table of contents 03 About iinta 05 Upcoming Events 09 Chaka Khan 16 Spring Into World
17 Cuisine
Health Day
21 The Royal Canadian
Air Force (RCAF)
26 Le Viandier: Fatty
Beef Pot with Walnut-Bacon Gravy
60 RCAF
55
34 Economics 101 39 CB Wine Program
12
Free Speech
40
6
Chaka Khan
IINTA MAGAZINE | ISSUE 03 VOL 02: MARCH 2022 | 2
WHO IS IINTA? Welcome to IINTA Inc., a hub for anyone with a taste for creative arts, sports, music, business, cuisine, fashion and more. iinta's Marketplace offers a wide range of products within multiple categories and several vendors. Our monthly release of iinta Magazine features renowned musicians and athletes along with in-depth articles pertaining to literature, travel, wellness, beauty, business, wine and more!
CULTURE ZEST THE FINER THINGS EXCLUSIVES MARKETPLACE
*The views and opinions contained within subjects, content, information, data and imagery does not necessarily reflect those of iinta, iinta’s staff, or iinta’s affiliates. This article is not intended to be a replacement for medical diagnosis, information or treatment, etc. ALWAYS see your medical provider. For full disclosure statement, please visit our Disclosure Page.
IINTA MAGAZINE |
ISSUE 03 VOL 02: MARCH 2022 | 3
iinta Magazine Upcoming Events & Coming Soon IINTA MAGAZINE |
ISSUE 03 VOL 02: MARCH 2022 | 4
PLAYING FOR CHANGE In support of The Human League Association & Sudbury-Manitoulin Children's Foundation
Featuring
Penny Ford AUGUST 8, 2022 SCIENCE NORTH
VIP Meet & Greet Art Show
AUGUST 9, 2022 TIMBERWOLF
NHL Legends Golf Tournament Gala Dinner
AUGUST 10, 2022 GRACE HARTMAN AMPITHEATRE
SNAP Band & Friends
Proudly Sponsored by: iinta, USW, Switch Insurance, Northern Insurance, Greater City of Sudbury, Métis Nation Ontario, Nigelle Medi Esthetics, Zaher's Test Kitchen, Timberwolf Golf, Social Rise, Big Town Entertainment IINTA MAGAZINE |
ISSUE 03 VOL 02: MARCH 2022 | 5
TRADING POST A community for first Nations Creators in Canada to showcase their work and find supplies for their art.
COMING SOON
MICHAEL CYWINK SIGNATURE COLLECTION
COMING SOON
Culture MUSIC
CHAKA KHAN YOUR LIFE IS YOURS by Jennifer J. Lacelle
All photos provided by Chaka Khan IINTA MAGAZINE |
ISSUE 03 VOL 02: MARCH 2022 | 9
What makes a great artist? What creates a legendary musician? What separates the ordinary from the extraordinary? Some might say it’s perseverance while others may suggest grit. While those two are definitely strong components, there’s a theme that’s consistently rung when it comes to legendary performers. There’s absolutely nothing else they could ever consider doing with their lives. It’s not a temporary fling to satiate a need for stardom. It’s the core of their very being. As legendary musician Chaka Khan says, “It’s the calling that we have as true artists… it’s the most beautiful thing.”
Chaka The vocally-powerful woman was born in Illinois on March 23, 1953; this means we get to celebrate her birthday month with the interview! As a multi-genre artist, it’s only logical that the musical influences around the world would not only inspire her but, as she puts it, “rock my world, even today.” Reportedly, Khan began her first musical group with her sister when she was 11. They called it the Crystalettes. IINTA MAGAZINE |
Though, she says there was never a “wow moment” in her life that struck her like lightning that she had the skill and talent. Rather, it was a natural progression, saying, “it just sort of happened.” Khan left the family house when she was only 16 years old and needed to find a way to survive and be selfsufficient. “When I left home, I had to think about what I could do to make money,” she says. “Oh, I can sing! Make a few bucks and then do something with my life. I didn’t think there was anything special or provocative about my voice.”
Career As it turns out, the world determined there really was something special about Khan’s singing. Her career kicked off in the 1970s with the group Rufus. In 1973 their album, of the same name, was released and Khan’s electric voice was delivered to the entire world. The next year, Khan earned her first Grammy award following their next album (Rags to Rufus). The group, which underwent a few name changes, continued to rise in the musical industry. Even during this time, Khan worked solo and debuted as such in 1978.
ISSUE 03 VOL 02: MARCH 2022 | 10
“I like to feel a struggle going on as an artist. From a singer, a bass player, a drummer… I want to hear magic happening,” Khan says. “It’s magical when you take them with you.” The performer now has 10 Grammy awards, 22 albums, 10 Billboard #1 hits, seven RIAA Certified Gold Singles, and 10 RIAA Certified Gold and Platinum albums. Not only that, but she’s worked in live musical theatre, Broadway, film and animation. As example, The One and Only Ivan (2020) was released and Khan plays the voice of Henrietta.
