Chef

Yes, fresh flowers are a kitchen essential, too.

In 2009 the stars aligned for Chef Victor Barry when he bought a restaurant and met the love of his life, Nikki. Just after having their second child, Nikki got news that turned their world upside down.

Husam and Shihnaz fell in love in Syria 36 years ago. Fast-forward to now—three kids and one family restaurant later—they aim to share their love of food and Syrian culture with Toronto, one manaeesh at a time.

When the opportunity to open up a Mexican restaurant fell into Elia Herrera’s hands, she couldn’t say no. But only having trained as a pastry chef, she knew that in order to develop Toronto hotspot Colibri’s recipes, she’d need help from an expert—her mom.

Chef Joseph Shawana grew up watching his mom and grandmother cook over open-pit fires for his family and even large crowds. It's what he tries to replicate at his Toronto restaurant, Kū-kŭm, where he hopes to carry on his heritage through food.