Rob Rainford

Rob Rainford is a Canadian chef, author of Rob Rainford's Born to Grill (published May 8, 2012 by Appetite by Random House) and former host of Licence to Grill (LTG) on Food Network Canada, Discovery Home in the U.S. and Asian Food Channel across Asia. The format of the show involves Rainford hosting a get-together at his home for one reason or another, and preparing meals on his grills for the occasion. The different "occasions" provide the impetus for the food choices, and allow Rainford the opportunity to demonstrate different techniques. One such "occasion" involved Rainford and his guests watching the movie The Godfather on television. This gave Rainford the opportunity to prepare an Italian meal, and to impersonate Marlon Brando on camera. Another occasion involved a "70's party", which gave Rainford (who is bald) the opportunity to wear a 70's "Afro" wig.

Best known for his role as host of LTG he is unveiling his "Rainford Method". in his new book "Rob Rainford's Born to Grill". Rainford is a proponent of grilling food to give them char marks. Rainford's signature line in nearly every episode of LTG has been "Look at those beautiful char marks!"

Robert also loves to refer to his food as "babies". He can often be seen saying "I'ma gonna put these babies on the grill!". When referring to "these babies" he is usually talking about chicken, pork, salmon, tuna, shrimp, squid, beef, duck and other proteins.

Born in Saint Andrew Parish, Jamaica November 30, 1966, Rainford moved to Canada with his family when he was three. Rainford enrolled in culinary school at George Brown College in 1994 and after completing his formal training, began his professional career at:

• Kensington Kitchen
• Accolade/Crown Plaza
• Senses
• Chef Instructor George Brown College Continuing Education Program (Sept 2002 to present)

Rainford also starred in Fresh Cooking, a series of promotional videos issued in 2007 and sold through several supermarket chains, particularly those owned by SuperValu. He also hosts a video series on the Food Network Canada official site entitled Cooking Moments. Rainford invites chefs to his kitchen and helps with a recipe.