Chuck Hughes

Chuck Hughes, the multi-talented star of Chuck's Day Off on the Cooking Channel, and the owner and chef of Montreal hot-spot Garde Manger, has unbridled passion for entertaining that translates into both unforgettable food and captivating television.

Chuck was on the fast track to a promising career in advertising, but somewhere along the way, he fell in love with the restaurant business. He enrolled in culinary school and started working at the hottest kitchens around town and hasn't looked back since.

In 2006, he partnered with his two best friends to open their own place, Garde Manger. The den-like restaurant where Chuck continues to put his magical spin on comfort foods is as unique as its chef. With vintage crab-shack decor set in a 125 stone house, diners can enjoy Jerk Crab while rocking out to Sam Roberts, and follow it up with a perfectly braised short rib with a side of vintage Beastie Boys.

He loves simple cuisine and believes that food is meant to be fun and taste good with no need to be fancy. For his favorite eats, look no further than the tattoos on his arms: lobsters, oysters, bacon and arugula.