Alli Li Bio: Growing up in LA, I’d always wanted to be an artist. After dropping out of high school and working in service to forge my own path, I worked on various film sets before becoming disillusioned by the intangibility of film production. I soon found the tangibility I was looking for in the labor of love that is cooking. Under the tutelage of longtime Chez Panisse chef Kelsie Kerr, I fell in love with the artistry of farm to table cooking. I am currently the head chef of Friends and Family Bar in Oakland. As a queer safe haven and major date spot, I strive to ensure that the food facilitates beauty, playfulness, and simplicity. I hope that the love and care that I bring to the queer community - and my community at large -  is felt in the food. At this point in history, I am honored to have a seat at the table, and humbled to have a plate on it as well.