Reunion Island Coffee Introduces Organic Flores Green Dragon!

Oakville, Ontario – February 1, 2012 – For their latest new coffee launch, Reunion Island Coffee sourced beans from the emerging new coffee origin of Flores in Indonesia. With its tropical climate and rich volcanic soil, Flores shares similar growing conditions with its sister islands of Sumatra and Java.

While the island itself is still under-developed, the coffee shows remarkable clarity and maturity, the signs of a well-grown crop.  Reunion Island’s director of coffee development Adam Pesce explains why this coffee appealed to him: “It’s clean, balanced and sweet, yet still has that distinctive heaviness we’ve come to expect from Indonesian coffees.”

Organic Flores Green Dragon is named after one of the island’s most famous inhabitants — the Komodo dragon. By sourcing the coffee from a Rainforest Alliance Certified™ farm, we are proud to support efforts to maintain a healthy environment for the dragons and other protected species.

Reunion Island is roasting Flores Green Dragon to a medium dark Viennese color to develop its dried fruit and sweet chocolate notes along with a slightly floral aroma.

“We are delighted with Reunion Island’s continued committed to sustainability,” said Tensie Whelan, president of the Rainforest Alliance. “By sourcing coffee from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms, Reunion Island is helping to support responsibly managed farms that protect the environment and support their local communities.”

Reunion Island’s Flores Green Dragon is available in single-cup coffee pods, portion packages and whole bean. For more information about Reunion Island, their products and sustainability programs, please visit ReunionIslandCoffee.com or call 905-829-8520.

Panera Bread will open its newest bakery-cafe in downtown Toronto at Yonge and Edward Streets on January 24, 2012.

With its identity rooted in handcrafted, freshly-baked, artisan bread, Panera Bread is committed to providing great tasting, quality food that people can trust.  Highlighted by antibiotic-free chicken, whole grain bread, select organic and all-natural ingredients and a menu with zero grams added trans fat, Panera’s bakery-cafe selection offers flavorful, wholesome offerings.  The menu includes a variety of year-round favorites to complement seasonal items and breads baked fresh daily in each bakery-cafe by skilled bakers.

A Canadian Commitment, A Neighbourhood Approach

The new bakery-cafe in downtown Toronto kicks off a year of growth and expansion in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) with 5 new locations planned for 2012.  These will join the 3 existing Panera cafes in offering a warm and welcoming environment including intimate and comfortable seating areas, a community table and free WiFi Internet access.  Panera’s current locations include Square One in Mississauga, Richmond Hill and Thornhill.

“Panera is thrilled to open our newest bakery-cafe in downtown Toronto,” said Barry Shannon, Panera Bread.  “Our first bakery cafes in Canada, in Mississauga, Richmond Hill and Thornhill, have been incredibly well-received in those communities and we anticipate that this exciting location in the heart of the city will really show Toronto what the Panera brand is all about:  As we continue to grow in the GTA and across Canada, we are committed to creating jobs (40-50 per café) and contributing to the neighbourhoods in which we serve.”

An Active Community Partner

Since Panera Bread was founded, the company and its franchisees have been active community partners.  As part of Panera’s broader national Operation Dough-Nation® program, which was created in 1992 to formalize Panera’s commitment to community involvement, the new downtown location will give back through its local Day-End Dough-Nation™ and Community Breadbox™ programs.

As part of the local Community Breadbox program, all cash donations made by customers in all company-owned bakery-cafes in the GTA, are matched by Panera Bread and distributed to Make-A-Wish.

At the end of each day, Panera Bread also donates all unsold bread and baked goods to local area hunger relief agencies as part of its local Day-End Dough-Nation program.  Collectively, Panera bakery-cafes donated approximately $100 million worth of unsold bread and baked goods in 2010 to help neighbors in need.

Panera Catering

A full catering menu will be offered at the new bakery-cafe. Available for breakfast, lunch and snacks, Panera Catering is ideal for any group from five to five hundred.  Panera Catering emphasizes accuracy and efficiency in delivering the experience of fresh, handcrafted, quality meals to any workplace setting, social event or gathering.  In addition, every bakery-cafe has a dedicated Panera Catering Coordinator on site to manage the entire process, from order to pick up or delivery, to ensure customer satisfaction.

