Representing Korean Cuisine On a Global Stage

Challenger chef, judge and the owner of Mŏkbar, Esther Choi shares her introduction to the culinary world and mission to celebrate Korean culture through her craft. She reflects on her initial introduction to Food Network and treasured memories made while cooking with her grandmother. Chef Esther emphasizes the value of cooking with fresh, homegrown ingredients, making each element by hand and other lessons her grandmother taught her. Reminiscing about elementary school days in Korea, she offers her perspective on their culture and cuisine. Esther dishes on the New York restaurant scene, praising its diverse representation of the Korean flavor spectrum. She shares her strategy for introducing Americans in small towns and big cities to her roots and encouraging them to cook with Korean elements. The restaurateur reveals challenges and considerations she had to make when scaling her concept into three restaurants and planning menus for each. Esther explains the cultural significance of shareable food and her people-first approach to curating menus. Finally, the Beat Bobby Flay winner opens up about judging and competing on television, spilling her rigorous training techniques.

Find episode transcripts here: https://food-network-obsessed.simplecast.com/episodes/esther-choi-champions-the-global-sport-of-korean-food

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