About Taste Canada
At Taste Canada, we're on a mission to ignite the nation’s passion for Canadian-authored cookbooks! From treasured recipe collections to culinary narratives, regional cuisines, and cultural food stories, we celebrate the diverse voices and flavours that shape Canada’s rich food landscape—beautifully captured and preserved in Canadian-authored literary food works.
Taste Canada celebrates Canadian-authored cookbooks by showcasing the diversity and richness of Canada's culinary landscape. By promoting traditional recipes, regional cuisines, culinary narratives and stories, Taste Canada is helping to preserve cultural heritage and encourage appreciation for Canadian food literature.
Taste Canada, a registered not-for-profit organization, not only honors culinary literary excellence but also elevates it, inspiring food lovers to explore Canada’s rich and diverse flavors and culinary stories.
The organization hosts various events, including live cooking demonstrations, reading series, and panel discussions, that create vibrant opportunities for learning and collaboration between culinary authors and the public.
Through strategic programing, Taste Canada is committed to continuing their work with libraries, cookbook stores, and cultural associations to enhance community engagement with Canadian authors.
By generating opportunities for authors to connect directly with the community, Taste Canada facilitates a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse and rich history of culinary literary arts in Canada.
Taste Canada is engaged in the preliminary stages of planning for Canada’s very first Cookbook Writers’ Festival, a vibrant celebration of the nation's talented culinary authors. This is another program that will deliver towards our core mission, as we continue to enhance public appreciation and enjoyment of culinary literary arts as well as provide a platform for the authors to promote their books, in fun, engaging and celebratory events. The annual festival promises to be a landmark moment in connecting readers and diverse audiences with the rich tapestry of Canadian culinary literature.
Since 1998, Taste Canada has honoured hundreds of Canadian-authored culinary books in both official languages, spanning a variety of categories. Throughout the year, Taste Canada highlights Canadian authored cookbooks, connecting authors and their stories, diverse recipes, and culinary knowledge with cookbook lovers across the country and around the world. Our programs are more than just accolades — they’re a true celebration of the creativity, diversity, and storytelling found in every recipe and on every page of these beautiful literary works.
Taste Canada delivers programs and initiatives based on four core pillars:
- Public engagement: fostering public appreciation and enjoyment of culinary literary arts in Canada;
- Learning about food: promoting learning opportunities focused on food literacy, food culture, heritage and its relations with agriculture;
- Culinary and cookbook Awards: celebrating Canada’s best culinary writers;
- Culinary student development: providing hands-on opportunities for the next generation of culinary arts’ leaders.
We don’t just celebrate culinary literary excellence — we elevate it, inspiring food lovers to dive into Canada’s rich and diverse flavors. Our events, such as live cooking demos, reading series, and panel discussions, connect culinary authors with the public, creating vibrant opportunities for learning and collaboration. We continue to further our programing with organizations such as libraries, cookbook stores and cultural associations, as we look to generate opportunities for authors to engage directly with the community. This is the key to learning about, appreciating, and enjoying the diverse, rich history and growth of the culinary literary arts in Canada.
"Our food writers, who I believe are the best in the world, deserve recognition. And it was very important to me to present opportunities for both English and French-speaking authors.” – Jo Marie Powers, Taste Canada Founder
“More than just the ingredients we consume, food is a symbol of our shared culture, varied traditions, unique history and heritage. Food is at the heart of the Canadian identity.” – Donna Dooher, Past Chair, Board of Directors
Taste Canada's Mission
To connect, inspire and celebrate Canadians through food and stories rooted in tradition, diversity, and community.
Taste Canada's Vision
To be the most trusted and respected organization that promotes and celebrates food throughout Canada’s culinary world, both in English and French.
Taste Canada Values
- Respect – to our team, stakeholders, board of directors and all communities and their people we engage with.
- Diversity and Equality – By providing opportunities of visibility and inclusion to all of those we work and interact with, in both official languages.
- Financial responsibility – By operating within our financial budget and remaining accountable to our sponsors and funders.
- Industry / stakeholder partnerships – By developing meaningful, long-lasting and mutually beneficial partnerships with like- minded industry partners and government agencies.
- Teamwork – By ensuring our work environment is constructive, respectful and rewarding.
Taste Canada’s Organizational Objectives
- Deliver services, enhanced visibility and programs that benefit French and English-speaking culinary professionals and stakeholders.
