Gordon Ramsay titillates Toronto

If Gordon Ramsay is in Toronto, who is making culinary train wrecks cry on reality television? The famed British restaurateur—known as much for his Michelin stars as his bone-shaking expletives—is in Toronto today for the Canadian leg of his book tour. Gordon Ramsay’s Healthy Appetite is the newest addition to his bibliography, bringing his tally up to 11 publications, including a tell-all autobiography entitled Humble Pie. The former footballer’s appearance on The Hour this evening promises plenty of heated discussion. We can’t guarantee that he’ll dish on rumours of a Toronto restaurant (frequent trips to the city, among other tip-offs, have raised suspicion that England’s iron chef might have his eye on 1 Bloor St. E.), but Ramsay’s previous interviews with Toronto’s own George Stroumboulopoulos cooked up much amusement—it turns out that Ramsay’s loose-tongued manner is not an act. He talks straight (and sometimes dirty) on his own eating habits, troubled boyhood and celebrity status. Perhaps this time, he will let loose on being cast as a Christian role model.

While in town, the best-selling author will also be signing copies of his book at the Eaton Centre Indigo. The cookbook offers wholesome options more compelling than the average spelt-and-flaxseed concoction, all tailored to the busy modern lifestyle. Apparently, it’s not enough that Ramsay is an internationally celebrated chef, author and television personality; he is also a marathon runner with little time for complicated health-conscious cooking. Simon Cowell-esque outbursts and all, the no-nonsense foodie is talented and entertaining, even if it is at the expense of chef-school dropouts. We’re not worried. We think this town can take the heat.

• Gordon Ramsay on The Hour: CBC, Feb. 9 at 11 p.m.
• Gordon Ramsay at the Eaton Centre Indigo: Feb. 9 at 12:30 p.m.