Food is one of our most fundamental experiences, touching almost every aspect of human endeavor. How we approach feeding ourselves — as individuals, as a culture and as a planet — will be one of the defining challenges of our shared future. Here in Toronto there are a remarkable array of individuals exploring novel approaches to food, and their stories and successes are setting the stage for the Futures of Food.

As part of the Association of Professional Futurists‘ international virtual conference: Futures Festival ’19 — Radical Transformations, The Depanneur is inviting 5 local food innovators to share what they have learned from the past, what they are doing in the present and how they envision the future. Across topics from food policy, justice and sovereignty, to the future of bars, restaurants and home-cooked meals, we will explore a diverse range of perspectives on what and how we will be eating in years to come.

Our evening will include: a 1 hr communal conference viewing, 5 x 8 min. lightning talks + Q&A, and a casual reception followed by a family-style dinner by Chef Amira Eskenazi of Valis Foodcraft, where speakers and guests can unpack the topics of the day over a convivial meal.

This dinner is also part of Community Food Centres Canada’s Big Social fundraising campaign. Proceeds will go to CFCC to help give low-income Canadians better access to healthy food, and programs that build health, belonging, and empowerment. Learn more about the issues and how Community Food Centres Canada is taking action.

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Speakers

Patrick Robinson  |  Proprietor, Yes And, Insights Curation & Instructional Design

Wayne Roberts  |  author “The No-Nonsense Guide to World Food”, co-founder Toronto Food Policy Council

Shamez Amlani  |  Proprietor, La Palette & Drom Taberna, co-founder Pedestrian Sundays & Urban Repair Squad

Dr. Sarah Rotz  |  co-author “Uncertain Harvest: The future of food for a hot planet”

Len Senater  |  Proprietor, The Depanneur, co-founder Newcomer Kitchen

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Schedule

4-5pm  |  Conference viewing party; light snacks & beverages provided

5-6pm  |  Futures of Food: mini presentations + Q&A

6-7pm  |  casual reception with wine & cheese

7-9pm  |  Family-style dinner

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Menu

Seasonal dips + fresh vegetable crudité + homemade pita chips

Yellow lentil soup with crispy sage, garlic croutons*, sour cream* (*optional)

BBQ chicken quarters & gravy
–or–
Bean curd sheets stuffed with mushrooms, kale and pumpkin seeds in teriyaki sauce

Paprika-dusted roasted sweet and white potatoes
Chickpea salad with tomatoes, broccoli and pumpkin seeds in olive oil and oregano

Tiramisu –or– fruit salad and gelato

#vegan/GF options available

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Presenters

Patrick Robinson is a social-minded design thinker. Working to elevate and activate a betterment agenda alongside educational leaders and professional associations; Patrick is an active member of APF the Association of Professional Futurists and the SDN the Service Design Network. Patrick has instructed at OCAD U, Humber College, George Brown College and is a past board member of the MIT Enterprise Forum.

Len Senater is the owner of The Depanneur, a culinary venue in Toronto that hosts thousands of pop-up food events. As an extension of this unique business model, he co-founded Newcomer Kitchen, a non-profit pilot that created social and economic opportunities for Syrian refugee women through food-based projects. Previously Len was a partner in Hypenotic, a strategic design & branding agency.