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Interview with Vivian
CHENVivian Chen, aka “The Hospitality Lawyer,” is a second-generation Korean American who grew up in LA and moved to Korea at 13. With a background deeply rooted in the restaurant industry, thanks to her grandparents’ culinary ventures across the US, she has combined her heritage with her legal expertise to support chefs and restaurant owners.
- What’s your Eastern Zodiac Sign? And your Western? Which one resonates more with you?
Rooster/ Cock. Gemini. Both resonate but probably being a rooster because of the traits (as copied from Google):Hardworking, Dependable, Visionary, Creative, Meticulous, Loyal, Confident, Organized, and Passionate
- Can you share about your ethnic and generational background?
Second generation Korean American. Grew up in LA and moved to Korea at 13 and attended international school from 8th grade to high school.
- Superstition from your childhood that you still believe in today.
Not eating all the rice in my bowl will lead to pimples.
- What pivotal experiences guided you toward your current path? Was there a specific moment or individual that influenced you?
I am a restaurant kid at heart. Both sides of grandparents owned restaurants in LA and Texas, (paternal side) and maternal side grandma owned or worked in restaurants in Hawaii and NY.
- What dish from your childhood, lovingly prepared at home, holds a special place in your heart?
My mom’s Kimchi chigae. This is my last meal food request and all I could eat when I was pregnant with both kids. It’s often said that our parents’ express emotions through food. What’s your go-to meal when you want to convey your feelings?
- It’s often said that our parents’ express emotions through food. What’s your go-to meal when you want to convey your feelings?
Kimbap. My mom makes this for me and every ingredient she puts in is made with so much love. When I eat or make kimbap I think of her. That’s why love my client Kimbap Lab.Kimbap is such an emotional comfort food for me.
- As you came of legal drinking age, what was your inaugural drink? And what’s your beverage of choice now?
Soju was my inaugural drink! Don’t ask my age… but it was in Korea. I am a dry champagne and dirty martini lover. Also love a good Aperol spritz.
- Who serves as your guiding light? Why?
My parents are my guiding light.They worked tirelessly as diplomats and missionaries to provide the best life for me and my brother and ask for nothing in return.I admire their quiet strength and unwavering support and love they show through food and incredible experiences. As diplomats for the U.S. State Department, my family has been fortunate to travel around the world visiting them at the various posts like Guatemala, Kosovo, Israel, etc.
- Who are your ultimate dream collaborators?
I’m working with my dream collaborators! All of my chef clients!
- Which restaurant holds the title of your favorite at the moment?
Jungsik is still my favorite restaurant in NYC for fine dining and holds a very special place in my heart.