Meet a Few of My Own Local Food Heroes

This month I’m taking part in The Canadian Food Experience Project. The task for August is to feature a regional food hero, and while I don’t have one person that I feel specifically fits the bill for me, I’d like to tell you a little bit about some of the ‘everyday’ people I know who are doing amazing things in my area, whether in a professional capacity or their own home kitchen. 

Take my sister, for example. Beth wasn’t always overly interested in cooking despite the fact that she could do it well. However, since she became a mother, her babies have never eaten anything but homemade food from the first time they were strapped into a high chair and spoon-fed at the table. For over two years she’s been chopping, cooking, and pureeing the best homemade meals her girls can eat, and for that I think she’s amazing.

Then there’s her husband. He’s been working in the restaurant industry since he was twelve. As the son of Greek immigrants, he actively contributed to the family business as soon as he was able, and today he runs it alongside his brother. Known as a “bar and grill” the luscious chicken wings will actually convince you it’s so much more, and if they don’t then the homemade salad dressing, gravy, or sloppy Joe mix surely will. My boys have grown up in his restaurant, our extended family dines there for most major occasions, and some of the employees have been there for more than 20 years. For those of us who’ve worked in the food industry we know that’s almost unheard of, and it stands as a true testament to the business his family has created.

I’ve mentioned my good friend, Tess, here before. She’s a professional baker, and turns out some of the most amazing cakes you’ll ever lay your eyes on. She’s my go-to guru when it comes to baking, and I swear that food is the language we communicate in. In addition to working long hours in catering, which is where we met, she comes home and prepares the most enviable meals for her teenage boys and husband. We’ve shared recipes, tips and tricks, and probably a few too many text messages, and she’s the only person I know that sends me pictures of the cookbooks at Costco to see if I have or want them.

Speaking of catering, the girls who own the company I used to work for bought a successful and established business over six years ago, and have kept it running on their own since. They’ve poured their heart and souls into the company, married and had babies while doing so, and employ a team of people that continuously deliver quality food to their often-demanding clients.

It’s easy to focus on the famous names we’re all too familiar with, and quickly label those in the public eye as our heroes. For me, the everyday people doing amazing things in their field – which includes the kitchen of a stay-at-home or working mom – is far more fearless, and for that I think they should be recognized.

Let’s chat! Who is your food hero? Do you know someone in your everyday life doing amazing things with food?

P.S. - Speaking of local, the adorable cupcake shop in the photo can be found along Highway 6 en route to the Aberfoyle antique market. They sell sweets named after famous songs, musicians, and movies, and offer 120 flavours in total. If you're ever in the area, I highly encourage you to check them out.

Note: We're away again for two days this weekend, but regular recipe posts will resume next week! In the meantime, don't forget to enter this giveaway for your own home canning kit... I've been putting mine to good use lately.

Comments

[Renee]

Great post Jan! How fun to have a Greek restaurant in the family! My food hero is my mom. She raised 4 kids by herself and worked really hard to make healthy, delicious food for her family - most of it from scratch. Plus she let me lick the beaters and eat the cookie dough, hence my love all of things sweet. She's the best.

[A Canadian Foodie]

Completely enjoyed the insight into the people you surround yourself with Jan. They truly are local food heroes. As a teacher for so many years, those moms or dads who came home every day and cooked a delicious, nutritious meal nightly for their families were my heroes... especially if their kids came to school with a yummy homemade lunch. What a difference a solid home food culture makes to family life and to the ability for a teacher to educate their child!
:)
V