anita stewart, canadian food champion
Anita Stewart, master of gastronomy, member of the Order of Canada, founder of Cuisine Canada and Food Day Canada, and tireless champion of Canadian food, died October 29. The next night Niagara Falls was lit up in red and white to honour her. “Anita’s spirit drove her to great professional heights, and her generosity, kindness, warmth and strength of character will be forever remembered by everyone,” read her obituary. Her mantra was Canada is food, and the world is richer for it.
I first met Anita when she launched Cuisine Canada in 1994. Chefs, restaurateurs, writers and food producers coalesced around her and the idea that local foodways, and a cuisine based on Canadian regions, was, not only legit, but worth celebrating. Her book The Flavours of Canada: A Celebration of the Finest Regional Foods was the first book to explore regional Canadian food in a contemporary way. Chefs today reach for local ingredients, work with local farmers and celebrate their heritage because of the movement she started and spent a lifetime growing.
Last time I saw Anita was over a glass of wine at Terroir Symposium 2018. We had snuck out of a session to share some laughs and stories about local food, of course.
So long to a feisty champion of Canadian food identity. We will all miss you Anita!
Photo via University of Guelph
holiday open house at heart of the home
Heart of the Home’s (12539 102 Avenue, 780-705-4928, heartofthehomeyeg.ca) Christmas Open House is Wednesday, November 18 and Thursday, November 19 from 11am-5pm. Shopping online and curbside pickup is encouraged and welcome. Here is a sweetener—spend $50 and receive a swag bag. As well, in-stock Zwilling J.A. Henckels Sensation stainless steel cookware is 75 per cent off for the month of November. It’s a great time to pick up a saucepan to round out your collection.
three restaurateurs are top 40 under 40
Congratulations to restaurateurs Caitlin Fulton (RGE RD), Joti Dhanju (Tiffin, India’s Fresh Kitchen) and Braede Harris (Love Pizza) recognized in Edify Magazine’s Top 40 under 40 2020. Visit here for their stories.
photo by Aaron Pederson via Edify
congrats to these winners
Duchess at Home by Giselle Courteau took the silver in the General Cookbook category at the recent Taste Canada Awards. In the Regional Cultural category Gold Medal Plates podium finisher Joe Thottungal’s cookbook, Coconut Lagoon: Recipes from a South Indian Kitchen, took the gold. Congratulations to both. As happy as I am that these two cookbooks took home medals, I am disappointed that both Tawâw and Wildness weren’t awarded, although Wildness did make the short list. Fine cookbooks that trace the journeys of two fine chefs, Shane Chartrand and Jeremy Charles—chefs who are moving things forward on the Canadian culinary landscape. Check out all the winners here.
