A view into Toronto’s culinary heartbeat with Chef Jerome Robinson

“Jerome Robinson’s journey is more than just a culinary success story; it’s a narrative of passion, perseverance, and profound community impact.”

Toronto’s brilliant culinary landscape boasts many talented chefs, but few have captured the city’s heart quite like Jerome Robinson, affectionately known as “The Heartbreak Chef.” Through his innovative takes on comfort food and unwavering commitment to uplifting his community, Robinson has carved out a unique and celebrated space in Toronto’s gastronomic scene. His journey from catering events to helming a beloved brick-and-mortar restaurant is a testament to his skill, passion, and profound impact.

Since 2017, Jerome Robinson honed his craft in various Toronto kitchens like Baking Nation and Mum’s The Word running a successful catering company, also building a loyal following through his appearances at major food festivals like: TasteToronto’s Brunch Fest, and the CNE. His signature style – decadent, indulgent, and deeply comforting dishes – quickly earned him a reputation as a chef who understood the true meaning of satisfying a craving. Fans eagerly awaited a permanent home for his creations, and in March 2020, The Heartbreak Chef opened its doors in Parkdale, just a week before a city-wide shutdown.

Despite the unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic, Robinson’s resilience and the overwhelming support from his community propelled The Heartbreak Chef to cult status. Through tireless dedication to takeout and delivery, he managed to not only survive but thrive. The demand for his “Big Ass Chicken Sandwich” and other tantalizing offerings grew exponentially, solidifying his place as a Toronto food icon. The initial Parkdale location, though beloved, soon proved too small for his expanding operations, leading to a move to a larger space on Dundas West in October 2020. This move allowed for increased capacity and the continuation of his popular comfort food menu, which includes creamy mac and cheese, crispy Brussels sprouts, and perfectly seasoned wedges.

The Heartbreak Chef’s menu is a carefully curated selection of comfort food classics, elevated with Robinson’s distinct flair and Caribbean heritage. Using memories of his family’s Jamaican cuisine, he uses his popularity as a platform to illuminate the delights of West Indian food. Seeing that Caribbean food is nearing a global pinnacle of influence, his dishes are not only enticing but bridges the gap between the many diverse cultures within our city. “Sometimes explaining my menu is a good icebreaker with new customers and a way to bond despite our often very different backgrounds,” Chef Robinson elaborates. 

His Big Ass Chicken Sandwich, featuring two pieces of his famous fried chicken tossed in a Carolina butter sauce, topped with spicy ranch, sweet pickles, and creamy slaw, is a fan favourite. The “Dutty Chicken” offers a spicier kick, with fried chicken tossed in an extra-hot jerk sauce and topped with grilled pineapple and creamy slaw. These dishes, along with his five-blend mac and cheese and creative tater tot variations, showcase his commitment to flavour and generosity in portions. His partnership with Collective Arts Brewing and other local bars to offer his addictive eats has further expanded his reach, allowing more Torontonians to experience his culinary magic.

Beyond the delicious food, Chef Robinson’s influence extends deeply into the Black community in Toronto. As the owner and operator of a prominent Black-owned restaurant, he serves as an inspiring figure and a vital advocate. He actively participates in initiatives like the upcoming Black Restaurant Week, a campaign dedicated to shining a light on Black-owned culinary businesses and helping them expand their reach and increase their bottom line. In a CBC News interview, Robinson expressed the importance of such platforms, stating they highlight “great Black chefs in the city” and showcase Toronto’s eclectic food scene. He believes the evolving structure of the food industry, aided by social media, is enabling more Black chefs to carve out their own spaces, and he embodies this progress.

Robinson’s commitment to his roots and heritage is also evident in his culinary philosophy. He draws inspiration from his upbringing, infusing his comfort food with a unique and personal flare. This authenticity resonates with customers and further strengthens his connection to the community. His participation in events like the “Noir Experience,” a dinner series showcasing the cuisine of the Black diaspora, further demonstrates his dedication to celebrating and promoting Black culinary talent and culture. Another contribution was a recent chicken wing eating contest where donations for entry reached over 400lbs of non-perishable food for the Parkdale Food Bank. Another such event involving jerk chicken hot dogs will be taking place soon with higher goals to be achieved.

Chef Jerome Robinson’s online presence, particularly on Instagram (@theheartbreakchef), has played a crucial role in building his brand and connecting with his audience. His social media platforms are a vibrant extension of his restaurant, showcasing mouth-watering dishes, hilarious content engaging with customers, and announcing new specials or events. This digital engagement has fostered a strong sense of community around The Heartbreak Chef, drawing customers from across North America eager to try his renowned comfort foods.

In recent developments, The Heartbreak Chef has relocated to Kensington Market, taking over a space at 170 Baldwin Avenue. This move signifies a full circle for Robinson, as Kensington Market was a crucial neighborhood in his earlier catering days. The new location in the highly Caribbean quarter of Kensington Market maintains the informal, inviting atmosphere with unique decor, including framed artwork and a mural by local artist Paul Glyn-Williams (Sumartist), regularly inviting local DJs playing hip hop, reggae and soca music and even an NBA Jam arcade machine, creating a nostalgic and welcoming environment for diners.

Jerome Robinson’s journey is more than just a culinary success story; it’s a narrative of passion, perseverance, and profound community impact. He has not only delighted Toronto with his “heartbreakingly good” food, but has also become a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating the power of culinary artistry to connect, uplift, and celebrate culture. As The Heartbreak Chef continues to evolve, Chef Jerome Robinson has cemented himself as a vital and cherished figure in Toronto’s diverse and dynamic food scene