Chef of the Week: Ted Corrado

In celebration of the upcoming The Big Feastival, we’re running a special edition of Chef of the Week. We’ll be profiling five of our favourite chefs in anticipation of the inaugural event, which takes place at Burl’s Creek from Friday, August 18 to Sunday, August 20. Check back daily for a new profile on one of the city’s top chefs and a sneak peek at what to expect at the festival. 

Our next Chef of the Week oversees operations at not one but four restaurants.

Allow us to introduce you to Ted Corrado. 

To say Chef Corrado is talented is an understatement. Before landing the job as Corporate Executive Chef at The Drake, Chef Corrado was the Executive Chef at the ROM’s C5 Restaurant. In his first year of working at C5, the restaurant was named one of Toronto Life’s 10 Best New Restaurants, and held a Top Ten spot each year Chef Corrado helmed the kitchen. But his achievements don’t end there. In 2008, Chef Corrado won Chef of the Year from the Compass Group Canada and was named a Top 10 Chef in Toronto for the Gold Medal Plates between 2009 and 2011. Today Chef Corrado oversees culinary operations at the Drake Hotel, Drake One Fifty, Drake Devonshire and Drake Commissary. This weekend, you’ll find him at the Big Feastival in Oro Medonte.

We had the opportunity to chat with Chef Ted Corrado about his go-to campfire food, what he’s serving up at the inaugural foodie festival, and the performance he’s most looking forward to. Take a peek at our interview below.

What made you want to take part in the Big Feastival?

I love food and I love music, but that fact that this festival has placed these 2 things in a family friendly camping experience makes it really unique and speaks to where I am in my life right now. Getting a chance to take part in this with my gals will make it a special weekend.

What are you most excited for at Ontario’s inaugural Big Feastival? 

I’m looking forward to all aspects of the event; the music, the food and the chefs. If I had to pick one artist I’m looking forward to it would have to be De la Soul. Late 80s, early 90s was the golden age of hip hop so I’m super pumped to see them still kickin’ it. Yes, I am old.

What’s your favourite dish that you’re serving at the Big Feastival?

Cacio e pepe fried chicken! Two of my favourite things together at last.

Who are some other vendors Big Feastival attendees should check out?  

There are so many amazing chefs to check out, Chuck Hughes, Danny Smiles, Matt DeMille, Feswick, Afrim! Can’t wait to see all these guys.  

A lot of families will be camping this weekend — do you have any campfire meal tips or recipes you’d like to share?

 S’mores — replace chocolate with Nutella!!!

RELATED LINK: Chef of the Week: Chef Alexandra Feswick 

Are there any other chefs you’d like to see profiled? Let us know in the comment section or tweet us at @ViewtheVibe.