Inside SIAL Canada 2024: The Best of Food Innovation in Montreal!

For the past six years, I have had the incredible opportunity to partner with SIAL Canada, one of the premier food innovation trade shows in North America. This is my third time attending the event in Montreal, and each year it feels like a homecoming. SIAL Canada has become one of my favourite tradeshows to look forward to, not only because of the sheer scale and diversity of the event but also for the unparalleled networking opportunities it offers. As a food blogger, there is nothing quite like witnessing firsthand the unveiling of amazing, innovative food and beverage products that push the boundaries of the industry.

Read a recap of my Montreal SIAL Canada 2022 experience here.
Read a recap of my Toronto SIAL Canada 2019 experience here.
Read a recap of my Montreal SIAL Canada 2018 experience here.

Every year, the creativity and passion of the exhibitors just gets better and better. It's a fantastic chance to meet like-minded individuals who share a deep love for food and innovation. The atmosphere is always electric, buzzing with excitement as thousands of professionals gather to showcase their latest creations and explore new possibilities. This year was no exception, and I was thrilled to dive into the culinary wonders that SIAL Canada 2024 had to offer. The anticipation of discovering new trends, tasting cutting-edge products, and attending insightful conferences makes this tradeshow a highlight of my calendar year.

Being a media guest at SIAL Canada not only allows me to stay ahead of the curve in the food industry but also gives me the privilege to share these experiences with all of you! It’s an event that truly celebrates the future of food, and I’m always eager to bring those stories and innovations back to you. So, join me as I recount my incredible journey through SIAL Canada 2024, starting with my delightful stay at Hotel Monville and exploring the myriad of experiences that made this trip unforgettable.

A Cozy Stay at Hotel Monville

My home base for this adventure was the chic and contemporary Hotel Monville, nestled in the heart of Montreal’s Quartier international on De Bleury Street. Hotel Monville is a four-star hotel that targets both business people and tourists seeking to immerse themselves in the Montreal experience. From the moment I checked in, Hotel Monville impressed me with its sleek design and modern amenities. The location couldn’t have been more convenient—just literally a one minute walk from Palais des Congres de Montreal where SIAL Canada was hosted. My room was a perfect blend of comfort and style, featuring a stunning view of the city skyline.

One of the unique features of Hotel Monville is its autonomous delivery robot, developed by the California firm Savioke. This robot carries orders directly to guests’ rooms in record time, making room service a truly futuristic experience. Guests can also check in easily and quickly at electronic kiosks, where they automatically receive their room keys. This efficient system allows the hotel’s human receptionists to dedicate more time to helping guests discover Montreal’s many attractions.

The hospitality at Hotel Monville was also top-notch. The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful, ensuring my stay was as pleasant as possible with room service every day so you know you’ll be coming into a clean and made-up bed each and every night. After long days at the trade show, it was a relief to return to such a welcoming and restful environment. I couldn’t have asked for a better home away from home during my Montreal trip.

Exploring SIAL Canada 2024

SIAL Canada 2024 was a gastronomic wonderland, with over 1,000 national and international exhibitors from 44 countries showcasing their innovative products. There were so many exhibitors this year that it was the very first time the tradeshow took place over two floors. Walking through the expansive halls, I was amazed by the diversity of offerings, from gourmet snacks and beverages to cutting-edge food technology. Each booth told a unique story, reflecting the passion and creativity of its creators. I had the chance to sample an array of delectable foods and drinks, many of which were new to me. It was inspiring to see so many businesses pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the culinary world and to me is one of the key reasons why anyone should make a visit to SIAL Canada.

The SIAL Innovation Awards

One of the highlights of the event was the annual SIAL Innovation Awards. This prestigious ceremony recognizes the most groundbreaking products in the food industry. Among the 200 applications from 17 countries, competition co-presidents Isabelle Marquis and Xavier Terlet selected 74 products from 13 countries that embody the innovative spirit of SIAL Canada exhibitors.

These products were chosen by the Grand Jury based on several criteria:

• The product was launched from January 2023 onwards.

• It offers something new or different from what is known in the Canadian market and has the potential to expand to several markets.

• It creates value for the intended target and is likely to inspire other food companies to replicate or enhance the concept.

