Despite his busy schedule, chef, restaurateur and owner of Seoul Taco, David Choi (DC), found the time to talk with ChicagoHydePark.com (CHP) regarding his addictive Korean-influence taco, burritos and more which is scheduled to open soon in Hyde Park, Chicago.
Seoul Taco, a Korean-Mexican fast casual restaurant will open soon at 1321 E. 57th Street, Chicago (former locations of Edwardo’s Pizza & Cemitas Puebla).
Following is our interview with Chef Choi:
CHP: Where did you grow up?
DC: I was born in St Louis MO
CHP: Where did you go to college and what was your major?
DC: My College is now called Evangel University my major was General Studies. I didn't know what I wanted to really do. I guess it worked out.
CHP: Why was Hyde Park chosen as one of the locations for the fast-casual Korean-Mexican brand Seoul Taco?
DC: One it's a great neighborhood with diversity. I love the mix of University Students and sense of community Hyde Park has. I want to be able to bring an affordable menu and be a part and hopefully a staple in any neighborhood we open a Seoul Taco in. I think Hyde Park supports small businesses and we are excited to be part of this community.
CHP: When did you know you wanted to be a chef?
DC: Not necessarily did I think it would ever be a profession but in college I went to a small school, so our cafeteria was horrible. I had to learn how to cook. I really missed Korean food and learned from the culinary school of my Mom and Grandma. They really helped me learn Korean cuisine and it also helped that I worked in a lot of smaller restaurants ever since high school. So, the kitchen wasn't all that unfamiliar.
CHP: What is your favorite junk food?
Answer: At home Flaming Hot Cheetos, Shin Ramen, or Pizza. But everyone who knows me knows my guilty pleasure is Mc Donald's.
CHP: Who in the food world do you most admire?
DC: Locally Abe Conlon of Fat Rice and Won Kim of Kimskis do a fantastic job and are doing things that not many are doing really anywhere else.
CHP: Favorite foods to cook with?
DC: I love spicy foods so hot peppers, Kimchi, gochujjang are great.
CHP: White Sox or the Cubs and why?
DC: I love baseball. I grew up in St. Louis as a Cardinals fan, so I undoubtedly have to say the Sox as they are in the AL and I can safely adopt them as my official AL team since I live here now. No Cubs ever.
CHP: What do you most love about your job?
DC: Meeting new people every day. We have a motto that we don't want to just serve great food, but we want to serve people. I wouldn't have ever opened unless I wanted to meet new people every day.
CHP: One last question, Chef: What’s your ‘Last Supper’ meal? Your ‘Death Row’ meal, as Anthony Bourdain puts it.
DC: Oh, probably a great Sushi Omakase with some Uni and O toro A5 wagyu. Or Mc Donald's…haha
