Hosted By Toronto Garlic Festival

Toronto Garlic Festival 2025

Black Garlic: The History, How It’s Made

Black Garlic & Chocolate Affair — Evergreen Brick Works

Speaker: Meng Karbach

Description: Meng Karbach, Certified Holistic Chef & Culinary Innovator Meng explores the origin, history, and development of black garlic, a culinary marvel known for its unique flavor and potential health benefits. Meng will demonstrate how to make black garlic, explain its properties, and provide practical tips on how to incorporate it into your cooking. Meng combines her passion for sustainability with culinary excellence, making her a true pioneer in the field. This session is a must-attend for anyone interested in black garlic and innovative and sustainable culinary practices

BIO: With over 35+ years of culinary expertise and a passion for innovation in the food industry, Meng Karbach is a distinguished Certified Holistic Chef with a rich tapestry of experiences. Throughout her illustrious career, Meng has left an indelible mark on renowned establishments such as Mövenpick’s Marché concept, alongside pivotal roles in leading retailers including Loblaw, Sobeys, and Metro.

Drawing inspiration from her time in Germany, Meng embarked on a transformative journey to establish Food 4 Life Market Garden™ in the heart of the Niagara Region. Here, she pioneered a vision of sustainability and nourishment, cultivating a regenerative farm that produces nutritious and distinctive vegetables.

Unleashing Black Garlic’s Pairing Power

Black Garlic & Chocolate Affair — Evergreen Brick Works

Speaker: Françoise Briet

Description: Join Françoise Briet, founder of Malty & Hoppy Delicacy, in a journey exploring black garlic’s synergy with craft beer and beyond. Drawing on her French roots and love of Ontario breweries, Françoise reveals how black garlic’s bold umami pairs beautifully with artisanal brews, cheese, desserts and unexpected flavors. Expand your palate, indulge, and experience a new frontier in culinary delight

BIO: Françoise Briet is a French-born entrepreneur, private chef, and culinary educator living in Toronto. With a PhD in nutrition, she spent decades in metabolic & nutrition research and worked also on international development projects in Haiti, Ghana, and Ethiopia before founding Malty & Hoppy Delicacy. Rooted in her Burgundy heritage, she transforms Ontario craft beers into artisanal Beer Jellies, Beer-Infused Jams and Mustards. Passionate about sustainable ingredients, she merges tradition, innovation, and global flavors to delight

Right Under Our Nose: Discover the Pairing of Wine, Chocolate, and Garlic

Black Garlic & Chocolate Affair — Evergreen Brick Works

Speaker: Neeraj Bakshi

Description: We often think of wine and chocolate as a classic duo—but what happens when we add garlic into the mix? Surprisingly, the rich, earthy depth of garlic-infused chocolate can create an extraordinary pairing with the right wine!

BIO: Founded in 2020, NB Distillers evolved through a desire to build a business based on the simple pleasures in life: meaningful conversations, the ability to build lasting relationships, community spirit and socializing with people from all different walks of life.

Founder and owner Neeraj Bakshi’s multi-faceted life and career paths along with his congenial personality have geared him with the necessary business acumen to succeed. With an endless passion for people, a love of travel, and introducing people to his Indian culture by incorporating flavors and labeling that represent his love of family, friends, and heritage.

Toronto Garlic Festival 2024

Garlic Grows at TPL

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Description: Garlic planting demo in the garden of a TPL branch

BIO: Shawn was given an opportunity a few years ago to begin an urban farm of 15 5×5 planting beds. he knew nothing about farming but as a teacher he brought his students to the urban farm to join in the learning process. He found out he could plant garlic in the fall and it would sit all winter. After his first harvest, he was hooked. He soon found a small farm in the Cookstown area and began his journey into garlic farming. He quickly learned the difference between gardening and farming! His mission and purpose is to teach and grow for the greater good. The motto on his farm is “Today is a good day to have a good day!” His products are garlic and Good Day Garlic T-shirts.

Get Cracking

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Shawn Stevens

Description: Garlic cracking workshop. Participants assist an Ontario farmer to crack garlic bulbs in preparation for planting

BIO: Shawn was given an opportunity a few years ago to begin an urban farm of 15 5×5 planting beds. he knew nothing about farming but as a teacher he brought his students to the urban farm to join in the learning process. He found out he could plant garlic in the fall and it would sit all winter. After his first harvest, he was hooked. He soon found a small farm in the Cookstown area and began his journey into garlic farming. He quickly learned the difference between gardening and farming! His mission and purpose is to teach and grow for the greater good. The motto on his farm is “Today is a good day to have a good day!” His products are garlic and Good Day Garlic T-shirts.