• It is innovative in at least one of the following areas: recipe and composition, packaging, manufacturing process, or marketing positioning.

This year’s grand winners were particularly impressive. The Gold Award went to El Gusto Foods, a high-quality ground coffee in a compostable bag that clings to the rim of the cup for perfect brewing. This product was selected for its practicality and quality of execution, allowing premium coffee to be enjoyed anywhere.

The Silver Award was claimed by Huile d'Olivia by Dear Goodness, a line of olive oils created to pair with specific dishes. The jury was impressed by the blending of selected olive varieties to match distinct dishes and the aromatic descriptions provided for each type.

The Bronze Award went to La Presserie for their line of Asian-inspired frozen and vacuum-packed soups made from natural ingredients. These soups were selected for their authentic recipes and the innovative skin pack packaging.

Additionally, the Packaging Award was given to ABC Emballuxe Inc. for their reusable pizza box, suitable for three sizes of pizza. This product was recognized for its sustainable attributes and design flexibility.

The Opening Ceremony

The excitement began with the grand opening ceremony right after the all the SIAL Innovation Awards were handed out to the recipients. The opening ceremony is a vibrant celebration that will set the stage for the three-day event. It featured keynote speeches from industry leaders who shared their insights on the future of food innovation with a blend of inspiration and enthusiasm that highlighted the event's significance. The energy in the room was infectious, and it was clear that everyone in attendance was passionate about the future of food.

The Start Up Pitch Competition

Another event that stood out was the Start Up Pitch Competition. This competition gave emerging food startups a platform to showcase their innovative products, technologies, or services to a panel of judges and an enthusiastic audience. The creativity and ingenuity on display was truly remarkable. I found myself rooting for several of the participants, each presenting unique solutions to some of the industry's biggest challenges. The competition was fierce, but it was a fantastic opportunity to see the next generation of food entrepreneurs in action. With only three-minutes to impress the panel of judges, each competitor needed to quickly showcase and convince them why their product is unique from everything out there already and deserves the spotlight.

This year’s competition highlighted some truly inspiring startups. The first-place winner was Epic Tofu, a company offering pre-chopped, marinated, and ready-to-cook tofu products that taste out of this world. Artisan-made in Montreal, Quebec, with non-GMO and organic ingredients. Epic Tofu stood out for its convenience and commitment to quality. As a busy food blogger who loves plant-based options, I was particularly impressed by how easy and delicious Epic Tofu makes it to enjoy a healthy meal. Their innovative approach to tofu preparation is set to revolutionize how we incorporate this versatile protein into our diets.

The second-place award went to Dunord, which offers plant-based meal kits made from local farm surplus and inspired by the abundance of the boreal ecosystem. Dunord’s focus on sustainability and reducing food waste resonated deeply with me. Their meal kits not only provide nutritious, plant-based meals but also support local farmers and promote eco-friendly practices. It’s a win-win for consumers and the environment, and I’m excited to see how Dunord will continue to grow and impact the food industry.

In third place was Maison Théier, a company brewing alcohol-free wine made from the finest tea in the world. Their alcohol-free tea wine is a new product based on the fermentation of exclusively imported tea from Asia. They import very high-quality tea from terroirs in Asia and infuse it with high-quality water, creating a unique and sophisticated beverage. As someone who appreciates both fine tea and innovative non-alcoholic beverages, I found Maison Théier’s product to be a refreshing alternative to traditional wine. It’s perfect for those who seek the complexity and enjoyment of wine without the alcohol content.

These winners not only showcased incredible products but also demonstrated how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand. The Start Up Pitch Competition was a highlight of SIAL Canada 2024, offering a glimpse into the future of the food and beverage industry.

A Feast for the Senses

One of the most enjoyable aspects of SIAL Canada was the opportunity to sample an incredible variety of food and drink. Walking up and down the two floors of the event, I was treated to a sensory overload of tastes and aromas. From artisanal cheeses and gourmet chocolates to exotic beverages and innovative snacks, there was something for every palate. Each sample provided a glimpse into the creativity and craftsmanship of its entrepreneurs. It was a food lover’s paradise, and I made sure to savour every moment. Here were some of my favourite booths this year!

