Forest City Culinary Experiences

05/24/2026

For many months, my Substack sat dormant, less a failure of imagination than a collective refusal of the work to be rushed. Some of these essays have been years in the making, undergoing the quiet, iterative evolutions that occur when a piece is left to breathe. Recently, however, a shift occurred. As I closed a significant chapter, that hiatus has dissolved into a sudden, intense period of output. Though I have been fairly prolific these last months, this is not a sudden burst of novelty; it is a creative harvest, the distillation of long-gestating drafts into their final forms. It is also an expansion. Alongside these essays, I am currently at work on a culinary memoir and a collection of short stories. There is a particular, sharp clarity that accompanies an ending, and this current chapter feels like a homecoming, a moment where patient preparation finally aligns with a renewed sense of purpose. Thank you for reading Heart of an Artichoke, and for your continued support. If this piece resonated with you, please consider leaving a comment and clicking the heart; both are deeply appreciated.

Bryan Parker Lavery

https://bryanparkerlaveryvery.substack.com/p/remembering-slow-food-founder-carlo

05/22/2026

https://bryanparkerlaveryvery.substack.com/p/the-market-crucible-cultivating-gastronomy

Invitation to the Table: Shaping Our Collective

05/13/2026

05/12/2026

Forest City Culinary Experiences offers more than a tour; it is a curated masterclass in local gastronomy led by a true industry titan. Founded by Bryan Lavery, these experiential tours bridge the gap between London’s historic roots and its modern, diverse future. Culinary experts and chefs provide an insider’s perspective on the historic Covent Garden Market District and the city’s vibrant downtown food scene.

Experience Description
The tour typically lasts 3 hours and is designed around "intentional storytelling," allowing guests to connect with the local community through progressive tastings.

Guided Market Tour: The experience begins with an introduction to the market's heritage and its role as a regional hub for farmers and artisans.

Progressive Tastings: The tour features at least five unique stops. Guests sample signature, locally sourced items from vendors such as cheesemongers, artisanal bakers, butchers, and international food specialists.

Cultural Context: As you walk through the Forks of the Thames and past heritage sites, guides share insider facts about the city’s founding and its evolution into a gastro-cultural destination.

Awards and Recognition

The experience is highly regarded for its innovation and commitment to local food culture:

Ontario Culinary Tourism Experience Award: The program won this prestigious honour for its dedication to building sustainable culinary experiences and local partnerships.

Innovation Awards: It has been recognized as a finalist for the Innovative Experience of the Year by Ontario’s Southwest (OSW).

Individual Honours: Culinary Facilitator and Chef Bryan Lavery was named the "Luminary of the Year" for 2025 by Ontario’s Southwest for his significant impact on the region's culinary tourism industry.

Pricing

Pricing for these experiences varies based on the format and group size:

Standard Walking Tours: Prices typically start from $120 CAD per person.

Gastro-Tasting & Cooking Classes: More extensive experiences that culminate in a curated tasting, a sit-down meal or a hands-on cooking class are generally priced around $180 CAD per person, plus tax.

Custom Group Tours: Specialized pricing is available for private or corporate bookings tailored to specific interests and Team Building Experiences.

Heritage and Innovation: As we navigate the vibrant streets surrounding the Forks of the Thames, Museum London, and Eldon House, we share the eccentric local knowledge and historical context that only a true culinary pioneer can provide.

Ya Ya’s Kitchen at Museum London: A premier stop on our updated route, Ya Ya’s Kitchen offers a profound Afro-forward experience. Located within the scenic Museum London, it explores the Global Black Experience through bold flavours and culturally authentic narratives that trace the heritage of every ingredient.

Contact: Bryan Lavery or Yamuna Guni
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 519-280-7565

05/12/2026

Forest City Culinary Experiences: Award-Winning Journeys Through London’s Soul.

Forest City Culinary Experiences offers more than a meal; it is a
masterclass in local gastronomy led by a true industry titan. Founded by Bryan Lavery, these tours bridge the gap between London’s historic roots and its modern, diverse future. Bryan’s lifelong commitment to Southwestern Ontario’s terroir has earned him the prestigious Luminary of the Year award and the celebrated Food Champion award.