Garlic and Urban Agriculture

Environmental

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Description: Workshop on growing garlic in urban settings, focusing on community gardening and sustainability.

BIO: Urban Agriculture Coordinator, Ryerson University.

#AMA (Ask Me Anything) about Garlic and Cinema

Movies/Pop Culture

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Daniel Garber

Description: Interactive session discussing garlic’s presence and symbolism in cinema.

BIO: Daniel Garber reviews movies and interviews filmmakers Saturday mornings on CIUT 89.5 FM and http://culturalmining.com

Bio Intensive Garlic Gardens

Gardening

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Rebecca Davis Scott

Description: Horticulturist insights on bio-intensive methods for growing garlic.

BIO: Horticulturist

Autumn Open House & Garlic Planting

Toronto Garlic Week — The Allan Gardens Children’s Conservatory and Teaching Garden, 19 Horticultural Ave, Toronto ON

Description: Join Allan Gardens Staff in a garlic planting exercise.

Black Garlic: The History, How It’s Made and Sustainable Culinary Practices

Toronto Garlic Week — Toronto Public Library – Sanderson Branch. For branch details click here

Speaker: Meng Karbach

Description: Meng explores the origin, history, and development of black garlic, a culinary marvel known for its unique flavor and potential health benefits. Meng will demonstrate how to make black garlic, explain its properties, and provide practical tips on how to incorporate it into your cooking. Meng combines her passion for sustainability with culinary excellence, making her a true pioneer in the field. This session is a must-attend for anyone interested in black garlic and innovative and sustainable culinary practices.

BIO: “With over 35+ years of culinary expertise and a passion for innovation in the food industry, Meng Karbach is a distinguished Certified Holistic Chef with a rich tapestry of experiences. Throughout her illustrious career, Meng has left an indelible mark on renowned establishments such as Mövenpick’s Marché concept, alongside pivotal roles in leading retailers including Loblaw, Sobeys, and Metro.

Drawing inspiration from her time in Germany, Meng embarked on a transformative journey to establish Food 4 Life Market Garden™ in the heart of the Niagara Region. Here, she pioneered a vision of sustainability and nourishment, cultivating a regenerative farm that produces nutritious and distinctive vegetables. “

Garlic Gardens: Naturalize Your Green Space

Toronto Garlic Week — Toronto Public Library – Parkdale Branch. Toronto Public Library – Sanderson BranchToronto Public Library For branch details click here

Description: My talk will use garlic as a jumping off point to talk about shrinking the lawn and replacing lawn areas with naturalized plantings (including some of the Alliums that are native to southern Ontario) and growing food in front yards, on balconies, in boulevards and other public spaces.

Garlic, Global Trade, and Food Security: The Bigger Picture

Toronto Garlic Week — Toronto Public Library – North York Central Library. For branch details click here

Speaker: Nancy Ward

Description: Nancy Ward considers imported garlic as a starting point to discuss broader, highly relevant topics such as food security—an issue that is increasingly in the mainstream spotlight. She explores questions like: Where does our food come from? What mechanisms determine the price of imported items like garlic? Should we be doing more to improve our food security? What is the real cost of food, and how can consumers make informed choices?

BIO: Principal & Founder at Grow Trade Consulting In

Growing Garlic in the City

Toronto Garlic Week — Toronto Neighbourhood House, 349 Ontario St, Toronto, ON M5A 2V8. Open to the public.

Description: Tips and suggestions on how to grow garlic in the city, plus tips on how to get maximum flavour from garlic.

How to Start a Community Garden

Toronto Garlic Week — Toronto Public Library – S. Walter Stewart Branch. For branch details click here

Speaker: Rhonda Teitel-Payne

Description: In celebration of Toronto Garlic Week and Toronto Urban Agriculture Week Rhonda Teitel-Payne discuses the steps in starting a community garden in Toronto.

