Slow Food Hamilton

Our 2nd Annual Slow Food Hamilton HOLIDAY ECO-SCHMOOZE! Wednesday December 17, 7 - 9 pm

kcburs@yahoo.com (*karen b) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 02:09:00 +0000

Join us for good company, delicious local nosh and holiday cheer as our convivium presents its second annual SLOW FOOD HAMILTON HOLIDAY ECO-SCHMOOZE. It's an opportunity to meet and mingle with sustainability-minded food-lovers from all over the city.

We will be holding our Second Annual Slow Food Hamilton HOLIDAY ECO-SCHMOOZE on Wednesday December 17 at Tapestry Bistro 7-9 pm. Join us for complimentary appetizers, holiday punch and a chance to meet and network with people who care about good food and a healthy planet!

It's an opportunity to share stories and strategies; successes and suggestions; mishaps and media contacts... or just chill out and enjoy relaxing in one of Hamilton's most unique dining establishments.

Members of eco-friendly organizations are all invited to attend, such as supporters of Hamilton Eat Local, Environment Hamilton, Food Not Bombs and more, so please feel free to share the news with folks who like to live on the green side. :-) Meet us on the mezzanine level of The Tapestry Bistro, located at the amazing Staircase Theatre at 27 Dundurn Street North. Please RSVP if you can, but feel free to drop in! Space is slightly limited, so come early!

*karen b

Tableland: a Film Screening and Discussion You Can Sink Your Teeth Into

kcburs@yahoo.com (*karen b) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:33:00 +0000

TABLELAND: Presented by Hamilton Eat Local and The Hamilton Chapter of Canadian Organic Growers (film screening)

Friday November 28, 7pm

Tableland by Pixel One Productions is a new and thought-provoking film. It is a culinary expedition in search of the people, places and tastes of North American small-scale, sustainable food production. From the orchards of the interior of BC, to the Napa Highlands, rural Quebec and everywhere in between, Tableland showcases the successful production of local and seasonal food from field to plate. Guest speakers for the event will include farmer Inge Crowther of Clover Roads Organic Farm, writer and urban poultry enthusiast Yuki Hayashi, and Karen Burson of Hamilton Eat Local. Doors open and organic popcorn at 7 - film begins at 7:30pm – the speakers and Q & A at 9pm. Please make a $7 donation at the door (2nd floor).

Pressure Cooker Gets Cooking!

kcburs@yahoo.com (*karen b) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 03:14:00 +0000

At long last, the much-anticipated debut of "Pressure Cooker" will go to air this Sunday, November 2 on SunTV.

This series was produced by Hamilton's own Forevergreen Productions. The nine one-hour episodes are loaded with unpredictable turns and frenzied discord. The ‘Pressure Cooker’ is nothing less than a marathon testing culinary talents, emotional fortitude, mental agility and physical stamina. To monitor stress levels, competing Chefs were equipped with MyPulse wireless heart monitors to provide real time readings. Prominent figures from Canada's top culinary institutions, organizations and restaurants are taking part as judges, including much-lauded gourmet chef Marc Picone.

Check out the trailer...

Pressure Cooker premiers Sunday, November 2, 2008 from 10 – 11pm on SUN TV with a national broadcast commencing Monday, November 3, 7 – 8 pm on MEN TV.

Mother Earth - Terra Madre: A Celebration of First Nations Cuisine

kcburs@yahoo.com (*karen b) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 03:46:00 +0000

Slow Food Hamilton volunteer Liz Millar promoting the event back in September -- your efforts are appreciated!

Thank you for attending our Mother Earth - Terra Madre event, which was held at Green Venture on the evening of Saturday October 25.

Ken Parker of Sweetgrass Farms, the first native-owned Native Plant landscaping firm in North America was a delightful and interesting speaker. Accompanied by his wife Linda, the couple shared tales of the previous Terra Madre event in Turin in 2006. This was a great experience for those of us unable to attend this year! Jazz guitarist Nick Bastian's music provided a smooth and yellow musical backdrop to our conversations over dinner and dessert.

Our "partial potluck" seemed to offer the best of both worlds: some gourmet-calibre snacks, alongside the diverse and delicious dishes brought and shared by the convivium's members. Why am I shocked that so many of us are superb cooks? I think that as party-goers, we were all winners in the "Battle of the Butternut Squash Soups" and the "Clash of the Apple Crumbles". Bannock, locally made flour tortillas with dips, a beet salad with flower petals... these were just a few of the delicious dishes.

Thanks to Ken and Linda; to Anise Docherty of Slow Food Halton Peel and her gift to us, the excellent work of enthusiastic student chef Matt Thompson; to Hamilton Eat Local's volunteers Elyse Giosi, Julia Delio, and James Beloshesky; and to Michael Gemmell and Sapphire Singh of Green Venture.

Photo and article by Karen Burson, Slow Food Hamilton Co-Chair

A Westdale Village World Food Day Farmers' Market Morning

kcburs@yahoo.com (*karen b) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 03:44:00 +0000

Join our one-day-only World Food Day Farm Market

Presented by Hamilton EAT LOCAL SLOW FOOD Hamilton & MY DOG JOE
THURSDAY October 16th, 2007 9am to NOON in the parking lot near 1020 King Street West, rain or shine!

Visit My Dog Joe for:

· Home-made Muffins, Soup and More

· Superb-tasting Organic/Fair Trade Teas, Coffees, Espresso and Cold Drinks

Live Acoustic Music by riot nrrd 10–11 am

Fantastic Fall Farmers’ Market:

ManoRun Farm, Carluke Orchards, Bestow Bakery & Farmer Joanne Feddes

Field fresh flowers, pumpkins, cider, loads of organic potatoes and more!