As a testament to the quality of these story-driven journeys, Forest City Culinary Experiences was honoured with the Culinary Tourism Experience Award by the Culinary Tourism Alliance.The ExperienceOur journeys go beyond the plate, allowing participants to build direct relationships with local farmers, chefs, and producers. Through unique perspectives, industry experience, and inter-generational insights, Bryan and his team share professional familiarity and intimate insider knowledge of the local scene. Whether through a specialty pop-up or a guided walking tour, you will experience the region’s dynamic food landscape from the perspective of an ultimate insider.

The Journey HighlightsThe Covent Garden Market District: Most tours begin at this historic indoor/outdoor landmark. Here, you will connect with artisanal vendors and farmers to sample signature seasonal items that define the city's culinary foundation.Ya Ya’s Kitchen at Museum London: A premier stop on our updated route, Ya Ya’s Kitchen offers a profound Afro-forward experience. Located within the scenic Museum London, it explores the Global Black Experience through bold flavours and culturally authentic narratives that trace the heritage of every ingredient.Heritage and Innovation: As we navigate the vibrant streets surrounding the Forks of the Thames and Eldon House, we share the eccentric local knowledge and historical context that only a true culinary pioneer can provide.From seasonal tasting events to customized group tours, we invite you to see London not just as a city, but as a thriving, innovative ecosystem of flavour.Contact Information

To learn more or to book your experience, please contact us at [email protected] or call 519-280-7565.

05/11/2026

The New Delhi Deli

Bhan Mudliar has transformed a small corner of London, Ontario’s Covent Garden Market into a culinary destination where the vibrant flavours of Fiji and the Caribbean meet. Her story, as highlighted by Eatdrink Magazine, is one of resilience, deep-rooted tradition, and a lifelong passion for cooking.

Mudliar’s journey began in Nadi, Fiji, on a sugarcane farm where she first entered the kitchen at the age of four. Working alongside her mother, she learned the foundational alchemy of hand-roasting and grinding spices—a practice that remains the soul of her cooking today. This early education was paired with a tireless work ethic inherited from her father, a drive that now fuels her seven-day-a-week commitment to The New Delhi Deli.

After immigrating to Canada, Bhan formalized her expertise by graduating from Fanshawe College’s Culinary Management program. Her professional trajectory reflects a unique versatility; she spent years producing traditional Canadian fare at Fanshawe Pioneer Village before refining her technique in the high-end kitchens of the Black Trumpet Restaurant. This blend of formal training and diverse experience allowed her to take over The New Delhi Deli as its fourth owner, eventually evolving it into a "from-scratch" powerhouse.

The hallmark of Mudliar’s success is her refusal to take shortcuts. From her famous oxtail and goat curries, rich with star anise and complex aromatics, to her jerk chicken seasoned with scotch bonnets fermented for three months, every dish is an exercise in patience. Her menu has earned a "legion of loyal followers" not just for its heat, but for its heart.

Today, Bhan Mudliar stands as a pillar of London’s local food scene. Whether she is serving her signature roti or expanding her reach with new ventures like her market pizza shop, her work continues to be a testament to the power of authentic, soul-filling food and the immigrant spirit that enriches the Canadian culinary landscape.

05/11/2026

Inside London, Ontario’s historic Covent Garden Market, the aroma of baking dough and savory fillings often leads visitors to a specific corner: The Hot Oven. Since 1999, this family-run bakery has served as a culinary bridge between Southwestern Ontario and the Balkan peninsula. By blending traditional European techniques with the bustling energy of a modern public market, The Hot Oven has established itself as more than just a stall—it is a local institution defined by craftsmanship and heritage.

The hallmark of The Hot Oven’s success is its dedication to the art of the burek. As noted by Eatdrink Magazine, owner Zoran Sehovac has cultivated a loyal following by staying true to the labor-intensive traditions of his heritage. Unlike mass-produced pastries, the burek here is made from hand-rolled, paper-thin phyllo dough that is spiralled into its signature shape. Customers can choose from authentic fillings like seasoned meat, traditional spinach and cheese, or plain buttery layers. The "open kitchen" layout of the stall allows patrons to witness this rhythmic process of stretching and rolling dough, turning a simple purchase into a brief masterclass in pastry making. While the savory burek is the primary draw, the bakery’s versatility is showcased in its sweeter offerings.

