Day In The Life of A Taiwanese Master Chef

A restaurant has only one grand opening in its lifetime. For Chef Eric Sze, that means finally opening the doors to WenWen, one of NYC's most anticipated restaurants of 2022.
I had to honor of capturing this magical night in WenWen's history - an extremely special memory for me since Eric is a dear friend I've known for years. Fully booked tables, hours of prep, roaring wok flames, a cacophony of overlapping voices, and a seemingly endless river of tickets filled the jam-packed grand opening on March 16th, 2022.
We never see just how much work goes into opening a restaurant, especially in New York City, one of the most demanding environments in the food industry. Often, we simply go somewhere to eat, enjoy our meal, get the check, and head home.
Thank you to the entire WenWen team for showing me what you do. Eric, Andy, Kathy, Corey, Asa, Morgan, Juan, Farid, front of house, back of house, operations, and everyone else - keep it up, I'm rooting for you all.
WenWen: / wenwenbk
Eric: / esze.e
Kathy: / kathers_chen
My personal channel: / alvinzhou1
Instagram: / alvin.zhou

[@boejar]

I haven't seen anyone talking about Juan in the comments. Dude is literally making a dish that isn't of his culture yet the owner cannot even make it as good. He's doing the hardest part and making it as authentic as possible and not even being from that country. That's talent. Good shit Juan!

[@kayflip2233]

Mexicans run many of the best NYC restaurants. They are beasts in the kitchen.

[@SOLRACHIGH]

hes just to lazy to make it because its a long process and its hard

[@linhl4710]

It's called being humble and overall humility. Yes, Juan could have had more recognition in this video and in the comments, but someone had to have taught him the dish. For the owner to push all of the praise onto his staff is class leadership. More power to Juan for earning the trust :)

[@SOLRACHIGH]

@@linhl4710 I’m sure he’s still only getting minimum wage for doing all that hard work! I doubt he’s gets a proper salary someone prove me wrong!!!

[@tetrahedron4990]

@@SOLRACHIGH You must be fun at parties.

[@colewharton8853]

Alvin, this is truly the best media I have consumed in recent memory. Your clear love for your work shows and you manage to capture people in the most candid light. If you put out an episode weekly I would happily stop watching anything and everything else. You have a gift for capturing humanity and their gifts on camera. Never stop doing this!

[@one.2622]

Calm down lol

[@lorenzovsoleri]

if this is the best media you've recently consumed, I highly recommend the NYT documentary on Sally Schmitt: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWbHYnaZodBoh6M

[@joucoco]

@@one.2622 😂

[@gregandrews7281]

Yeah I agree entirely

[@renloyt]

@@one.2622 lol you clearly have no passion in life and it shows.

[@noondaze]

It was hella touching that Eric devoted his speech to allowing his staff to make mistakes, and genuinely following up on it by assuring one of the chefs that it was okay to forget that he forgot to blanch the food. Not a lot of people can stay empathetic and considerate to others under intense pressure. Love bosses like that.

[@kepeli14]

Yes, exactly - I thought the same thing. He definitely practiced what he preached

[@TheSlikiboy]

Yeah that was absolutely brilliant, so much respect for that

[@magicknight13]

So true, super inspiring and reminds me that just because a situation can get tough doesn't serve as an excuse to be snappy or unforgiving with people, it's a we're all in this together mentality

[@AL__EX]

I still remember Chef Eric preparing meals for essential workers during the pandemic. I wish him and the WenWen team all the best.

[@HiddenAgendas]

Wow, the same guy? I didn't realize that. I wish he and his team massive success.

[@seven7th___nightmare776]

@@HiddenAgendas indeed.. its the same guy

[@Kyomeows29]

Juan the main star there !! he literally cooks food thats, not even his culture and still makes the food bomb as hell. I wish u guys could've shown more of Juan so he can share his story of how he got there and how he master Taiwanese food. Amazing job Juan!!!!!

[@Trgn]

I think he makes bulk preparation and pre-cooking ingredients that will later be used for the final dish. He probly work in shift and get to leave early when he's done. So he wasnt there later in the day.

[@AllenHanPR]

How do you know its not his culture, What if he was grown in Taiwan.

