Dustin Gallagher, of Top Chef Canada fame, on funny sushi masters and divine French toast

My splurge
Claudio Aprile’s ever-changing eight- or 15-course tasting menu at Colborne Lane provides a unique fine dining experience that’s difficult to match in Toronto.

My fish fix
I go to Sushi Kaji on the Queensway. Kaji himself is a very funny man and a talented chef. His ingredients are fresh, and the food is a major step up from everyday sushi.

My favourite brunch
Origin’s French toast with duck confit, blueberries, hoisin, sesame seed brittle and sour cream is excellent. The restaurant’s steak and eggs with smoked hollandaise is a close second.

My vote for best newcomer
Agave y Aguacate in Kensington Market has a delicious ceviche. It’s a food stall that feels like it’s been lifted from Mexico City.

My pantry staples
There’s a great Italian store on College called Festival. I like to pick up dried pastas and peperoncini there, and they have an amazing blood orange juice.