- Develop strategic industry and government partnerships that will support our mission.
- Work with national food media to expand audiences for Canadian culinary content and educational programs.
- Develop and deliver a comprehensive digital marketing strategy that will share French and English-language content and resources.
- Grow program offerings that facilitates author engagement with communities and the public.
- Ensure financial sustainability and operational growth.
2024 Gourmand World Cookbook Award
We’re beyond proud to announce that Taste Canada has won a 2024 Gourmand World Cookbook Award for Best Publication on Cookbooks in the World!
To be recognized on the world stage is a true honour, and a testament to the incredible authors, publishers, and culinary storytellers we are proud to celebrate across Canada. We’re so proud to share this with all who believe in the power and importance of Canadian food stories.
Our Team
Karen Baxter
Executive Director / Secretary, Board of Directors
With an MBA in Hospitality and Tourism Management, Karen Baxter brings her expertise in event management, public relations and fundraising to Taste Canada. She is a driving force behind Taste Canada’s project management and industry liaison, including building sustainable and long-term industry partnerships, logistics planning, management of the Board of Directors, budget control, organizational financial planning, event planning along with overseeing the details of the gala presentation ceremony, and its affiliated student cooking competition—Taste Canada Cooks the Books.
Jo-Anne Lauzer
Director, Awards Program
As a freelance writer and consultant, Jo-Anne Lauzer specializes in collaborating on innovative and creative projects (especially within the world of food). With over 25 years of experience in providing writing and consulting services to individuals, organizations and small businesses, Jo-Anne is a big picture thinker who has an eye for managing complex details. She has successfully collaborated on a variety of cookbook projects and proposals, written cookbook reviews and has tested and edited recipes for various platforms. She is an avid cookbook collector who enjoys cooking and trying new recipes, and is a seasoned secondhand shopper with a passion for food, community, storytelling, sustainability and reducing waste. Jo-Anne was a judge for the Taste Canada Awards for four years before becoming the Director of the Awards Program.
Sabina Falone
Director, Digital Marketing & Cooks the Books
Sabrina Falone is a classically trained chef with a creative and uncomplicated approach to food. With more than 15 years experience, Sabrina has become an industry leader in Food & Beverage marketing. Through recipe and menu development, product innovation, branded storytelling, content creation and live events, Sabrina brings marketing strategies to life. With her flair for trend-tracking and consumer behaviour, Sabrina launched her marketing agency in 2017, SF Creative Culinary Services. She and her team apply their creative energy, big picture thinking and love for all things food, to help clients reach the right customers and serve them better. Sabrina’s passion for cooking started her culinary journey and she has since learned that connecting people through food is her why.
Andrea Gallo
Project Coordinator
Andrea Gallo has worked in corporate communications and marketing for over 15 years, now working as a freelance writer, editor and project coordinator. She specializes in crafting engaging editorial content across topics, however, her true passion lies with food and baking. Andrea is a passionate list-maker and loves keeping teams organized and on-task. Andrea provides administrative support for the Taste Canada team while also working as Taste Canada’s Social Media manager, writing and engaging with fellow cookbook lovers on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!
Michelle Barreto
Event Manager
Michelle is a culinary graduate and accomplished event producer with over 11 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Today, she is the proud owner of a freelancing production company that specializes in orchestrating live events around the globe. Michelle is renowned for capturing VIP experiences, creating interactive chef stations, curating world-class dining, and crafting luxurious ambiances that leave lasting impressions on guests.
Her passion for food and events was ignited at a young age when she volunteered with her family at a local community centre, organizing weekly dinners and dances. This early exposure laid the foundation for her future endeavours, instilling in her a love for bringing people together through exquisite culinary experiences and unforgettable events. With a dedication to excellence and a keen eye for detail, Michelle continues to push the boundaries of event production, delivering unparalleled experiences that combine culinary artistry with elegance and sophistication.
Adam Ramsay
Literary Festival – Project Manager
Adam is an accomplished project manager, freelance marketer, and media producer - with both a fresh perspective and a proven track record - who has worked directly with some of the most well-regarded institutions, organizations, and leading entertainment producers in North America and around the world.
A conscientious, creative, and effective leader with a diverse background in operations, marketing, and sales management, Adam utilizes his modern experience in the creation of corporate strategy, development of new business, and the cementing of client loyalty.
