#FOOD: THE DISTILLERY WINTER VILLAGE UNVEIL 2025 FOOD PROGRAM

Food is at the heart of The Distillery Winter Village experience. Visitors return year after year to stroll the cobblestone lanes with a warm dish or hot chocolate in hand, making culinary memories along the way.

This year’s event features 40 food vendors and nine themed outdoor bars, offering everything from classic winter comfort food to imaginative new creations you won’t find anywhere else. Expect a mouthwatering mix of sweet and savoury favourites, returning viral sensations, and exciting new additions.

Back by popular (viral) demand:

-Cluny Bistro’s S’mores Hot Chocolate (with new flavours!)
-Japan Taco
-Spirit of York’s “Yorkie Burrito”
-Naughty or Nice Bar
-Poutine, pretzels, handmade dumplings, empanadas, pierogies, mini donuts, mini pancakes, fresh strawberries with chocolate, classic Swiss Raclette and other cozy classics

NEW & EXCLUSIVE: CHEF’S LANE

The biggest culinary addition this year is Chef’s Lane, an elevated food experience exclusive to The Distillery Winter Village. Featuring four cabins, four chefs, and four one-of-a-kind holiday-inspired dishes created just for this event – it’s a celebration of creativity, comfort, and Canadian culinary talent.

Meet the 2025 Chef’s Lane chefs:

-Chef Claudio Aprile – The Aprile Holiday Feast
Roast turkey, smoked brisket, sweet potato, smoked provolone, fresh sage and cranberry chutney.
-Chef Nuit Regular – Tom Yum Soup
Aromatic Thai hot & sour soup with poached shrimp, lemongrass, makrut lime leaves, and sawtooth coriander.
-Chef Bruno Feldeisen – Candy Cane Cheesecake Lollipop
A festive cheesecake dipped in chocolate and served on a popsicle stick.
-Chef Eric Chong – Spicy Mala Poutine
Pork & cabbage dumplings, mozzarella, Szechuan gravy, and fries.

NEW & EXCLUSIVE: A CRAIG’S COOKIES POP-UP

A special Craig’s Cookies pop-up is serving their festival-exclusive Holiday Hot Chocolate (a rich, ethically sourced Soul Chocolate blend with organic milk) with toasted marshmallow and topped with a mini White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookie. It’s a cup of pure festive joy from Toronto’s cookie entrepreneur, Craig Pike. Running the entire duration of the event, the 2025 Holiday Mix of cookies will also be available at the pop-up, along with festive sugar cookies (perfect for gifting) and other favourite year-round flavours. Find Craig’s Cookies on Gristmill Lane near the Big Heart.

One of the newest year-round additions to The Distillery District is Demetres, the award-winning Canadian craft ice cream and artisanal dessert restaurant. This marks their first-ever Winter Village, and they’re serving up something extra sweet for festival-goers. Stop by Demetres to enjoy their indulgent Dubai Hot Chocolate and Crème Brûlée Crêpes, then head over to the festival cabin at Scooped by Demetres, for a taste of their warm and gooey Apple Pie Monkey Bread. Can’t decide which one to try? Not to worry – all their offerings are as delicious (and photogenic) as you’d expect.

OTHER NEW, FESTIVE FOOD AND DRINK:

Escape to the land of pura vida (“the good life”) and the warmth of Costa Rica – The Archeo patio transforms into a tropical chocolate paradise, where guests can sip hot chocolate served in fresh coconuts topped with whipped cream, try the decadent “mochanut” (a blend of coffee and hot chocolate, also served in a real coconut), dip into tropical fruit fondue, and sample premium chocolate. Enjoy your drink at vibrant surfboard tables, then unwind in bird-nest loungers beneath a symbolic ceiba tree, surrounded by rainforest scenery where sloths, parrots, and tree frogs make an appearance. For kids, there’s a creative colouring station inspired by Costa Rica’s iconic hand-painted oxcarts.

Ugly Sweater Patio Bar – The Cluny Bistro patio invites you to flaunt your best (or worst) holiday sweater. An 8-foot ball of yarn sets the stage for a quirky, can’t-miss holiday hangout.

Peppermint Patio – Follow the 10’ Candy Cane Wreath into a red-and-white striped wonderland. From arches to columns, this Madrina Bar y Tapas patio is sugar-cane sweet and brimming with holiday cheer. Order a candy-cane inspired cocktail and raise a glass to the season.

