Eden Grinshpan is a two-time cookbook author and host of Top Chef Canada, who brings her playful, goofy personality into everything she does. Eden is the founder of the brand eden eats, where she shares her life as a mom of two and inspires her audience with approachable, bold Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean dishes.
Intro
I have been active my whole life. I grew up dancing and found yoga and pilates in my 20s. I’ve always loved to move, and eating Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food has been my go-to since I was a kid. I grew up going to Israel every summer and those flavors really inspired me. I love the use of vegetables, grains, extra virgin olive oil, herbs, and spices. All the good stuff that makes you feel great.
Self
I’ve always loved cooking for my family and friends, and I didn’t have a lot of direction in high school. When I graduated, my dad suggested I apply to culinary school. I went to Le Cordon Bleu in London and worked part-time in different kitchens. After graduating, I backpacked throughout India, Southeast Asia, and worked in kitchens in Israel. I ended up moving to NYC in my early 20s and sold my first show to the Cooking Channel. While hosting the show, I started cooking more contemporary Middle Eastern food.
From there I had a successful pop-up in NYC, which led to opening a restaurant in 2018 called DEZ. I then sold my first cookbook, Eating Out Loud, and started working on my brand, eden eats. During that time, I got married and had two babies. Being active and eating mostly a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern diet has always been part of my life. The balance is something I love and have lived by for years.
Morning Routine
My kids wake me up at 6:30 am. We get ourselves and the kids ready for the day and then head down for breakfast together around 7:45. Either Ido or I make breakfast and lunch for the kids while the other parent makes the coffee.
After dropping the kids off at school, Ido heads into his office and I either grocery shop for a day of testing and shooting recipes or start with emails.
Food
What foods do you think pretty much everyone should add to their diet?
This might be obvious but… tahini. It’s not just delicious, it’s an amazing source of protein, calcium, vitamin B, vitamin E, zinc, an anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. It's a superfood and it is great for a veg-forward lifestyle since it goes with everything and adds all those benefits.
How do you "treat" yourself?
Movie night with the kids and Ido, a spa day, walking around the city listening to music and podcasts, pilates, or yoga class.
What must-haves are in your pantry?
Chickpeas, extra virgin olive oil, lentils, tahini, olives, capers, pasta, San Marzano tomatoes, tomato paste, and basmati rice. Total staples!
Mind
What's your favorite place to unwind?
My bedroom with my husband, once the kids have gone to bed. It’s honestly the only place I can actually unwind — I need to be lying down :) lol
Tell us about a time when you didn’t feel well.
I take a pilates or yoga class whenever I do or don’t feel well. It is amazing how much better I feel after I work my body, get my heart rate up, and step away from the world for a bit.
Body
How do you keep your mind and body fit?
I try to have boundaries with my phone and work, go on date nights with my husband, and work out at least twice a week.
Favorite fitness resources or workouts?
I’m a big fan of reformer pilates when I’m home, and while traveling, I love using The Sculpt Society. I also LOVE to dance — I grew up dancing and my goal is to get back into it and try to take a class a week.
Kosterina
How do you enjoy Kosterina Extra Virgin Olive Oil?
I finish all of my dishes with it, and I love to use it in vinaigrettes. The flavor and the quality are incredible.
What Kosterina product(s) do you like best and why?
I’m obsessed with the original extra virgin olive oil — it’s amazing quality and brings so much flavor to everything. The fig balsamic is fantastic (especially in vinaigrettes), and the garlic olive oil is SO good! Honestly, it’s hard to pick since I love all the products. I’ve also been obsessed with the EXTRA VIRGIN body oil — it’s super hydrating, smells amazing, and makes my skin feel so soft and glowy.
Lightning Round
- Favorite wellness influencer: Megan Roup – love what she’s doing with The Sculpt Society.
- Favorite wellness book: n/a
- Favorite podcast: Armchair Expert is one of my faves!
- Favorite grocery store purchase: All the fresh produce.
- Favorite skincare or beauty product: I'm really into Merit for makeup, Caudalie, and Linné for skin.
- Favorite part of your day: The moment my kids get home from school — the energy is HIGH, they’re so fun and giggly, and it gets me excited for the evening together.