Food Donations will be accepted for Hamilton Food Share

The IYP Mission: Celebration of the International Year of the Potato (IYP) will raise awareness of the importance of the potato - and of agriculture in general - in addressing issues of global concern, including hunger, poverty and threats to the environment.

photo by *karen b

A Local Food Feast of Autumnal Fun

kcburs@yahoo.com (*karen b) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 03:37:00 +0000

The Sunday Supper at The Ancaster Old Mill on October 5 was an amazing and enjoyable event! The work of featured artist Guennadi Kalinene was snapped up by eager bidders, for obvious reasons -- his landscapes evoke a sense of the mystery and meaning of nature -- and the scenes are local. How perfect for this special occasion. The colourful murals painted by young kids and presented by The Dundas Valley School of Art provided a colourful backdrop to the celebration.

This annual fundraiser for the Hamilton Eat Local Project (an initiative of Environment Hamilton) has always raised a significant share (half) of the cost of printing he Eat Local's "Buy Local, Buy Fresh" map in its first two years of production, and this year's contribution will be just as vital.

Thanks to our gracious host Executive Chef at The Mill Jeff Crump and his talented team for presenting a spectacular meal by the falls. Pastry Chef Bettina Schormann and The Mill's John Bullock must be singled out for praise for their efforts. Ingredients from ManoRun Farm, Carluke Orchards and other area producers tasted of unaparalled freshness and flavours ably teased to a peak -- Bettina Schormann's strudel was a crunchy-sweet and tender conclusion to the meal. Yowza! :-)

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Contact Bread & Roses Cafe regarding their current Job Postings if you're a potential prep cook or cafe staffer. Send e-mails to margann@skydragon.org or leave a message at 905-777-8102 ext. 3
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Sunday Afternoon's Seed to Scrap Bus Tour was superb. Its organizers at PEAS (an OPIRG working group based at McMaster) did an impressive job of smoothly orchestrating a sophisticated event that was at once thought provoking, spirited, and just plain enjoyable. I hope they'll be able to organize similar tours in the future.

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Link to Edible Toronto Online, then select "Current Issue" once you get to their home page:
http://www.edibletoronto.com/content/

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Coming up: A One-Day Mid-Week Farmers' Market Morning to celebrate World Food Day and mark The International Day of the Potato -- Chris Krucker and his bumper crop of potatoes will be there, along with other local food producers and at least one busker (10-11 am) and we're looking for more! Thursday October 16, 9 am to noon. Details TBA, and pending approval of Hamilton's Public Health Department!

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I'm not sure how many attended in the end, but I was amazed by the turnout to my presentation entitled "Living La Vida Locavore: A Year of Eating Sustainably" at the Convention Center tonight. Thank you for those from these lists who were in attendance. I had a blast, and from the sounds of it I'll be sharing it again. Let me know if your group or organization might be interested in my presentation? Juby Lee, Project Manager of The Fruit Tree Project, is an enthusiastic public speaker as well, so contact us at 905-549-0900 or kburson.eatlocal@environmenthamilton.org or jlee.eatlocal@environmenthamilton.org.

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Ready for some cultural food fun???

Mother Earth - Terra Madre will be a potluck, but with a twist: we encourage everyone who attends to find and create a dish that exemplifies both seasonality and First Nations' cuisine! Learn the story of their classic ingredients and volunteer what type of dish you'd like to make: salad, side, meat, or bread -- we are providing dessert. Any suggestions as to what item you'd like to see in a prize draw? A CSA? A customized cake for the holidays? Send me your suggestions...

Eat well, be well.

*karen b

Stay tuned!

Farm to Table to... Canvas??? The Ancaster Old Mill and Hamilton Eat Local Present a Truly Artistic "Sunday Supper"

kcburs@yahoo.com (*karen b) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:30:00 +0000

On Sunday October 5th, Sunday Supper guests at The Ancaster Old Mill will gather for a dinner set in the comfort of its stunning main dining room. Farmers, chefs and artists from both town and country will savour an outstanding presentation of foods celebrating our local harvest in order to raise funds for Hamilton Eat Local.

For More Information and a Sneak Peek at the Menu, please click HERE!

The Sunday Supper promises to spark conversation and stimulate awareness of the bounty of food and vital role farmers and artists play in the life and nurturing of our community. Jeff Crump, executive chef of The Ancaster Old Mill, will prepare an abundant meal inspired by locally grown, sustainable foods that highlight the finest of the Greater Hamilton Region. The Sunday Supper’s featured farms include Monforte Dairy, Shady Lane Farm, ManoRun Farm, Blackbow Farms, and Carluke Orchards.

Seasonal cocktails will refreshingly usher in a luxurious eight course dinner, along with our chef’s hint that surprises could be in store!

Sunday Supper Menu

Seasonal Cocktail Reception

Bread service with Red Fife Whole Wheat Bread with House-made Cultured Butter

Heirloom Tomato & Ricotta (made fresh daily) Panzanella

Parsnip and Pear Puree with Monteforte Dairy Toscano Cheese & Toasted Nuts

Honey Glazed Spit-Roasted Berkshire Pork — House cured and Smoked

Buttermilk Mutsu Apple Fritters

Wild Mushroom & Potato Gratin

Apple Wood Roasted Squash — with Maple and Sage

Carluke Golden Delicious Apple Strudel

— with House-churned Sour Cream Organic Ice Cream

There will be a small art exhibit by one of this area’s best-regarded fine artists, Guennadi Kalinine. His inspiration is the natural wonder of our region and The Ancaster Old Mill commissioned Kalinine to create an original painting especially for this event.

There will be a silent auction bid on and purchase this exceptional work of fine art as well as other paintings by local artists. This past summer, the children’s mural painting class at the Dundas Valley School of Art produced four outstanding "Earth to Table" murals. "Our desire often is to reach out beyond the classroom, to the community, and become a part of the greater good,” says Arthur Greenblatt, Executive Director of the Dundas Valley School of
Art. “Projects like this one give us a presence beyond our limited borders, and make us a part of the rest of the world." These paintings are wonderful, big and beautiful. Best of all, they’re also for sale by silent auction.

