The HomeSense

International Culinary Stage 

Presented by

Appearing live on the 2008 HomeSense International Culinary Stage:

Hidekazu Tojo

Chef/Owner Tojo's Restaurant

On October 6, 1988 Tojo opened Tojo's Restaurant. Here he welcomes the stars of Hollywood North, visiting executives of Japanese corporations, pilgrims who have read reviews of his restaurant in publications from around the world, North American politicians and, as always, an expanding loyal community of Vancouver oldtimers and regulars. He treats each with respectful equanimity mixed with infectious laughter, assuming that each shares his appreciation of freshness and originality.

...for more on Tojo, click here

GLUTTONS FOR FUGU! (Fugu, or pufferfish is lethally poisonous if prepared incorrectly, fugu has become one of the most celebrated and notorious dishes in Japanese cuisine.)

AFTER MEETING IN OSAKA AND DEFYING DEATH-BY-FUGU, GLUTTON FOR PUNISHMENT BOB BLUMER (AKA THE SURREAL GOURMET) AND LEGENDARY SUSHI MASTER  HIDEKAZU TOJO WILL COLLABORATE FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, LIVE ON STAGE AT EAT VANCOUVER. THE TWO WILL SHARE STORIES OF THEIR EXPLOITS, REPLICATE THE FUGU HOT POT THEY MADE ON BOB’S SHOW (THIS TIME WITH LOCAL FISH!), AND FACE OFF IN A COOK-OFF THAT WILL SHOWCASE THEIR PERSONAL STYLES AND JAPANESE INGREDIENTS.

Bob Blumer

The Surreal Gourmet
Co-creator/host of Food Network's 'Glutton for Punishment'

Chef, artist and professional bon vivant Bob Blumer is one of today's most imaginative food personalities. Whether he is taping his Food Network show in his gleaming Toastermobile, or concocting new recipes in his own kitchen, Blumer transforms common ingredients into wow-inspiring dishes through whimsical presentations and unusual cooking methods that have become his culinary trademark. His artful approach to cooking, confidence-inspiring instructions, and contagious enthusiasm have endeared him to a loyal following who tune in to his weekly half-hour show, frequent his cooking classes and appearances, and collect his books.

For more on Bob click here

Chef Sandy Daza

Cooking With Sandy TV Show, Vancouver, Canada - 2002 to present

The first Filipino cooking show was launched last April 2002 on the Shaw Multicultural channel featuring Sandy Daza.  The show’s format is unlike the contemporary cooking show formats one watches in the Food Channel. 

Sandy first started appearing as a cooking show host with his mother Nora Daza in her famous Philippine Cooking Show “Let’s Cook With Nora” in 1987 then he started appearing on his own in the prime time TV show Eat Bulaga’s cooking segment Del Monte Kitchenomics in 1991 to 1999.

For more on Sandy click here

Chef Jason Inniss

Amuse-Bouche Restaurant & Barbados Cuisine Chef

In June 2005 Jason and partner Bertrand Alepee opened Amuse-Bouche Restaurant at 96 Tecumseth Street, Toronto, formerly the home of Susur Lee’s Lotus. They combined Parisan-born and trained Bertrand’s knowledge of pastry and French cuisine with Barbados born Jason’s mix of French training and Caribbean flair. Within weeks the tiny neighborhood spot was jammed and critics were heralding their cuisine. By the New Year they had received top honours from toronto.com’s Steven Davey and the best new restaurant nod from The Toronto Star’s Linda Bernard. In March 2006, barely nine months old, James Chatto of Toronto Life Magazine rated Amuse Bouche number 20 in his review of the best restaurants in Toronto.

For more on Jason click here
 

Chef Claudio Kihien

A true advocate of Peruvian cuisine

There is one thing that drives Claudio’s passion -- good food.  Only the best ingredients are used in his cooking, and he loves a good Argentinian barbeque.  His travels have brought him to several countries in Europe and the Americas.  He also has a background in tourism marketing and is a French and Spanish translator for Immigration Canada.  As a true advocate of Peruvian cuisine, his goal is to use his knowledge and experience to educate and promote Peru and its cuisine to British Columbians and the world

For more on Claudio click here

Rossana Ascensio

Mexican Chef, presenting on behalf of Tourism Mexico

Mexico - A Feast of Flavour and Tradition

From an early age, Rossana has always been fascinated by the flavours of Mexico.  Born in Mexico City, Rossana has been living in Vancouver for nearly 15 years.  She is a television producer and host of a number of series both in Spanish and English..

For more on Rossana click here

Chef Mior

Presenting for Tourism Malaysia. Malaysia Kitchen

Chef Mior, a self-taught teh tarik expert.   His passion for this flavourful tea inspired him to master the art of teh tarik making 14 years ago. Since 1994 he has competed and won many teh tarik as well as roti canai competitions in Malaysia and showcased his talents in several Asian countries, Australia, the Middle East and the UK.

For more on Chef Mior click here

For Malaysian Recipes demonstrated on stage click here

Chef Matt a.k.a. Flying Chef

Presenting for Tourism Malaysia. Malaysia Kitchen

Chef Matt has been perfecting his tossing skills since 1990 and can toss his dough up to 7 feet high.  The Chef Association of Malaysia nicknamed him the “Flying Chef” for his toss juggling talents.  Other than roti canai, he also tosses pots, pans and knives.  He is also a  teh tarik (pulled tea) expert.

Over the years, he has participated and won many roti canai, teh tarik and Malaysian food competitions -- hosted cooking demonstrations -- and invited to be a judge on cooking shows.  Chef Matt is also a food product endorser and has demonstrated at cooking shows organized by Malaysian government agencies and food companies internationally.

For more on Chef Matt click here

For Malaysian Recipes demonstrated on stage click here

Click here for the 2008 HomeSense International Stage Schedule