After walking into Wynona, I felt at ease in its cozy wood interior. The open kitchen creates a relaxed, non-fussy atmosphere that permeates into the service and subsequently the meal.

Yukashi was born of a singular vision from executive chef Daisuke Izutsu. Like my other passion, film, a unique vision or auteur style, can have a seriously volatile effect on the end product.

Top Chef Canada runner-up and Bestellen founder Rob Rossi joins restaurateur David Minicucci to open Giulietta, a modern Italian eatery that lives outside of the box.

Alma, from former Figo executive chef Anna Chen, is interesting enough to attract the attention of foodie types, but still familiar as to not scare anyone away.

Toronto restaurateur Grant Van Gameren adds to his world domination coverage of cuisines with Quetzal. It's emphasis is on the camal, a Mexican process of placing a clay plate over an open flame to cook proteins and produce.