Kristen Kish was adopted by parents Judy and Michael Kish when she was a baby. What do we know about them? Are they still married? Where do they live now?
Explore the details as you scroll down this article.
Who are Kristen Kish’s parents?
Chef Kristen Kish was born in South Korea but was adopted by a family in Kentwood, Michigan, named Judy and Michael Kish.
When she started watching cooking shows as a little girl, she was fascinated by the food industry. Kish experienced a predominantly white male-run restaurant scene, like many others growing up in the 1990s. Emeril Lagasse and Mario Batali were regulars on television. Kish knew what she wanted to do at age 7 and intuitively made burgers with homemade kimchi, even though she had never seen anyone who looked like her in charge of a kitchen.
Kish (who attended Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in Chicago) had worked exclusively in male-owned or -operated establishments before joining Lynch, first as sous chef at Stir in 2011.
“I definitely had never experienced working for a woman. It definitely changed me. My perspective changed,” Kish told TODAY Food. “Up until I worked for Barbara, I was struggling with a lot of things—both personally and professionally.”
“She said to me, ‘I don’t need to teach you how to cook. You know how to cook. I’m here to challenge the way you think about yourself.’”
Despite working at some of the most famous restaurants early in her career, the chef admits that it was difficult to find her voice. She struggled with drugs, alcohol, and her own sexuality in her early years. Kristen claims that despite her talent and reaching some of the highest positions in her field, she still lacked self-confidence.
“I was insecure, anxious, and unsure of who I was. Barbara was the one who told me I had to go on ‘Top Chef.’ I’ll never forget what she said to me: ‘We need more women on TV,’” Kristen recalled, adding that she was reluctant at first, but eventually agreed. She became the second woman to win the award-winning series hosted by Padma Lakshmi.
The celebrity chef claims that despite media praise for her achievement as the second woman and first Asian American to win the competition, she faced many problems when she returned to work in Boston.
“This is the first time I’ve ever spoken out about this. A male chef in my city started saying that I slept with him to advance my career. I never worked for him a day in my life and I’m gay,” Judy said. “It’s a way to make women feel inferior. It’s frustrating—why can’t anyone just be happy instead of being criticized? It was the first blow of big reality.”
Meet Judy Kish, Kristen Kish’s Mother
Judy Kish is Kristen Kish’s mother. She is the daughter of the late AD Adams and Jane Rotzien. Her father was born on May 2, 1925, in Stamford, Texas, to Edgar and Nora (Utley) Adams. As a child, AD moved with his family to Buchanan, where he became a star football player. At the age of 17, he joined the United States Navy and fought in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
After the war, AD found the love of his life, Jane Rotzien, and they were married on October 26, 1946. He was also a lifelong member of the VFW and the American Legion, where he held various positions. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, and most of all, watching Detroit Tigers baseball and MSU football games.
AD has seven siblings: James Adams, Lonnie Adams, Lee Frank Speckine, Billy Don Speckine, Mary Koroch, Marie Beatty and Pat Zelasko.
Judy L Kish was born in 1949. She turns 74 in February 2023.
There is no information about Judy Kish’s work.
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Is Judy Kish on Instagram?
No, Judy Kish is not on Instagram. But you can find her on FB.
Meet Michael Kish, Kristen Kish’s Father
Kristen Kish’s father’s name is Michael Kish.
Michael Kish is 74 years old. He was born in June 1948.
There is no information about Michael Kish’s work.
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Is Michael Kish on Instagram?
No, Michael Kish is not on Instagram.
Related FAQs
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Where do Kristen Kish’s parents live?
Kristen Kish’s parents live in Ocala, Florida.
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How many children do Kristen Kish’s parents have?
Judy and Michael Kish have two children. They have a son named Jonathan Kish, who is 46 years old. Jon is a Senior Team Leader in Pricing at DSV – Global Transport and Logistics. Previously, he worked at CH Robinson as a Global Freight Forwarder, Sales Coordinator and Pricing Analyst.
Jonathan earned his associate degree from Schoolcraft College. Then in 2017, he earned his Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University – Eli Broad College of Business.
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Are Kristen Kish still parents to each other?
Yes, Kristen Kish’s parents are still together.