Congratulations to David Schwartz, chef at Bib Gourmand Sunnys Chinese and the 2023 MICHELIN Guide Toronto Young Chef Award Winner! Presented in partnership with Mercedes-Benz, the Young Chef Award winner demonstrates a unique identity and culinary creations embodying the pioneering spirit of Mercedes-Benz.
Inspired by his love for hosting people, Schwartz's culinary journey has been all about creating an enjoyable experience for guests and employees. And his cooking doesn't stop when he leaves the restaurant. An avid supporter of cooking at home, the executive chef takes us behind the scenes on what his favorite food-related show is, Toronto's food scene, and everything in between. Cheers!
What inspired you to become a chef?
I’ve always had an obsession with food—an interest in creating things and hosting people. For me, it was a no brainer to translate these interests toward the kitchen and restaurants.
What motivates you in the kitchen?
I’m motivated by our employee and guest experience. I want everyone who works in our restaurants and those who eat in them to enjoy themselves equally in our spaces. Restaurants are cultural spaces for both guests and the people who work in them, and community is formed around them.
How would you describe Toronto's food scene?
Toronto has the most diverse food scene I’ve ever experienced. Whenever I travel elsewhere, I always find myself craving the multifaceted offerings of this city. Where else can you drive a short distance and get exceptional jerk chicken, expert level dosas, hoppers, hand-pulled noodles, papaya salad or the best kebab you’ve ever had?
What do you have for breakfast?
I don’t usually eat breakfast but if I do, it’s a bowl of noodles!
How do you utilize seasonal ingredients?
At both MIMI Chinese and Sunnys, we try to incorporate seasonal ingredients any way we can. Whether it’s a stir fried Ontario lettuce dish at MIMI or corn soft serve ice cream at Sunnys, we use what we can when we can. Seasonal offerings in Toronto are fleeting so we do our best to utilize what’s available to us.
Do you cook at home, or do you leave work at work?
I really enjoy cooking at home. People often assume that I don’t, but home cooking is a completely different experience than restaurant cooking. I love hosting people and cooking for them at my home.
Favorite food-related show, book, program, etc?
I consume a lot of food related content! While operating restaurants is my job, food and cooking is still my passion. Flavorful Origins on Netflix is one of the best food shows I’ve ever seen; it’s so interesting. “On Food and Cooking” by Harold Mcgee is a book that completely changed the way I think about food; it has so many answers to so many important questions.
Hero image: Gabriel Li/Sunnys Chinese
