Last updated on November 17th, 2020 at 11:47 am
Grace Pan is very likely my favourite foodstagrammer in this city.
There. I said it.
We met under… less than ideal circumstances (just saying, when a person you just met is willing to sift through garbage to help you find your wedding ring—friend for life), but I’m entirely glad to include her in my life.
In a world oversaturated by the same names with the same game, seeing them over and over again, Grace seemed to come out of left field with her stunning visuals, reminding me there was still a world of people doing things I hadn’t yet experienced, and I can’t thank her enough for that.
Grace’s approaches her post the same way she photographs food—focusing on the broad range of colours, textures and stories you’ll find across Canada. Canada is not simply the part of the country you’re currently in—there’s a ton to experience across these 9.985 million square kilometres we call home, and I think Grace’s post does a great job of reminding us!
Hope you enjoy it, and we’ll see you tomorrow for the next #Chronicle150!
Until then,
–case p.
Who are you and what are you all about?
My friends call me Grizzy, Grake, Gracie… you name it (they’re probably just tired of autocorrect constantly changing ‘Grace’ to ‘Grave’ LOL)! An ordinary day for me consists of producing digital content for brands, planning events, and capturing the most Insta-worthy shot. On top of that, I’m also a full-time university student.
What makes you so Canadian?
Sometimes I say “sorry” more than I should, or awkwardly hold the door for someone who’s a little too far behind (then they end up running over and here comes the endless ‘thank you’s and ‘sorry’s). I owe my Canadian-ness to the amazing friends I have who come from many ethnic backgrounds. The diversity seems to only make us closer and appreciate each other more.
I also like to drizzle maple syrup on my poutine, does it get any more Canadian than that?
If you could distill your world to one story or moment that truly defines what being Canadian means to you, what would it be?
2017 marks the 10-year anniversary of my family’s journey in Toronto and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunities and experiences. I was in elementary school when we immigrated to Canada, I knew zero English, and somehow, I still managed to make friends. At that moment, I knew I wanted to do the same for newcomers I meet to make them feel like home. Being a Canadian to me means being welcoming, inclusive, accepting.
This is Canada today after 150 years. Where would you like to see it go from here on out?
I’d love to see schools all over Canada spend more time to embrace the differences among us and show students how different physical attributes don’t necessarily separate us, it can bring us closer together. I hope the world will get to see more of Canada’s beauty, flavours, and culture. Just because we are younger than most other countries, doesn’t mean we are any less significant!
Finally, what’s the one thing you think the rest of the world needs to know about Canada?
I believe Canada is one of the most underrated travel destinations. We have breathtaking mountains and oceans views in Vancouver and Banff, fabulous city vibes in Toronto, so many historic sites in Ottawa, and you simply can’t walk away without trying the iconic Montreal-style smoked meat. The world needs to know and experience Canada!
Grace Pan is a social media influencer, event planner, and PR consultant based in Toronto. Her Instagram @Phone.Eats.First was featured by Narcity Toronto as one of the “Top 12 Food IGs to Follow”. She loves to travel and discover hidden gems to grab a bite at; you will always find her filming with her camera or phone wherever she goes. Check out her YouTube videos here.