Conferences and Industry Insights

SIAL Canada is not just about showcasing products; it’s also a hub for knowledge exchange. The event hosts a plethora of conferences where speakers from across the industry share their expertise and insights. I attended one of the final conferences on the last day of the tradeshow, which focused on food marketing on TikTok in the social media space. It was fascinating to learn about the strategies brands are using to engage with a younger audience on this rapidly growing platform. Lindsey Tracey - Head of Industry (Growth) who currently works at TikTok provided valuable tips on creating viral content and leveraging TikTok’s unique features to boost brand visibility. This session was particularly relevant for me as a food blogger, offering fresh ideas to incorporate into my social media strategy.

Conclusion

My trip to Montreal for SIAL Canada 2024 was an unforgettable experience. It was a privilege to be a media guest at such a significant event in the food industry, and I returned home with a wealth of new knowledge and inspiration. I can’t wait to see how the innovations I witnessed will shape the future of food. Until next time, Montreal! We’ll be back in Toronto for SIAL 2025!

Smoked Salmon Carpaccio Using Acme Smoked Fish - A Brooklyn Staple

It’s very rare these days to find a company with over 100 years of history and experience, especially ones that are still surviving and thriving. Frankly,. it’s a dog-eat-dog world out there and any company that can even stay afloat for 10 years should be considered a huge success let alone any company with over 100! For Acme Smoked Fish, it’s a company that was founded all the way back in 1906 in Brooklyn, New York by Harry Brownstein and is now a fourth-generation, family-owned smokehouse that specializes in smoked salmon and other types of smoked fish that has literally been feeding its customers for over a century! A Century!!!!

Their smoked salmon and other specialty smoked fish can already be found in restaurants, retailers, and bagel shops alike from coast to coast in the United States, and just last year they also launched their e-commerce business where they are now able to deliver fish from their smokehouse directly to homes all around the U.S. From keeping up with their traditions that have marked their past, inspire their present, and shape their future, the fact that they are able to adapt with the changing times and modern technologies have allowed Acme Smoked Fish to continue to find success decade after decade after decade.

With their stellar reputation in the seafood industry in having some of the best smoked fish in the world, not only do our neighbours down south get to enjoy these great products, we can now enjoy them here in Toronto as Acme has just recently expanded their reach to the Great White North. You’ll now be able to find some of their signature smoked fish in several retailers here across the city!

In fact, I thought Smoked Salmon was really just of one variety. A rookie’s mistake. If you visit their website you will literally see an endless variety to choose from. Options for all kinds of taste buds. Some of which can now be obtained in Toronto which includes:

Smoked Atlantic Salmon

Lox or Nova or Smoked Salmon, whatever you call it, this is the gold standard of smoked fish. Each succulent ribbon of smoked salmon reveals the perfect balance of a rich yet delicate smoked fish flavor as it melts away in your mouth with its buttery smooth texture and light hint of hardwood smoke. This family smoked salmon recipe, perfected and passed down through generations, uses carefully selected salmon prepared with a traditional dry curing method and then cold smoked over blends of natural hardwoods. This renowned Acme Classic Smoked Salmon is a result of true Brooklyn smoked fish craftsmanship. Enjoy this classic smoked fish taste of New York all the way here in Toronto.

Smoked Atlantic Salmon with Gravlax Seasoning

The tantalizing aroma of a traditional Scandinavian specialty with a Brooklyn smoked fish twist, Acme’s Gravlax smoked salmon is a delectable contrast of rich color, flavor and texture to add to any smorgasbord. Lightly smoked salmon is enveloped in fresh dill and carefully sliced for a bright and delicate savory smoked fish bite.

Smoked Atlantic Salmon with Togarashi Seasoning

Inspired by the Japanese seasoning shichimi togarashi, meaning “seven-flavor chili pepper”, Acme Smoked Fish’s Smokehouse Exclusive Togarashi Smoked Salmon is a multifaceted flavor experience! Lightly spicy, with a tang of citrus and ginger, and rounded out with umami notes that hint of seaweed, this delightfully complex spice complements Acme’s delicate smoked salmon.

Smoked Atlantic Salmon with Pastrami Seasoning

Combining two iconic tastes of New York, traditional pastrami spices are added to the signature smoked salmon of Acme Smoked Fish. The result is a peppery, tangy, smoked fish flavor experience with just a hint of smoke. Enjoy this smoked salmon on a bagel, cracker, or classic rye bread for the full pastrami experience.

