Chefs are Getting Creative with Cannabis: Find Out What’s Cooking!

Marijuana has been breaking into the mainstream as a replacement for everything from pharmaceuticals to face serums and clothing fibers. This versatile, green plant and all of its many benefits have people looking for new, creative ways to incorporate it into everyday life. Edibles are always a crowd favourite but when chefs are introduced, the whole experience becomes escalated. These meals aren’t only a stoners paradise, a popular option involves only CBD, the non-psychoactive partner in the cannabis plant. Whatever experience you are looking for these cannabis food artists are here to provide unique, mouth-watering meals.

A Tailored Experience

Now that cannabis has been legalized, more and more chefs have been looking for a way to incorporate this budding trend into their dining rooms (and yours). In 2019 the National Restaurant Association released a report showing that 77% of the chefs surveyed believed that cannabis, and CBD-infused drinks and food would become one of the top trends in the industry. They couldn’t have been more right! Many people even believe that cannabis may save the suffering restaurant industry by creating something new and exciting that will recapture patron interest. All of this innovation leads to a wider array of options to enjoy your cannabis-infused meal.

Cannabis Restaurants: This may mean different things depending on the chef’s approach to incorporating this green herb into the experience. Like in Amsterdam cafes, there are places to smoke marijuana while eating non-infused menu items. Other places infuse the dishes with THC and/or CBD leading to a whole new variety of flavours. It has been amazing to see how cooks are using this herb like you would any other to create a new layering of aromas and flavours.

Private Events: This has become a wildly popular option since it’s completely customizable to suit your needs. This can include anything from a catered dinner to gourmet edibles, frozen meals, or hot delivery meals. When you choose who you would like to curate this incredible experience you will then discuss menu options and your budget. The best part about these dinners is that each guest will have their personalized, custom meal based around the dose of THC, CBD, or neither they would like. They normally use about 15 milligrams of THC in each dish which throughout the meal averages to about 80 milligrams total. This, of course, can be altered with each guest’s preferences in mind.

The Magic Of Terpenes

Terpenes are what give plants their different aromas. They’re the fragrant oils that make cannabis- smell like cannabis. If you are a seasoned stoner you will have noticed that different strains have distinctly different smells from skunk to citrus. Terpenes do more than just smell delicious, they can also affect your high. In the kitchen, the flavour profiles are more important than the psychoactive properties of the strain though. Chefs begin by choosing which terpenes will best blend and elevate their dish. Choosing a terpene is like choosing a wine to perfectly pair with your meal, both become better as a pair. One of the most common and popular strains is OG Kush known for having high amounts of the terpenes limonene and myrcene. This gives the buds their distinctive citrusy, hoppy scent and flavour. Knowing this, you can begin to think about what recipe it is best suited for.

What Are The Hottest Cannabis-Infused Options Out There?

So, you’re intrigued and you can’t wait to try this trend for yourself? There are options that will meet every need but I have included two of the most popular cannabis chefs in Canada.

The Nomad Cook

Travis Peterson, from British Columbia, was on Master Chef before he became Canada’s leading weed chef. He travels through the country hosting private cannabis dinners making it accessible to everyone (if you can get a spot), no matter where you live. They take private chefs and allow them to do something out of the ordinary and host cooking lessons, private dinner parties, and pop-up dinners. Keep your eyes open for dinners planned in your area this summer. They will be hosting a 6-course fine dining cannabis-infused dinner for 10 people with 6 seatings per day. This summer the Nomad Cook will be in Victoria, Kelowna, Calgary, and Edmonton for a weekend in May and June. The notable first course will be an incredible opener to an awe-inspiring display of creativity and incredible tastes. Liquid Nitrogen will be put into a wine glass and then frozen so that smoke can be piped into the glass. This will create a fog that is almost thick enough to sip. A piece of smoked Haida Gwaii salmon will be draped over the glass, infusing it with the billowing THC.

Enlightened Dining Club

This cannabis restaurant is located on Dupont Street in Toronto with admission ranging from 140-160$ per meal. Chef, Ted Corrado, focuses on using seasonal and sustainable ingredients from trusted producers.

“We believe in redefining modern cooking by celebrating the plant as the focal point of a meal, rather than a side-thought,” wrote chef Ted Corrado on the menu.

“For us, that means three things: always following the seasons, shining a light on both beloved and under-utilized fruit and vegetables, and always making use of the whole plant — root to stem. This philosophy allows us to make your dining experience healthier, with many of our dishes featuring adaptogens and superfoods that heighten both flavour and wellness.”

They begin the meal with non-alcoholic cocktails and canapés with about 2mg of THC. The walls have moving images that keep guest’s minds intrigued and sometimes, enthralled. Over the four courses, each diner will consume around 10 milligrams of THC, creating a manageable high to keep conversation flowing. A dessert with high levels of CBD finishes off the meal, mellowing out some of the effects of the THC meal. If you’re in the area, this restaurant is a must-see.