Once Upon A Roti - Launch 2008

Do you eat your roti with your hands or a knife and a fork? Who makes the best roti? And yes, the question of all questions: bone-in or boneless?

These are all questions pondered by roti-lovers worldwide which will become food for thought when The Urban Recreation Association® of Toronto presents www.OnceUponARoti.com at Harbourfront Centre's World Routes Island Soul festival (Lakeside Terrace, Sunday August 3rd, 4 p.m.). At Once Upon A Roti the answer to eternal roti questions will not be definite or decided but they will most certainly be debated and delicious!

As part of the summer theme of "Borders" at the Harbourfront Centre, the hosts of Once Upon a Roti recognize that Roti is an international dish whose flavours and styles are shared by many cultures. Whether you are from New Delhi, New Grant or Newmarket-- roti is a dish to be savoured and appreciated.

When asked what roti meant to her, master chef Christine Bedeau noted, "Roti is an integral part of my culinary heritage." As the chief instructor of the workshop, Mrs. Bedeau understands that good roti is made not only from oil and flour, but also requires patience and devotion. "Don't be afraid of the curry!" exclaims Kareema Beckles of www.icancook.ca . Ms. Beckles will be assisting at the workshop and will ensure that guests understand that roti means comfort, as well as great culture.

Once Upon A Roti began in late 2007 in a church basement as a workshop to help share knowledge of roti shell preparation. The workshop had about 10 students from a broad range of cultures in Toronto and covered topics such as seasoning of meat, preparation of vegetables, kneading of dough and setting it on the tawa(iron griddle). During the upcoming workshop, sada, paratha, dosti, aloopouri and dhalpouri will all be prepared and shared with guests. Not to worry, "Bus' up Shirt" will also make an appearance!

As one of the many cities of the world with a large West and East Indian population, Toronto is no stranger to great roti shops. This workshop has no intentions of disturbing this great tradition. The sharing of 'culinary heritage', however, is something that requires continuous promotion in order to maintain healthy connections to our intertwined cultural past.

Along with the workshops, Once Upon A Roti will also be hosting Roti Or Die® for the summer of 2009. This competition will crown the top roti maker in Toronto who will then go on to be crowned as the international champion of roti goodness. Entrants will not only compete for bragging rights, but also the opportunity to have their names inscribed on the coveted Silver Tawa.

Harbourfront Centre presents top Canadian and International music artists at each World Routes weekend festival and select weekdays starting June into September. All festivals are FREE and suitable for all ages. World Routes is presented by RBC. For World Routes 2008, Harbourfront Centre engages an exploration into the idea of borders. The Island Soul festival takes place from August 1 to August 4). Harbourfront Centre is located at 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto, Canada. For more information the public can call 416-973-4000 or visit www.harbourfrontcentre.com

For more information on Island Soul as well as other cooking workshops hosted by Once Upon A Roti, please visit www.onceuponaroti.com .