#FOOD: MOTHER OF ALL TALKS RETURNS TO LYLA FEBRUARY 10, 2026

On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 5:30 to 7pm, Lyla, located at 60 Sudbury St., will host Mother of All Talks, an ongoing speaker series presented by Valley of Mother of God Gin. For this session, titled “Beyond the Busy Season: How Restaurants Win During Quiet Months,” the discussion will be centred around how restaurants can make the most of a traditionally challenging time of the year.

The panel will bring together Tiana Atapattu Jayatunga, Creator and Host at Streets of Toronto; Caroline Aksich, a Toronto-based writer whose work appears in Toronto Life, Fodor’s, and Designlines; Taylor Newlands, Toronto-based writer and editor for Foodism, and Jenny Shin, CEO of Milestones Public Relations. Moderated by Lyla co-owner Daniel Van Welie, the panelists will share practical, budget-friendly strategies for generating buzz and driving traffic to restaurants, followed by an audience Q&A.

Guests will be welcomed with a complimentary cocktail featuring Valley of Mother of God Gin and Ice Chef premium ice, with water being provided by San Pellegrino. Light bites from Lyla’s Executive Head Chef Michael Medeiros will offer guests a taste of the menu, and attendees are encouraged to stay for dinner at Lyla following the panel, to continue the rigorous discussions. This event is free but spots are limited. Guests can reserve a spot HERE.

Tiana Atapattu Jayatunga – Content Creator Panelist

Tiana will bring the creator-side perspective to the panel, breaking down how restaurants can work with content creators to drive real awareness and foot traffic, and what a thoughtful, effective partnership looks like. She’ll also demystify compensation, sharing guidance on what impacts pricing, what’s considered fair, and how to align on deliverables and expectations so collaborations feel valuable on both sides. Tiana is a Toronto-based food and lifestyle reporter, video journalist, and creator who focuses on storytelling with heart. After hosting more than 800 videos at blogTO, she has since produced and appeared in over 1,500 stories spotlighting the small businesses, restaurants, and events that shape Toronto and Canada, including reporting annually from the TIFF red carpet. Today, she is a familiar face at Streets of Toronto, where her video journalism reaches millions each month; she also co-hosts The Table 6ix Podcast, consults on social media growth and content strategy, and continues to grow her personal platforms, including her viral $50 Date series and the $50 Date Menu collaboration spin-off.

Caroline Aksich – Media Panelist

Caroline will share a journalist’s perspective on how restaurants can earn meaningful coverage with little to no budget, what makes a pitch stand out, how to build genuine media relationships, and the smart, scrappy angles that help stories get picked up without a full PR team. Caroline, a National Magazine Award recipient, is an ex-Montrealer who writes about Toronto’s ever-evolving food scene, real estate, and culture for Toronto Life, Fodor’s, Designlines, Canadian Business, the Globe and Mail, Glory Media, and Post City. Her work ranges from features on octopus-hunting in the Adriatic to celebrity profiles.

Taylor Newlands – Media Panelist

Taylor will bring the editor’s lens to the panel, sharing what food and lifestyle outlets are actually looking for right now, how to identify a story angle that cuts through, where restaurants can find “news” in what they’re already doing, and how to position openings, menu moments, and collaborations in a way that makes writers want to cover them. Taylor is an award-winning writer and editor based in Toronto. Currently, she’s the digital editor of foodism and escapism, where she spends most of her time stuffing her face with the latest food and drink trends, and trying out travel and wellness experiences first-hand “for research.” In her writing, she balances amplifying underrepresented voices and telling untold stories with showcasing the incredible food and drink that make Toronto the best city in the world.

Jenny Shin – Public Relations Panelist

Jenny will ground the discussion in the PR playbook, sharing how restaurants can build sustained visibility through smart storytelling, relationship-building, and reputation management, plus the practical steps operators can take to create consistent momentum, even in quieter seasons. Jenny, President and CEO of Milestones Public Relations, is a notable figure in public relations, specializing in fine dining, hospitality, and reputation management. With a steadfast commitment to ethics and advocacy, she guides MICHELIN-star chefs and global restaurants toward realizing their aspirations, fostering positive advancements in the hospitality industry. Jenny’s mission centres on adding value to every engagement, cultivating meaningful relationships, and leaving a lasting impact through integrity, accountability, and clear communication.
Daniel Van Welie – Moderator

