Connecting people with their food is one of the things that the passionate staff at Evergreen Brickworks does best.  Creating forward thinking programs for food lovers, and the curious, of all ages, in order to educate and entertain the senses. The latest program to be launched at the new facilities just off the Bayview Extension by master programmer Arlene Stein is the GE Cafe Chef Series: Food For Thought. 

This workshop series brings Ontario growers, farmers, producers, chefs, restaurateurs, activists and writers together with local foodies to share a delicious meal, good company and personal insights into food issues that matter.

I was invited down to check out the inaugural dinner, featuring Chef Jamie Kennedy, who was just awarded the Order of Canada, and Rebecca LeHeup, the Executive Director at the Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance. The evening promised to demonstrate to a group of 20 hungry folks what Prince Edward County could offer, and to start some discussion about the fragile nature of our food systems. The theme of the evening was "Onwards to Prince Edward County".

At $60 the value of this evening is unsurpassed in the city. Food, wine, and great dialogue with a room full of interesting people, at a facility that has become one of my favourite playgrounds in Toronto. Here is the menu we were served:

Passed Hors d'Oeuvres

• Marinated pickerel rollup
• Curried sweet potato croquettes with riata
• Lamb cevapcici (Chef Kennedy explained that this is Croatian street food)

Menu

• Sunchoke soup with chip
• Yellow perch with Hillier soubise and crunchy shallots
• Milk braised and roast kid with potato gnocchi
• Apple strudel with nutmeg ice cream and golden plum puree

90% + of the ingredients for this dinner were sourced from PEC, including Chef Kennedy's farm, Vickis Veggies, Sheppard's Choice Lamb, and other local suppliers. The wine was provided by Dan Sullivan of Rosehall Run, and he brought some excellent wines that paired perfectly with our meal. 

Evergreen is a social enterprise, and they have great staff and volunteers. Proceeds of the series help to fund children's educational food programs, so not only will you have a great experience, but you will be doing good, so what are you waiting for? Book your ticket now, there are 9 events left, happening every Tuesday throughout the winter.