By Doug Draper
Kind of sad to think that Niagara’s “culinary icon” may be the lowly donut.
Lynn Ogryzlo, well-known food columnist speaks, as fellow panelists Niagara regional planner Terri Donia and Welland city councillor and environmentalist David Alexander look on during recent release of report encouraging consumers to purchase more locally grown food. Photo by Doug Draper.
A bit of sheepish laughter filtered through an audience at the Keefer Mansion Inn in Thorold, Ontario this March 18 when Lynn Ogryzlo, an award-winning food writer and long-time advocate for eating foods grown locally, conjured up reminders of Niagara capturing headlines over the years for apparently having more donut shops per capita than practically any other region on the continent.
It is even sadder yet when, as Ogryzlo and others who spoke during the release of a report by Brock University’s Niagara Community Observatory on Niagara Food said, we are fortunate to live in a region of the world where growing everything from tender fruits, apples, and a whole host of vegetables – not to mention our dairy, hog and chicken farms – is possible.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we have it all right here,” said Ogryzlo. “We have local food that is distinctive, authentic and engaging … Let’s champion (it).” Continue reading