Jessica Gedge
Volunteer and Events Coordinator
Jessica Gedge is a content and editorial strategist with expertise in marketing, communications, public relations, tourism, and entrepreneurship. She specializes in developing compelling content, strategic partnerships, and storytelling initiatives that help organizations connect with audiences.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Sociology from York University and a Publishing Certificate from Toronto Metropolitan University.
Jessica's professional experience includes supporting tourism growth through destination marketing, advancing arts and tourism initiatives in the non-profit sector, marketing documentary films, and helping entrepreneurs launch and grow businesses. She is also an entrepreneur, having co-founded a lifestyle brand and a vintage wedding trade show. Jessica is passionate about storytelling, lifelong learning, and building meaningful connections through content.
Board of Directors
Crystal MacGregor
Chair
Crystal MacGregor is a food innovator, creator, and catalyst with more than 20 years of leadership experience in Canada’s food industry. As Chair of the Taste Canada Board of Directors, she brings a strong commitment to celebrating Canadian culinary voices, strengthening the national food community, and advancing Taste Canada’s mission.
A registered dietitian, brand strategist, and product innovation leader, Crystal’s career spans brand development, product and recipe innovation, merchandising, communications, digital storytelling, media relations, and strategic partnerships. Her work is grounded in a belief that food has the power to support vibrant lives, strengthen communities, and create meaningful economic opportunities.
As former Vice President of Product Development and Merchandising, Crystal led teams responsible for launching hundreds of products and seasonal campaigns. She helped build the Good Food. Real Fast. and Real Results movements and played an integral role in supporting the brand’s international expansion. A trusted nutrition and food industry spokesperson, Crystal has made more than 100 media appearances on CTV, CBC, Global, and other platforms.
Today, Crystal serves as Director of Communications and Marketing with Food Island Partnership, where she helps share the story of Prince Edward Island, Canada’s Food Island, with audiences locally, nationally, and internationally. Through Crystal MacGregor Consulting, she also supports food businesses and brands with product and recipe development, brand strategy, communications, and digital storytelling.
As Board Chair, Crystal looks forward to working alongside fellow directors, staff, authors, publishers, culinary professionals, and partners to champion Canadian food writing, elevate diverse voices, and strengthen Taste Canada’s impact across the country.
Dorothy Long
Director
Dorothy Long is a champion of Canadian food and farming. As a Saskatchewan farm girl turned Home Economist, she has worked for more than 25 years to promote Canadian-grown foods and the hardworking industry that produces them.
Dorothy has developed and collaborated on a bounty of marketing strategies including CanolaInfo, Cuisine Canada, Growing Saskatchewan, HealthyFlax, Spread the Mustard and Pick Pork. She and her team at BlueSky Ideas continue to inform and inspire consumers, food media, writers, chefs and dietitians from around the world about Canadian food, farmers and agriculture.
Dorothy is currently the Director of Communications with Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan where she spearheads the Canadian Food Focus project - a consumer-friendly website and marketing strategy that recently won a national CAMA Award for Best Website Directed at the Public (2022). Canadian Food Focus has been the culmination of Dorothy’s lifelong mission to build consumers’ understanding, trust and food literacy through sharing stories and information about Canadian farms and food. In recognition of her work, Dorothy will be inducted into the Saskatchewan Agriculture Hall of Fame in April 2023.
Chef Jonathan Cheung
Director
Jonathan Cheung is the chef and owner of Appetite for Books, a unique cookbook store and culinary space in Montreal. With a passion for both cooking and teaching, Jonathan has carved a niche where he shares his love of food through engaging cooking classes and culinary events, earning him a loyal following for nearly twenty years.
Being originally from Vancouver, Jonathan attended the culinary program at VCC, which lead him to work in Vancouver, Hong Kong, and Montreal. In that time, he developed and fostered a love of international cuisines and cooking techniques. In 2005, Jonathan opened Appetite for Books where he promotes and advocates for cookbooks and local and seasonal home-cooking.
With over two decades of culinary experience, Jonathan continues to contribute to the food scene as Food Correspondent on CBC Radio One’s Lets Go! In Montreal. He has been featured on Anthony Bourdains Layover, Iron Chef Canada, Breakfast Television, and is the co-author of Montreal Cooks; A Tasting Menu from the City’s Leading Chefs.
