There are few better ways to launch a food podcast than by bringing the people who shape the dining scene into one room. On October 26, GLORY Media did exactly that, celebrating the launch of By Reservation Only, its newest podcast and a fresh foray into the worlds of dining, culture, and luxury.
Hosted at The St. Regis Toronto, the evening brought together some of the country's most exciting culinary talent, hospitality leaders, creators, and brand visionaries. The occasion also marked the release of the show's debut episode, featuring Hong Kong-born chef and restaurateur Alvin Leung, better known as the “Demon Chef,” whose boundary-pushing approach to cuisine has made him one of the industry's most distinctive personalities.
As season one’s studio partner, the St. Regis Toronto set the tone with a curated selection of hors d’oeuvres and wine, offering guests a taste of the hospitality that has long defined the storied hotel. Meanwhile, presenting partner KIBO ensured no one went hungry, serving an assortment of sushi alongside hot dishes including japchae and chicken karaage. It was the kind of spread that encouraged guests to linger a little longer, ideally with another bite in hand.
Conversation was very much on the menu. San Pellegrino, the evening's official water partner, placed its bottles throughout the space, with labels featuring conversation starters from its latest campaign. The prompts offered an easy invitation for guests to move beyond introductions and into more meaningful exchanges, reinforcing the evening's central idea: food has always been one of the most compelling ways to bring people together.
Outside the ballroom, an equally eye-catching arrival awaited. Audi welcomed guests at the hotel entrance with a display featuring the yet-to-be-released Audi Q9. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the vehicle's interior, take a seat behind the wheel, and speak with on-site Audi specialists about the new model. Dragon Farm rounded out the evening with gift bags for guests to take home as a memento of the evening.
Following an evening of mingling, the formal program brought the room together to mark the podcast's official debut. Host Hannah Kim offered a warm welcome and thanked the guests and partners who helped bring the project to life. The remarks were followed by a sabrage champagne ceremony led by the St. Regis team, a dramatic nod to the hotel's storied traditions and a fitting way to toast the start of something new.
The guest list read like a snapshot of Canada's evolving culinary landscape. Among those in attendance were Bo Seo of KIBO; Patrick Kriss of Alo; sommelier Christopher Sealy; Tosh Aggasiz of Cono; Steven Molnar of Quetzal; Craig Wong of Patois; Jeff Kang and Edward Bang of Takja; Jonathan Bauer of Pompette; and Basilio Pesce of Porzia's. Creators and media personalities, including Yuki Zhao, Dominique Baker, and Brenton Mowforth of Cheers to Happy Hour, joined the mix, alongside a wider circle of hospitality insiders and brand leaders.
The gathering was more than a launch party. It was an introduction to the conversations By Reservation Only aims to bring to the table. Hosted by Kim, the series explores the people, ideas, and ambitions shaping Canada's culinary identity, moving beyond the finished plate to examine the stories, decisions, and creative instincts behind it. From chefs and restaurateurs to hospitality innovators and cultural figures, each episode offers a closer look at the people who make dining a defining part of how we live.
With its first episode now live, By Reservation Only signals an exciting new chapter for GLORY Media's podcast network. And if the launch evening was any indication, the best conversations are still to come.
Explore the series: Listen to the debut episode featuring Alvin Leung and discover By Reservation Only on GLORY Media.
Photography: Nancy Kim
By Reservation Only Launch Gallery
