Meet the Chef: Dale Mackay of Grassroots Restaurant Group

Dale Mackay, co-founder of the Grassroots Restaurant Group and winner of Top Chef Canada season one, has recently appeared on the 20th season of Bravo’s Top Chef World All Stars in London. The pandemic had taken a toll on Mackay’s passion for food, but the opportunity to compete at Top Chef All Stars sparked excitement and focus in him.

Background

Mackay spent three years working in Gordon Ramsay’s London restaurants and also worked with Clare Smyth of three-Michelin-starred Core during his stay in London. Mackay’s passion for food and love for competition is reflected in the exquisite fine dining dishes he prepared on his season of Top Chef Canada where he won the title. After winning Top Chef Canada, Mackay moved back to Saskatchewan where he co-owns five restaurants, focusing on delivering a more casual, laidback dining experience.

Participating in Top Chef All Stars

Joining Top Chef World All Stars was a dream come true for Mackay, who had always wanted to go against previous Top Chef franchise winners. He risked it all and participated even though he had won his previous season, as he wanted to challenge himself again for the ultimate prize.

London memories

Mackay speaks candidly about his memories of living in London as a junior cook, trying to make ends meet by buying cheaper child tickets for trains, sitting in the park all day, and even heading to McDonald’s because they had a 50p Big Mac special on. Mackay felt nostalgic driving down the streets and past areas he remembered from 22 years ago, this time in a very different headspace.

Related Facts

• Mackay co-owns five restaurants including Sticks and Stones which serves a variety of Asian dishes.
• Mackay’s son Ayden played a key role in his decision to move back home.
• Mackay’s passion for competition drives him to be better and achieve great things.
• Mackay’s time in London helped shape him into the chef he is today.
• Mackay loves being around Gordon Ramsay whom he worked with during his stay in London.

Key Takeaway

Dale Mackay, the co-founder of the Grassroots Restaurant Group and winner of Top Chef Canada season one, participated in Top Chef World All Stars in London, where he had previously worked as a junior cook. His passion for competition drives him to challenge himself and strive towards larger goals.

Conclusion

Despite winning Top Chef Canada, Dale Mackay took a risk and joined Top Chef World All Stars. Mackay’s love for competition is what makes him better, and his participation in this competition allowed him to challenge himself on a global level. Mackay’s time in London has remained important to him, and he continues to cherish the memories from his time there.