We had the joy of previewing the 2025 Food Program. Highlights here:

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Some highlights from opening night of the 2025 Distillery Winter Village, including Tree Lighting presented by L’Oreal, the JellyCat pop-up, vendors, and appearance by amazing The Tenors!

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CHRISTMAS WITH THE TENORS is now available to stream here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#FOOD: MAKILALA OPENING LATE JULY 2025

Makilala, a new Filipino restaurant from renowned duo Chef Nuit and Jeff Regular, along with Jeff’s brother Joel Regular, is set to open late July at 105 Church Street. Known for their beloved Thai restaurants across Toronto, Chef Nuit and Jeff have turned their focus to the food and culture of the Philippines, drawing inspiration from Jeff and Joel’s Filipino heritage and a deep dive into the cuisine. Makilala will blend traditional flavours, vibrant energy, and warm hospitality into an experience that feels like coming home.

Following a series of successful Thai-inspired restaurant openings, the idea for Makilala emerged from Chef Nuit’s desire to explore Jeff’s Filipino heritage more deeply. “Chef Nuit has been cooking and learning from my entire family for the past 20 years, and we’re so excited to share her love for learning and cooking our traditional recipes with the community,” said Joel Regular, co-owner of Makilala. “She has also taken regional cooking classes and spent time exploring local markets and traditions to learn more about the cuisine and culture.” The word Makilala means “to get to know,” and that spirit of openness and connection will define everything about the space.

Guests will enter through a curated front market filled with rotating Filipino artists and vendors offering handmade and locally sourced products. The main dining room will feature a design that is emblematic of a traditional barangay, featuring a large stage at the back. The bar has been designed to resemble a sari-sari store, named after Jeff and Joel’s parents, Nonoy and Myrna, which adds a nostalgic and personal touch to the space. At the back, a private dining room will offer family-style service for up to 14 guests, featuring off-menu feasts like whole roasted pig and chef-driven surprises.

Inside, long communal tables will set the stage for shared meals and lively conversations in the barangay-inspired space, complete with a painted basketball court on the floor, a nod to the sport’s deep roots in everyday Filipino life. “Basketball is such a big part of growing up in the Philippines,” said Jeff Regular, co-owner of Makilala. “We wanted to channel that energy and sense of community into the space—from the court-style layout to the laid-back, open vibe.”

Makilala will serve a curated menu of traditional Filipino family recipes like chicken adobo, sinigang, taho, and breakfast silog plates, along with a special order kamayan-style menu—a communal feast served on banana leaves and eaten by hand. “Everything I’ve learned about Filipino cooking has come from spending time with Jeff and Joel’s family,” said Chef Nuit Regular, co-owner and chef of Makilala. “This menu is built on the tradition and love of their family recipes. I feel incredibly grateful to be able to share these dishes and the stories behind them.”

The beverage menu will feature a mix of tradition and fun invention. Filipino staples like Red Horse, San Miguel, Tanduay, and ube cocktails will be served alongside signature creations like the Taal Volcano, a smoky nod to the Philippines. The team is also launching its own light beer called Makilola, and will be the official provider of Don Papa Rum.

Makilala will be open seven days a week, with lunch served Tuesday through Sunday, and a late-night menu that will carry the energy into the evening with DJs, stand-up comedy, and a dedicated karaoke stage. From traditional Filipino inspired décor and raindrop soundscapes in the bathrooms to a sari-sari style bar and rotating Filipino vendors in the front market, every detail is designed to honour the culture and community that inspired it.

For more information, visit www.makilala.ca.

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#FOOD: THA PHAE TAVERN SET TO OPEN APRIL 2025

Announced today, Toronto is set to welcome an exciting new addition to its vibrant downtown food and social scene—Tha Phae Tavern. It takes inspiration from the energy of the iconic Tha Phae Gate in Chiang Mai, an international meeting place where locals and travellers have come together for over a century and which has shaped an atmosphere and community that is magical and unlike any other. This convergence of cultures, people, food, and languages—curated by both visitors and the people of Thailand—has created a vibrant, unique, and ever-evolving experience. Bringing this spirit to Toronto, Tha Phae Tavern will blend traditional and modern food and beverage with an exciting environment that will channel the gate’s dynamic energy and sense of fun. Slated to open April 2025 at 221 Richmond St. W., the bar promises to be a destination where the world meets a completely different side of Thailand, right in the city’s core.

Tha Phae Tavern is an immersive experience inspired by the travels of co-owners Chef Nuit and Jeff Regular, the renowned duo behind PAI, Kiin, Sukhothai, Chaiyo, and By Chef Nuit Events & Catering. Drawing from the vibrant spirit of Thailand and other global destinations, the tavern aims to recreate the magic of discovery, where food, drinks, music, and conversation bring people together. Tha Phae Tavern will ultimately aim to be more than just a bar. It will serve as an experience, a feeling, and a journey that captures the essence of backpacking, emulating the thrill of meeting strangers who become friends, and the energy of a space where cultures collide in the best way. Like Tha Phae Gate, it will be a lively hub in the heart of the neighbourhood, offering Thai-inspired bar snacks, shareable plates, and a curated selection of cocktails and mocktails. Guests will enjoy Chef Nuit’s unique blend of traditional Thai flavours with contemporary twists in a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Guests can experience a delightful blend of traditional and modern interpretations of classic Thai bar snacks, with a menu featuring a variety of flavourful options that pay homage to the foods one can find in and around Tha Phae Gate.

The venue’s interior design will reflect the rich cultural and historical significance of the Tha Phae Gate, featuring bold colours, intricate patterns, warm brick facades, and modern Thai-inspired décor. Every detail has been carefully curated to transport guests to the lively streets of Northern Thailand. This is a bar that highlights the rich diversity of food, cultures, and people that give Tha Phae Gate its unique and lively character.

Beyond its culinary offerings, Tha Phae Tavern will feature an array of engaging amenities designed to create an exciting atmosphere perfect for after work outings, celebrations, and unforgettable nights out. Guests can belt out their favourite songs in one of the two private karaoke rooms in the Songthaew Karaoke Bar, capture memories in the on-site photo booth, or try their luck at the one of the claw machines—a playful nod to the bustling markets and street corners of Tha Phae Gate.

“The Tha Phae Gate was once the entryway for the main trading route in Northern Thailand and has become a symbol of connecting different cultures,” says Chef Nuit Regular. “With Tha Phae Tavern, we’re creating a space where people can come together, enjoy incredible food and drinks, make new friends, and create memories in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere while keeping the experience casual and approachable.”

“When I first travelled through Chiang Mai as a young backpacker, the Tha Phae Gate left an unforgettable impression on me,” adds Jeff Regular. “It was a cultural hub where diverse traditions, cuisines, and people from all over the world came together. That experience inspired us to create this bar to be a community and gathering place for stories to be shared, connections to flourish, and cultures to be celebrated—just like at Tha Phae Gate.”

Event packages will also be available, making the venue an excellent choice for larger groups looking to host larger gatherings. The spacious layout is designed to accommodate everything from corporate events to birthday parties and special celebrations. Event packages available upon request.

Tha Phae Tavern will open its doors April 2025, operating seven days a week. Hours of operation are expected to be Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 4 p.m. to midnight, and Friday to Saturday from 4 p.m. until late. Happy Hour will be offered daily from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and weekend brunch service will be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Songthaew Karaoke Bar private rooms will be available to book seven days a week, from 4 p.m to late. For more information, visit thaphaetavern.com. Follow Tha Phae Tavern on Instagram @thaphaetavern.

The team is currently hiring for a variety of positions—those interested in joining the vibrant Tha Phae Tavern staff are encouraged to apply to info@thaphaetavern.com.

About Tha Phae Tavern:

Located in the heart of downtown Toronto at 221 Richmond St. W., Tha Phae Tavern is a fresh and unique concept from the acclaimed restaurateur couple Chef Nuit and Jeff Regular (PAI, Kiin, Chaiyo, Sukthothai), in partnership with Oliver Geddes (The Fifth Group, RendezViews), Ben Geddes, and Janet Zuccarini (Gusto 54 Restaurant Group). Inspired by the vibrant cultural crossroads of Northern Thailand’s traveller’s hotspot, Tha Phae Gate, we are a drink and snack bar offering thoughtfully handcrafted cocktails and beverages and modern Thai-inspired snacks and shareable small plates in a lively yet casual atmosphere. We aim to provide a welcoming community hub where guests can relax, connect, and enjoy exceptional drinks and food, creating memorable experiences through kind, genuine service and two exciting private karaoke rooms in the Songthaew Karaoke Bar space, and outstanding offerings while celebrating Thailand’s rich cultural diversity and festive nightlife. For more information, visit thaphaetavern.com.

