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 | 1976 or 1977 (age 47–48)[1] Beijing, China |
| Culinary career | |
Current restaurant(s)
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Television show(s) | |
Early life and education
editChung was born in Beijing, China, and immigrated to the United States with her family when she was 17 years old.[2] She was introduced to international cuisine as a child by her grandmother Liang Si Yi, who worked as a director for the Red Cross.[3] Chung worked for several years in Silicon Valley, after graduating with a degree in business administration.[4] She eventually left the tech industry to attend culinary school.[5]
Career
editTrained in classic French and Italian cuisine, Chung has since worked and opened restaurants for chefs including José Andrés, Thomas Keller and Guy Savoy.[6][3] In 2014 she opened Twenty Eight with Stacie Tran, acting as partner chef at the Irvine, California, restaurant.[6]
Chung opened her first restaurant, Ms. Chi Cafe, in Culver City in 2018.[7] 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.[2]
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.[8] She returned to the show during Season 14, competing against winner Brooke Williamson in the finals.[9] The pair previously competed against each other as part of Top Chef Duels, where Chung bested Williamson.[10] In 2022, she began participating on Food Network's Tournament of Champions hosted by Guy Fieri.[3]
Personal
editOn July 26, 2024, Chung reported that she is being treated for stage four tongue cancer.[11]
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- ^ Luna, Nancy (March 9, 2017). "Life after ‘Top Chef’ for Shirley Chung – Orange County Register". The Orange County Register. Digital First Media. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Constante, Agnes (2 May 2016). "Irvine Chef Spotlight: Shirley Chung". www.destinationirvine.com. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
- ^ Radke, Brock (25 September 2013). "Chatting with Las Vegas 'Top Chef' contestant Shirley Chung". lasvegasweekly.com. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
- ^ a b Stapleton, Susan (8 December 2014). "Shirley Chung Ready to Wow with Twenty Eight Modern Chinese Cuisine". Eater Vegas. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Vilanova, John (14 August 2014). "Top Chef Duels recap: Shirley Chung vs. Brooke Williamson". EW.com. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
- ^ Espinoza, Joshua (2024-07-27). "Top Chef Alum Shirley Chung Reveals Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis: "I Am a Fighter"". Bravo Media, LLC.