We are bringing this topic to the forefront in 2017 because we want to know more – and Chef Gushue says that most Canadians can’t really define their culinary food scene. “It’s still very European based,” he tells us, “and at the core is the focus on great ingredients.”
Like in the United States, Canadian restaurants are seeing an increased demand for more vegetables on the plate. “Although this can present challenges after so many years of protein-driven menus,” Chef Gushue says, “I think it’s very nice to see a vegetable focus. In Canada, we do plenty of cooking over open and live flames, so we can grill the vegetables, roast them in the coals or char them.”
The culinary scene in Canada has changed over the past five years because of increasing tourism traffic on the east coast of the country, especially from New Yorkers, and people from Western Europe and from Asia. “I’m glad that people realize how we have something unique to offer them.”
Chef Gushue says it doesn’t feel quite right to call Roots a culinary conference. “That sounds like too rigid of a term,” he says, “for such a comfortable, free-flowing, relaxing event. It’s a great get-away, and a chance to spend time with a diverse group of fantastic people. I was at Roots 2016 and I look forward to returning.”
He says there is another element that makes Roots so worthwhile, but it’s “hard to put a finger on it.” He ultimately decided that it’s because people at the conference are “very real. Everyone is on the same level and I credit the Jones family for that wonderful experience. You really are made to feel at home.”
And, he can’t resist adding a third element: the forward-thinking nature of the conference. “I was very pleasantly surprised,” he says, “by the very modern thinking at Roots. Too many conferences are stuck in the past, but not this one.”
Register for Roots 2017: Innovate Today
Chef Gushue has more than two decades of culinary experience. Awards won by the chef include:
You can find more information about Chef Jonathan Gushue and register for the event online. Canada is the world’s second largest nation, with a dynamic food scene – and it’s time to learn more about the history of this culinary tradition and how it is evolving. This includes contemporary innovations along with new trends still on the horizon.