Deuki Hong

Silicon Valley - Owner and Chef at Sunday Bird

Deuki Hong has been cooking for more years of his life than not, beginning his cooking at a professional level at age 15, it is no wonder the young chef has so many accolades to bare (other than his high school bowling championship). Hong is the Owner and chef at Sunday Bird in San Francisco, and also the author of his own cookbook, Koreatown. Being a chef from such a young age, Hong has had the opportunity to open multiple restaurants, study at the prestigious Culinary Institue of America, and make some wake in the culinary world. Hong’s recent move to San Francisco has been an opportunity for growth both personally and culinary, “the community here is second to none and I can't wait to do more tasty fun concepts to further add to the already incredible dining scene here,” explains Hong.

Q&A:

Hometown?

Born in Seoul South Korea and grew up in New Jersey!

Place you call home now (neighborhood etc)?

San Francisco (Castro neighborhood).

Any notes on your education?

I was a good(?) student...ha! I went to culinary school at the Culinary Institute of America.

Favorite sport to watch?

Basketball.

Favorite sport to play?

Baseball (played all throughout my childhood, still play on the weekends today!)
Bowling (*cough* 2007 New Jersey State High School Champions *cough* haha, it's true though)

Best vacation ever?

I just came back from Tokyo for my 30th birthday. It was my first solo trip and it was incredible

Dream trip destination?

Taiwan, Thailand, Southeast Asia.

Favorite dinner?

Whichever one I'm not cooking at.

Favorite dessert?

Not a dessert person... oops!

Underrated food?

Dad's cooking. Mamas always get the credit but my dad is a way better cook than my mama.

Dish you’re best at cooking?

Still working on that ha!

Best meal you've had at a restaurant?

Nightshade and Kato both in LA. So. Damn. Delicious.

Favorite TV show as a kid?

Everyday Cooking with Jacques Pepin
Jacques Pepin Cooking Techniques

Favorite movies?

Anything with Denzel in it. i.e. Remember the Titans, John Q, Training Day.
Honorable Mention: Armageddon

Wear a watch?

Nothing fancy. Just a simple clean Daniel Wellington.

Summer drink of choice?

Any cold drink from Boba Guys.

Winter drink of choice?

Any hot drink from Boba Guys.

Favorite beach?

I cannot swim...

Best thing about your career?

People. Definitely people.

What do you do now for work? Tell us something about your work and career path.

I'm a chef of the Sunday Group and have restaurants in SF. I've been cooking for half my life (15 years) and I couldn't imagine doing anything else. I've only been in SF for the past 2 years and it already feels like home. The community here is second to none and I can't wait to do more tasty and fun concepts to further add to the already incredible dining scene here.

Do you have any philanthropic interests/endeavors?

I can't really say its a philanthropic endeavor but really representing the Asian American community in the right way. In particular, Asian American males are constantly desexualized and represented as weak. Honestly, to be able to represent Asian American males in an incredible publication like this... it's truly an honor and a step forward. I believe there is a lot of strength and confidence in vulnerability and hopefully, by setting a good example as a chef and leader, I can inspire the next.