[@kenS87]

He's a great worker. Stop being so extra that he's cooking food outside of his background. Dude is proficient and gets the task done.

[@cursedheavy8860]

Still, cooking food from another culture is difficult, mostly because other chefs that are of that culture know it intimately compared to someone who might not really know the nooks and crannys of the food's design. There's nothing 'extra' about appreciating someone else's ability to adapt to new challenges.@@kenS87

[@isaacarthur2883]

This was like a spiritual experience. I laughed, cried, and cheered on this restaurant from a thousand miles away. This video captures the best parts of what makes us human. I feel lucky to have gotten to watch it. Alvin, you're the best thing on KZbin right now. Keep doing what you're doing!

[@tinashemanyadza7155]

Word 👏🏻

[@andyyang4872]

You are correct, laugh, cried and cheered!!!!!!!!!!

[@ElectroMikeBirch]

Clearly, here is a man of impeccable taste.

[@rahuls.k9356]

this is what god tier editing looks like....

[@TheCledis]

It’s so good

[@pinefilms3141]

and filming and commentating/interviewing!

[@alvinzhoufilms]

While editing this over the course of a few months, I usually have soundtracks from anime, video games, or movies playing in the background to help pass the hours. A lot of these end up teaching me things about music and story, especially as I discover new games, artists, and anime I Iove. Here are a few moments of direct inspiration from media I enjoyed during that time. 4:44 - Chef (Jon Favreau) 6:42 - Takt .op destiny (Episode 1 battle) 13:13 - NieR Automata - Alien Manifestation (first mission in the game) 17:54 - Ocean's Eleven 19:12 - Hunter x Hunter Ep. 51 (Requiem for Uvogin) shoutout to anime and video games

[@galaxy_brain]

UVOOOOOO

[@thechang5161]

I always have 19:12 combination on my mind when i fried rice. Thanks for bringing it to life.

[@swordzx9]

Which track is @22:30?

[@jameshabisohn1110]

Hey Alvin, I am a Toast POS master, if you all need any help with anything lmk I know it all!

[@tubulartuber]

this film was really great. if I had any feedback I'd say something weird is happening to the recorded speech audio, like some kind of compression or something that gives a kind of warbling tone to the recorded speech

[@marcusa3177]

I will never get tired of positive, nontoxic kitchen/chef culture. Great work here Alvin; if anything a lot of documentaries need your touch of humanizing the people in the video and becoming the viewer's proxy in terms of emphatizing with and asking the right questions to them. Wishing Chef Eric and everyone in WenWen all the best and that they never lose the drive and fire that brought them to where they are now.

[@ojtiv]

this video truly cured my short form video addiction. this is the first time in months that i have fully watched a video to the very last second and enjoyed every minute of it, and even though i don't know eric i could feel his laughter, stress, happiness just through the video alone. i hope the very best for this WenWen and if i wasn't living in Scotland i might've even visited.

[@mikep1212]

The 2 films on this channel are 2 of the best films i have ever seen. It helps that the 2 restaurants were extrememly genuine people but the way you have shot and editted each film just bring out so so so much more. Phenominal content. Thank you.

[@PeterWilhelm]

Saw your Texas bbq video this morning, and was blown away, now this one. Everything about your videography from your composition, broll, color grading, and storytelling is top quality…keep up the good work! 👏🏾

[@usamaepekonis]

Chef Eric always seems to be someone who is chill and yet so diligent and dedicated when it comes to his crafts. His videos on eater and munchies from sharing restaurants menu, teaching his recipes and even the chefs nights out always seems so fun and also educational. It's always a pleasure to see chef Eric in one of these videos

[@tomlinvision]

Chef Kathy seems insanely skillful and hardworking, the whole team honestly seems great. Loved the video Alvin!

[@TheChief10097]

6 minutes from finishing but I just love your shot composition so much. Wok scene was great. The shots of the two main dishes were terrific. I also love how much you interact with everyone you film. Thank you for another great doc, great work! ❤

[@mikel9567]

The biggest take away for me was how Eric recognizes that people are choosing to spend their money at his restaurant and that he considers it an honor to serve them his food. I wish more chefs shared his attitude. I'm not into Taiwanese food, but if I'm ever in NYC I would hit this place up in a second.

