Izzy Petraglia, a Toronto-based freelance writer and publicist, has recently gained widespread attention for her unique approach to community engagement, transforming a mundane TTC subway commute into an extraordinary culinary experience. On a Monday evening, Petraglia organized a free buffet for subway passengers, bringing her dream to life in a way that exemplified generosity and creativity. Inspired by a viral Thanksgiving dinner video filmed in a New York subway, she felt compelled to recreate that sense of community through food. Driven by her ambition to launch her own cookbook, Petraglia saw this as an opportunity to connect with her city in an unconventional yet meaningful manner.
The buffet event took place aboard a Line 1 subway train, commencing at Glencairn Station and making its way to Finch and back over the course of two hours. Petraglia, along with her friends, took the initiative to prepare a variety of dishes, including spicy miso cucumber salad, pancit bihon, sweet and spicy tofu, and a selection of cookies, among other treats. Notably, her ube white chocolate cookies garnered significant enthusiasm from the passengers, highlighting the success of her culinary endeavors. The atmosphere on the train quickly evolved from curiosity and amusement to participation, as passengers began to engage with the buffet and enjoy the food being offered.
As passengers sampled the dishes, many began to share their stories, making the event feel like a communal gathering rather than just a food distribution. One particular encounter resonated deeply with Petraglia: a woman who had just completed a grueling 12-hour work shift expressed her relief and gratitude, stating she could cry from hunger. These moments illuminated the very purpose of Petraglia’s initiative; she aimed to address not only hunger but also the emotional connection that food fosters among people within the bustling rhythm of city life. To ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, a handwritten flyer with ingredient information and allergen transparency was provided alongside each plate.
While the subway feast received overwhelming positive responses, it did meet some criticism online regarding hygiene practices. Petraglia was quick to address these concerns, emphasizing that health and safety were top priorities for her team. They took careful measures by regularly sanitizing the food and serving it directly to passengers, avoiding self-service to minimize any hygiene issues. This attention to detail reflected Petraglia’s commitment to making the experience both enjoyable and safe for everyone involved.
Looking ahead, this subway buffet was not a mere one-off event for Petraglia. She expressed a desire to organize similar gatherings in the future, as her passion for bringing people together through food continues to flourish. The subway environment often isolates individuals, trapping them in their own worlds, and Petraglia’s initiative aimed to disrupt that isolation, fostering connection in an urban setting. As she continues working on her cookbook and exploring new culinary ideas, she remains determined to build community in innovative ways within Toronto.
The backdrop of rising food insecurity, economic challenges, and a housing crisis in the city adds another layer of significance to Petraglia’s efforts. Her initiative not only provided nourishment but also aimed to create a collective moment of joy and camaraderie among those who participated. In a time when many face uncertainties and hardships, she believes that food serves as a powerful medium for connection, an age-old tradition that bridges gaps in society. Through her creative expressions and acts of kindness, Petraglia inspires a movement of togetherness that extends beyond just meals, impacting individuals and the community as a whole.
