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

If you’ve ever gone to one of the legendary Shescape bashes—perhaps the Thanksgiving parties at the Rainbow Room or Tavern on the Green—you have Shescape’s senior partner, Susan Burdian, to thank. Burdian’s newest venture, the eclectic café Zuzies, is the result of her entrepreneurial streak and formal training at NYC’s Natural Gourmet Institute. Located at the Mix Café & Lounge right in her own Astoria neighborhood, Zuzies opened this summer. Featuring unexpected combos like lasagna salad, the island burger with pineapple and a chocolate and chorizo panini, Zuzies’ menu offers what Burdian calls “gourmet comfort food with global twists.” She has this advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: “I try to learn as much from my failures as I do from my successes. Don’t be discouraged when things get tough. Remember that every kick in the ass is a step forward!”