i think i want to be a michelin star cook

hi, my name is h woo.
i'm what you call a "self-taught home cook", there was no culinary school. i started off with Gordon Ramsay KZbin videos in the summer of 2017, and then fell madly in love with food.
spring 2019, i 'staged' (intern in french) for 2 weeks at a michelin star restaurant in LA. fall 2019 to spring 2020, i ran an "illegal" supperclub called Maru Los Angeles (with a fellow food creator @owen.han ).
in december 2020, i serendipitously started posting food content. i can't thank you all enough for how much you've changed my life. your support, comments, etc. all make this my dream job 🖤
right now, it's time to return to my original dream: to open up a restaurant. this vlog is my journey as a home cook trying to become a chef.
whether you're a home cook, an aspiring chef, or just a curious soul, i hope you join me as i learn more about kitchen life, culinary techniques, and how to go about this thing we call "life".
- h
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CHAPTERS
00:00 - 01:08 - intro
01:08 - 02:02 - my mornings
02:02 - 02:45 - typical breakfast
02:46 - 05:45 - bitter root pottery
05:46 - 12:43 - day 1 of pasta | bar
12:44 - 13:59 - day 2 of pasta | bar
14:00 - 18:05 - recap & what's next for me
________________________________________________
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Facebook | / hwoo.lee.fb
X | / hwoo_lee

[@abhirammanthena7333]

When I started watching your videos and posts on KZbin and Instagram, I thought you're already in culinary school or interning in a Michelin star restaurant. Your plating, recipes and everything is top notch. I hope you get to be what you want to be.

[@jamestown97]

same dude, my honest reaction to this was "wtf this guy hasn't been to culinary school??"

[@TheMokalaby]

A​@@jamestown97

[@andrewjay7962]

If you watched his videos enough, he's stated multiple times he's a home cook. Also stated his cooking journey didn't really start until like 2017 Which makes his skills even more impressive

[@abhirammanthena7333]

@@andrewjay7962 Yep. I started with you're gonna watch me cook for myself series and only recently I binged all his content.

[@nishthagupta1357]

Same he is so talented!

[@TopFearless]

That's such a unique insight into what separates a good home cook from a good restaurant cook. The skills you need at home to cook good food (creativity, proper ingredients, right tools, seasoning etc.) are really just the baseline of what is expected of you as an actual chef. Being fast, precise and consistent seems to be what really makes working in a professional kitchen incredibly more difficult than cooking good food at home.

[@hwoo.lee]

this comment is fkn spot-on (at least from what i've experienced). and getting reps/practice in kitchens is something of a learned skill.

[@yoseeev8306]

Being a good worker is also being able to listen, to be coachable but to perform your job on demand

[@jonsnow3300]

Man it’s video’s like these that remind me I don’t appreciate the kitchen staff of my favorite restaurants enough.

[@hwoo.lee]

i have always had a soft-spot for service workers, it's just not easy work

[@jonsnow3300]

@@hwoo.lee Me to, whenever I can I try to visit the kitchen after the dinner and thank the kitchen staff for the food (if it was good of course) luckily in modern day restaurants they make it easier for kitchens to get somewhat incorporated into the dining area.

[@reidk4795]

Worked at a few 3 mich restaurants before transitioning to finance, I’d say be prepared to do prep and get ego checked pretty hard your first few months/year. The pay will be quite rough and the staff might be quite competitive but if your desire is to make world class food or rather… the best food in the world, you will get respect. Wish you well on your journey.

[@hiryuFGC]

This could turn into one of my favorite series ever. Great work

[@hwoo.lee]

episode 2 this coming wknd :)

[@yoromano18]

I worked in that kitchen all summer of 2023 as an Extern, these are the best guys I’ve worked with at any job, the mentorship and learning I received from them was amazing as long as you are hungry enough for more they will give it to you, sick to see you show everyone how we operate!

[@hwoo.lee]

they are fantastic. hoping to show more of pasta | bar in the future

[@luke5381]

It would be MAD to see videos of you progressing through the ranks of a high-end / Michelin kitchen! Even more insane to see a vlog of your whole journey and eventually, you opening your own restaurant and earning a star. Sick idea, I’d binge the shit out of that! Let it rip!😂

[@jacob51024]

This is actually one of the best videos on KZbin I’ve seen in so long. Someone seemed normal in their videos. You seemed like a normal person while communicating with the chefs and not like a “KZbinr” super entertaining and gives great insight into vlogging and being a chef

[@hwoo.lee]

thank you 🙏 and if i don't seem normal in my future vlogs, i'm looking for a comment from you king

[@jacob51024]

@@hwoo.lee I got you brotha, But I feel like I can count on you to stay uniquely yourself. Just keep being you and we’ll keep watching.