The hours of operation for Panera Bread at 322 Yonge Street are:

Monday -Thursday: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday:  7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday:  8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday:  8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

About Panera Bread

Panera Bread Company owns and franchises 1,493 bakery-cafes as of June 28, 2011 under the Panera Bread®, Saint Louis Bread Co.®, and Paradise Bakery & Café® names. We feature high quality, reasonably priced food in a warm, inviting, and comfortable environment. With our identity rooted in handcrafted, fresh-baked, artisan bread, we are committed to providing great tasting, quality food that people can trust. Nearly all of our bakery-cafes have a menu highlighted by antibiotic-free chicken, whole grain bread, and select organic and all-natural ingredients, with zero grams of artificial trans fat per serving, which provide flavorful, wholesome offerings. Our menu includes a wide variety of year-round favorites complemented by new items introduced seasonally with the goal of creating new standards in everyday food choices. In neighborhoods across the United States and in Ontario, Canada, our customers enjoy our warm and welcoming environment featuring comfortable gathering areas, relaxing decor, and free Internet access. Our bakery-cafes routinely donate bread and baked goods to community organizations in need. Additional information is available on our website, http://www.panerabread.com.

Simply put, Spectrum is passionate about healthy fats. Spectrum started over twenty years ago with the purpose of making healthy oils available to the Canadian public. That commitment and vision hasn’t dimmed one bit. Whether artisan olive oils and trans-fat free spreads, or supplements like Flax Oil and other essential lipids, Spectrum committed to bringing you the best there is.

Canadian company Spectrum Naturals would like to show Canadians how a small change in their cooking habits can add new variety of flavours, to liven up everyday meals. When cooking with oil, most Canadians reach for the olive or vegetable oil. Nothing wrong with that, but by reaching for Coconut Oil, Asian Stir-Fry Oil or Walnut Oil next time, dinners can offer a whole new level of taste.

Our friends at Spectrum have provided us with a detailed guide to some unique oils that will add a new flavour dimention to your recipes.  Check out the suggested recipes in the chart below and consider adding a new flavour to your dinner tonight.

A Culinary Guide to Unique Cooking Oils from Spectrum NaturalsÒOrganic Oils



For more details visit the Spectrum website for more information including more recipes!

SPECTRUM – The Taste of Goodness – CLICK HERE

The Loose Moose Front Street is throwing a Halloween bash this Friday October 28th – “Just for the big kids”

Tickets at the door for $10 or you can purchase your tickets in advance.  Party starts at 8pm and runs till 2am and don’t forget your costumes!

Place:  The Loose Moose
Price:  $10
Costumes:  Encouraged
Time:  8pm – 2am
Phone:  416-977-8840

Website — CLICK HERE

On October 31, 2011 between 6:00 p.m. and closing; visit any Chipotle Mexican Grill location dressed in a costume inspired by the family farm, and enjoy a meal for just $2 (burrito/order of tacos/salad/burrito bowl). Proceeds from the initiative, up to $1 million, will be donated to the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation and Farm Aid.

Visit the Chipotle Mexican Grill Website to find a location nearest you and to read up on more details — CLICK HERE

A Bigger Celebration for the Smaller Farms

This Halloween,  Chipotle is celebrating family farms and their dedication to the land they live on and the delicious food they produce. To join in on the party, head into any Chipotle on Halloween from 6 pm to closing dressed in a costume inspired by the family farm and they’ll hook you up with a burrito, bowl, salad, or an order of tacos made with responsibly raised ingredients for just $2.

Have some fun with your costumes. Think crops, farm tools, tractors, silos, or farm animals. Get the proverbial creative juices flowing and you might have a shot at winning a prize in the Costume Contest.

In support of our family farming friends, we’re donating the proceeds, up to $1,000,000 to The Chipotle Cultivate Foundation and Farm Aid, two non-profit organizations working to keep farmers on the land and nurture a better agricultural system.

At the heart of Vintage One is a love of wine. Vintage Wine consists of a family of winemakers from Argentina with generations of expertise available to you in our city. Vintage One creates wines from a range of varietals, producing robust reds, aromatic whites and a full range of roses and sparkling wines to celebrate and enjoy in your home, feature in your restaurant, or enhance a corporate occasion.

Vintage One is a city winery designed to bring the spirit of wine country to your doorstep. Visit the winery and it will feel like you’ve escaped to wine country. Surrounded by oak barrels and stainless steel fermenting tanks, the vast winery is unlike anything else in the city. It is a perfect setting for any festive occasion.

