Flavourful Saskatoon, March 18, 2013

Brunch at SaskMade, Mar. 23
Don’t miss SaskMade Marketplace’s Brunch celebration from 10-4:30 on Saturday, March 23.

Nicole Davis will be dishing up samples of Daybreak Mill’s Sunrise Pancake and Dayspring Granola mixes. The chef of the day is Renée Kohlman, aka sweetsugarbean. Sample some quiche and enter a draw for Harden Huyse chocolates.

Market Symphony, Apr. 3
The Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra will launch their new season at the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market with a free concert from 11:30-12:45, April 3.

Global Access to Nutrition Index 
The Global Access to Nutrition Index, released this past week, assesses nutrition-related commitments, performance and disclosure practices of 25 of the world’s largest food and beverage manufacturers as measured against international guidelines, norms and accepted best practices. Danone, Unilever and Nestlé top the list, but there is still significant room for improvement, with the highest score being 6.3/10.

Slow Money
Slow Money is holding its third annual conference in Boulder, Colorado, in April. It’s an interesting concept based on investing “as if food, farms and fertility mattered.”

“What would the world be like if we invested 50% of our assets within 50 miles of where we live? What if there were a new generation of companies that gave away 50% of their profits? What if there were 50% more organic matter in our soil 50 years from now?” 

Over the past two years, Slow Money has invested $20 million in over 170 small food enterprises. The Soil Trust is an opportunity for individuals to invest small amounts to support small food enterprises.

Starting Out
I’ve always thought that it would be tough to open a new store. How do you know if it would be successful? How could you work out some of the kinks without falling flat on your face?

A pop-up store in North Amsterdam may be the answer. The store is a small, flexible space that houses a different new business every six months. The entrepreneur can then decide whether to rent a “normal” shop in the neighbourhood, while another starting business can move in and give their business idea a try, and the neighbourhood gets a chance to discover hidden local entrepreneurs.

Vancouver
I’m escaping winter for a week in Vancouver. Be prepared for restaurant and market reviews from Lotus Land!

Flavourful Saskatoon is a weekly Monday feature. I also post regular profiles of culinary entrepreneurs, new restaurants and new food products.

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