All proceeds raised by this convivial evening will be donated to Hamilton Eat Local, for the 2009 production of the organization’s much-loved “Buy Local, Buy Fresh!” maps – an important way that Hamilton Eat Local brings together dedicated food producers and appreciative consumers.

For reservations or more information please call The Ancaster Old Mill: 905-648-1827.

www.ancasteroldmill.com info@ancasteroldmill.com

About Hamilton Eat Local

Hamilton Eat Local was formed in 2005 by Environment Hamilton and other community partners to support programs that encourage Hamiltonians to buy food grown from local farmers and harvest food that would otherwise go to waste. Hamilton Eat Local aims to increase the consumption of local food in Hamilton through two major initiatives: their map (soon to become interactive online) and the Hamilton Fruit Tree Project. The Eat Local project would not be possible without the generous support of the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation.

Our Next Slow Food Hamilton Meeting

kcburs@yahoo.com (*karen b) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 06:44:00 +0000

We will gather at The Bread & Roses Cafe (27 King William Street between James St. North and Hughson) fon Wednesday September 17 from 5 - 7 pm to talk about the events we would like to put together for the Fall and Winter seasons. Please bring your ideas for our Mother Earth - Terra Madre event set to take place in October. Also please let us know if you're willing and able to provide support for our Slow Food Hamilton Membership Drive table at the second annual Straight From The Garden at Dundurn Castle on Saturday September 27.

As always, please feel free to let me know if you have any SFH comments, questions or concerns.

kcburs@yahoo.com

Thanks for coming out to our Second Dundurn Potluck Picnic!

kcburs@yahoo.com (*karen b) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:20:00 +0000

The weather was gorgeous as the sun set on the grounds of the Castle by the lake. Simon Taylor, Heritage Gardener at Dundurn Castle, led us on a fascinating and colourful tour of one of the city's most inspiring vegetable plots. Using traditional techniques and the best of modern sustainable gardening practices, Simon proudly describes to members of both Slow Food Hamilton new farmer Ian Graham and supporters of his Dundas Sustainable Lifestyles Project just how his garden grows.

Thanks for joining us!

Slow Food Hamilton's Second Potluck Picnic at Dundurn Castle

kcburs@yahoo.com (*karen b) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:56:00 +0000

Join us on Friday July 25 from 5 to 7 pm 'rain or shine' as we enjoy this popular event for the second year in a row. We'll start with a tour of this amazing urban garden by Simon Taylor, Dundurn's Heritage Gardener, and enjoy a delicious potluck meal. Be sure to bring your own plate, cutlery and drink, plus enough of whatever food you bring to share.

Immediately following our gathering will be a meeting of The Dundas Sustainable Lifestyles Project. Expect to hear a few words from Ian Graham as he talks about his personal ourney from gardener to farmer, the role of his Old 99 Farm in how he puts his beliefs into action, and explains what the DSLP is all about.

For more information contact convivium leader Karen Burson at kcburs@yahoo.com

"Pressure Cooker" reality TV

kcburs@yahoo.com (*karen b) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:48:00 +0000

Above: "Pressure Cooker"'s American cardiologist checking a cast member's heart monitor; setting up Kitchen Four for some furious culinary action; team members sizing up one another's skills and personalities as crew members prepare for the next day's shoot.

Hi Slow Food Hamilton:

Recently I was asked to attended the first day of orientation and rehearsal for a new 'reality based' tv show called "Pressure Cooker" created by Hamilton's own Forevergreen Productions. Evergreen is known for its The TV Wine Guy and Extreme Golf series. As a 'stand-by' cast member, I was on hand in case anyone couldn't make it.

Location: Niagara College Culinary School, Sunday June 29, 2008

Here's the story in words and pictures, as posted on our Slow Food Hamilton Facebook page. Just follow the link and double-click on the first picture to scroll through the enlarged pictures and captions:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=127600&l=4bc95&id=783545701

The show is expected to air the Fall, so watch your tv listings and this newsletter for updates.

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The Strawberry Summer Solstice co-hosted by Slow Food Hamilton and Canadian Organic Growers was a tremendous success according to all accounts. I'd like to take a moment to offer hearty thanks once again to Ian Graham of Old 99 Farm for his generosity in hosting the event; Ann Lanigan of Simpler Thyme Organic Farm for her donation of scapes, herbs, free range eggs and more; Bryan Prince Bookseller for bringing copies to sell at a special price; Carrie Watson of COG for her enthusiasm, hard work, and ability to keep pace with me in all of our prodigious e-mail correspondence, which made the event come together so well.

Thanks also go to members of our respective groups for their enthusiastic support, and numerous individuals for their hands-on help. See our Facebook site for a few of Ian's pictures and please feel free to add your own, or use this link if you`re not on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=127784&l=1a489&id=783545701

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Slow Food Hamilton and Slow Food Halton-Peel are working on finalizing dates for our Annual Dundurn Castle Potluck Picnic and a very special "Terra Madre - Mother Earth" event where we will learn about Native North American culinary traditions and wild crafted foods.

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Don't forget about the Sunday Supper at Carluke Orchards: Presented by Eat Local and The Ancaster Old Mill, Sunday August 17 at Carluke Orchards. Contact The Mill for reservations and information.

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The Slow Food Niagara Convivium invites you to join us in events that:support initiatives in sustainable agriculture, showcase locally-producedartisanal products and share knowledge about various food cultures.
Sunday, July 6 Slow Bar-B-Que, Roots and Blues night
5 p.m. - 9 p.m.Farmstead of Natalie Spytkowski and Darryl FieldsTwenty Road, PelhamBYOB and Bring your dancing boots!
$ 40. Non-members $ 30. Slow members $ 20. 11-16 yrs. old Kidsunder 10 yrs. free
Pre-registration required. Contact (905) 562-0142 or email
vinestovintages@sympatico.ca
Alternate contact: (905) 973-9391 or email delavigne@sympatico.ca

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Friends!
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, at 6pm 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. Sales are restricted to 40 seats, so buy soon!
$90.00 per patron (taxes and gratuities included)

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Be well and please bring me your Slow Food news, support and suggestions for events to keep them alive. This is OUR convivium, not MINE!

