The Most Reliable Way To Predict The Future...

Over a year ago, Newcomer Kitchen lost its funding and I lost my job. Like many people facing unexpected change, I wasn't entirely sure what came next.

So I did what I know how to do. I kept moving.

I travelled. I spent time with family and friends. I reflected on what mattered most. And alongside a small but mighty team at Newcomer Kitchen, I continued volunteering and contributing where I could, even when the future felt uncertain.

For months, we kept plugging away because we believed in the work and shared a vision that newcomer women deserve opportunities to build businesses, confidence, and belonging.

Over the years at Newcomer Kitchen

Then things started to happen.

Funding was secured.

Meanwhile, Toronto was having a moment- recognized on the global stage. FIFA World Cup 2026™ was around the corner. The Depanneur, where NK started, received accolades for their cookbook and earned international acclaim, winning a Gold Medal at the 2025 Taste Canada Awards and three Gourmand International 'Best in the World' Cookbook Awards. 

The Depanneur Cookbook

What began as a food-related proposal, unexpectedly evolved into something completely different. Because FIFA World Cup 2026™'s existing sponsors already occupied many food categories, we pivoted and ultimately got approved to became an Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Licensee with a limited-edition cooling sports towel collection of three series- 6 towels instead.

Series 2- Towel D "We are the World in a City" is FIFA World Cup 2026™’s tag line

‘specially for the Six. Toronto is the most cosmopolitan city in the world and

we couldn't be prouder of our multicultural heritage.

What sounds simple on paper turned into a fascinating journey of applications, approvals, supplier sourcing, finding the right local production partner, compliance audits, licensing requirements, design reviews, shipment delays and countless hurdles along the way. Today, having our towels around our neck feels surreal. And being invited as a VIP licensee guest at Friday's FIFA World Cup 2026™ opening game was on another level.

At Canada vs. Qatar Game with Willowdale Councillor Lily Cheng

At the same time, another passion was quietly growing.

I embraced AI early, taking courses, attending workshops, following the rapid developments in the field, and exploring how it could be used thoughtfully to empower people rather than replace them.

Attending A Toronto Tech Week Event

Recently, I had the opportunity to incorporate AI into a food education program with a junior public school community. Together, we used technology, creativity, and storytelling to help families share recipes and experiences that ultimately became a community cookbook. Watching families see their stories and recipes come to life was incredibly rewarding.

With Lynnwood Principal Joy Reiter

Nutritious and Delicious Three-Protein Shakshouka

📢 I am so proud to announce, I've stepped into the role of Program Director and Program Development at Newcomer Kitchen Canada as we prepare for an exciting new chapter and national growth.

Farmer's Market during my early NK years as a trainer with my students

One of my priorities will be rebuilding and reimagining our food entrepreneurship training programs, combining the heart of community-building with the possibilities that AI can offer to support learning, creativity, and business development.

The future still feels uncertain. Perhaps it always will.

But I've learned that uncertainty isn't something to fear. It's an invitation to create.

To create with passion.

To create with joy.

To create with purpose.

And sometimes, when you keep showing up, believing, learning, and building, the future begins to meet you halfway 💖. 

Hong Kong is Where My Heart Belongs...

 

Going back where my heart feels at home 香港💓

A year ago, after my first visit to Hong Kong, I made a bold promise that I would return as soon as now. And here I go again 🛪… this time with my twin teens in tow ✌. Their very first journey to Asia, a chance to experience the flavours, energy, and culture that connect them to their roots. And to plant the seed for future opportunities and becomings 😀

Don Don Donki in Hong Kong is a wildly popular Japanese discount chain featuring massive, 24-hour, or late-night, multi-level stores. Known for its maze-like, crowded aisles, it offers a wide range of products including Japanese snacks, fresh seafood, produce, cosmetics, and household goods at competitive, budget-friendly prices.

Can't wait for my boys to get the Don Donki experience.

Nathan Road in Hong Kong is famously known as the "Golden Mile," a bustling, neon-lit thoroughfare in Kowloon that serves as a premier shopping and dining destination. It stretches from Tsim Sha Tsui to Mong Kok, featuring a dense mix of hotels, tailor shops, electronics stores, and Temple Night Markets.

The famous Nathan Road

Mak Man Kee Noodle Shop in Jordan, Hong Kong, is a renowned Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognized, family-run institution established in 1945. Known for its authentic Cantonese, it serves 900-1,000 bowls daily, featuring thin, springy duck egg noodles and large, succulent shrimp wontons in a clear, flavourful, dried-flounder-based broth.

YUMMM! Such comfort bowls!

Victoria Harbour by day

At night... Exquisite!

