For the love of our countries, our culture, our cuisine

BY NOEL CUNNINGHAM

True True Diner, which is owned and operated by Suzanne Barr, launches a monthly black chef series, For the Love Of. On February 24^th I had the opportunity to experience the first staging of this cultural culinary magic. Three chefs, 1 night, 9 courses paired with a signature cocktail celebrating our rich and diverse cuisine. When I talked with the chefs this was an idea they all had for a long time but they felt the need to launch it during black history month.

This event gives each featured chef of color the opportunity to share their love of culture through food and storytelling. The evening took us on a global journey, celebrating culture, tradition and cuisine. The doors opened at 7:30 pm with a house full of guests walking in, interacting with each other, taking selfies, finding their seats and getting ready for the culinary treat. You know you are at the right spot when you look around the room and the Mayor is there. Mayor John Tory came and greeted the room with his presence and warmth. The evening started with each chef introducing themselves and what we could expect.  The first course was Chef Adrians’ escovitch oysters that were paired with a mojito, then Chef Barr warmed things up with her Babka, which is a sweet braided bread served with a curry cultured butter then chef Munye serves us a Xilib Ari which comes with a Marakh broth, pickled goat tongue and roasted goat shoulder. We had three more dishes then it was time for desserts. The evening ended with a duo of plantain beignets and a Jamaican stout cake topped with grapenut ice cream. Between each course we had some spoken words and poetry along with music for the mind and soul.

About The Chefs

BASHIR MUNYE:  Born in Somalia, and raised in Italy, he has called Toronto home for the past 26 years. His approach to cooking is simple. He is a passionate advocate for promoting diverse food representatives of Toronto multicultural communities. He believes and advocates for access to good quality food for everyone. He is currently working with Ontario Greenbelt in food literacy and food advocacy by engaging and educating multi-ethnic African chefs and food entrepreneurs in the accessibility of Ontario grown culturally diverse crops. Currently, Bashir is a culinary professor at George Brown College.

ADRIAN FORTE: Born in Jamaica, Adrian moved to New York at the age of 12, and he has called Toronto home for over 9 years. Chef Adrian has appeared on Food Network Canada’s Chef in Your Ear, Chef in Your Ear Junior, Season Two of Food Network Canada’s Chopped Canada, Hogtown BBQ on Bell, as well as several noted national television appearances demonstrating his skill and creativity. Restaurateur, consultant and culinary producer.

SUZANNE BARR: Suzanne embarked on her latest venture as Head Chef/Owner at True True Diner in Toronto, Canada. This concept is a mirror of Suzanne’s unique culinary repertoire and social advocacy. As published by blogTO, “The diner concept pays homage to the sites of many civil rights sit-ins, and the history of the diner in breaking down segregation.” Suzanne has also been heralded with championing marginalized people within the workspace through equitable employment practices. Her team members are all paid equal, livable wages and tips are pooled among not only front-of-house staff, but with the kitchen as well. Suzanne is also one of the esteemed judges on Food Network Canada’s new series, Wall of Chefs that debuted this February, across the country.

 A portion of the evening proceeds will also benefit a charitable cause. So make sure you stay tuned to True True Diner ‘s website to find out when  the next For The Love Of will be held. This is a culinary event that we should all be a part of and experience. It’s for our countries, our cuisine and our culture.