Yes Shef, Yes Shef! Q&A With Nicole Hynes

As Yes Shef, the celebrated culinary event spotlighting women in the food and beverage industry, gets set to make its Ontario debut on Monday, March 9, 2026 at RC Show 2026, taking place at The International Centre in Mississauga, some of Canada’s most talented women chefs are prepping to take centre stage. We caught up with one of this year’s culinary stars to talk mentorship, inspiration, and what she’s serving up at this landmark celebration of women in food and drink. —Noa Nichol

Since Yes Shef! is all about pairing established pros with the next generation of talent, if you could go back in time and share a piece of advice with your younger self on your first day entering the hospitality industry, what would it be?

What a great question. My best advice is to write your own story by trusting your instincts. When you feel unease OR alignment, listen and respond accordingly. Your decisions shape your story — and no one else gets to write that but you! Terrifying and exciting in equal measure

Of all the concepts, menus, or hospitality experiences you’ve helped bring to life throughout your career, which one holds the most personal story for you, and where can our readers experience it right now?

The most personal thread running through all my hospitality concepts is the ethos, “Go High, Go Low.” It’s the idea that great experiences don’t have to live at only one price point or level of formality — magic IS luxurious and playful at the same time. Readers can experience this most directly at my Prince Edward County spot – Sand & Pearl, open from May through October. It’s where the “Go High, Go Low” spirit really lives. It might look like ordering a seafood tower #addcaviar which arrives tableside with a bag of Doritos. Or it could mean an evening drop in for something simple and nostalgic: a S’mores Kit by the campfire, cooking your marshmallows, and spotting fireflies. Both experiences carry the same intention — delight, surprise, and joy without pretense. Year-round, that same Go High, Go Low, joy-forward approach shows up at my Toronto venue, The International Palace of Joy, a daily cafe with private events in four unique spaces – with fully personalized, immersive celebrations. No two are alike, and that’s exactly the point, we build something magical each time.

What is the one song or album that is guaranteed to be playing in your space to get the team energized during a busy Friday night service? 

Music is SO important in our spaces.  I can guarantee you cheesy love songs, like Slow Hand by the Pointer Sisters and chill, breezy music like, Vamos a Bailar by María Conchita Alonso

After a long night of hosting tasting stations and mentoring students, what is your ultimate, “no-judgment” comfort food that you crave the second you get home?

Vector cereal, with bananas and almond milk. Always rooibos tea and often a diet coke.

You are doing incredible work for women in the hospitality industry—where can our readers follow your journey and keep up with your latest projects online? 

Follow me on instagram @theinternationalpalaceofjoy AND @sandandpearlpec OR visit me IRL. I’m old skool like that.