Taylor Newlands
Digital Editor
Taylor Newlands 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. Yes, in all her travels, she's never found another city worthy of the same praise. Where else could she tuck into authentic sushi, ramen, dim sum, pasta, tacos, world-class cocktails and local wine, all in the same day?
Recently, she's jumped on the sober-curious bandwagon, exploring non-alc options and mocktails, but her love of wine runs deep, especially for big, bold reds; buttery chardonnays; and, of course, sparkling wine in all its various forms. There's nothing more luxurious than champagne and oysters, baby. As a pescatarian, she leans heavily into seafood- and plant-forward cuisines.
Taylor Newlands's articles
What's on tap at the newly reopened Folly Brewpub
Recently reopened on College, Folly Brewpub serves crowd-pleasing, crushable beer along with more unique brews — all paired with their stellar food program.
Published: Wednesday 6th April 2022
5 lip-smacking gin cocktails and their recipes
Layered with botanicals, gin is an ever-popular, complex spirit. Here, it shines in these beautiful gin cocktails, ranging from fresh and fruity to strong and citrusy.
Published: Wednesday 23rd March 2022
Introducing Bearface Matsutake, an umami whisky we can't get enough of
Recently launched at LCBO, the new Bearface Matsutake is a complex, layered whisky infused with wild B.C. mushrooms for a rich, umami finish.
Published: Tuesday 22nd March 2022
Inside the new Modern Wing at The Drake Hotel, Toronto
After years of construction, the new Modern Wing at The Drake Hotel, Toronto is finally open. We take a peek inside the cool space brimming with local art.
Published: Wednesday 16th February 2022
Christmas traditions from Toronto's top chefs and bartenders
We head inside the homes of five food and drink pros to find out their favourite Christmas traditions, what they cook and how they make the holidays special.
Published: Friday 3rd December 2021
What it's like at the swanky, new Joni Restaurant
Joni Restaurant, inside Toronto's newly renovated Park Hyatt Hotel, brings bold flavours and art deco vibes to Yorkville.
Published: Wednesday 10th November 2021
9 etiquette examples and tips you need to know
Etiquette expert Karen Cleveland helps us unlearn 18 months of eating like cavepeople with a refresher on restaurant etiquette and being a guest at dinner parties.
Published: Wednesday 20th October 2021
Toronto's restaurants are making a comeback
Toronto’s restaurant recovery is in full swing, but you may not recognize the reboot. We chat to the owners and workers rebuilding the food scene post-pandemic.
Published: Wednesday 13th October 2021
Inside Cellar Door Restaurant, Etobicoke's hidden gem
We venture slightly out of city limits to Etobicoke’s Cellar Door Restaurant and discover top-notch Italian fare without the usual side of pretension.
Published: Monday 27th September 2021
What it's like to stay at the new 1 Hotel Toronto
1 Hotel Toronto is a highly-aesthetic staycation that will transport you into indulgent luxury all while keeping sustainability in mind.
Published: Wednesday 15th September 2021
Make this: Flaming mai tai from The Shameful Tiki Room
The Shameful Tiki Room in Toronto's Parkdale neighbourhood shows us how a mai tai cocktail is really done — flames and all.
Published: Monday 16th August 2021
Inside Barocco X Nino, Italian café, trattoria and more
Take a trip to Italy at new café and trattoria partnership on College Street, Barocco X Nino — home of the best pizza a taglio in the city.
Published: Tuesday 3rd August 2021
20 Rooftop patios in Toronto to transport you to the tropics
Decked out with lush greenery and twinkling lights, these are the best rooftop patios in Toronto for escaping the city without actually leaving the city.
Published: Monday 19th July 2021
9 of the tastiest Toronto markets for street food
Looking to fill the food festival void in your heart? We've got the best Toronto markets dishing out delicious street food and selling foodie finds this summer.
Published: Tuesday 29th June 2021
Inside Paradise Grapevine, wine bar and bottle shop
From winemaking and importing bottles to operating as a wine bar with a secret garden patio, Paradise Grapevine on Bloor does it all.
Published: Monday 21st June 2021
The impact of COVID-19 on our eating habits
The link between eating and emotion goes way beyond being “hangry” — we chat to three local women who understand the deep connection between food and mood.
Published: Tuesday 25th May 2021
The fine dining dilemma
Toronto has been dubbed the most multicultural city in the world, yet its fine dining scene remains resoundingly white. We take a look at a category of cuisine that’s ripe for change.
Published: Tuesday 13th April 2021
Inside Unboxed Market, a grocery store without plastic packaging
On Dundas West, zero-waste grocery store and refillery Unboxed Market aims to reduce food waste — and cut your grocery bill.
Published: Wednesday 31st March 2021
Restaurant review: Shook
After a fire forced them to close for over a year, Middle Eastern vegetarian restaurant Shook is finally back.
Published: Wednesday 10th March 2021
Your essential guide to the different sushi types and how to eat them
Chef Kazuya Matsuoka of Minami gives us a primer on what exactly sushi is, the different sushi types and how to eat them — and (spoiler alert) you've probably been doing it wrong.