From Farms to Forks 10: Meet Chef Shobna Kannusamy

On October 6th, we are hosting our 10th annual From Farms to Forks harvest kitchen party at Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts. Our guests will wander from kitchen to kitchen to watch chefs in action, meet growers, and enjoy delicious tasting plates - each paired with a different wine from Mission Hill Family Estate.

From Farms to Forks pairs some of the province’s BEST CHEFS with B.C.'s FINEST GROWERS AND PRODUCERS. From Farms to Forks is Growing Chefs’ biggest fundraising event of the year and we hope to raise $70,000 this year to support our 2019/2020 Classroom Gardening & Cooking Program.

Photo Credit: Mavreen David Photography

One of these featured chefs is PASTRY CHEF SHOBNA KANNUSAMY of Soirette Pastry Boutique who is paired with Sapo Bravo Organics. She will be serving:

Roasted Butternut Squash and Pear Macarons

Soirette is a magical jewel-box pastry shop in Vancouver specializing in macarons, cakes, and other desserts.

What is your favourite seasonal vegetable?

“English Peas.”

What is your favourite local ingredient?

“Cherries.”

What advice can you give to a child who wants to become a chef?

“Always follow your heart!”

What is the one kitchen tool you couldn't live without?

“My immersion Blender”

What is your favourite food memory from when you were a kid?

“Mum's Creme Caramel.”

Why do you believe programs like Growing Chefs! are important?

“It introduces kids to the wonderful variety of whole foods and how awesome it is!”

Thank you Chef Shobna, and thank you Mavreen David Photography for capturing these beautiful photographs for us!

See you at #FFTF10!

From Farms to Forks 10: Meet Chef Karen McAthy

On October 6th, we are hosting our 10th annual From Farms to Forks harvest kitchen party at Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts. Our guests will wander from kitchen to kitchen to watch chefs in action, meet growers, and enjoy delicious tasting plates - each paired with a different wine from Mission Hill Family Estate.

From Farms to Forks pairs some of the province’s BEST CHEFS with B.C.'s FINEST GROWERS AND PRODUCERS. From Farms to Forks is Growing Chefs’ biggest fundraising event of the year and we hope to raise $70,000 this year to support our 2019/2020 Classroom Gardening & Cooking Program.

One of these featured chefs is CHEF KAREN MCATHY of Blue Heron Creamery who is paired with Hazelmere Organic Farm & BRAD HENDRICKSON of Biota Fermentation. They will be serving:

Jalapeño Poppers
Blue Heron garlic scape cumulus cheese, Biota fermented jalapeño, savoury granola crisp

Blue Heron Creamery produces plant-based, cultured and aged products. They sell 100% dairy-free cheeses, butters, yogurt and preserves

Photo Credit: Mavreen David Photography

What are your favourite seasonal vegetables?

“In spring, asparagus and nettles. In summer, tomato and B.C. kelp. In Fall/Winter, Brussels sprouts.”

What is your favourite meal to cook for yourself?

“Eating peas, radishes, fresh lettuce, tomatoes and more straight from the garden.”

What advice can you give to a child who wants to become a chef?

“Be willing to learn. Be willing to work hard. Be willing to challenge yourself and be challenged. Drink a lot of water.”

Why do you believe programs like Growing Chefs! are important?

“Connecting youth to how food is grown and produced is fundamentally important, and likely at some point to be revolutionary. The disconnect in urban populations around how food is produced and transformed is mind-boggling. Programs like Growing Chefs! provide an important opportunity to engage youth at a stage when curiosity is still rich and imagination can be stimulated.“

Thank you Chef Karen, and thank you Mavreen David Photography for capturing these beautiful photographs for us!

See you at #FFTF10!

From Farms to Forks 10: Meet Chef Ken Nakano

On October 6th, we are hosting our 10th annual From Farms to Forks harvest kitchen party at Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts. Our guests will wander from kitchen to kitchen to watch chefs in action, meet growers, and enjoy delicious tasting plates - each paired with a different wine from Mission Hill Family Estate.

From Farms to Forks pairs some of the province’s BEST CHEFS with B.C.'s FINEST GROWERS AND PRODUCERS. From Farms to Forks is Growing Chefs’ biggest fundraising event of the year and we hope to raise $70,000 this year to support our 2019/2020 Classroom Gardening & Cooking Program.

One of these featured chefs is CHEF KEN NAKANO of Vancouver’s Shangri-La Hotel who is paired with Cherry Lane Farms. He will be serving:

Smoked Yarrow Meadows Duck
Belle de Boskoop confit, Vadouvan pumpkin espuma, puffed granola

Photo Credit: Mavreen David Photography

When did you realize you wanted to become a chef?

“The lessons learned in my youth while foraging for wild foods with my family surfaced and inspired me to pursue a career that allows me to express myself by creating and recreating flavours from my various memories and experiences.”

What is your favourite seasonal ingredient?

“Matsutake mushrooms. I love them!”

What are your favourite local ingredients?

“Springtime local Bracken Ferns and Butterbur.”

What advice can you give to a child who wants to become a chef?

 “Taste everything; don’t be afraid to try different foods.”

What is your favourite meal to cook for yourself?

“Okonomiyaki. It is very comforting, easy, and delicious.”

 What is your favourite food memory from when you were a kid?

“Osechi-Ryori. The traditional foods prepared to celebrate New Year’s Day.”

 Lastly, what is something people may not guess about you?

“I am an avid motorcycle enthusiast!”

Thank you Chef Ken and thank you Mavreen David Photography for capturing these beautiful photographs for us!

See you at #FFTF10!