University of the Streets Cafe this Thursday: Creativity in the Kitchen – How do we share the table with food intolerances?

Here’s the breakdown of what we will (and you could) be talking about this Thursday night:

Delicious. Mouthwatering. Succulent. These are all words we use to describe a perfect meal, filled with flavour and enjoyment. But, for those of us faced with food intolerances, these same words are often associated with bloating, stomach pain, fatigue, nasal congestion and worse. These reactions may not be life threatening, but they are enough to turn eating outside our own homes into a stressful situation. Through experimentation and guidance from health practitioners, we can cut out the foods that make us sick, but what about family dinners, coffee breaks, dates, meetings and the vast host of other human interactions that often convene over food?

Can we still enjoy these communal experiences and not become social pariahs? Is it possible to abide by our limited diets without compromising our emotional well-being? Over the course of this public conversation, we will reflect on our personal encounters with food and explore how we can respect both our intolerances and our human need to share food with others.

Guests:
Ildiko Brunner is a raw food enthusiast and has been studying natural health for the past 15 years. She is the organizer of the Montreal Raw Vegan Potluck Group and owner of Raw In Montreal, a site that offers information on raw food resources, workshops and events in Montreal.A university drop-out and Edmonton ex-pat, Aaron Langille has been working in kitchens in Montreal and Europe for almost a decade. Recently, he has become the head chef at his own restaurant, Café Sardine in the Mile-End.

Amie Watson is a Montreal-based food writer who throws her whole heart into local, sustainable and organic food. When not cooking healthy, gluten-free, dairy-free meals for her blog, Multiculturiosity.com, she writes for EnRoute, CultMontreal, and Alive Magazine, and is the food editor at MidnightPoutine.ca. Follow her @MissWattson.

Moderator:
Nadia Stevens is a dedicated bodyworker, community organizer and life long student. On any given day, she calls upon her 15 years of studies in acupressure, qi gong, Chinese medicine, herbs, food and Ayurveda to support others in self discovery and healing. She is the co-founder of two blossoming community organizations in Montreal: The Montreal Healing Arts Community & YOCOMO- Yoga Community Montreal.