Episode three of Chefs in Cars getting Takeout is here and features Masterchef Claudio Aprile talking about Vegan Food, Michelin Star Ratings, what it really means to be a chef and more.


Matt seems pretty ecstatic to welcome Masterchef Claudio Aprile and after taking off jumps right to the questions. His first question is to Claudio is whether or not Claudio he in fact Italian. Claudio explains that he was born in South America but is in fact, actually, a big mix. He is part Italian, which comes from his father's side. Matt poses a further question to him, asking him he feels his background makeup has influenced his cooking. Claudio says he is far more influenced by the city of Toronto, where he and Matt both reside.

Matt mentions that he feels without a doubt that Toronto's food culture is on point with any other major city in the world known for it's food. Claudio agrees and poses yet a further question asking why it takes a star from a Michelin inspector to deem that a specific restaurant is a cut above the rest. You know when you taste their food if they are or not, regardless of their star status. It should be up to each individual alone to decide if they believe their meal was exceptional.

When Matt asks Claudio what he feels like eating this episode he suggests vegan food. Per Claudio's suggestion they head to Fresh, a local vegan hotspot in Toronto since 1999. In addition to fantastic vegan food they also offer a wide variety of juices, even cold press. He returns with two allstar bowls mentioning that the thing he appreciates about vegan is that it is simply no compromise healthy food. The all star bowl comes with a vegan burrito and he and Matt both seem quite pleased with the meal.

Matt heads to the Almond Butterfly for his vegan contribution to the meeting and comes back with some amazing looking cookies and two cups of coffee. As they enjoy dessert Claudio discusses how he feels a true artist should never try and appeal to everyone else through their art. The true artist should create the art closest to their heart. To Claudio creating food is art, and I doubt few would argue with him. When you eat food that has been made with love, care, and real inspiration you can always tell and it never fails to be delicious. He also discusses how much variation there can be in the term authentic, meaning simply that what is authentic to you and the way you make it may not necessarily be the traditional way it is thought of as authentic.

What we can all take away from this episode is that Masterchef Claudio Aprile is definitely a deep thinker, unafraid to question the very reality of what makes a food good in anyone's eyes. His conversation with Matt is one that not many viewers will soon forget. He has run multiple restaurants over the years and currently resides as a judge on Masterchef Canada.


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