Local Culinary Showcase
This year, DRIFF is offering an opportunity for festival goers to indulge their taste buds while sampling delicious local food at our pre-screening party. We are thrilled to showcase Durham’s local culinary talent from Durham College’s W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, Oshawa, One More Cocoa, Whitby and Sweet Vanilla Bakery, Ajax who are looking forward to serving savoury and sweet reception-style food at their tables. on Friday October 25 at the St Fancis Centre in Ajax
One More Cocoa
One More Cocoa, started by Kenesha Lewis in 2021, specializes in making beautiful and tasty handmade chocolates. Our unique flavours blend classic tastes with our Caribbean heritage and fond memories, offering something special for everyone. We have a wide range of chocolate bars, including traditional Milk Chocolate and the distinctive Caramel Popcorn, and bonbons in flavours like Strawberry Cheesecake and Salted Caramel.
Our Hot Chocolate Box Set recently made it to Oprah's Favorite Things 2023, bringing our brand into the international spotlight. We're also featured on the Hello Fresh Marketplace and Food Network, expanding our reach and introducing our gourmet chocolates to a broader audience.
At One More Cocoa, we're all about crafting chocolates that delight the senses and spread happiness. Whether you find us through Oprah, Hello Fresh, or Food Network.
Durham College Centre for Food
The W. Galen Weston Centre for Food (Weston Centre) follows the field-to-fork concept, which is based on the harvesting, storage, processing, packaging, sale and consumption of food – in particular the production of local food for local consumers. Durham College has adopted this concept and applied it to a diverse range of programs that crossover traditional academic schools with the curriculum, faculty expertise and equipment required to implement field to fork built into several of the college’s programs.
This incredible learning centre features Bistro ‘67, a full-service teaching restaurant and lounge, and Pantry, a unique retail food store offering a delicious assortment of foods prepared by staff and students.
Sweet Vanilla Bakery
Sweet Vanilla Bakery is a charming, small-scale home bakery that specializes in creating delectable treats.
Anissa Lang began baking in 2000 as a way for her children to have delicious snacks and treats without the food preservatives and additives found in commercial baked goods. Anissa’s family and friends have always enjoyed her cakes and desserts. In 2023, under their encouragement Anissa certified her home kitchen and officially opened Sweet Vanilla Bakery to the public.
Sweet Vanilla Bakery offers a variety of fresh baked goods, including cakes, cookies, pastries, and specialty desserts, all made from high-quality ingredients. Anissa focuses on providing customers with personalized service and custom orders for all occasions, from weddings and birthdays to Sunday family dinners.
With a commitment to freshness and creativity, Sweet Vanilla Bakery has built a loyal customer base that appreciates its delicious offerings and the care put into every item.