We often talk about "cultures" as if they are separate, self-contained units—like neatly labeled jars in a pantry. We might say, "Italian culture is this," and "Japanese culture is that," or "American culture is the other." This way of thinking is deeply ingrained in us, a holdover from a time when geographical and political boundaries were seen as hard and fast divisions. But in reality, cultures, much like our favorite foods, are not distinct. They are a rich, complex stew of ideas, traditions, and influences that have been simmering together for centuries.

In the vibrant tapestry of weekend activities, brunch stands out as a cherished ritual. More than just a meal, it’s a leisurely affair, a social gathering, and a delightful bridge between the workweek's hustle and the weekend's relaxation. As a ritual, social occasion, and recovery from Saturday night, brunch is good for your health. In cities like Toronto, where the culinary scene thrives, brunch has evolved into an art form, offering a diverse array of dishes and experiences to suit every taste. But where did this beloved tradition originate, and what makes it so universally appealing? Let's delve into the delicious world of brunch and explore its rich history and enduring charm.

One of my oldest friends grew up believing she was Italian because her family frequently ate spaghetti. To her, the tomato sauce was all the proof she needed. This made me wonder: can food truly define our culture? Do we, in a way, eat our identity? After all, the old saying goes, "you are what you eat."

As American as apple pie or Johnny Appleseed… what could be more Anglo-Saxon than the apple? Well, guess what? Apples originate in Asia and I'm not talking about phones or computers. !

What's a Smart Pig Kitchen? So what’s this about pigs in the kitchen?

Pig has for a long time been an insult to indicate one who hoards food. So don't hoard food, share it. Not virtually, or by donation. Eat with people IRL. Keep a pig in the kitchen to remind you that it's a Smart Pig Kitchen.

Have you ever eaten an apple or an orange? Well, guess what then? You’re a part time vegan just like everyone else.

Most of us know by now that veganism isn’t just about saving cute animals (a friend of mine from cooking school suggested we have a cute animal theme for a dinner we were hosting).  Veganism is a also good for the environment and good for our hearts. So why aren’t we all full-time vegans?

If you have a small space but still want to have someone over for dinner or even if you have a large space but want to host an intimate meal, this is your guide to hosting a dinner with only one guest.

The number one rule of hosting is make your guests comfortable and the number two rule of hosting one person is to try not to leave them alone. This is the biggest difference between hosting one person and hosting greater numbers. It doesn't mean you need to stick to them like glue, but remember they came to see you and you're the entertainment. 

Assess your table. With food, candles and a bottle of wine how many people can comfortably sit there? Are you serving your dinner family style? In which case you're going to need extra room for the dishes of food. However, I find bringing plated meals from the kitchen can be less awkward for guests than fumbling with serving dishes and quantities. Remember though in each case the challenges of keeping the food hot.

We've all had the mad rush of cooking and cleaning to make everything just right for our guests. Clean towels in the powder room, polished wood floors, vacuumed carpets, sparkling windows…. I have a friend who even gets down and scrubs the baseboards before company comes over.

In this day and age, with many of us adopting side gigs for extra income we wonder how anyone has the time to host people for dinner with all the work involved. But it's important to recognize that all this effort is not a “waste” of time, it's part of our emotional health.