BIO: Urban Agriculture Network Coordinator, Instructor and Consultant

Let’s Get Cracking and Grow Garlic Together

Toronto Garlic Week — Toronto Public Library – Jones Branch. For branch details click here

Speaker: Shawn Stevens

Description: Farmer Shawn shares insights about the garlic planting process and his personal journey from gardening to farming. As a teacher, he imparts these principles to elementary school kids. Audience members are invited to help Shawn by cracking garlic bulbs into cloves, a necessary step for planting that allows them to contribute directly to the process. This hands-on activity not only aids in Shawn’s work but also fosters a deeper connection to garlic cultivation.

BIO: Farmer

Urban Garlic Gardens with Arlene Throness

Toronto Garlic Week — Toronto Public Library – Palmerston Branch. For branch details click here

Speaker: Arlene Throness

Description: Arlene shares tips on growing garlic in an urban setting, from gardens, to rooftops and balconies.

BIO: Urban Farm Manager at Toronto Metropolitan University

Toronto Garlic Festival 2022

Make Your Own Garlic-Infused Exfoliating Scrub

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Catherine Chambers

Description: Workshop on creating a garlic-infused exfoliating scrub.

BIO: Studio Director at Let’s Make It

Worm Composting for Great Garlic

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Cathy Nesbitt

Description: Presentation on using worm composting to grow better garlic.

BIO: Worm advocate

Bio Intensive Garlic Gardens

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Rebecca Davis Scott

Description: Horticulturist insights on bio-intensive methods for growing garlic.

BIO: Horticulturist

Knife Skills

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Julian Pancer

Description: Demonstration on essential knife skills for cooking.

BIO: Chef

Fermented Black” Garlic: Secrets Revealed

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Meng Karbach

Description: Workshop revealing the process and benefits of making fermented black garlic.

BIO: Chef and product developer

Growing Garlic: Tips for Backyard and Urban Growers

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Anan Lololi

Description: Scheduled talk on growing garlic in backyard and urban settings (event cancelled).

BIO: Chair of the Black Food Sovereignty Working Group

No Churn Black Garlic Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Gavan Knox

Description: Cooking demo featuring a unique black garlic chocolate chunk ice cream.

BIO: Award-winning Irish bak

Toronto Garlic Festival 2021

Step-by-step demonstration of garlic planting

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Description: An in-person workshop demonstrating the steps to plant garlic, hosted in Toronto.

BIO: Not provided

Meet the Farmer!

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Sandy Grier

Description: An in-person event featuring Sandy Grier of Green Ridge Farm, hosted by Karlo Estates Winery.

BIO: Not provided

Many ways to cook garlic: Ontario Garlic Flan

Toronto Garlic Festival — Virtual

Speaker: Lilian Cardoso

Description: Instagram Live cooking demo showcasing a recipe for Ontario Garlic Flan.

BIO: Executive Chef at The Local Café and Restaurant, Centennial College

Cooking with Ontario Garlic: Feel Good Momos

Toronto Garlic Festival — Virtual

Description: Online webinar demonstrating the preparation of Momos using Ontario garlic, hosted by LiveGreen Toronto.

BIO: Not provided

Toronto Garlic Festival 2020

Someone’s In the Kitchen with Garlic,”

Toronto Garlic Festival — Virtual

Speaker: David Zilber

BIO: David is co-author of THE NOMA GUIDE TO FERMENTATION, a global bestseller. A chef and photographer who hails from Toronto, Canada, he is a former director of Noma’s fermentation lab and has cooked from coast to coast across North America, most notably as a sous-chef at Hawksworth Restaurant in Vancouver. He enjoys Jamaican patties and quantum physics.

How Do We Love Garlic Fingers Let Us Count 2 Ways

Toronto Garlic Festival — Virtual

Speaker: Jennifer Crawford

Description: Virtual demo showcasing garlic fingers with Donair and Jerk sauce.

BIO: Jennifer Crawford: MasterChef Canada 2019 winner. La-toya Fagan: Executive chef and owner of Twist Catering.

This Is How We Brunch with Garlic

Toronto Garlic Festival — Virtual

Speaker: Donna Dooher

Description: Virtual demo featuring garlic herb biscuits and Indigenous dishes with garlic.

BIO: Donna Dooher: Owner of Mildred’s Temple Kitchen. Johl Ringuette: Anishnawbe and Algonquin chef, proprietor of NishDish.

Someone’s In the Kitchen with Garlic

Toronto Garlic Festival — Virtual

Speaker: John Ota

Description: Discussion on the history and design of kitchens, along with garlic in cooking.

