David Schwartz Opens Jewish-Soul Steakhouse Linny’s Toronto

Several young chefs are gaining recognition for blending cultural heritage with innovative culinary approaches. David Schwartz, known for his Toronto-based Chinese restaurants Mimi Chinese and Sunny’s Chinese, recently opened Linny’s, a deli-inspired steakhouse honoring his late mother, reflecting a full-circle journey from Cantonese cuisine to deeply personal food identity. Chef Tu David Phu, a Vietnamese American author and Oakland native, highlighted the cultural significance and resilience embodied in Vietnamese cuisine during a cookbook signing event, emphasizing the importance of community and personal stories in food. Meanwhile, Ardy Ferguson, raised in Jakarta and now a sous chef in Hong Kong, earned the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Award for his dish combining Indonesian and Cantonese flavors, illustrating a commitment to empathy and leadership in the culinary world. These chefs exemplify how diverse backgrounds and personal histories are shaping contemporary cuisine, blending local and international influences to create meaningful dining experiences. Their stories underscore food as a powerful expression of identity, community, and innovation.