Cookbook author, culinary historian, filmmaker and activist Grace Young has been named the recipient of the Julia Child Award, which is accompanied by a US$50,000 grant from the Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts. The author has been a strong proponent for wok cooking and a preservationist of Cantonese food culture, while more recently and as a result of the global pandemic has focused her attention on supporting Chinatowns.

“Over the course of her career, Grace Young has made an immeasurable impact on the culinary landscape. Her dedication to preserving and sharing Chinese culinary traditions with America has transformed not only the way we cook, but has also shed light on how cuisines from around the world play an integral role in America’s culinary heritage,” said Eric W. Spivey, Chairman of The Julia Child Foundation.

The award is an apt one for Young, who held Julia Child in high regard when she was growing up, seeking to recreate the American cooking expert's recipes, before moving her focus to celebrate her own culinary background and traditions. 

“Julia’s passion, wisdom and authenticity have been a guiding force throughout my culinary journey. I am truly honoured to be receiving the Julia Child Award and am proud to have upheld Julia’s legacy by sharing my culinary heritage with millions of home cooks,” said Young. “With the grant from the foundation, I look forward to continuing my work to support Chinatowns and sharing the importance of saving these rich communities that are an essential part of American life.”