Chef Claudio Aprile

One of Canada's most celebrated and visionary chefs, Aprile was born in Uruguay and grew up in Toronto. He has travelled, lived, and worked internationally and spent his professional life in kitchens working through the ranks to become the successful restaurateur he is today.

Considered a fan favourite as one of the head judges on the hit show Masterchef Canada, entering its 7th season in 2021 averaging 1.8 million viewers.

Throughout his 30+ year career, Aprile worked in some of the most renowned kitchens around the globe. His time spent with Bali Sugar in London, England, earned him outstanding reviews as a young executive chef where he received local and international critical acclaim.

On returning to Toronto in 2000, Aprile cemented that reputation at Senses where he wowed critics and diners alike with his innovative cooking.

Aprile's first restaurant, Colborne Lane, opened to immediate success. Colborne Lane was lauded as one of the best restaurants in the world and Aprile was named one of the most innovative chefs working in Canada. Central to Aprile's success is his dedication to creativity and drive to expertly deliver the unexpected.

With Colborne Lane offering beautifully crafted, precisely plated cuisine. Aprile switched gears in 2010 by opening Origin an open kitchen format restaurant offering fast, fresh and accessible food to guests who were seated right across from the chef. Toronto Life magazine and Now magazine voted Origin the #1 restaurant in Toronto. Origin restaurant had two locations in Toronto.

In July 2017 Aprile opened the doors to Copetin, a redesigned space that was the original Origin restaurant. Copetin drew on many genres of cooking and offered guests a thoughtful elevated menu that included the element of surprise.

In 2019, Aprile worked with the team at Liberty Group to consult on a new concept called Xango. Focusing on Asian and Latin American Cuisine, the restaurant received outstanding reviews and attention from local and international media.

In addition to being an internationally renowned Chef, Aprile is also known for serving as a main host/judge on CTV's culinary competition MasterChef Canada since 2014. MasterChef Canada is ranked among the top programs on Canadian television with all key demographics.

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