Starting Tuesday, March 11, 2025 Chef Craig Wong and Patois are taking a bold response to tariffs by introducing “Shebang for Your Buck”—a new, budget-friendly dining option designed to bring people together over great food without the high price tag.

Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, Patois will serve up limited-quantity trays featuring off-menu dishes made with Canadian ingredients—all for just $25.

Each tray is crafted by the Patois kitchen family and served Patois-style on classic cafeteria trays. The menu will change regularly, ensuring something fun and delicious every time. Dine in only—first come, first served. More here.

Why now?
With rising costs hitting both restaurants and diners, Patois is taking a stand—offering a delicious way to support the community without breaking the bank. As Chef Craig Wong puts it:
“Patois is a part of this community, and we’re always here to help. We were here for you during the pandemic, and we’re here for you again now. Let us do what we do best: cook tasty, filling meals! This is for you, for our city, for our community.”

That’s not all
Craig Wong’s JunePlum is also stepping up to support small Canadian businesses. Through JunePlum, local entrepreneurs will be invited to take over shelf space and showcase their products at Patois—giving them a platform to grow. It’s all about building community, sharing opportunities, and keeping Toronto’s food scene and small businesses thriving. See more here and follow @juneplumto to check out upcoming small business pop ups.

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)

This holiday season, Patois and JunePlum are bringing the festivities with heartfelt traditions, and a touch of nostalgic fun. From indulgent dining experiences to a one-of-a-kind Y2K-inspired market, these events bring the vibrancy of Toronto’s culinary and cultural scene to life.

Here’s what’s coming up during the 2024 Holidays!

Holiday Roast at Patois
Dec. 22 & Dec. 23 | 12 PM – 8 PM Chef Craig Wong brings his family tradition to life with a holiday roast featuring classic prime rib, oxtail gravy, and all the fixings. Perfect for celebrating with loved ones! (7 courses, $85/pp, prix fixe menu)

New Year’s Eve Tasting Menu at Patois
Dec. 31 | Two seatings at 6 PM & 9 PM
To close out their 10th anniversary year and ring in 2025, Patois will be offering an innovative tasting menu celebrating a decade of culinary creativity with 8 courses including hamachi crudo, ravioli en brodo, pan seared scallop and more. ($105/pp, prix fixe menu)

Y2K Holidaze Pop-In Market at JunePlum
Dec. 16 & Dec. 17 | 12 PM – 7 PM
Relive the spirit of the 2000s at JunePlum’s Y2K Holidaze Pop-In Market in partnership with The Lounge to continue the legacy of the Community 54 cultural hangout. The market will feature curated one-of-a-kind pieces, exclusive and limited-edition streetwear, nostalgic décor, and unique gift ideas, this event blends throwback vibes with holiday cheer. Also, a portion of the proceeds will be going to the CAMH Youth Addiction & Concurrent Disorders Service.

More below on the menus:

All reservations are made via patoistoronto.com/book

Patois Toronto, the beloved dining hotspot known for its unique fusion of Jamaican and Chinese cuisine, is thrilled to announce the celebration of its 10th anniversary. Since opening its doors on July 5, 2014, Patois has become a cornerstone of Toronto’s vibrant culinary scene, delighting food enthusiasts with its soulful dishes and vibrant, inviting atmosphere.

Founded by renowned Chef Craig Wong, Patois Toronto has consistently pushed the boundaries of culinary creativity, seamlessly blending Chef Wong’s Chinese-Jamaican heritage with his classical French training. Over the past decade, Patois has garnered a loyal following and received accolades from both local and international food experts, establishing itself as a must-visit destination for food lovers in Toronto and beyond.

“Celebrating 10 years in this ever-evolving restaurant landscape is a significant achievement, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our amazing community,” said Chef Craig Wong. “We opened Patois to bring the flavours and nostalgia of my Caribbean-Asian heritage and mesh that with the training and foods that inspired me. We’re celebrating this milestone with exciting giveaways and sharing our love with all who have been part of our journey.”

To commemorate this milestone, Patois diners should look out for favourite features from the past as well new & exciting offerings in the future, celebrating the rich culinary journey of the past ten years.

