Beijing-born celebrity chef Shirley Chung treated for cancer, closes US restaurant
- Ex-Top Chef contestant is closing Ms Chi Cafe in California as she undergoes treatment for Stage 4 tongue cancer, Chung said on Instagram
Former Top Chef contestant Shirley Chung is pausing operations at her California restaurant, Ms. Chi Cafe, while she undergoes treatment for Stage 4 tongue cancer.
The Beijing-born celebrity chef, 47, revealed her diagnosis on Instagram, sharing a video of her shaving her head in preparation for chemotherapy. In the clip, she jokes about what kind of egg she most closely resembles, later quipping about her buzz-cut: “It’s kind of sexy.”
Since December, Chung wrote in the post’s caption, she has had a “series of dental issues” that she initially attributed to being a “heavy teeth grinder”. Then in May, she developed ulcers in her mouth, leading her oral surgeon to discover a tumour hidden under her tongue.
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Chung was diagnosed with Stage 4 tongue cancer, she said, “as cancer cells had also spread into my lymph nodes”.
“We are incredibly grateful to each and every one of you – our staff, supporters, and fans. We have truly enjoyed spreading the dumpling love over the last several years and calling Culver City our home!” the post read. “This is a temporary pause on orders, and we will be back!”
The post did not disclose a reopening date, though Chung said she did not waste any time beginning treatment once she received her diagnosis.
