International Women’s Day is fast approaching, and it’s one of my favorite holidays of the year. No matter who you are, there’s a woman in your life who deserves to be celebrated, and this holiday is just as good of a reason as any to celebrate through food, wine, and cooking.
Historically, women have faced challenging circumstances when seeking out opportunities in the world of food, wine, and hospitality. Luckily, thanks to outspoken advocates, publications, and the hard work of thousands of women behind the scenes, things have begun to change, but this holiday is a great time to consider how you’re spending your money and who you’re spending it with.
Here are a few ways to celebrate International Women’s Day this year through food and wine:
1. Cook a recipe from a woman-written cookbook!
Scan through your kitchen shelves for a cookbook written by a woman in food, pick a recipe, and cook it to celebrate International Women’s Day. Better yet, vote with your dollars! Browse your favorite independent bookstore shelves and support women writers by buying a copy of their book. Recent favorites of mine include Justice of the Pies by Chicago’s own Maya-Camille Broussard; Sohla El-Waylly Start Here; and Big Heart, Little Stove by Erin French.
2. Buy a food product from a woman-owned brand.
Chicago is home to hundreds of consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands and countless independent shops and bodegas where you can find products that are locally made. Many of the delicious brands that are made here are led by women founders who work hard to bring their vision to life. Help make that a reality by seeking out these amazing local products on International Women’s Day!
3. Drink wine made by a woman-led producer.
I didn’t know how many wine producers were men until Melissa of BottlesUp! in Lakeview started calling out the bottles in her shop that were made by women. Since then, I’ve made it a priority to seek out wine made by women. It’s a win-win: I get to drink the wine made by women doing cool things and I get to learn more about the bottles I’m selecting when I ask about the producer. Pst: feeling shy about wine? Join The Chopping Block for a crash course so you know what to ask for!
4. Eat at a woman-owned or led restaurant.
Chicago’s restaurant scene is a great representation of women in food. From Alpana Singh’s Alpana to Valeria Socorro Velazquez Lindsten’s Loba Pastry + Coffee to Genie Kwon’s Kasama, there are women making waves in restaurants in every neighborhood, cuisine, and price point. Make it a challenge for the day: can you have your morning coffee and pastry, lunch, happy hour, and dinner at a woman-owned or led restaurant? What could be a more delicious way to celebrate International Women’s Day?
5. Buy a gift card for The Chopping Block!
Not only will you be supporting a women-owned and led organization by buying a gift card to The Chopping Block, but you’ll also be gifting the chance to decide how to celebrate to a woman in your life. Does she want to take a class? Buy some fun new kitchen tools? Try out some new spices? She can do any or all of that with a gift card to The Chopping Block. Grab one here!