“If you’re lucky enough to find something that rings your bell, you got to do it and hone in on it and sculpt it,” she says. “You owe it to yourself.” By 1983, Khan had won no less than three Grammy awards. She delivered stellar songs all through the eighties, nineties and early two-thousands and all the while collecting additional Grammy awards. She has continued to release new, ever-addicting music, and her latest album was in 2019 (Hello Happiness) just before the pandemic. She’s also excellently demonstrated her ability to sing in at least seven different genres! Her taste for music creation and enjoyment is just as eclectic as the styles she performs in as Khan adores excellent artistry, which has always been a focus for her as a performer. IINTA MAGAZINE |
“I don’t have a favourite [genre],” she says. “How can somebody just like one kind of music? That would suck.” Chuckling, she continues and compares it to being in a musical jail cell.
I love the music; I love everything about music. It’s one of the few things in life that remains a challenge after fifty plus years.”
ISSUE 03 VOL 02: MARCH 2022 | 11
Khan also states that her voice is an instrument and she tunes it finely everyday to meet her own personal standards. She also notes that music is therapeutic for her.
Changes It’s a common question: how have things changed? Well, since the world is always changing it’s both a simple and complicated answer. It’s one that depends on the person and their perspective. Of today’s industry, Khan believes most people who are seeking stardom are doing so to validate themselves rather than creating music that touches people’s lives. While she points out there have always been people who have sought the route of a star musician for these reasons, it appears to be more apparent. One must take into consideration the technological advancements of this era. Anyone can walk into a booth and sing but perhaps not well. Autotune fixes their voice whether it be sharp or flat so it sounds good and evens the playing field, so to speak. “They were not really meant to sing,” hums Khan. “I know people who could turn a spark into an actual song with the right music.”
fame is the intrinsic motivation, rather than the external validation.
The major difference between those who are destined to perform and those seeking their fifteen minutes of
While the world’s been in disarray the past two years, there are some positives to come out of it.
IINTA MAGAZINE |
Covid
ISSUE 03 VOL 02: MARCH 2022 | 12
According to some psychologists, there’s more connection between people despite the distances; technology is being utilized in good ways; people are stepping back and taking a look at the big picture; and, people are taking the time to learn new skills and appreciate the beauty of nature or science.
one can go anywhere anyway and she “loves it.”
Not only that, but more people are adopting animals and understanding that they should appreciate everything they have. Also, people are becoming more resourceful in the wake the pandemic and are coming together as a unit.
“I absolutely love being at home, in my house and chilling with my kids and grandkids,” Khan says. “It’s great to look out the window every day and the scenery is standing still and the trees aren’t moving by.”
Nowadays, it’s all about spending time with her children and grandchildren. She jokes it’s a shock to be a grandmother as she chuckles, “When did they [her children] grow up?”
For others, it was the opportunity for a much-needed rest. Khan has never had a vacation in any of her fiftyyears performing. So, she’s taken the chance to relax, recharge, reconnect with family and plan some fantastic, mind-blowing events for her future performances.
The future has great things in store as Khan is now preparing new shows, to her specifications, for her audience. She’s also taken some online polls to see which songs fans want to hear the most when she’s back on stage. Khan says preparing her newest stage performance is simply getting “better and better.”
Of vacations, she says would never travel somewhere. She’s already “been there, done that” so going back on the road is less preferable. Though, given the circumstances, Khan says the powers that be said no
“At the risk of sounding cliché, life is really what you make it,” she says. She adds that there’s a “recipe” for everyone. “Don’t beat yourself up, just step into that place. It’s one of the bravest things you can do.”
IINTA MAGAZINE |
ISSUE 03 VOL 02: MARCH 2022 | 13
Finer Things BEAUTY
SPRING INTO WORLD HEALTH DAY BY NIGELLE FREDETTE
EDITOR JENNIFER J. LACELLE MARCH 21, 2022
Spring is in the air! We welcome April and bid a final farewell to the colder temperatures and the heavy blanket of snow until it visits once again in the months to come. Trees begin to bud, and plants rise from their dormant state while providing a pop of colour. Not only does April bless us with spring, but on the 7th, we recognize "World Health Day." The World Health Organization (WHO) was founded in 1948 on the conviction that health is a human right to be enjoyed by all people, not a privilege for the few (Dr. Tedros). World Health Day is a day where people focus on living a healthy lifestyle to keep themselves and others as healthy as possible. This issue will discuss a few ways to provide yourself and your loved ones with some TLC (Tender Loving Care). The importance of putting yourself first by monitoring your health status, whether mental or physical, ways to relieve stress, and ensuring that your loved ones stay healthy.