Patois Toronto recently celebrated this milestone with a vibrant party attended by over 150 friends, family, VIPs, and media. Sponsored by Appleton Estate Rum, Red Stripe Beer, Flying Monkeys Craft Beer, and Tawse Winery, the celebration showcased Chef Craig Wong’s expanded empire, including JunePlum and a rooftop patio private dining space. The milestone also marked a nod to the future with the introduction of Hardo Studios, a new kitchen studio sponsored by KitchenAid Canada, designed for recipe testing, cooking classes, intimate private dinners, and content creation. “Hardo Studios is a space for culinary innovation, a hub where people in the industry can gather, create, and share insights, findings, and food. Now that the space has launched, I’m looking forward to collaborating with other chefs and creatives to
create great content,” said Chef Wong.

In addition to the anniversary celebration, Patois will run 10 exciting giveaways throughout the month of July. Starting the week of July 9th, five giveaways will take place on Instagram at @patoistoronto, and five will be held in the restaurant for diners. Prizes for the Instagram giveaways include a Chronic Ink Gift Card, Sundays Coffee Club x Patois “Sunday Morning Kit,” Hello and Welcome Podcast prize package, Patois 10 Year Limited Edition Gift Pack and more.

For a chance to win on Instagram, participants must follow @patoistoronto, @juneplumto, and
@hardostudios.

The in-person giveaways will see five lucky diners winning a Patois 10 Year Limited Edition Gift Pack. Simply dine at Patois during the anniversary month for a chance to win this special prize. Patois Toronto invites all food enthusiasts, loyal patrons, and the community to join in the festivities and celebrate a decade of culinary excellence.

So thrilled to attended the celebrations! Some highlights:

For more information, visit www.patoistoronto.com or follow @patoistoronto on Instagram.

Whether it’s an Adidas collaboration or Caribana themed menu item, Patois Toronto’s Chef Craig Wong is no stranger to integrating his menu into the city’s social and music fabric. Did you check out Toronto Star’s recent profile on Co-Owners Craig Wong and Ivy Lam? Check it out here.

In addition to weekend brunch service, Patois will now be hosting a series of Concert Brunches in tandem with Toronto’s exciting live music scene, featuring themed playlists, cocktails and dishes.

Concert attendees can kickstart their day with the themed brunch, setting the perfect mood for the upcoming concert. Exclusive Offer: Concert ticket holders also receive a complimentary mimosa or orange juice!

Reservations are recommended which can be placed directly via the Patois website, www.patoistoronto.com/book

Upcoming events:
Burna Boy Brunch: Feb 24 & 25
Olivia Rodrigo Brunch: March 30
NickiMinaj Brunch: April
Taylor Swift Brunch: November
More dates to be announced soon!

Chef Craig Wong is thrilled to introduce a choice of two exclusive specials: The One Love and Lover’s Lane. The menus offer lovers an unforgettable dining experience from February 9th to 18th. Reservations can be booked at patoistoronto.com/rezos.

The Lovers Lane: Priced at $155 for two people, the “Lovers Lane” menu begins with two cocktails, a choice of appetizers and a round of the iconic JunePlum patties. For the main, guests can choose between rich oxtail or succulent jerk chicken, each accompanied by perfectly paired sides.And what better way to end a romantic dinner than with a sweet touch? Finish off the night with a heart shaped cookie butter french toast.

The One Love: Priced at $170 for two people, the “One Love” features all of the classics from Patois with a ‘whole shebang’ for two. This menu includes a bottle of prosecco, Patois’ signature whole shebang, a heart shaped cookie butter french toast and 2 rum punch shots. The whole shebang includes a feast of Jamaican patties, trini mac pie, juicy jerk chicken, o.g. fried chicken, chinese “pineapple” bun burger, jamaican coleslaw, and rice & peas with oxtail gravy.

Dive into a brunch experience like no other at Patois, the Dundas West jewel, where Chef Craig Wong is set to redefine the weekend ritual with the launch of “Breaking Brunch”. The monthly series sees the restaurant collaborating with Toronto’s local tastemakers,blending their shared passion for food and community into a brunch that’s as memorable as it is delicious.

