A Day with Chef Michael Smith thanks to Lentils.ca

OK this post is now beyond late. I am telling you that it's because I still cannot believe it happened!

On Sunday June 23, I had such an unforgettable experience, that my face hurt from smiling. As the grand prize winner of the "2013 Love Your Lentils" contest, I had the privilege of spending a 12-hour adventure with Chef Michael Smith enjoying the city of Saskatoon while taking in some lentil highlights. I was alongside a fabulous group of culinary gurus, writers and experts and friends. 

The Love Your Lentils Campaign took place throughout the month of May and aimed to educate Canadians about lentils (a bean that belongs to the pulse family - who knew right?)! It has countless health benefits, and has been coined by many, a "superfood." The contest outlined that they were looking for the best original and adapted home recipes containing lentils.

Not only do lentils help fight cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes but did YOU know that we grow the best in the world, right here in Canada. According to the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (Sask Pulse), Canada is the number one exporter of pulses to the world, and of those exports, 97% of the lentils, 83% of the chickpeas, and 72% of the peas come from Saskatchewan. (source: http://www.saskpulse.com/)

I encourage you to check out Sask Pulse Growers website. You'll find it's resource rich, including health benefits, recipes, research and get excited, there's even The Canadian Lentils Mobile App.

A picture says a 1000 words, so here are some highlights from the day:

We stayed at The Delta Bessborough Hotel in Saskatoon. 

First stop: The Saskatoon Farmers' Market

We had time to browse and speak with vendors. 

We were warmly welcomed!

Tried a Cherry Rhubarb Smoothie from The Prairie Pie Company! Incredible. 

Chef Michael embracing his inner hipster. 

This family generously gave Chef Michael some fig cookies. He shared and they were de-lish. 

Learned that lentils belong to the pulse family. Alongside other beans, peas, soy & chickpeas.

Lentils are sexy, believe it.

Afternoon stop at the Lucky Bastard Distillery.
Everyone in learning mode.

Until these happened... Tried my first bacon infused caesar.
...We may have stayed for a couple.

Love the branding! I hope to see these products at the LCBO someday soon.

taste takes time. noted.

Left to right: Lucky Bastard Distillery's Saskatoon Berry Liquer,
Chai Vodka, Original Voka and Game Gin.

"The Label station is not a toy." 

Dinner at Boffins. Course three: My dish featured at dinner! They prepared Mustard Rubbed Duck Breast with Apple Raisin Compote, Cremers, Asparagus on Canadiana Baked Beans.

Chef Michael made my night/life by pointing out that he ate it all. :)

After an non-stop day, I found the right opportunity to ask Chef Michael a few questions I brainstormed with a little help from some friends. He wondered why I waited until after the distillery tour to ask...not a coincidence. 

Can't stop there... Read on, Q+A with Chef Michael Smith.