Off Duty with Antoni PorowskiIllustration by Photo Illustration by The Globe
Antoni Porowski has evolved well beyond being the “food and wine guy” from Queer Eye, changing lanes to explore food’s role in our psyches and memories.
Born and raised in Montreal to Polish immigrant parents, he’s become one of the most visible – and style-forward – queer figures in Canadian pop culture since joining the Netflix reboot in 2018. Alongside his TV career, he’s published two books, including a New York Times bestseller. Now, he’s using his platform to go global.
His current television show, No Taste Like Home, produced by National Geographic and streaming on Disney+, marks a shift from quick culinary tips to dishy, in-depth explorations. Each episode follows a celebrity uncovering their culinary roots, guided by half-remembered family recipes and lore. In the series, Porowski leads the way – across countries and continents – to trace each guest’s food story back to its familial source.
Recently, the 41-year-old was in Toronto to help open a pop-up venue, the House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0%. Before displaying his zero-proof-cocktail-making skills, he spoke with The Globe, reflecting on lessons from on and off the road, the recipes he’s uncovered and the country he still calls home.
In No Taste Like Home, you’re not just a tour guide – you’re also part detective, part counsellor for your celebrity guests. Which episodes brought out those sides of you the most?
Sleuth-wise, I was really tested during the episode with Justin Theroux in Italy. We uncovered that multiple ancestors in his family were adopted. His great great great grandfather was abandoned as a baby, left on the covered stoop of a home. The producers didn’t tell me exactly where it was but I deciphered a document I was given and we found the steps where the baby was left. It was deeply emotional.
I’ve been in therapy since I was 17 so like any good therapist, I tried not to give advice on the show – even in these circumstances. I did try to create space so my guest can breathe and collect their thoughts.
You also travelled to Poland with your dad last year. What did you discover about yourself on that trip?
We spent five days sharing very tight quarters and had to share a bathroom. I realized the things that irritate me about him are things I do myself. It helped me accept I’m becoming a version of him. I’d love to go back to Poland and take my dad again and explore a lot more – his side is from near the Belarusian border, with orchards and breweries, so there are stories there.
In the book, Queer Eye: Love Yourself, Love Your Life, you named Rome as your favourite city: Is this still the case?
It depends on the day, but Rome becomes my favourite when I eat there. I forget about London or New York easily. I went back in May and had Puntarelle Alla Romana – it’s bitter chicory. It is my favourite dish because Romans just serve it with mashed anchovies, Pecorino, pepper and olive oil.
Do you have a favourite olive oil?
That’s easy … Brunello Cucinelli’s. I finished a litre in three days. I can drink it.
How do you feel about brands such as Dyson, Pepsi and Bud Light pulling Pride Month support this year?
A lot of people are terrified, understandably. It’s upsetting but this moment will pass. I hope this makes us pay attention and praise the companies that are sticking to their guns when it comes down to continuing to work on diversity, equity and inclusion. It’s horrible right now but it’s not going to be like this forever. It’s going to breed more respect for the community and more confidence moving forward. I think it will allow us to recognize that we don’t want to repeat the same mistakes that we repeated. When this passes, let’s just make sure that we remember who stood up for us.
Which Canadian dish makes you feel the most Canadian?
Hands down, tourtière – I like it as a minced beef pie with homemade ketchup.
Martha Stewart says good taste is something you’re born with – and that maintaining it takes 80-hour work weeks, like the ones she puts in. What’s your take?
Some people have it naturally, but I think everyone can improve with effort. Everyone is capable of greatness. Just because someone may have been raised around horrible and questionable taste, it doesn’t mean that there’s no potential.
Which city helps you relax the most?
Saint-Louis in Senegal. When we were filming an episode with Issa Rae there, I went for a morning run at 5 a.m. and saw Senegalese men preparing their fishing boats like it was a ritual. Being by the water grounds me. Vancouver also soothes me. Anywhere where I have nature on the horizon – whether it’s a massive lake or mountains – it humbles me and puts me in my place.
Is there a recipe you revisit but can’t perfect?
Thanksgiving turkey. I’ve tried spatchcocking, dry brining – it’s tough to get right. Last year, my friend deep-fried one. It was amazing but dangerous.
What’s your fix for jet lag?
Farra Hash Beauty’s cooling depuffing wand for your cheekbones, melatonin before bed and a good sleep mask. For a good night’s sleep, I need a brown noise machine and my old gym shorts, which I’ve had for 20 years. I also have three candles on rotation at the moment – Byredo Chai, Le Labo Cade 26 and Loewe’s Oregano.
Favourite food market and stand?
I have three: An Amish guy at Union Square in New York City for farm eggs. In Campo de’ Fiori in Rome, I go for the wild strawberry vendors. At Atwater Market in Montreal, a guy sells glazed chestnuts and incredible dried fruits and nuts.
Which breakfast-for-dinner dishes do you make the most?
I’ll usually have a curried egg tartine on a Tuesday … if I’m going solo since many of my friends don’t think curry and eggs go together. On a Sunday, when people are coming over for brunch, I’ll do a Croque Signore – which has mortadella instead of ham.
What’s the one meal you could happily eat forever on a desert island?
Right now it’s papaya with lime and salt, then a salad I made – bilimbi, watermelon, mint, olive oil, coarse pepper and frozen cucumber.
Last book that moved you?
To Paradise by Hanya Yanagihara. It imagines a utopian New York where being gay is accepted during the Civil War. It’s emotional and well-researched.
Biggest trend in food right now?
More people are cutting back on drinking and great non-alcoholic options are out there. You just need to get creative.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