Visit Vintage One’s website at – Vintageonewines.com

Vintage One Wines Contact Information:

V1′s Front Desk
info@vintageonewines.com
Phone (416) 231 6994

Vintage One Wines
4896 Dundas Street West
Toronto, Ontario Canada M9A 1B5

Some Info on the Winemaker:

Alejandra De Miguel, Chief Winemaker, Principal, Vintage One Wines

Alejandra has developed a profile in Toronto as an internationally recognized winemaker, restaurateur and in the know ‘foodie’.
Born and raised in Mendoza, Argentina, to a family of world-class winemakers, she grew up around wine and vineyards. Her family moved to Toronto when she was nine years old, and as soon as she could, she was travelling to apprentice with winemakers around the world.
Her first apprenticeship was at a winery in Spain when she was 17, and she continued her training at vineyards and wineries in Chile, Italy, Argentina and other countries.

Alejandra completed her post-secondary studies at McGill University in Montreal, completing part of her studies at the University of Barcelona, and Dante Alighieri in Florence. After she graduated, Alejandra went on to work at the family winery alongside her parents, where she refined her winemaking techniques and further discovered her passion for wine. Managing the family business, she became involved in the production of wine, as well as the importing of grapes.

In 2005 Alejandra founded Olivia’s at Fifty-three, a restaurant and micro-winery in Toronto’s hip Little Italy district that was acclaimed for its menu and décor as well as its wine list.
Her passion for wine took over in 2007, when she launched Vintage One Wines, Canada’s first city winery.
V1 imports grapes from world-renowned grape-growing regions, and ages its custom wines in American, French, and Hungarian oak barrels. Its wines are made at its 10,000 sq-ft facility below the street and bustling traffic of Toronto’s West End.

Since opening Vintage One Alejandra has partnered with Celebrity Chefs and internationally recognized organizations as a guest speaker for events.
She is currently in development of a wine and travel show called Living Wine.

Alejandra speaks fluent English, Spanish, and Italian and currently lives in Toronto, but her home will always be the rolling hills of wine country, Argentina.

Gourmet Food & Wine Expo comes back for another round
Canada’s premier food and wine showcase returns to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre

TORONTO, ON ˆIt’s time to top up your glasses and toast the return of the Gourmet Food & Wine Expo at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

From November 17 ˆ 20, 2011 the Expo will offer guests an unparalleled opportunity to sample over 1,500 fine wines, beers and spirits and savour the culinary stylings of Toronto’s best restaurants. Embrace the style and sophistication of a cocktail party paired with unprecedented educational opportunities and compelling feature areas.

“The Gourmet Food & Wine Expo is the event that food and drink lovers across Ontario look forward to every year,” said Jennifer Campbell, Show Manager of the Expo. “With over 375 exhibitors, the Expo will offer incredible local and international flavours that appeal to everyone’s specific tastes.”

This year’s Expo welcomes Celebrity Chef Chuck Hughes, host of Food Network’s Chuck’s Day Off. Hughes will be joined by Toronto’s top chefs on the Expo floor as they prepare their spectacular cuisine to sample at the Food Network Stage.

“Also returning this year will be the popular Tutored Tastings Program. As the pinnacle event for wine enthusiasts, the Tutored Tastings Program features incredible hosts, engaging topics and unrivalled access to the world’s best wines,” said Campbell. “This program is perfect for wine enthusiasts looking to learn from the world’s experts as well as wine novices looking for advice on how to get started.”

The Tutored Tastings events will be hosted by the Thirsty Traveler Kevin Brauch, Master Sommelier John Szabo, Wolf Blass Chief Winemaker Chris Hatcher, Winemaker of the Year from Tawse Winery Paul Pender and many more.

Returning to the Tutored Tastings lineup is the second annual Gourmet Gala. This ultra-exclusive, VIP event runs Saturday, November 19. Guests will enjoy an exquisite six-course meal paired with many award winners from the 2011 InterVin International Wine Awards. Tickets are $195 and include admission to the Expo.

The Fine Wine and InterVin Tasting Lounge will allow guest to sample stellar wines rarely available by the glass and The Dairy Farmers of Canada’s popular Cheese Corner will feature artisan cheese tasting and educational seminars.

The Spiritology Pavilion will educate aspiring mixologists on the hottest trends and serve up some serious libations. Mott’s Clamato Caesar School offers a hands-on class in creating Canada’s National Cocktail. Finally, add a little “hop” in your night with more delicious craft beers and notable international brews than ever before!

Metro Toronto Convention Centre ˆ South Building
Thursday, November 17, 6 pm – 10 pm (VIP Preview Evening)
Friday, November 18, 2 pm – 10 pm
Saturday, November 19, 12 pm ˆ 10 pm
Sunday, November 20, 12 pm ˆ 6 pm
VIP Evening: $40 | General Admission: $18 advance or $20 at the door
www.foodandwineexpo.ca

Hot, spicy, fresh and fiery!

