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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Topic: Homemade Creamy Dreamy Protein Ice Cream
Speaker: Khadin Nathoo
Company: Curls and Swirls Protein Ice Cream

Simple 5-minute process for making high-protein ice cream using curls and swirls using an ice cream maker and with an average everyday blender. No longer do people have to compromise between taste, texture, and nutrition, protein, and low-calorie treats… all while having some of the most delicious ice cream they have ever tasted!

Topic: Mung Bean: The Ancient Food for Gut Health and Beauty
Speaker: Anu Parmar
Company: Moong Pani Broths & Meals

Our grandmothers knew the secret: beauty begins in the gut.

Today, with 1 in 5 people (including children) suffering from gut issues it’s time to turn to basics. Discover the mighty mung bean, an ancient, high-protein, high-fibre, iron-rich elixir for gut health, adding glow to your hair, skin, and energy. Learn family-friendly recipes of broths, meals, and even desserts.

Topic: Its Phlippen Good
Speaker: Kris Phippen
Company: Phlippens

How it all started…

In 2017, I got a wake-up call that didn’t come with a snooze button. A few events showed that life’s too short and they reminded me that time is the only currency that matters — I was spending mine in airports, chasing a corporate title that didn’t love me back. So, I quit. I stopped flying and started putting food on the smoker. I’m talking about real wood, real fire, and a refusal to use those shortcuts and “smoke flavours” that every other bottle on the shelf hides behind.