As moderator, Daniel will bring the operator’s perspective to the conversation, connecting the panel’s media, creator, and PR insights back to the day-to-day realities of running a restaurant, and steering the discussion toward practical takeaways that teams can actually implement on the floor and behind the scenes. Daniel is a Toronto-based hospitality entrepreneur originally from Montreal. He moved to Toronto at 18 and built his foundation working both front- and back-of-house at Terroni and NODO while studying Hospitality Management at George Brown College. At 22, he co-opened his first restaurant, CANO, a classic Italian trattoria on St. Clair, alongside his cousin and uncle, and later branched out independently to open Lyla Toronto at 29, an elevated Mediterranean destination defined by thoughtful design, vibrant energy, and a guest-first dining experience. With hands-on experience in every role, Daniel brings a holistic, operational lens to hospitality, pairing genuine service and standout food with a sharp appreciation for wine, cocktails, and the financial mechanics behind a successful restaurant.

About Lyla
Lyla is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant in Toronto’s Liberty Village, known for vibrant flavours, warm hospitality, and an energetic dining experience suited to both intimate dinners and group celebrations. The menu is curated by Executive Chef Michael Medeiros, and rooted in quality local and seasonal ingredients that highlight the best of what’s available throughout the year. With a focus on thoughtful plates designed for sharing, Lyla brings a modern, elevated approach to Mediterranean dining in a lively, welcoming setting.

#FOOD: VALLEY OF MOTHER OF GOD GIN LAUNCHES IN JAPAN

Valley of Mother of God Gin, one of Canada’s most acclaimed luxury spirits brands, has officially launched in Japan, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s global expansion. With Tokyo widely regarded as one of the world’s most influential cocktail capitals, where drinking culture and global trends are shaped, the gins have quickly gained recognition for their quality and craftsmanship.

The launch was celebrated through two dedicated events held at Craft Gin Bar Copain—one for bartenders on November 28 and another for consumers on November 29—where the gins are also available to enjoy now. Both events were organized and hosted by Jenya Malakhova, owner of Craft Gin Bar Copain and a member of The Gin Guild, whose leadership and industry relationships played a key role in the launch’s success and early listings.

Valley of Mother of God Gin is now available at select bars and retail locations throughout Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, including the Tokyo American Club—one of the city’s most prestigious international private clubs. Additional locations include Antonic, Bar Quitar, Kairos Gin Bar, NonDa90 (Izakaya restaurant), KOKUtEERU (yakitori restaurant/bar), Bar Cielo, Bar Hinata, Oasis Bar, and The Bar Vieux Carre1, with more to follow. Select retail partners include Global Gin Gallery, Mixology Boutique, Musashiya, Ginlab Japan, and Nurihiko Liquor, with more adding soon.

Introduced to Japan by Heavenly Vines, a Tokyo-based importer specializing exclusively in Canadian wines and spirits, VMG’s launch reflects growing demand for premium, globally distinctive gin in one of the world’s most discerning cocktail markets.

“This is one of the most challenging markets in the world, given the sophistication of drinkers,” says Jamie Paquin, the owner of Heavenly Vines, “…and the initial reaction to Valley of Mother of God Gin has been outstanding, with an extremely high purchase rate. True excellence is recognized and rewarded here, so we’re proud to be making VMG available in Japan.”

Crafted in Ontario by co-founders and life partners Malcolm Roberts and Shelly Perry, Valley of Mother of God Gin has gained international recognition for its innovation and unique Canadian essence. The Canadian Wild Juniper Dry Gin is celebrated for its elegant, versatile botanical profile, earning it a coveted Gold Medal in the Super Premium category at the 2023 Global Spirits Masters UK competition, while their Maplewood Smoked Gin—a world’s first— was awarded a coveted Master Medal in the Ultra-Premium category. This uniquely Canadian style of Gin appeals to the whisky, bourbon, and gin enthusiasts alike.

“While we continue to build momentum at home, we’re very intentional about where we launch internationally, focusing first on cities that help shape global spirit culture. Tokyo is the key starting point for us,” says Malcom Roberts, co-founder of Foxglove Spirits, which owns Valley of Mother of God Gin. “New York follows our next priority with a launch planned for spring 2026 in a market with enormous reach and media influence. Abu Dhabi plays a different but important role as a smaller but highly refined luxury market in the Gulf. At the same time, we’re continuing to expand retail distribution across Canada, with a strategy centered on being listed on the menus of the country’s top bars and restaurants, allowing on-trade credibility to drive broader consumer awareness and retail growth.”

In Canada, Valley of Mother of God is the leading domestic luxury gin brand at the LCBO, one of the world’s largest and most competitive spirits retailers, with availability in more than 260 stores nationwide. Internationally, the brand is currently available in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, with New York slated for launch in spring 2026 as part of its continued global expansion.