Thanks and take care,

*karen b

The STRAWBERRY SUMMER SOLSTICE with author and journalist MARGARET WEBB

kcburs@yahoo.com (*karen b) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 03:14:00 +0000

Saturday June 21, beginning at 4pm... there will be copies of Margaret's book available for purchase from Brian Prince Bookseller and she will be signing them after the reading and discussion.

Thanks so much for your support... our event is now sold out. We will proceed rain or shine (there will be shelter in case of rain).

I can hardly wait!

*karen b

Go to: Margaret%20Webb-11x17-100%20for%20e-mail.pdf

Special thanks go to Peter Ormond for hosting our late May meeting of Slow Food Hamilton

kcburs@yahoo.com (*karen b) — Sat, 24 May 2008 05:27:00 +0000

Hi Slow Food Hamilton:

There's a great deal going on in our own community and beyond!

(The above photo of Old 99 Farm is courtesty of Ian Graham)

First: our next organizing meeting will be on Wednesday March 28, 5 - 7 pm. It will be pot luck style and coffee will be provided. This month's kindly convivial host will be Peter Ormond, inviting us to visit his enivironmentally progressive home at 56 Ferrie Street West -- recently featured as part of this year's "Doors Open Hamilton".

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The very active Slow Food Niagara Convivium will be hosting a number of events, so please note the great happenings in the attachment.

There's still room in what promises to be a fascinating one:
Sunday, May 25 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Slow Bake with ARVA Organic Flour

An educational workshop on various types of flours and their uses and “hands-on” artisanal bread and pastry making session featuring Bernhard Sauter, an internationally-awarded pastry chef. Learn to discern quality vs. commercial flours, taste a variety of organic and non-organic products from ARVA Flour Mill (recently feature in Toronto Life) that employs a unique milling process. Niagara College, Hospitality and Tourism, NOTL campus.$ 40. Slow Food members $ 50. Non-members (pre-registration required)

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STRAWBERRIES AND SUMMERTIME UNDER THE STARS: This special event is sure to appeal to all of your senses. a very special evening with author and journalist Margaret Webb, whose recent book Apples to Oysters: A Food Lover's Tour of Canadian Farms has inspired the first ever co-presentation of Slow Food Hamilton and the local chapter of The Canadian Organic Growers. Brian Prince Booksellers will be on-hand providing books for purchase and signing by the author!

Our STRAWBERRY SUMMER SOLSTICE takes over where Margaret's early morning book-signing at Oakville's Kerr St. Organic Market leaves off. At 4pm sharp Margaret will introduce her book, do a reading and lead a Q&A and discussion session for a lucky 30 guests. This late day event will unfold on the idyllic grounds of Ian Graham's OLD 99 FARM near Copetown.
An exciting buffet-style meal made with bountiful locally formed organic produce will be prepared by Bread & Roses special event department (me) and served at a leisurely pace from 5-7 pm. There will be musical entertainment from 7 - 10, with plans for a bonfire to take us into the late evening if weather permits.

Details, ticket prices and directions will be sent out to the list and to ticket holders closer to the day of the event. This celebration will be widely promoted. With seats being very limited please buy yours early to avoid disappointment! Contact me at kcburs@yahoo.com for more information.

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Please note that COG will be hosting a plant sale at Sky Dragon centre tomorrow, please see their websites for details.

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Spreading the good news and the good foods: enjoy this Toronto Star write-up

about Plan B Organic Farm -- thanks to Sarah.
http://www.thestar.com/article/427970
"Great coverage on a great group of farmers!" - Sarah Megens

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We've been talking with Denise from Manorun Farm about a possible pick-your-own-pizza night; Simon Taylor and Molly MacDonald from Dundurn Castle about a Second Annual Potluck Picnic; and Anise Docherty of Slow Food Halton Peel about a Terra Madre-inspired look at (and taste of!) Native North American Cuisine; please bring your ideas to the table during our meeting on on Wednesday May 28. We'll let you know more as details firm-up.

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Eat well, be well!

*karen b

Slow Food Hamilton: local cuisine is getting slower and slower all the time!

kcburs@yahoo.com (*karen b) — Sun, 11 May 2008 21:39:00 +0000

Photos from September's "Straight From the Garden" event at Dundurn Castle

Hi Slow Folks:

This update is to remind you all of the incredible night of Slow feasting coming up soon, on Wednesday May 14, at The Anacaster Old Mill. World famous uber-Chef Michael Stadtlander will be presenting a sensational seasonal dinner. The event gets underway at 7pm with a Champagne Reception. Please visit http://www.earthtotable.ca/ for details!

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Our next organizing meeting will take place on Wednesday May 28, 5-7 pm, at a location TBA.

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Exciting events in June will include our "Apples to Oysters" book event on Saturday the 21st, at Ian Graham's beautiful farm, which he has kindly donated to us for this special gathering. A workshop follwed by a terrific meal will be the hightlights, and we're working on a musical event to cap off the occasion. Please send us your entertainment suggestions!
We're also working on putting together an event to celebrate the beauty of Native North American cuisine, with help and support from Slow-Fooder-Extraordinaire Anise Docherty of Slow Food Halton-Peel.

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This interesting piece arrived in my e-mail recently... follow the link to the actual Star On-Line article>>>

Poultry in motion: Chickens adopting urban lifestyle
May 04, 2008 04:30 AM Leslie Scrivener Toronto Star - Ontario , Canada
http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/421205

You can raise them in New York but not here. Toronto locavores are hoping to change that
It's an idyllic scene in a sunny backyard in North Toronto . The forsythia is bright as springtime, and Sally, Heidi and Clucky wander by contentedly. They are plump, vigorous, egg-laying hens that, despite their beauty and utility, are illegal in Toronto .

