The multi-faceted and multi-talented Mike Chalut joins us in the Tastemaker hot seat to talk events, Toronto’s food scene, his favourite pastimes, and living life in music videos…
Give us a snippet about you. What should people know?
I’m a TV and radio personality, and I host the Mike Chalut Show – a wild lifestyle radio show – weekdays from 3pm to 7pm on 103.9 Proud FM. Right now, I’m also thrilled to be the Project Manager for the Food Network’s Delicious Food Show 2013 – an interactive food, entertaining and lifestyle consumer show coming to Toronto from October 25th through 27th. I also host a lot of energetic and exciting events in Toronto.
Finish this sentence: I love Toronto because…
…it is a city full of opportunity and magic. There is always somewhere to go, a person to see and a place to play! From dining to dancing to learning and growing you can really do it all!
What are three things you simply cannot live without?
My TTC pass – I call it the key to the city! For 130 bucks a month, I get to slap on my iPod and live in a music video and go on an adventure everyday! My blackberry – I can’t do the iPhone thing! Gives me anxiety! Sweating thinking about it. Too many apps and functions! I much prefer the “keep it simple stupid” way. Email, tweet, talk, text, Facebook and we are good to go. My iPod – I am constantly in my own music video or having a dance party going from meeting to meeting. We all need to wiggle!
How do you choose which events you want to host?
I always host events that I know are going to be a real good time with a real good cause. You can always tell by the energy of the team. If they are positive, then you know the event is going to be positive!
Do you have an all time favourite event that you hosted/participated in?
Hosting the World Pride stage in London, England in 2012 was unreal! The world came together to celebrate being who you are. I can’t wait until Toronto shows the world in 2014!
When you’re not hosting or DJing, what are you up to?
I love my family! Chalut, Sr. is my best friend. The older I get the closer we get! I have two super athletic and talented little brothers, and the best sister ever who just gave birth to my niece Ella – any free time I get I want to be with them – and let’s be honest if I am not with them I am a professional wine drinker. #Shhh
What’s your favourite restaurant and why?
Yikes – such a tough one. I like so many restaurants in this city for so many different reasons. The Toronto food scene is mind blowing! So much talent, so many great rooms, and so many amazing servers… Toronto knocks it out of the park when it comes to dining! I eat out all the time – tapas, food trucks, pop ups and formal and casual dining… I love it all!
What’s your favourite drink/cocktail and where do you go to get it?
I love wine! I love Ontario wineries. This past year I have fallen in love with Prince Edward County wines. With over 50 wineries to choose from, I am always excited to try a new one!
Who’s your favourite designer/brand and why do you sport their fashions?
I love to mix and match! Diesel and Joe Fresh are my go to places! Edgy, fun, bright and sexy! Diesel just fits me perfectly and Joe Fresh is fun and so affordable!
Let’s get social for a mo’. How can people stay up-to-date with all your globe-trotting?
Follow me on Twitter @mikechalut – I am just starting to get into it! I love Facebook because I love pictures! If you ever need a wiggle and a giggle on your ride home from a hectic day, set your dial to 103.9 FM in your car or stream online weekdays between 3pm and 7pm. I want to make you smile! #LoveYourGuts
Photo by Nolan Creative Photography courtesy Facebook.
