After Terminal Cancer Diagnosis, Chef Fatima Ali Is Living Out Her Food Dreams — One Meal at a Time

Fatima Ali, beloved Bravo's Top Chef  Season 15 contestant and Fan Favorite winner, confirmed that her cancer has returned and said doctors have given her a year to live in a heartbreaking essay published on Healthyish on October 9. And despite the devastating diagnosis, Fatima's words deeply inspired fans as she described committing her last year to fully living and experiencing life's sensory pleasures.

Of course, the chef named food and restaurants among those pleasures she intends to devour in her remaining days: "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."

And according to Chef Fati's Instagram, she's already doing just that.

"On my way to meet the girls for @sushinoznyc," she wrote on her Instagram stories — tagging fellow Bravo's Top Chef Season 15 contender Adrienne Cheatham as well as producer Nora Cromwell.

Sushi Noz is an eight-seat omakaze counter in New York. The restaurant's Edomae-style tasting menu consists of five to six small plates and a selection of seasonal nigiri. The cost is $300 per person, with the option of a $175 beverage pairing comprised of a mix of sake, champagne, and white wine. (And you bet Fati splurged on the pairings.)

Choosing "Moments Emotional" by Scott Dugdale for the soundtrack of her clip, Chef Fati panned around to "the girls" looking amazed over their special meal at the counter. Documenting the whole meal, Fatima used superzoom for dramatic effect and a thumbs-up gif over a clip of the sushi chef at work. She noted in captions that the meal was "stunning" — and that she was "blessed" to experience it.

Photos: Fatima Ali/Instagram