Suzie Citizen Web Series has Arrived!

Episode one of five.  (I appear in episodes 1 and 5)  Enjoy!  And don't forget to VOTE!

Suzie Citizen wants YOU!

Student Vote is an exciting organization that encourages youth political awareness and involvement through campaign activities, classroom discussions and "Student Vote Day".  A new web series titled The Adventures of Suzie Citizen, produced by Wildrun Productions stars 10-year old live-action character Suzie as she navigates the world of politics and takes action to spread her new-found political savvy to her fellow youth.  I appear in episodes 1 and 5 as a political canvasser who tries to brush past Suzie in search of her parent's votes.

Episode 1 of 5 is in post-production as we speak and is scheduled to be live on the web by the end of the week.  Each new episode will be released in the following weeks, coinciding with provincial elections being held across the country in October.  Check back for updates, launch info and links!  And don't forget to vote!

Kids, talk to your parents about drugs!

Or this might happen...Enjoy!

Toronto Film Fest Soiree - 1920's Style...

I was delighted to be a part of the Toronto Film Festival Soiree last night at super-chic, super-back-alley-glam, super-awesome Cinecycle; a sometimes bike shop, sometimes uper-fab event space in a back alley off of Spadina Ave.  To go along with the speak-easy feel of the venue, Jon and I dressed as 1920's cool-cats and welcomed some of the who's-who of LA and Toronto's Film scene into the event.  Super FUN!  What a night!  Happy TIFF'ing everyone!

Sketch It Up!

I've recently started working with a brand-spanking-new sketch comedy group called Sketch It Up.  It will have a home under the blanket of Internet TV network All Talk TV.  The pilot episode was shot last week and is currently being edited for broadcast.  I play in two sketches, they're goodies, and the only spoiler I'm giving is this carefully selected pic featuring fellow comedian Kris Hagen and comedienne/producer Katriina Isberg.  More updates to come including launch and broadcast details.

Food Network Celebrity Stage Wrapped!

And what a year!  I got to host almost all of the Top Chef Canada competitors including winner Dale MacKay, as well as Food Network stars Bob Blumer, Chef Corbin, David Adjey, Michael Smith, Bal the "Spice Goddess" and Duff "Ace of Cakes" Goldman. 

As Hostess and Emcee of the Food Network Celebrity Stage, I had so much fun introducing the guests, fielding questions from the audience, leading meet & greets, all while getting to watch some great cooking demos, learn some helpful tips, get inspiration for my food blog "Gluten/Dairy Freedom!" and even try some great food!  Have I mentioned I  love my job?

The CNE is wrapped for another year, and the summer's winding down, so I guess its time to drive off into the sunset and find myself working on other projects,  (More projects already underway, more info coming soon!)  Now about that driving off into the sunset part...

*Note: I don't own a car...but this one would do nicely!

Ace of Cakes is on a Sugar High!

I had the privilege of hosting Duff "Ace of Cakes" Goldman at the Canadian National Exhibition's Food Network Celebrity Stage today for his two highly anticipated shows.  Our seats could barely contain the overwhelmingly large and overwhelmingly excited audience that turned up to watch Duff and his crew make a giant-sized "French Toast Cake" complete with fondant bacon, fried egg, syrup and butter.  It was quite the sight to behold; and yes, if you're curious, the top layer IS edible! 

The audience peppered Duff with questions, some professional, some personal, but perhaps the most memorable moment when he began riffing while answering a young person's question about his favourite cake making experience.  Duff remarked that people always ask what its like to travel around to all these crazy places, doing what he does, to which he replied - in a voice bursting with honest enthusiasm - that its as awesome as you think it would be, and that he has an incredible time.  Duff's on a Sugar High, and its not ending anytime soon!

Chef Rebekah Pearse Sure Is Sweet!

Hosting the Food Network Celebrity Stage for the past few weeks certainly has its fringe benefits: I get to meet lovely people like Rebekah Pearse.  Friendly, cheerful, sweet, fun, and this woman can BAKE!  On today's menu: Sticky Toffee Puddings, fresh from her new cookbook Sweet - Seasonal Desserts.  Rebekah did something that no other Chef has done on the Food Network Stage, she made her second show a sequel.  The first show at 3pm, or "Baking 101" as she dubbed it, featured how to make the pudding mixture and finished with her popping the puddings in the oven.  Then she invited the audience to join her for her second show - "Baking 202" - at 6pm as she made the sticky caramel topping and drizzled/dunked the cut up cakes in the whole mess.  Passerbys between shows were looking around trying to figure out where the amazing aroma was coming from.  Chef Rebekah's puddings were a treat, and so was she!

Top Chef's "Dusty" Gallagher Ownes It!

Dustin Gallagher's advice for future top chef competitors:

Gnudi Pasta with sauteed mushrooms

And he certainly does "Own It"!  Watching Top Chef, we don't really understand that these people are separated from their friends, family and support systems for over a month, all the while being put through just about the most stressful challenges of their professional careers.  Hosting a show for this Chef was like watching his POV through a lens as he walked through the kitchen of a popular urban restaurant capturing what it takes to really be at the top of your game.  This man is skilled, as is witnessed by the dish he produced from scratch in around 30 minutes; all the while sharing tips, stories, and joking about his experiences on Food Network's Top Chef Canada and the life of a chef.  He works in Grace Restaurant 5 days a week, often 14+ hours a day and on his two "days off" is often running around attending to other business matters.  This man works hard!  But you wouldn't know it to watch him do what he loves; I didn't see him drop his smile once!