Today, I’m talking to Chef Simone Tong of the restaurant Zoe Tong in Austin. Her cross-cultural upbringing exposed her to many flavors throughout Asia, informing a blending of influences that resulted in a style uniquely her own.
You’ll hear about her early food influences, from street foods in China to her days working in her mother’s restaurant. She shares the reality of working in the kitchen and what it’s really like to make your dream of owning a restaurant a reality. You’ll h ear about many of the signature dishes that exemplify her style, and get some sage advice for aspiring restauranteurs.
I’d like to share a potential educational resource, “Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door”, my new book that features dialogues with accomplished culinary leaders from various backgrounds and cultures. It delves into the future of culinary creativity and the hospitality industry, drawing from insights of a restaurant-industry-focused podcast, ‘flavors unknown”. It includes perspectives from renowned chefs and local professionals, making it a valuable resource for those interested in building a career in the culinary industry.
Get the book here! Links to other episodes from AustinDon’t miss out on the chance to hear from these talented chefs from Austin and gain insight into the world of culinary techniques.
Chef Panel Explores Culinary Creativity in Austin
Interview with Chef Rick Lopez from La Condesa
Conversation with chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph
Conversation with chef Fermin Nūnez
Panel Discussion with chefs Andre Natera, Rick Lopez, and Edgar Rico from Austin
Conversation with Pastry Chef Philip Speer from Comedor in Austin
Leadership with Chef Andre Natera – What Every Senior Executive Can Learn From Top Chefs
Conversation with 3 Chefs in Austin (Chef Andre Natera, Chef Kevin Fink, and Chef Fiore Tedesco) – Vol 1
Conversation with 3 Chefs in Austin (Chef Andre Natera, Chef Kevin Fink, and Chef Fiore Tedesco) – Vol 2
Interview with Chef Andre Natera – The Culinary Yoda
Chef Fiore Tedesco – L’Oca D’Oro
Chef Michael Fojtasek – Olamaie
Links to most downloaded episodes (click on any picture to listen to the episode)
Some memories hold a sacred place in our hearts, especially from when we were very young. Those memories taste even sweeter in the remembrance than they might have in reality.
It’s hard to please everybody when you have a restaurant, especially when you have a restaurant that you claim to make modern Chinese food. Because what does it really mean?
I don’t think I was someone who loved to cook. I was someone who loved to eat.
My culinary style might be just as ambiguous and messy as my upbringing.
Social mediaChef Simone Tong
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Zoe Tong Restaurant
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Restaurant Zoe Tong in Austin
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