Dixonlicious 2018- Review

March 1, 2018

Daniels Spectrum

Dixonlicious had a fantastic fundraising event on March 1st at Daniels Specturm.  Dixonlicious is a fundraising event for Dixon Hall. Dixon Hall is a great Toronto non-profit organization that offers more than 60 programs for community members at different life stages. Dixonlicious fundraises for the agency’s food programs – including Meals on Wheels, meals for formerly homeless men and women living in transitional housing, and for March break and summer camps attended by youth in the Music School and Children & Youth programs.

This year's event was a great success with the event raising more than $80,000 through ticket sales and the silent auction and donations.  That will provide over 20,000 meals for people in need.

 The event had a fantastic lineup of musical artists that included a few of the music program students who were as talented as some great professionals so I think big things will come from them in the future.  The photo above is 2 girls from the band Monday Heart Attack,  a name you will probably remember and should because they blew everyone away.

The event had lots of great food from popular Toronto social enterprise café, the Show Love Café.

Some of the highlights for me were Paintbox's Gelato's and the Schnitzel and Choucrout from Biff's Bistro and I also really loved the Hokkaido Scallops from Hooked.  Some of the other dishes below included Smoothies from Freshed Right, Pasta from the Food Dudes, Coffee smoked chicken salad from Hawthorne Food and Drink, Cotechino sausage tacos from Skin + Bones, Guacamole from Barrio Cerveceria,  Hokkaido Scallops from Hooked,  Chocolate and strawberry gelato from Paintbox Bistro, Cabbage salad with satay dressing from Show Love Cafe,  Gnocchi poutine with braised short ribs from Daniel et Daniel, Schnitzel and sauerkraut from Biff's Bistro.

In the centre of the room were all the silent auction items with a whole variety of different things to bid on.  I bid on the 3 cookbooks but lost out but that's ok since they raised more money.

Dixonlicious is a fun event and you don't event and just by being there you help other people that are in need of assistance from seniors who aren't able to prepare their meals, to youth that are given music programs to give them budding careers for their future.

I would suggest if you have the time and some money to help out please check out their website for how you can help out and maybe you can go to next year's fun event too.

http://www.dixonhall.org

Eva's Initiatives for Homeless Youth Fundraiser

EVENT:  TASTE MATTERS

DATE:  Nov 2, 2017

LOCATION:  Liberty Grand, Toronto

CHARITY:  Eva's Initiatives for Homeless Youth

Social:  #TasteMatters

@evasinitiatives

TASTE MATTERS is a Fundraiser that benefits Eva's Initiatives a charitable organization that helps homeless youth. Eva's Initiatives was created for Eva Smith who emigrated to Canada in 1956.  She passed away in 1993 and a few years later the Satellite Emergency youth shelter was created in Toronto.  It helps youth between 16-24 with emergency shelter and assistance.

The Taste Matters event is hosted by cookbook authors and sisters, Julie Albert & Lisa Gnat to continue raising funds for the much needed services in Toronto.

The Fundraising event was held at the spectacular Liberty Grand at Exhibition Place where 22 Food and beverage vendors in Toronto provided samples of their food and drink.  Below are a few of the things I sampled at the event including Rancho Relaxo's Fish Tacos, ones of the longest lineups.  I also enjoyed the Butternut squash ravioli from North 44 and the salmon Tartare from the Edible Story.

They also had a raffle and silent auction.  These are a couple of the things from the silent auction that caught my eye but unfortunately I don't have anywhere to put them.

 For more information on how you can help check out their website http://www.evas.ca/

Eat to the Beat - 60 Female Chefs-1 Event- 1 Cause

60 FEMALE CHEFS - ONE EVENT - ONE GREAT CAUSE at 

EAT TO THE BEAT

Tuesday, October 17, 2017 | 7 pm – 10 pm | Roy Thomson Hall

Eat to the Beat presented by KitchenAid is a signature event of the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and is celebrating its 22nd year on Tuesday, October 17 from 7pm – 10pm at Roy Thomson Hall (60 Simcoe Street). It is the only event in Canada that exclusively features the talent of 60 female chefs – women supporting women through the challenges that come with a breast cancer diagnosis. General Admission Tickets are $189 and include all food and beverages (a tax receipt will be issued for the maximum allowable amount). For tickets or to see the line-up of chefs and beverage participants, please visit www.eattothebeat.ca.

