About Toronto’s favourite catering company

At Kiss the Cook Catering, we believe food can unite people and we’ve been doing that since 2009. Fia Pagnello founded our story with a love of cooking and a desire to create events that feel as good as they taste.

We don’t just cater—we collaborate. Whether it’s an intimate dinner, a corporate celebration, or a once-in-a-lifetime wedding, we partner with you to design a menu and atmosphere that reflects your style, vision, and guests. Every detail is handled carefully, from locally sourced ingredients to thoughtful service and event planning.

While we take our food seriously, we never forget to have fun along the way. Our team brings energy, creativity, and a little flair to every event because we believe the best memories are made when people feel relaxed, joyful, and well-fed.

Let’s create something unforgettable—together.
Flavours that bring people together. Moments that last forever.

Meet our Founder & CEO

Fia Pagnello

Authentic. Empathetic. Driven.

Fia Pagnello founded Kiss the Cook Catering in 2009 with a simple belief: that food is more than sustenance—it’s a way to connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories.

Rooted in her European heritage, Fia grew up in a household where meals were moments of joy, togetherness, and tradition. Inspired by her mother’s love of hospitality, she developed a passion for cooking and entertaining that would eventually shape her life’s work. From rolling up her sleeves in the kitchen to planning full-scale events, Fia immersed herself in every aspect of catering to build something truly personal.

As CEO, she now leads a team that shares her vision for thoughtful service, culinary creativity, and meaningful connections. Her approach blends professionalism with heart, bringing people together through exceptional food, attention to detail, and genuine care.

At Kiss the Cook, Fia’s values guide every event: warm hospitality, local ingredients, and a commitment to making every client feel seen, celebrated, and supported. Whether it’s an intimate dinner or a large-scale corporate event, she believes every gathering deserves to be unforgettable.

When you work with Kiss the Cook Catering, you’re not just hiring a service—you’re joining a story built on passion, purpose, and the joy of sharing great food with others.

Executive Chef

Chef Chris Canham

Passionate. Visionary. Intentional.

As Executive Chef at Kiss the Cook Catering, Chris Canham brings a bold, imaginative approach to everything he creates. With deep roots in the catering world, Chris has done it all—from crafting inspired menus to leading large-scale events with precision and flair. His culinary style is guided by one simple idea: food should move people.

Chris’s dedication to locally sourced ingredients, sustainability, and flavour innovation has helped shape Kiss the Cook’s reputation for exceptional dining experiences. His ability to turn everyday ingredients into unforgettable dishes is matched only by his commitment to excellence in the kitchen and the guest experience.

More than a chef, Chris is a creative force and a team leader. He inspires those around him to push boundaries and raise the bar. Whether designing a custom menu for an intimate gathering or orchestrating a 300-person gala, he brings care, vision, and heart to every plate.

Chris often says, “Food is more than nourishment—it’s a celebration of life’s most beautiful moments.” And under his leadership, that’s exactly what every event becomes.

Executive & Planning Team

Fia Pagnello – Founder, CEO
Chris Canham – Executive Chef
Swapnil Paradkar – Sous Chef
Carmine Beltrame – Operations Manager
Jennifer Orange – Director of Catering & Events
Grace Consul – Catering & Event Coordinator
Neil Gilbert – Catering & Events Coordinator
Katy Keogh – Catering & Event Coordinator
Kim Doane – Administrative Bookkeeper
Lucy Rahman – Senior Bookkeeper
Paul Phillips – Media & Marketing

Green Policy

At Kiss the Cook Catering, thoughtful, responsible practices should accompany exceptional food and unforgettable events. Our commitment to sustainability and giving back is woven into everything we do, from sourcing our ingredients to supporting our community.

We proudly partner with local organizations like Feed Scarborough and Homes First Society, helping combat food insecurity and provide shelter for those in need. These partnerships allow us to extend our care beyond the table, sharing the same warmth and generosity that define our events.

We prioritize fresh, locally sourced, seasonal ingredients in the kitchen—supporting nearby farmers, reducing emissions, and celebrating what our region offers. We work to minimize food waste through planning and repurposing, favouring eco-friendly packaging and materials wherever possible.

Choosing Kiss the Cook means more than just great food—it means supporting values that matter. Together, we can create meaningful experiences while positively impacting our planet and our community.

Charity

Deep within our company culture, we have a desire to make a positive impact in the communities where we work and live. One way we do this is by giving back to our communities in the form of financial support, food donations and employee volunteerism.

Kiss the Cook Catering supports a growing number of charitable causes in Toronto and beyond. Recent successes include Easter Seals, Homes First Society, Kisses for Keaton, SickKids Foundation, United Way, March of Dimes and more.

I highly recommend Kiss the Cook Catering from a working lunch to an executive board meeting, you can expect the best in quality and service – I guarantee you will want to Kiss the Cook!

Renee LayneDetour Gold Corporation

Kiss the Cook has catered a number of our events, most of which have involved food for about 120 people. On every single occasion, both the food and service have been exceptional.

Joan DacostaUniversity of Toronto

Kiss the Cook provided daily lunches for our physicians in the Critical Care Medicine department. Their services were second to none. Menu selections were diverse, tasty and the delivery timely.

Farida Hasin-ShakoorUniversity Health Network

Kiss the Cook have always exceeded with delicious food, original ideas and exceptional service. They are professional, courteous, efficient, accommodating and always on schedule.

Tony GaraffaForeman, City of Toronto

Our orders are always correct and complete, with no detail left out. The food is fresh, delicious and always delivered on time, which we value tremendously. They take into consideration the dietary needs of our staff, and treat our team like we are old friends rather than just another customer.

Tom DitoroHDR Architecture Associates Inc.