Tasting T.O. with John Gundy

John Gundy’s life as an artist began in the mid-seventies when he had a busy career in the Canadian and American television, radio, theatre, music, new media and film industries, exploring diverse creative roles including producer, director, DOP, and a residency at the Canadian Film Centre. He has worked on numerous feature film and television projects, and produced 12 theatrical shorts which have appeared in over 25 festivals, winning eight international awards.

John has also worked extensively in the theatre world, most recently as director on The Crimson Thread and The Owl and Pussycat for Theatre on Main in Newmarket. He will direct a production of Twelfth Night for Guelph Little Theatre’s 2010-11 season.

John’s photography has appeared locally and nationally in publications including the Toronto Star, CityBites, Good Food Revolution and Gremolata. He has worked for numerous corporate clients in addition to his editorial and exhibition work.

You've got $10 to buy lunch - where do you go?

If I'm out and about, I'll look for a Chinese takeout (my guilty pleasure!). Anything sticky and sweet with some rice. Swatow (309 Spadina Avenue) is always a good bet. Although now that Buddha Dog (163 Roncesvalles Avenue) has come to Toronto, I try and make sure I'm in their hood at lunchtime.

The budget's unlimited, someone else is paying and the choice is yours - where do you pick for dinner?

This is an incredibly difficult question for me to answer! I've had the pleasure of working with so many incredible chefs (in every price range) that it's impossible to choose a favourite. It's kind of like theatre, you have to decide what you're in the mood for (comedy, drama, musical).

That being said, some of my faves include Canoe (54th Floor, 66 Wellington Street West), Eigensinn Farm (449357 10th Concession, Singhampton) and Scaramouche (1 Benvenuto Place).

Tell us some of the food shops you frequent when buying groceries to cook for yourself.

I'm a big proponent of local, organic and natural foods, and we're so lucky to have some great purveyors close to home: Cumbrae's (481 Church Street) for meats; About Cheese (483 Church Street) and Cheese Boutique (45 Ripley Avenue) for cheeses and fixins; farmers markets at Brickworks (550 Bayview Avenue) and Wychwood Barns (601 Christie Street); and Golden Orchard in St. Lawrence Market (93 Front Street East) for local organic produce.

When ordering in for a quiet night at home, what's your favorite place for take-out or delivery?

We love to cook (and eat!) and we do pretty well at home, so when we order in, it's usually something ethnic that we don't do ourselves. Banjara (796 Bloor Street West) is great for Indian, Sushi Inn (120 Cumberland Street) for Japanese, and Magic Oven (270 Dupont Street & other locations) for pizza and wings - they use as many local and organic products as possible and do a gluten-free crust and desserts.

Oh, no, relatives are coming to Toronto from out of town - where do you take them?

Well, it depends on the relatives! Earth (1055 Yonge Street) just opened down the street and we're thrilled to have a neighbourhood resto doing the seasonal and local thing. They sell their meats by the ounce which is a great idea, and the staff are friendly with a good sense of humour, which is extremely helpful when you're dining with family. They have a private dining room for 12 if we're bringing a rowdy bunch. Cava (1560 Yonge Street) is also great for small groups to share tapas.

Your favorite place to grab a couple of drinks and hang out where everybody knows your name?

I don't know if everybody knows my name but I really like the Drake Hotel (1150 Queen Street West) for drinks and great food. We like to entertain so we tend to do a lot of drinking at our house. I make a mean mojito and my wife is a sommelier so there's usually some good wine (always champagne!) around.

What's coming up?

I have an exhibit of my photographs called The Event opening on March 18th at The Department Gallery (1389 Dundas Street West). There will a closing cocktail reception on Monday, March 29th from 7 to 10 pm. I am thrilled and humbled by the incredible support and generosity of the people in the food community that I have photographed over the past five years.

Tasting T.O. is a regular feature where we ask local artists, writers, musicians, food nerds and other personalities about their favourite places to eat and drink in the city. If you or someone you know would like to be featured in an upcoming installment - especially if you have an upcoming event, gig, release, etc. to promote - please get in touch.