[@jrelebii]

Your videos comfort me so much! I love the fact that you're very open to learn new things and know what you're doing + love what you're doing. Please keep up the good work. I received a lot of positive energy from you. Xoxo.

[@joyanneandres]

Love this series already!! Super inspired by your honesty + courage to constantly step out of your comfort zones. We’re all looking for this same energy in 2024 and your content continues to be a great reminder 🙏🏼

[@natephan27]

I went to one of your popups in 2022 and it was one of the most memorable meals of that year. Since then, my interest in trying more tasting menus have increased. This video makes staging for a Michelin restaurant a lot more approachable and something I’d be more inclined to try in the future. Thank you for doing what you do and continuing to inspire myself and others! Excited to see how far you go on this journey

[@hwoo.lee]

🥹 and thank you for supporting me back in 2022. i'm so touched to hear this, and hope that you do end up trying to stage!

[@natephan27]

@@hwoo.lee are there any restaurants you recommend looking into staging at? Preferably Orange County (since that’s where I live) but if not, LA. I’m not too familiar with the LA food scene, but would be down to give it a shot if it means I get to learn and improve in my career!

[@Xenorous_]

Been here for awhile and have enjoyed every minute of it so far! This journey/series is going to be exciting, stressful and rewarding and all I'm doing is watching... cant wait to see you work through everything along the way!!!

[@tacosyk]

I feel like the ending where you mentioned learning more in the kitchen versus books is completely correct for everything in general. Looking forward to the future of your channel and journey, was a great video to watch as someone who really enjoys home cooking for years and trying to turn it a bit more 'fancy' now.

[@robbywong9103]

i've worked in FOH in restaurants for a few years and it's so awesome watching the prep that goes on throughout the day for service, there's nothing truly like the restaurant environment and experience. Even to the best home cook, there's constantly things to learn from being and working in a restaurant kitchen, especially a fine dining one. Mad respect for keeping up with the other chefs with little experience, it's definitely not easy work. Even more respect for your mindset and attitude going into staging, it takes a certain level of humility to keep an open mind and knowing that there's so much to learn and get better at given your success on social media and with your private dinners. also, super underrated is your editing style, I can tell that you take pride in making everything you do as good as possible. Hope to eventually dine at your restaurant one day :)

[@Vahnn]

Your mentality and the way you document your learning process is really eye opening for people like me who maybe won't get to experience these things. Love the fact that you respect the craft and let everything flow naturally !

[@vanessamm.v]

been watching a lot of your content since covid and Im also just a home cook who really enjoys fine dining cooking and hosting dinner parties for my friends and family. watching your journey and hearing your story has been truly inspirational, as a fan im v excited to see what the future holds for you

[@bminsk]

Yo, I found your content during Covid and been a huge fan ever since and been watching your evolution on those platforms. I don’t watch many vlog type videos but Just wanted to say that I really appreciated this video and it was cool to see another side of your work. The chefs that were willing to actually spend time with you to show you and teach you are everything - kudos to them. Looking forward to following your journey and eating at your restaurant one day !

[@kristian.sacco.]

Super rad video. Been following along for about a year now and i love where this is going, i have felt pulled towards a similar arc of homecook to a more serious restaurant cook but i dont think it aligns with my future career desires, seeing you do it will be the next best thing for me, stick with it homie

[@TheWoWpvpchannel]

@H woo As a culinary student, and by no means an expert on the matter, I believe you should get a job at a busy "normal" restaurant for a month or so, just to see what is feels like on your body, I myself fell in love with cooking, and the stress of it while working in a canteen. Now I'm completely addicted to the dinner rush, when all the tickets come in at the same time and you just feel outside of your body. The only thing that matters in that moment is "service". You are just doing your absolute best to push out the dishes that you are in charge of. For me it's euphoric, it makes me high, and I love it with all my heart. Being a part of a team and just putting forth your absolute best whenever you hear that printer. But hey that's just my opinion, good luck with everything, the restaurant industry is tough, but I hope you make it :)

[@ameliedewitte]

Love this ❤ love all ur reels and all ur long form content too appreciate ur way of narrating, filming, editing and all the techno 😎🖤

[@yankee62491]

I love this, please keep this series up. It speaks to me and I love the passion you share for growth and learning. Food is everything 🫰🏻

[@bangatang0728]

I geniunely loved watching this video. Really started cooking more the past few years and this video has really inspired me to push myself further and do more and learn more. Thank you for this and I really hope you continue the "vlog-styled" videos!

