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With the absence of much news that is not related to the Covid 19 pandemic, I thought I would do something different. I am writing about famous Asian Americans because, well it made for a good, reasonable to write about topic. In this edition I will write about Chef/Author/TV personality David Chang. Chang is famous for opening Momofuku restaurant group which operates Michelin starred locations around the world.

Chang grew up in Arlington Virginia, as the son of two Korean immigrants. During his childhood Chang grew up around the two restaurants his parents owned, both of which served exclusively American food. After college Chang floated around travelling, and working odd jobs in America and Japan, before starting his culinary training in New York City. After completing his training  and a short stint working in fine dining Chang left the United States. Chang claims he started to hate fine dining, and decided to work in many of the different kind of noodle bars throughout Tokyo. It was here that Chang began to develop his idea that would eventually make him one of the most known chefs on the planet. Eventually Momofuku was opened and Chang kick started the major rush of "Ramen" and noodle based restaurants across America. Chang is famous for taking traditional Asian styles, French training, American ingredients and melding them together, to create something new.

While many people would relax or enjoy their success, Chang has continued to innovate, open restaurants. Eventually Chang produced and starred in Season 1 of the PBS show The Mind Of A Chef which won multiple awards. Which has led to Chang becoming a media personality complete with two of his own netflix shows. One show Ugly Delicious digs into the sociology of foods, and cuisines. I 100% recommend this show, it will teach you something, and make you hungry! The other show is entitled Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner and is a more traditional travel-food program complete with celebrity guests.

Chang has used his success for good, and to have more meaningful conversations on how food reflects his own cultures, and allows him to better understand others. Because of that I thought he would be a good subject for today.

Here is a link to a video where Chang explains Ugly Delicious and his reasons for making it.

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