Nonetheless, their owner has kept them quietly in her backyard coop through the winter and now lets them range freely in the yard, which is shallow but 15 metres wide.
"It makes total sense to me, rather than getting in the car, driving to the grocery store and buying eggs trucked in from a far away farm, to go to the back yard and get eggs," says "Alice," who asked that her real name not be used. A middle-aged mother of two teenagers who works at home in the food business, she had identified herself on the telephone as a "renegade" chicken owner. "Besides, I know they are healthy and what they've eaten."

Toronto bylaws forbid keeping poultry, for health reasons. On the other hand, pigeons raised for sport are allowed, provided they rest, roost or perch only on their owner's property.
Oddly, by raising a few chickens in the city, Alice is in step with a do-it-yourself food movement that is thriving in cities like New York , Portland , Chicago and Seattle . It's legal to keep chickens in those cities and dozens more in the United States... (cont'd).

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Please note the Terra Madre newsletter, below.

Thanks and see you soon,

*karen b

kcburs@yahoo.com (*karen b) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 20:03:00 +0000

Happy Springtime, SFH!
Anyone up for a culinary adventure or two???

Please see Chef Jeff's Crump's attached announcement about an incredible dinner being presented at The Ancaster Old Mill by guest Chef Michael Stadtlander of Eigensinn Farm (i.e. international) fame. You will find details about Wednesday May 15th's "Celebrate Spring" event at http://www.earthtotable.ca/ under the "Seasonal Stories" tab, but please ignore the April 7 date when you see it.

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Also, please be sure to attend next week's Slow Food Hamilton Meeting and Potluck Party that will be hosted by local-food enthusiast Jane van Essen, at her home here in Hamilton. I'll re-send the details closer to the date.

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Is anyone out there interested in supporting/contributing to a special youth gardening program? Here's where things stand at the moment...

Interesting things are happening with the DundasValley Montessori School (there's a Slow Food connection that goes back to SF's roots in Italy). Last fall the school approached The Bread and Roses' Cafe's catering department (me) about preparing healthy hot lunches for the students who opted into this new Monday to Friday lunch program. We started in February and it's been awesome. If you're curious there's a blog:

http://kidzfooddvms.blogspot.com/

A while back I suggested to the school's principal (Tony Evans) and a few very familiar food enthusiasts with the idea that the students would benefit from a gardening program. My proposal was inspired by the abundance of community gardening projects in general; and by Alice Waters' Edible Schoolyard initiative as well as McGill University Prof. Vikram Bhatt's "Making the Edible Landscape" in particular.

Tony and I met with Simon Taylor from Dundurn Castle and food journalist/community garden enthusiast Katrina Simmons in the school itself to talk about the possibilities. We sat on four of those tiny little chairs for kids and after a tour of site possibilities both inside and outside of the building, we also checked out a desireable location, just down the street from the Montessori school.

We're riding a wave of enthusiasm here! Katrina has taken the lead in drafting a proposal for the landowners about using a bit of their land, and we've come up with a plan for soil testing, getting time and materials donated, summertime maintenance has been arranged, and I'll be working on a hands-on approach to incorporating our produce (if any -- touch wood) in the daily lunches (even if we're only talking about a few herbs in late Spring). There are likely to be tours/visits to the heritage garden at Dundurn -- for the kids to enjoy the fresh air and fresh fruits and vegetables for them -- to appreciate how those foods end up on their plates.

Anyway, it's early days yet and terribly exciting. I'm hoping that there might be more than a little interest in participating from members of Slow Food Hamilton and possibly also COG's local chapter.

Any thoughts? Well, I'd welcome any comments or suggestions that you might have time to make, but I'm especially looking for volunteers to help establish the garden.

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Have you been hearing the buzz about Margaret Webb's new book, "Apples to Oysters"? The regional COG group and SFH are working together to bring her to the area in June for a possible 2-event weekend in late June. What's the excitement all about? Read on:

Apples to Oysters: A Food Lover’s Tour of Canadian Farms by Margaret Webb

It was a humble carrot, still covered in dirt. And yet, the taste was electric, so unlike the dry woody offerings in grocery stores. That wondrous bite on an Annapolis Valley farm prompted Margaret Webb to do two things. The first was to finish eating the carrot. The second was to set off on a passionate, cross-Canada odyssey to discover a new wave of farmers who are putting taste and nutrition back into the foods we eat.

In this engaging and entertaining book, Margaret Webb introduces us to 11 quintessential Canadian foods and outstanding farmers who produce them -- or, as she calls them, chefs of the soil and the sea, tractor-seat philosophers, poet biologists, thingamajig inventors, and zealous educators.

This quest to connect with our groceries takes food writing into exciting new terrain: the author joins organic cowboys on a roundup, harvests scallops from an ocean farm and picks potatoes for back-breaking hours under the Yukon sun. But the journey also leads the author home, to moving reflections about her father and the fate of the farm she grew up on.

Her stories about farmers fighting to do what’s right, for food and the environment, are inspiring, poignant, gritty. They will make you hungry. They will make you laugh. They will make you run to your nearest farmers’ market to hug a farmer.

Advance Praise for Apples to Oysters:

Apples to Oysters is the work of a sensual adventurer feasting her way across an edible landscape, with stops to contemplate such matters as the personality quirks of scallops, the fleeting magnificence of flax in bloom, and, ultimately, the emerging renaissance in Canadian regional cuisine. Margaret Webb goes beyond simplistic organic-versus-conventional labels and gets her boots muddy on the farms that feed us, whether on land or—more controversially—at sea.
- J.B. MacKinnon, co-author of The 100-Mile Diet: A Year of Local Eating

Webb takes us with her on 11 extraordinary adventures that explore the diversity of Canada’s foodscape and the dedication of our artisanal farmers. Her writing makes the mouth water for a Colville Bay oyster or a real Ambrosia apple, but her subject encompasses more than ingredients. Woven into the narrative are both poignant personal memoir and a compelling argument to rethink our attitudes to food and farming.
- James Chatto, Acclaimed Food Writer, Author of Greek for Love