[@BebehCookieIcecream]

Video made me cry. As someone who loves cooking and food in general, along with the dedication and camaraderie displayed here, it was such a joy to watch from beginning to end. The way he described wok cooking was perfect, and the way people praised each other's efforts was superb and showed the care amongst the team. Juan is also a badass.

[@jim_vinyltap]

This is a perfect comment.

[@classicbandgeek]

As a Chef and restaurant owner - I super appreciate these behind the scene mini docs that you do, showcasing a light on the reality of what it's like to keep it all together. Wishing Chef Eric & WenWen decades of great nights with full rosters - his team seems solid & their work looks immaculate. Mad respect.

[@pinefilms3141]

12:57 "give them shots, give them alcohol" 🤣 now this is truly some top tier customer service

[@grandpatrey]

This made me more emotional than I've been in years. As someone in the food industry, you show their struggles and triumphs as if it were an art form. I am cheering for people I will probably never get to meet, but I enjoyed every second of the ride. Looking forward to any work you put out, this was really wonderful. Thank you Alvin!

[@ampheros]

The usage of music to emphasize how precise and yet how beautiful cooking is is just amazing. Good job Alvin!

[@yuchendeng9814]

I think it's absolutely beautiful that Alvin was able to capture such an important and emotional moment for Chef Eric Sze. Alvin's work is truly one of a kind, his talent for filming and editing, even music choices have captured my attention.

[@PaulsTechSpace]

The quality of this channel is nearly unbeatable..

[@casperguo7177]

The cinematography is a sight to behold

[@chihack]

Solid, solid, solid. The edit, sound, music, and style. All spot on. And keep including 'you' in your videos. You are documenting a very personal, intimate process. To pretend you're not there would create a distance that shouldn't be there. Including yourself conveys a relationship with your subject. Thank you. Keep 'em coming.

[@lemonrinds8296]

When Eric shared some of his strats for butchering the chicken, that's when I knew that's a good kitchen to be in. The free sharing of knowledge, just knowing that you're helping your coworkers to be the best they can be at their jobs :)

[@LawSchoolJourneys]

It is hard to dislike Eric Sze and when paired with Alvin's editing style, it makes for some of the greatest content. Really love the work both of you do and appreciate how humble you both are through all of it. Keep it up! Wishing Eric tons of success and I hope to visit next time I take a trip home to NY!

[@ilydevonte4764]

I’ve noticed the same problem with kitchens in restaurants, heavily relying on a work horse that is rightfully skilled to the max and not getting more people like him to even out the weight on his shoulders. I hope Juan is compensated correctly because having worked in kitchens for some time, being a work horse is great until its not so great. Great work Juan, I want to thank people like you whenever I eat somewhere really good because I know its hard workers keeping the lights on.

[@kaichow1015]

Love the chemistry between Eric's spur of the moment impulses, and Alvin's deadpan reactions to them.

[@IngaLam]

can we also call this day in the life of a master cinematographer

[@alvinzhoufilms]

damn that's too nice of you

[@cr5000]

Dear Alvin, I think the greatest compliment I can pay your work is that I watched this entire video without also scrolling through Instagram or playing a game at the same time. It had all my attention, which is rare nowadays. I love the restaurants you cover, and the vibes that radiate through from everyone in the videos. I also thoroughly enjoyed how intentional everything seems to be, and that shot at the end of the table, chairs and the wall in the background speaks to me although I don't know why. I hope you come out with more videos soon. Much love ❤️

[@Lastchanceblueprint]

These videos have been wonderful to watch. Going from a BBQ joint in Texas to a Taiwanese restraint in the city, but feeling like I’m watching the same story about individual humans and their labors of love has been a treat. Great people, stories, videography. Well done, I hope you keep them coming.

[@oxfordbambooshootify]

Bro your story telling skills through camerawork, editing and scripting is nothing short of incredible. That felt like the shortest 26 minutes of my life

[@nelsonyang1216]

as a Taiwanese this makes me tear up. this is so touching.

[@sethsmetak5526]

I love how he takes time to highlight each chefs abilities

[@tonyhuynh28]

Damn, Eric's words to his staff before they opened really touched me. What a leader with compassion that really gives a shit about his people.

