No Tongues

Throughout my editor’s letters I’ve written about borscht, varenyky (perogies), and sweet grain pudding served on Ukrainian Christmas Eve when talking about my ancestral connection to international cuisine. And aside from my roots, I was fortunate to grow up with parents who broadened my palate at a young age by introducing me to foods like sushi, tajine, and even beef tongue tacos (my dad loved the shock factor with the latter). Last month, my family and I took a trip to Playa del Carmen, Mexico (big thanks to Matt Prokopchuk for doing an excellent job in my absence), and it was a great opportunity to sample some appetizing local fare, but sadly, I couldn’t find any beef tongue tacos.

From recipes passed down from generations to new takes on classic dishes, in our March issue we’re celebrating the delectable international cuisine that Thunder Bay has to offer. As part of our cover story, our team of gourmands review 12 mouthwatering global dishes, Kelsey Raynard sees how region-specific grocery stores are helping immigrants, and

Matt Prokopchuk discovers how international students and new Canadians are making their mark on our culinary scene.

Keeping with our theme, our pommelier and sommelier, Jeannie Dubois takes us on a booze cruise around the world, chef Rachel Bayes serves up a tasty recipe for negima yakitori skewers, and film columnist Michael Sobota shares his picks for movies featuring international cuisine.

Also in the pages of our March issue, Ken Wright crashes the Thunder Bay Blues Society’s Blues House Party, Bonnie Schiedel previews the 2023 Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals taking place at the Lappe Ski Centre this month, and Amy Sellors stomps the catwalk as Definitely Superior Art Gallery celebrates the return of Derelicte: A Fashion Odyssey.

With Thunder Bay’s diverse population, we’re fortunate to have so much delicious food offered here through restaurants and caterers. Now if only I could convince someone to add beef tongue tacos to their menu—don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!

-Adrian Lysenko