Slow Food Guelph

Do It Slow

2009-05-04T09:45:00.002-04:00

I attended the Slow Food dinner at Hart House on Friday. 25 Chefs and the first appearance of Carlo Petrini in Toronto. It was truly a slow event, several courses over several hours, interspersed with speeches from Jamie Kennedy, Carlo and Antony John (Soiled Reputation) among others. The food and wines were great, though it was disappointing to see pistachios and cashews in the charcuterie. I realize that we've got a shortage of Ontario nuts right now (last fall's hurricane weather knocked a lot of underripe nuts off the trees), but we've really got to stay the course with our regional identity. And coffee? I would have been more excited with birch tea, spruce tip tea or chickory coffee.
Speaking of nuts, did you know Ontario grows a wide variety - hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts, black walnuts, pecans, chestnuts, hickory, gingko, pinenuts and heartnuts? Unbelievable, and a shame we don't have better access to them.

2009-03-09T18:59:00.002-04:00

Some upcoming events of note in our area:
Our friends at Everdale are running a few education classes in T.O. and the KW regions.:

EVERDALE IN TORONTO

The Toronto Green Community and Everdale present…
Canning and Home Preserving: Part of a Local Food Strategy -
Learn how easy it is to preserve foods in your own kitchen, and then you too can make your own pickles, sauces or other specialty items all year long.
Date/time: Saturday, March 28, 2009 10:00am - 4:00pm

The Toronto Botanical Garden and Everdale present...
Green Roofs and Roof Gardens-
Join us to learn how to create a green roof or roof garden on both new and existing buildings.
Date/time: Saturday, March 28, 2009 10:00am - 4:00pm

EVERDALE IN KITCHENER/WATERLOO

REEP and Everdale present….
Planning your Organic Vegetable Garden: Join us for this day long workshop and learn how to grow delicious organic vegetables right in your own backyard.
Date/time: Saturday, March 28, 2009 10:00am - 4:00pm

Also, the deadline for applications for the Buy Local, Buy Fresh Map fast approaches. April 16th is the deadline to list your operation or advertise...the map "will be expanding to not only list producers in the region that sell local, but also restaurants, caterers and retail stores that make it there business to source local. With 40,000 maps distributed annually, it is a great way to advertise what you do."
For further information, and for application forms, please contact Kate Vsetula at kvsetula@guelphchc.ca or wellington.buylocal@sympatico.ca

Terroir

2009-03-03T20:10:00.003-05:00

I was privileged to participate in Terroir at the Hart House at O. of T. on Tuesday:http://www.terroirhospitality.com/
http://www.gremolata.com/Articles/543-Terroir-Diary.aspx
An inspiring event that brought the local food movement to the food industry, proving that we can support sustainable agriculture and artisanal food production on a larger scale.
On the same note, the brilliant event held at Artisanale Monday for the Buy Local, Buy Fresh "speed dating" gathering demonstrated the same philosophy, and the exceptional turnout reinforced the strength of supporting local food.
Needless to say, keep the faith, support your local producers and make this a lifestyle, not a fad.

Upcoming Events for March

2009-03-02T19:40:00.001-05:00

We’re happy to announce a few upcoming events, beginning with an evening of coffee with our friends at Planet Bean. Join us on Sunday, March 22nd, from 6-9 p.m. at Planet Bean’s Grange St. location - 259 Grange Road East, Unit # 2 , for a tour, coffee cupping, and an education seminar on coffee roasting, followed by a grazing menu of coffee inspired food and beverage items. Tickets are limited, so be sure to reserve yours by contacting me directly, or you can purchase tickets at either Planet Bean location or on our website: www.slowfoodguelph.ca. Tickets are $35 for members and $40 for non-members.
Also upcoming in April will be our first tour bus of the year, this trip will take us through some of the incredible Artisanal cheese makers in our area. As usual, samples will be available at each stop, along with wine pairings from Ontario wineries.
Many thanks go out to our new supporters from the Guelph Organic Conference, and today’s attendees at the Buy Local, Buy Fresh “Speed Dating” event with our local farmers. Both events were fantastically well attended, an inspiring indication that good, clean and fair foods are not just a passing fad, but an important way of living.All the best, and looking forward to seeing you all again

Local Farm Tour Reviewed

2008-08-28T17:38:00.006-04:00

Our first bus tour of local farms was a rousing success, thanks to some passionate farmers and very cooperative weather. About 30 people enjoyed a great day of food, wine and education as we raided four wonderful farms to appreciate the joys and challenges of running an ethical, sustainable operation.

