Come cook with us

One of the sections at the library where I always enjoy browsing is the cookbook section. This summer we are fortunate to have two wonderful chefs share their cooking knowledge with us in person. This Thursday, as part of Côte Saint-Luc Reads, Gigi Cohen will be demonstrating simple Indian cuisine. Gigi Cohen has an impressive background in natural foods has become the leading expert on holistic health care for an ever-expanding clientele so this program should be a real treat.

I am also looking forward to Norene Gilletz’s visit to the library where she will be sharing her favourite healthy summer salads. Norene has written many cookbooks over the years (some of which we have at the library) and is the leading author of Kosher cookbooks in Canada. It is a great chance to learn about some fresh recipes from a talented food writer and cooking teacher.
I will definitely be there, tasting what these two talented chefs have to share and I encourage you to come to these flavour-filled events!

Simple Indian Cuisine with Gigi Cohen is Thursday, June 5 at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are $5

Healthy Summer Salads with Norene Gilletz is Sunday, July 6 at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets are $10

See you out on the lawn

I’m looking forward to the Zal Idrissa Sissokho and Buntalo concert this weekend. This outdoor concert is definitely one of the highlights of the library’s summer programs for me. It gives us the chance to hear lead singer Zal Idrissa Sissokho who plays the kora (an African harp) and sings in French and Wolof. He plays melodies that are inspired and borrowed from West African musical traditions. He performs solo as well as with Buntalo.

Buntalo is an Afro-Mandinka group, their name makes reference to the sound of the kora, an instrument which seduces the listener on the first note. They play original compositions and classic Mandinka songs, bringing together contemporary music yet preserving the identity of compositions that are hundreds of years old. Buntalo brings together some of the greatest West-African musicians in Montreal: Zal Idrissa Sissokho (kora), Aboulaye Koné (guitar), David Mobio (keyboard), Manu Pelé (bass et compositions) and Thomas Niamke Ehui (drums).

The concert is at 5pm and is free. I hope to see you out on the lawn of the lovely Ashkelon Gardens behind the library. Don’t forget to bring all the summer concert essentials: something to sit on, sun protection and water.

If it rains, not to worry- the show will still go on as a limited number of free rain passes will be available as of 1 pm that day to see the performance indoors.