One of the most rewarding things that can happen at The Dep is when a long-time customer steps up to become one of our guest cooks. This embodies so much of what The Dep is all about: food as a convivial and participatory activity that engages and fosters our community. I’m delighted to have the lovely Adrienne Amato in our kitchen, preparing a meal that is close to her heart.

Adrienne recounts, “My friend Emilie is a vegan and an inspirational person and cook. When we get together we cook, eat and converse voraciously! She passed on these recipes to me from her and her Sri Lankan grandmother. This is perfect Winter food, which is both comforting and nourishing and makes you feel like it is made by your own grandmother, a meal in honour of our Ancestors.”

Chickpea and Butternut Squash Curry with Ginger and Lemongrass
served with a side of Grandma Karuna’s Coconut Cabbage on a bed of Basmati Rice. It is topped with fresh mint and coriander.
$12

Dessert is vegan coconut tahini balls that are a perfect, not too sweet, way to end the meal.
$4

#vegan #GF

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Adrienne Amato was born in Zimbabwe and immigrated to Canada when she was 16 years old. She received a degree in Occupational Therapy and then went on to do her Masters in Counselling Psychology. She currently has a private practice in downtown Toronto and is also a filmmaker who has made several award-winning documentaries. Adrienne enjoys the daily ritual of cooking simple, healthy meals while listening and dancing to music and then sharing these meals with loved ones. She takes her inspiration from her Sephardic grandfather, Papou Alberto, who was a creative and resourceful cook who used simple, fresh ingredients to make delicious Mediterranean food.

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Every Friday The Depanneur is an ‘open mic’ night for culinary talent in TO, where we invite guest cooks, amateur or professional, to come and make their favourite dishes.