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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Description: Workshop on growing garlic in urban settings, focusing on community gardening and sustainability.
BIO: Urban Agriculture Coordinator, Ryerson University.
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
Speaker: Rebecca Davis Scott
Description: Horticulturist insights on bio-intensive methods for growing garlic.
BIO: Horticulturist
Description: Join Allan Gardens Staff in a garlic planting exercise.
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. “
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.
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
Description: Tips and suggestions on how to grow garlic in the city, plus tips on how to get maximum flavour from garlic.
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
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
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
Speaker: Catherine Chambers
Description: Workshop on creating a garlic-infused exfoliating scrub.
BIO: Studio Director at Let’s Make It
Speaker: Cathy Nesbitt
Description: Presentation on using worm composting to grow better garlic.
BIO: Worm advocate
Speaker: Rebecca Davis Scott
Description: Horticulturist insights on bio-intensive methods for growing garlic.
BIO: Horticulturist
Speaker: Julian Pancer
Description: Demonstration on essential knife skills for cooking.
BIO: Chef
Speaker: Meng Karbach
Description: Workshop revealing the process and benefits of making fermented black garlic.
BIO: Chef and product developer
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
Speaker: Gavan Knox
Description: Cooking demo featuring a unique black garlic chocolate chunk ice cream.
BIO: Award-winning Irish bak
Description: An in-person workshop demonstrating the steps to plant garlic, hosted in Toronto.
BIO: Not provided
Speaker: Sandy Grier
Description: An in-person event featuring Sandy Grier of Green Ridge Farm, hosted by Karlo Estates Winery.
BIO: Not provided
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
Description: Online webinar demonstrating the preparation of Momos using Ontario garlic, hosted by LiveGreen Toronto.
BIO: Not provided
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
Speaker: Marilyn Bercovich
Description: Art workshop focusing on creating garlic-themed artwork.
BIO: Artist/Instructor specializing in art workshops.
Speaker: Megan Stasiewich
Description: Demonstration on carving and decorating a cake with a garlic theme.
BIO: Not provided
Speaker: Daniel Garber
Description: Interactive session discussing garlic’s presence and symbolism in cinema.
BIO: Not provided
Speaker: Brian Hamlin
Description: Discussion on the relationship between garlic and bees, and their ecological connection.
BIO: Not provided
Speaker: Jacqueline Dawyer
Description: Exploration of urban garlic cultivation and its benefits.
BIO: Not provided
Speaker: Suyin Olguin
Description: Talk on the myths and folklore surrounding vampires and garlic.
BIO: Queen’s University
Description: A BBQ event featuring garlic-themed dishes, presented by Dickson Barbeque Centre.
BIO: Not provided
Speaker: Shawn Stevens
Description: Insights into effective garlic cultivation techniques.
BIO: Not provided
Speaker: Jamie Kennedy
Description: Exploration of garlic’s versatility in various dishes.
BIO: Chef at Jamie Kennedy Kitchens
Speaker: Kaya Ogruce
Description: Discussion on the creative use of garlic in desserts.
BIO: Death in Venice
Speaker: Anne Sorrenti
Description: Exploration of garlic’s historical and cultural significance.
BIO: Chef at Oakwood Hardware Food & Drink
Speaker: Thompson Tran
Description: Demonstration on making Nuoc Cham, a Vietnamese dipping sauce.
BIO: Wooden Boat Food Company
Speaker: Suyin Olguin
Description: A presentation on the folklore and myths surrounding garlic and vampires.
BIO: Queen’s University
Speaker: Cookie Roscoe & Jacob Goldfarb
Description: Creative workshops focusing on garlic-themed knitting and crochet.
BIO: Not provided
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
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
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
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
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
Speaker: Sarah Hargreaves
Description: Farmer and soil biologist Sarah Hargreaves shares her knowledge on garlic cultivation and soil health.
BIO: Farmer/Soil Biologist
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)
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
Speaker: Shawn Stevens
Description: Farmer Shawn Stevens shares his expertise and personal experiences on growing garlic in various settings.
BIO: Farmer
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
Speaker: Suzanne Barr
Description: Chef Suzanne Barr shares her appreciation for garlic and its versatility in cooking and beyond.
BIO: Chef ,Author
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
Speaker: Shawn Stevens
Description: Insights into cultivating garlic in various environments, from farms to urban gardens.
BIO: Not provided
Speaker: Johl Ringuette
Description: Exploration of wild garlic’s historical and cultural significance.
BIO: Not provided
Speaker: Suzanne Barr
Description: Discussion on the culinary and cultural appreciation of garlic.
