
Time & Date
Tuesday, May 16, 2023, 6:30 pm
Both in-person and virtual tickets are available for this event. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Event Location
WBUR CitySpace890 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, MA 02215Open in Google Maps
Bullying, abuse and sexual harassment have not only been part of restaurant culture, but they have also been worn as badges of honor by celebrity chefs for decades. The #MeToo movement put a spotlight on these behaviors, forcing public apologies and accountability from chefs including Mario Batali, Ken Friedman and Dan Barber. Boston’s restaurants seem to have sidestepped a reckoning. But recent backlash against chef Michael Scelfo, comments made by chef Ming Tsai and reporting from the New York Times and Boston Globe about renowned chef Barbara Lynch now call into question just how widespread toxic environments remain in the industry.
Join Robin Young, co-host of Here & Now, for an inside look into the culture of the restaurant industry, how it’s been tolerated and how it can change.
Panelists
Hassel Aviles — Co-founder and executive director, Not 9 to 5
Irene Li — Co-founder, Mei Mei Dumplings and Prepshift, and James Beard Leadership Award winner
Janelle Nanos — Business enterprise reporter, Boston Globe
Hannah Selinger — James Beard Award-nominated writer
Related Reading
Lynch allegations spark calls for changing toxic restaurant culture
Amid toxic workplace allegations, Barbara Lynch restaurants drift on
Boston restaurant industry reacts to reports of workplace abuse by chef Barbara Lynch
Increasing accountability in Boston's restaurant scene
Celebrity chef Ming Tsai issues apology for controversial comments