IINTA MAGAZINE | ISSUE 03 VOL 02: MARCH 2022 | 16
Too often, people are preoccupied with the daily demands that life places on them. Whether trying to stay focussed on studies, welcoming a new little addition to the family, caring for aging parents, or trying to excel in your job, every aspect of life takes people away from themselves. As the end of the COVID-19 pandemic approaches, hopefully, and adding world instabilities to the mix, people are struggling to stay afloat. Through it all, people haven't taken the time for what's most important: health. There’s a silver lining to staying healthy despite such challenges. You can do simple things to help yourself stay healthy without feeling overwhelmed about falling behind in life's responsibilities: breathe, be active, and thanks to April, get outside to enjoy the resurgence of life in nature.
Breathe Breathing exercises are proven to help reduce stress. You might not be the type to download an app, but you can take the time to figure out some exercises and proceed with the activity. But at the back of your mind, telling yourself, "You're running out of time! You lost minutes where you could have been working on your assignment!" Harvard Medical School introduced mini-relaxation exercises, or as they
call it, "stress busters," that you can do in a matter of minutes, and these methods can assist in relieving your stress levels. Also, the University of Michigan shared "one-minute stress strategies" to use throughout the day. These tools will help make a big difference in handling stress, such as tension release, deep breathing, focused breathing, ideal relaxation, and 4-7-8 breathing.
Active Being active is not everyone's forte. Some thrive on the 5 a.m. visit to a local gym while others struggle to get out of bed. According to a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, Health benefits of physical activity: the evidence, “there appears to be a linear relationship between physical activity and health status.” Physical activity prevents chronic diseases such as colon and breast cancers, heart disease, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, depression, and premature death. The process of becoming naturally active can be gradual and there is no need to attain a specific amount of activity in your day. Evidence suggests that the slightest increase in physical activity in sedentary individuals is still beneficial for their health!
IINTA MAGAZINE | ISSUE 03 VOL 02: MARCH 2022 | 17
The body's internal clock is also directly affected by its exposure to light. While the sun kisses your skin for longer stretches of the day, you feel more energized, eat less and don't sleep for long periods.
Social
An article, 8 Ways to Stay Active All Day, on the Everyday Health website shared tips to infuse a bit of physical activity into your daily routine. The ideas demonstrate how you can easily incorporate more movement in your everyday routine, even if you're watching TV. Remember, every bit counts; don't allow yourself to be discouraged. One of the most beneficial things to keep in mind is that spring has arrived and it’s a great time to give them a try. The month of April brings a sense of renewal to many. It seems different when people get outside, and the air is uplifting.
Science of Spring Did you know that there is a scientific explanation to confirm that the spring season positively impacts individuals? Sunrays change the hormonal balance in people and seeing as we are no longer confined to the indoors these levels change.
How do you help your loved ones stay healthy? It's simple! Socializing has proven to have positive effects on one's health. Take your loved one on a beautiful stroll in the woods or for a walk in your community park. Did you know that spending time outside is also good for the heart? A scientific report, Health Benefits from Nature Experiences Depend on Dose, estimates that 10% of people with high blood pressure could control their levels if they spent at least 30 minutes in a park each week. This is partly due to the physical benefits of getting fresh air and the reduction of stress. To conclude: you're invited to take a moment for yourself and assess your health status and apply a variety of scientifically-proven tips to live a healthier lifestyle. Breathe in the crisp fresh air, embrace the sunrays, walk and be active. Enjoy a new and healthier beginning! Frances Hodgson Burnett could not have described spring better, "If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden."
IINTA MAGAZINE | ISSUE 03 VOL 02: MARCH 2022 | 18
Zest AVIATION
PAGE 23
RCAF
WALK THE EARTH
THE ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE BY MICHEL TRESKIN EDITOR JENNIFER J. LACELLE MARCH 4, 2022
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) will be 97 years old this year. That’s almost a century! It all started a long time ago when aviation was just beginning to evolve. It was well before the First World War when a couple of Squadrons were formed and later grew, amassing to a more organised group and into an Air Force. IINTA MAGAZINE | ISSUE 03 VOL 02: MARCH 2022 | 21
Funny enough, during those early times most pilots were not military pilots but more civil servants in a special operations group looking after the Canadian forestry. They were surveying the country’s vast land, and doing anti smuggling missions — most probably booze runners. These pilots got their refresher training from the newly formed RCAF in 1923, though the RCAF was officially founded on April 1, 1924. Eventually the newly formed air team became more of a military organisation. Unfortunately, the Canadian economy took a nosedive in the early 1930s. However, after the recovery the RCAF were able to grow and expand their organisation. The RCAF had airfields all across Canada as the Second World War started. They offered pilot training to many countries who would be participating in the war. I believe that Canada’s reputation of being the best place to learn how to fly airplanes came from those times. To this day, our Canadian Air Force is still hosting foreign pilot exchange programs in different fields of the Canadian Armed Forces. During WW2, the RCAF excelled by being true warriors and unafraid to fight for freedom. When the war ended in 1945, the RCAF was the fourth largest allied Air Force in the
world. Soon after, 1949, the RCAF join the newly formed North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). This membership opened new horizons for pilots already in the RCAF. Many overseas postings needed to be filled and it brought on many Fighter Wings across Europe. When the Korean war started, the RCAF was participating in the transportation of logistics supplies but never got involved in combat missions. During the mid 1950s, the Cold War started with the Soviet Union. This brought on the construction of the Dew Line radar station to protect the Canadian Northern territory against any incursion from the Russians. One of the main functions of the RCAF during those times, was to care for and operate those installations.
