Crystal Fox
After struggling with a bitter estrangement from her parents over her sexual orientation, this only child found new families in the kitchens of Philadelphia’s first-class restaurants. With a Master of Education degree, Crystal Fox got her start in the culinary field at the city’s premier lesbian bar, Sisters Night Club–and then paid her respects by representing Sisters on season seven of the Food Network’s Chopped. Later, after cultivating her ‘chops’ at Iron Chef Jose Garces’ tapas spot Amada, Fox became Executive Chef at Giorgio On Pine, an authentic Italian trattoria (she even went to Rome to research Italian cuisine). Giorgio’s presence in Philly’s Gayborhood gives Fox ample opportunity to give back to the queer community. The restaurant participated in ActionAIDS’ “Dining Out for Life” event, supports HRC Philadelphia and makes weekly food donations to the city’s LGBTQ youth center, The Attic. For Fox, helping others is a direct result of overcoming adversity in her own life. “I experienced the ultimate loss after coming out, but I never want to know a life that isn’t fully actualized,“ she affirms. “I never want to live a life where I am ashamed. I believe this fearlessness ultimately contributes to my success today.”
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