Guests were treated to an in-depth tour of each farm, with delicious dishes such as Slow Braised Pork, Duck Two Ways with Grilled Peach Compote, Herb Roasted Leg of Lamb and Miniature Angus Burgers. Each station also had an accompanying salad and wine selection.

If you missed it, it was as fun as it sounded. But all is not lost. You can experience real food - properly raised, ethical, sustainable, and of course delicious(!) by contacting me at jim@slowfoodguelph.ca. I'll be making infrequent runs out to the farms to pick up products and will have them available in Guelph for pick-up. Better still, plan to visit the farms in our area, it makes for a great day trip.

Local Farm Tour

2008-08-11T07:13:00.000-04:00

A quick reminder about the upcoming local farm tour, Sunday August 17th from noon to 5-6 p.m. We now plan to depart from the parking lot in the Grange Plaza by 12:00, look for the big school bus. Our itinerary includes the following farms:

Blue Haven Farms http://www.designcanada.ca/bh.htm
Sampling braised pork and hand made sausages, with wine and beer pairing and accompaniments
They will have a wide variety of products available for sale.

Avalon Farms http://avalonfarms.ca
Sampling Rouen duck with wine and beer pairing and accompaniments
Whole duck and duck eggs available for sale

Thatcher Farms http://www.thatcher-farms.com/index.html
Sampling lamb with wine and beer pairing and accompaniments
Lamb, beef, pork and eggs available for sale

Nyman Farms
Sampling Angus beef burgers with wine and beer pairing and accompaniments
A selection of beef and pork products available for sale

There are still tickets available for this great event...please show your support for our local farmers by attending next Sunday, and encourage your friends to do the same. This is an incredible deal, and a great day out! Tickets are available through our website, or you can reserve your space by contacting me directly: jim@slowfoodguelph.ca.
Don't forget to supply your own plates, napkins and beverage glass for this event, we'll have rinsing stations at each farm. Bring a small cooler with ice packs for your purchases, this is a great opportunity to stock up. Those that can't purchase on the day are still in luck, I'll be emailing a list of products for sale after the event and will pick up and distribute the following week. I would like to see this become a regular thing, there are a number of great farms in the area with excellent products available.

Also, a reminder regarding our monthly Slow meeting at Latino's this Monday at 6:00 p.m.. I'm positive the rain will stop by then, so you'll find us on the patio with a glass of wine

July Updates

2008-07-06T14:47:00.000-04:00

I've pried myself away from a beautiful weekend to drop you a note about happenings in the Slow lane...
Tonight is the dinner at Artisanale, which sold out last week. Apologies for those trying to get tickets this week...rest assured we will have more events like this one in the very near future.
Monday evening is our monthly gathering, still at Latino's at 6:00 p.m. If you're planning on attending, please plan to purchase a beverage, a snack, dinner, or whatever, as we are meeting during business hours and taking up seats :-)
Slow Food Guelph will be attending Feast of Fields this year! This is an incredible event, I've attended many times over the years. You love food, great wine and beer, and the outdoors - plan to be at Everdale on Sunday, September 7th from 1-5 p.m. More info at http://feastoffields.org/ or http://www.everdale.org/node/102. I'm looking for volunteers to assist on that day, so if you're interested, please email me.
Slow Food Guelph now has a FaceBook Page. I've opted to set up a "page" rather than a "group", as I think this newer format works better for us. Check it out at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Slow-Food-Guelph/17537008585?ref=ts
Become a fan, and help us add content to the site!
Last thing, peak season for strawberries and rhubarb will be over before you know it...I hope you're all taking advantage and canning or freezing for the rest of the year.
Drop me a line if you're looking for different ways to prepare and store these things. (I had the opportunity to experiment with rhubarb based cocktails last week with Borealis Grille's bar wizard Court Desautels...it was tough work, but we managed to get through it!)