IINTA MAGAZINE | ISSUE 03 VOL 02: MARCH 2022 | 22
Another important milestone was the integration of the RCAF and the Canadian Army into one, which came to be called the Canadian Forces. Even though this parliament decision was slightly controversial, it did bring some fresh air in the formation of several new Commands such as the Air Defense Command, the Air Transport Command and the Training Command. In 1975, those different Command units became one and was called AIRCOM (Air Command) which made it easier to control.
For the next 30 years, the Canadian Forces pilots were all over the world and supported NATO with their commitment to peace keeping. Funny enough, in 2011, it was decided to rename the Canadian Forces Air Command back to the RCAF. It made everyone happy, especially me who join in 1976, and it was a huge moment for many pilots in the Forces. If you look at the former badge of the RCAF, along the bottom there is a moto which says Sic Itur ad Astra meaning, ‘such is the pathway to the stars’ and that it is!
IINTA MAGAZINE | ISSUE 03 VOL 02: MARCH 2022 | 23
Finer Things CUISINE
Le Viandier: Fatty Beef Pot with Walnut-Bacon Gravy
By Chef Deke Zaher & Personal Trainer Anna Rhymer As “Le Viandier” (Guillaume Tirel – circa 1300AD) is one of the worlds oldest known cookbooks, we found inspiration for this title due to the primitive cooking concepts applied in this recipe. To capture the spirit of this French cuisine-inspired dish, we used a cast iron pan as well as a cast iron pot to create it. Alternatively, a Dutch oven can also be recommended to make this dish as well! This dish feeds 4-6 people and we hope that you enjoy it with the best of company!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anna’s Analysis: Benefits of using cast iron pots and pans ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------IINTA MAGAZINE | ISSUE 03 VOL 02: MARCH 2022 | 26
Let’s talk about the basics for a minute. Why a cast iron pan/pot? Geez those things sure are heavy and cumbersome! But…they provide subsidiary health benefits?! Many people have a distinct and dangerously low level of iron in their blood. This is called iron deficient anemia. This happens when you don’t have enough iron in your body. Your body needs iron to make hemoglobin, the part of the red blood cell that transports oxygen through your blood to all parts of your body. This is something that more often affects women than men but can illicit severe symptoms which impact quality of life greatly. Let’s wheel it back a little. How does someone become ‘low in iron’? Women who endure heavy menstrual periods (actually approx 5% of women of childbearing age) develop irondeficiency anemia due to heavy bleeding during their periods. Children, adolescents and teens are also at risk for anemia. This can be due to gastro intestinal issues (problems with absorption of nutrients and minerals) or a lack of iron-rich foods. From a symptomatic perspective, one who suffers from iron deficiency anemia may endure the following symptoms which wreak havoc on daily life activities:
For example; someone who suffers from anemia may present with the following symptoms. Fatigue/exhaustion Weakness Dizziness/headaches Low body temperature Pale, yellow or sallow skin Rapid or irregular heartbeat Shortness of breath/chest pain Brittle nails These symptoms can wreck havoc on our daily routine and activities. How can we combat this and prevent this disorder from affecting our daily lives?
IINTA MAGAZINE | ISSUE 03 VOL 02: MARCH 2022 | 27
IRON!
------------------------------------------------------
There are many iron-rich foods that we can be mindful to incorporate, but to even cook with a medium that is pure cast iron can accelerate the absorption of this necessary mineral!
Step 2: Preparing the beef for excellence.
Cast iron cookware will leach small amounts of iron into the foods prepared within. The higher the acidity, and longer cooking time within the cast iron, amount of iron absorbed by said food increases. So if you’re frying bacon, eggs, tomatoes… searing beef rib, etc…..throw it into a heavy old cast iron receptacle to maximize the iron content and stave off a potential iron deficiency! Food for thought!