This insightful book is a must read for anyone who appreciates the best of Canada’s flavours and has earned its rightful place on my shelf reserved for inspiring food writing!
- Chef Michael Smith, Food Network Host, author and part time gardener

***

There's sad news on the local breakfast scene: the most recent incarnation of The Harbour Diner on James Street North has shut down, seemingly for good, as of this week. I only just enjoyed a terrific breakfast there the previous weekend, after struggling to keep up with their erratic and changeable hours. sigh

Slowly yours,
*karen b

kcburs@yahoo.com (*karen b) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 19:41:00 +0000

Growing Together

Slow Food Hamilton in Spring 2008

In January thoughts of healthy food were on my mind, so I looked into planning a convivium meeting to be held someplace in town where healthy food is "what it's all about"... so I contacted Janet Jacks of Goodness Me! Natural Food Market about being the site for our next meeting, and she and her team have graciously agreed to let us borrow theirclassroom for a couple of hours in a couple of weeks.

We'll be there from 5-7 pm on Friday March 28. We're going to learn about the amazing organic and natural foods available through Hamilton's premier natural food store, and we'll also uncover one of the city's best kept secrets: Goodness Me! has a surprising abundance of premium gourment ingredients. These are the kinds of items that are good for the planet and good for our bodies.

They're also a great way of shaking those winter blahs with exciting new ingredients. By this time of the winter people who live the 'Eat Local' lifestyle would probably appreciate anything that would add a bitof 'zip' to those root vegetables, apples, and other wintertime staples. You know, the ones that could be getting, ummm, a little redundant by now...Add a drizzle of this, and a sizzle of that and presto: you'll be cooking creatively again!

Our meeting is set to take place at the flagship store at 1000 Upper Gage (just south of Mohawk Road) in the demonstration kitchen at the back of the store. Their deli manager has agreed to provide us with a variety of their famous homemade pita pizzas (piled high with savoury goodies), a fresh green salad, and organic spritzers to drink for only $10 per person. There's no obligation to order food, however. If you would like to take part in the meal, please let me know by Wednesday March 26, so I can confirm our numbers with their deli manager by the next day.

Thanks and see you there!

***

We're in the planning phase for our 2008 SFH events. The first that received much interest was Victoria F's idea of making cultural contacts within our communities and possibly using such an event to support a worthy cause as well as our own convivium. Please contact me to be part of the organizing committee for an Indian Food event to take place next autumn. We'll start with a small event and try for something a bit bigger with each successive year.

***

Paper-signing is underway to get our bank account open. It's been a long, arduous process it seems, from finding the right institution to jumping through all of the hoops needed to make it happen. Many thanks to the members of the Executive who are taking time out of their busy schedules to make this happen! We'll be banking through Scotiabank's main branch near King and James on the south side of Gore Park.

***

Speaking of gardening... the KidzFood Healthy School Lunch Program which was created for the Dundas Valley Montessori School is now up and running and turning kids on to healthy, tasty food. That's a good start. It seems that they have room in their yard (and their curriculum too) for a bit of gardening. Anyone wishing to help in the design and construction of this amazing learning initiative should contact me to get the ball rolling. Taste Education is an important principle guiding the Slow Food movement, and ties between Slow Food and the Montessori communities in Italy are known to be quite strong. Let's build on this existing relationship... and grow together. Bring us your ideas! Principal Tony Evans is always looking for new ways for kids to learn both in and out of their building.

***

Here's an event for gardeners, especially those with an interest in building community in Hamilton:

Many of you are already involved in Community Gardening, but I thought I'd pass this along anyhow.
: )
Sapphire

Ever wondered how a community grows? Imagine your community as a basket and each of the people living there as unique pieces of straw woven together by common experiences, shared skills, friendly gestures, kind words, and common needs. Community Gardens foster these positive interactions by cultivating social connections and an appreciation for healthy locally grown food.

The Hamilton Community Garden Network (HCGN) will celebrate its official launch with a presentation by special guest speaker Dr. Troy Glover, Director of the Healthy Communities Research Network at the University of Waterloo, entitled Growing Community: Social Capital and Community Gardens followed by an interactive workshop. Learn about the important role community gardens play in cultivating relationships and sprouting connections within neighbourhoods. Space is limited, so please RSVP at your earliest convenience.

Program: -Official Public Launch of the Hamilton Community Garden Network-Opening Statement by Councilor Brian McHattie-Key Note speaker Dr. Troy Glover, Growing Community: Social Capital and Community Gardens -Mini-presentation These are the Community Gardens in Your Neighbourhood-Workshop -Networking & Concluding Remarks

When & Where FRWY Cafe, 333 King Street East, Hamilton Tuesday March 25th 2008

7:00pm – 9:00pm

DETAILS:

6:30pm – Registration & Light Refreshments (please arrive early)7:00pm - Opening Ceremonies: Official HCGN Launch & Councilor Brian McHattie7:15pm - Key Note speaker 8:00pm - Mini-presentation8:15pm - Workshop9:00pm - Networking & Concluding Remarks

To RSVP or receive additional information contact: Sapphire SinghPublic Relations Hamilton Community Garden Network905-540-8787 x18garden@greenventure.ca

Sponsored by: City of Hamilton, Green Venture, North Hamilton Community Health Center & Heifer International

***

Something else wonderful appeared in my Inbox a while ago...

