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| Illustration by Len Kurosaki |
I'm a big fan of shopping local, supporting small businesses, and giving my money to companies that give back to the community and do good. I also have spent my time in quarantine doing a lot of online shopping and needed something to help me justify all my purchases. And so I bring you Monthly Mains, a series where I’ll highlight three things that have made my life better (and will probably make yours better, too).
My sisters, whose opinions are some of the ones I value most, said that my blog has turned into a bit of a downer as of late. They're not wrong. I realize that sharing what's going on in the world and not really having solutions to the problems makes content that isn't always so great to read. So I'm switching it up (for this month at least), and sharing some simple but effective ways to be part of a solution to a major global issue that's been on my mind lately: Food.
After multiple conversations with family, friends and colleagues this month, I've realized food is so much more than just something people ingest when they're hungry. Food connects us; it's part of some of our strongest, most fond memories; it's a way to learn and understand things; it helps us show gratitude; and, it's an easy and appreciated way to be generous.
I've grown up with parents who shared food with anyone and everyone. Whether it was my mom offering a woman going door-to-door selling math books some of the pizza we'd just ordered, or my dad buying a group of kids standing outside the Mac's convenience store in our neighbourhood ice cream sandwiches on a hot summer day, I have many vivid memories of my parents generously sharing food (and all the delight that comes with it) with all kinds of people in all sorts of situations.
Plus, in most South Asian households (including mine), it's practically a crime if you don't offer your guests something to eat and drink (and then ignore them when they say 'no thanks' and proceed to bring them water, get a pot of chai started, and whip up some samosas or pakoras). And when the guests are full to the brim and ready to leave - it's not at all uncommon to ask them to stay for one last cup of chai. As they're protesting, chances are you've already started grinding the spices to go into the pot of water that's heating up on the stove. We had a lot of guests pre-COVID, so this has been almost a weekly experience for my entire life.
After multiple conversations with family, friends and colleagues this month, I've realized food is so much more than just something people ingest when they're hungry. Food connects us; it's part of some of our strongest, most fond memories; it's a way to learn and understand things; it helps us show gratitude; and, it's an easy and appreciated way to be generous.
I've grown up with parents who shared food with anyone and everyone. Whether it was my mom offering a woman going door-to-door selling math books some of the pizza we'd just ordered, or my dad buying a group of kids standing outside the Mac's convenience store in our neighbourhood ice cream sandwiches on a hot summer day, I have many vivid memories of my parents generously sharing food (and all the delight that comes with it) with all kinds of people in all sorts of situations.
Plus, in most South Asian households (including mine), it's practically a crime if you don't offer your guests something to eat and drink (and then ignore them when they say 'no thanks' and proceed to bring them water, get a pot of chai started, and whip up some samosas or pakoras). And when the guests are full to the brim and ready to leave - it's not at all uncommon to ask them to stay for one last cup of chai. As they're protesting, chances are you've already started grinding the spices to go into the pot of water that's heating up on the stove. We had a lot of guests pre-COVID, so this has been almost a weekly experience for my entire life.
Food brings us together. It also literally keeps us alive. But so many people, even in first-world countries like Canada, aren't always able to get any. Luckily, there are ways those of us who are more fortunate can help those in need, both here at home and around the world.
Most cities across Canada and the U.S. have organizations you can support through either financial donations or non-perishable items. Locally, my go-to is the Calgary Food Bank. There has been a major increase in the amount of people using food banks across the country due to the pandemic and its impacts on all aspects of our lives. This means donations from those of us that can make them right now are incredibly beneficial in supporting our community members. Donating is super easy, and truly, every bit counts. You can find and donate to your local food bank by visiting Food Banks Canada or Feeding America.
Food security is unfortunately a global issue, and not one that's new for a lot of people around the world. There are a number of organizations working to combat the issue though, including the United Nations World Food Programme, which has created a simple, quick and interactive way to help food those in need.
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| Illustration by Len Kurosaki |
There is also an option for you to join "The Table," and have a specific amount (as low as $10) donated monthly. The Table gives you details including who your funds are being matched with in what country, what they are using your donation for, and how many people are being impacted by it directly. You can also create challenges with family and friends, earn badges for different activities, and gift donations.
You can download Share the Meal from the App store or Google Play. You can also donate online if you'd prefer, by visiting the official website.
Now that you know how you can help others in need of food, here are three local options you can treat yourself to the next time you're craving some great grub and community connection:
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| Illustration by Len Kurosaki |
This isn't your average bag of popcorn. It's vegan (often also gluten-free), there are new flavours to try out every two weeks, it's made in small batches in Calgary, and $1 from every bag sold goes to charity. In the past, it's been the Leftovers Foundation, a Canada-wide charity that aims to increase access to food and reduce food waste. The most recent charity is the Indian Residential School Survivors Society, which provides essential services to residential school survivors, their families, and those dealing with intergenerational traumas.
