Eleanor Kane is Ontario’s equivalent of American culinary icon Alice Waters, a comparison and opinion that is rooted in watching her numerous achievements over a 35-year period. In what began in 1977 as a “self-directed sabbatical from work,” Kane and business partner Marion Isherwood opened The Old Prune (then a tea room) in Stratford, which led to successful careers as restaurateurs. Later, with James Morris of Rundles Restaurant, Kane co-founded the Stratford Chefs School, an enterprise that evolved into a widely recognized pioneering restaurant-focused training program.
A University of Alberta graduate (Masters of Science, Psychology), Kane also brought decades of restaurant experience, as well as human resources skills, to her work at Stratford Chefs School. A recipient of numerous accolades and awards, Kane remains Chair of the School's Advisory Group. International Guest Chef in Residence Ryan Brown (Class of 2006), described his immense respect for Kane, with her elegance, strong presence, and love for all things relating to gastronomy.
Source: https://eatdrink.ca/stratford-women-in-food-2019-seven-sisters-with-a-seat-at-the-table/