BIO: Not provided
Speaker: Rich Francis
Description: Presentation on traditional First Nations cuisine featuring garlic.
BIO: Not provided
Speaker: Sarah Hargreaves
Description: Talk on soil health and garlic cultivation techniques.
BIO: Farmer and Soil Biologist
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
Speaker: Briar Emond
Description: Creative workshop focused on garlic-themed art.
BIO: Artist
Speaker: Brodie Dawson
Description: Tasting and discussion on hot sauces, highlighting garlic as an ingredient.
BIO: Not provided
Speaker: Ben Miner
Description: Cooking demonstration of garlic-flavored potato wedges.
BIO: Comedian, radio host, and chef.
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.
Speaker: Arlene Throness
Description: Discussion on growing garlic in Ontario, focusing on urban agriculture.
BIO: Urban Agriculture Coordinator, Ryerson University.
Speaker: Rosemary Lee
Description: Culinary demonstration focused on cooking techniques that enhance garlic flavors.
BIO: Not provided
Speaker: Marni Wasserman
Description: Nutrition-focused talk on the benefits of garlic and misconceptions about gluten.
BIO: Nutritionist
Description: Art session combining painting and garlic-themed subjects.
BIO: Not provided
Speaker: Bart Brusse
Description: Insights into garlic cultivation in Ontario and best practices.
BIO: Leader at Sheridan Nurseries, experienced in plant cultivation.
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.
Speaker: David Sugarman
Description: Exploration of the scientific properties and health benefits of garlic.
BIO: Scientific expert at the Ontario Science Centre.
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.
Speaker: Marilyn Bercovich
Description: Art workshop focusing on sketching garlic, led by a professional artist.
BIO: Artist/Instructor, specializing in still life sketchin
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.
Speaker: Bart Brusse
Description: Practical tips for growing garlic in urban environments.
BIO: Expert in plant cultivation, leading a team at Sheridan Nurseries.
Speaker: David Sugarman
Description: Discusses garlic’s multifaceted roles in history, health, and cuisine.
BIO: Scientific expert at the Ontario Science Centre.
Speaker: Andrew Knox
Description: Insights into sustainable living practices and their challenges.
BIO: President of Transition Toronto and energy efficiency consultant.
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.
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.
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.
Speaker: Robert Litke
Description: A historical journey through garlic’s use and significance.
BIO: Professor of philosophy and garlic grower.
Description: Discusses the effects and safety of garlic consumption for pets.
BIO: Not provided
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.
Speaker: Ted Maczka
Description: Special guest appearance by Ted Maczka, known as The Fish Lake Garlic Man.
BIO: Not provided
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.
Speaker: Liz Primeau
Description: Exploration of garlic’s resurgence and its uses.
BIO: Author of gardening books and former editor of Canadian Gardening magazine.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Speaker: Sang Kim
Description: Discussion on the cultural implications of garlic and personal experiences in the culinary world.
BIO: Restaurateur, chef, and author.
Speaker: Warren Ham
Description: Practical tips on garlic cultivation and history.
BIO: Garlic farmer and member of the Garlic Growers Association of Ontario.
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.
Speaker: Anne Sorrenti
Description: Demonstration on making Bruschetta, focusing on engaging kids and adults.
BIO: Wychwood Farmers’ Market chef
Speaker: Krista Harrington
Description: Workshop on making garlic dill pickles.
BIO: Owner of From These Roots
Speaker: Maurizio Verga
Description: Preparation of classic Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil.
BIO: Executive Chef at F’Amelia Ristorante
Speaker: Tony Way
Description: Step-by-step demo on making Pumpkin & Garlic Bisque with Roast Garlic Mousilline.
BIO: Liaison Culinary School chef
Speaker: Jack Sobicinski
Description: Demonstration on preparing Pork Tenderloin with Garlic and Herbs.
BIO: Chef de Cuisine at Canada’s National Ballet School
Speaker: Sanjiz Matthews
Description: Ongoing demos of Indian dishes throughout the day.
BIO: Owner of Incredible Spice
Speaker: Robert Litke
Description: Journey through the history of garlic from Tienshan to Toronto.
BIO: Professor of philosophy, environmental philosophy expert
Speaker: Angelo Tramonti
Description: Insights into the world of olive oil, focusing on quality and sustainability.
BIO: President of Sarafino
Speaker: A.R. Stevenson
Description: Presentation on identifying and managing garlic pests.
BIO: Owner of Ashburnham Farm & Gaelic Garlic
Description: Interactive demonstrations on food planting, focusing on sustainable practices.