VANCOUVER — A new cookbook book called A Local Table, that aims to make supporting local food producers easier all year round, has been introduced.
The book, authored by executive chef Antonio Cerullo of Choices Markets — western Canada’s “largest” natural and organic food grocer — and dietitian Desiree Nielsen, is divided into four sections focusing on the different seasons. It features seasonal availability charts for Vancouver and the Okanagan regions where consumers can find Choices Markets. According to Nielsen, Choices’s resident dietitian, “we felt that was an integral part of the book, providing seasonal charts so you know what’s in season when. Each recipe also identifies itself as vegan, vegetarian, nut-free, gluten-free and detox-friendly.”
The cookbook is being sold for $19.95 and is available at all Choices Markets throughout Vancouver and Kelowna. For each cookbook sold, Choices is donating $5 to FarmFolk/CityFolk, a local non-profit organization that helps create a sustainable food system in British Columbia.
”We’sve always had ongoing support from Choices,” said the charity’s executive director, Heather Pritchard, “and for the past few years, David Wilson (Choice’s Produce Buyer) has been on our board of directors.”
FarmFolk/CityFolk’s project manager, Bonita Magee and operations manager, Jeff Nield tested several of the dishes. “I couldn’st believe how easy the recipes were and how delicious, too.” says Magee, who also witnessed chef Antonio cook up several of the cookbook’s recipes. “I was inspired by the chef’s dedication to local food and listened while he told me of his passion for connecting with farmers, fishers and ranchers to get the best ingredients possible.”