According to the Covent Garden Market’s merchant profile, The Hot Oven serves as a popular destination for those seeking a "tasty way to top off lunch" with their apple cinnamon dessert strudel. This particular item has gained additional traction for being a vegan-friendly option, ensuring that the bakery’s traditional flavors are accessible to a diverse modern palate without sacrificing the authentic texture of the phyllo. Ultimately, The Hot Oven represents the spirit of the Covent Garden Market itself: a place where specialized skill and family tradition meet the community. For over two decades, it has remained a staple of the downtown food scene, proving that simple, high-quality ingredients prepared with historical techniques never go out of style. Whether for a quick snack or a hearty meal, a visit to The Hot Oven offers a genuine taste of Balkan culture in the heart of London.

05/11/2026

https://www.londontourism.ca/forest-city-culinary-experiences

Bryan and Nick Lavery and associates share their professional familiarity and insider knowledge of the local culinary scene through a wide range of experiential food tours, culturally-authentic culinary.

05/11/2026

Join the Team: Become a Forest City Culinary Facilitator

Forest City Culinary Experiences is looking for passionate storytellers and food experts to guide our award-winning tours. We don’t just show people where to eat; we connect them to the soul of London’s food scene.

The Role: A Master of the "Insider" Experience

As a facilitator, you are the bridge between the farm and the table. Your primary stage is the historic Covent Garden Market, and the culinary scene in downtown London, where you will:

* Lead the Narrative: Guide guests through the vibrant market aisles, sharing the venue's history and the "insider" secrets only a local expert knows.
* Foster Connections: Introduce participants to our community of farmers, artisanal bakers, and specialty vendors, helping them build direct relationships with the people behind their food.
* Curate Tastings: Facilitate progressive tasting sessions that highlight the seasonal terroir of Southwestern Ontario.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking individuals with professional industry familiarity and a deep, inter-generational insight into local food culture. Ideal candidates are:

* Passionate Educators: Enthusiastic about sharing knowledge on heritage ingredients and sustainable food systems.
* Engaging Storytellers: Capable of turning a simple tasting into a memorable gastro-cultural journey.
* Community Focused: Dedicated to profiling regional food artisans and ecological farmers.

---

Information Sessions

To learn more about the role and our upcoming season, please join us for an info session. You can register or inquire directly:

* Contact: Bryan Lavery or Yamuna Guni
* Email: [email protected]
* Phone: 519-280-7565

01/28/2026

This Valentine’s Day marks a meaningful milestone for the multiple award-winning Blackfriars Bistro and Catering: 30 years of thoughtful, celebrated cuisine, heartfelt hospitality, and a deep commitment to the ideals of Slow Food. Since its founding, the Bistro has remained rooted in the belief that cuisine should be good, clean, and fair—crafted with care, respect for ingredients, and a strong connection to local producers.

Over three decades, Blackfriars has been stewarded by four dedicated owners—Bryan Lavery, Betty Heydon, Sharel Gagne, and Manuela Frongia—each contributing to the restaurant’s ethos and evolution while preserving its core values. Their combined leadership has shaped a space where classical technique meets seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, and where integrity and hospitality have always mattered more than trends.
In this anniversary year, Blackfriars Bistro is honoured to have recently received the Food Champion Award. This recognition reflects its long-standing advocacy for local farmers, sustainable practices, and community-centered dining. Bryan is a finalist for the Ontario Southwest’s Luminary of the Year Award 2025, to be announced in March 2026.

The Luminary of the Year Award recognizes an extraordinary individual whose remarkable contributions have illuminated the tourism industry with an unmatched dedication, unwavering passion, and relentless commitment. This prestigious accolade is given to someone who embodies the very essence of this industry, radiating the spirit and brilliance that make this sector not just a profession but a vocation. This award recognizes an individual, regardless of length of time in the industry, at all levels of seniority.
Blackfriar’s is also home to Lavery’s award-winning Forest City Culinary Experiences. Forest City Culinary Experiences combines unique perspectives, industry experience, and inter-generational insights. Bryan and facilitators share professional familiarity and intimate insider knowledge of the local culinary scene through experiential food tours, culturally authentic gastronomic tasting events, and experiences.

For many guests, Blackfriar's Bistro is defined not only by the food and drink but also by the experience: personalized service, genuine warmth, and a sense of being welcomed back like an old friend.
Celebrating 30 years on Valentine’s Day and with an Anniversary brunch on Sunday, February 15th, feels especially fitting—a testament to enduring relationships, shared tables, and a restaurant that has led with heart since day one.