Celebrating women of sustenance this International Women’s Day

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We’re celebrating International Women’s Day March 8, a day in which we pay homage to all women around the world, in all facets of life. It’s a day of observance and recognition of the social, political, cultural and economic achievements of women around the globe.

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When I think of International Women’s Day, I think of the powerful women in my own life — my late mother, my sisters and sisters-in-law, and all the nieces who seem to always exhibit grace under fire when juggling work and families in trying times, the recent pandemic as an example.

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And when I think of this day, I think of all the powerful friends in my life, who exemplify the true spirit of friendship, and practice the old adage of angels walking among us: They are, in fact, the angels in my life.

When I think of International Women’s Day, I think of sustenance – of the kitchen being the heart of the home, of those women, both amateurs and professionals, who understand the critical role of food feeding not only the body but the spirit as well.

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Canada is home to some of the most powerful culinary icons on earth, and I’ve had the privilege of not only having interviewed many of them, but becoming lifelong friends with them, as well. Many have taken time to share their personal passions and philosophies, detailing their journeys in a culinary landscape that continues to historically be viewed as big, bold and testosterone-driven, with professional kitchens rife with tension and testicles, politics and egos.

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These women stand on their own merit, as testaments to the tenacity of embracing an industry that continues to have its own challenges, and continues to evolve as it reflects the industry’s changing environment.

This is a tribute to women who run their own businesses, their own restaurants, their own kitchens. Women who juggle home and work, long, and brutal hours, scant time to call their own.

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And all, in order to present a dish that speaks volumes of the creative spirit of the person who prepared it.

In Canada, there are many women in the culinary arts who fill this niche – people like chefs Lynn Crawford, Suzanne Barr, Anna Olson and Mary Berg, to name just a few. And I think of such dynamic food personalities as Emily Richards, Mairlyn Smith and the wonderful, award-winning Elizabeth Baird, Order of Canada recipient and one of Canada’s most recognized, respected and beloved food personalities, and who set the standards for those aspiring to enter the culinary arena.

There are more, of course, many more. These women are my heroes, as they went ahead to clear the land, so to speak, to face all the obstacles and then look over their shoulders as if to give the all-clear and gesture to us – it’s all good, let’s go!

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The world is full of powerful women, not just in the culinary arts, but in every single crevice of the globe. I do believe it’s true what they say – women are the nurturers, the healers, the problem-solvers, the multi-taskers.

And if you were to find just one woman who shines as the eternal light in this particular niche, this culinary landscape, my choice would be the legendary Julia Child, a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity when she first dipped her foot into the very male-dominated world of French culture and cuisine.

Child is legendary for having had the courage to stare down those who dismissed her capabilities. It made her one of the most powerful, if not beloved, culinary stars of the industry, taking on strong men with a wonderful grace and a quick chop of an onion.

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Julia Child’s work is considered the gold standard for the food industry to this day.

Born in 1912, Child was an author, cooking teacher, media darling and – at one point in her life – an almost spy for the US military. Her debut cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking Volume 1, helped introduce classic French cooking as well as demystify the techniques to the North American masses. Cookbooks followed cookbooks, Child rose in prominence, and, thanks to her, timid tastebuds were set free to indulge in more adventurous dishes.

It was 14 years ago that Julie & Julia the movie, starring Meryl Streep as the eponymous food maven and Amy Adams as Julie Powell, hits theatres everywhere to great success and much delight.

Throughout her life work, Child had this wonderful sense of joy and cheerfulness that belied her drive for perfection. You can taste her philosophy in all her famous dishes.

Today, her original kitchen is now in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. 

To Julia, to my mom, to every single woman who has fought tirelessly in their chosen paths, I salute you all on this International Women’s Day.

My only caveat is that women need to have their accomplishments celebrated every single day.