Vanessa Hayford

Vanessa has a serious passion for food and can usually be found searching for new eats in Toronto. Aside from her culinary pastimes, she has previously worked as an immigration caseworker for a local Member of Parliament, and she is currently a Master’s of Global Affairs candidate at the Munk School of Global Affairs.

Guides

Four African Eats to Spice Up your Valentine’s Day

By Vanessa Hayford

It’s that time of the year again – Valentine’s Day is upon us! Whether the annual day of love gives you feelings of excitement…

Lifestyle

The Humble History of Soul Food

By Vanessa Hayford

Soul food is one of the most popular and recognizable types of cooking coming out of the United States. For centuries, Black Americans have…

Lifestyle, West African

The Scoop on Jollof: Why West Africa Holds its Rice Dish Dear

By Vanessa Hayford

Every culture and community has that one revered dish. The dish with a recipe that is passed down from generation to generation and is…

caribbean, Lifestyle

Caribana: Toronto’s Celebration of Caribbean Culture

By Vanessa Hayford

Caribana has become a key highlight of summer in Toronto. It’s hard to imagine an August long weekend without the opportunity to whine ya…