Smoked Whitefish (bone-in, fully cooked)

Acme’s hot smoked wild caught whitefish is bursting with rich flavors steeped in tradition. This golden, white-fleshed, fresh water fish from the Great Lakes provides a delectable smokey flavor that is perfect for any meal.

With all of these amazing smoked salmon varieties at my finger tips, you just know I had to create a recipe that would showcase Acme’s family tradition of quality. What better way to do that then making a Smoked Salmon Carpaccio! Normally a carpaccio just uses one type of fish, but because I have the luxury this time of having four different types, this smoked salmon carpaccio is elevated to another level where I have incorporated their classic Smoked Atlantic Salmon and with the other three Smoked Atlantic Salmon seasonings of Gravlax, Togarashi, and Pastrami. Literally something for everyone!

This recipe is then topped off with fried capers and herbs to make the ultimate appetizer to share with your friends and family. Not only does this recipe only take around 15 minutes to make, most of the ingredients you need for this are staple pantry items. Using the Acme Smoked Salmon as the star ingredient, it then gets lightly marinated in a lemony-shallot dressing which is then topped off with crispy pan-fried capers and fresh dill to truly make this dish a stand-out favourite.

Smoked Salmon Carpaccio (Four Ways) With Crispy Capers and Dill

Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 6 people

Ingredients

For The Dressing:

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon grainy dijon mustard
1 small shallot, thinly sliced

For The Crispy Capers:

2 tablespoons drained capers
1 teaspoon flour
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

For The Salmon:

100 gram Acme Smoked Atlantic Salmon
100 gram Acme Smoked Atlantic Salmon with Gravlax Seasoning
100 gram Acme Smoked Atlantic Salmon with Togarashi Seasoning
100 gram Acme Smoked Atlantic Salmon with Pastrami Seasoning
1 tablespoon loosely chopped fresh dill to garnish
Freshly cracked black pepper to garnish

Instructions:

For the Dressing:

• In a bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients and whisk until well combined. Set aside while you prepare the capers.

For the Crispy Capers:

• In a small bowl, toss the drained capers in the flour until evenly coated.

• Heat a small nonstick skillet over medium heat with olive oil. When the skillet is hot, add the capers to the skillet and cook until golden brown and crisp, about 3 minutes, tossing half way through. Transfer the capers to a paper towel lined plate and let cool.

For the Smoked Salmon:

• Cut the four varieties of Acme Smoked Salmon into 2-inch pieces and arrange on a large plate in a single layer.

• Spoon the dressing over the salmon evenly. Next, top with crispy capers. Lastly, finish the dish with fresh dill and cracked pepper.

Bonus:

• Serve with a side of ready-to-eat Acme Smoked Whitefish! Enjoy!

List of Toronto Retailers Carrying Acme Smoked Fish Products

PRIMROSE BAGEL
SUE’S DONHEAD
KOSHER SOBEYS
VINCENZOS
NU BAGEL
MCEWANS
NEW YORK BAGEL
KIVAS BAGEL
NU AGE FISH
NORTOWN MEATS EGLINTON
NORTOWN MEATS PROMENADE
NORTOWN MEATS YORK MILLS
SAVOURS SOUTH
SAVOURS NORTH
THE KOSHER GOURMET
UNITED BAKERS
CONCORD FOOD CENTRE
HARBORD BAKERY
MENCHENS CATERING
YOSEF MOKIR
OCTAGON REST
ABAS BAGELS
SOUL BAGEL
CAFÉ SHELI
D-LITES
TORONTO KOSHER
NO FRILLS WILSON

Italpasta Introduces a New Artisan Pasta Line with Big Impact!

If you’re anything like me, craving a comforting bowl of pasta is always on my radar. Pasta is one of my favourite things to eat, and also one of my go-to dishes to make at home just because for the most part you can whip up a bowl of pasta quite quickly that would also leave you with leftovers for days! So as you can imagine I’m always walking up and down the grocery aisle grabbing more boxes of my pasta to restock my pantry.

