Food for the Soul

This past month, I did something that I hadn’t done since the beginning of all the pandemic restrictions: visited a local restaurant patio with a small group of friends (all of whom are in my designated social bubble). It was a wonderful slice of relative normalcy in these very abnormal times and it did a lot to reinforce the old saying “eat, drink, and be merry.”

Thunder Bay boasts a healthy, vibrant, and diverse array of locally owned and operated restaurants, gastropubs, and other eateries, all of whom have had to spend the past half-year or so navigating very challenging and constantly changing waters. Our cover story for our September issue focuses on a number of these establishments and shines the spotlight on many of the delectable options right here in our backyard, and Ayano Hodouchi Dempsey speaks with three talented chefs here in the city. In keeping with our theme, food columnist Rachel Globensky has a delicious recipe for a take-out favourite, and Erin Moir from EcoSuperior has some great tips on how you can do your part for the environment when enjoying your favourite meals.

Also in our September issue, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope, as Susan Goldberg speaks with two people who were there when Fox was forced to abandon his cross-country trek. As well, Mandeep Sidhu takes us inside the Sikh practice of langar, Michelle McChristie tells us about the long-awaited re-opening of Definitely Superior Art Gallery in its new space, and we give you the latest on several fall staples in the local arts community: Vox Popular, Terror in the Bay, and Wake the Giant.

As summer gives way to fall and we make the most of the remaining nice patio weather and—as of writing this—start venturing back to our favourite places to eat, we hope you’ll find many things in our September issue to whet your appetite.

- Matt Prokopchuk