Chefs Sandra Lee, Ming Tsai and Donatella Arpaia allow viewers unprecedented access into their private worlds as they visit the people and causes that inspire their passion for giving. UNICHEF: UNITING THROUGH FOOD is based on the best-selling cookbook by Hilary Gumbel, with all royalties donated to The U.S. Fund for UNICEF (The United Nations Children’s Fund).
The special explores each chef’s roots through never-before-seen photos and home videos in an effort to understand how their modest upbringings led to lifelong missions to give back in very big ways. The common ingredient that influences these masters of the culinary universe is their deep connection to their roots and a strong desire to use their fame and success to help those in need.
Ming Tsai is the James Beard Award-winning chef/owner of Blue Ginger and Blue Dragon. Both are located in Massachusetts and feature Ming’s signature East-West cuisine. An Emmy® Award-winner, Ming also supports many charities including Family Reach of which he is the President of the National Advisory Board.
Hilary Gumbel has worked as a consultant for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF; her responsibilities included a senior advisor role for the USF Celebrity Relations and Ambassador Program. Hilary created and compiled UniChef, Top Chefs Unite a first of its kind collaboration of top celebrity chefs joining forces to help kids – with 100% of her royalties being donated directly to USF.
