Thu, Apr 10, 2014
At Rangoli in Vancouver, BC, celebrity chef Vikram Vij cooks with all the exotic Indian flavours of his upscale restaurant, Vij's, but enthusiastically serves them with a casual twist. Host John Catucci trades in his fork for naan to enjoy a Vegetarian Red Curry, Lamb Curry, and Pulled Pork in Indian spices. In Kitchener, ON, everybody loves pigtails, so John can't wiggle out of trying the Lancaster Smokehouse's smoky, southern, soul food treat. Then at The Big Orange Lunchbox in Charlottetown, PEI, John discovers that regardless of whether his burger is made from beef, halibut or three types of poultry, he needs not only a bigger bun, but a bigger mouth.
Thu, May 8, 2014
Bin 4 might be named for the wines but it's the burger selection that brings fans and host John Catucci to this Victoria, BC restaurant. Pure beef, bison and pork, with no filler, makes up these delicious burgers. And there're plenty of amazing toppings like brie cheese and apple, so it's kinda healthy too. The name is Bond, Jane Bond, and it's no secret that this Waterloo, ON vegetarian restaurant is on everyone's hit list. Agent John Catucci infiltrates chef Vicky's kitchen to uncover how her Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich controls the minds and bellies of her patrons. "Yazoo" the pizzas are good at UNA in Calgary, AB! John learns how combining Napolitano flour with California baking techniques makes the crust that makes these pizzas awesome. And don't get John started on their meatballs, cuz it's embarrassing when you see him kiss his food. Salute!
Thu, May 29, 2014
In Calgary, AB, host John Catucci discovers nothing could be finer than to eat at Fine Diner. The meatballs remind him of his father's, the veggie mac & cheese is loaded with mushrooms sautéed in truffle oil, and you just gotta love the maple syrup bacon wrapped meatloaf! PEI is famous for its potatoes and Famous Peppers is famous for topping their pizzas with PEI potatoes, donairs, tacos fixin's and fresh fruit. John knows this pizza joint will be famous for more than just it's 15 minutes! And in Vancouver, BC, DD MAU "Asianifies" comfort food, with specialties like its Lemongrass BanhMi Sandwich, Vermicelli Noodle Bowl & BBQ Duck. DD MAU is Vietnamese for "go quickly", John suggests, "DO IT!!!!!
Thu, Apr 10, 2014
Fresh and Sweet doesn't usually go with the handle, "roller derby queen", but this Regina, SK restaurant does because it's owned by one. Host John Catucci gets bowled over by chef Beata Thompson's fresh and sweet ingredients she uses in her massive brunch dishes like Bacon & Peach Pancakes and White Chocolate Banana Bread French toast. SWEET! Then at Gruman's in Calgary, AB, John finds that Jewish comfort food means Montreal smoked meat dishes, coleslaw and a side of western hospitality. And at Léché Desserts in Montreal, QC, doughnuts get the gourmet treatment inspired by the Lemon Meringue Pies, Pineapple Upside Down Cakes and Chicken Pot Pies mum used to bake. For Montreal Food fans, that's a "hole in one." And that's a doughnut joke!
Thu, Jun 5, 2014
Jack's in Kingsville, ON, where the food is friendly and the people are delicious... or is it the other way around? Host John Catucci travels to this destination gastropub where locals and tourists flock to enjoy Brisket & Stout Stroganoff, New England Smothered Chicken and Tempura Yellow Perch. You don't know Jack's until you get there. Next at Wilbur & Sabastian's in Port Coquitlam, BC, chef Christina Sepidoza melds Filipino with Canadian comfort foods and hides vegetables in her dishes, because just like mum, she "knows best."And if John cleans his plate, he can enjoy a Personal Apple Pie. Say what? Say Cheese! This Toronto, ON grilled cheese joint has John flipping for a wide world of ethnic flavours slammed between two slices of grilled bread with cheese. Think Bulgogi and Kimchee and you'll say,Say Cheese says a lot about elevating a Canadian classic. Nuff said!