About Valley of Mother of God Gin

Valley of Mother of God Gin is an award-winning Ontario-made spirit known for its smooth, well-balanced profile. Crafted by life and founding partners Shelly and Malcolm, and perfected with the guidance of a Master Distiller from London, England, the gin captures the abundance of Canada in a glass. It is distilled with a mix of Canadian and international botanicals grown at their Foxglove farm, and it offers clear notes of Ottawa Valley and Tuscan juniper, McIntosh apple, black walnut, and more botanicals for a layered and smooth finish. It works well in classic cocktails like a gin and tonic or Negroni, and stands out for its consistent quality and modern, thoughtful approach to gin-making.

About Heavenly Vines

Heavenly Vines is a specialty wine shop based in Tokyo that focuses exclusively on Canadian wines. Founded to bring Canada’s best bottles to the Japanese market, the store offers curated selections from across the country, from Niagara and Prince Edward County to British Columbia and Quebec. The shop aims to introduce keen drinkers in Japan to Canada’s diverse wine regions and artisanal producers, pairing a commitment to quality with a passion for sharing Canada’s wines and spirits abroad.

About Craft Gin Bar Copain Tokyo

Bar Copain is a speakeasy craft gin bar offering more than 800 gins from around the world. Jenya, the bar owner and a Gin Guild member, is passionate about gins across the world, which reflects in the bar’s collection. The team helps guests discover what craft gin is and find a style they enjoy, with a selection of about 13 tonic options for custom gin and tonics. The bar also hosts monthly events featuring distillers from Japan and abroad, giving visitors a chance to learn more and try new releases.

#FOOD: FICOA TO HOST “THE MOTHER OF ALL TALKS”

On Wednesday, July 9, 2025 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., an intimate corner of Toronto’s Little Italy will come alive with conversation, cocktails, and the energy of people gathering with purpose. This month’s edition will be held at Ficoa, a Neo-Latin restaurant on College Street. The event marks the next edition of The Mother of All Talks — a free-to-attend keynote talk hosted by Valley of Mother of God Gin, in collaboration with San Pellegrino.

The theme of the evening is “Family & Food,” a pairing as natural and essential as the two elements themselves. Guests will be welcomed with a Valley of Mother of God cocktail for $5 along with complimentary small bites. After the talk, guests are invited to extend the night with an exclusive four-course prix fixe dinner for $65, where the conversation can continue over a shared meal.

Space is limited. RSVP HERE.

Mother of All Talks is like Ted Talks with cocktails–built on a monthly theme. This month, speakers will deep dive into the theme of food and family. Attendees can expect riveting talks about the relationships, rituals, and recipes that define how we eat and who we are. This month’s speakers will share their deeply personal, timely stories shaped by lived experience. If anyone knows about the intricate relationship between food and family, it’s these three powerhouse women who are revered in their respective industries.

Cristina Carpio is a prominent media personality, restaurant advocate, and editor-in-chief of Evolve Magazine. Her career spans across restaurant development, international culinary events, television hosting, and public advocacy. Having launched multiple high-end restaurants in the GTA and produced for CTV Morning Live, Carpio brings an unmatched lens to food as both cultural currency and emotional language.

Chef Martine Bauer is co-founder of the award-winning Pompette group (Vinoteca Pompette, Bar Pompette and Bakery Pompette). Born in Mauritius and trained in Paris, Bauer cooked at Matignon, the official residence of the French Prime Minister, before going on to co-lead one of Toronto’s most respected culinary teams. Her story weaves together tradition, migration, and creativity—all through the lens of French cuisine and local farming.

Patricia Toro, serial restaurateur, is the owner of Ficoa. Toro’s culinary point of view is rooted in her Ecuadorian heritage and decades of experience in food and hospitality. At Ficoa, she brings together a love of nutrition, elegance, and community. She believes food is an extension of home, and a bridge between generations.

The Mother of All Talks was created as a way to gather people—not around trends, but around truth. The series runs monthly, each session shaped by a new theme, a new trio of speakers, and a shared belief in the power of storytelling. With support from Valley of Mother of God Gin, the event also showcases the brand’s clean, Ontario-distilled spirit in custom cocktails designed for the evening.
More than a talk, this is about building community—with time set aside after the event for guests to meet the speakers, spark conversation, and carry the night forward together.

Details:
Where: Ficoa, 585 College St., Toronto
When: Wednesday, July 9 | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend | $5 cocktails & complimentary small bites
Optional: Exclusive prix fixe dinner available for purchase following the event
How: Guests can RSVP through the Eventbrite HERE. Space is limited