Q&A With TL Insider Lana Grigoriou
How this ER doctor is making the most of her membership
How have you been holding up during the pandemic?
I’m an emergency physician at Scarborough Health Network. It’s been a challenge, to say the least. Initially, we had our hands full with managing the fear of the unknown—learning as much as possible about the virus so we could define the role we’d play in fighting it. Now that it’s been almost a year, I’ve come to realize how important it is to focus on my own wellness. I make sure to keep in touch with friends through FaceTime, exercise (my gym has continued their classes online) and eat a lot of great meals. I’ve been trying my best to cook, but I’ve also been making my way through my favourite restaurants’ takeout. Toronto Life is a great resource to find new and exciting food in the city.
What prompted you to join TL Insider?
I’ve been a member since the program started. I was excited to be involved in food-and-drink-related events at cool locations, with the chance to meet new people. I was immediately drawn to the Toronto Life Best Restaurants event at the Evergreen Brick Works, where we could sample food from all the top restaurants.
Do you remember your first event?
An early event that really stood out to me was an after-hours party held at the Cheese Boutique. We got to sample food made right in front of us by Afrim Pristine and Cory Vitiello, sip wine, and shop with a special member discount code. I definitely felt like an Insider that night!
Which virtual events have you enjoyed most?
I really enjoyed Evelyn Chick’s whiskey cocktail class and the Elle Cuisine holiday cooking class. I always find I gravitate toward events that are food and drink related.
What would be your advice for new members, or for those thinking about joining?
TL Insider has something for everyone, and the classes and events have been even more accessible since going virtual. It’s a great way to stay involved in what’s going on in the city while staying socially distanced. Participating in virtual events over the last year has been a great way for me to destress and have a bit of reprieve from what is going on in the world.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
Foodie events are always on my list. This year, I want to branch out and try some of the fireside chats, like the recent one on the homelessness crisis, with Telus and Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre.