#FOOD: CHEF NUIT REGULAR X CHEF EVA CHIN LUNAR NEW YEAR 2026 COLLABORATION

Two of Toronto’s most acclaimed chefs, Chef Nuit Regular (PAI, Kiin, Tha Phae Tavern, Chaiyo, Sukhothai, Makilala) and Chef Eva Chin (Yan Dining Room, The Soy Luck Club), are reuniting for their highly anticipated Lunar New Year collaboration dinner, returning after two consecutive sold-out years.

Celebrating the Year of the Fire Horse, the 2026 edition unfolds over two intimate evenings: February 19
at Kiin and February 20 at Yan Dining Room. Rooted in friendship and a shared philosophy around
storytelling, hospitality and flavour, the collaboration comes to life through an exclusive eight-course
chef’s tasting menu that blends Northern Thai and Northern Chinese cuisines.

Drawing from their shared culinary foundations, the menu explores common threads between both
traditions, from noodles and pork to time-honoured techniques such as stir-frying, steaming and
fermentation. These elements allow the chefs to move seamlessly between cuisines, creating dishes that
feel both comforting and unexpected.

Guests can expect handcrafted plates that balance comfort and complexity, including dumplings paired
with shellfish bisque and chilli oil, prosperity-inspired housemade tofu, and longevity noodles enriched
with slow-simmered pork bone and tomato ragout. Charcoal-grilled meats anchor the menu, while
desserts close the evening with contrast, texture and nostalgia through elements such as crispy rice,
coconut-pandan gelato, tamarind caramel and charcoal-roasted sweet potato.

“This collaboration continues to be one of the highlights of our year,” says Chef Eva Chin. “Each dinner
gives us the opportunity to honour our shared traditions while creating something new together. Lunar
New Year is about generosity, connection and starting the year with intention, and we love expressing that through this menu.”

Chef Nuit Regular adds, “Working with Chef Eva always feels natural because we share the same respect
for heritage and storytelling through food. Lunar New Year is such a meaningful moment for both of us,
and we are excited to welcome guests back to celebrate with a menu that reflects our roots and our
friendship.”

Known for its intimacy and attention to detail, this annual dinner has become a Lunar New Year ritual for
many Toronto diners. With limited seating and a history of selling out, the two-night experience invites guests to welcome the new year through food that is generous, expressive and rooted in shared
celebration.

Limited seating, reservations are strongly encouraged.

Event Details:
Kiin x Yan Dining Room Lunar New Year Collaboration Dinner
Menu: Eight course chef’s tasting menu
Price: $208 per person excluding 20 percent gratuity and tax
Dietary notes: No modifications for allergies or dietary restrictions

Thursday, February 19, 2026
Kiin Toronto, 326 Adelaide St. W.
Dinner begins at 7:00 p.m.
Reservations: HERE

Friday, February 20, 2026
Yan Dining Room, 195 Dundas St. W.
Dinner begins at 7:00 p.m.
Reservations: HERE

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

#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.