Ruth Klahsen is living proof of how an individual can have a transformative effect on local food systems. After 25 years as a professional chef, she embarked on an adventure that would see her become one of Canada’s most celebrated cheesemakers. Through innovative use of Community Shared Agriculture (CSA) fundraising, Ruth established Monforte Dairy as an innovative and award-winningly delicious model of microproduction, sustainable farming and just food.

But behind the many rewarding successes and daunting challenges faced along the way lies a fundamental question: “Why even bother with local food?” As small businesses feel the squeeze from corporate food giants, and regulations such as the recent European Trade Agreement and Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) continue to ignore the true costs of farming, the answers to this question become more important than ever.
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Dinner by Len Senater
Spring risotto with Ontario asparagus, sweet baby peas and edamame, with choice of crispy pancetta or broiled shiitake mushrooms, with Monforte Water Buffalo Fontina with Fenugreek. Comes with a fennel & arugula salad with walnuts, apple cider vinaigrette and Monforte Goat Fresco.
#GF #vegetarian #vegan options available
Dessert: fresh apple pie from the wood ovens at Dufferin Grove park, courtesy of Lesley Lindsay, with a slice of Monforte Providence (aged cheddar) $5
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Doors open at 6pm, talk starts at 7pm
includes dinner and coffee or tea.
$20 (+HST)

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Ruth Klahsen owns and operates Monforte Dairy, Southwestern Ontario’s premier artisanal cheese company, using only seasonal milk from humanely treated animals. Her cheese can be found at many of Ontario’s finest restaurants, gourmet boutiques, at farmers markets across the city and directly via subscription to her CSA program.

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Len Senater is the founder and proprietor of The Depanneur, who happily cooks for his friends and neighbours.

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Photo Credit: Carole Nelson Brown

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Every month The Depanneur invites a local food personality to talk about something that interests them while Dep founder Len Senater cooks dinner for everyone.

Find out more on Table Talks at The Depanneur
http://staging.thedepanneur.ca/drop-in-dinners/table-talk/