Italpasta has always been a brand of pasta that I bought frequently. If this brand doesn’t sound familiar to you yet, just think of the blue pasta packaging with the cellophane window, and more than likely the image of this brand will come rushing back to you. Italpasta has been a staple in homes of Canadian families since 1989. I love that they are inspired by the age-old Italian way of making high-quality pasta, yet I’m still supporting a Canadian company that uses 100% Canadian wheat. This results into what I think to being a rougher texture that helps the pasta sauce cling to the pasta for a fuller and more delicious bite.

Italpasta has also recently launched a new Artisan pasta range, and surprisingly that’s actually not the most impactful change for their company. In an effort to be more conscious of food waste, they have made a commitment to encourage a zero food waste approach to cooking as part of the company’s sustainability commitment to fully transition their signature cellophane window boxes and bulk plastic bags to 100% recyclable packaging by 2030! So not only is this new Artisan pasta line made with 100% Canadian wheat, it also uses 100% recyclable packaging with the removal of the cellophane window. And honestly to me, the packaging looks even better now with a more modern and sleek look wrapped in this beautiful darker blue hue. This might be a small change, but it makes a huge impact as we all strive to become more environmentally conscious in protecting our mother Earth.

This Italpasta Artisan pasta range comes in six different varieties. There is the Artisan Fusilli, Artisan Maccheroni, Artisan Gemelli, Artisan Penne Rigate, Artisan Spaghetti, and the Artisan Spaghettini. There’s literally something to like for everyone! Every one of these pasta varieties are made in Canada, certified kosher, non-GMO, and vegan. Of course when it comes to new and shiny things, I obviously had to give one of these new artisan pastas a whirl and test a recipe out. You know…. for science.

I was immediately drawn to the Artisan Gemelli just by it’s beautiful shape and decided to make a cold pasta dish with it from one of the Italpasta recipes on their website. I love a good pesto as well, so making their “Gemelli & Asparagus With Watercress Pesto” recipe was a no-brainer for me. I did add my own twist to it as I couldn’t find watercress at my local grocery store, so I substituted that with Arugula which is very similar to the taste and texture of watercress. It came out absolutely delicious and a beautiful dish to look at with the pop of green that comes out from the pesto and asparagus. As it’s a cold pasta, it can be eaten as a quick appetizer or even a hearty lunch. It’s fresh, light, and healthy and if you squint your eyes just a bit you’ll be thinking you’re even eating a salad! I highly, highly recommend making this recipe as it’s so easy to make and only 20 minutes total to whip it up! A perfect dish to impress your family and friends with at your next gathering.

Gemelli & Asparagus with Arugula Pesto

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pkg (450 g) Italpasta Artisan Gemelli

• 1/2 lb (250 g) asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces

• 1/2 cup (125 mL) toasted walnuts, divided

• 2 cloves garlic, whole

• 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) arugula, packed

• 1/2 cup (125 mL) packed fresh parsley, chopped and divided

• 1/3 cup (75 mL) extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tbsp (30 mL) lemon zest

• 3/4 tsp (4 mL) salt

• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) pepper

• 1/4 cup (60 mL) Pecorino cheese, grated

• 2 tbsp (75 mL) Parmesan cheese, grated

• 1/3 cup (75 mL) Parmesan cheese, shaved

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, adding asparagus in the last 2 minutes of cooking time. Drain and refresh under cold running water; drain well and set aside.

2. In food processor, pulse 1/4 cup (60 mL) walnuts and garlic until finely ground. Add arugula, half of the parsley, olive oil, lemon zest, salt and pepper; pulse until smooth. Stir in Pecorino and Parmesan until blended.

3. In bowl, toss together pasta, asparagus and watercress pesto. Serve at room temperature or refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to serve chilled.

4. Just before serving, garnish with shaved Parmesan, and remaining walnuts and parsley.

Shaken and Stirred - The Cocktail Kit We All Need In Our Life!

If there is one thing most of us can agree on, it’s that it was a rough 2020. With what seems to be the never-ending covid-19 pandemic, a lot of us had to face the harsh reality of losing their jobs while doing our best to keep sane in the various waves of social isolation. And with restaurants closed for indoor dining, we all had to pivot with how we interacted with food. Many of us (including me) started a baking frenzy at home and raided the grocery aisles by buying out all the flour. Others dived into the world of online grocery shopping and/or subscribed to meal-kit delivery services so we could do our part to socially distance at home.