Spenser Sipe, the owner of this lovely small business, is one of the people who helped me realize the greater depth of food in our lives. For her, popcorn isn't just a yummy snack - it's something that brings back precious memories of time spent with some of those she loves most.
The company, and the OG flavour 'The Sheldon' (which is a vegan version of caramel corn, and honestly SO DELICIOUS), are both tied to her dad, named Sheldon and born in 1961. Spenser says Sheldon began the popcorn-making tradition when she was very young. Sheldon would come home after long business trips and gather Spenser and her siblings to make caramel corn that would then be enjoyed over a movie the family watched together. (She explains it way better here.)
The tradition went on for years, but Spenser eventually moved from her hometown to Calgary, and decided to go vegan, so was no longer able to partake. One day, while missing home, Spenser attempted a vegan version of her dad's traditional recipe - and it worked. But there was one aspect missing: the act of sharing. So she started enjoying it with friends, then shared it with local vegan businesses, and in no time, demand for the kernels grew. Now, all of us are able to take part in Spenser's twist on a beloved family tradition.
So far, my family and I have tried nine different flavour combos from 1961 Popcorn Co. The Sheldon is one of our favourites, but there hasn't been a flavour we haven't loved. In fact, we have a bit of a problem making the four bags I order every time last longer than three days. It's just really good, and I would 11/10 recommend ordering some ASAP.
Spenser Sipe, the owner of this lovely small business, is one of the people who helped me realize the greater depth of food in our lives. For her, popcorn isn't just a yummy snack - it's something that brings back precious memories of time spent with some of those she loves most.
The company, and the OG flavour 'The Sheldon' (which is a vegan version of caramel corn, and honestly SO DELICIOUS), are both tied to her dad, named Sheldon and born in 1961. Spenser says Sheldon began the popcorn-making tradition when she was very young. Sheldon would come home after long business trips and gather Spenser and her siblings to make caramel corn that would then be enjoyed over a movie the family watched together. (She explains it way better here.)
The tradition went on for years, but Spenser eventually moved from her hometown to Calgary, and decided to go vegan, so was no longer able to partake. One day, while missing home, Spenser attempted a vegan version of her dad's traditional recipe - and it worked. But there was one aspect missing: the act of sharing. So she started enjoying it with friends, then shared it with local vegan businesses, and in no time, demand for the kernels grew. Now, all of us are able to take part in Spenser's twist on a beloved family tradition.
So far, my family and I have tried nine different flavour combos from 1961 Popcorn Co. The Sheldon is one of our favourites, but there hasn't been a flavour we haven't loved. In fact, we have a bit of a problem making the four bags I order every time last longer than three days. It's just really good, and I would 11/10 recommend ordering some ASAP.
You can preorder your bags, and learn more about the company and awesome human behind it, on Instagram.
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| Illustration by Len Kurosaki |
You know how people say never to go grocery shopping on an empty stomach? Do the exact opposite of that when you head to Fresh and Local Market & Kitchens. You'll need all the room you can get to try out what this place has to offer.
Can't decide if you want Italian or Thai? You can have both, grab some baked goods and a coffee, and even pick up some groceries, all in one trip. The market gives you a culinary world tour, with chefs representing Venezuela, the Philippines, India, Mexico, Greece, and more. But what really adds to the total experience is getting to interact with the people who are making your food. One conversation with any of the vendors will show you just how passionate they are about their food and sharing it with others, and it's a really unique experience to get to speak to them and learn about the history and stories behind their food.
Surprisingly, my sisters and I have yet to try all of the restaurants in the market, but here are a list of some favourite dishes from the ones we have tried:
- Pranzo Italiano: The chicken pesto sandwich is hands down our favourite thing on the menu. We order it every time we go (which is almost every weekend. Seriously. The owner knows us and our back story at this point). The chicken is always so juicy, the bun is perfectly toasted, the ratio of pesto to cheese to chicken is on point, and the fresh tomatoes make the sandwich feel lighter. We also are big fans of the arancini. If you order it, ask for extra sauce on the side.
- Bangkok Street Food: The vegetarian spring rolls are so good. Perfectly crisp wrapper, not greasy, and delicious vegetable filling. The pad Thai here is also one of the best I've had in Calgary.
- Mestizo Mexican Street Food: The owner of Mestizo gets bonus points because rather than cringe at my attempt at pronouncing anything in Spanish, he encouraged me to keep trying. We love to see it. I don't think you can go wrong ordering any of the tacos on the menu here, but our favourites are the Cochinita Pibil and Tinga de Pollo.
