Homegrown Hero

Rooted in community, sustainability and storytelling, ELLE Gourmet in partnership with Wines of Ontario shines a spotlight on industry leaders whose work reflects the values of today’s socially conscious gourmand, including top Ontario VQA winemakers making the most of what Ontario terroir has to offer. Return to this hub throughout the year for ongoing features highlighting how Ontario's local makers are shaping culture in every pocket of the province.

Ontario

How chef Imrun Texeira advocates for mental health in hospitality

As an ambassador for The Burnt Chef Project, he aims to tackle industry-wide stigmas

Woman in blue striped shirt smiling and holding an apple.

Chef Joshna Maharaj is revolutionizing our food systems

Why she advocates for better nutrition in hospitals and on campuses— and how she turned it into a reality.

A woman kneels in a field and poses with an armful of squash.

How Cheyenne Sundance makes urban farming more equitable

Through an ecological farm and agricultural non-profit, she allows for a new generation of farmers to emerge.

Two men hunched over on a farm inspecting crops.

Behind Perch restaurant’s holistic approach to sustainability

At this Ottawa restaurant, sustainability is a multi-faceted mindset that’s at the forefront of every decision.

A man in a beekeeping suit stands with one leg on a barrel and one arm raised holding a bottle of yellow liqueur.

Beekeeper Marko Čilić makes award-winning honey-infused spirits

The Calgarian is fostering community across the country, one hive at a time.

freshly roasted coffee beans in a resealable bag

Behind Kebaonish, an Indigenous and woman-led drink company

Located on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory in Ontario, Kebaonish brings meaning and community to every brew.

A woman in a white chef's coat crouching in a garden.

Canadian chef Jessica Rosval uplifts women through cooking

Whether she's at her not-for-profit restaurant or in Michelin-starred kitchens, Rosval is leading with care.

A smiling man holding up a handful of fresh shrimp to the camera.

Chef Ned Bell shares tips for sustainable cooking on a budget

For this B.C. chef, food and sustainability are intrinsically linked.

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