Lisa Shamai, Founder

Since 1989, Lisa Shamai Cuisiniere has built its name as one of Toronto’s Premier Caterers. For corporate functions, private parties, weddings and any other conceivable events, we offer the freshest and tastiest cuisine available, along with unmatched expertise and personalized service. Our spacious, on-site Rainbow Room is our exclusive events rental space perfect for small to medium sized events.

Lisa started off at home in the mid 80’s, doing everything herself. She built her business which now employs 20 fulltime staff with a team of on call and part time staff. In 2001 Lisa won the Riverdale Business Community’s Woman Entrepreneur of the Year award, based on both her business success and her tireless community work. Sadly, Lisa passed away in January 2015. She is sorely missed, but we will carry on in her name, and we intend to make her proud! Our secret to success has always been to maintain the homemade spirit and integrity in everything we create. Lisa still inspires all that we do. We are very proud to continue her charitable work to help make our community a better place.

Mike Ryan, President

Mike Ryan is a man of many talents. As our President, he oversees all the details of running the company, ensuring smooth, successful events for our clients. From menu planning to rentals, and everything in between, when it comes to your catering needs, Mike is your guy. When he’s not in the kitchen, Mike spends his time playing guitar with his rock & blues band, Bitter Blue.

“Food is my favorite thing, next to writing & performing music! I’ve always loved planning parties, & enjoy doing it here at Lisa’s. I’m spoiled by the food we make, & am excited about sharing it with you! Contact me anytime!”

Our Creative Cooks

Nofisa

Mythily

Lucia

Jessy

Community

This September I participated in OneWalk for Princess Margaret Hospital. This has been a Lisa Shamai tradition over the years with our Rainbow Team. Because of Covid 19 we had to do the walk on our own instead of a group. I picked High Park to do my walk and it was a beautiful day to be out. Over the years the walk has helped Princess Margaret Hospital raise over $177,000,000.00 towards a cure for cancer. We are very happy to be a part of this. Also, a special thanks to our donors who have helped us once again to have a successful campaign. Mike Ryan

Explore Lisa’s Community Links

Lisa Shamai was not only the owner, operator and chef of this very successful and popular catering company but Lisa most often spent her very limited free-time participating in and hosting educational cooking classes, fundraising for a number of Health Food Organizations programs, Social services, and many Cancer Research Fundraising events.

This year with the help of Sheila Wong, president of BBW International, Lisa’s Rainbow team raised close to $20,000 for princess Margret hospital’s walk to end all cancers.

Her accomplishments are long in list but here are some of the fine organizations and events that Lisa, her staff, friends and family have actively participated in: