Build/Stir/Shake: Cocktail Basics Featuring Farzam Fallah
Who We Are
Soldiers of Creation is a gender inclusive social enterprise that focuses on providing a safe space for survivors and supporters of sexual assault to connect, reclaim their voice and empower each other. We aim to introduce survivors and allies dealing with trauma caused by sexual assault to alternative methods of healing.
Workshop Details
On Wednesday October 21st @ 6:30 PM, Soldiers of Creation was joined by Toronto pastry chef and bartender Farzam Fallah for an evening (non-alcoholic) cocktail hour. The virtual workshop was hosted by SOC team members Cynthia Yeh (Event Ops Manager) and Amy Finkelstein (Founder), with Expressive Arts Therapist Alana Perri as the Active Listener. We understand that many have experienced uncomfortable encounters in bar-type settings that may have led to sexual assault or inappropriate behaviours - these instances can deter one from re-entering a similar space. The intention of this workshop collaboration was to provide our community with an alternative to alcohol to aid in healing through a safe re-entry to social drinking, and regaining personal power and control without the triggers alcohol can bring. It also served as a reminder that cocktails are not just about the alcohol, but also the creative process and tasting experience, much like cooking and baking.
Workshop Summary
Farzam beautifully packaged cocktail kits for all attendees, which were picked up the weekend before the workshop. The kits included the following:
2 bottles of Seedlip non-alcoholic spirits (Grove 42 & Spice 94) + jigger
1 bottle of Fever Tree Tonic Water
2 bottles of Bittercube bitters (Jamaican No. 2 & Cherry Bark Vanilla)
Bar tools from The Crafty Bartender
Garnishes & syrups
We started off with something new this time: after introductions, Alana led us in a creative intention activity. She had us all close our eyes and draw whatever strokes came to mind while we thought about our intention for the workshop. Farzam then took over the stage to help us get familiar with the tools and ingredients in our kits, then proceeded to walk us through step-by-step how to make three different types of cocktails: 1) BUILD - Grove No. 42 & Tonic, 2) STIR - Faux Old Fashioned, and 3) SHAKE - Espresso Martini.
After the 5-minute break, Alana helped us prepare for conversation with a fun opening activity that allowed us to make use of our bodies and voices to convey our feelings at the moment. She then wrapped up the conversation with some deep breathing - the simplest and most natural form of self-calming techniques, but something we often forget to do.
Workshop Partners
Facilitator: Farzam Fallah
Photo provided to Soldiers of Creation by Farzam Fallah
Farzam Fallah is a Pastry Chef, recently turned Bartender in the city of Toronto. Farzam started in the industry at a young age, doing an externship as a line cook at the age of fourteen. He quickly turned to Pastry and found his passion through the balance of science and art.
Throughout his thirteen years as a Pastry Chef, Farzam has worked at some well-respected restaurants, including Terra, Ruby Watch Co., and Pizzeria Libretto. At twenty, he became the opening Pastry Chef for Richmond Station, where he grew within the community to accomplish some of his personal milestones; including speaking at Terroir Symposium, appearing in TV competitions, and being publicized in the National Post, Globe and Mail, and many more. Farzam then moved to Hong Kong to work with Black Sheep Restaurant Group, where he was the Head Pastry Chef overseeing all newly-opening restaurants’ dessert programs.
Currently, Farzam is finding a new love of science and art in the world of Bartending. Although his focus is now to learn how a restaurant runs as a whole, he is presently doing freelance pastry work, and has started a small leather goods and services business.
“Working with SOC was an extraordinary experience. To be given the opportunity to share a form of art on a platform with such beautiful people was an experience to remember. It was a well-planned collaboration that pushed me to think outside the box and gave me the opportunity to work with some of my favourite suppliers. Amy and Cynthia are true professionals when it comes to the work they are doing, well-driven and headed in the right direction.”
Active Listener: Alana Perri (EXAT)
Photo provided to Soldiers of Creation by Alana Perri
Alana Perri is an Expressive Arts Therapist (EXAT) & Educator, currently residing in Toronto, ON.
As of last month (September 2020), she is the new Executive Director and Business Owner of Purple Carrots Drama Studio, a company devoted to inclusive & accessible, arts-based programming, specialized in building social & communication skills within neuro-diverse communities. They empower their students by helping them recognize and develop their individual strengths and by valuing their unique talents.
She is also a Post-Secondary Professor at Mohawk College in Hamilton, ON teaching post-grad studies in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Expressive Arts.
Her goal is to educate, empower, & provide Expressive Arts Therapy to anyone willing to play, share, and explore.
EXPRESSIVE ARTS THERAPY (EXAT) is the combined use of art-forms as a therapeutic process - by integrating psychology, counselling, and creative exploration, emotional change is initiated and our mental and physical selves benefit.
“Working with Soldiers of Creation was a breath of fresh air! From the moment I was contacted, to the post-event debrief, Cynthia and Amy were nothing but professional, approachable, and organized! SOC has created an incredibly safe space that welcomes everyone to be vulnerable and heard. It isn’t easy to find an organization that is so passionate and good at what they do! They have managed to adapt to a virtual event world in what seems like an unscathed transition. I’m very much looking forward to working with them again & seeing what the future holds for SOC.”
Workshop Highlights
Opening the beautifully packaged cocktail kits 🎁
Experiencing 3 different flavour profiles & types of cocktails 🍸
Successfully creating our drinks & sharing them with loved ones 💖
Digital Care Kit
Per SOC workshop fashion, all attendees received a Digital Care Kit filled with information and wellness resources. Each attendee received a personalized message from an SOC team member, and Alana shared creative activities and mental health resources. We also provided everyone with some resources from the SOC directory that are currently offering free resources during the pandemic, as well as generous discounts from independently-owned businesses Amal’s Apothecary and Green Habits.
Here is a sample of the Digital Care Kit:
