As AYLA continues to enchant guests with its cinematic nod to Hong Kong’s golden era, we’re thrilled to spotlight two upcoming celebrations. For Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Weekend, AYLA’s chefs have created feature dishes that blend bold, vibrant flavours with cultural traditions, offering a memorable way to mark these occasions.
Lunar New Year Special (January 31 – February 2)
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with Ayla’s Good Fortune Salad, a stunning creation symbolizing prosperity and abundance. Thoughtfully composed, this dish is as beautiful as it is delicious:
-Good Fortune Salad: Cured salmon, cabbage, pomegranate, daikon, cashew, toasted sesame, crispy chickpeas, red watercress, chow mein, watermelon radish.
-To honour the Lunar New Year tradition, all orders of the Good Fortune Salad will include a red pocket with a surprise for your next visit—such as a glass of bubbly, dessert, or another special treat.
Valentine’s Weekend (February 14 – 16)
Celebrate love with AYLA’s Valentine’s Weekend features, designed to bring joy and indulgence to the table. Each dish is crafted with care to enhance your romantic evening:
-Juicy Lamb Dumplings: Lao gan ma, sour cream, anchovy.
-Mousse au Chocolat Baijiu: Shaved strawberry, condensed milk.
-Deviled Ramen Egg: Miso kewpie, ikura, smoked bonito.
Reserve here.
Opening on January 16, 2025, AYLA marks a homecoming for the powerhouse husband-and-wife duo, Executive Chefs Danvee Kwok and Kevin Shawcross. The restaurant is the result of a shared vision between chefs Danvee and Kevin and co-owners, Craig Wong and Ivy Lam. This dynamic team first connected in Hong Kong, where their mutual respect and passion for food paved the way for this exciting collaboration.
“Working in Asia and in Barbados for so many years taught me the art of crafting menus that are unapologetically bold and deeply intentional,” says Chef and Co-Owner Kevin Shawcross. “With AYLA, we’re bringing that same spirit to Toronto, with homage to the culinary traditions of Hong Kong combined with the multicultural influences of this incredible city.”
The name AYLA, meaning “halo of light around the moon,” is inspired by a serendipitous friendship formed on Moon Street in Hong Kong’s Wan Chai district, where Kevin and Craig first did a pop up together. This personal history informs the restaurant’s ethos, combining heritage with innovation.
Chefs Danvee and Kevin bring a wealth of experience to AYLA, having led kitchens in Vancouver, Japan, Barbados, and Hong Kong. Both formerly served as executive chefs for the acclaimed Black Sheep Restaurant Group in Asia. Their deep roots in Cantonese culinary traditions, paired with mastery of French, Japanese, Caribbean, and Mediterranean cuisines, shape a menu that is bold, global, and deeply personal. Signature dishes include Char Siu with Bajan green seasoning and cassareep glaze, Prawn Toast Okonomiyaki, and Mentaiko Tarama with nori and wild ikura.
“At AYLA, every dish, every detail reflects the creativity and global flavours we’ve come to love and crave over our years in the industry,” says Chef and Co-Owner Danvee Kwok.
Craig Wong, celebrated chef behind Patois and JunePlum, lends his visionary approach to storytelling through food, while Ivy Lam’s creative expertise has shaped AYLA’s identity. “Food has the power to tell stories and connect people to cultures, places, and moments in time,” says Co-Owner Craig Wong. “At AYLA, we draw inspiration from our neighbourhoods and the journeys that have shaped us around the globe. Each dish is a snapshot of those stories—fun, unexpected, and crafted with respect. It’s food meant to be shared, enjoyed the way we love to eat: together, with friends.”
The restaurant’s design pays homage to iconic films by Wong Kar-Wai, a nod to Hong Kong cinematography with warm mood lighting and vintage details. It’s a timeless and intimate space that encourages connection and storytelling. Guests can also enjoy an urban cityscape from the rooftop patio overlooking Dundas West, adding to the restaurant’s charm and allure. From its innovative menu to its cinematic design, AYLA is poised to become a new favourite for food lovers and culture seekers alike.
Reservations are now available through aylaupstairs.com/reserve
A preview of AYLA:
(Photo/video credit: Barb Simkova/Mr. Will Wong)
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