[@drumblebee]

hearing them do all the callouts and praising each others work in between is so fucking special, i really hope for the best for Eric and his team if he keeps cultivating such an awesome environment in his kitchen

[@CheeseCakeJakeTV]

Yo, when everyone is drinking water out of the deli containers almost brought a tear to my eye..: I’ve been doing this for 16 years now. And that feeling of getting a drink of ice water after a huge pop is unmatched…great job chefs!

[@taylorgraham7067]

Eric is such an incredible leader, I love the attitude he brings and how he treats his team.

[@ExuCaliba]

5:57 the face he makes after the cleaver doesn't cut through the paper is golden!

[@jlinphotos]

taiwanese food is beautiful. eric's passion is so apparent, and the way he leads his employees is beyond admirable. proud to be a taiwanese after this video 🥺

[@Xenorous_]

I feel so grateful to be able to witness the highs and lows of WenWen's Grand Opening it was so beautifully chaotic. Honestly Alvin don't stop doing what you're doing because its something special, very special.

[@alexdavis3204]

You had me rooting so hard for these guys after just a few minutes. This felt so human. Also just incredibly well shot.

[@disbandthestrand]

This was amazing. I've seen your other work and this one just hits different...there are just little moments that really capture the simple beauty of working in food service. Seeing him proud of his fry skills. The adoration of the fried rice. Eric's speech. Stunningly done, Alvin.

[@TheMegaGag2]

I've now seen both of your documentaries and they both moved me greatly. We can tell how much love and labor has gone into making these. Thanks a lot for what you do. Looking forward to more of your work!

[@mikvip4031]

Your videos deserve so many watches. As the child of two restaurant workers and as home chef myself, I love seeing a day in the life of these restaurants and hope you keep doing these. No one else is doing this like you do it, keep it up!

[@ewiken5529]

Such beautiful work Alvin! We have all been impatiently waiting for your next film and it did not disappoint. Tearing up the whole time, your presentation of them and this kitchen team itself oozed heartfelt dedication, enthusiasm and love. I am in awe. Well done.

[@Hallcka]

I'm so happy to see you're making content, this is the highest quality content I have seen in absolute ages, every experience in this video is so well caught and displayed. This has to be one of my favorite videos on this platform now. Hats off to you and everyone at WenWen.

[@peteratwood6691]

Good job everyone involved!!! Watching this I felt really moved by just the amount of love and care that comes through

[@Hypertropes]

Amazing. Chef Eric seems like an amazing leader. The editing, composition, narrative, SOUND- all so great. This was worth the wait, Alvin!

[@MrMeatyHD]

Alvin, you’ve done it again! The shots, the music, the quality, the interactions, the perfectly captured story, it is just purely amazing! You have great skill in this and are a great documentarian. The music mixed in with the shots and the story genuinely makes me feel like I have traveled to a different location. I’m sure that in time (if not already) you will have many restaurants (or any other profession you decide to expose) lined up just for you to record them.

[@tyler6722]

I feel like every restaurant has a Juan in the kitchen. Just a quiet and unassuming dude doing his job with no frills or complaints, but is literally the backbone of the entire business

[@niranalmog4773]

Alvin - I could watch your content all day. Incredible job telling Chef Sze and team's story and capturing such pure moments. Only complaint is I wish you would make more videos - can't get enough!

[@thingsido3190]

There is that special thing about honest people doing honest work, and you sir have captured that perfectly to the point where i started feeling the heat of that kitchen and emotions of the crew. Well done sir.

[@ShinyEevee39]

KZbin algo brought me here, first to your BBQ video. You have a great skill with editing and, for lack of a better word, showing these restaurants. The focus on the people who make it possible, really getting to know them is beautiful, while also not forgetting the main course, the food. You really cover all the bases, I normally put something like this on in the background but for both videos I couldn't look away. I can't wait to see who you cover next.

[@nupham6309]

That was such an incredible watch! You friggin' rock Alvin! I mean you're an amazing cook and your ability to capture authentic moments is second-to-none. Well done!