Buy Local, Buy Fresh

2008-06-02T19:56:00.010-04:00

The skies held out for the launch of the Wellington County "Buy Local, Buy Fresh" map. Visitors were treated to performances by The Funky Mamas, Amy McCain, Ken Morris and Friends, and Richard Maynard-Langedijk. Local food producers, chefs and educators provided an outstanding Farmer's Market of fresh breads, produce and cheeses for sample and sale. With wine sampling from Cox Creek Winery and delicious offerings from Meals That Heal and Magnolia Fine Foods, among others, it would have been impossible to go home hungry. Anita Stewart was present to launch her new book, "Anita Stewart's Canada", and delivered an inspiring speech in praise of local food, and addressed the mounting challenges of the global industrial food chain. By mid-afternoon, the sun came out and we all enjoyed the picturesque views of the vineyard and fruit trees in bloom. Many thanks to everyone that came out, and if you missed it, pick up your 2008 map and get out and visit a farm and help us support the Bounty of Wellington County. Hey, I just made that up...oh, nevermind, looks like they beat me to it over at foodlink.ca

Upcoming Events

2008-05-25T08:48:00.003-04:00

A few event and gathering ideas to promote:
The launch of the 2008 Wellington Buy Local, Buy Fresh Map, Sunday, June 1st, from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. at Cox Creek Winery. Slow Food Guelph will be there with a small workshop and display.
Everdale Organic Farm and Learning Centre is hosting Organic Gardening: Starting Your Vegetable Garden on Saturday, May 31st with Gavin Dandy, Everdale Farm manager. At Everdale Farm learn all you need to know to start your own organic vegetable garden, from soil prep. to seed starting, transplants, compost, mulching and more! Fee is $85.00
Slow Food Guelph is pleased to announce a fabulous summer dinner at Artisanale Restaurant with accomplished chef and restaurateur Yasser Qahawish and his partner Allison Mitchell. This dynamic and passionate duo have long been living the Slow Food Mandate and we are thrilled to be finally experiencing their wares. Sunday, July 6th, Chef/Owner, Yasser Qahawish will present 5 thoughtfully composed and locally sourced dishes while his partner Allison Mitchell pours consciously paired wines from the Artisanale cellar.Tickets will be available at Artisanale or on line. $90.00 per patron (taxes and gratuities included)
Many of you have expressed interest in meeting informally on a regular basis to discuss all things Slow Food , so we're pairing up with wine educator John Marsden and Latino's Restaurant to hold a monthly get together. John hosts wine tasting seminars every Monday evening from 7:00 p.m. onward. Our plan is to meet on the second Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m., and then those wishing to move into the wine seminars may do so, we anticipate John will feature local and/or organic wines on the evenings we attend. Our first meeting will tentatively be scheduled for Monday, June 9th.