Thu, May 22, 2014
Pig BBQ in Victoria, BC is leading the way in social media dining. When host John Catucci's phone gets a "Bacon Explosion" alert, he and hundreds of others race to the restaurant for barbequed bacon, wrapped in sausage, wrapped in more bacon, and loaded into a fresh bun. BOOM! Two Six [Ate], what does John appreciate more than this fun restaurant in Ottawa, ON? Shrimp Corn Dogs and Fried PB&J Sandwiches with Ice Cream turn childhood fantasies into grown up realities. Adults win, sorry kids! Next, John's visiting Taco Pica in Saint John, NB, this Guatemalan hot spot welcomes him into their kitchen to cook up traditional South American spiced dishes like Beef Pepian, Shellfish in Green Sauce and Chicken Flautas. Simple, savoury, superb!
Thu, May 1, 2014
Host John Catucci found this little piece of heaven on a day off from shooting and insisted on returning. Honest, simple, and homey describes Prairie Harvest in Saskatoon, SK. Using only farmer's market ingredients, Chef Mike creates inspired, home-made faves like lasagna [designed for his wedding], burgers [turducken] and the main reason John insisted on returning, Maple Bacon Doughnuts! Then, at the St. Joachim Diner In Belle River, ON, bring your appetite and a take-home box, because the meals are enormous. John perfects the "lean and jam" eating technique needed for their Pizza Burger approaches their Pot Roast in a Bun with extreme caution. Finally, brunch at The Village in Victoria, BC is an obsession with the locals because of its locally sourced ingredients and family atmosphere. But for John, it's the cultural twists on midday classics. Hello Challah French Toast!
2014
Whatever you're craving for breakfast, Jam Café in Victoria, BC has it in massive portions. Case in point, host John Catucci witnesses the making of the Charley Bowl, a crazy concoction of shredded potatoes, tea biscuits, cheese, sausage gravy and two eggs all in a bowl the size of his head. Next, the experience at the Gabardine in Toronto, ON, is like wrapping yourself up in a blanket of pork... with hoisin sauce. It gets messy! It's home cooking in the heart of the city's financial district with classic meals like Chicken Pot Pie and Mac & Cheese. John insists it's worth delaying the commute home for. At The Gasthof Old Bavarian Haus in Sussex, NB, there's lots of music, lots of dancing and lots of Cabbage Rolls, Schnitzel and Pork Hocks. Don't forget to bring your accordion and stretchy pants, John!
Thu, Apr 24, 2014
Welcome to The Club, b'y! Host John Catucci's in St. John's NF, where he earns his citizenship, and pub grub such as a "Newfie Steak" [aka Bologna] meal. John's initiation to east coast delicaciescan only be topped by, you guessed it, kissing the Cod. Next, Asian street food is brought indoors and twisted up a notch at FOO in Victoria, BC. John sets aside his fork and sharpens his chopsticks to enjoy Vietnamese Caramel Chicken, Pork & Pineapple Fried Rice and Beef & Broccoli Chow Mein. It's sit down take out, brilliant! Then it's to the far north and The Tundra Inn in Churchill, MB, polar bear capital of the world. While bear is not on the menu, there's lots of game to enjoy in home-made comfort dishes like Elk Meatloaf, Beef & Bison Stew and the Borealis Burger named in honour of their other famous attraction, the Northern Lights.
Thu, Apr 3, 2014
At Morris East in Halifax, NS, everything gets baked in their wood-fired oven, absolutely everything! Host John Catucci warms up on his campfire skills baking a Breakfast Pizza, Vegetable Fritata and Marshmallow S'more, from scratch. And at Café Radio in Carstairs, AB, John finds there is more to broadcast than music. How about their home-cooking twists like Pizza Soup and Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf sandwiches. Now that's worth singing about, and boy does John like to sing! With a name like Pig Out BBQ, you might think this Pickering, ON, family restaurant is all about over-indulgence and massive portions. Well, John finds it's really all about enthusiasm for quality BBQ. This is no processed Boneless Rib or Pulled Pork fast-food joint, this is real smoky, spicy and slathered in sauce pork BBQ. Bring your appetite and a bib!
