And who exactly is this Rogue Zucchini you speak of?
Great question, here is the low down on this mischevious squash...
Tired of the impossible beauty standards being placed upon it by GMO executives and the scientific community, this zucchini had no choice but to go leave the comforts of its garden patch. Going rogue and traveling to lands far and wide to experience the flavour and beauty that is biodiversity is the only life that this squash cares to live. One day in the not so distant future, it will sweep its way into the city where it all began for an unforgettable evening of food, beverage, and music. This is the way of the rogue zucchini.
The rogue zucchini is ultimately about the commitment that needs to be made toward supporting local farmers, sustainable ethical eating, and above all the enjoyment of food. I suppose for all intents and purposes, I am the rogue zucchini but I hope to share this title with other chefs, activists and foodies who would like to continue putting on events and sharing information regarding issues facing our food system and workers within the food industry.
I feel like there has been need for major reform within our food system for a very long time and my motivation for putting on this event is to put the spotlight on the people who are doing the hard work of sustainable farming within the current industrial food context. I can't tell you how often on my morning drive into work, I pass an 18-wheeler transporting chickens that are literally crammed into tiny cages that are stacked upon one another. I can't pretend that I don't face challenges and ethical dilemmas in my daily work as sous chef/cook/human being about where the food I am working with is coming from and who has been exploited or harmed in its processing and harvest.
I am so thankful for my amazing friends and family for going rogue with me and helping me put this event on. Together we are working on building tables, creating cocktails, gathering media content, and finding/highlighting the work of local farmers to make this evening unforgettable.
We are asking for $35 to attend our cocktail service from 7-10 pm on September 8th. I am not revealing the full menu for a couple reasons. One, I would like you to embrace the element of surprise and the unknown in your food experience. Second, I will be working only with what is available locally so my creative juices need space to breathe uninterrupted. I am asking you to take a chance on me with the promise that if I fail you, your money will be returned. I am taking a risk on this project because my passion for cooking is still alive and I really want to have the opportunity to challenge myself as a chef.
Rest assured there will be no screenings of Cowspiracy happening this evening. This is not a vegan event but I invite vegans, vegetarians, omnivores and everyone in between to come out. I am looking forward to celebrating the summer harvest and highlighting all of the amazing produce we have available to us this time of year. I will share the story of exactly where all the food for the evening has come from and am committed to making this evening solely about the enjoyment of food that has been sourced from principled individuals. Nothing more, nothing less. I hope to see you there!
Follow the Rogue Zucchini Supper Club on Instagram @roguezucchini_supperclub, Twitter @rogue_zucchini and Facebook @roguezucchinisupperclub for sneak peaks and updates on this event being held at Psychic Visions Gallery in Hamilton, Ontario