A Los Angeles native with over 20 years of culinary experience, Scott Linquist helms the kitchen at the very popular COYO Taco in Wynwood. On July 28th, Chef Scott will participate as Honorary Chef of the inaugural Flavors of Miami gala to be held at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel. The annual event is hosted in over 20 cities nationwide to benefit the American Liver Foundation’s mission to promote education, support and research for the prevention, treatment and cure of liver disease.

During this emotional interview with Digest Miami, Chef Scott shared his personal story about liver disease and how it encouraged him to participate in the Flavors of Miami event.

What impacted your decision to participate in the Flavors of Miami event?

Well, if I were to be totally honest, I knew very little about the Flavors event when I volunteered to do it. I knew it was for a great cause and that it was for the American Liver Foundation. I didn’t put two and two together. I have been doing these types of events for 20+ years in all the major cities in the U.S and none has ever hit home like this one! I did not realize how personal it would become until the orientation meeting. I learned that the American Liver Foundation and the donors had a crucial role in helping to develop the cure for Hepatitis C. During the meeting when I learned this, it sent chills down my spine and tears to my eyes. I became emotional and had to do everything to not break down right then and there. So maybe participating was just destiny. 

What did you learn about liver disease from your sister’s experience?

Honestly, my sister is like a saint to me! And me being a chef and focusing almost my entire existence on my work… needless to say, I have not always been the best brother. That being said; she contracted Hepatitis C while working the graveyard shift at the busiest children’s trauma center in Los Angeles, LA children’s Hospital. For years prior to being diagnosed with hepatitis C, she suffered from fatigue, chronic illness and a really not so comfortable existence, which she of all people didn’t deserve! She always worked and struggled through the difficulty it caused with a smile on her face! If it were me… I would have been curled up in the fetal position a good percentage of the time! Once diagnosed, many years after contracting the virus, there were really no options other than to just deal with it and hope it doesn’t completely destroy your liver. So that is what she did.

As with most illness, you try changing your diet, exercise, rest etc. but nothing seemed to work. About 3 years ago, she learned that there was a “possible” cure that she may qualify for. She qualified and began treatment, which was much like chemotherapy as I have been told. It took 3 months and lots and lots of agony and discomfort, and in the end, she still had the virus. Needless to say, it was incredibly disappointing for all.

Fast forward to about a year and half ago-- She learned about a new treatment that was seeing much better results, but instead of one injection per week, it was one injection per day. She waffled about whether she wanted to go through this again. I had a long conversation with her and said I am really sorry to say but you have no choice but to be strong and go for it. The next dilemma was if she would qualify? It was so new and many people wanted it! And then would her insurance cover it? The treatment is so expensive and without insurance there was no way my family could afford it. So, she played the waiting game and the answer was yes and yes!

About a year ago, she began this new groundbreaking treatment. Again, 3 months of very uncomfortable treatment. She still worked almost everyday, now at Loma Linda Hospital in California (who has great insurance by the way!) During the treatment, her doctors would regularly check the “virus count,” which was declining, but no one knew if it would be completely eradicated. Once the treatment was finished her virus count was checked and it read as “zero!” She has been checked regularly since and the virus count is still zero! So needless to say, we are very grateful to the American Liver Foundation! Now I know very clearly why I am participating in the Flavors of Miami Event.

What can we expect during the Flavors of Miami event?

You can expect for me to cry at least once and, of course, a great and very creative event format, which includes top South Florida chefs preparing a multi-course menu tableside-- no easy feat! From me, you can expect a culinary tour of Mexico. I have created a menu that features my rendition of classic dishes from 8 different Mexican states. For instance, from the state of Sinaloa, I will be presenting Huachinango en Agua Chile, tiradito style florida snapper ceviche with cucumber, avocado, cilantro and serrano chile water. I can guarantee it will be an incredibly unique dining experience and fun for all!