Guests can enjoy specially prepared savoury and sweet dishes at 60 stations, along with wine, beer and a selection of non-alcoholic libations from 20 of the finest beverage purveyors set up around Roy Thomson Hall’s outer lobby.

In addition to food and drink, colourful and whimsical one-of-a-kind corsets, inspired by food and created and modelled by breast cancer survivors, have become an integral part of Eat to the Beat.

Started 21 years ago by sisters Lisa and Abby Slater, Eat to the Beat has raised more than $3.9 million since its inception. Funds raised at Eat to the Beat will be directed towards supporting the full spectrum of breast cancer programs and services of the Canadian Cancer Society - from important research where the latest innovations are developed to direct patient support – and will benefit not only the estimated 25,000 Canadian women who are diagnosed every year with this disease, but also the families and friends who love and support them.

Participating chefs that will be featured at this year’s Eat to the Beat include:

Sandra Abballe, Succulent Chocolates and Sweets

Suzanne Barr, Saturday Night Dinette

Vanessa Baudanza, The Rolling Pin

Isabelle Loiacono, The Rolling Pin

Wanda Beaver, Wanda’s Pie in the Sky

Renee Bellefeuille, Art Gallery of Ontario

Cathy Beneway, Creative Catering by Cathy

Tifffany Miquel, George Restaurant

Emma Beqaj, Emma's Eatery Catering

Shannon Bolak, Ace Bakery

Arvinda Chauhan, Arvinda's

Preena Chauhan, Arvinda's

Tiiu Christie, Marigolds and Onions

Tysa Christie, Marigolds and Onions

Jeanne da Silva, George Brown College Chef School

Amy Symington, George Brown College Chef School

Felicia Derose, Chase

Donna Dooher, Mildred’s Temple Kitchen

Stephanie Duong, Roselle Desserts

Rossy Earle, SupiCucu

Alexandra Feswick, The Drake Hotel

Kimberley Humby, East & Main Bistro

Anna Janes, Cocomira Confections

Charlotte Langley, Groundwork Food and Scout Canning

Tara Lee, Eastbound Brewing Co.

Jacqueline Lo, Ruelo Patisserie

Lynn Mendelson, Lynn Mendelson Catering

Joan Monfaredi, Park Hyatt Hotel

Lauren Mozer, Elle Cuisine

Andrea Nicholson, Butchie’s and Killer Condiments

Leona Nyman, Azzurra

Suzanne Baby, Gallery Grill at Hart House

Catherine O’Donnell, Willow Cakes and Pastries

Christine Ostiguy, Yorkshire Pudding Catering

Angela Panigas, The Sultan’s Tent, Café Moroc

Véronique Perez, Crêpes à GoGo Spadina, Limonana

Jennifer Perusini, BerBer Social

Andrea Porier, Inn on the Twenty

Karen Rachlin, Bite Catering

Nuit Regular, Kiin, Pai Northern Thai Kitchen, Sabai Sabai Kitchen and Bar, Sukhothai Restaurant

Emily Richards, Professional Home Economist

Dufflet Rosenberg, Dufflet Pastries

Alida Solomon, Tutti Matti

Lili Sullivan, Pomodoro

Elaine Wong, The Omni King Edward Hotel

Vanessa Yeung, Aphrodite Cooks

Leyla Kizilirmak, Art Square Gallery and Café

Eat to the Beat at a Glance:

DATE:         Tuesday, October 17, 2017

TIME:          7pm – 10pm

VENUE:       Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street, Toronto (St. Andrew subway station) 

COST:         General Admission Ticket: $189 

                          Tickets include dishes at 60 stations along with wine, beer and non-alcoholic libations.

(a tax receipt will be issued for the maximum allowable amount)

www.eattothebeat.ca

DRESS:       Smart casual

FACEBOOK:     @CCSToronto

Event Page:      Eat to the Beat

INSTAGRAM:    @CCSGTA

TWITTER:         @CCSGTA

HASHTAG:       #EattotheBeat #CancerFighter

About Eat to the Beat and the Canadian Cancer Society:

The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer. Eat to the Beat is formerly an event of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and has now become a signature event of the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) as a result of the two organizations’ recent merger in February 2017. The result of this union is a bigger impact on cancer research and support programs across all types of cancer, including breast cancer. The combined organization will preserve the mandate and spirit of CBCF, including its key programs and activities. CCS remains committed to investing in breast cancer.

