In this thought-provoking new series from Speakers Annex favourite Dr. Laura Carlson, we'll take a delightful adventure through the history of six mouthwatering foods that have become staples of the modern table.

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These are strange, uncertain times, and more than ever, we look to food for comfort. But food can be more than just sustenance or pleasure—our favourite dishes carry stories, history, and clues to how society became what it is today.

In this thought-provoking new series from Speakers Annex favourite Dr. Laura Carlson, we’ll take a delightful adventure through the history of six mouthwatering foods that have become staples of the modern table. We’ll learn about bagels and lox and its lip-smacking journey into the heart (and stomachs) of the Jewish diaspora. We’ll examine the role of ice cream in bringing the concept of luxury from the royal courts of Europe to your neighbourhood ice cream parlour. We’ll explore the lessons that pizza, curry and the Canadian butter tart can teach about immigration, globalization and national identity.

As Dr. Carlson introduces us to the iconic chefs and restaurants that have made these foods famous in countries around the world (and right here in Toronto!), you’ll leave with your mouths watering and your minds full, brimming with new perspectives on the social and cultural forces that have shaped the modern world.

For the lecturer bio, and a full rundown of the topics covered in each lecture in this series, please check out the course syllabus HERE.

**Interested in attending more than one of our fall Speakers Annex programs? Then consider signing up for our “Fall Season Pass”, which gives you an all-access pass to all four of our fall courses at a significant discount. You can sign up for the fall pass HERE—or by contacting our Help Desk at help@mnjcc.org or 416-924-6211 x0.

 

Location: All lectures are in the Al Green Theatre.

Course subscriptions: -$99+Tax MNjcc Members -$119+Tax Non-Members **Please note: Drop-in tix to individual sessions will be made available for purchase within 8 days of each lecture, subject to availability.

Questions? Email thespeakersannex@gmail.com or contact the Miles Nadal JCC Help Desk at help@mnjcc.org or 416-924-6211 x0.

Presented by:

A Kultura Collective Member

Start Date: November 7, 2025

Closing Date: December 12, 2025

Fridays, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Downtown Toronto

Miles Nadal JCC

Website:

$119.00 Taxes not included

Accessibility

If accessibility options not listed, please contact the venue to confirm

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