GORDON RAMSAY IN TORONTO FOR "WORLD KITCHEN" AT INDIGO AND CHEF'S CHALLENGE

Mr. Will-W. & Gordon Ramsay

Only because I know you like it rough!  Scottish-born and internationally renowned Chef has become a household name in North America, thanks to his turn on Fox's Reality Television Cooking Show Hell's Kitchen.  The Show has gone on to massive success, currently in its eighth season and its success has led to a spin-off in which he stars, Kitchen Nightmares, also now it its third season.

Between being a Restauranteur, Entrepreneur, Producer, Father, Husband and Reality Television Star, Ramsay has managed to put together a new Cookbook released this September titled Gordon Ramsay's World Kitchen: Recipes from The F-Word; that program being yet another one of his Television endeavours overseas.  The Book takes into account the globalization of food tastes and Recipes range from Middle Eastern to Chinese to British Cuisine.  

Indigo Manulife Centre hosted Ramsay's Autograph Session in Toronto tonight and needless to say, it was a smash success with well over 300 people showing up to meet their favourite Culinary Bad Boy.  The event was Wristband Only, meaning that Fans had to line up at 9:00 AM this morning and present either a Proof of Purchase or buy the Book today to secure a spot in line this evening.  By 7:00 PM, all 300 Wristbands were accounted for.

Despite Organizers advising Fans that they could not have Memorabilia signed nor Photos taken with Ramsay, in true form he broke the rules and accommodated any which request thrown his way: kisses, hugs, handshakes, Dog-petting and more.  As the event approached the two hour-mark, he began to show signs of panic at not being able to finish greeting his Fans due to time constraints.  

Indigo staff members then began telling Fans that Ramsay would no longer be posing for Photos, which caused an uproar.  For a brief moment, I got to see that famous short temper at work as he reprimanded one Event Organizer, declaring loudly "I did not say that I wouldn't take pictures!" after one female Fan expressed her disappointment to Ramsay when her Camera was taken away from her.  This of course happening after all those ahead of her in line posed happily for Photos together with him.

Like a true gentleman, Ramsay ensured all 300 of his Fans got their one-on-one time with him, before putting on his leather jacket and bolting out the door.  Admittedly, I used to be terrified seeing him on Television screaming at Contestants, but today I saw the best in him - a Man with a big heart and love for his Fans (and Diet Coke!).

The kindness doesn't stop there though as Ramsay will be returning to the City next weekend for a Charity event at The Carlu called Chef's Challenge: The Ultimate Battle for a Cure, in support of Mount Sinai Hospital.

The two day-event will feature Celebrity Chefs like Mark McEwan and Jamie Kennedy.  As a side note, I was treated for Thyroid Cancer at Mount Sinai Hospital in 2006 and they are wonderful.  I owe my life to them.  Click on this link to learn more about the event.

Check out more Photos from earlier this evening here:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)