Irene Matys
Chef | Cookbook Author
At TGE 2025, Irene will guide attendees through the day’s event with her signature warmth and creativity. Whether she’s hosting a culinary showcase, connecting with fellow chefs, or sharing personal food stories, she brings a deep sense of purpose and authenticity to everything she does. Expect laughter, insight, and a whole lot of flavor as Irene helps curate an unforgettable celebration of Greek Cypriot and Mediterranean heritage.
Irene will be signing her book on Sunday October 19th, 2025. Don’t miss it!
Get your copy before or at the event.
About Irene
Irene Matys is a Greek Cypriot culinary expert and Cookbook author specializing in recipe development, food writing, food photography, and styling. Born in Famagusta, Cyprus, Irene immigrated to Canada with her parents in 1976 as refugees. Over the years, she has become a vibrant advocate for her Cypriot roots and Mediterranean cuisine, blending heritage with sustainability to showcase seasonal ingredients through nourishing, beautifully styled dishes. Irene is a familiar face in the culinary world, frequently appearing on television and contributing to national media, where her heartfelt narratives and warm generosity inspire home cooks.
Education & Culinary Foundation
Irene holds a business degree from the University of Toronto and a culinary certificate from Liaison College. Her deep connection to Cypriot agricultural tradition stems from her family’s history as olive growers and farmers who instilled in her a strong farm-to-table ethos. Irene’s culinary journey is deeply rooted in Mediterranean cooking, where she emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Professional Experience & Media Appearances
With over a decade of experience in recipe development, food styling, and photography, Irene’s work consistently aligns with her commitment to sustainability and farm-to-table practices. She collaborates closely with Plan B Organic Farms in Hamilton, Ontario, where she assists in planting, harvesting, and creating seasonally inspired recipes. Irene formerly with The Marilyn Denis Show, now with Breakfast Television, and has appeared on The GoodStuff with Mary Berg, Your Morning, and The Social. She is also a recipe contributor for LCBO’s Food & Drink magazine, Best Side Magazine, and collaborates with many Canadian brands and producers.
Publications
In May 2025, Irene released her debut cookbook, My Cypriot Table: Mediterranean Recipes for Gathering, Sharing, and Savoring, published by Appetite by Random House. The 376-page volume became a Globe & Mail bestseller, featuring over 100 recipes that fuse traditional Cypriot flavors with Canada’s rich agricultural offerings. Irene’s signature food styling and compelling storytelling have been widely praised for making Mediterranean dishes both authentic and approachable.
Culinary Philosophy
Irene’s culinary philosophy is grounded in her Cypriot roots and the Mediterranean farm-to-table tradition. Her approach focuses on fresh, seasonal produce, high-quality olive oil, legumes, grains, and other Mediterranean ingredients that nourish both body and soul. Her cooking style emphasizes authenticity, accessibility, and the communal joy of sharing food traditions across cultures.
Register Today
Irene will be signing her book on Sunday October 19th, 2025. Don't miss it!