One Toronto woman who had a roller-coaster type of year in 2020 because of the pandemic was Iksheeta Shah. She was one of the unlucky ones who lost their job due to covid, and for months wasn’t exactly sure what was going to happen next in her foreseeable future. With restaurants closed and spare time now on her hands, Iksheeta along with her partner found themselves creating gourmet restaurant-quality meals and experiences at home just to bring some form of normalcy back into their lives.

Making the meals wasn’t the hard part for Iksheeta and her partner, but like every memorable meal at your favourite restaurant having a cocktail to accompany your dinner is just as crucial to the food itself. And that was the restaurant magic Iksheeta was trying to re-create at home, but quickly realized that sourcing all the necessary cocktail ingredients was much harder than anticipated. Many hours were spent on Google to find the right suppliers as a lot of the ingredients were not found at grocery stores like bitters and syrups. However, even when you are able to find them, she quickly realized that you only need a few table spoons of it, and you just end up having a huge bottle tucked away in your kitchen cabinet that is never fully used.

Successful meal kit companies like Hello Fresh and GoodFood have flourished during the pandemic with their pre-portioned ingredients and recipes delivered to their subscriber’s doors on a weekly basis. Consumers just absolutely love the convenience these companies bring to us when it comes to meal time, and has changed the landscape of the food industry in a huge way. Iksheeta soon realized that there was an untapped market and a huge opportunity here for cocktail enthusiasts, because these large meal-kit delivery companies currently do not offer cocktails in their kits. And with that realization, Shaken and Stirred was born!

In October 2020, Iksheeta launched Shaken and Stirred which is a cocktail kit company that sources and delivers all the required ingredients to make 4 to 6 drinks per kit right to your door! Each kit comes with a carefully curated recipe card to make the process of creating your cocktails at home as easy and seamless as possible with ingredients like bitters, syrups, shrubs, mixes, garnishes, and fresh produce neatly packed inside the box.

One thing to keep in mind is that alcohol is not included in these kits due to legal reasons. A recommended spirit will always be included in their recipe card, but you can always feel free to crack open a bottle you already have at home. Since everyone also has their own preferred brand of booze, not including alcohol and keeping the cost of the kit lower because of it is actually a good thing in my opinion.

Though most of us probably have a few bottles of alcohol lying around at home already, barware may be a different story. One of my favourite aspects of Shaken and Stirred is how you’re able to purchase any barware you may be missing at home directly off of their website, and they’ll ship it together with your cocktail ingredients. Barware you’re able to purchase includes items like a stainless steel jigger, cocktail pins, cocktail muddler, bar spoon, and a premium 3-piece cocktail shaker. Other optional items you can purchase in addition to your cocktail kit are bar snacks like chips, nuts, and popcorn, along with VISA and LCBO gift cards.

The customized cocktail kit I received was for the Screaming Bloody Orange, a perfect Winter cocktail bursting with rich citrus flavours from the blood orange juice, and then perfectly balanced with the earthy and floral notes of thyme. The recommended spirit for this cocktail was bourbon, and the recommended glassware is a lowball glass. Lucky for me I had both at home already so I had that covered, but I did have a few pieces of barware missing. As mentioned before, these barware items can easily be added inside any cocktail kit so my box also came with the premium 3-piece cocktail shaker, barspoon, and jigger to make my cocktail making experience at home complete.

After following the extremely simple instructions on the recipe card, the Screaming Bloody Orange cocktail turned out absolutely amazing. My experience with making restaurant quality cocktails is extremely limited, yet I felt like a seasoned professional after following its very simple instructions. Having all the ingredients at your finger tips is a game-changer, and literally within a few minutes I had a delicious cocktail in my hands. It’s safe to say I’m definitely going to keep the recipe card handy for when the time comes when I have guests come over to visit.

Another great thing about Shaken and Stirred is that they also offer white glove service meaning you can also ask them to fully customize their cocktail kits for a specific event or occasion such as Holiday related cocktails, 70s themed, or even having a specific cocktail named after someone for a goodbye party for instance. The possibilities are endless and you’ll be able to work directly with Iksheeta to craft your very own personalized cocktail experience.