Charitable Registration No. 11882 9803 RR0001

Rocket Ride for Rehab launch

Event:        Rocket Ride for Rehab Launch
Website:    Rocket Ride For RehabHashtag    #spin4the6
Date:        Tuesday, Aug 22nd 2017 (launch)Time:        5:30pm to 7:30pmLocation: Lodge on Queen, 251 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON

A friend sent me an invite to a lunch for an event called Rocket Ride for Rehab #Spin4the6 and I decided to RSVP to check it out.  I never heard of it before and wasn't sure what it was exactly but I thought it might be interesting to see what it was all about.  While I am not a Spinner I am always happy to promote events that will help people who need a bit of assistance.  I was only at the event for a short time but I did enjoy some of Fidel Castro's catering including the delicious charcuterie platter and their Jalapeno Mac and Cheese.  Kevin Brauch was the Bartender making some fancy cocktails.  I was a last minute decision to go so I am glad I did to find out about this event.  I hope that if you are into Spinning you will join them at Nathan Phillips Square on Oct 24th and help them break a Guinness World Record and help the Toronto Rehab Foundation reach their goals to help as many people as they can.  You can also make a donation to the Toronto Rehab Foundation here:  Toronto Rehab

Participate in the Rocket Ride for Rehab
Location: Nathan Phillips Square
Date: Saturday Oct. 24, 2017

Toronto Rehab Foundation is proud to announce the Rocket Ride 4 Rehab. This 5-hour static cycling event will have over 1,000 participants that will be united in a purpose and will be going for a GUINNESS WORLD RECORD for the most money raised by a static cycling event.

WHY PARTICIPATE

• Be part of a GUINNESS WORLD RECORD.
• This Spin-a-Thon will be lead by Toronto’s top spin instructors.
• The outdoor party will take place in historic Nathan Phillips Square.
• Fun day for the whole family!
• To raise funds for Toronto Rehab Foundation supporting the #1 Rehabilitation research centre in the world

Culinary Showdown Montreal

1st CULINARY SHOWDOWN IN MONTREAL 

DEFI CULINAIRE SHOWDOWN

The Jewish General Hospital and Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation Host Celebrity
Chefs Tyler Florence, Kimberly Lallouz, Mark McEwan; Danny Smiles, Michael Smith and Top 50 Fundraisers in Quebec’s First Annual Culinary Showdown

Culinary Showdown is a peer to peer fundraising event and gala dinner for home cooks,
amateur chefs and foodies, who all have one thing in common – a strong passion for food and the
cause! This extraordinary challenge gives culinary enthusiasts the opportunity to fundraise for a chance to cook alongside celebrity chefs in the type of team cooking challenge normally reserved for TV.

Chef Mark McEwen

It will be held on Sunday October 29, 2017 at Arsenal Contemporary Art, 2020 William St, Montreal, Quebec and will include a Celebrity Chef School from 10:30am-3:00pm before the showdown begins at 6:00pm-11:00pm.

This extraordinary challenge gives culinary enthusiasts the opportunity to fundraise for a chance to cook alongside celebrity chefs Tyler Florence, Kimberly Lallouz, Mark McEwan; Danny Smiles, and
Michael Smith, Hosted by Brad Smith - Chopped Canada, in support of two incredible organizations. 

The Jewish General Hospital provides general and specialized care of the highest quality in a safe, humane and caring manner. The Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation is the only non-profit organization in Québec devoted entirely to the fight against breast cancer through research and innovation, raising awareness and providing education and support to those affected by this disease and their loved ones.

The Culinary Showdown is an exclusive experience that sets the tone for true culinary education.
Celebrity chefs will coach participants on epicurean techniques while the teams compete to be the
next Culinary team.

Enjoy a gourmet meal as the celebrity chefs and their teams of top fundraisers take the stage, but
keep your keen culinary skills handy throughout the dinner, as members of the audience may be
called upon to participate. The 50 highest fundraisers earn the right to test their culinary talents live
on stage alongside their team and celebrity chef. Five teams will compete under the spotlight to
create three unique dishes, applying the skills mastered during Celebrity Chefs School. Each food
course is time-sensitive and will be judged by a discerning panel for taste and presentation.