[@KrizTheMan]

I just found this series and I'm disappointed that there's only 2 videos out yet, the cinematography is beyond excellent, and I feel refreshed to see people my age committing themselves to a task in this video and the previous one

[@traumagotchi]

alvin this composition is absolutely INCREDIBLE. i thoroughly enjoyed this from beginning to end. eric and his team seem like amazing people and i wish them nothing but the best, and also hope that wenwen keeps smashing records!!!! if i ever make my way to new york from up here in southern ontario, you know damn well i'm gonna have to see if i can snag a reservation here. top tier stuff.

[@Arcsinx]

Those videos are something else, there is something so cool watching behind the scenes

[@fillingtheboxbyzach]

Love the way you capture all the scenes to tell a great story for Eric and 文文. Making it feel very family-oriented throughout the film. Keep up the great work!

[@beehives8398]

So happy you've made another one of these, your work as a documentarian is superb. Hope you continue to show us many more amazing Chefs and places.

[@reidwynja7236]

How is this only the second video on your channel? The editing is insane here and better than million dollar companies doing day in the life videos at restaurants

[@dracuella]

I love the way you use music in your videos, it fits perfectly. In this video in particular, the beautiful and serene to slowed down chaotic scenes makes the talent and control of the chefs stand out that much more. I can't wait for you to make more of these :)

[@mdogg95]

This is some great content. You can tell Eric really lives for this stuff. Juan is an absolute star, and that whole team seems like a real joy to be around. Hopefully I can eat there one day.

[@mileswong7094]

these are incredible, ive always been captivated by your videos despite not having a particular interest in filmmaking or food. One of the only youtubers who I watch front to back without skipping.

[@thinhsuynhuoc]

As a young chef, i dream about the day where i stand in my own restaurant, cooking delicious food that people line up for. Beat to hell at the end of the night and driving home alone at 2am in the morning. Ive been cooking for about 6 years now. And every morning i wake up and every night before i close my eyes i think about the restaurant I've been dreaming about since i was a child. Perhaps because i dreamed about it so often, the dream has slowly become just a small dot at the horizon. I run towards it, forgetting what i kept moving foward for. But when i saw this video, it all came rushing back to me. I teared up as i remember what I've been working so hard for. All the drops of blood from the cuts on my fingers, the pools of sweat from my face that steamed away before the scorching coal grills and the rivers of tears that were shed alone when I was the last one to leave the restaurant. All my doubts, regrets, pains and sorrows were purged away. All that was left was the dream I had when I was 14. It was so vivid I could've sworn I touched it. I sincerely thank you for this work of art you disguised as a youtube video. It re-lit my passion for food like a match stick to a gas stove without an igniter. Please never stop making videos like this and inspiring people.

[@sethgaston845]

This is some tremendous filmmaking. Very, very well done, Alvin. You should be so proud.

[@devenbenjamin747]

I loved everything from the music to how much you interact with everyone. I didnt want it to end and definitely wanted to see the next day lol. Congrats to Eric and his team and to many great years of fantastic food and family.

[@suzume113]

this was such a treat to watch at the end of a long day. i felt the rollercoaster of emotions from prep to rush hour to closing, and most of all the humanness behind what goes on in the kitchen. i'm definitely making it a priority to visit wenwen in the future!

[@xuano4141]

all your shots are absolutely beautiful Alvin. Seeing people doing their jobs, watching them talking about their passion, or just simply seeing them as human beings is already mesmerizing. Keep up man.

[@iiv3l0cityii]

Truly some of the best filmmaking I've ever seen on youtube, and I feel like I've been watching videos on here since like 2006. Amazing stuff Alvin, I look forward to all your future releases

[@patricmcglynn2477]

This is one of the coolest videos I have ever seen on any platform. Congrats to you Alvin, as well as Chef Sze and the whole team

[@hkillorean6254]

Your cinematography is so amazing, and the choice of subject is spectacular. Wonderfully done Alvin, and I sincerely hope this keeps up because your channel has quickly become my favorite, even after just 2 videos.

[@mattlewis1143]

Alvin, I truly enjoy your editing style and humor in your films. You’re quickly becoming the channel that I “check on” to see if you released new content yet. I appreciate the hard work! I’m looking forward to the next one!

[@GreznykGaming]

My god man. Your videos are incredible. You’re documentary style is perfect. It changes the experience to the highest echelon of media. This is seriously high quality. Love it. I’m eager to see more content!

