel people like Christine should, very nicely, shut up. You are not working in the industry, how can you have so many opinions?
You’re right about one thing Christine.. business is slow at Rundles. It is the off-season.
I cannot serve, but I have much respect for the skill and hard work that goes into serving (especially when having to serve people of Christine’s status)
When you say, “The difference between you and I, is that YOU will ALWAYS serve ME. And that, my friend, is your lot in life. Don’t be bitter, just accept it” – The difference is, serving is a noble trade. One that puts people first. It is giving. Unlike SOME of their patrons (Christine) who just take, take, take.
One last thing; To ALL who are so quick to judge and so highly critical of restaurants. Think of the cooks for a second. Why do they cook? Why do they work so hard for so little? They love it. It’s a gift to you. To nourish and delight your senses, to the best of their abilities. They are creative people and want to make you happy. The same with servers.
STOP THIS MADNESS!
Be thankful that we have the opportunity to experience these things. We are in a very small percentile of the world”s population. And this may pass.
You have left me no choice but to say… have a nice day : )
February 25, 2009 at 10:52 pm | by Emily