Thu, Jun 12, 2014
Artisan bread is all the rage, and so is Art-Is-In bakery restaurant in Ottawa, ON. Host John Catucci learns how to pair up fine homemade breads with perfect ingredients and condiments to make creative, delicious sandwiches. Ever thought of a deep-fried, spicy, pickle melt? Thought not! Then, John might need ten napkins and a shower after chowing down at Sloppy Hoggs in Edmonton, AB. What else would you expect when ordering a burger named My Ridiculous Fat Ass? This restaurant is a celebration of meat, lots of meat so sit down! Finally, John insists you don't want to pass the Salt Shaker Deli in Lunnenberg, NS, if you want the best in seafood. Lobster rolls and a Seafood Pizza are just a couple of their specialties, then there's a Dark and Stormy Cheesecake as a chaser. The weather can be unpredictable in Nova Scotia, but the food isn't!
Thu, May 22, 2014
Host John Catucci eats for a living so it's hard to impress him, but Fancy Franks in Toronto, ON is no ordinary hot dog stand! With fun names and modern twists on your standard snap dog, Chef Angelos serves surprises like a "chicken bacon" topped beef dog called Franky Goes To Buffalo, or if you're in a rush, try the Frankenapolis, a Greek Salad on your hotdog. Ooooh, fancy! At Soda Jerks in Edmonton, AB, there's nothing stupid about their philosophy, "If you love something, put it on a burger." This build your own burger joint has John constructing enormous meals with nachos & guacamole, grilled cheese and eggs, waffles, peanut butter, and chocolate dipped bacon. You'd be a jerk not to like that!! And surprise, but John is a biker at heart. So when he arrives at Pedal & Tap in Kimberly, BC, he's only not only happy to find child like concoctions such as the Meat & Spaghetti balls or the Tuktuk Asian Sandwich with Mucked Up Fries, but he gets to serve them on from a tricycle. Easy rider, easy!
Thu, May 1, 2014
You haven't taken on a breakfast sandwich quite like the "Beastwich" until you've visited Beast in Toronto, ON. Host John Catucci joins the husband and wife team that created this monster. Afraid? You can always opt for their Breakfast Sandwich, but that's scary good too! He's enjoying Singapore Style Curry, Vietnamese Meatballs, Thai Seafood, John can only be in South East Asia, right? Wrong! He's at the Crazyweed Kitchen in Canmore, AB, nestled in the Canadian Rocky Mountains where Olympians and mortals alike feast on dishes inspired from around the globe such as a Vietnamese Pork Meatball Sandwich. Then, John's at Beer Revolution in Calgary, AB. Beer might be in the restaurant name, but pizza is the game. From the square and Hawaiian inspired Junior Boy, to the deep-fried Pizza Spring Rolls and Big Apple Dessert Pizza, they are all a great pie!
Thu, May 8, 2014
Host John Catucci is as hungry as a bear, so while in Banff, AB he stops in at the Bear Street Tavern. It's well known to skiers and hikers for it's wild game pizza, but wait till John gets a paw on the Pork Belly Mac & Cheese, now that's worth coming out of hibernation for! Next, in Brampton, ON, it may be a mouthful to pronounce Surl Irmaos, but that's just the beginning. John tries to conquer his fear of massive sandwiches like the Pulled Pork Beanasaurus and Turkey & Waffle [plus calamari & peppers] Sandwich. Lastly, poutine gets an upgrade to version 2.0 at Le Chic Shack in Quebec City, QC. Reinvented poutine with smashed potatoes toppings like the Coq au Vin, La Braisée and the La Fumée, a smoked meat dream meal has John downloading the next generation in poutine!
Thu, Jul 3, 2014
You want thin crust pizza, then stay at home. Host John Catucci is in Chicago, IL, at Lou Malnati's, the oldest family name in deep-dish pizza. Layer after layer of cheese, meat, veggies and sauce, bake on a delicate, buttery deep-dish pie shell. You want a taste of the real Chicago? Mr. Beef makes legendary beef sandwiches that are huge, delicious and really soaked in juicy gravy. Things get messy for John in the windy city. And at Manny's Delicatessen, a Chicago institution since 1942, massive corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, plus Barack Obama's favourite, a Grilled Ruben with Potato Pancake and Cherry Pie make John's dining experience presidential.