[@anthonymanzalji]

Alvin, you know just how to capture the essence of your subjects. Always a treat to see you've uploaded something new.

[@alexanderleroux995]

Alvin. Being able to consume this content is truly a privilege. Looking forward to your future content and the amazing people you showcase in them.

[@rory4016]

to only have 2 videos on your channel and for them both to be so ridiculously good is insane. my favourite channel on KZbin

[@Spontaneous2day]

You are a truly gifted content creator. Please continue to take your time on your releases so that the uniqueness of what you capture and how you present it to the viewers remains as special as these first two videos! 👍

[@michaela.754]

16:10. He's facing away working on a dish. And can see the reflection of the fire in his peripheral and says "not big enough of a fire" That. Is excellence in a craft.

[@thenorthroom5614]

I can't get over how beautiful these films are...I'm not sure which part of me is more inspired, the cook or the filmmaker...thank you and the WenWen team for sharing this story!

[@rayakojuice]

This is honestly so well made. I've never been a traditionally trained cook, but I've always loved cooking... And have always wanted to open a restaurant. This gives me atleast 40% motivation to do it, seeing these guys passion. Thank you, Alvin for all the hard work and passion you put into your videos.

[@saffianosss]

the music choice with erics speech honestly made me tear up- I'm only half way through but this is amazing work alvin

[@pyrotechnologist1]

Truly beautiful work Alvin. Eric has shined in every video I've seen him in and you captured his love and joy for cooking perfectly. All the best to you both. Hope I can eat there someday

[@charlieawart5898]

I am amazed by the quality and editing on this piece. Also, the magic wasn't possible without the content itself.

[@stevethach3340]

This was some good ass production. Great job Alvin! Eric is seriously one of the coolest chefs! Love his energy

[@sifx]

amazing production Alvin! thanks for documenting the hard work behind the magic of Eric, Andy, and their team for everyone to see!

[@Engitainment]

Just what I needed for making bread to, this was another excellently shot doc! It's honestly very fun to see the person making the documentary involved in the process somewhat, hearing them talk and engage with the subject. Excellent work again!

[@saltgodtv]

alvin i love these styles of videos. they make me feel like im watching a short film back in school but with better camera work and no scripts. keep being amazing i love all the stuff you do and share

[@BalladsofReddit]

I am so unbelievably happy that I have found your channel Alvin. I feel inspired and happy with your content. It feels geniune and real. Please dont stop

[@superz3537]

Feel compelled to throw my voice into the mix that these videos are absolutely amazing, Alvin.

[@drazalin]

Another amazing video. You have a unique way to get others to tell their story in a genuine way. Keep making these bro. You've got some real talent.

[@musicsoulhaysgrl]

Gosh I get so excited whenever you post, Alvin. Your content has so much heart and passion. Thank you for sharing and I hope you continue creating beautiful art!!!

[@syrupuusabc5774]

This is probably one of the great documentary ever. You know when the atmosphere between his co-workers and him is really warming, chef eric is really great chef.

[@conorkryeski199]

You have the most breath taking editing and recording style. I’ve watched the Texas BBQ video 3 times already and each time I do it feels like watching for the first time. I plan to do the same with this one keep up the amazing work !

[@michaeln9931]

Alvin, this is incredible. I watched the BBQ one and loved. I'm not a documentary person, but your shoots are so candid yet cultivated, it's extraordinary. Congratulations on making things so high quality.

[@GasBrake]

I subscribed when you released the #1 Texas BBQ video and I don't regret it. You killed it again on this one. Really looking forward to what you produce in the future. Good job my dude, and good job WenWen.

[@manfreding]

You sir, are a phenomenal story teller!!! Please don't stop making these

[@moistglue]

Just finished watching both this and your BBQ episode. It is incredible what you do in these videos. you genuinely capture a ton of emotion and its so cool to watch them. its an incredibly professional video on top. Massive congrats to you can can't wait for more :)

[@adriankristiansen9224]

One of the best videos on the internet. The fried rice part had me tearing up. Love it.

[@jenojaemin1730]

i love the relationship between everyone here. it's so nice to see how they're all so close and caring to each other