Tony Garcia | From Cordon Bleu to Community Tables: Rethinking Culinary Culture

In this episode, Jenny sits down with one of the most interesting people she’s ever met—Tony Garcia, Director of Academic Operations at George Brown College’s Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts. With a career spanning over 80 countries, Tony’s insights into the future of hospitality, innovation, and inclusive leadership are not to be missed.

From prestigious kitchens in New York to wine panels, the White House lawn, and now the classroom, Tony’s journey is a masterclass in how to honour tradition while driving transformation.

But this episode is more than professional—it’s deeply personal. Tony is Jenny’s best friend’s husband, the father of her godson Rafael, and the person she calls anytime she needs to know where to eat—anywhere in the world. He’s grounded, global, deeply kind, and someone who makes everyone feel seen.

Fittingly, this episode airs while Jenny and Tony are in Spain together, celebrating Rafael’s baptism in the small northern town Tony grew up in—Celanova, where he’s known as something between the mayor and a crown prince.

Tony once shared a quote that’s never left Jenny:
“When you want what you’ve never had, you have to do what you’ve never done.”

Whether you're in hospitality, leading change in your own industry, or passionate about food and culture—you’ll want to hear what Tony has to say.

To learn more about Tony and his work through Northern Hospitality, visit https://northernhospitality.ca/.