#FOOD: CHEF NUIT REGULAR X CHEF EVA CHIN PRESENT LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION AT YAN

Two of Toronto’s most acclaimed chefs, Chef Nuit Regular (PAI, Kiin, Chaiyo, Sukhothai) and Chef Eva Chin (Yan Dining Room, The Soy Luck Club), are joining forces for an exclusive Lunar New Year dinner that promises to delight and inspire. This special event, hosted at Hong Shing Restaurant on Sunday, February 2, 2025, will feature a carefully curated dining experience celebrating the vibrant culinary traditions of Chinese and Thai cultures.

The evening’s 8-course menu will take guests on a journey through thoughtfully crafted dishes that
honour tradition while embracing innovation. Highlights include white pepper broth with heritage pork and sticky rice, steamed fish with aged soy and shiitake mushrooms, lotus leaf rice with garlic crab and sea urchin sabayon, and prosperity noodles with stuffed pork hock and pistachios. Sweet endings, like salted plum sorbet and poached apple infused with longan tea and goji berries, provide a perfect close to the celebration. Each course reflects the chefs’ unique perspectives and shared passion for storytelling
through food.

“This collaboration is about celebrating our shared respect for heritage while bringing something fresh to
the table,” says Chef Eva Chin. “It’s an exciting way to honour Lunar New Year with creativity and
connection.”

Chef Nuit Regular adds, “Lunar New Year is a time for connection, celebration, and incredible food. Chef
Eva and I are excited to craft a menu that honours our roots while offering guests an unforgettable
experience.”

Yan Dining Room Details:
● Location: Hong Shing Private Dining Room, 195 Dundas St. West, Toronto
● Date: Sunday, February 2, 2025
● Time: 7:00 PM
● Capacity: 40 seats
● Price: $188.00 per person
● Reservations: Available via Tock

Having launched with success in late 2024, Yan Dining Room was born from Chef Eva Chin’s vision to
redefine Chinese cuisine alongside restaurateur Colin Li. The dining series explores the evolution of
Chinese flavours through refined multi-course menus that pair classic techniques with innovative ideas.
This collaboration with Chef Nuit Regular continues that ethos, showcasing the harmony of two culinary
worlds and pushing the boundaries of tradition.

For more information and updates on this exciting series, follow @YanDiningRoom on Instagram or visit
the Hong Shing website for reservation details.

About Hong Shing
Hong Shing is a Cantonese-style Chinese restaurant that has been a long-time local favourite, since
1997, by consistently providing delicious Chinese food to communities throughout Toronto. Using family
recipes, Hong Shing has created some of Toronto’s most beloved ‘family-style’ dishes and comfort foods
with fresh, traditional Chinese ingredients. The Hong Shing name is derived from the Cantonese
language meaning “Strong and Healthy” and “City Fortress Gate,” while the water flowing through the
fortress symbolizes wisdom and fluidity of life. All of these were the inspiration for their iconic logo. For
more information visit https://hongshing.com or follow @hongshingto on Instagram.

About Chef Nuit Regular:
Chef Nuit Regular is the Executive Chef and Co-Owner of PAI, Kiin, Chaiyo, By Chef Nuit Events &
Catering, and Sukhothai. She has transformed the Thai food scene in Toronto through the distinct flavours
of Northern Thai cuisine and hospitality. The first Thai SELECT Ambassador for Canada, Chef Nuit has
been recognized by the government of Thailand for the authenticity of her Thai cooking and was awarded
the prestigious Thai SELECT Signature designation for her restaurants. She is the recipient of the 2024
WXN Top 100 SKIP Food Industry Award and 2024 Pinnacle Awards Chef of the Year, and a finalist for
the RBC CWEA Momentum Award. She was also awarded the WXN Top 100 BMO Entrepreneurs Award
and the American Express Award for Business Leadership in 2022. Her debut cookbook, Kiin: Recipes
and Stories from Northern Thailand, won a 2021 IACP Cookbook Award and a Taste Canada Gold
Award.

About Kiin:
Kiin means “to eat” in Thai. From restaurateur couple and award-winning Chef Nuit Regular and Jeff
Regular, Kiin expands beyond their Northern Thai roots to showcase the diversity of culinary traditions
found all across Thailand. Within a casual fine dining atmosphere, an ingredient-driven, Royal
Thai-inspired tasting menu will guide guests through the bright, rich, and complex flavours drawn from
Chef Nuit’s experiences in her home country. Kiin is a MICHELIN Guide Recommended Restaurant and a
Thai SELECT Signature restaurant certified by the Royal Thai Government.