Thu, Apr 3, 2014
Host John Catucci is in the heart of Toronto, ON, yet it feels like the east coast at Rock Lobster. There's nothing pretentious about this place, Lobster Rolls and chips are served beside a skillet full of Lobster Mac & Cheese and the gooiest, squeakiest Lobster Poutine. At Harper's Burger Bar in Kingston, ON, outrageous hamburgers hit all 4 known taste buds, and then, John discovers the elusive fifth flavour, Umami. At Casa Calzone in Quebec City, QC, your everyday pizza pocket becomes a thing of beauty when ignited as La Flambé Au Cognac and pulls at John's heart strings as the, L'Infarctus, [aka "Heart Attack"].
Thu, May 29, 2014
Host John Catucci goes insane while eating the food at Mad Chef Café in Courtenay, BC. Words can't really describe what kind of madman serves something called the Death By Bacon Burgerrito or the Chocolate Covered F Bomb. Next John has a meltdown for MLTDWN's exotic grilled cheese sandwiches. Lasagna Grilled Cheese, Herbed Chicken with Lemon Aioli or a Raspberry Cheesecake grilled cheese are just a start at this Kingston, ON, hot spot. You're welcome! And once John arrives at The Twisted Apron in Windsor, ON, he finds good 'ole home cooking, but with a gourmet twist. Think Mac & Cheese Benny's, Pacific Salmon Waffle Sandwiches and Pulled Pork Pancakes. It's like eating at Mum's, if she was a kickin' chef!
Thu, May 15, 2014
Host John Catucci says, "I love Lucy's Eastside Diner in Vancouver, BC", where 4 classic diner burger patties, bacon, sausage, chili, onion rings and an egg make up a namesake sandwich. Next John says goodbye to his diet at Ciao Roma in Vaughn, ON, where he finds a vast selection of Roman style pizza, cut and weighed to order. And then John is off to The Branch, a destination restaurant in Kemptville, ON. There, BBQ Brisket gets a wake up call and taste jolt with a caffeinated coffee rub. No need for a nap after eating the huge portion served.
Thu, Jun 26, 2014
Host John Catucci goes insane while eating the food at Mad Chef Café in Courtenay, BC. Words can't really describe what kind of madman serves something called the Death By Bacon Burgerrito or the Chocolate Covered F Bomb. Next John has a meltdown for MLTDWN's exotic grilled cheese sandwiches. Lasagna Grilled Cheese, Herbed Chicken with Lemon Aioli or a Raspberry Cheesecake grilled cheese are just a start at this Kingston, ON, hot spot. You're welcome! And once John arrives at The Twisted Apron in Windsor, ON, he finds good 'ole home cooking, but with a gourmet twist. Think Mac & Cheese Benny's, Pacific Salmon Waffle Sandwiches and Pulled Pork Pancakes. It's like eating at Mum's, if she was a kickin' chef!
Thu, May 15, 2014
After hitting the slopes on Mount Tremblant, QC, host John Catucci warms up at Crêperie Catherine with amazing crepes from a sweet Granny Smith, to a savoury Florentine and Smoked Salmon. The Williams Family Diner in Prince Edward County, ON, is a not so average small town family diner serving home cooked Pad Thai, Mexican Fish Tacos, and Swiss sausages with spaetzle, yet accompanied by diner sides like onion rings!Then, John's lovin' Jack & Lois in Hamilton, ON where the décor is mismatched but the sammies are perfectly put together. With fun names like The Chancellor - a chicken parmesan livened up with white wine & hot sauce to The Black Mamba, a black bean patty topped with a fried egg and avocado. The food here is messy, hearty and oh so delicious!
Thu, Jun 5, 2014
Host John Catucciis in Toronto, ON and joins a fellow Italian in his kosher kitchen. Yup, you read this right. Young and old, goy and mensch, food lovers alike adore chef Ben "Dino" Venasio's deli mash-ups featuring his Chicken Club Sandwiches with Beef Bacon or Pastrami and Potato Knishes. Then in Windsor, ON, John stops by Rino's, where pub-grub like Linguine Carbonara covered in cured pork and Rabbit Ragùelevate the traditional pub menu, making it a place worth raising a glass to. Finally, in quaint Cambridge, ON, Little Louie's Burger Joint & Soupery blows John's mind, and diet, with a creative and large Chinese Take-out Chicken Ball Burger. Good luck with that John!
