i are what i eat: a food blog

14th December 2009

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David Chang Speaks at Google Campus

Never one to keep his opinion to himself, Chef David Chang spoke as a featured guest at Google Campus in New York, waxing poetic on the state of the food industry, how he got into cooking, and his new book “Momofuku”.  One thing he said early on hit home to my new found interest in food, and the way people I read and listen to follow the culinary world:

“I got out of the game - and I say the game, I say “the fine dining game”. We normally associate good food as fine dining.   When I started cooking … food and cooking wasn’t cool.  If any of you guys are thinking about career changing and going into cooking school, think twice.  Because it’s a hard, hard business.  It’s not glamourous, and tv has made it seem much more cooler than it actually is.  So, I don’t know if I would be cooking in this world that is today’s food world because it’s getting crazier and crazier.”

Based on the most recent articles I read about him, Chang seems ever modest about his contributions to the industry.  He maintains a level of integrity that always seems sincere, and the emotion he employs when speaking reinforces his opinions.  Clearly, with popular television shows “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives”, “Man vs. Food”, and rising interest in otherwise niche markets like “Midtown Lunch” blog or “Vendr TV” and “Food Curated” video podcasts, a shift from the old class of food cool is happening.  People recognize the hard work that goes into the kitchen, be it stationary or mobile, and are utilizing various forms of media to bring it the appreciated light that they deserve.

Tagged: videodavid changmomofukugoogle talks