The Toronto-based actor talks about giving up bread, trying chicken feet and why he uses litres and litres of olive oil.
Occupation: An actor who has played Coach Carson from Degrassi: The Next Generation and is just finishing Gangland Undercover and Prisoner X.
What’s your secret food vice? Authentic Napoleon thin crust wood oven baked pizza.
What is your number one comfort food? Pasta, especially a great Bolognese or Carbonara
What is your biggest food challenge? I love carbs, but I feel better without them. I used to devour really good bread.
What keeps you eating a balanced diet? The reward of a positive mind; if I feel physically healthy, my state of mind is completely positive.
Any food dislikes? I’ve tried to get on the uni or sea urchin bandwagon for years, but I can’t seem to get past the texture.
Any foods you’ve completely omitted from your diet? For the most part, I’ve omitted bread and pasta. I’ll break once a month though; complete omission is not going to happen.
What must you always have in your fridge? Arugula, I eat it daily.
What are some of your go-to meals? Turkey or chicken ragu, in which I substitute zucchini for pasta. I make it once a week
Strangest food you’ve tried? I’ll try anything once, but the chicken feet on the dim sum cart still blow my mind.
What’s your favourite dish or food to eat in the summer? I love being at the cottage chowing down on a beer, chicken and a great fresh local salad. When tomatoes and basil are in season, I probably eat a Caprese salad every day.
What is your favourite meal to make for guests in your home? I love giving people a variety, so I usually start with some tapas, charcuterie, and then move into the Osso Bucco with a couple different sides – lemon garlic rapini, roasted winter vegetables. I always make some vegetarian options too; plenty of salads, always a classic French bistro salad and a starch salad – cannellini bean, grape tomato, with nicoise olives and feta.
What is your favourite ingredient to cook with? I adore extra virgin olive oil from my friend’s farm in Greece. We order about 100 litres every year.
What have you been busy with over the last year? I’ve been shooting the TV mini-series Gangland Undercover in which I play Charles Falco a meth dealer turned ATF informant, who infiltrates the Vagos motorcycle gang. It’s for the History Channel.
What’s next for you? Just wrapped a movie called Prisoner X, and hopefully we will get the green light for season two of the series, which we would start shooting in June.
What’s in your Fridge:
Pacific Foods Organic Roasted Garlic Hummus
This delicious hummus blends chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice and roasted garlic for a flavourful, healthy snack. With its homemade texture, you’ll have everyone you serve thinking you crafted it yourself. (361g, $4.39)
Eden Foods Shiro Miso
Extremely popular in Japan, Shiro Miso is both delicious and versatile. Try it as seasoning, as a dip, in soups and dressings or as a marinade to add something extra to your meal. Also, with its natural digestive enzymes and fatty acids, it can contribute to your overall health and wellness. (345g, $14.99)
Big Life Living SexCereal for Men
Looking to reignite passion in the bedroom? This gender-specific granola may be your answer. Filled with natural ingredients like maca and black sesame, this hearty breakfast works to support your guy’s testosterone and energy levels. And ladies, don’t worry – there’s a SexCereal, for you, too! (495g, $12.95)
Organic Meadows Strawberry Greek Yogurt
A light strawberry taste makes this organic yogurt a delicious – and healthy – way to start off your day. Its bacterial cultures help your body to better absorb important minerals like calcium, phosphorus and iron throughout the day; bringing new meaning to the term “power breakfast.” (500g, $5.99)