With each instalment, a unique tastemaker takes the reins, collaborating with Chef Craig Wong. Together, they’ll create a special menu item exclusive to that weekend and craft a signature Jamaican patty, available in limited numbers at JunePlum. Patois offers a family style brunch format where their diners can customise their brunch platters so everyone can mix and match their favourite menu items and sides to create the ultimate brunch!

The first brunch take-over on Saturday, September 23rd and Sunday, September 24th will be hosted by Will Lou and Alex Wong, Toronto-based sports broadcasters and writers best known for their #1 rated Canadian basketball podcast, The Raptors Show with Will Lou. Will and Alex often generously donate their time to local events such as CCYAA Celebrity Classic and Asian Gold Ribbon campaign and love to connect with their massive and enthusiastic fanbase. For the Will Lou and Alex Wong brunch weekend, Chef Craig Wong has created the “Toronto Cheesesteak Sandwich Stolen from Philly just like Game 7.” This featured menu item will be their take on the classic cheesesteak with thinly sliced ribeye, sauteed onions and a housemade cheese sauce on a hearty, soft roll. JunePlum will also feature the Jurassic JunePlumTM Patty (bone marrow, smoked brisket in oxtail gravy) for this brunch takeover. Both items will be available all weekend.

“Brunch is a convivial meal usually shared between friends on the weekend with a great sense of community,” says Craig Wong, executive chef and owner, Patois. “Over the years, I’ve met some amazing people at Patois who inspire me with their work and creative spirit and how it uplifts the people around them and I wanted to tap into that energy to create a fun and unpretentious dining experience that focuses on amazing food, delightful drinks, close friends, good convos and great vibes.”

Patois is now open for brunch during the following hours of operation:
● Saturday and Sundays between 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
● Reservations for brunch can be made at patoistoronto.com

Follow @patoistoronto on Instagram for future Breaking Brunch takeovers!

Toronto icons Patois and Pizzeria Libretto have joined forces this month, giving the discerning Toronto food set something to rave about. Up till the end of April, Patois and Pizzeria Libretto have made available a special limited edition Pizza, a magical creation combining authentic flavours of Jamaica together with those of Italy in a harmonious union.

The Pizza is topped with Jerk Sauce, Jerk Mortadella, Panna (Cream), Fior di Latte (Cow’s Milk Mozarella), Pineapple Reduction and Toasted Pistachios, giving those who are anti-pineapple on Pizza lots to be confused about! It is delicious and better yet, tastes even more amazing after letting the flavours mingle and settle for a short bit.

But above all this, for every one of these Pizzas sold, they will be donating one frozen pizza to Daily Bread Food Bank Toronto. Feed yourself and feed those in need of a good meal. This is available at all Pizzeria Libretto locations in Toronto – but a reminder, only till the end of April! But really do you need an excuse to visit Pizzeria LIbretto? They literally are the best Pizza in the City! And this way you can get a taste of the superb Patois too. It’s a win-win!

A reel of delusciousness!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Chef Craig Wong is somewhat of a visionary, marrying West Indian and Chinese fare together in the innovative way fans of PATOIS have come to love. Opening in 2014 on the bustling Dundas West strip, the Scarborough native has transcended borders with his fusion of flavours and we had the amazing pleasure finally of visiting. Did you know that Michelle Yeoh calls PATOIS one of her favourites in the City? She is known for ordering the Jerk Lobster every time and a special custom Spicy Margarita!

We tried their famous O.G. Fried Chicken and it slayed. Their award-winning Juicy Jerk Chicken? The perfect heat. That long-standing favourite, the Pineapple Bun Burger? We’re here for those two smash patties. Their Izakaya Shrimp Pasta, a featured menu item? It was divine. We left stuffed and there are still so many other things we want to try, namely their Fried Okra Doubles!

A highlight reel of our meal. Love this festive space painted in turquoise, cream and pink hues. Apologies in advance for any cravings induced!

The space beside PATOIS will in the future be used for weekend Pop-Ups. The space, coined THE WEEKENDER CAFÉ is such an amazing space, supporting small local businesses and their products like Ice Cream, Coffee, Candles, Books and Cold Drinks!

PATOIS is located at 794 Dundas Street West, Toronto. More here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)