BIO: John Ota is an architect, curator, historical preservationist, member of the Culinary Historians of Canada, and the bestselling author of The Kitchen: A journey through history in search of the perfect design. After receiving his BA in urban studies from Innis in 1977, he went on to earn his BArch from the University of British Columbia and his MSc in architecture and historic preservation from Columbia University. He has been the lead on several major preservation and revitalization projects, including the AGO Transformation Project

Follow Your Nose to Ontario Garlic: The Spice Route

Toronto Garlic Festival — Virtual

Speaker: Naza Hasebenebi

Description: Talk and demo on using Ontario garlic in various dishes, focusing on its aromatic qualities.

BIO: Naza Hasebenebi: Founder of CHIC PEAS VEG. Lorraine Irwin: Farmer at Boars Rock Farm.

#AMA About Growing Garlic

Toronto Garlic Festival — Virtual

Speaker: Cheyenne Sundance

Description: Q&A session on growing garlic, covering techniques and best practices.

BIO: Cheyenne Sundance: Founder of Sundance Harvest, a food justice-centered urban farm

Toronto Garlic Festival 2019

Wild Garlic from POV of The First Nations and European Explorers

Indigenous history

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Johl Ringuette

Description: First Nations chef Johl Ringuette presents on wild garlic from the perspective of First Nations and European explorers.

BIO: Johl was raised on wild game, fishing and seasonal berry-picks and cooking over the fire. He is one of Tkaronto’s leading First Nations food sovereigntists and has dedicated his life to identifying, sourcing, relearning and reclaiming what the traditional Anishnawbe diet is

Garlic Art Workshop

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Marilyn Bercovich

Description: Art workshop focusing on creating garlic-themed artwork.

BIO: Artist/Instructor specializing in art workshops.

Garlic Cake Carving Demo

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Megan Stasiewich

Description: Demonstration on carving and decorating a cake with a garlic theme.

BIO: Not provided

#AMA (Ask Me Anything) about Garlic and Cinema

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Daniel Garber

Description: Interactive session discussing garlic’s presence and symbolism in cinema.

BIO: Not provided

Bee-ing Connected Through Garlic

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Brian Hamlin

Description: Discussion on the relationship between garlic and bees, and their ecological connection.

BIO: Not provided

Garlic and The City

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Jacqueline Dawyer

Description: Exploration of urban garlic cultivation and its benefits.

BIO: Not provided

Vampires and Garlic: Haters Gonna Hate

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Suyin Olguin

Description: Talk on the myths and folklore surrounding vampires and garlic.

BIO: Queen’s University

Great Garlic eScape BBQ

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Description: A BBQ event featuring garlic-themed dishes, presented by Dickson Barbeque Centre.

BIO: Not provided

Toronto Garlic Festival 2018

Growing Garlic

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Shawn Stevens

Description: Insights into effective garlic cultivation techniques.

BIO: Not provided

50 Shades of Garlic

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Jamie Kennedy

Description: Exploration of garlic’s versatility in various dishes.

BIO: Chef at Jamie Kennedy Kitchens

Why The Heck Would Anyone Put Garlic In Dessert?

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Kaya Ogruce

Description: Discussion on the creative use of garlic in desserts.

BIO: Death in Venice

A HerStory of Garlic

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Anne Sorrenti

Description: Exploration of garlic’s historical and cultural significance.

BIO: Chef at Oakwood Hardware Food & Drink

Nuoc Cham Cooking Demo

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Thompson Tran

Description: Demonstration on making Nuoc Cham, a Vietnamese dipping sauce.

BIO: Wooden Boat Food Company

Garlic Stake: A Vampires Last Meal

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Suyin Olguin

Description: A presentation on the folklore and myths surrounding garlic and vampires.

BIO: Queen’s University

Garlic Art Knitting & Crochet Workshops

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Cookie Roscoe & Jacob Goldfarb

Description: Creative workshops focusing on garlic-themed knitting and crochet.

BIO: Not provided

Toronto Garlic Festival 2017

Garlic Art Workshop

Art class

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Briar Emond

Description: Artist Briar Emond leads a workshop on rendering a garlic bulb through various art forms, including crocheting, knitting, water coloring, and pencil drawing.

