For Tobias Dorzon, the night of Nov. 5, 2024, began like any other date night. Known for his appearances on the Food Network and named 2024 Maryland Chef of the Year, Dorzon, 40, juggles the demands of his two busy restaurants — Huncho House and 1123 by Chef Tobias — while keeping up a standing tradition of biweekly date nights with his long-distance girlfriend, Crystal Swan, who had just flown into town. The two decided to treat themselves to dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Northwest D.C. The restaurant wasn’t particularly crowded; only a few people lingered at the bar, likely watching Election night coverage.