-----------------------------------------------------***Remember, that bacon pan is still hot and waiting for the beef to jump in so it would be ideal to be doing this step while cooking the bacon! Multitasking rocks! Beef rib finger meat is the meat between the beef ribs and is an excellent and very tender cut of meat to work with! Normally, this meat comes cut into long strips. The first thing that you want to do, is cut down those strips to either 4” strips or even 2” cubes, if you like! Once that is done, put the pieces into a large bowl.
IINTA MAGAZINE | ISSUE 03 VOL 02: MARCH 2022 | 28
Drizzle about 1oz of the walnut oil, mix well. When the pieces are all lightly coated in the oil, add in all of the crushed pistachio. Proceed by adding the sea salt, cracked black pepper and mix well again. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anna’s Analysys: My favourite subject and food category!! FAT!!! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Why is fat so scary?? I think somehow Chatelaine magazine and Kraft dressings of the 90’s tainted us into thinking “if I eat fat I will be fat”. But that’s most certainly not the case. Ultimately, maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight is a simple calorie count. It’s math. It’s science. Are there other factors that affect this number for each individual? But of course! But at the end of the day, in a blanket statement, we can rely on the good ole calories in versus calories out calculation. By that philosophy, one may ask if they can eat cheesecake all day, as long as they stay in their proper caloric range. Well….yes. BUT your body would clearly be devoid of nutrients to sustain proper health. So let’s eat healthy calories, the proper number of them, and maintain proper health! Sounds easy right? So back to FAT! Fat is not the devil! Fat is necessary for both physical and mental health!
There are “good” fats and “bad” fats. It’s the “bad” fats we simply need to be mindful not to eat in surplus so we have no issues of risk of vascular issues by clogging of the arteries etc. So should we be scared? Heck no! If we understand our nutrition and our bodies requirements, then we can enjoy all foods, some in greater amounts than others, but without being exclusive!
Cooking with fat is one of the most uneducated topics I see with my clients. Somehow everyone decided that olive oil was the “be all and end all” in the fat world. Don’t get me wrong…I love a high quality Greek or Italian extra virgin olive oil, but only when used in the right capacity. Olive oil is a healthy fat when used cold. It’s chocked full of omegas and brain rich oils. But when used under higher heats, the molecular structure turns to a triglyceride—an unhealthy fat that affects cholesterol negatively. There are fats that maintain their structure when used at higher heads for cooking, and fats that are suggested to be consumed cold, only to assure their positive affects on the physiology. So use your friend ‘google’. Learn the right fats to cook with at high heats (walnut oil, avocado oil, grape seed oil, etc) and leave the “cold only” fats to drizzle on salads or dip breads in (example: olive oil).
IINTA MAGAZINE | ISSUE 03 VOL 02: MARCH 2022 | 29
-------------------------------
Step 3: The excellence. ------------------------------If there’s any point during this meal preparation where you must cheer out loud, you will most likely do it here (did you think it would have been the bacon?). Let’s get that beef into the pan! You don’t want to fully cook this meat, we just want to give it a nice crispy exterior! Be careful as the oil and fat in the pan is hot! Lay down the slices or cubes strategically and carefully into the pan to cover as much space as you can, leaving 0.5cm of space in between the portions of meat. Turn the meat as it crisps up and browns, it only needs about 90 seconds per side. When this process is done, transfer the pieces of beef into the bottom of the pot. Add the bacon that was put aside earlier so that it sits on top of the beef.
------------------------------------
The others: The good stuff. -----------------------------------Don’t forget your vegetables! Trim the leek as needed and chop it into 2” pieces, add them to the pot! Quarter and gut the Acorn squash, add that in as well. Throw in the Baby King Oyster mushrooms as well, top with thyme! That’s the basic idea!
Now we pour in the liquids! Pour in the cream, the mushroom stock and then the wine. Add sea salt and pepper to taste however if you choose to, don’t use too much as this pot is already loaded with a lot of flavour!
----------------------
Anna’s Analysis: ---------------------Let’s dig into these three vegetables we chose for this dish! My favourite part! (I’m a veggie geek). So we chose acorn squash, leeks and oyster mushrooms. All rich and flavourful vegetable options. The best part about these three delights? Their alkalinity! From an anatomical environment standpoint, our human bodies and everything we ingest has a PH level. When we eat more acidic foods, consume acid liquids, and ultimately expose ourselves to stressors, we become more systemically acidic. Why does this matter? It is a little known phenomenon that is paramount to the maintenance of better health and prevention of long-term disease and illness. Cancer can’t grow in an alkaline environment. Disease and mutations cannot thrive in an alkaline system. They must have a system that is systemically acidic to fuel the mutations that illicit disease and illness.