Hello locavores: You are receiving this email because you expressed an interest in remaining in touch with the people who attended last Saturday's "Creative Cooking for Locavores" evening at the Skydragon. Collectively we have a lot of information about sourcing locally produced foods in and around Hamilton, so a few of us thought it would be a good idea to share our knowledge with one another.To that end I have set up a "googlegroup" for communication. It's essentially a list serve. However, I imagine that many of the "invitations" landed in people's bulk folders, which is why I'm sending this conventional email as well. There may also be people who despise list serves . . .I have also activated a web-hosted wiki for us to play around with, if anyone is interested in compiling an on-line resource for people who want to share information about local produce and products. If you are new to wikis, you may wish to read Wikipedia's entry on wikis. Wikis are basically websites that anyone can easily edit and add content to. The one I have set up is quite accessible, although a little limited in design (because it's free!), and the wiki-editor does most of the work for us. You may visit our wiki at www.golocalhamilton.pbwiki.com. Right now ours is a "closed" wiki, which means you need a password to edit content. Our password is "squash". Don't worry, you can't destroy anything because all the changes you make are archived by the wiki-editor.I haven't done too much yet and I unilaterally chose a name, which I am more than happy to change. On the right hand side of the main page you should find a box. Click on "sidebar" to view the pages that I have created so far. Please let me know what you think, change stuff around, and improve the site. There is a "comments" section of the wiki as well where we can make suggestions about how to set up the site, or about the content etc.

Thanks!

Molly

***

The most recent Slow Food Convivium update is about to be mailed to our existing Slow Food Hamilton mailing list. If you'd like to join us, please contact Karen at the e-mail dress given below.

***

Got any food-centric news to share? Please post a comment or contact Karen at kcburs@yahoo.com

Next Meeting: Monday January 21, 5 - 7 pm, location TBA

kcburs@yahoo.com (*karen b) — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 06:59:00 +0000

A Bismarck with organic blueberries and maple syrup... perfect on a wintry morning!

Happy New Year, Slow Food Hamilton:

I hope everyone enjoyed a happy (and delicious) holiday season, and we can look forward to another new year full of great food experiences.

The good news is that our official convivium status is almost near finalized (how do you say 'slow' in Italian - "largo", "legato"? lol) but the process continues.

It's time to put our heads together and last fall's discussions into action. Our next meeting will be on Monday January 21, from 5 to 7 pm, with the location TBA (your suggestions are welcome, let's use our imaginations).

Thanks to all of you for your interest in and enthusiasm for the Slow Food movement.

Yours truly,

*karen b

Slow Food Holiday Eco-Schmooze on Friday December 7, 2007

kcburs@yahoo.com (*karen b) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 19:13:00 +0000

Thanks for coming out, and a special thank you to Alvaro Venturelli of Plan B Organic Farm for all the fresh fruit!

Members of the city's food and environmental advocacy groups came out in full force, including the Green Party's Peter Ormond (not pictured, I'm still getting used to this camera *kb).
*************************************************************************************
The year that was… the year that will be… let’s talk!

Join us in the newly refurbished Bread & Roses Café(27 King William St., near James) for free appetizers and free eco-community! Members of Slow Food Hamilton, Eat Local, Canadian Organic Growers, Environment Hamilton, Green Venture, the Green Party, the NDP and all other unaffiliated greenies are invited. Come relax in a warm and friendly environment.

Unwind from a year of working hard for the planet, and perhaps plot and scheme about next year's projects. On hand will be four refreshing (and local) micro-brew draughts (NEW!!!), fresh fair-trade/organic coffee and locally-grown organic food from the menu.

Complimentary Appetizers: 7–10 pm! See you there...

"BEER" for Dummies was a tasty, tasteful learning experience!

kcburs@yahoo.com (*karen b) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 18:19:00 +0000

Local sommelier Karen LaVigne of Selections de LaVigne presented her second in a series of three workshops at Sky Dragon, to share here knowledge of and enthusiasm for great drinks paired with great cheeses.

A small group of beer enthusiasts (and a novice or two like me) gathered on Friday November 30 to taste and discover a colourful array of delicious international brews (most available through the LCBO) and cheeses (purchased at Mickey McGuire's Cheese, 51 King Street West, Dundas 905-627-1004, http://www.cheeseplease.ca/).

Beer selections ranged from cool, crisp Pilsners like the one produced by local crafters at The Old Credit Brewing Company at $2.80 for 680ml, through an incredible ale made by Caledonian Brewing in Scotland, at only $2.50 for 473ml, and toward the darker products such as a Smoked Oatmeal Stout by Trafalgar Brewing for $3.75 a bottle. One standout was something called a Framboise Lambic by Mort Subite in Belgium, sweetly flavoured with red raspberries. Gorgeous! And slightly more dear, but still offering a world of flavour for only $4.15 for 375ml.

The cheeses varied in flavour from the delicacy of "La Sauvagine" by the Fromagerie Alexis de Portneuf in Quebec, with its bloomy rind and creamy interior to the intriguingly salt-studded 3 year-old "Beemster" that's made in Holland (it seemed to be the hit of the evening). There was an attention-getting cheese that tasted 'goat-y' to many of us, but not so much in the manner of chevre! It reminded some of us of a barnyard... but we found it intriguing enough to try.

She offered some excellent insider tips about who pulls the best pints in town, who sells the best assortment of cheese, and how best to serve your favourite beer/cheese combos.

We look forward to the third installment in the new year. Originally dubbed "SPIRITS for Dummies", there may be a shift in emphasis from straight tastings to a more hands-on approach, tentatively called "COCKTAILS for Dummies". Watch for it in February! Come on out: our events need your support!

Heartfelt thanks go out to Karen for all of the energy and hard work that she has put into making these workshops a reality. She can be reached at: 905-973-9391 or delavigne@sympatico.ca

Slow Food Hamilton and downtown's Bread & Roses Cafe present: CheeseTwist*CheeseTryst

kcburs@yahoo.com (*karen b) — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 01:03:00 +0000

A Night of Fromage-Lovin' Fun and Funky-Fresh Sounds
*workshop & sampling 7pm - tapas 8pm - dj 10pm

Get ready for a night of sensational tastes and melt-in-your-mouth music, as Slow Food Hamilton and The Bread & Roses Cafe co-present "CheeseTwist*CheeseTryst".

Join food and travel writer Barbara Ramsay Orr as she presents a workshop along with her special guests. These will include Gurth Pretty, author of two books about Canadian Artisanal Cheese - who will bring copies of his latest book. Barabara enthused: "he is a real expert and has good stories to tell". There will be cheesemaker Wayne Philbrick on hand, who will be talking to us about Upper Canada Cheese and we will offer you some of them to taste; you can also look forward to cheese samples packed just for us by Ruth Klahsen of Monforte Cheese.

