Where chef Philip Haddad eats tacos, pizza and cheeseburgers

Philip Haddad, the chef and owner of the wildly popular Harbord Village bakery Emmer, has just returned from Italy, where he was on a mission. Haddad is trying to save olive trees so ancient they date back to the Roman Empire. Unfortunately, they’re being wiped out by Xylella fastidiosa, a bacterial pathogen that can cause disease in a variety of plants. “So I’m trying to do my part to save them,” says Haddad. “We grafted about 100 healthy trees in Puglia and extracted olive oil from them. We’re now working with importers to bring olive oil over for use at Emmer.”

Related: What comedian Jasmeet Raina loves about Bloordale

Now that he’s back home, Haddad is planning on selling seasonal preserves at Emmer. He’s also working on an upcoming pop-up that will feature lobster rolls with the option to add beluga caviar. “It’s all done with the aim of exercising our creative juices through these fun events and activities,” he says.

When he’s not globe-trotting to revive ancient trees or running a successful bakery, you’ll find Haddad supporting local businesses in Bloordale and the Junction Triangle. “I used to live around here—the area holds a lot of memories because it’s where I was first creating and recipe-testing,” he says.

Related: Where chef Clay Smith eats in Hamilton and Dundas

Here are a few of Philip Haddad’s favourite restaurants and what he orders at each one.

Taqueria El Pastorcito

1160 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario, M6H 1N1, taqueriaelpastorcitoon.com

“There are a few more of these spots in the city, but this is the original location. It’s no frills, cheap, generous portions, and everything comes out quickly. What more can you ask for?”

Go-to dish #1: Tacos (al pastor and chorizo on corn tortillas with onions and cilantro)

“The pastor is tender and flavourful. The chorizo is perfectly spiced, charred and crispy. It’s what chorizo should be. I also really like to play around with all the house condiments and sauces. Fresh lime juice over the tacos just helps provide balance to the richness of the meats. I also really enjoy adding some fresh avocado as well as habanero for some heat.”

Go-to dish #2: Sirloin volcanes

“Volcanes are these super crunchy, cheesy tostadas topped with meat. I like getting them with sirloin. They’re beefy and salty—perfect with a hit of freshly squeezed lime juice overtop.”

Go-to drinks: Horchata and agua de jamaica

“The horchata is super sweet, with intense rice notes. It’s a bit like drinking liquid rice pudding. But, jokes aside, this really helps to tame any of those fiery sauces. Meanwhile, the jamaica—which is a hibiscus tea—is cold and refreshing, with slightly bitter and tart notes. It’s a perfect thirst-quenching drink on a hot summer day.”

Monte Bianco Italian Cuisine and Pizzeria

1201 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario, M6H 1N4,  montebianco.ca

“I learned about this spot through industry friends—I would have just driven on by and not noticed if it wasn’t for their recommendation. But it’s become my go-to because it’s legit and they make amazing pizza. It’s such a hidden gem compared to other pizzerias in this city that get a lot of the spotlight.”

Go-to dish #1: Diavola pizza (crushed San Marzano tomatoes, fresh basil, spicy soppressata, fior di latte, black olives, preserved chilies)

“I ask for the crust to be well done, so it ends up crispy—I love the slight bitter char it gets. The dough is super airy and definitely not an afterthought. It’s something you’d actually want to eat all of—toppings or not. This isn’t Neapolitan-style but more like something you’d get at a trattoria in Italy. The texture is not too chewy, and the flavour is well-balanced from the acidic tang of the tomatoes. You get the heat from the chilies and some funk from the meat. It’s just such a great slice. Good pizza is hard to find in this city, but this is definitely some of the best, and it makes me so happy.”

Dotty’s

1588 Dupont St., Toronto, Ontario, M6P 3S6, dottys.ca

“Friends also introduced me to this neighbourhood spot in the Junction Triangle. It has a small, concise menu. Everything featured is solid, but I always end up ordering the same thing, time and time again.”

Go-to dish #1: Cheeseburger

“The burger is cooked medium-rare, and the thick patty is so juicy and tender. It comes on a squishy potato bun with onion, pickles and American cheese. It’s probably the best burger in the city.”

Go-to dish #2: Fries

“These are triple-cooked fries that taste like they were fried in clean oil—and that matters. The result is these ultra-crispy, salty and perfectly crunchy spuds on the outside, with soft and fluffy interiors. It’s perfection in every bite.”

Go-to dish #3: Caesar salad

“This is undoubtedly my favourite caesar in the city. Even though it’s a classic restaurant dish, this one is the best. The lettuce is super crisp, and it’s loaded with parmesan and beautiful house-made croutons. There’s just the right amount of dressing, which is perfectly seasoned—you get mustard notes, and you can taste the anchovy too, but in a pleasant, punchy way. It’s not fishy at all. You’d think it would be heavy, but instead it’s light, delicate and super flavourful.”