Born Christine Marie Sanderson in Cleveland, Ohio, Chrissy relocated to Fort Smith, Arkansas, in 1984. She went on to earn a Bachelors of Arts from the University of Arkansas in Political Science in 1998. Chrissy originally worked as a bartender in '98 at a new restaurant concept created by Joe Fennel called Bordinos.
Chrissy's relationship with Joe Fennel began in 1995 at his very popular restaurant – Jose's – on Dickson Street in Fayetteville. But while working behind the bar at Bordinos, Chrissy saw first hand Fennel's commitment to quality and "just getting it right and never settling for good enough."
Chrissy subsequently went to The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. After graduating in 2002, she returned to Fayetteville and ultimately became Chef and Co-Owner of Bordinos. While Bordinos has morphed into much more than the original 60-seat cafe, the passion of Joe Fennel and Chrissy has been fueled by success.
Chrissy now offers much more than the original Northern Italian cuisine. Her admitted predilection for "getting bored easily" has served patrons well. Chrissy's inventive dishes are influenced by Pacific Rim and other popular trends but remain distinctively hers (and ours.) Chrissy's responsibilities go beyond the kitchen, as she is involved in every aspect of the business at Bordinos.
Some of Chrissy's earliest memories involve her grandparents in the kitchen cooking and the wonderful smells of a homemade meal.
Chrissy's attention to detail has set the tone of a successful gourmet kitchen. With a solid base of traditional offerings, Chrissy has been able to explore new dishes at an ever-increasing pace. Seasonal menu changes are evidence that Chrissy's desire to incorporate the freshest ingredients, organic when possible and purchased from local farmers often. "My dream menu would be 100% organic," states Chrissy, "but it's just not feasible at this time."
From the cramped 200 square foot original Bordinos kitchen to the spacious facility that opened a year ago, Bordinos kitchen alone is over 2000 square feet and the restaurant seats 175 plus.
Chrissy sees wondrous possibilities for her cuisine at Bordinos. "Our patrons are more open now than ever to trying something new, and that's exciting." Chrissy is quick to point out that her success is owed to a great kitchen staff and supportive friends.
While working 60-70 hours a week doesn't leave much time for play, Chrissy has recently taken up fly-fishing. "While challenging, it's also very relaxing as it allows me to focus on something other than the restaurant business," she says.
Chrissy is a Libra, has one sister, two dogs, two cats and owns a home in Fayetteville.