She once said the world is richer for Canadian food, and then proved it.
Canadian culinary pioneer Anita Stewart, a longtime Elora resident, Order of Canada recipient with strong ties to the University of Guelph, died Thursday. She was 73.
Niagara Falls will be lit up Friday night in her memory.
As she shone a light on Canadian cuisine, Niagara Falls will shine red and white in her honour on Friday evening.
It is with great sadness we share that Anita Stewart passed away yesterday. Her spirit and passion for Canadian cuisine and the people who make it happen was unrivalled. Please leave Tributes on her personal Facebook page for the family. Details on a memorial fund to come. ❤️
— Food Day Canada (@FoodDayCanada) October 30, 2020
Stewart’s passion for Canadian food was unequaled and she was determined to discover its greatness. She spent 30 years exploring the country from coast to coast, sometimes on dog sleds, sometimes on boats and sometimes on ice.
Her expertise was far reaching, as she wrote for many national and international magazines, newspapers and books, winning her numerous awards and praise across the world.
Stewart was the founder of Cuisines Canada and Food Day Canada. She was a CBC food columnist and University of Guelph’s Food Laureate, a first position of its kind where she served as an honorary food ambassador.
The U of G issued a statement that called Stewart "A long-time culinary journalist, food historian, U of G food champion, and self-described food activist and disruptor."
Appointed in 2012 as U of G’s inaugural food laureate – believed to be a world first at any university. The position was created by the University in partnership with the Lang School of Business and Economics and the Ontario Agricultural College.
"In this role, Anita served as the University’s honorary food ambassador, providing advocacy and leadership for academic and administrative departments across campus, and strengthening U of G’s national and international reputation for food and culinary research, teaching and technology. She was a supportive colleague of the University’s Arrell Food Institute since before its official founding," said the news release.
“Anita Stewart was, as everyone who knew her will attest, an exceptional and one-of-a-kind person,” said U of G president Charlotte Yates.
“She was known as a great supporter of all things Canadian, a true innovator and a trailblazer, and also as a cherished and loved personality. She will be mourned and missed by many.”
In 2011, Stewart was appointed to the Order of Canada and upon accepting it, said ‘My goal is to continue to explore how U of G has set our national and international tables with both talent and ingredients. And while I’m at it, I intend to recognize some very real culinary heroes whom all of Canada can celebrate.’
And she did.
She helped the university create a food inventory and launched Good Food Innovation Awards a decade ago where local restaurants and ingredients were celebrated.
On Friday, many took to social media to express their condolences.
Very sad news, but I can't help but focus on the tremendous annually recurring legacy that Anita has left behind. We will all be increasingly grateful for her determination.
— Senator Colin Deacon (@colindeacon) October 30, 2020
On behalf of @beardfoundation and the entire #beard house team... we are devastated to hear this news. Anita led a great annual delegation of chefs and culinary talent to the Beard House in NYC, representing an immense effort to spotlight the farmers, winemakers, distillers...1/
— Izabela Wojcik (@jbfizabela) October 30, 2020
Local food has lost a star and gained an angel. She will be greatly missed
— Franco Naccarato (@LocalFoodFranco) October 30, 2020
Simply gutted. Canada is a sadder place.
— ChefAllemeier (@ChefAllemeier) October 30, 2020
I’m so sorry to hear this. I didn’t know her well, but I admired her passion, and truly enjoyed working with her. My sympathy to all her loved ones.
— Beth Pollock (@BethPollock_) October 30, 2020
