Chef Fatima Ali Made a Restaurant "Bucket List" After Her Terminal Cancer Diagnosis — This Is What's On It
The beloved Bravo's Top Chef alum is living her remaining days surrounded by sensory pleasures.
After sharing the heartbreaking news that her cancer has returned, and that doctors give her an estimated one year to live, Chef Fatima Ali has committed fully to making the most of the days of that she has left, setting a deeply inspiring example for her admirers. And for the culinary pro and consummate foodie, that means — in part — booking a table at all the restaurants she's eager to try.
In an essay she penned for HealthyIsh on the heels of her diagnosis, the Bravo's Top Chef Season 15 Fan Favorite winner wrote: "I am desperate to overload my senses in the coming months, making reservations at the world’s best restaurants ... I used to dream of owning my own restaurant. Now I have an ever growing list of the ones I need to visit. From decadent uni and truffle toast at Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare to spice-laden Szechuan hot pot in Flushing, I’m sketching a plan to eat my way through New York and the boroughs while I can."
The chef is making good on her plans, and has already had a girls' night at New York's Sushi Noz with pals including fellow Season 15 competitor Adrienne Cheatham.
And just days later, she teamed up with fellow Bravo's Top Chef alum Joe Flamm and Stephanie Izard for another epic New York City meal.
On October 19, the chef took to Instagram Stories to tease: "Guess where I'm going," followed by a photo of herself and her pals at Masa. To caption the photo of herself smiling at the restaurant, Chef Fatimi wrote "Bucket List" with a shooting star emoji.
Photos: @cheffati/Instagram Stories
Helmed by chef Masayoshi Takayama, the sushi restaurant offers a two-hour dining experience priced at $595 per person. But despite its luxury pricing, the simply decorated eatery asks patrons to follow a "casual and comfortable" dress code.
After the meal, Chef Takayama posted a photo of himself with Chef Fatima and her crew, writing, "was an honor and a privilege to meet and cook for @cheffati last night. Inspired by you."
