By Amy Bostock
TORONTO — Some of Canada’s best chefs gathered last night at Toronto’s Propeller Coffee to kick off the third annual Restaurants for Change fundraising event in support of Community Food Centres Canada.
The media preview featured chefs from across Canada who were asked to create their “perfect bite” to celebrate the national food event. The Restaurants for Change initiative funds programs to help bring people in low-income communities together to grow, cook and advocate for healthy food.
Chef Jeff Crump of Hamilton, Ont.’s Earth to Table Bread Bar wowed guests with his “Devil’s on Horseback” — bacon-wrapped prunes with blue cheese — while the team from The Drake, led by chef Ted Corrado, served up Nonna’s meatballs to the masses. Chefs shared the inspiration behind their “perfect bites” through short stories written on their brown paper tablecloths and promoted the use of seasonal, local ingredients in their dishes.
Chefs in attendance included:
- Ryan Donovan, Richmond Station
- Lora Kirk, Ruby Watchco
- Jeff Crump, Earth to Table Bread Bar
- Marc Lepine, Atelier
- Ben Kramer, Ben Kramer Pop-Up (Kitchen Sync)
- David Gunawan, Farmers Apprentice
- Jonathan Gushue, The Berlin
- Renee Lavallee, The Canteen
- Ted Corrado, The Drake
- Glen Manzer, Bonterra Trattori
- Blair Lebsack, RGE RD
- Chef Yva Santini, Pazzo Pizzeria
The annual fundraising event brings together some of Canada’s best restaurants to create change in our food system. On October 19, more than 65 restaurants in 15 Canadian cities will join together to donate proceeds from dinner service to support Community Food Centres Canada and other organizations across Canada.
For a list of participating restaurants, visit the Restaurants for Change website.
