In Conversation With Chef Jordan Wagman
Where were you raised?
I was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. After a career in the USA, I moved back to Toronto to raise a family.
When did you realize you wanted to become a chef?
I loved watching cooking shows as a kid but my love for cooking was born from my time leading canoe trips in Northern Ontario. Each day I would create meals and fell in love with the instant gratification of seeing people enjoy my food, real time. That feeling is still alive today.
Where did you attend culinary school?
I attended culinary school at the Art Institute in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Concurrently I worked at East City Grill in Fort Lauderdale and from time to time at Café Maxx in Pompano Beach, Florida.
What is your cooking philosophy?
My approach to food and cooking is very simple; I buy the best, local and seasonal ingredients available, I do very little to them and I serve them to those I love (and like).
What drew you to a gluten free/dairy free/refined sugar free cooking style?
I was diagnosed with Psoriasis at age 13 and searched for my health ever since. I was hospitalized many times, applied and took numerous medications and even lived in a tent at the Dead Sea in Israel for one year. It was not until I sought the help of a naturopath, nearly six years ago, that I removed gluten, dairy and refined sugar (and began to include CBD) that my life changed for the better. I became healthier and was able to find space for others in my life. I had spent a lifetime worrying about me and my health, I was finally ready to be there for others.
I love that you are an advocate for children with mental health issues. Why is this cause so important to you?
I have suffered from mental illness my entire life. In grade 11, I attended a school called The Jerome D. Diamond Adolescent Center. It is a school for children with mental illness who are not able to achieve goals in the mainstream school system. The school gave me the tools I needed to succeed in life. Today, I sit on the board of Jewish Family Child Services, a large children’s aid foundation in Toronto, which is also the foundation that runs The Jerome D. Diamond Adolescent Center.
I return to the school every few months to provide cooking classes for the kids. I stand in front of the children and I see my reflection the children get a glimpse into what they can become.
What drew you to cannabis-infused foods?
I have used cannabis recreationally for a lifetime, but only for five years medicinally. I have seen the benefits of CBD infused food and the positive impact it has had on my skin and overall health.
How has cannabis helped you with your psoriasis?
I use cannabis for my skin in two ways; Psoriasis is itchy and sometimes keeps me up at night, especially when experiencing a flare. I use THC to deal with my itching, either smoking or consuming my home-made edibles.
CBD has helped me with my inflammation. Even with a flare from time to time I find that I recover much quicker now that I have been using CBD.
What do you want people to know about you?
I care about you and I’m here to help. As a young cook, I thought success was defined by accolades and a television show. Today, my success is defined by the number of people I impact.