What is your favorite book?

I adore so many books, but one that was very impactful on my career was Garlic and Sapphires by Ruth Reichl. This is her memoir that recounts her tenure as the food critic for The New York Times in the 1990s. She donned numerous disguises and personas to evade recognition, but also to provide the most genuine, egalitarian reviews for her readers. I had just joined Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group when I first read this book and couldn’t get enough. I had always been interested in food, restaurants, and the epicurean world, but Garlic and Sapphires sparked an even deeper appreciation and whetted my appetite for more.

What is your all-time favorite restaurant in NYC?

It’s so tough to choose just one, but it has to be Wu’s Wonton King in Chinatown. I’m obsessed with this spot. I lived a few blocks away for 6 years and I still dine here all the time because the food and staff are incredible (it’s also BYOB!). My grandma can be very picky about Cantonese food, but Wu’s has her stamp of approval. Whenever my family visits from Hawai’i dinner at Wu’s is a must.

What are your favorite bars in the city?

Gosh, there are so many, but here are a few in no particular order:
  Angel’s Share
  The Dead Rabbit
  AttaboyTerroir
  Dutch Kills
  Mayflower
  Katana Kitten
  Employees Only
  Sake Bar Decibel
  The Bar at The Baccarat Hotel

What kind of music do you listen to?

Nowadays, I tend to listen to podcasts more than music. I like shows about history, arts & culture, but also listen to some tech and news podcasts. A few of my favorites are You Must Remember This, Hard Fork, 99% Invisible, Gastropod, The Intelligence from The Economist, etc.

Why did you join Yobo? And why now?

When I first came across Yobo, I was struck by the elegant design and the origin story resonated with me. I’m excited to be part of a female-founded Asian American company that pays respect to cultural heritage but isn’t restrained by tradition. Yobo takes risks and it’s a dynamic time to join a team like this in the spirits space. The Yobo portfolio is full of spirits that are unique and made with high-quality ingredients yet our spirits are approachable and, most importantly, taste great!

Describe your ideal setting for drinking soju?

Practically any setting is ideal! For me, I love hosting and have friends and family over quite frequently. An easy drink I’ve been whipping up recently is a simple spritz with KTOWN (the Yuzu and Korean Pear flavors are what I reach for most), a splash of plum vinegar, topped with sparkling water over ice. So refreshing, light, and (dangerously) easy to drink.

What is your go-to cocktail?

Vesper Martini

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

Just going to throw it out there that I’m a horrid singer! I don’t sing at karaoke so much as I speak-shout the lyrics. My go-to songs are probably from the like No Scrubs by TLC, I Want It That Way by Backstreet Boys, Numb by Linkin Park, the Flash Gordon theme by Queen, etc.