I was born in Hong Kong and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. I am inspired by culinary traditions around the world and especially fascinated with flavors developed with time and age-old techniques — think anchovies, kimchi, jamon iberico, fish sauce, fermented bean curd, shrimp paste, miso and more. Some call it stinky, I call it umami and delicious!

My absolute favorite food is fresh sea urchin. It’s sweet, briney, creamy and packed with flavors of the ocean (the good kind).

Outside of work, you will find me walking the farmer’s market, picking up fresh catch off the harbor and experimenting with new recipes. I also enjoy hiking, wheel throwing and caring for my vast collection of houseplants.