BIO: Visual artist

Garlic is as Good as Gold: Currency, Flu Fighter, Tastemaker

Anthropology

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: David Sugarman

Description: David Sugarman from the Ontario Science Centre discusses the various uses and benefits of garlic throughout history.

BIO: Senior Researcher at Ontario Science Centre

From Tianshen to Toronto: The History of Garlic

Anthropology

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Robert Litke

Description: Professor Robert Litke from Wilfred Laurier University presents on the history of garlic, tracing its origins from the Tianshen Mountains of Central Asia to the kitchen tables of Ontario.

BIO: Professor of philosophy, environmental philosophy expert

Food Labels 101

Food: Diet

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Karina Kwong

Description: Karina Kwong from Toronto Public Health provides a presentation on understanding food labels.

BIO: Public Health Nutritionist at Ottawa Public Health

Living a Low Impact Life

Climate Change

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Andre Knox

Description: Andrew Knox, President of Transition Toronto, discusses ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

BIO: President of Transition Toronto, the Toronto chapter of the global Transition Towns movement

The Dirt on Garlic

Soil

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Sarah Hargreaves

Description: Farmer and soil biologist Sarah Hargreaves shares her knowledge on garlic cultivation and soil health.

BIO: Farmer/Soil Biologist

Why Vampires Hate Garlic

Vampire Lore

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Elizabeth Miller

Description: Dr. Elizabeth Miller explores the folklore and mythology surrounding garlic’s supposed ability to repel vampires.

BIO: Licensed and registered as a Naturopathic Doctor in Ontario by The College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO)

Garlic and Olfaction

Science: Olfaction

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Eric Block

Description: Professor Eric Block from Albany State University delves into the science of garlic and its impact on our sense of smell.

BIO: Professor Block is a pioneer in multiple areas of chemistry including the chemistry of olfaction, organochalcogenide chemistry, and natural product synthesis

The Garlic Diaries Pt. 1: Farmer Shawn Stevens shares secrets and confessions on growing garlic for farm, home garden and condo

Personal stories

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Shawn Stevens

Description: Farmer Shawn Stevens shares his expertise and personal experiences on growing garlic in various settings.

BIO: Farmer

Wild Garlic: First Nations & European Explorer POV

Indigenous history

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Johl Ringuette

Description: Chef Johl Ringuette discusses the use of domestic and wild garlic in 18th and 19th century Canada.

BIO: Proprietor / Traditional Chef. Nishdish Marketeria & Catering

The Garlic Diaries Pt. 2: Chef Suzanne Barr on appreciating garlic in all aspects of life

Personal stories

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Suzanne Barr

Description: Chef Suzanne Barr shares her appreciation for garlic and its versatility in cooking and beyond.

BIO: Chef ,Author

First Nations Cuisine 15,000

Indigenous history

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Rich Francis

Description: Chef Rich Francis discusses his research on food preparation in the millennia before Europeans arrived in North America.

BIO: Modern Indigenous Cuisine & Contemporary Indigenous Chef of The Seventh Fire

Growing Garlic for Farm, Home Garden and Condo

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Shawn Stevens

Description: Insights into cultivating garlic in various environments, from farms to urban gardens.

BIO: Not provided

Wild Garlic from POV of The First Nations and European Explorers

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Johl Ringuette

Description: Exploration of wild garlic’s historical and cultural significance.

BIO: Not provided

The Garlic Diaries on Appreciating Garlic In All Aspects of Life

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Suzanne Barr

Description: Discussion on the culinary and cultural appreciation of garlic.

BIO: Not provided

First Nations Cuisine 15,000

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Rich Francis

Description: Presentation on traditional First Nations cuisine featuring garlic.

BIO: Not provided

Sarah Hargreaves Spills the Dirt on Garlic

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Sarah Hargreaves

Description: Talk on soil health and garlic cultivation techniques.

BIO: Farmer and Soil Biologist

Spill More Dirt on Garlic

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: David Cohlmeyer /Justin Cournoyer

Description: A detailed discussion on garlic growing techniques and raw food tasting.

BIO: Farmer David Cohlmeyer and Chef Justin Cournoyer

Garlic Art Workshop

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Briar Emond

Description: Creative workshop focused on garlic-themed art.

BIO: Artist

Toronto Garlic Festival 2016

Hot Sauce Tasting

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Brodie Dawson

Description: Tasting and discussion on hot sauces, highlighting garlic as an ingredient.

