On March 8th, we’ll be celebrating 100 years of International Women’s Day. Food is generally at the core of all great celebrations, and this day will be no exception. Toronto’s finest women chefs are coming together at Mildred’s Temple Kitchen (85 Hanna Ave) to embrace their success in the industry, and prepare the succulent feast ‘Kitchen Sisters’ to raise money for a new kitchen at Sistering.

Sistering has been serving hot meals to homeless, marginalized and low-income women in Toronto since 1981. Recently, they have experienced a 40% increase in the number of women seeking food and assistance. In order to meet the increasing demand, Sistering must expand its kitchen and storage facilities.

This week our featured chef is Donna Dooher of Mildred’s Temple Kitchen. Beyond her devotion to this Toronto gem and her support in Kitchen Sisters, Donna is also the founder of Cookworks Cooking Studio, author of best-selling cookbook ‘Out To Brunch’ and host of the Food Network’s  ‘The Cookworks’. 

SDTC: Salty or sweet?  
Donna: Salty

Was there a specific moment in your life that made you realize you wanted to become a chef?
14 years old – making pasta for a group of girl friends at a sleep over

What’s your best advice for a woman who is just starting out in this industry? 
Stay true to your convictions – smile and swear like a truck driver

Sistering is all about helping out those in need. What is a simple act of kindness that you value when it comes to day-to-day life in the city? 
The smallest things make the biggest difference; look at people in the eye and smile, help by opening doors, giving up a seat on the bus, lending a dime or two or just talking to people.

If you had to eat one dish for the rest of your life, what would you choose? 
Curry

What excites you most in the kitchen? Or describe the last time you felt extremely satisfied with your work. 
The camaraderie in the kitchen is like no other.

You can teach or take a cooking course, anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Colombia – I’ve just come back from a four week assignment with CESO Canada. The people of Colombia reminded me that genuine hospitality comes from the heart and the kitchen, we forget sometimes.

Buy your tickets for Kitchen Sisters here!