Queer Women We Love, Red Hot Entrepreneurs, Wonder Women

Workin’ It 2010

November 8, 2010 Cheryle Burke, Kat Long

Some chefs spend years in pricey culinary institutes trying to master natural foods. Deborah Gavito, proprietor of the snazzy NYC vegetarian restaurant Counter, learned the art of cooking with seasonal produce and edible weeds from her grandmothers. Gavito’s early fascination with natural cooking has grown into a long-time dedication to local and sustainable foods: her first venture, an all-natural baked goods business called Body & Soul, debuted in 1993. She sold her scrumptious treats at the Union Square Greenmarket, where she developed an appreciation for family farmers, and earned enough dough (pun intended) to open Counter in 2003. As Counter’s proprietor, Gavito designs fresh vegetarian fare, biodynamic wines and cleverly named organic vodka martinis (one is called “The Angry Lesbian”). “I waited on tables years and years ago, but other than that, I’ve only worked for myself,” Gavito says. “I don’t think I could take orders from any one else.”

45 of 2010’s Red Hot Entrepreneurs

Boston native Aliza Shapiro has produced cultural happenings in her hometown since 1994, a career arc that began when she realized the bands she worked with at an indie record label were distinctly lacking in diversity. To remedy the situation, she founded Truth Serum Productions and began booking shows that were more woman- and queer-friendly. More than 600 events and multiple awards later, Shapiro continues to produce wildly popular shows like the monthly experimental film/performance series CineMental; and TraniWreck, a cabaret which Shapiro frequently emcees as her drag king alter ego, Heywood Wakefield. “Truth Serum events are for adventurous people who want a challenge along with their entertainment,” Shapiro says. “I think creating events that are labeled queer, or include queer performers, often puts me on the outside. I’m comfortable there. What the labels miss is that the events are comfortable for open-minded allies too.”