President's Message
Dear Friends / Cari Amici,
Join us next month for the CIBPA Thunder Bay Spring Dinner on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Whitewater Golf Club, as we celebrate the long-awaited return of spring - and reward ourselves for surviving yet another Thunder Bay winter - with a truly special evening: “A Taste of Calabria with Chef Luciano.” The symposium will begin at 6:00 pm, with dinner to follow at 7:00 pm.
This year, we are taking things up a notch with an authentic Calabrian culinary experience curated by the renowned Chef Luciano Schipano. Expect bold flavours, time-honoured recipes, and just enough extra virgin olive oil to remind you why Italian food is considered one of life's greatest pleasures. In December 2025, UNESCO officially added Italian cooking to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, marking the first time an entire national cuisine has received this honour. The designation recognizes Italian food as more than just recipes, but a social ritual, family tradition, and sustainable practice of sharing, storytelling, and community binding.
Chef Luciano is a Canadian-born, Calabria-raised chef-entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in Italian cuisine. Based in Toronto, he leads several culinary ventures and is a passionate advocate for authentic Italian food, sustainability, and cultural connection. As President of Slow Food Toronto and the Federazione Italiana Cuochi – Canada, Luciano is dedicated to promoting regional Italian traditions and strengthens ties between Italy and Canada through food and education.
Beyond the kitchen, Luciano has built an impressive portfolio spanning restaurants, culinary education, food tourism, and large-scale events, all rooted in his mission to showcase the richness of Italian culture. Whether he's leading immersive culinary tours in Calabria, training the next generation of chefs, or collaborating with leading organizations in the Italian food world, his work reflects a deep belief that food is not just nourishment – but a powerful way to connect people, communities, and traditions.
As always, we will be using our technology-enabled ticketing process. You will receive a separate email with a special RSVP link. Please be sure to click that link and follow the instructions.
Tickets for members in good standing are complimentary, while the price for non-members is $100. Payments to CIBPA Thunder Bay can be made by cash, cheque, or e-transfer (payments@cibpa.com), if you so desire.
Once you receive the RSVP email, please RSVP your intention by Friday, May 8, 2026, via the ticket link provided, so we can properly plan for the event – and ensure no one leaves hungry!
Non vedo l'ora di trascorrere un'altra splendida serata all'insegna dell'amicizia, del buon cibo e del cameratismo, celebrando insieme i sapori autentici della Calabria e rafforzando i legami della nostra comunità.
See you all soon.
Warmest regards,
Sergio Buonocore
President
CIBPA Thunder Bay
http://thunderbay.cibpa.com