From Empanadas to Public Markets with Marina Queirolo

For over a decade, The Depanneur on Spadina has stood as one of the city's most cherished culinary incubators, hosting communal dinners and cooking classes that celebrate Toronto's multifaceted food culture. Their Table Talks series pairs an informal multi-course dinner cooked by Dep founder Len Senater with an engaging presentation from a local food pioneer.

This edition spotlights Marina Queirolo, an Economic Development Officer with the City of Toronto and founder of marketcityTO. Over twenty years ago, Queirolo immigrated to Canada from Argentina and began making empanadas out of FoodShare's Kitchen Incubator, selling them across the city at neighbourhood farmers' markets. That grassroots hustle sparked a lifelong crusade for local food security and community economic development, ultimately leading to her work authoring the city's groundbreaking Public Market Action Plan.

The Evening and Menu

Over the course of dinner, Queirolo will share insights gleaned from twenty years of community work and explain why robust neighbourhood public markets remain essential to the social and economic fabric of Toronto. The evening's seasonal menu pays homage to both her Argentinian roots and the local farmers who supply our street markets:

• **First Course:** Chilled Watermelon Gazpacho
• **Main Course:** Handcrafted Empanadas featuring traditional beef picadillo alongside a vegan three sisters blend (corn, beans, squash), served with Colombian hogado dipping sauce
• **Sides:** Fresh seasonal greens salad
• **Dessert:** Summer plum cake paired with lemon yogurt

Getting There

The Depanneur is situated at 192 Spadina Avenue, just north of Queen Street West on the edge of Chinatown. The venue is easily reached via the 501 Queen or 510 Spadina streetcars. Seating is strictly limited to keep the atmosphere conversational, so booking your ticket early is strongly advised.