IINTA MAGAZINE | ISSUE 03 VOL 02: MARCH 2022 | 30
So let’s be mindful to give our bodies the best shot possible to maintain a homeostasis of neutral PH at least, or optimally an alkaline PH! Our bodies, in perfection are at 7PH. Anything that we consume below that PH number lowers the overall PH of the body and anything higher than 7 raises it. So the more foods and beverages we can consume that are on the alkaline side of the scale, the better an overall environment we provide for our bodies to flourish and maintain optimal health. Seems relatively simple! So these three veggies we chose: leeks, squash and mushrooms, are all alkaline (between 7.5 and 8.5PH) giving us a little systemic boost! Don’t be afraid to google a simple food list to educate yourself on a list of foods that are alkaline rather than acidic to be mindful of what you put into your temple.
---------------
Set + Forget ---------------Expect to part ways with this pot in the oven for a total of 3 hours, place on middle rack and don’t forget to set your timer! For the last hour, remove the lid to thicken the stock. When the time is up, the entire meal is ready, but we added a couple more steps!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Finishing moves: Walnut-Bacon Gravy vs. Gorgonzola ---------------------------------------------------------------------Well yeah, right? In a small bowl, combine 1tbspn of corn starch to about 4oz of water and stir vigorously. We used a rustic method to make this gravy by simply adding 2 cups of the stock from the pot into a small pan and then added in the corn starch water to thicken, while stirring vigorously. If you so choose to strain the juice from the pot before making the gravy for a finer and less rustic result, use coffee filters at the bottom of a colander over a bowl that fits and pour slowly into the filters! Also, you may want to consider adding a small amount of that Gorgonzola to the gravy to intensify the flavour and texture but that’s up to you! That’s it, that’s our gravy for this dish! When plating, top the dish with crumbled Gorgonzola and fresh-chopped Watercress! Toasted walnuts work as well! Voila, enjoy! Be good to one another out there, Chef Deke Zaher, Zaher’s Test Kitchen www.zaherstestkitchen.com FB/Insta: @ZahersTestKitchen Anna Rhymer Nutrition and Fitness Coach @anna_bee_fit Fb: Anna Rhymer
IINTA MAGAZINE | ISSUE 03 VOL 02: MARCH 2022 | 31
Culture FREE SPEECH
Like most people these days, I watch the horror of the war in the Ukraine. In some respects, this reminds me of the Vietnam War when each evening I watched the reports and heard the daily counts of casualties. After a couple of years, I realized I had become insensitive to the losses and that it was time to join the anti-war protests. But my purpose now is to comment on a couple of arguments that demonstrate the total lack of understanding of basic economics by so-called expert advisors and most of the media.
There was a big push for embargos on the importation of oil and natural gas from Russia. Supposedly, this would accelerate the demise of the Russian economy and the ability of Putin to continue financing the war. No one seemed to ask how this might work, and how effective this might be.
What happens with such an embargo? As long as the total global demand for, and global supply of oil remains unchanged as a result, Russian oil will find its way to other customers; namely, countries not participating in the embargo.
IINTA MAGAZINE | ISSUE 03 VOL 02: MARCH 2022 | 34
The countries involved in the embargo will pay higher prices to attract oil that previously was earmarked for these other countries. These other countries might be able to negotiate slightly lower prices for Russian oil. Hence, total oil sales by Russia likely will not change, but the average prices received might be somewhat lower. The current financial market sanctions will result in new ways for Russia to be paid. These sanctions will not stop other countries from buying the oil and paying for it.
guarantee the collapse of the Democrat Party in the US. However, the advocates for net-zero secretly prefer this option. Increasing supply in the US requires letting the frackers loose. This in turn requires guarantees to cover any losses in case OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) retaliates like they did in 2019 to try to drive the frackers out of business.
Instead of an embargo, which will have minimal impact on Russia, the US and other supporters have one of two options to harm Russia financially. They could reduce demand or increase supply. Either will greatly reduce oil prices and thus the revenues Russia receives. This is simple Economics 101. Alas, there is a problem. Reducing demand will require significantly higher taxes on oil and gas — carbon taxes anyone? This will increase costs on transportation and products that use carbon-based fuels in their production. This in turn will increase the rates of inflation and push the economies into a recession — a replay of stagflation in the late 1970s. This also is Economics 101. With the mid-term elections coming up in the US, this option will
Red Square, Moscow, Russia
IINTA MAGAZINE | ISSUE 03 VOL 02: MARCH 2022 | 35
This also will require guarantees to not change any pro-fracking policies for many years. Oil prices could be driven down to $40 per barrel within a year, and stagflation might be avoided, but once more there’s a problem. The advocates for net-zero, the progressives in the Democrat Party, will not tolerate this option. Thus, we end up with the window dressing of an embargo.
