Cowabunga! How One Hamilton Dreamer Turned Pandemic Pizza into Global Joy
In the heart of Hamilton’s bustling James Street North, Cowabunga Pizzeria pulses with more than just the aroma of fresh dough and bubbling cheese, it radiates the infectious energy of a dream realized against the odds. What started in 2020 as a gutsy takeover of a struggling pizzeria during the thick of the pandemic has […]
From Midnight Experiments to a Toronto Cookie Empire: The Sweet Rise of The Night Baker
In the quiet hours of the night, two chemists named Mitchell and Leanne Cabrera found their true calling between bowls of dough and the warm glow of their oven. What began as a passionate hobby in 2017 quickly blossomed after a single bite from a little boy at a farmers’ market, their homemade s’mores cookie […]
Turning Nostalgia into Buttercream Bliss: The Heartwarming Rise of Tito Parley’s Silvanas
What started as a humble baking hobby in a home kitchen has blossomed into one of Canada’s most charming Filipino dessert spots. Parley and Charmaine, with no formal business background, dove headfirst into entrepreneurship and let their passion guide them. That fearless, learn-as-you-go spirit helped them bypass the overthinking that often stops dreams in their […]
Claire’s Kakanin Opens a New Home on Wilson Avenue
For many Filipinos in Toronto, Claire’s Kakanin isn’t just dessert — it’s nostalgia wrapped in banana leaves and coconut oil. Known for its soft kutsinta with yema sauce, Claire’s has become a staple at Filipino gatherings, from birthdays to weddings, and now it’s entering a new chapter with its bigger, brighter store at 878 Wilson Avenue. Claire’s story […]
From Kitchen Dreams to Kitchener Success: The Story of Lutong Ilocano Lechon
What began as a small lutong bahay venture during the pandemic has become one of Kitchener’s favorite Filipino food spots, Lutong Ilocano Lechon. Back then, the couple behind the kitchen both worked full-time at Toyota, cooking Ilocano dishes only as a side hustle. But when orders kept pouring in, they made a big decision — one of […]
Marcelina’s: The Heart of Filipino Home Cooking in Toronto
When you step inside Marcelina’s on Wilson Avenue, it feels less like a restaurant and more like home. The tables are simple, the space cozy, and the welcome always warm. But behind every plate of pancit and every smile that greets you is a story of family, faith, and Filipino pride. The restaurant began as Aristocrat in the mid-1990s, […]
Islas BBQ: A Taste of Home in Toronto
It all started with a trip back home. While vacationing in the Philippines, Richard found himself on a food adventure with his future wife, Marielle—going from island to island, tasting local favorites, and soaking in the energy of every eatery they visited. “Toronto needs this kind of food experience,” he thought. It was just an […]
From Insurance to Iced Lattes (The Story of Dudu’s Café)
In the heart of Bloor West Village, a cozy little café named Dudu’s has quietly become a neighborhood favorite. It serves more than just coffee and bubble tea — it offers warmth, familiarity, and a dash of Filipino charm. Before it became Dudu’s Café, the space was a Timothy’s World of Coffee. When the previous owner moved to […]
From Corner Store to Cheers – The Story of JC Tambayan
When JC and Karen opened JC Tambayan in Scarborough, they weren’t flush with capital or experience. What they had was a dream: to open a cozy Filipino bar that felt like home. Long before they had wings and loaded fries as bestsellers, they were just friends trying to figure out how to turn a dream […]
Asadong Matua and the Taste of Home: Crave and Company at Bale Kapampangan
In this episode of Crave and Company, host Kyle links up with Mark from Lumikha Media for a cozy food trip to Bale Kapampangan, a fine-casual Filipino restaurant tucked in North York. From the outside, the place might look like fine dining—with its elegant plating and well-lit interiors—but once inside, the atmosphere is warm, familiar, and family-friendly. Balik Kapampangan was designed for moments […]