Thu, Jul 3, 2014
Host John Catucci heads south of the border to the sun and fun to get a taste of the greatest food in Miami, FL. At La Camaronera (Spanish for "The Shrimper"),this Little Havana institution serves locals and tourists alike, deep-fried Cuban specialties of shrimp, lobster, fish and stone crabs. Miami Beach may be all about flash, but John finds the most casual and comforting of diner foods at 11th Street Diner, a converted 1948 Airstream, serving Southern Fried Chicken, Pork Chops with Apple/Raisin Garnish and Argentinian Skirt Steak. And the Frita is the thing in Miami! It's a juicy Cuban burger loaded with crispy fries and a variety of toppings. Nowhere can John find any more magical a frita than at, El Mago De Las Fritas, "The Frita Magician."
Thu, Jun 19, 2014
West Street Willy's may be Goderich's best-kept secret, until now! Host John Catucci makes tracks to this western Ontario beach community to reveal a not-so-serious breakfast menu featuring Red Velvet Pancakes, or a French toast sandwich, layered with peanut butter, banana and bacon. If there's smoke, there's delicious barbeque. So when fans speak out, John's off to Q BBQ Public House in Cambridge, ON where they celebrate everything smoked, including their Pig In A Blanket (a pulled pork wrap), Meatloaf, and Chicken Pot Pie. And with a name like Big Feast Bistro, you can just bet this Maple Ridge, BC restaurant serves John impressive twists on comfort classics as in a China meets Italy, Chicken & Shrimp "Ciao" Mein or their Gelderman Pork Loin with Cherry Chutney. Now that just sounds big!
Thu, Jun 12, 2014
Nestled in the heart of Toronto's Roncesvalles neighborhood, host John Catucci discovers a retro diner specializing in contemporary takes on traditional Cuban diner food. Welcome to La Cubana! From the original Cubano Sandwich with Grilled Corn to a Guava BBQ Short Rib with YucaFrita, the sun shines a little brighter when this local diner is open. It's no bull, The Bull BBQ Pit is the place where college kids and families actually hang out in the same restaurant. John tries to wrap his head and lips around inventive burgers like a triple-threat sandwich made of brisket, pulled pork, bacon, onion, coleslaw & French fries called the Redonkadonk. And when it's time for English classic pub fare, John makes his way to The Garrison House in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON. Succulent Lamb Shepherd's Pie and hearty Steak and Stout Pie are just a sample on a menu of traditional English comfort foods. And of course the British are known for their sweet tooth, so dinner wouldn't be complete without Sticky Toffee Pudding. Pip Pip!
Thu, Jun 19, 2014
As a port city, Vancouver, BC, is a hotbed for international cuisine, so it's a natural for host John Catucci to pop up at a Caribbean restaurant like Calabash Bistro. John gets a taste of staples like Goat Curry and Fried Fish, but it's chef Cullin's Roti Stack with Calabash Coleslaw, featuring layers of homemade roti pastry shells, flavourful plantain & eggplant that resembles a lasagna that strikes a chord with John. Next, John lands in "The Hammer", Hamilton, ON, where at Chuck's Burger Bar the simple "grind it and grill it" attitude forms the basis for every burger, indulgent to outrageous. Twenty somethings mob this joint for a ground bacon burger called The Guilty Pleasure, described as, "Amazeballs!" Finally, John checks out Sky Blue Sky in Toronto, ON, where fresh made bread, tailored to large portions of indulgent fillings and topped with various house made sauces makes this shop a must stop for the university crowd.
Thu, Jun 26, 2014
Host John Catucci heads over to Niagara Falls, ON, for lunch-counter classics at the historic Regal Diner, from breakfast staples like a Bacon, Tomato, Onion & Cheddar Omelette, to Sausage Butties, or the ever intriguing Bahaji Burger. Then, the mountain scenery is as impressive as the food at Mile One Eating House in Pemberton, BC. There, John gets his cheese pull on with an elk, wild mushroom and asparagus dish called the Wild & Tame Mac & Cheese, and chows down on a Discover Bay caught Outlandish Oyster Burger. Finally, chef Brett MacDonald of Baker Street Station in Guelph, ON, is all about making traditional pub fare fun. So, he keeps his curious customers coming back for adventurous twists on everyday dishes - think Ox Tongue/Pastrami sandwiches with a Bone Marrow side, or Beef Cheek Poutine! "Wait, beef cheeks?!"