Food & Drink

Catering to the community

Commercial Drive cookbook offers great recipes, perspectives on food security—and charity.

By Janet Gyenes /

Bring the flavours of your favourite neighbourhood restos home with the Cook the ‘Hood cookbook

Commercial Drive residents Wendy Walsh and her husband Shaun wanted to nurture a community linked by neighbourhood food offerings, as well as raise support for those who may not be able to afford their daily nutrition requirements. The result is a cookbook, Cook the ‘Hood: Recipes that Capture the Vibe of a Neighbourhood.

Twenty-five eateries each contributed a recipe, so that home cooks can whip up such delicacies as cream puffs from Tony’s Deli & Catering, or tagliatelle with chanterelle mushrooms and chilies from Federico’s Supper Club.
 

Cook the ‘Hood

$12 (small) or $20 (large) at participating shops. Look for the Cook the ‘Hood sticker in windows.

Sample Recipes!

Vegan Mixed Berry Muffins from Café du Soleil

Curry in a Hurry from East End Food Co-op

Healthy Hemp Salad Dressing from Drive Organics

The book also “explores the issues surrounding food security, for example farmers’ markets, community kitchens, and the work of local agencies,” says Walsh. Partial proceeds go to Quest Outreach Society.

Update: The 2010 edition of the Commercial Drive Cook the ‘Hood is now available.