[@ophies]

I'm so excited to see the progress of your journey! It's absolutely amazing that you're a self-taught fine-dining chef. Thank you for all the tips. You're an inspiration! :)

[@quincyhirt8491]

Hope you continue this, as a home cook and baker who has had a little experience working in a professional kitchen, so awesome to see you take the same approach and learn the same lessons I did. Appreciate your humility that you want to learn "the right way" even though you are already making so many awesome dishes and culinary creations.

[@TK_BLU3]

Love your editing and style so much man, thank you for the video and the inspiration. Keep doing you and keep doing it good ❤

[@iCaretoomuchh]

Dude you’re so talented, you can totally make your dreams a reality! Thanks for sharing your journey it’s so cool I wanna try your foods, it always so pretty and looks so tasty!

[@astathea]

Congrats! I hope that the excitement you have will stay with you for all of your cooking journey, and that you'll achieve whatever you set your mind on 😄

[@wikipedia0109]

The love you have for making food and sharing them with your family and friends really shows in your videos. Good luck on your journey and, hopefully, someday, I'd get to dine at your *legal* restaurant hehe.

[@hwoo.lee]

🫶

[@mishmash86]

I can't wait for your restaurant to launch! The first thing I looked for when I came across your channel just last week was where I could sample your food. Was so surprised to learn that you're a self taught home cook. Not what I was expecting from the way you cook and prep. Ultimately, it's the way you conceptualise dishes that has me hooked, so I'm glad you gave us a window into your thought process in this vlog. All the best on your journey, and thanks for sharing it with us.

[@coldweatherchristy5592]

We knew this is where you were headed. I look up to you dude! Dont stop ever!!

[@chefcbash]

Thank you for starting this. Im going to stage 6 months from now and it’ll be my first time away from my parents (just turned 20) and my first time in a fine dining kitchen. The way you mentioned everything about the experience especially the learning makes me so much less nervous. I believe your goals will come true and thank you again.

[@hwoo.lee]

:') i'm so happy to hear this. and have fun while staging! you're going to do great, keep your knives sharp :)

[@nikolayyi]

love ur stuff man, keep this series up please. brings a lot of inspiration ♥

[@manuelbarelli2541]

I honestly love the pottery part. Would love to see more of that. I can relate strongly to your passion for cooking and your goals when it comes to perfecting your craft. I’ve been with you for 2 years now and look forward to see more of your journey.

[@RaygeQuit]

Thanks to you h woo I found cooking to be more than the run of the mill chicken and rice stuff I was used to doing for meal preps and just in every day life. I found some kind of spark and passion and appreciate for the art of cooking and its something that I want to venture into and get immersed in. It might be cliche or cheesy to say but watching you since covid and seeing all your shorts and videos on here, and even seeing your recipes on IG make me want to get a hold of my life and do something more with it. Cheers to you and thank you for cheering me up when I'm down and for sparking a fire in me to do my best and to see that hard work does pay off :) Hopefully we can cross paths, much love brother! Keep on doing you, you never know who you'll inspire next!

[@hwoo.lee]

@raygequit 1st, that's a hilarious username. 2nd, thank you so much for your message. truthfully, this kind of message will be something i look back at to cheer myself up as well, when i'm feeling at a low point. thank you so much 🫶

[@migifatboy32]

Looking forward to this vlog series!! Happy I came across you 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@immclovin6246]

I currently work at a restaurant that does almost 1000 covers a night and seeing Michelin star restaurants function is always a treat because I see similarities in how the kitchens are ran but rather one allows more time because you want it to be perfect. Whether or not a restaurant has a Michelin star or not, working in a restaurant is hard and grueling work but never lose that passion. Best of luck on your endeavors and culinary journey

[@carraganlynn7962]

I love your content! Keep doing what you love 💜

[@sethgordon3354]

its so funny that I legit am a line cook who just came back with a meal and am sitting and watching this video and reminiscing all the fun moments when I was learning and still am being taught and discovering short cuts and ways to better my skills to do any task in the kitchen. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

[@cc1107]

this is so heartwarming and wholesome! thank you for letting us come along on your journey :’)

[@LookAtDrew]

We are all proud of you. You got this! Thank you for showing this side of the culinary world.