Thrilled to be also crossing into Shenzhen, a first for me too. The timing feels almost serendipitous with China opening visa-free just as I have wishfully planned🤞🔥🐎. From the neon streets and dai pai dong eating in Hong Kong to the vibrant pulse of Shenzhen, China’s electrifying tech haven, I cannot wait to explore it all together through curious eyes, hungry bellies, and full hearts. In Operation Asia, we are the Trio Dragon Squad 🐲😀Let's Go 💨

Taiwanese Street Eats Jian Dan Kitchen Launches In Toronto 🇹🇼

 

What an AmaZing weekend with the inauguration launch of my friends' Taiwanese food business @jiandankitchen2023 🇹🇼♨️ in their first ever pop up @tasteofvietnam @nathanphillipssquare!

🌟 Taste of Vietnam 2025 is HERE! 🌟🇻🇳

Three fun-filled days with mouthwatering cuisine, vibrant cultural performances, traditional wedding displays, lantern parades, fashion shows, live music, fun contests, and so much more! 

Owners Jian- former chef at One Michelin Star resto Don Alfonso and wife Jenny (my former student at Newcomer Kitchen's food entrepreneurship program) were so excited to share the best of Taiwan street food they grew up with back home! 

"Our stall takes inspiration from traditional Taiwanese street food blending it with new flavours to breathe creativity into familiar Taiwanese tastes. We aim to present a fresh take on nostalgic flavours while sharing the unique charm and innovation of Taiwanese street food with people from all cultural backgrounds!"-- Jian

A change of pace from all the Vietnamese specialties that abound, we offered samples and sold lots of fried food delights signature of what the Taiwanese is known for such as squid balls, popcorn chicken, taro balls (vegan) and sweet potato fries with plum powder (WoW right??), and in special combos with refreshing Taiwanese drinks such as winter melon tea with aiyu jelly- a natural pectin released from the seeds of the creeping fig for a unique texture! Once people tasted they had to buy 😋🙌!

Fried chicken and sweet potato fries combo 😋!

Rain ☔ or shine 🥵, the show must go on... and this team were complete troopers. Bringing their goodies to sell to patrons sheltering from the rain under the City Hall canopied entrance, the only ones who thought to do that 👏! 

Love the staff's energy and poised professionalism- so cut out for electric events like this 💪👊💥!! 

And the tight-knit small Taiwanese community who came by to support 💞

Give this food start up @jiandankitchen2023 a follow and keep posted on upcoming pop up events lined up this summer in late August and early September 😁!

A Kitchen Party Wrap Up At Newcomer Kitchen...

 

It has been a rollercoaster of emotions the last few weeks. Newcomer Kitchen did not get renewed IRCC government funding to continue program operations and our last day is the end of this month. In the midst, we were in full throttle organizing a Kitchen Party event that was part reunion for our alumni (inviting past students all the way since inception 2016) and a big heart thank you to our loyal customers and community partners over the years. 

In addition, we also launched THE GREAT CANADIAN COOKIE EXCHANGE which both promotes the spirit, generosity, variety and flavours of our Canadian communities.

Top left clockwise: With Cheryl Appleton, founder Canadian Women In Food, mother and daugter duo students and friends (the love here is real!), sisters and students, and Lola, one of the first graduates who runs a very successful Nigerian catering business Flawless Cuisine.

To top it all off, we had two graduations for the women completing the winter food business 'Willing To Work' programs and were ensuring we carved time to properly celebrate by handing their certificates, discussing their payouts and taking photos. 

Program Trainer Mary Freij and Hope Flavour

Program Trainer Rachel Adjei and Queens Cravings

At the Party we had:

Great food made by the talented graduating women in our entrepreneurship program...

Topping Rice Biryani Arancini Balls- A Hit!

Samples from our emerging entrepreneurs in our XP food incubator program...

XP Program Women Who've Started Their Own Businesses

Our #GreatCanadianCookieExchange concept- Bring a dozen cookies, take a dozen cookies!

And ended the night with a gorgeous and delicious slab Ukrainian honey cake (part grad, part party) prepared by my past lovely and talented Ukrainian student Liza.

It has been an incredible journey for me over the 3-1/2 years- I have been so honoured to work with such AmaZing and Inspirational women both in the organization and those I've trained in the programs and community partners I met along the way. It has been life-changing by broadening my perspectives and understandings around culture, food and different ways of doing things. I am forever grateful for each and every one who has crossed my path. Your impact will always remain. In the meantime, Newcomer Kitchen is looking forward to build relationships with potential funders and partners, and taking a big break to rejuvenate and reset. If I get the chance to come back, my arms and heart will be wide open once more. So long... for now.

Until then, looking forward and beyond... 

Adventures abound in my travels with my beloved brother to Asia ✈ and ExCited 

for my Chinese community project launch when I return 🤗... Yay! Stay Tuned.