Introduction to Family Style Cooking
You come from a family obsessed with food. Without question, my grandmother and my mother have influenced me the most in the kitchen. They were the heartbeat of our family kitchen – my grandmother with her intuitive Cantonese cooking and my mother with her no-nonsense practicality. They taught me that food isn’t just about taste; it’s about generosity, connection, and the joy of feeding the people you love.
The Importance of Sharing Food in Chinese Culture
In Chinese culture, sharing food is the language of love – everything is interactive and communal – and dishes are meant to be passed, scooped, exchanged, and tasted at the center of the table. The spirit of shared experiences shaped every family-style recipe. Dishes are intended to be served family-style, with large centerpieces and lots of inviting, unfussy, and bold flavors that encourage conversation and joy.
From Fashion to Food
For me, creativity is creativity – whether it’s a dress or a dish. Admittedly, the technical aspects and medium are different, but I have always approached food the same way I approach fashion: through storytelling, color, texture, and emotion. Over time, cooking became not only my creative outlet but also a way to reconnect with my heritage.
Favorite Dishes
My golden fried rice is comfort in a bowl – delicate gooeyness made bright yellow by egg yolk, tender butternut squash, and streaks of egg. Each bite has the flavors I return to again and again, with an elegant twist – it’s homey and enough to be enjoyable. It tastes like a hug, but a fabulously chic one.
The Story of Gala Carrots
My gala carrots came about out of pure necessity. I came home after one of the Met Galas and was so hungry. All I had in the fridge at the time were these sad carrots, so I roasted them and tossed them with a quick gochujang honey butter sauce and found that they were not only good but delicious, and I’ve been making them ever since.
Favorite Flavor Enhancers
I would choose chili crisp – on eggs, pasta, roasted veggies, whatever. Soy sauce – it’s depth, salt, and umami in a lovely spritz and Chinese five-spice – it can range from sweet to savory and is good for almost everything. These three flavor enhancers can handle almost everything from “fine” to “fantastic”.
Foolproof Dinner Menu
I would start with my Baked Camembert with Chili Crisp and Honey, followed by Radicchio Fennel Salad with Creamy Miso Maple Dressing, my Hoisin Honey Roast Chicken, and finally Apple Pie with Salted Maple Caramel. These dishes are full of flavor, with so many components that can be prepared or cooked in advance.
Table Decoration
The tablescape sets the tone – it sets the stage for the meal, but it doesn’t have to be elaborate. A few simple tricks: Candles instantly set the mood, so dim the lights, turn off the blankets, and light a few candles. Think of tone-on-tone colors for napkins and other table linens. Stay within a color family to ensure cohesion.
Wine Pairing
I love a bright, zesty Sauvignon Blanc, especially that from Rombauer Vineyards – perfect with anything herbal or seafood-based. From Family Style, my favorite pairing with Rombauer’s Sauvignon Blanc is my Mahi Mahi Larb with Grapefruit Chili Crisp. And Rombauer’s luscious Zinfandel is a dream with braises, roasted meats, or anything reminiscent of chili or spice.
Comfort Food
A large bowl of rice with a fried egg, soy sauce, and green onions is my favorite comfort food. It’s humble, it’s nostalgic, and it always takes me back to the kitchen of my childhood – and for me, that is the purest form of comfort.