Sanctions Classic sanctions, whether they target specific individuals, companies or countries, generally are ineffective. Why? Because there is a lot of money to be made by circumventing the sanctions. The drug trade flourishes and generates hundreds of billions of dollars even though the drug trade is illegal in most countries. Criminals flourish when there are restrictions. Every first-year Economics student has learned this. Is there another option? Yes, one that we can adopt from the cartels. They learned long ago that to maintain loyalty and prevent members from “spilling the beans” to the authorities, there had to be a significant penalty. The penalty is simple: kill everyone ever associated with a person who turns on the cartel. Everyone includes every member of the person’s family. This created pressures on everyone involved to look over their shoulders and quickly exterminate anyone who might be
considering to turn on the cartel. This was an application of game theory that is part of Economics 101. How will this work in the legal world? As an example, anyone who directly or indirectly has any dealings with an individual, company or government agency in Russia will permanently lose the license to operate in the US (e.g. financial institutions, lawyers, accountants, consultants) and will be permanently excluded from bidding for government contracts. This effectively will shut down access to the financial markets for anyone and everyone dealing in or with Russia. Even the Chinese will not be able to create a work-around because their companies will now be shut out of the US financial system and economy. Obviously, this will be quite disruptive because financial institutions will not know whom to avoid. But eventually they will learn. The only problem is that this could set a precedent that could be used if China decides to invade Taiwan. Wall Street, Silicon Valley and Hollywood can afford to stop doing business in Russia. They cannot do the same in China, and companies in these industries invest heavily in US politics. They can get the policies they pay for. Anyhow, Economics 101, as simple as it might be, can be useful at times. Too bad reality gets in the way.
IINTA MAGAZINE | ISSUE 03 VOL 02: MARCH 2022 | 36
Finer Things WINE
Grapebrands CB Wine Program
Setting The Stage Bordeaux, France We are returning to France this month with a selection of three great wines from Bordeaux, wines that we feel represent the future of this famous region, and showcase its many excellent styles beyond the heavy, age-able but portentous wines it is famous for. We are featuring one fantastically drinkable and fun white wine from a great organic producer, one bright and modern Cabernet Sauvignon with elegant rather than heavy oak use, and, finally, one serious Bordeaux blend from perhaps the most storied of its subregions: the venerable Margaux. The first of these wines comes from a producer that tells you that although they are from the noble and ancient
region of Bordeaux, they make wines that are for fun, and to drink young. Their label depicts the 18th century eccentric bon-vivant bailiff Cadet Rousselle (subject of a very popular French song) swinging from one of his three houses, and the wine is meant to evoke the same mood: a lively and fresh expression of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillion. Your second wine comes from a great, ecologically focused domaine, Château Jacquet, run by seventh generation winemaker Véronique Barthe, a Bordeaux native who, in 1990, became the first woman to inherit her family's domaine. She almost immediately began modernizing the entire operation, and rehabilitated or replanted
IINTA MAGAZINE | ISSUE 03 VOL 02: MARCH 2022 | 39
almost all of the vines on the estate. Her Cabernet Sauvignon is a brilliant modern Bordeaux, with intense fruit and just a touch of new oak. Your final wine is the most serious, a testament to one of the greatest wine terroirs on the planet: the region of Margaux. Famous for its difficult gravel soil and great drainage that forces the vines to grow deep roots and produce complex fruit, the wine of Margaux are often intensely aromatic and plushly textured. Unlike most other regions of Bordeaux, the ownership of vineyards here is patchwork, and many small houses have excellent terroir right next to the most prestigious, largest and most expensive Château. Your bottle comes from a century-old family estate with a commitment to high density planting and low yield harvesting which helps amplify the classic Margaux density, perfume and depth. This is serious French wine, made by hand on a very small scale, and we are happy to be sending it to you.
Vinification: 60% Sauvignon Blanc 40% Sémillon aged in stainless steel for nine months. Tasting Notes: Green tinged straw robe, lovely classic gooseberry nose with a bright opening of apple, pear and white flowers. Softens in midpalate and finish into stonefruit as the Sémillon shines through. Food: Seafood above all else, especially simple dishes like sashimi, oysters or even grilled calamari. Cellaring: Perfect now, but will be fine in a cellar for up to three years.
Featured wine #2 2018 Château Jacquet Cabernet A little more of a modern take on Cabernet Sauvignon from an ecologically conscious producer with a minimal approach to new oak. Lovely fruit notes with a kiss of smoke from the oak make this a deep but vibrant red.
Featured wine #1
Vinification: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from relatively young vines (20 years old), aged in stainless steel for a year followed by a few months in new French oak.
2019 Trois Maisons Blanc Lively, aromatic and bright, this is a great expression of the classic white grapes of Bordeaux from an organic producer that prioritizes the vitality and energy of youthful wines. Drink soon.