2008-05-15T20:08:00.002-04:00

The signs are seemingly everywhere lately: eating locally, thinking locally, are fundamentally the best options in our distressed global economy. Fuel prices are forcing people to rethink how much they travel, and how much their food travels. It's clearly effective, you can see how it levels the playing field on pricing, for example, between local and imported goods. The price we pay at the register isn't the only cost attached to our food, though. As Joel Salatin suggests in Michael Pollan's book "The Omnivore's Dilemma", local sustainably produced food doesn't incur the costs as mass produced food: government regulations and subsidies; damage to the earth and our water supply; health care costs and food borne illnesses. There's more attached to that tomato from South America than meets the eye, but the ultimate costs are slowly revealing themselves. Grocery stores are picking up on this a bit, now. One chain now promotes "grown close to home", though this is little more than a marketing tool right now: it's just rebadged produce they would sell anyways. Don't expect New Zealand apples to be pulled from the shelves anytime soon.
While I was perusing the aisles of the afore mentioned grocery store, I had to stop to read a sign posted in the rice section, explaining the necessity to increase prices due to world wide shortages. Now, I don't eat rice much, because it doesn't make sense to me from a local consumer's perspective, but this is going to get worse. Poor growing conditions, rising fuel and fertilizer prices, and the shift to allocating land to the thoughtless production of ethanol all add to rising costs with rice, corn and soy beans. So far, my potatoes are safe...
One last thing - someone needs to explain the recent call to cull 150,000 swine to me. The government subsidized $50 million program offers farmers $225 per animal to destroy it in order to decrease supply and encourage farmers to "exit the industry", all in an attempt to save depressed pork prices from a glut in the market (much from American imports, oddly enough).
The dimly shining light in all of this - the government has graciously allowed (only) 25% of culled animals to be donated to food bank programs. Sad times indeed for industrially produced animals.

Going With the Grain

2008-04-25T09:40:00.003-04:00

Excuse the weak pun, but it was unavoidable...the recent Slow Food event at With the Grain was an absolute blast. Thanks to Sheri and the staff for an amazing meal and experience.

Guests were treated to a number of courses all based on local products, and were even invited to create their own focaccia. The meal was rounded out with local cheeses, greens and other produce. Some of the sources will be found through the links on this blog. Try to get out and support our local farmers and producers, we'll all be better for it.

Events and Other Things...

2008-04-05T10:37:00.006-04:00

Is it safe to go outside?
Despite the fact that it snowed again yesterday, it looks like an amazing weekend it at hand. Time to get outside...if you're loooking for things to do, here a re few upcoming events to consider:

Slow Food Event at With the Grain - Monday, April 21st, 6:00 p.m.
Join us for an incredible learning dinner as we show you how to make your own pasta and foccaccia. The menu includes Fettuccine Bolognese, with organic tomatoes and local sausage and Ignatius farms onions, greens from Deerfields Nursery, a selection of foccaccia, and fresh Ontario fruit crisp. Tickets are $50.00 members and $60.00 non-members and will include a great selection of local beer and wine. See our website or drop by With the Grain for tickets.

"Cities Love Farmers" - Sunday, April 8th. Celebrate the connection between cities and farmers at the Woolwich Arms & Arrow, 176 Woolwich Street in Guelph from 6:30 - 9 pm. The evening will feature a Movable Feast with delicious locally grown ingredients and Agricultural Awareness activities with a selection of prizes. Special guest, Mayor Karen Farbridge will speak at 7 pm. Menu includes, Bison Meatballs with Glaze, Northern Ontario Bean Hummus & Crudities, Wellington County Berkshire Pork in Cream Sauce, Breaded Portobello Mushroom with Cheddar Dip, Fair Trade Chocolate Brownies, Coffee and Tea. $20.00 tickets may be purchased prior to the event at the Woolwich Arms & Arrow, by calling Glenna at (519) 546-4990 or email

Taste of Woolwich 2008 - Monday, April 14th, 4:30 - 7:00 p.m..
Please join Woolwich Healthy Communities Coalition for this ‘family friendly’ event to taste locally grown foods. Sample local farm products and meet the farms that grow them.Taste local food prepared by area chefs and restaurants.

Awakening the Dreamer Symposium - Saturday, April 19th, 12:00 - 4:00 p.m., The Main Place, Erin. Come and join a gathering of conscious, aware people who care about what is happening in our world, our community, our families. This is a process that examines hopeful new perspectives that can change the dream of the modern world to a NEW dream:To bring forth an• Environmentally sustainable• Spiritually fulfilling• Socially just human presence on the planet as a guiding principle for our time! To attend please register by email to joanne.kay@xplornet.com or by phone to Joanne Kay at 519-855-6503.