BIO: Not provided

Garlicky Potato Wedges

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Ben Miner

Description: Cooking demonstration of garlic-flavored potato wedges.

BIO: Comedian, radio host, and chef.

Ontario Garlic in Outta This World

Space Travel

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Michael Dixon

Description: Exploration of garlic growth in controlled environments, such as space.

BIO: Director of the Controlled Environment Systems Research Facility, University of Guelph.

Good Garlic Grows in Ontario

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Arlene Throness

Description: Discussion on growing garlic in Ontario, focusing on urban agriculture.

BIO: Urban Agriculture Coordinator, Ryerson University.

Cooking with Heat

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Rosemary Lee

Description: Culinary demonstration focused on cooking techniques that enhance garlic flavors.

BIO: Not provided

The OG: Gluten, Not Garlic

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Marni Wasserman

Description: Nutrition-focused talk on the benefits of garlic and misconceptions about gluten.

BIO: Nutritionist

Still Life with Garlic by Sip & Paint

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Description: Art session combining painting and garlic-themed subjects.

BIO: Not provided

Toronto Garlic Festival 2015

Good Garlic Grows in Ontario

Gardening

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Bart Brusse

Description: Insights into garlic cultivation in Ontario and best practices.

BIO: Leader at Sheridan Nurseries, experienced in plant cultivation.

Garlic is the Celebrity

Anthropology

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Liz Primeau & Peter McClusky

Description: Discussion on the cultural and historical significance of garlic.

BIO: Liz Primeau: Author and gardening expert. Peter McClusky: Founder of Toronto Garlic Festival.

The Science Behind the Magic of Garlic

Science

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: David Sugarman

Description: Exploration of the scientific properties and health benefits of garlic.

BIO: Scientific expert at the Ontario Science Centre.

To Press, To Mince, or To Chop

Food: Demo

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Irwin Adam & Ben Miner

Description: Discussion and demo on different garlic preparation techniques and their effects on flavor.

BIO: Irwin Adam: Food chemist. Ben Miner: Chef and comedian.

Speed Sketching Workshop: Still Life with Garlic

Art Class

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Marilyn Bercovich

Description: Art workshop focusing on sketching garlic, led by a professional artist.

BIO: Artist/Instructor, specializing in still life sketchin

Toronto Garlic Festival 2014

Food Labels 101

Food: Diet

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Karina Kwong

Description: An overview of understanding food labels to make healthier choices.

BIO: Registered Dietitian at Toronto Public Health with a background in nutritional science.

Garlic and the City: Growing Garlic in an Urban Setting

Gardening

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Bart Brusse

Description: Practical tips for growing garlic in urban environments.

BIO: Expert in plant cultivation, leading a team at Sheridan Nurseries.

Garlic is as Good as Gold: Currency, Flue Fighter, Taste Maker

Anthropology

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: David Sugarman

Description: Discusses garlic’s multifaceted roles in history, health, and cuisine.

BIO: Scientific expert at the Ontario Science Centre.

Living a Low Impact Life: The Film vs. Reality

Climate Change

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Andrew Knox

Description: Insights into sustainable living practices and their challenges.

BIO: President of Transition Toronto and energy efficiency consultant.

Tracing Garlic’s Roots

Anthropology

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Peter McClusky

Description: A historical perspective on the origins and cultivation of garlic.

BIO: Founder of Toronto Garlic Festival, experienced in small-scale agriculture.

Toronto Garlic Festival 2013

Garlic as an Aphrodisiac

Science

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: David Sugarman

Description: Exploration of garlic’s reputation and effects as an aphrodisiac.

BIO: Scientific expert with a background in biology and education, associated with the Ontario Science Centre.

How to Grow Great Garlic

Gardening

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Bart Brusse

Description: Practical tips and experiences in growing garlic effectively.

BIO: Grower and team leader at Sheridan Nurseries, with a long career in plant cultivation.

History of Garlic

Anthropology

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Robert Litke

Description: A historical journey through garlic’s use and significance.

BIO: Professor of philosophy and garlic grower.

Is Garlic Good for your Pet?

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Description: Discusses the effects and safety of garlic consumption for pets.

BIO: Not provided

Beer and Garlic Dish Pairings (Cancelled)

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Brook Kavanagh

Description: Culinary pairing of garlic dishes with different types of beer.

