There’s always a lot of talk about the culinary arts being a male-dominated industry, but over the years we’ve seen that perception change (albeit slowly). Here are ten Food Network Canada female chefs from across Canada and the United States that inspire us in the kitchen.
Lynn Crawford
When thinking about Canadian female chefs, it’s near impossible not to have Lynn Crawford come to mind. Before she owned her popular eatery, Ruby Watchco, she skillfully ran the kitchen at The Four Seasons. When she’s not filming episodes for Junior Chef Showdown, Iron Chef Canada or whatever else she has on the go, Crawford runs the kitchen at Ruby Watchco with co-chef and partner Lora Kirk making food that Torontonians and city visitors alike just can’t seem to get enough of.
Kardea Brown
South Carolina resident Kardea Brown is known for her contemporary Southern cooking — like this fish fillet sandwich. When not hosting Delicious Miss Brown or cooking up a storm, she’s making guest appearances on Beat Bobby Flay, Chopped Junior, Cooks vs. Cons, Family Food Showdown and Farmhouse Rules.
Eden Grinshpan
Another Canadian fave, Toronto-born Eden Grinshpan is a chef, cookbook author and current host of Top Chef Canada. She also has the education to back it all up: she is a graduate of London’s Le Cordon Blue Pastry and Cuisine, as well the management program at The Institute of Culinary Education.
Molly Yeh
Molly Yeh is known for her fusion cooking that incorporates both sides of her heritage: Jewish and Chinese. The Girl Meets Farm host is also a musician and cookbook author. We’re particularly fans of her gorgeous (and often sprinkle-covered) dessert recipes.
Anna Olson
Everyone’s favourite pastry chef — Anna Olson — resides in Welland, ON, in the Niagara Region. She has hosted plenty of Food Network shows, including: Great Chocolate Showdown, Junior Chef Showdown, and Bake With Anna Olson. Here are more things you didn’t know about our resident baker.
Valerie Bertinelli
Valerie Bertinelli is a Golden Globe Award-winning actress, but as it turns out, she’s also a homegrown pro in the kitchen. From quiche to lasagna to pizza, we can always rely on the Valerie’s Home Cooking host for some good ol’ comfort food classics.
Padma Lakshmi
Padma Lakshmi is an established food expert, activist and writer having written four cookbooks and hosted food television series, including Top Chef, for which she was nominated for an Emmy Award. Padma also owns several businesses including a home decor line and a culinary line.
Ree Drummond
Ree Drummond, a former city girl, is cooking up a storm on her ranch in Oklahoma. Her show The Pioneer Woman is a massive success; and we love everything from her Tex-Mex recipes to her desserts and more.
Ina Garten
Most of us know Ina Garten as The Barefoot Contessa — and this powerhouse has done it all: from working in the White House (as a budget analyst for Presidents Ford and Carter) to flipping houses to launching her own line of pantry staples.