Matt Basile was born on June 7, 1984, in Toronto, Canada. Growing up, he developed a passion for cooking thanks to his Italian grandparents, who passed down their culinary skills and traditions to him.
After completing his studies in advertising at Humber University, Basile embarked on a brief stint in a marketing agency. However, he quickly realized that his true calling lay elsewhere. Despite facing challenges in securing a bank loan to open his own restaurant, he refused to give up on his dream.
Instead of opening a traditional restaurant, Basile turned to the streets. He began by showcasing his culinary creations at various events and pop-ups in Toronto, diving into the city's vibrant underground food scene. This led to the birth of The Fidel Gastro's Street Food Company, a unique concept that brought gourmet street food to the masses.
Basile's innovative approach to street food quickly gained popularity, and he soon found himself at the helm of a successful business. His food trucks, named after Priscilla Presley and Lisa Marie Presley, became beloved fixtures on Toronto's food scene, attracting a loyal following of food enthusiasts.
Basile's talent and charisma caught the attention of television producers, leading to his role as the host of Rebel Without a Kitchen, a Canadian television series that showcased his culinary adventures. In addition to his television work, Basile is also a published author, with best-selling cookbooks like "Street Food Diaries" and "Brunch Life" to his name.
Basile's creativity knows no bounds. In addition to his street food empire, he is the mastermind behind Alchemy Grills, a line of live-fire grills and smokers that have revolutionized outdoor cooking. He is also a key player in the Ascari Hospitality Group, where his culinary expertise continues to shine.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Basile is a devoted partner to Kyla Zanardi, a talented food photographer and co-owner of Fidel Gastro's. Together, they form a dynamic duo that continues to push boundaries in the culinary world.
Throughout his career, Basile has garnered recognition for his contributions to the food industry. In 2015, he received a prestigious nomination for "Best Host in a Variety, Lifestyle, Reality/Competition, or Talk Program or Series" from the Canadian Screen Awards, cementing his status as a culinary trailblazer.
With his unwavering passion for food and innovation, Matt Basile continues to leave his mark on the culinary world, inspiring food lovers and aspiring chefs alike with his creativity and dedication to his craft.