Who is Viviana Varese: the LGBTQ+ Advocate Changing Fine Dining

The chef of Michelin-starred restaurant Viva in Milan faced considerable obstacles entering the world of haute cuisine as a young cook. Despite being discriminated against in the restaurant sector for being a woman, a lesbian and from the south of Italy, Varese persevered, taught herself how to cook and found success with her restaurant Alice in Milan, opened in 2007. Since then, she transformed Alice into a fresh concept, Viva, and opened a new venue in Sicily in 2021, W Villadorata Country Restaurant, while campaigning for a more inclusive hospitality world. At her restaurants, Varese puts a strong focus on staff inclusivity regardless of gender, race, age or sexuality, fostering an environment where everyone is encouraged to be their unique selves. Collaborating with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, she has helped train and integrate several displaced individuals. Varese also seeks to work with suppliers who share the same values – her plates and pottery are made by a company that employs and supports people with disabilities. In autumn 2021, the chef intends to open a new gelateria in Milan staffed by women who have been victims of domestic violence. 50 Best Restaurants TV is the official YouTube channel for The 50 Best Restaurants brand, which publishes annual lists of the opinions of thousands of international restaurant industry experts. These lists are announced at the award ceremonies of The World's 50 Best Restaurants, Asia's 50 Best Restaurants and Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants. Subscribe to 50 Best Restaurants TV for weekly culinary content:    / @worlds50best   #VivianaVarese #Viva #Milan #LGBTQ+