With restaurants closed, physical distancing protocols in place and the new social bubbles, Father’s Day will be a little different this year, but one thing you can do is throw your dad the best backyard barbecue. We asked five of the city’s top chefs to grill up popular barbecue favourites at home from local butcher shops. Here we have the final list of where to get all the best barbecue meats, and even some craft brews and delectable pies to pair them with. For those looking for some vegetarian and vegan-friendly barbecue ideas, check out chef David Lee’s recipes for sensational plant-based barbecue sides.
Mark McEwan tests artisanal burgers
WINNER | THE BUTCHER’S SON
“This was the juiciest,” says chef Mark McEwan. “It had excellent texture, great flavour and the meat quality was excellent as well. Overall a delicious burger.” 2055 Yonge St., $4.40/patty
For the full list of butcher shop burgers that McEwan grilled up, click here.
Nuit Regular grills marinated chicken
WINNER | MAGEN MEATS
“I liked that the skin was on with the herbs and spices marinade,” says chef Nuit Regular. “The outcome was a nicely charred skin with a crispy texture.” 1118 Centre St., $60.99/kg
For the full list of pre-marinated chicken that Regular barbecued, click here.
Roger Mooking samples racks of ribs
WINNER | THE BUTCHER’S SON
“This rack was the most meaty, had the most porky flavour and took on more smoke than the rest of the racks,” says chef Roger Mooking. 2055 Yonge St., $10.99/lb.
For the full list of ribs that Mooking tested on the grill, click here.
Rosa Marinuzzi bites into juicy steaks
WINNER | BESPOKE BUTCHERS
“This one was really excellent,” says chef Rosa Marinuzzi. “It left a delicious mouthfeel. It was very tender and even more juicy.” 215 Madison Ave., $68.50/kg
For the full list of N.Y. strip loin steaks from local butcher shops that Marinuzzi grilled, click here.
Ivana Raca cooks up spicy sausages
WINNER | OLLIFFE
“Their Italian flavour was incredible. The taste, execution and spice were well balanced,” says chef Ivana Raca. “The chicken and green onion was 10 out of 10.” 1097 Yonge St., $5.52 and up
For a full list of butcher shops whose sausages Raca barbecued at home, click here.
T.O.’S TOP CRAFT BEER
Get these brews delivered to your door
From left:
GRANITE BREWERY
This midtown brewery is offering free delivery on orders over $50 of their English-style ales.
245 Eglinton Ave. E.
BLOOD BROTHERS BREWING
This local spot is offering free delivery in the surrounding area, or pop by their bottle shop.
165 Geary Ave.
AMSTERDAM BREWERY
This Leaside brewery is offering free next-day delivery on orders over $50 across the GTA.
45 Esander Dr.
ROUGE RIVER
The Markham brewery is offering free local delivery twice a week for orders over $50.
50 Bullock Dr., Unit 8
HENDERSON BREWING
This Junction Triangle brewery is offering free next-day delivery for all orders of $50 or more.
128A Sterling Rd.
T.O.’S PERFECT PIES
The perfect way to end a barbecue feast
Clockwise from top left:
CHARMAINE SWEETS
This adorable Leaside bakery has the best cherry pie. 115 Vanderhoof Ave.
ADAMSON BAKERY
Get your hands on some key lime pie at this Leaside bakery. 176 Wicksteed Ave.
GINGER’S DESSERTS
This nut-free bakery in Richmond Hill makes pies, cakes and more. 10220 Yonge St.
PHIPPS DESSERTS
This North York spot churns out delicious pies like this pecan flan. 1875 Leslie St., Unit 21
THE ROLLING PIN
This Avenue Road spot has an endless list of pie flavours, including s’mores. 1970 Avenue Rd.
