Ottawa’s Boys Club, On Parade (Again)

Yawn.

Very recently, an upcoming, local event (that shall remain nameless) posted their final lineup of participants for "a multi-chef food & beverage experience celebrating Ottawa’s culinary community". Quick question: can Ottawa's culinary community be fully and authentically celebrated without even a whiff of gender diversity? It's impossible not to notice that there is only ONE woman chef featured (out of almost 20 cooks), and she is accompanied by her husband. That double-billing may be her choice - happy if it is. But could the organizers really not find ANY other women in the kitchens of this city? It's not a lack of female cooks in the pipeline, it's a lack of effort to highlight them.

Restaurant kitchens are infamously inhospitable places to all kinds of people for all kinds of reasons. Unconventional hours, unquestionable hierarchy, and unforgiving workplace cultural norms are only a few examples of what can be serious deterrents to a kitchen career. The restaurant industry has crawled embarrassingly far behind basic labour standards, nevermind leapfrogging towards progressivity. Embracing diversity and inclusion can seem like an unaffordable luxury when the crew finds themselves deep in the weeds. The absolute opposite is actually true.

Countless studies have shown overwhelming evidence that diversity helps the bottom line. Any business worth their salt knows that productivity and problem-solving are improved by inviting a variety of perspectives to the proverbial table. No need for overly academic arguments here, though. Of all things, food should be the great equalizer. It should be an open space for all to offer their flavours, techniques, and recipes. Yet, this industry upholds its patriarchal roots with impunity. This is not acceptable and should not be tolerated. There are definitely obstacles, some that are complex and difficult to crack. But those same obstacles practically disappear in a one-night event. Do better. This is for charity after all.

Fundamentally, it's boring and tiresome to see yet another event to celebrate chefs that is full of the same ol' boys club. Yawn. Bring us Kat, Caroline, Briana, Holly, Resa, Gemma, Kristine, Mélanie, Daniela, Tara......