Jonathan lives in Montreal.
Steve Gill
Director
Steve began his career as an IT professional and worked for companies including Canada Packer Inc., York Farms and Vulcan Packaging during the 1980s.
Late in 1990, Steve accepted a position with Hillebrand Estates Winery to help computerize its systems and processes. Shortly after those projects were completed, Steve became involved in sales. He eventually took on a position where he managed the sales and operations of 50 wine stores throughout Ontario.
Steve was hired by Niagara College in 2000, as a Professor and Program Coordinator, to assist with the launch of the NC Teaching Winery – Canada’s first and only commercial Teaching Winery which opened to the public in November 2002. -- and the college’s Winery and Viticulture Technician program. This program offers extensive applied learning in the form of a major project working with industry partners and opportunities for students to work at special functions held on and off campus.
In 2005, Steve helped launch a Wine Business Management program to help fill in the gaps of workers in the Ontario wine industry.
Niagara College’s Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program and on-campus Teaching Brewery were launched in 2010 and 2011, respectively – both were the first of their kind in Canada. During this time, the Teaching Brewery, Teaching Winery and farm were positioned under a separate company owned by Niagara College to focus on the business of wine and beer, along with hospitality.
The Niagara College Teaching Distillery launched in 2018 to accompany the introduction of NC’s Artisan Distilling program – also the first in Canada.
Today, Steve is the General Manager of Niagara College Learning Enterprise Corporation (NCLEC), which is the governing body behind some of NC’s trailblazing learning enterprises. A wholly owned, not-for-profit subsidiary of Niagara College, NCLEC provides a focal point for commercial activities and community outreach for the College’s Teaching Winery, Teaching Brewery, Teaching Distillery, Cidery, and more.
Cornel Ceapa
Director
Cornel Ceapa has a PhD in Sturgeon Biology (2001) from France and Romania. He used to be a University Professor in Romania for 10 years, before moving to Canada in 2003 to follow his sturgeon dream! Since 2005 he has been the founder and owner of Acadian Sturgeon and Caviar, a family business and pioneer in developing the local Canadian sturgeons for aquaculture and a steward in sustainable harvest of one of the last wild sturgeon populations in the world!
Acadian Sturgeon has brought back the fishery in the St. John River and also developed for 21 years a sustainable aquaculture operation for the two native sturgeon species – Atlantic and Shortnose Sturgeon. Acadian Sturgeon has developed the nose-to-tail use of sturgeon which put sturgeon and caviar on the menus across Canada.
Another important component they’re offering is education and tourism. Acadian Sturgeon and Caviar offers a variety of tours that see visitors experience a sturgeon safari and educational tasting menus that are offered year round in a brand new state of the art Agro-Tourism building in Carters Point, New Brunswick.
Rakesh Kothary
Director
Rakesh Kothary is a Canadian business leader with deep experience building and scaling consumer brands across Canada and international markets. He has held senior executive roles with organizations including Food Cycle Science, Napoleon, Owlet Care, Traeger Grills and Kamado Joe, leading sales, go-to-market strategy, operations, marketing, supply chain and P&L performance across multi-channel businesses.
Known for building trusted partnerships and high-performing teams, Rakesh has helped grow brands through disciplined strategy, customer insight, channel development and cross-functional execution. His career includes leading national growth strategies, launching and expanding consumer brands in Canada, and contributing to enterprise-level planning with executive teams and boards.
An avid cook, cyclist and skier, Rakesh brings to Taste Canada a passion for food, community and storytelling, along with practical experience in brand building, audience engagement, financial stewardship and stakeholder partnerships. He is committed to supporting Taste Canada’s mission to connect, inspire and celebrate Canadians through food and stories rooted in tradition, diversity and community.
Tara Cartilidge
Treasurer
Tara Cartlidge is the owner of Balanced by the Book. She is in Beamsville, Ontario. Which is located in the Niagara Escarpment wine region. She has been running her ever growing business since 2019. Before that has had over 12 years of experience in the accounting/bookkeeping field, in both the public and private sector.
She has been working with various types of businesses throughout the years. Everything from restaurants to construction companies to daycares. Tara will bring her expertise to the finance side of Taste Canada, helping to maintain the dollar and cents of the business.
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