There will be plenty of cheese-y tunes playing as you enjoy a variety of cheese-y tapas created by Bread & Roses Catering's Karen Burson. You can anticipate variety, good taste, and that some of Barbara's suggested wines will be available by the glass. You can also help put the cafe's newly installed beer taps to good use, too.

Reservations are already coming in, so please be sure to book yours today to avoid disappointment as seating is limited. Tickets cost $20 per person (or $18 for Slow Food members) and may be reserved by contacting Karen Burson: kcburs@yahoo.com or 905-777-8102 ext. 2. See you there! The cafe is located within The Sky Dragon Community Development Co-operative building at 27 King William Street in the heart of downtown Hamilton, halfway down the block between the Lister Building and Reardon's, and right next to the new and exciting Thai Memory restaurant.

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Orr) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 14:16:00 +0000

Slow Food Hamilton meets today, Wednesday, March 14, at 5 pm at the FRWY Cafe, 33 King Street East, Hamilton, 905-296-1424 (info@frwy.ca )
Anyone interested in the food culture of the area is cordially invited to attend.

No One Was Mad at "The Cook Not Mad"!

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Orr) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 20:15:00 +0000

A Message From the Chair of Slow Food Hamilton, Karen Burson

Hi Slow Food Hamilton:

I'd like to take a moment to thank Executive Chef Crump for hosting an incredibly successful event for us.

Special thanks simply must go to Alex Feswick and Scott Bell -- who happen to be a couple of Jeff's favourite young chefs AND the creative minds behind the imaginative interepretation of Ontario food that was inspired by Canada's first cookbook, "The Cook Not Mad". This hardworking duo managed to feed 300 guests of the Old Mill that day, not just our group!
I must also give recognition to the artistry of the Ancaster Old Mill's reknowned Pastry Chef, Bettina Schormann.

Her heavenly Lavender Pound Cake served in the "Fat Duck" style was a technical feat in pastry-making that was also strikingly beautiful and delicious, too -- making it impossible to resist, even after such a satisfyingly decadent meal!

The menu was spectacular:

RECEPTION

Fried oysters
House-made charcuterie
Crudites
Fish Rolls
Leek & Salt Cod Gratin AND
Tomato Bubbles

(an adventure in **micro-gastronomy** that created a
silky, spicy pop on the palate)
*Trius Brut, Mulled Apple Cider from Bennett's Farm, Ancaster

DINNER

"Three Sisters" Chower with Corn Seedlings and Bacon Foam
*Vineland Estates Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Whole Roasted Red Spring Salmon
*Inniskillin Reserve Series Chardonnay 2005

Canadian Surf & Turf -- Cumbrae Filet with Brandade
*Palatine Hills Estate Neufeld Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

Cookstown Organic Greens
*Fielding Estate Pinot Gris 2006

Lavender Pound Cake in the "Fat Duck" style
*Cave Spring Select Late Harvest Riesling 2006

Also contributing to the delicious range of fresh Ontario produce included Chris Kruker of Manorun Farm's Red Fife wheat and gorgeous green beans called "slenderettes".

Thank you also to those who contributed to the popular and successful Silent Auction, including Diane B, Liz M, the Bread & Roses Cafe, Burlington's Pane Fresco, and many others.

Our next Slow Food Hamilton meeting will be in October, when we'll be discussing the details of our next SFH events. The major thing we'll need to focus upon, however, will be how to make the best possible use of the funds raised last friday night.

Keep checking our blog and please feel free to add your comments and questions -- that's why it's there for us; also, there should be some updates to it by the end of next week!

Thanks and I wish you a slow and pleasant journey into a delicious and nutritious autumn,

*karen b

Come Wind Down and Welcome the Weekend with Slow Food Hamilton's First Potluck Picnic and Garden Party

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Orr) — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 14:03:00 +0000

Join us on September 7th at
5 pm at Dundurn Castle

Join us on the grounds of historic Dundurn Castle, on Friday, September 7th, starting at five pm, as we bring dishes to share and enjoy in a peaceful lakeside setting.

Heritage gardener Simon Taylor, Historic Garden Co-ordinator at the castle is offering to take us on a tour of one of the city’s landmark demonstration gardens. Dedicated to authenticity, Taylor’s garden represents an evolving garden that also manages to step backwards in time. This project proves to be both instructive and inspiring in the way it links itself to the most intelligent gardening practices of the present day, and even to the eco-friendly urban gardens of the future! Bring lots of sunscreen and bugspray. An on-site sheltered location will be available, so the picnic will go on, rain or shine.

We can share food news with one another and continue to plan our future Slow Food adventures for the fall. Prepare for an exciting lineup:

“The Cook Not Mad”, is the theme of Slow Food Hamilton’s inaugural dinner party at The Ancaster Old Mill. Takes place on Friday September 14, 2007. Tickets cost $100 each, including taxes and gratuities, so call The Mill @ 905.648.1827 to reserve. It will be a luxurious learning experience that you won’t want to miss.

The Big Cheese Event: join some of the region’s most enthusiastic and knowledgeable cheese experts, including Lina Canella of Sam & Son Cheese. More guest presenters will be added as the date approaches, so watch for further announcements. Location TBA.

Workshop Series: Wine, Beer and Spirits with dates TBA in October, November and December 2007. Attend all three and build on your knowledge! Centrally located at The Bread & Roses Café on King William St. just around the corner from the soon-to-be-restored Lister Building. Watch for more detailed information as it becomes available!

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Orr) — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 15:41:00 +0000

Celebrate the best of local produce and cuisine at Slow Food Hamilton's Inaugural dinner, "The Cook Not Mad", and silent auction, Sept 14th at the Ancaster Old Mill.

Welcome to Slow Food Hamilton

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Orr) — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 18:20:00 +0000

Come back soon for information and upcoming events for Slow Food Hamilton.