Dashi Chinese Kitchen chef-owner Kristina Zhao let a family dream lead her into the restaurant biz

Name: Kristina Zhao Job: Chef-owner, Dashi Chinese Kitchen + Bar and Sichuan House Birthplace: Guizhou, China Years in food service: 10 Big Impact: Known for her dedication to showcasing authentic Sichuan cuisine at her two restaurants, Zhao’s culinary and artistic prowess has been showcased on TV shows including Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Money Quote: “The production of a restaurant is a culmination of many, many moving parts, many people, many masters of their craft. From the food, the ambience, the music, the service, the bar, it’s just a combination of all those things, those little details that that make an exceptional dining experience.”