This Is TASTE 660: Muse Is a Los Angeles Restaurant Scene Secret with Fardad Khayami
Sep 24, 2025
Fardad Khayami, the dynamic chef-owner of Muse in Santa Monica, shares his inspiring journey from pop-up dinners at USC to opening his restaurant before turning 25. He discusses the challenges posed by January fires and how he creatively supported his community. Chef Eric Valdez of Naks in NYC adds his insights through rapid-fire food questions, sharing his love for Filipino cuisine and favorite dishes. Together, they explore the vibrant restaurant scenes in LA and NYC, revealing how passion and resilience shape culinary success.
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Grandfather’s Sunday Lessons
- Fardad learned hospitality from his grandfather cooking Persian stews for Sunday family lunches in London.
- Those meals showed him how serving food can make people feel loved and energized.
Stages That Shaped His Style
- Fardad staged at fine dining restaurants like 1917 and the Waterside Inn and saw calm, organized kitchens.
- Those experiences taught him discipline without cruelty and that hospitality can be joyful.
Dorm Pop-Up That Snowballed
- While at USC Fardad began cooking for roommates after his grandfather died, which grew into a 30-seat dorm pop-up.
- The project evolved into an off-campus dining apartment and a 6,000-person waitlist by senior year.