The summer’s premier food festival is back and bigger than ever! Four savoury days packed with a full menu of culinary arts, music, film, demos and dance.

Date:  September 2 – 5 2011
Location:  Harbourfront Centre

Event Days

• Friday, September 2, 2011
• Saturday, September 3, 2011
• Sunday, September 4, 2011
• Monday, September 5, 2011

Longo’s Iron Chef Competition: Semi-Finals
September 4, 2011

Experience the high stakes of gourmet cooking as chefs are paired up to compete for the 8th Anniversary Longo’s Iron Chef Title! Who will win?

September 4, 1:30-2:30pm: Chef Paul Yellin from Barbados and a Canadian representative from the Hottest Chef in the GTA survey go head to head. Click here to vote.

September 4, 4:30-5:30pm: Chef Paul Newman from Turks & Caicos and Chef Guillermo Javier Gomez (pictured) from Mexico go head to head.

September 5: Join us for the riveting – and delicious – finale!

Curatorial Statement
Hot & Spicy Food Festival returns – hot, spicy, fresh and fiery! In this 14th edition, one of the summer’s most savoury festivals is back and packed with a full menu of culinary arts, music, film, demos and dance.

Hot & Spicy Food Festival highlights culinary hot spots, paying close attention to important issues of modern food movements and burgeoning gastronomic scenes. We spotlight the rise of hot culinary neighbourhoods and feature a favourite summer pastime, the BBQ.

International and national chefs and artists converge during this one weekend to demonstrate the freshness found in both tradition and contemporary innovation. Expect a festival full of fiery performances for all the senses!

Re-discover the Taiwan you thought you knew!

It’s time for the world to see Taiwan as a hot spot of connectivity and the foundation of new expressions in the arts. Enjoy the performances, savour the food, experience Taiwan Rising!

The Techno Prince
One of the most popular programs during the 2009 World Games in Kaohsiung, The Techno Prince is a contemporary brand of dance which features a funky and dynamic step that everyone can do!

The Guardians of Taiwan by The Chairman Band
Honoured with the best band award at Taiwan’s 2006 Golden Melody Awards, The Chairman Band’s eighth album focuses on merging Taiwanese folk traditions with their love of Rock n’ Roll.

Where’s the Beef? World’s Best Beef Noodle
Three-time champion of Taiwan’s Best Beef Noodle Competition, Chef Hung will be demonstrating his winning recipes which elevate this dish to a whole new level.

Starts: August 26, 2011
Ends: August 28, 2011

Website: www.harbourfrontcentre.com
Email: info@harbourfrontcentre.com
Phone: 416-973-4000

Location: Harbourfront Centre
235 Queens Quay West

The East Scarborough Festival Market is going strong in it’s fifth year with rave reviews and support form the community. The Festival Market has become a safe place for residents to mingle and socialize and quickly turned into an integral event of summer to which people look forward each week with great anticipation.

Look out for the vegetable and fruit stands and numerous vendors, food merchants, BBQ, art exhibits, information booths, youth and child activities and entertainment.

Starts: June 2, 2011
Ends: August 25, 2011
Time: 01:00 PM to 05:00 PM

Address:
St. Margaret’s Parkette
4130 Lawrence Avenue East
Lawrence & Morningside

STOREFRONT VISION
Scarborough is a safe, well-educated and prosperous community. The Storefront contributes to making the impossible possible by providing accessible sites for community members of all ages and cultures to find and share solutions they need to live healthy lives, find meaningful work, play and thrive. We are seen as an excellent model for sustainable social innovation and transformation in communities.

STOREFRONT MISSION
They are a partnership of community members and services working together to create a thriving community in East Scarborough. This is done by acting as bridges between people, services and communities, working together in safe, welcoming and accessible environments, nurturing diversity and harmony and exploring possibilities.

THE STOREFRONT VALUES
- Participation from community members at every level
- Inclusive approach in all our work
- Commitment to marginalized and low-income populations
- Proactive commitment to full equity principles
- Commitment to facilitating good, respectful process in all decision making
- Responsive to community needs
- Reflective of diverse communities
- Integrity and transparency in all functions

PRIORITIES – 2008-2013
In 2008 the Storefront set the following priorities in order to attain our vision:

1. Keep the core strong
2. Advocate for and work to improve accessible, safe places, sites and spaces in the community
3. Build the capacity of community members to play leading roles in reaching the vision
4. Reach out and connect with new people so that people will know of the great things happening in our community
5. Support community wide initiatives and experiences with other communities and initiatives