The Demo Kitchen Stage

Saturday, April 18

11:15 – 11:45 am 

Topic: The Magic of Organic Black Garlic: Taste, Nutrition, Recipes
Speaker: Emmy Suparmin
Company: Tucan Holistic

In this workshop, you’ll learn why not all black garlic is created the same, explore its unique health benefits, taste its sweet umami flavor, and try simple recipes you can make at home.

12:00 – 12:30 pm 

Topic: Nature’s Most Underrated Superfruit: Simple Cooking with the Mighty Date
Speaker: Mustafa Amer
Company: Mighty Mejdool

Discover why dates are nature’s most underrated superfruit. In this demo, Mustafa Amer of Mighty Mejdool will showcase simple, nutritious recipes that highlight the natural sweetness and versatility of dates: from savoury pairings like Sukkari with eggs to quick, energizing snacks. Learn how one ingredient can transform everyday meals into delicious, nourishing fuel for an active lifestyle.

12:45 – 1:15 pm 

Topic: The Power of Polyphenols – Unlocking the Secrets of the Mediterranean Diet
Speaker: Kris Giannakos
Company: Asteri Foods

Explore the impact of polyphenols, the natural antioxidants prevalent in extra virgin olive oil, honey, and other Mediterranean superfoods, on modern nutrition. Join us as we delve into the science of high-phenolic olive oils, highlighting their proven anti-inflammatory and heart-protective benefits. Discover how these traditional foods promote longevity and daily wellness. Learn how selecting genuine Mediterranean ingredients can help Canadians maintain a healthy diet every day.

1:30 – 2:00 pm 

Topic: Better Gut, Better You: Eating to Reduce Inflammation
Speaker: Solène Thouin
Company: Spa Eastman

A live culinary demonstration introducing the core principles of Tonique Cuisine®, Spa Eastman’s signature nutritional approach. Through simple, concrete techniques, this presentation explores low-temperature and steam cooking methods, the use of healthy fats and quality oils, gluten-free and dairy-free cooking, as well as the role of sprouting and germination. An inspiring, accessible way to discover how mindful cooking can support vitality, digestion, and long-term well-being—without sacrificing flavour or pleasure.

2:15 – 2:45 pm 

Topic: The Power of Polyphenols – Unlocking the Secrets of the Mediterranean Diet
Speaker: Alissa Steinberg
Company: HealhyU

On the Kitchen Stage, Alissa brings nutrition science to life by transforming traditional comfort foods into crave-worthy meals that support muscle, metabolism, brain health, and gut health.
 
Through four live recipe demonstrations, you’ll learn how to:
 
  • Maximize protein and fibre
  • Make meals more anti-inflammatory
  • Incorporate omega-3s for brain support
  • Include naturally fermented foods for gut health
  • Satisfy cravings without compromising metabolic health
  • Each dish proves that healthy eating can be indulgent, satisfying, and practical.
Enjoy live demos, taste tests, and take-home food kits, and leave with simple strategies to upgrade your favourite meals with confidence.

3:00 – 3:30 pm 

Topic: A Manifesto for Radical Freshness
Speaker: Jose Hadad
Company: Mad Mexican Prepared Food Products

In an age dominated by ultra-processed convenience, choosing freshness is no longer neutral—it is an act of resistance. This talk traces the 20-year journey of Mad Mexican, a brand born in a small Toronto kitchen with a clear refusal to let industrial efficiency dilute the soul of food.

3:45 – 4:15 pm 

Topic: Indian Basics: How Pantry Spices Create Big Flavour & Better Health
Speaker: Preena Chauhan
Company: Arvinda’s Spices & Chai

Better health often begins in the kitchen—and in Indian culture, with the spice rack. In this engaging cooking demo, Preena Chauhan—Indian cooking instructor of 30 years and co-founder of Arvinda’s Spices & Chai—shares how traditional Indian spices have been used for centuries to support digestion, immunity, and balance, long before “wellness” became a modern buzzword.
 
Drawing from her award-winning cookbook New Indian Basics, Preena prepares a simple Pantry Channa Masala that highlights foundational Ayurvedic spice combinations such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and ginger, that not only lend big flavour but also provide digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits. Designed to be accessible yet deeply nourishing, this dish demonstrates how basic Indian cooking techniques transform everyday pantry ingredients into flavourful, plant-forward meals.
 
Ideal for those new to Indian cuisine as well as seasoned home cooks, this session empowers attendees to confidently use spices with intention—honoring thousands of years of food-as-medicine wisdom for the modern kitchen.

4:30 – 5:00 pm 

Topic: Garlic Revolution: Flavor Without the Fire!
Speaker: Marie-Pierre Dubeau
Company: Le Petit Mas

Join us for a fun, interactive demo showcasing allergy-friendly garlic flowers, fermented delights, black garlic gems, and infused oils that deliver bold umami taste with ZERO garlic breath or digestion drama. We’ll whip up quick recipes—from zesty dips to gourmet salts—that’ll transform your everyday meals into showstoppers! Perfect for foodies seeking smart, stomach-happy hacks.

Sunday, April 19

11:15 – 11:45 am 

Topic: Everyday Nourishment Made Simple
Speaker: Karen Marques
Company: Grindstone Blends Inc

We’ll discuss how clean, intentional food choices can support everyday energy, recovery from daily demands, and greater consistency in feeling your best.