Chef Crush

ALLEN, CHRIS, DICK, & VINCE @ Blue Plate Diner (780) 429-0740
10145 – 104 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 0Z9

Why they’re dreamy:
Three meals a day with vegetarian (and vegan!) options and a locally-sourced bent (not so easy to find across Canada, as I discovered during her summer tour) is enough to make this quartet swoon-worthy. A juicy pork chop special paired with the succulent, pan-fried prawns appetizer makes for an indulgent dinner date, especially with the interesting art on the walls and low lighting as a romantic backdrop. And while “fresh fruit and our incredible maple-glazed cornbread” appears on the perfectly-sized (not too big but with enough variety) brunch menu, it flirted with me like a scandalous dessert.

WILL @ Biwa (503) 239-8830
215 SE 9th Avenue, Portland, Oregon, 97214

Why he’s dreamy:
Because most things are better (if not healthier) when they are decadently deep-fried, and kimchi is no exception. Those miso scallop skewers are addictive, and the melt-in-your-mouth maguro poke actually made me shiver with delight. This cutie’s creations are always dependable, never boring. And I am totally digging the new late-night hours!

P.S. All you Biwa crushers out there can relax, I finally got him for you.

CAT @ Diner Deluxe (403) 276-5499
804 Edmonton Trail NE, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 3J6

Why she’s dreamy:
I had trouble finding organic and locally-sourced restaurant meals in Canada, but this comely cook came through with all sorts of eggstastic goodness, a variety of Benedicts, maple fried oatmeal, and chocolate french toast with grilled bananas. Yum! Hands down, the best breakfast to be had in Calgary.

KENT and GABRIEL @ Davis Street Tavern (503) 505-5050
500 NW Davis Street, Portland, Oregon, 97209

Why they’re dreamy:
Classic comfort food with a tasteful twist. Oh who am I kidding? They make the grade for graciously serving me a juicy steak frites off-menu at lunchtime. I was really craving it, and I know they have one on the dinner menu sometimes, so I dared to ask. They kindly obliged, and for that alone they win my adoration. But don’t let my obvious bias sway you…Try the fancier-than-grandma-ever-made tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich the next time you’re feeling nostalgiac but can’t stomach the thought of Campbell’s. It’s just the right food at the right time.