Fuel your food passion at the Celebrity Chef’s School, as the Celebrity chefs will coach you on how to become a culinary master. They will cover everything from picking the perfect ingredients to plating. You’ll learn trade secrets on food prep, knife skills, cooking methods and more. You’ll learn what it takes to keep your cool when things heat up in the kitchen.

Food lovers, cooking connoisseurs and novices alike are invited to this one-of- a-kind opportunity to
learn from the best chefs in the country and support JGHF and QBCF, register for the Culinary
Showdown at http://www.deficulinaire.ca.

I attended the launch recently at Mark McEwen's restaurant ONE in Yorkville where we sampled on some amazing appetizers while we learned about the Montreal version of the Culinary Showdown.

I have participated in raising funds for the Culinary Showdown in the past but unfortunately not enough to be able to participate in the live Culinary event.  I would love to participate in the MONTREAL version and if YOU would like to sponsor me I would be happy to represent Toronto in the city foodie rivalry that is Montreal and Toronto.

Please drop me a line if you would like to support me in fundraising.

About The Jewish General Hospital
Since 1934, the JGH has been providing cutting edge treatment and compassionate care to patients
from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds in Montreal, throughout Quebec and beyond, we are
one of the province's largest and busiest acute-care hospitals

About Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation
For more than 20 years, the Foundation has focused its mission on promoting the well-being of affected people and their loved ones through research and innovation, support and raising awareness. Find out why our foundation is now the reference and your best ally for a life without breast cancer.

Cook 4 New Lives Gala and Culinary Battle

Today is Mother's Day and it's a fitting time to talk about a Charity Gala that I attended this week that supports the Massey Centre an organization that helps young mother's in need with different programs that allow them to continue their education and get the support they need to take care of themselves and their baby.  The #COOK4NEWLIVES Gala is also an opportunity for student chefs to pair with Professional Chefs in a competition that is voted on by well known food industry judges.  

Chef John Higgins | Director George Brown Chef School

Sara Lynn Cauchon | Creator, The Domestic Geek

Sebastian Centner | Eatertainment

Hosted by Big Brother Host Arisa Cox

Entertainment provided by AMBER

Akua Asabea Blair welcomed the guest to the Gala and introduced everyone to the work of the Massey Centre and one of the former members Jalisa Orr took the stage to tell everyone her story of getting pregnant at 16 and how it impacted her life and how the Massey Centre was able to help her change direction in her life.

The While the Students and their mentors were busy preparing the food in George Brown College's kitchens the Gala guests were sampling pizza from Pizza Nova, Shrimp Banh Mi Toasts by Hello Fresh, mini cupcakes from Don't call me a cupcake and tortilla chips and salsa from the Neal Brothers and beverages from Social Lite and Muskoka Brewery and Coca Cola Ltd.

They also had a really fun Photo Booth by Picture Photo Booth, set up with the most fun props I have seen in a while.

Then it was time for the Competition.  The teams brought out their dishes and everyone rushed to sample each of the 4 dishes.

The WINNING TEAM was:

Jessica Martineau | Oliver & Bonacini, Canteen with Andrea Cosalan GBC student

with their Steamed Puto, Pork Sausage with Ramp Puree

Suzanne Barr | Saturday Dinette  with Nao Akutagawa GBC student prepared:
Jerk Chicken, Buckwheat Ramen, Roasted Tomatoes

Amber Farrell | The Flock & formerly of Ceili Cottage with Saili Naiowade GBC student

Veggie Sliders

Tara Lee | Eastbound Brewing Company with Eungi Moon GBC student

Smoked Chicken Soup

This event wasn't just a cooking competition but it was also a Fundraising Gala to not only raise funds but awareness of the great work that the Massey Centre does.

There was a silent auction set up with some many amazing baskets and items like Hockey Jerseys and all kinds of great things.

Congratulations to everyone for the hard work putting this event together and all the hard work in helping young mothers achieve their dreams.

For more information about the Massey Centre and to Sponsor, donate, volunteer or whatever else you may be able to assist with contact them through their website:  http://www.massey.ca/contact-us/

Disclaimer:  The gala ticket was complimentary but the opinions and photos are my own.