Local Culinary Showcase
Come and engage with Durham’s local chefs, bakers and chocolatiers while they showcase their unique and delicious food during DRIFF’s pre-screening party. Enjoy savoury specialties from the kitchens of Nathan’s Jerk and Gomoku, and The Refuge and New Leaf Catering and complete your “foodie” experience with sweet treats by One More Cocoa.
Nathan’s Jerk and Gomoku
Nathan’s Jerk and Gomoku are Oshawa-based restaurants bringing bold, creative flavours to the Durham community. Nathan’s Jerk has been serving unauthentic, flavorful Caribbean- Mexican fusion for more than six years. Known for its jerk chicken, tacos, bowls, and catering spreads, it’s become a neighbourhood favourite for quick eats, family meals, and large events. Gomoku, the newer concept, is an art-immersive Canadian Asian fusion restaurant and event space. In just one year, it’s become a gathering place for students and locals with its inventive menu, late-night board games, and unique dining experience. Together, both restaurants celebrate cultural diversity and community connection. Whether it’s takeout, dine-in, or full- service catering, Nathan’s Jerk and Gomoku share one mission: to create food that brings people together.
One more cocoa
One More Cocoa is an artisanal chocolate company dedicated to crafting exquisite chocolate confections that not only taste divine but also captivate the senses with their visual beauty. Our chocolate creations draw inspiration from a blend of classic flavours and our Caribbean roots. Every chocolate bar, bonbon, and confection are meticulously handcrafted to evoke a sense of nostalgia and delight in our valued customers. We offer over 20 delicious chocolate bar flavours, including classics like Milk Chocolate and unique options like Caramel Popcorn. In our store and online, you can find up to 20 different flavours of chocolate bonbons, the perfect bite-sized treats. These range from Strawberry Cheesecake to Salted Caramel. Established in 2021 by Kenesha Lewis in the town of Whitby, Ontario, One More Cocoa has embarked on an incredible journey of growth and opportunity. What started small has grown in ways I never imagined. Our Hot Chocolate Box Set was featured on Oprah's Favourite Things 2023, putting us on the map internationally. We're also featured on the Hello Fresh Marketplace and Food Network, expanding our reach and introducing our gourmet chocolates to a broader audience.
The Refuge and The new leaF CATERING CO.
The Refuge is a local charitable organization that works with homeless, at-risk, street and struggling youth. The Refuge began in 1999 and over the past 26 years has interacted with more than 5,000 different youth, helping to provide stability, healing and a strong hope for the future. The New Leaf Catering Co. is a social enterprise program of The Refuge. In addition to providing a variety of fantastic food and exceptional service, New Leaf also hires youth from The Refuge to not only provide them with employment income and skills to build a resume, but also with the practical knowledge that they are created with skills, gifts and abilities to affect positive change in their own lives.