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Interview with Irene
YOOIrene Yoo, founder of Yooeating, is a chef known for her Korean American comfort food. Starting out as a popup restaurant in Brooklyn, Yooeating is now a channel that explores Korean home cooking, street food, and culinary history, influenced by Yoo’s time spent between Detroit, Seoul, and Los Angeles.
- What’s your Eastern Zodiac Sign? And your Western? Which one resonates more with you?
I was born in the Year of the Tiger, and am a Cancer. I think both resonate equally with me; I’m nurturing yet fierce!
- Can you share about your ethnic and generational background?
My parents immigrated to America from Korea and I was born in Detroit, but spent summers growing up in Seoul. I am a dual citizen of Korea and America today.
- Superstition from your childhood that you still believe in today.
Fan death! I will never sleep with a fan on and still don’t really like fans blowing on me.
- What pivotal experiences guided you toward your current path? Was there a specific moment or individual that influenced you?
We were always a big food family, where we would talk about what to eat for dinner over lunch. When we’d go back to Korea, my uncle loved driving us out of the city to his favorite noodle or duck bbq restaurants, while my grandmothers loved feeding us treats ranging from chewy rice cakes to nutty pressure cooked eggs or soft salty roasted potatoes.
- What dish from your childhood, lovingly prepared at home, holds a special place in your heart?
My grandfather was so dedicated to naengmyeon, aka cold noodles, that we’d go with the whole family several times a week. It’s still my north star dish, the one I search for whenever I go back to Korea.
- It’s often said that our parents’ express emotions through food. What’s your go-to meal when you want to convey your feelings?
Galbi jjim is my go-to meal to share with those I love. It’s slow cooked, unctuous, and saucy–just dripping with love.
- As you came of legal drinking age, what was your inaugural drink? And what’s your beverage of choice now?
My first favorite cocktail was a properly made amaretto sour! But these days I love either a Negroni, or just a simple beer and shot.
- Who serves as your guiding light? Why?
My partner, Nick! His cocktails are top-notch, and I trust his palate the most out of anyone I know.
- Who are your ultimate dream collaborators?
I would love to go back in time and ask my paternal grandmother how she made her jangjorim (braised beef in soy sauce)––I have not been able to get anywhere near recreating it.
- Which restaurant holds the title of your favorite at the moment?
I can’t go too long without a visit to Gopchang Story, for the impeccably grilled intestines and the even more immaculate vibes!