[@charmander_007]

I wish you all the best in your journey, and to everyone who you inspire to follow suit.

[@chefjeffweiss]

Much respect for your passion, humility, and drive man. Keep pushing.

[@LilYoda66]

Hi H, I’m glad you’re documenting this journey for yourself too and to be thankful for all those chefs that will give you the opportunity to learn along the way. I’m excited to eat at your future restaurant whatever it will be but I’m certain it will have a lot of love and dedication from you and your team. Keep surrounding yourself with great teachers and you’ll get there. Best of luck and I’ll keep watching. Also, I love that you pointed out the ego. Honesty is beautiful. Get cookin’

[@hwoo.lee]

thank you 🫶 and actually, an intention for documenting this journey was to be more honest with myself. hoping to meet lots of incredible people along this journey and share the same love that i receive along this journey.

[@maria7filipina]

Been enjoying your content. I can tell that you enjoy learning and it is so refreshing. And about your ice cream...if it's good and you're proud of it...there's no arrogance in that.

[@walterhusmillo7365]

Your videos and life have what inspired me to go on my cooking career and become a great chef and cook. I appreciate what you’re doing and wish you all the best and hope to learn from you one day

[@z0ltarr]

Inspiring! Love watching your journey.

[@rengarpridestalker5225]

I really enjoyed this vlog man especially the content with the restaurant I hope you could do more like that!❤❤❤

[@lolis1539]

When you open your restaurant just know I making a reservation today to it ! Honestly such an awesome experience to watch can’t wait for what’s next !🎉

[@itschefchriss]

I love these kind of vids!! Keep up the good work chief!

[@sarahbair8786]

This is so cool hwoo. I've been following you for a while on insta, and to see how far you've come AND STILL want more is inspiring. I have always respected chefs- from homecooks to Michelin, I admire the skill and passion that goes into good food. Props to you for putting yourself out there, and for being driven enough to learn more. I respect you a lot, and I admire your respect for other great chefs and the art of cooking. Kudos. Keep being awesome. And it's totally okay to be a little narcissist. Some might even call it confidence 😉

[@Natashaz48]

Thank you for the fascinating glimpse into the world of a Michelin star kitchen. this was excellent and you are clearly on your way to some greatness.

[@dwdeezul]

amazing video man and excited for your journey have fun🤞🏾

[@JohnnyBSN]

Next to the food and the quality product you're serving every night; The next most important thing is the connections and friendships you make working in restaurants. Some of the most genuine people I've worked with have been in kitchens and I wouldn't give that up for anything in the world. Glad to see you taking that step and furthering your career. Can't wait for more content in the future whether it be about your michelin cook journey or random recipes that you're working on!

[@jasondai]

I'm excited to see your journey. One day, I'll dine in that restaurant of yours

[@evanspadt2055]

You have it in you, the drive, the skill, the passion. I know you will go incredibly far, even farther than you are now.

[@ANIME250]

I'm rooting for you dude and I wish you all the best.

[@Frecklefiend]

Eating a quick comfort meal after 12 straight hours on your feet is such a peek chef experience. I just got back in the kitchen after a two year break from the business, and tho it's hard work, I'm so happy to be back. The teamwork throughout the day and service flow is truly an addictive feeling. Welcome to the business man!

[@jonabecker4912]

Might be one of my favorite videos for a long time. Pls keep going on. :)

[@themadmonkey84]

i love these long form videos more then shorts and these docu style videos are great..... post the bowl when it is done :D

[@user-hj2ln4zs2f]

as a cook i love seeing you venture down this path. wish you the best

[@David13579]

Having worked front of house for about 10 years now (nothing as amazing as what he cooks or what they were plating up) but I do appreciate the time, efficiency and effectiveness of chefs in a kitchen. They work bloody hard! Love your videos dude! Hope we see another vlog

[@Francisco-dl1nb]

I really think if there's ONE content creator that could do this it's you. Your love for making good food, especially for others and presenting it really shows. Good luck!

[@Crafians]

I have full faith in you and now I will follow you with all my heart. You better pave the way for us self taught home cooks. YOU BETTER

[@rhythmrecall]

Excited to see your journey!!!

