Culture Days is a celebration of over 7,000 events/activities in over 800 cities and towns across Canada September 28-30. In anticipation of the festival, organizers asked prominent Canadians to talk about culture and its meaning. Executive Chef, author of four cookbooks, and first Canadian winner of Iron Chef America Rob Feenie had the following to say:
WHAT DOES THE TERM "CULTURE" MEAN TO YOU PERSONALLY, HOW DO YOU DEFINE IT?
RF: The term culture represents the experience of a particular people, place and time, it's an identity. For me, culture can be defined as the flavour of life.
HOW HAS YOUR DEFINITION OF CULTURE SHAPED, INFLUENCED AND/OR ENHANCED YOUR CAREER/LIFE?
RF: As a chef, culture is an inspiration. Food is such a huge part of what is known as "culture" and I feel blessed to have learned about and experienced so many impressive cultures through their food. From Jamaican jerk spice to traditional Korean kimchi, whenever you think of culture, food is intrinsically tied to its experience -- and these experiences have inspired my cooking, which has had an incredible impact on my career and my life.
HOW WOULD YOU SAY CULTURE HELPS TO SHAPE AND/OR ENHANCE THE LIVES OF INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES?
RF: It provides people with an identity and pride, and can offer a past to feel rooted in and a path to guide the future.