is a former CFL player and was the first bachelor on “The Bachelor Canada.” He went on to host “Chopped Canada”; this November, he’ll host “The Big Bake: Holiday” on Food Network Canada and STACKTV. “I’m two months into being single again after two back-to-back , so I’m currently in the transition period I usually don’t like too much, except for my bills being cut in half! I miss the companionship, the familiarity.
As a serial monogamist, I’ve always loved building a life together and a routine. I love understanding my girlfriends’ habits and idiosyncrasies that make them one of one. It would be insane to say I like meeting people organically after being The Bachelor, but outside of that instance, I’ve always met people that way.
I’ve never been on an ; I’ve always met people through friends, mostly, or events. I’ve been out of the game for years, but my last singledom was survived by nights on King West, like most Toronto singles! Obviously, Toronto has some of the most beautiful women in the world from all different backgrounds. I like that they’re career-oriented and driven.
But the city is just so big that it takes away the chance encounters. Even though no one would guess, I’m so shy when it comes to introducing myself. It’s almost like pulling teeth to get me to break the ice.
I’ve always been insecure that way. I’ve actually never had any bad dates, though. I’ve never been on a blind date, so I’ve always been able to know the person before we go on a date.
I’m the type of person who can understand within a very short time if I’m going to want to spend five minutes, five hours or five months with someone. It’s usually if they get my sense of humour, as I’m a goof! And while I won’t skewer any of the ladies on “The Bachelor,” try not wanting to be on a date on camera — no hiding there! I didn’t really learn anything about by being on The Bachelor, weirdly enough, as it’s not a natural thing to go through. Before The Bachelor, I had girlfriends in university, but I had never been on a date with someone who wasn’t my girlfriend.
So each date was like a first for me. Now that it’s been 10 years since the show aired, for most people it’s become a lingering joke that’s semi-cool to bring up — or not. TV Brad is a character that was created for a job that turned into a career.
I’m much different outside of that realm. The biggest problem probably is the preconception of who I am, because when you you’ve been the Bachelor, you open yourself to people thinking you’re like every other douche on reality TV. But what an icebreaker! But no one I’ve dated since has watched the show or anything I’ve done subsequently on TV, really.
Brad Smith on set of “The Big Bake.” My funniest date happened in Washington, D.C.
I went to visit a girl I’d been talking to for several weeks. We went to this really fancy restaurant, and they gave us this elevated booth in the back corner. It felt like the booth was on a stage: it was a good two feet higher than everyone else, so we could see the entire restaurant and everyone could see us.
I have a bad habit of ordering everything on the menu that looks good, so they came and loaded the entire table; plates and drinks were everywhere. There wasn’t any open space. Again, sometimes not being the most confident, I was very nervous.
We were hitting it off perfectly; she was laughing at every joke and I was starting to get comfortable — and then she put her hand on my thigh. I was so surprised that my leg kicked out in reaction, kicking out the centre leg of the table that was covered in no less than 20 plates and 10 glasses, wine bottles, and cutlery, sending the entire table flying off the elevated stage and crashing onto the ground below. Every single person in the restaurant turned and looked at us.
My date burst out laughing; I was beet red. The waiter ran over to us and I profusely apologized. He looked at me and said, “It happens all the time.
” I replied, “Oh, so this is where you seat idiots; I thought I was special.” And he said, “Sir, you’ve proven nothing less.” Back here in town, I love taking dates to 416 Snack Bar — it’s quiet and intimate, and has good food.
I’ve taken every girl I’ve dated to Lee because I love Susur Lee’s cooking. I also like going to the Brickworks for a walk; it’s charming in the summer. Or even just my house — I’m a great cook, so I’m serving restaurant-calibre food every night! To be honest, the best dates are simple ones: dinner, movie, walk.
If you have to go above and beyond to impress someone with where you’re taking them, they’re not for me..
