Behind our company and brand, are four fathers connected by friendship and a common love of food. This passion inspired us to share our knowledge and experience with you.
Raised in the homes of Canadian immigrants with roots in Western Europe, we fondly recall gatherings with family over a spread of varied and delectable meals. These experiences along with travel influences have motivated us to create products which compliment traditional recipes and flavours to enhance every meal.
With a commitment to excellence and enthusiasm, FOUR FATHERS FOOD CO. in Ontario is dedicated to selecting only the finest, natural ingredients to create and deliver an authentic, savory experience from our family to yours.
Indulge in the gourmet, hot sauces made locally in Ontario and take your culinary creations to new heights, because FLAVOUR MATTERS!
Dave
Growing up, a big part of my Italian culture involved food. Living in “Little Italy” in Toronto, my grandfather had the best garden for growing fresh vegetables. I clearly remember those Sunday lunches at Nonno’s as if it were yesterday. These are the memories that make me want to continue the traditions of my parents and grandparents.
Food is a big part of my life that's why I jumped on the opportunity to be part of FOUR FATHERS FOOD CO.
Wine or Beer:
I would have to choose a deep flavoured red wine as my go to beverage; especially with fresh homemade pasta. Now I am hungry!
Most Memorable Meal:
It would have to be homemade pasta enjoyed at our Sunday lunches. I would help my mother in the kitchen rolling out the dough and winding that hand-crank pasta maker like it was an engine. The effort was worth it. The aroma of homemade sauce simmering ALL morning long would fill the house. I couldn't wait to twirl that fork into my big plate of pasta for lunch.
My Favourite Hot Sauce:
The FOUR FATHERS Jalapeno hot sauce is my favourite, as I can add it to any of my meals for slight heat with a ton of flavours.
John
My love for food began at an early age. My child memories are filled with images of my mother preparing delicious meals for all the family to enjoy, because feeding her family was her expression of love.
Our extended family owned several restaurants and banquet halls in which l worked many long hours as a teen and more importantly it is where my passion and knowledge for cooking grew.
Today, my career has spanned 25 years in the financial industry though my passion for food has never wavered. FOUR FATHERS FOOD CO. has allowed me the opportunity to translate my love of food into creating delicious products for everyone to enjoy, because FLAVOUR MATTERS!
Most Memorable Meal:
Growing up in an Italian home, Sunday lunches with the family was a constant and looking back my most memorable meal. Every Sunday morning, I woke up to the aroma of fresh tomato sauce (‘sugo’) slowly simmering on the stove to be ready for our Sunday lunch. My mother would often add meatballs, sausage or beef brisket in the sauce to enjoy with the pasta. Good conversation and great food were inseparable at the family table.
Wine or Beer:
Wine - Whether it’s sipping a glass of cabernet sauvignon with great company or pairing the right flavor and blend with a meal; wine is my preferred choice.
Favourite Hot Sauce:
One of my personal favourites is FOUR FATHERS Jalapeno. Nothing beats a spicy rigatoni pasta dish tossed in a fresh meat and tomato sauce, topped with shredded Parmigiano Reggiano with the final touch of FOUR FATHERS Jalapeno hot sauce to elevate the dish.
I guess falling in love with food was inevitable for me. My dad was a commercial butcher, my uncles owned a produce farm and finally growing up in a Portuguese household meant big family meals-lead by mom and grandmother.
When I left home for school, I learned quickly that creating meals was instinctive for me and I found joy trying new recipes and surprising my roommates. At 21, I had a chance to backpack through Europe which really ignited my love of cooking and the realization how much food can connect you to different cultures.
I pursued a career in sales and marketing instead of food but have been an active home chef for over 20 years and still find joy in cooking for friends and family. The ability to partner with friends now to launch FOUR FATHERS FOOD CO., has allowed me to finally realize my passion in food and I hope families will trust us to help elevate their next dish.
Wine or Beer:
As much as I love a good, full bodied red wine my go to is craft beer preferably local and either a dark lager or stout.
Most memorable Meal:
I know I’ve stated “this is the best DAMN meal I have ever had” more times than I can remember over the years though if I had to pick one it would definitely be the first time I fully appreciated the impact of super fresh ingredients and local products: grilled sardines with toasted, Portuguese corn bread, boiled baby potatoes drizzled with olive oil and a highball of red wine served in a tiny café in Lagos, Portugal.
Favorite Hot Sauce:
I love the zing and depth of flavor of FOUR FATHERS Habanero hot sauce. I truly use it on everything; though love it best on sunny side-up eggs.
What does food mean to me? Food defines me and has helped make me the person I have become. My 35 plus years of experience as a chef has given me tremendous knowledge that I pair with my passion and creativity to find flavours and use techniques to elevate all my meals to maximum potential. Food exploration excites me and gives me the ability to create dishes with new flavours. My greatest thrill is watching the exact moment that someone reacts to the flavour of one of my dishes. Whether it is family, a friend or one of my customers that moment gives me the sense of absolute satisfaction.
Growing up in Toronto, Ontario, I have had the privilege to watch the food culture transform the city into a multicultural food mecca. The diversity of available flavours found are infinite and paired with my European background and world travels, allow me to continue to fuel my creativity. This passion is behind each recipe for FOUR FATHERS FOOD CO. sauces.
Beer or Wine:
Sharing a meal around my kitchen table with a great bottle of wine with family and friends is one of the most important things in life.
Most memorable (favourite meal):
My favourite meal is an assorted platter of European cheeses, dry cured salami meats and a traditional Italian porchetta crackle roast served with a crusty Calabrese bread.
Favourite Hot Sauce:
I love our FOUR FATHERS Cayenne hot sauce especially with a charcuterie platter. It helps take each individual bite to the next level.
