Top Chef Canada winner Dale MacKay to launch new restaurant (sadly not in Toronto) and spice line

Top Chef Canada winner Dale MacKay to launch new restaurant (sadly not in Toronto) and spice line

Dale MacKay finds out he’s the winner of Top Chef Canada as Toronto’s Rob Rossi looks on. (Image: Food Network Canada/Insight Productions)

We don’t usually cover Vancouver restaurant news here at the Dish, but for Top Chef Canada winner Dale MacKay, we’ll make an exception. Shortly after taping the series, MacKay opened Ensemble (although he wasn’t able to make use of his winning until after the series aired). Now the Vancouver Sun is reporting that he’s launching a new eatery a few blocks away this December (the name is currently a secret). Sure, we’re disappointed we won’t be trying his food in Toronto any time soon, but we take solace in the fact that MacKay is also apparently introducing a line of spices.

No word on where the spice line will be sold as of yet, but we do know that MacKay’s new venture in Vancouver’s west end will focus on comfort food: expect chicken wings, pot pies, potato skins and a selection of 40 beers. Displaying the dead-serious attitude that won him the Top Chef Canada title, MacKay told the Sun, “For me this profession is all about self-motivation and how hard you are willing to work. [Cooking] is a job of passion. I don’t let people in this kitchen without it.” Remind us next time we’re visiting the West Coast to stop by and taste the fruit of that passion.

• Top Chef Dale MacKay to open new restaurant and introduce a line of spices [Vancouver Sun]