Leila likes

05/14/2026

Back behind the scenes with Tojo san, capturing some of his newest offerings, and honestly, moments like this always remind me how much this journey has come full circle.

Over 15 years ago, when I was still working in advertising and marketing, our paths crossed for the first time. Tojo san was one of the people who unknowingly changed the direction of my life and became a huge reason why I stepped into this industry in the first place. Since then, it’s been incredibly meaningful working alongside him and capturing his world whenever he needs me. The trust he has given me over all these years means more than words can explain. In many ways, he has always felt like my Japanese father.

And somehow, every shoot still ends the same way, being completely spoiled with some of the most delicious bentos, catching up on life, and genuinely happy to see each other again.

Some beginnings stay with you forever, and no matter where life takes me, my cameras will always be ready for him.

05/13/2026

A little late posting about the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards, a community I hold so dearly. A day spent cheering for people we love, who have worked relentlessly behind the scenes year after year.

I know I say this every year, but being able to work on the cover, alongside the team, and create images for restaurants I truly adore is something I always look forward to with this issue. It goes far beyond photography. It’s about the people, the stories, the long hours, the resilience, and having the privilege to capture all of that through my lens.

It is also a reminder of why I am still so deeply in love with this industry, continuing to work hard, create, and support a community that has given me so much over the years.

Thank you once again for including me. And congratulations not only to the winners, but to every finalist, every team, every cook, server, manager, dishwasher, sommelier, pastry chef, and every person behind the scenes who helps shape this industry into what it is today.

For the full list of winners, please visit the Vancouver Magazine website.

04/13/2026

Between being onsite for clients and media dinners, the windows to catch up with friends and drop by places have been few and far between.

It took six months—but finally made it happen. A fun dinner with at , right where I like to be: at the bar. Watching the room, taking in all the playful details, and getting even more excited for our upcoming trip back to Japan, very soon.

Thank you to the team for the warm hospitality and for the new cocktails sneak peek, , I’ll definitely be back. And thank you .d.mancenido for the warm welcome, and for the off-menu dishes.

04/09/2026

Easter dinner this year. Mom, both sisters, one table.

It’s been a while since we’ve all been in the same city at the same time—and this was exactly what we needed. A low-key evening, no stress, just good food, easy conversation, and time that didn’t feel rushed.

The mango cake from Easter Dinner Kit completely caught us off guard. Cream, fresh mango, and a layer of jasmine tea jelly that tied it all together.

Last year it was the carrot cake (and I usually lean savoury over sweets), and somehow, this year, the cake stole the show again. I couldn’t stop going back for that jasmine tea jelly.

Saved the last slice for tonight.
Still thinking about it.

03/23/2026

The food was always going to be the reason we came to support Mama. The music… we didn’t see coming.

Caleb Chan — Canadian composer, four-time Leo Award winner, SOCAN’s 2024 Breakout Composer of the Year, and the one behind the Bridgerton Season 4 string arrangement of Olivia Rodrigo’s “Bad Idea Right?” , shared the room with Mikey Jose, vocalist and PhD candidate in neuroscience by day.

Caleb doesn’t perform live. He came out for his friend Will, in support of Richmond Hospital Foundation. And together, they created something we honestly didn’t want to end. The kind of moment where you sit there hoping no one claps too soon, just so it can keep going.

Caleb and Chef Will Lew once played in orchestra together. Music brought them to the same place, and then life pulled them in completely different directions — one into the kitchen, one deeper into composition. And yet, here they were again. Same room. Same purpose.

Alana and my littlest were right there with us through all of it, the dumplings, the wonton noodles, the music wrapping around the room. Watching her take it all in… that’s one of those moments you hold onto.

Grateful doesn’t quite cover it. 🤍

12/07/2025