Steve Wan's success in the kitchen stems from multiple influences, including an artistic side diners wouldn't know about. I learn a bit more about our subject before he disappears for dinner service.
Did the holiday throw you off? Well, you can still catch up by reading the first part of Steve's interview (Especially the part about stereotypes).
Do you have any skills that have nothing to do with food?
One may call it “graffiti art” or “street art.” I enjoy expressing my artistic vision not only in the kitchen, but by painting large scale murals.
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When you're not in the kitchen, what are you doing in your free time?
Recreational: fishing, hiking, snowboarding, and aerosol art.
Where did you grow up?
South Bay of Los Angeles.
What's your favorite childhood memory?
Attending large eclectic family potlucks. It was these gatherings that sparked my love of food and cooking.
Hardest lesson you've learned:
Not taking it personal, I have to remember “I signed up for this.”
What is your ethnic background?
My father is Chinese from Jamaica and my mother is Irish/Scandinavian.
Last movie watched; how was it?
Straight Outta Compton. I really enjoyed their story. I believe the movie will help create a better understanding of the music and an awareness of issues in that era most will never experience.
Last thing you looked up/searched online:
Fainting Goats.
What would you like to be doing if you weren't in the industry?
Maybe construction or something that is art based.
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A contributing writer for OC Weekly, Anne Marie freelances for multiple online and print publications, and guest judges for culinary competitions. A Bay Area transplant, she graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona. Find her on Instagram as brekkiefan.