Seedy Saturday - Saturday, April 26th, 10:00 - 3:00 p.m. Everdale Organic Farm and Learning Centre. Come out and find all those wonderful hard to get HERITAGE seeds, and ORGANIC transplants. Trade, buy and sell. This year we will be hosting mini workshops on organic gardening, and be hosting our own added value test corner. Other experts will be there to inform and inspire you for the coming season. Kid's activities, fun for the whole family.

S ustainable, L ocal, O rganic, W hole...

2008-03-09T21:39:00.003-04:00

I love winter. Growing up in the prairies, you had to love winter or it would eat you alive. Comparatively speaking, Ontario winters are more annoying than they are life affirming - grey skies and freezing rain aren't going to make the final cut in an Ontario Tourism commercial. But this weekend was like nothing I've seen here in a long time. I'm thankful for the exercise, mind you, but it IS March and I'm thinking about Spring and getting seedlings started, not shoveling twice a day.
My Seeds of Diversity directory arrived this week, only 3000 listings to pick through! Consider joining if you're interested in growing and sustaining heritage and endangered plants: http://www.seeds.ca/en.php

If you happen to come across it, check out the latest issue of Macleans. There are two articles written by our friend Pamela Cuthbert from SF Toronto. The first examines the pros and cons of buying food locally; the second announces the arrival of Iberico ham from Spain. Previously banned for sale in North America, it's finally available in Ontario at a a cost of $300 per kilogram. I'm still not sure where to find it, but a sample of this rare, acorn fed pig is on my to do list. Speaking of cured pork, we're lucky enough to have one of the best producers here in Niagara - Mario Pingue makes some of the best prosciutto I've ever had. Available from Mario's Niagara Food Specialties and Cumbrae's, among others.

Upcoming Events

2008-02-11T18:51:00.003-05:00

A few items of interest coming up that I should mention, and all good reasons to get out and experience something new:

Visionary Farmers and Consumers Conference, Saturday, February 16th, 2008, sponsored by Canadian Organic Growers. Join Canadian Organic Growers as they explore how organics is making a difference. Who is making this vision real and how can you be part of it ? What is your role? Hear farmers, researchers, local food security advocates and community organizations discuss the state of Canada's food system and share their positive vision for the future

Farm to Table Cuisine Workshop - Thursday, February 21, 2008, Brock University
Growers, chefs, processors, producers and culinary entrepreneurs plan on attending this outstanding culinary event. Local food is in the spotlight. This workshop aims to reconnect chefs to the land by increasing access to fresh, healthy local food with good, traceable origins. Michael Stadtlander will be the keynote speaker.

Beyond Factory Farming Coalition is holding their 2008 Conference at Norfolk United Church from February 29th to March 1st. The conference "seeks to deepen understanding of livestock issues in Canada, identify and examine keystone issues in Ontario and Canada, sketch out a road map for transition to socially responsible livestock production, reach new audiences and develop new networks amongst groups involved in the sustainable food movement in Canada."

Guelph Organic Conference a Huge Success

2008-01-28T10:47:00.000-05:00

As you may know, Slow Food attended the recent Guelph Organic Conference at the University of Guelph. It was truly an uplifting experince for me: the people attending, presenting and showcasing their products and services made me feel like I had come home.

With over 150 booths to visit, a rich schedule of speakers and workshops, there was a lot to see and do. One of the highlights of the weekend was meeting Marc Loiselle (that's Marc on the left in the photo), the Saskatchewan farmer who, with his family, was instrumental in bring back Red Fife Wheat from near extinction. As founders of the Prairie Red Fife Organic Growers Cooperative Ltd., the Loiselles are true champions of this superior grain, organically growing hundreds of acres for sale all over Canada.

We were privileged to showcase Marc's wheat by sampling breads made with Red Fife flour. The breads were a massive hit, thanks entirely to our friend Matthew Duffy, a recent graduate of the Stratford Chef's School, and one of their most talented and energetic students. Matt baked through the night and drove to Guelph in the wee hours of the morning, with a television camera crew in tow! (Matt is one of the stars of the series Chef School, airing presently on the Food Network) You'll have to watch for our spot in the upcoming season.

Special thanks go out to Sean and Saugeen Specialty Grains for their generous donation