My 3 Favourite Celebrity Chefs (and the Recipes That Made Me Love Them)
As a foodie, I live for inspiration from culinary geniuses who’ve turned their passion into something truly magical. Some chefs stand out because their recipes have wowed me (and my family) time and again.
Today, I’m sharing my top three favourite celebrity chefs, why they’ve earned a place in my heart, and their standout recipes you must try. Get ready to bring their genius into your kitchen!
1. Chuck Hughes: The Charismatic Canadian
Chuck Hughes is the chef next door, but with serious gourmet chops. His love for showcasing fresh, local ingredients is infectious, and his recipes have a rustic, comforting vibe that feels authentically Canadian. Talent aside, he is just a great guy. We visited his restaurant (Le Bremner) in Montreal for an early dinner and he took our kids (5 and 7 at the time) for a tour of his kitchen and hung up the colouring pages that they had been working on. Since then, my husband and I have enjoyed a few child-free date nights at Garde Manger, which is always AMAZING!
Recipe: Lobster Poutine
Ingredients:
For the Fries:
2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
3-4 cups vegetable oil for frying
For the Lobster:
1 lb lobster meat (cooked and chopped)
2 tablespoons butter
1 clove garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
2 cups lobster or seafood stock
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cream
For Assembly:
1 cup cheese curds
Chopped chives for garnish
Instructions:
Make the Fries: Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the potatoes in batches until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt.
Prepare the Lobster: In a pan, melt butter over medium heat, add garlic, and sauté until fragrant. Add the lobster meat and toss until heated through.
Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour. Slowly add lobster stock and cream, whisking constantly, until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble: Layer the fries, cheese curds, and lobster meat, and pour the warm sauce over the top. Garnish with chives.
This is Lobster Poutine is one of the recipes that helped him win Iron Chef.
2. Andy Hay: The Maritime Maven
Andy Hay brings Nova Scotia to the forefront of Canadian cuisine with his down-to-earth personality and seafood-centric recipes. His dishes are approachable, yet bursting with flavor, and his focus on fresh ingredients is refreshing. His Mom and my Mom are both from Newfoundland. I knew there was something familiar about his super-likable personality.
Recipe: Maple-Glazed Salmon
Ingredients:
4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, mustard, garlic, and lemon juice.
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the baking sheet. Brush generously with the maple glaze and season with salt and pepper.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, basting with additional glaze halfway through. The salmon should flake easily with a fork when done.
Serve with steamed vegetables or rice for a perfect maritime-inspired meal.
For more of Andy’s great recipes- Best Andy Hay Dishes | MasterChef Canada | MasterChef World
3. Bobby Flay: The King of Southwestern Sizzle
Bobby Flay is known for his bold flavours and love for Southwestern cuisine. His Grilled Fish Tacos with Avocado Crema are a fiesta on a plate. When my husband and I first started dating, we took a trip to NYC which included a dinner at Bar American (it has since closed). The dinner was amazing and so was the company! We have since been to several of his other restaurants.
Recipe: Grilled Fish Tacos with Avocado Crema
Ingredients:
For the Fish:
1 lb white fish (tilapia, cod, or mahi-mahi)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon chilli powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper
For the Avocado Crema:
1 ripe avocado
1/3 cup sour cream
Juice of 1 lime
1 clove garlic
Salt, to taste
For Assembly:
8 small corn or flour tortillas
Shredded cabbage
Diced tomatoes
Fresh cilantro
Instructions:
Prepare the Fish: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Rub the fish with olive oil and season with chilli powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, until flaky.
Make the Crema: In a blender or food processor, blend the avocado, sour cream, lime juice, garlic, and salt until smooth.
Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas on the grill or stovetop. Add grilled fish, shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of avocado crema. Garnish with cilantro.
Honourable Mention: Ina Garten (The Queen)
Ina Garten’s recipes are synonymous with elegance and ease. Her Lemon Chicken Breasts recipe is a timeless classic that’s always a hit. Ina’s greatest appeal for me (aside from her amazing food) is her laid-back, cool personality.
What About You?
Who are your favourite celebrity chefs, and what’s your go-to recipe from them? Share your kitchen success stories (or epic fails—we’ve all been there) in the comments!
Let’s keep the inspiration alive. Happy cooking!