If there’s one thing we can probably all agree on is that drinking by yourself is not as fun as compared to drinking with others. That’s why Shaken and Stirred also specializes in hosting fun and engaging parties and corporate events, where they partner with some of Canada’s most beloved bartenders to host classes and interactive group sessions. With the pandemic still in full swing, these interactive events are all done virtually where the cocktail kits are delivered to the participant’s home directly 2 to 3 days prior to the start of the event. The virtual event can be held virtually on platforms like Zoom or Google Meet where the bartender can demonstrate how to make that perfect cocktail, answer questions, and may even perform a trick or two. It’s quite the show!

With new cocktail recipes out each season, Shaken and Stirred is carving out its own path in the cocktail industry and pioneering a brand new way on how we can re-create our favourite alcoholic drinks at home. Some of the best and most creative ideas are born out of the most unexpected moments. Shaken and Stirred is truly a beautiful success story of turning a bad situation into something positive. When life gives you lemons, make a cocktail! And that is something I can drink to. Cheers everyone!

Farm To Table with Papa Earth - A Meat & Seafood Delivery Service You Must Try

If there’s two things I love the most in life, they are convenience and meat. I’m a carnivore at heart and no matter how hard I try to increase my intake of vegetables, I will undoubtedly always come back to a fine piece of steak. Nothing beats a steak dinner in my eyes (cooked medium rare of course). And when you also add in a convenience factor into it where you can get premium meats and seafood delivered straight to your door you are literally then just winning at life.

I was first introduced to Papa Earth a few months ago and it has made a world of a difference with the quality of food I’m eating at home, and also just the amount of time I save from having to go grocery shopping. At the time of writing this blog post, I’m sure we are all aware of that “C” word. Yes, there is indeed a global pandemic going on right now called Covid-19 which has made going out like grocery shopping a possible dangerous and life-threatening activity. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate businesses like Papa Earth who are still working tirelessly during these difficult times to get food to our tables, and literally placing food directly at our doorsteps without us needing to step outside.

So how does this all work? It’s simple. You just need to start off by picking the size of the box and frequency of delivery. Unlike some other meal-delivery services, Papa Earth lets you customize your box completely with the types of meats and seafood you want delivered to you. You literally click on their heading “Build Your Box” on their website and choose from their Small Box ($125 and feeds about 1 person), their Medium Box ($249 and feeds about 2 - 3 people), or their Large Box ($498 and feeds a larger family). After that select the delivery frequency that ranges from 2 - 6 weeks and then the fun part begins! Time to spend some coin!

No, literally. You really do get to spend some coin. Each type of meat has an allocated Papa Earth coin value to it which allows you to fully customize your order. You’ll be able to put food in your box such as grass fed and grass finished beef, AAA marbled beef, grass fed bison, free run & pasture raised chicken, drug free vegetarian fed Ontario pork, Ontario lamb, and wild caught fish & seafood. All their products are sourced from the highest quality local farmers in Ontario with livestock that are free roaming, no use of added hormones, and are fed a proper natural diet. Once you are satisfied with your choices and maxed out your coins, your box is complete and you’re ready to check-out!

I’ll show you below what I ordered and how I spent my coins for the Small Box I received. You’re given 45 coins to spend. Spend wisely.

T-Bone Steak - 16 ounce - AAA (15 coins)

Prime Rib Steak - Grass Fed & Grass Finished (10 coins)

Pork Sausage - Hot - 1 lbs (5 coins)

Wild Caught Scallops - 1 lbs (15 coins)

As you can see from above, the four choices I made all added up to the 45 coin limit which means my selections are done. The meats and seafood are then vacuum sealed, portion controlled, and then frozen at the best temperature ready to be delivered to your home. Dry ice is put inside the recyclable paper box to ensure your food is kept ice cold and fresh even if you are not at home immediately to bring your order in. And if you live in Ontario or Quebec you also get free delivery!

Once you get your customized box delivered to you, feel the weight of trying to figure out what’s for dinner lifted right off your shoulders and dig right into your selection of premium meats and seafood you selected. Put them on the grill to cook immediately, or in the freezer to save for a rainy day. It’s all up to you at this point and you can now start looking forward to a really, really good meal ahead of you.