BIO: Executive head chef at La Palette, known for expertise in Canadian game meats and French bistro classics.

Special Appearance

Personal Stories

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Ted Maczka

Description: Special guest appearance by Ted Maczka, known as The Fish Lake Garlic Man.

BIO: Not provided

Toronto Garlic Festival 2012

Chemistry in a Salad Bowl and Garlic and Olfaction

Science: Garlic

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Eric Block

Description: Discussion on the chemistry of garlic and its effects on olfaction.

BIO: Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at SUNY Albany, garlic science expert.

Garlic Reborn

Personal stories

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Liz Primeau

Description: Exploration of garlic’s resurgence and its uses.

BIO: Author of gardening books and former editor of Canadian Gardening magazine.

From Tienshan to Toronto: The History of Garlic

Anthropolgy

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Robert Litke

Description: A journey through the history of garlic from its origins to modern-day Toronto.

BIO: Professor of philosophy and garlic grower.

10 Ways to Get Kids to Eat Healthier

Food: Diet

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Stephanie Gladman

Description: Strategies to encourage healthier eating habits in children, including the use of garlic.

BIO: Registered Dietitian with a focus on nutrition communication.

50 Tastes of Garlic

Food: Demo

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Ron Raymer

Description: Culinary exploration of garlic’s diverse flavors in various dishes.

BIO: Classically French-trained Chef with extensive experience in the hospitality industry.

The Healing Properties of Garlic

Wellness

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Raji Iyer

Description: Overview of garlic’s medicinal uses, including in Ayurvedic medicine.

BIO: Assistant Professor at Ryerson University, with expertise in Chemistry and Biology.

Racial Discrimination and Garlic

Personal Stories

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Sang Kim

Description: Discussion on the cultural implications of garlic and personal experiences in the culinary world.

BIO: Restaurateur, chef, and author.

Where Garlic Comes From and How to Grow It

Farming

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Warren Ham

Description: Practical tips on garlic cultivation and history.

BIO: Garlic farmer and member of the Garlic Growers Association of Ontario.

Why Dracula Hates Garlic

Vampire Lore

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Elizabeth Miller

Description: Exploration of garlic’s place in folklore, particularly in relation to vampire myths.

BIO: Expert on Bram Stoker’s Dracula and its cultural impact.

Toronto Garlic Festival 2011

Cooking Demo: Bruschetta (for kids)

Food: Demo

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Anne Sorrenti

Description: Demonstration on making Bruschetta, focusing on engaging kids and adults.

BIO: Wychwood Farmers’ Market chef

All About Pickling

Food: Pickling Demo

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Krista Harrington

Description: Workshop on making garlic dill pickles.

BIO: Owner of From These Roots

Cooking Demo: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Food: Demo

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Maurizio Verga

Description: Preparation of classic Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil.

BIO: Executive Chef at F’Amelia Ristorante

Cooking Demo: Pumpkin & Garlic Bisque

Food: Demo

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Tony Way

Description: Step-by-step demo on making Pumpkin & Garlic Bisque with Roast Garlic Mousilline.

BIO: Liaison Culinary School chef

Cooking Demo: Pork Tenderloin with Garlic

Food: Demo

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Jack Sobicinski

Description: Demonstration on preparing Pork Tenderloin with Garlic and Herbs.

BIO: Chef de Cuisine at Canada’s National Ballet School

Cooking Demo: Indian Dishes

Food: Demo

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Sanjiz Matthews

Description: Ongoing demos of Indian dishes throughout the day.

BIO: Owner of Incredible Spice

From Tienshan to Toronto: The History of Garlic

Anthropology

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Robert Litke

Description: Journey through the history of garlic from Tienshan to Toronto.

BIO: Professor of philosophy, environmental philosophy expert

Speaking of Olive Oil

Food: Olive Oil

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: Angelo Tramonti

Description: Insights into the world of olive oil, focusing on quality and sustainability.

BIO: President of Sarafino

How to Control Garlic Pests

Farming

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Speaker: A.R. Stevenson

Description: Presentation on identifying and managing garlic pests.

BIO: Owner of Ashburnham Farm & Gaelic Garlic

Interactive Food Planting Demo

Toronto Garlic Festival — At Festival

Description: Interactive demonstrations on food planting, focusing on sustainable practices.