[@tiwiogunye]

I love your energy

[@TheRealZenzes]

This is really inspiring! Thanks for making these videos :D

[@fedbyflip]

damn h woo, i remember when i became a fan a few years ago and was enamored with your yellowtail aguachile tiktok. crazy to see how far you’ve gone in such short time. so proud!

[@drakevu1028]

This is so hype, i can’t wait to see this 🙌🙌

[@tennesseviolinist]

Loving the long form content!

[@IamRolling]

Love this! Keep them coming

[@Perkyscalling]

appreciate you for sharing your journey as a chef, hoping for your dream to come true sooner than later.

[@w2sixpackchef]

Can't wait for what's to come for you man💛👊 go get it bro!

[@yungsxma5578]

Love this vid like crazy. Would love to see more vids like this 👌

[@bzyboy9639]

Lol the narration texts are so cute haha! This gig is a tough one but I believe in you, it's a hard life you're signing up for lol. Good luck 🤙

[@Max-dl8qc]

What an amazing journey. Big fan!

[@mimim7796]

Wow love this thank you for sharing with us!

[@dimitrikasimatis9788]

love this type of content espically from you hope to see more :)

[@JohnReavesLive]

dude this was awesome to see how everyone works in the kitchen like this! I would love to see more!

[@hwoo.lee]

trying to keep this as a weekly vlog :)

[@austinwatts7016]

im excited to watch this journey unfold

[@trevinc]

Amazing food. I’m hooked on following your journey.

[@jpics.]

So hyped to start seeing the camera long form content! What car you driving? 🧐 Interior is nice!

[@_Djando]

Man i really love this video! Keep going! Love from italy ❤

[@QuinnsProductions]

Best of luck on your journey, I’ll be checking in from time to time

[@tylerdance4950]

Yo love this dudes videos. I would love to try every dish he's made on this channel!!! 😅

[@rajsagar7]

super pumped for this.

[@rafidehsan6307]

best video ever made. please make this a series. youre definitely inspiring me to say the least :)

[@hwoo.lee]

episode 2 coming out this wknd :)

[@Lawtubes]

Wow, this was awesome and inspiring! Keep it up!

[@Tom-tv4ok]

Yeah bro your very good a what you do... you having your own spot would be epic plus you already have the following as instant support

[@bandelero2139]

It really consumes your life working at that level, you get left with little time for yourself/friends and family. Burn out is real be ready for 12 hour days but passion is everything and if you have that and drive its very fulfilling work to see guest enjoying themselves you never know what kind of day someone is having and them coming and enjoying the food and service leaving the restaurant in a completely different mood is a great feeling. High stress but rewarding i just wish more of these places would take better care of their staff both physically and mentally. I've worked as a cook for 1-3mich places over the years and im transitioning to a different field but i dont regret it and its for sure an experience that im sure you'll enjoy it if you decide to go down that path.

[@DC-fu4ff]

Love this video!

[@QuinnSapp]

Getting to see a more personal video like this from one of my favorite creators is so awesome to watch! Looking forward to what's next to come, good luck!

[@wtfxjeff]

this is a really amazing video, wow. more please. haven't tried pasta bar but have tried the sushi one.

[@Django19]

Will be rooting for you!

[@xoey6420]

as someone who can barely cook anything, but finds kitchen service wildly interesting (I always worked on the server side and tried to appreciate the chefs that prepared such amazing dishes!) this video was amazing. i think so many of the points made in this video apply to a wise variety of different fields. the self improvement is amazing to witness

[@TRIGGAMAN_LOCO]

I found this channel maybe a year ago and though man I wish he posted more. This is great, good luck on the journey. I’ll definitely be watching!

[@MrThewhackness]

Wow I would have thought from watching your videos you use to work in restaurants of this magnitude and how you learned such an amazing skill. You keep posting I’ll keep watching the journey because you have an amazing talent to share with the world and it is not just your cooking. Keep up the great work

[@lucasdelgado5572]

This was awesome!

[@willclarkedj]

Sick man love it

[@patriceyang3166]

Truly inspiring video. Thanks for sharing your journey with the world. I'm sure the ice cream is amazing lol

[@penelopepalm]

This really is interesting content. I’m so glad you overcame your feeling that it is slightly arrogant or narcissistic to film your life. I get what you are saying, but it really is showing the truth in a way that just words can’t express. When you had to tow your car in the middle of the night and get up the next morning, I really felt your pain. Please keep this content coming!