Tasting Notes: Red-purple robe with very ripe black fruit, vanilla and smoke on the nose. Lots of dense fruit on the palate with a great finish where the hint of oak shines through. Lovely dense texture.
IINTA MAGAZINE | ISSUE 03 VOL 02: MARCH 2022 | 40
Food: Steak, grilled lamb, stews and rich soups. Cellaring: Will be fine for up to eight years in cellar, but we wouldn't wait that long.
Featured wine #3 2019 Moulin Tricot Margaux This is the serious one. A fantastic expression of one of the greatest regions in wine in the world, this is classic, minimal intervention wine from a hundred year old family vineyard of just under four hectares. This is a classic Margaux red, and shows the perfume and soft textures that are markers for the region. Vinification: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon 25% Merlot, farmed without pesticides, fermented in stainless steel, aged in small oak barrels, bottled without fining or filtration. Tasting Notes: Red and purple robe with black currant and black plum, tobacco, cedar, and the classic graphite on the nose. Rich and dense black and red fruit on the palate with a tight finish and very fine-grained, almost silky tannins. Food: Roasted and braised meats, mushroom dishes. Cellaring: Drinks well now with a decant, will drink well for ten years.
Cheese Pairing Program As Maître Fromager (Cheese Master) of the Cheese Boutique, Afrim Pristine delivers years of experience
in affinage, a practice handed down through the family business. In 2013, Afrim’s distinctions and accolades reached a summit as a 32year-old cheesemonger who was inducted as the world’s youngest “Maître Fromager” by the Francebased Guilde Internationale des Fromagers (an exclusive association representing more than 5,000 cheese wonks around the world). Prior to that achievement, Afrim was also the youngest recipient among a small group of Canadians to receive a distinction of “Chevalier” from the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Taste Fromage de France. Through Cheese Boutique, Afrim’s role as “Cheese Keeper” involves a direct relationship with some of Toronto’s finest restaurants, including: Canoe, Auberge de Pommier, Drake Hotel, Grey Gardens, Restaurant Pearl Morissette, Shangri-La, Bar Isabel, Pizzeria Libretto, North 44, Four Seasons, Scaramouche, Langdon Hall, Momofuku, Daniel Boulud and of course Charlie’s Burgers. We are proud to have Afrim as our personal provider of cheeses and other delicacies for the CB Wine Program. Each month Afrim will hand select different cheeses that will pair well with the wines we have chosen. We have worked with Afrim to provide our members with reduced prices offered exclusively to the CB Wine Program.
IINTA MAGAZINE | ISSUE 03 VOL 02: MARCH 2022 | 41
Our exclusive wine member price is $115 (the actual value of these items is $140). If you're interested in this month’s selection, please email Julia at Julia@Cheeseboutique.com and the world's youngest cheese master will prepare your order personally.
Afrim's Selections Bianca Al Langra with Truffles (Soft bloomy cow and goat's milk cheese from Piedmont), Stilton (the classic English blue), Comtomme (A lovely melting cow's milk cheese from Quebec), Piave (the classic cooking cheese from Northern Italy), Asiago with Pepperoncini (A fantastic sandwich cheese), Cerignola Olives, Prosciutto Crudo Sliced, Milano Salami Sliced, Amaretti Cookies and Clair de Lune Assorted Chocolates. This amazing selection also includes free delivery anywhere in the GTA! Comtomme is a raw cow's milk cheese from Fromagerie La Station de Compton in the Eastern Townships in Quebec. It is great melted in sandwiches or as raclette.
Featured Restaurants This month indoor dining should finally be back in Toronto, and we highly encourage you to go out to eat, and help support local restaurants by paying full price for corkage if you intend to bring wines! Below is a list of some our favourites in the city:
Sakai Bar has wonderful Japanese comfort food at 1576 Dundas St. W. Rhum Corner has incredible Haitian food available for takeout and delivery through Ubereats. 926 Dundas St. West Le Swan is open at 892 Queen St. W. Le Phénix is open six days a week (closed Wednesdays). 1263 Queen St. W. Osteria Rialto does fantastic classic Italian at 1006a Bloor St W. Pompette has lovely classic French food at 597 College St. Donnas has a lovely take home menu available for breakfast and lunch. 827 Lansdowne Avenue. Restaurant Pearl Morissette is open, as is their new bakery, RPM Bakehouse, in Niagara, Thursday to Sunday. Edulis has a perfect take home menu available through Tock. 169 Niagara St. Pizzeria Badiali has traditional takeout pizza every Wednesday to Sunday. 191 Dovercourt. Enoteca Sociale is open at 1006a Bloor St W. Aloette has a classic French Bistro takeout menu available through Tock. 364 Adelaide St. W. Bar Isabel is still perfect at 797 College St.
IINTA MAGAZINE | ISSUE 03 VOL 02: MARCH 2022 | 42
unearth amazing content