- Arepas Ranch: This was the first vendor we tried at the market and it did not disappoint. We have a lot left to try from this menu, but I would highly recommend the Pabellon arepa on your first visit.
- Snowflake: The hottoks will make your regular pancake breakfast seem really basic. There are a few flavour options, but our favourite is the bacon, cheese and green onion. But for us the real star of this vendor is the Oreo bingsu - shaved iced layered with condensed milk and covered in different toppings - including a scoop of Oreo ice cream.
- TeAmo Fruit Tea: I only ever order one of two drinks when I come here, but there are multiple options that sound refreshing and delicious. All of the juice is made as soon as you order it, and the choice of toppings is next level. My top recommendation is the pineapple cold fruit tea with mango jelly and popping pearls. If you're like me and your two sisters are with you when you go, order the large because they'll both say they don't want any and then just end up drinking most of yours.
- Siomai Queen: Siomai, from my understanding, is a Filipino-style of dumpling. We'd recommend getting one order (which comes with 24 pieces - so it's perfect for sharing) of half steamed and half fried siomai to ensure you get the best of both worlds. The dumplings come with a spicy sauce that has some serious kick and just adds to the overall deliciousness of the meal. You'll definitely come back here after trying it once.
- Holy Cannoli Coffee Company: This cafe was the initial reason for us going to the market, and it did not disappoint. There are a number of baked goods, including several types of cannoli. Two things we'd recommend are the cinnamon bun iced latte (which is seasonal, so not on the current summer menu. But when it's back - definitely try it!) and the salted caramel bar.
- The Perogy Boyz: I feel like a bad Calgarian admitting this, but I had never tried The Perogy Boyz until they showed up at the market. And boy, was I missing out. My sister and I had a tough time deciding on what to order, but we ended up going with The Traditional - perogies, caramelized onion, bacon, sour cream, chives and dill, PLUS some Kielbasa sausage on the side. It's a flavour explosion in your mouth and you will not be disappointed.
- Fantasy Donuts & Pretzels: I don't think you can go wrong with donuts or pretzels, so no matter what you order from here you will be happy. You can choose to have your pretzel served warm, which we highly recommend because they brush it with melted butter and add more seasoning on top that way. Our top choice is the truffle cheese pretzel and one (or more) of the donuts on display. There are too many to choose just one.
- Kokom's Bannock Kitchen: The history behind bannock is super interesting, and I would highly recommend asking the team at Kokom's to share it with you - after you order some to try for yourself. This fry bread is light, chewy and salted perfectly. As with most vendors, there are different options, both sweet and savoury, but I would recommend starting with the original and then working from there.
Believe it or not, despite this being a super long list, there are still so many more great vendors at the market. You can view the full list on the Fresh and Local Market & Kitchens website. And if you're ever there on a weekend afternoon, you might see me and my sisters, hands full of food, in the area.
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| Illustration by Len Kurosaki |
They weren't lying. This bacon is hands down the BEST I have ever tasted. It's so good that I don't think I can go back to regular bacon. I mean, it actually melts in your mouth. I was sold on the bacon, and wondered if the other products would have an equal impact. I decided on chicken and went through the same process - placed the order, it arrived a few days later, and it was in fact better than anything I've ever gotten from the grocery store.
The higher quality and better taste might be due to the fact that all the meat sourced by Bessie comes from local farmers and is antibiotic and hormone-free. Bessie tries to get its meat, whether it's fish, beef, chicken or pork, from the nearest locations to its customer base as possible. This means the consumer gets fresh products while supporting the local community.
And it's so easy to do! You can choose to purchase a subscription and have the products delivered to your door every four, six or eight weeks, or just order when you need. Once your order is placed, you'll get to choose a delivery date that works best for you, and your purchase will be at your front door on the selected date.
If there are any issues, or if you have questions, the customer service from Bessie is top notch. All you need to do is send a text (or email) and you'll get a quick response from an actual person, not a robot. I had some issues with an order and everything was cleared up within a few minutes of me sending a text. Great service AND a great product - definitely a win-win.
In terms of price, you will be paying more than you would at your grocery store. That being said, it's not exponentially more expensive to go with Bessie, and in my eyes, the benefits of a better tasting, fresher meal that also gives back to local farmers make the price well worth it.
Bessie currently delivers to Calgary and Edmonton (and the surrounding areas). You can place your order, and learn more about the company and how it works, on the Bessie Box website.
Quote:
"To get born, your body makes a pact with death, and from that moment, all it tries to do is cheat."
— Louise Glück, A Slip of Paper
Read:
Palestine
— Joe Sacco
Palestine
— Joe Sacco