Shirley Chung

Summary

Shirley Chung is a Chinese-American chef known for appearances on Top Chef: New Orleans, Top Chef: Charleston and Food Network's Tournament of Champions.

Shirley Chung
Born
Beijing, China
Culinary career
Current restaurant(s)
    • Twenty Eight, Irvine, CA (2014-2018)
    • Ms. Chi Cafe, Culver City, CA (2018-Present)

Early life and education edit

Chung was born in Beijing, China and immigrated to the United States with her family when she was 17 years old.[1] She was introduced to international cuisine as a child by her grandmother Liang Si Yi, who worked as a director for the Red Cross.[2] Chung worked for several years in Silicon Valley, after graduating with a degree in business administration.[3] She eventually left the tech industry to attend culinary school.[4]

Career edit

Trained in classic French and Italian cuisine, Chung has since worked and opened restaurants for chefs including José Andrés, Thomas Keller and Guy Savoy.[5][2] In 2014 she opened Twenty Eight with Stacie Tran, acting as partner chef at the Irvine, California restaurant.[5]

Chung opened her first restaurant, Ms. Chi Cafe, in Culver City in 2018.[6] She spoke openly about her experiences with anti-Asian racism following the onset of the COVID-19 in order to draw attention to the impact of hate-motivated behavior on Asian Pacific American owned businesses.[1]

In addition to working in restaurants, Chung has appeared on numerous cooking-related television shows. She first appeared as a contestant on Top Chef Season 11, where she finished in third place.[7] She returned to the show during Season 14, competing against winner Brooke Williamson in the finals.[8] The pair previously competed against each other as part of Top Chef Duels, where Chung bested Williamson.[9] In 2022, she began participating on Food Network's Tournament of Champions hosted by Guy Fieri.[2]

Publications edit

  • Chung, Shirley (2018). Chinese Heritage Cooking From My American Kitchen: Discover Authentic Flavors with Vibrant, Modern Recipes. Salem, MA: Page Street Publishing (published Oct 23, 2018). ISBN 9781624146770.

References edit

  1. ^ a b Fox, Michelle (17 May 2021). "Shirley Chung of 'Top Chef' pivoted her business and became a voice against anti-Asian hate". news.yahoo.com. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
  2. ^ a b c Huddleston, Justina (25 February 2022). "The Truth About Shirley Chung From Guy Fieri's Tournament Of Champions Season 3". Mashed.com. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
  3. ^ Constante, Agnes (2 May 2016). "Irvine Chef Spotlight: Shirley Chung". www.destinationirvine.com. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
  4. ^ Radke, Brock (25 September 2013). "Chatting with Las Vegas 'Top Chef' contestant Shirley Chung". lasvegasweekly.com. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
  5. ^ a b Stapleton, Susan (8 December 2014). "Shirley Chung Ready to Wow with Twenty Eight Modern Chinese Cuisine". Eater Vegas. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
  6. ^ Harris, Jenn (27 September 2018). "'Top Chef' alum Shirley Chung wants to change the way people think about Chinese food in L.A." Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
  7. ^ Calvario, Liz (22 May 2021). "'Top Chef' Alum Shirley Chung Shares Her Family-Inspired Recipe for Scallion Pancakes". www.etonline.com. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
  8. ^ Bricker, Tierney (3 March 2017). "Top Chef Season 14 Crowns a Winner After the Best Finale Ever: Was It Brooke Williamson or Shirley Chung?". E! Online. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
  9. ^ Vilanova, John (14 August 2014). "Top Chef Duels recap: Shirley Chung vs. Brooke Williamson". EW.com. Retrieved 19 July 2022.