Presentations & Lecture Series
From ancient archaeology to mouthwatering culinary history to deep philosophical debates, my presentations are designed to spark curiosity. Whether I’m speaking to university students to book clubs to library groups, I bring each topic to life supported by in-depth research.
Interested in a talk or lecture series for your group? Reach out to book a course, ask questions, or discuss custom ideas—I'd love to help craft a presentation that suits your interests and needs. Contact Laura today.
Upcoming Talks & Courses:
An Edible History of Toronto
Two Dates and Locations!
Toronto is a global culinary capital, home to iconic food brands and restaurants, from Café Diplomatico to Mr. Christie's Cookies. But how did Toronto earn its reputation as a foodie haven? Join me on a mouth-watering journey through Toronto’s food history. Bring your appetite and stretchy pants for a virtual taste of Toronto's past and present.
Registration recommended. Drop-ins welcomed until capacity is reached.
Thursday, September 3, 2026 at the Toronto Reference Library (TPL), 6–7pm (Register Here)
Thursday, September 17, 2026 at the Brentwood Branch (TPL), 7–8pm (Registration coming soon)
The World’s Great Food Cities
Join me on this fun new six-part series on the world’s meccas of food. From Rome’s temples to pasta, to Tokyo’s sushi masters and neighbourhood noodle shops, to Barcelona’s markets and world-renowned tapas bars, we’ll explore the delicious histories and vibrant cultural landscapes of a series of wonderful cities, revealing the food traditions and dishes they’ve given the world.
Thursdays, 10:30 am – 12pm, September 10 – October 15, 2026, Miles Nadal JCC, Toronto
From Stalls to Streets: Toronto’s Food History on Foot
Join me for a lively eight-part walking tour series that brings Toronto’s food history to life through its markets, streets, and neighbourhood food landmarks.
Each tour offers an engaging mix of local history, city exploration, and food culture with stories of bakeries, breweries, candy factories, and more. Participants will stroll through some of Toronto’s most fascinating districts, uncovering the people, places, and flavours that helped shape the city.
Wednesdays, 1–3pm beginning September 30, 2026
Offered through the LIFE Institute, participants must be active members to sign up for this course. Learn more here
Current Courses:
The Life Institute, Summer 2026
Discover of one of humanity's most enduring and dynamic institutions: the restaurant. Although the term dates to Revolutionary France, people have gathered together to share meals for millennia. In this talk, we’ll journey from ancient Mesopotamia to the Victorian era to investigate the origins and development of pubs, cafes, diners, and more. We will define what constitutes a restaurant, distinguish it from other forms of public eating, and explore its significance as a mirror of social change, innovation, and cultural exchange. Finally, we’ll explore what comes next in the global dining scene as 21st-century chefs and restaurateurs leverage technology to create immersive experiences and reach new audiences.
Quisque iaculis facilisis lacinia. Mauris euismod pellentesque tellus sit amet mollis.