i worked for Joël Robuchon's protégé, and got promoted?

on week 2 of the vlog, we are staging/interning for a one-night pop-up dinner hosted by Chef Yosuke Suga of SUGALABO in Los Angeles.
Yosuke Suga, the chef/owner of SUGALABO Inc, joined the Joël Robuchon Group at the age of 25. Over his 16-year career, he worked his way up to the position of executive chef and Robuchon's right-hand man. In 2014, he left the Robuchon group and started SUGALABO, a highly coveted 20-seat restaurant in Tokyo. SUGALABO earned the LA LISTE World No.1 Restaurant spot in 2020 and 2021, and Suga-san earned the LA LISTE No. 1 French Chef in the world. He's also an ambassador for the french champagne house, Krug.
special thanks to my mentor Chef Chris Ono, Chef Mark of Brothers Sushi, JACCC, and many more people. this was a fun one, also cuz I didn't really do much lmao 😅
- h
My Amazon Storefront (for some of the knife bag items) | amzn.to/4aRMNSD
Chef Suga-San's IG | / yosuke_suga
Chef Chris's IG | / chefchrisono
Chef Mark's IG | / hypebeast_sushichef
________________________________________________
CHAPTERS
00:00 - 02:18 - chicken noodle soup
02:19 - 03:51 - intro to sugalabo
03:52 - 05:11 - my knife bag
05:12 - 08:24 - day 1 of sugalabo
08:25 - 10:20 - day 2 of sugalabo
10:21 - 12:20 - pre-service
12:21 - 15:55 - service
15:56 - 17:14 - post-service
17:15 - 18:52 - ramen & recap 1
18:53 - 21:10 - ramen & recap 2
________________________________________________
FOLLOW MY OTHER CHANNELS
Instagram | / hwoo.lee
TikTok | / hwoo.lee
Facebook | / hwoo.lee.fb
X | / hwoo_lee

[@hwoo.lee]

honestly, i said the "period comment" not only as a joke, but also as a "shameless ask" for you guys to make a comment with the least amount of effort (that'd still help the "algorithm"). i'm blown away by the amount of " . " comments i see, and it touches my heart. thank you all so much, just those 2 clicks help me tremendously and i look forward to continuing this vlog 🖤 and to those of you who actually commented, thank you!! i will try to reply to all of those comments!

[@jamesyun24]

.

[@mattmann7156]

@hwoo.lee Do u cook hungry?

[@LEYOPOLD]

Thank you so much for taking us along your journey! It’s a pleasure to watch you and see how you progress and especially what you think about that journey and self reflect. Looking forward to seeing more 😊

[@amywang9154]

.

[@SeanTheDiscoNinja]

Love this so much H. As a chef of over 10 years, my advice would be to not settle for environments that hinder your growth, and try as hard as you can not to get stuck in a rut. I was doing 60-70 hour weeks with two young children at home and eventually burnt out - I now teach piano and cook as a hobby. Obviously, you need to put in the hours to hone your skills, but I’d recommend moving around frequently to experience a range of different cuisines and service styles (fine dining, short order, patisseries, even food vans and market stalls), every different service style and cooking style will give you a wider breadth of knowledge. You’re killing it man. Your creativity and drive will keep you in good stead. Really looking forward to watching where you take this. ✌️

[@hwoo.lee]

Chef Sean 🫡 thank you so much for the wise words. I will never settle, and i will def take your advice and diversify my stages. excited to share more vlogs for y'all!

[@walkerl7485]

It's very cool to see you take your storytelling skills to long form like this. I think it makes for a really unique style, we get the sense that we are actually following along with you through the ups and downs of your day rather than watching something that was fabricated during the edit in order to make the most consumable content. Keep going like this man.

[@hwoo.lee]

Thank you 🥹 yea I want this to have a more “raw” feeling (no pun intended). The short form vids are too fabricated, I want to share the nitty gritty of it all. If the vlogs seem to lose that “rawness” in the future, I hope y’all will comment something

[@trod13]

Love this series and find it very relatable to me. The attitude required and commitment to even the smallest of perfections reminds me of my time working in a music studio. I can’t wait for more of these and can only say keep fighting to make your dream your reality.

[@TheCatholicRemedy]

I have been keeping you in my prayers, brother. You are living one heck of a life!

[@threeworld]

I’ll join you that! Praying for you Woo!

[@hwoo.lee]

🫶🙏 thank you!!!

[@chicagolifetv]

@@hwoo.lee I’ll pray for you to daddy

[@DannyGrubs]

Great stuff H!! I know this isn’t easy but this is a dope thing to document!

[@hwoo.lee]

Danny!!! thank you my man 🖤 now i'm hunting for chefs who don't mind being filmed just like you ! 🤪

[@danchurchillcooks]

Amen brother

[@Xenorous_]

Can' wait to see where this takes you! I love these longer format videos, they really let you get a better sense of the scope and difficulty of not just the culinary world but your approach, thought process and results while navigating these new tasks and challenges. Plus I've always wanted to see what sort of drive and commitment is really need to make it in as a chef.

[@majagogowska4046]

oh this is so exciting!! i’ll forever remain inspired by you. keep doing great things and i really like the go pro perspective- helps see what you’re doing, the exact technique!!

[@thisiszinger]

I've always loved your videos but this candid long-form style has taken you to another level. Pumped for you and thanks for bringing us along on the journey!

[@hwoo.lee]

thank you! excited to continue documenting this whole process and comments like these make my heart full 🖤

[@chrisjvs94]

Hey man, this looks like an awesome journey your taking on and the fact the you appreciate what the people(chefs) do and what it takes to achieve that greatness is something that not normally everybody sees. Wish you the best, I enjoy your content a lot and hope this journey (new vlog) leads you to find your path either on opening a restaurant or not liking it. Both are still good

[@hwoo.lee]

i appreciate this comment a lot 🫶 excited to have you along this journey and hope to continue creating quality content that you'll enjoy

[@rhythmrecall]

I am just really enjoying your videos, your motivation, your improving skills, your content, your curiosity, your editing - fantastic! Wishing you well wherever this takes you!

[@mikepeterson2023]

Everything about this is incredible, from your filming and editing, to your mindset, to the food. Can't wait to see more

[@adrigirl828]

I look forward to these vlogs so much, excited for your next one!! As someone who loves cooking but chose a career unrelated to food, it's cool to see the dedication and passion of becoming a chef and working in a restaurant. Wishing you the best ❤

[@chadingram4227]

I love love love these videos. For those of us who can’t travel and can’t go to these type of stages and being able to see that “behind the scenes” is so awesome. Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to actually doing the stage and making the videos. Much appreciated!!!!

[@hwoo.lee]

thank you for loving these videos! i'm so grateful for all the love these past two vlogs have received 🖤

[@Ehjookayted]

This vlog series is so amazing dude - it's gotta feel GOOD to be able to document everything you love doing in the kitchen combined with your serious knack for videography and editing skills. Production quality is top notch, and I love how you've still kept some of your fun/silly editing style

[@dnarvarg]

Love these longer videos, it’s great ! Thanks for the content, keep up the good work ❤

[@kingdavidjang]

I've been following your journey for a few years (miso carbonara days) and I'm always so blown away by your skills and creativity with what you can create - both food and content creation. I've been working in the specialty coffee field and found my own path of perfecting my craft in the same style as these chefs perfecting their craft in forms of slicing, dicing, and plating. With that said, I'm always so fired up when I watch your videos! It reminds me to always keep pushing and grow in the things that seem mundane. Thanks again! .

[@lxniisan]

Vlogs are going great so far H! I think we can all agree that you making these not only for us, but for yourself, is definitely a learning experience for everyone. Watching you document your experiences in professional kitchens is priceless knowledge. At the end of the day everyone is always learning and getting better all because of you! Keep at it. I love these new vlogs that you're putting out and I can't wait to see what else you have in store. You're doing a phenomenal job man. Thank YOU.

[@hwoo.lee]

thank you so much 🫶 and yes, i really hope we all learn together as i document this journey. so glad you're enjoying this one! give me critiques on future vlogs plz 🙏 (i don't want them to lose out on the educational aspect in the future)

[@n_k_s_b]

i’ve been watching your videos for a while. this new journey is exciting. wishing you the very best. thank you for sharing it with us all

[@tashatoddman7492]

I was so happy to hear that you got to film and that the chef wanted you to film!!! Thank you for sharing all this with us again ^-^

[@IDEXT3RITY]

please keep posting, this is the most exciting video i’ve seen in years, learning about the inner workings of these restaurants is so fascinating

[@adillavji9760]

I completely agree!

[@Kirahonaa]

worked in the arts/ non profit sector for a decade and at 29, decided to properly pivot into working to become a chef after stumbling into a kitchen job. I fell in love with it. Really enjoy learning from the things you cook, but feeling the camaraderie of getting to witness someone else trying to see if they like this industry or not, with everyone (a lot of my family worked in and around restaurants) telling me its too difficult, especially for a woman. so all in all, thanks and hope you keep getting to have fun nerding out about all the little ins and outs of food.

[@byte_easel]

the editing, color grading, and presentation of these long form videos are so immaculate and gorgeous. seriously so satisfying to watch. and working under yosuke suga must have been SO intimidating. i've worked as a host for almost a year in restaurants with michelin chefs and i got PTSD from watching line up/pre shift from the way you guys were going over tickets hahaha.

[@impac849]

You have so much luck to have these opportunites. Thank you so much for sharing these experiences with us ! You're really talented by the way and it's a delight to watch these vlogs

[@Drizzt573]

The moment you stopped liking the music was the moment I did too - your cutoff was perfect 😄. I was concerned you had gone AWOL for a hot minute. Yet here you are, with some wholesome long form videos. Looking forward to more.

[@leegermeroth]

Thank you for filming this. I feel like there is no one else that is showing this level of dining and all of the little tips and tricks. Super beneficial as a home cook trying to elevate my game!

[@hwoo.lee]

of course! the goal is to expose as much knowledge i gain throughout this process, and I hope to serve as the representative "home cook" in these kitchen scenarios

[@leegermeroth]

@@hwoo.lee and if you ever have a restaurant or an ice cream stand I will fly out and go to it 😊

[@vektorlau]

Plus one! Inspired to try out these techniques and store em into the database!

[@Svenuschenka]

This was sooooo fascinating! I had to pause every other second because I didn't want to miss any of your annotations or captions. I love these vlogs and I'm so curious (and excited for you) to see where this will lead you.

[@denialro]

Mad respect man. I love your humility despite everything you've built up thus far. Wishing you success on this journey.

[@1121383]

H you have what it takes to open several restaurants!! Your skills are legit! You inspire us home cooks to raise our game and keep trying to improve, thank you for all you do !!

[@hwoo.lee]

i appreciate the words of encouragement!!! thank you!!!! and in time, i will eventually decide if i should or shouldn't open a restaurant, etc. it'll definitely be vlogged at that point :)

[@TheCD45]

I love that you still recognize the "traditional" value of apprenticeship despite being in the YT food scene. Lots of influencer chefs seem to forget this and almost always overestimate their skills.

[@Jadedone888]

What you're doing is extremely brave and commendable! Restaurant life is tough and I'm glad you're sharing it with the rest of the world. I am loving watching your journey!

[@amandalane8055]

Loving all of your new long format content. Congrats on branching out and doing the hard things, can’t wait to see it all!

[@bitbybituin]

i've always loved your shorts, it's nice to see longer form content from you. best of luck on your journey and thanks for taking us with you.

[@jappedejong7276]

I really enjoy this series! I enjoyed all of your short form content but to see you grow and learn so much is amazing!

[@saudigold50]

*Your skills are impressive. This is- hands down, one of the absolute best videos showcasing the insane amount of work and focus that goes into supreme cuisine*

[@Rustyasian]

The highlight of my week, amazing weekly vlogs. Excited to follow your journey!!

[@Pepino_97]

You’re inspiring. Thank you so much for these videos and keep up the great work.

[@Monica-yu2wd]

to see you wanting to grow and experience working in a kitchen is such a treat! you stand out vs many other food based content creators, i am excited for this new journey of yours. can not wait to watch you grow! you will turn into a beast!!!

[@jiminator7696]

Can’t get enough of these man! You’ve really stepped up my standards of how I cook. Just tried your salmon dish yesterday and it took so much time yet that helped me learn so much about cooking Michelin star tier meals 💀. Wishing you the best with your journey brother

[@adillavji9760]

I absolutely loved this video! Thank you for sharing every moment so authentically with happiness and grace!

[@patriceyang3166]

Love the footage of the kitchen. So glad you could film and share with us.

[@anniebell6846]

Year another refreshing video always left feeling light and inspired. The life wisdom is much appreciated

[@rukizhu6498]

Watching your vlogs has always been an inspiration, and seeing how you learn to make ur food better makes me learn as well!! Love what you're doing and keep at it ❤

[@callestrom5001]

I'm loving this vlog for so many reasons but at the end just now that you inspire. Hope to support your Journey!

[@taylorjones8932]

This is so incredible dude!! You have easily become one of my favorite people to watch on YT and you’re doing an incredible job!

[@dreuxsky]

This is exactly the content I've been wanting!! Please keep sharing your journey -- even though I'm mainly FOH staff, it's good to get this perspective. Love your content! Keep up wiith the vlogs 🖤

[@Nahkiri]

Definitely insane timing how I said bless you after you sneezing and you said thank you, was not expecting that at all. Thank you for filming these vlogs and showing how Michelin quality chefs and restaurants do their work. Always eye opening and captivating to see masters of their craft work and produce art, and as someone that loves to cook as a hobby, I can find inspiration and education in your cooking and these vlogs, so again, thank you.

[@danielionsplaylists]

diggin this series! looking forward to the next vlog. your video editing / storytelling skills are as top-notch as your cooking

[@kokox1127]

Your vlogs are always source of inspiration and joy for me! Thank you so much😊❤

[@charissecrenshaw1577]

What you’re doing is really vulnerable and that’s what inspires me. Besides the fact that you’re doing two jobs at once: chef and videographer! Crazy!

[@dylanbai2416]

Been following you're TikTok content for the last couple of years and it's been amazing watching you develop your skills as both a cook/chef and content creator. Love this new series, can't wait for the next ep!

[@katelynmaylee6633]

been subbed for a while now, and really loving these new long form videos of your journey to possible chef-hood/restaurant ownership! my favorite takeaways from your shorts are always the “this tastes so freaking good” smiles and head shakes (which I aim for but rarely achieve in my own home kitchen 😅). fave takeaways from these long form vids are your candid thoughts on the industry and inside looks at these super unique opportunities. thank you for the inspiring content, h woo! 🙏🏻

[@paolalares29]

I love your vlogs, I can’t want to see more of your journey. Thank you 🙏

[@luisbarcena9167]

Thanks for making me fall in love with the kitchen again ! Keep it up! Amazing journey your going through

[@joshuader]

. Love these vlogs, super awesome to get your perspective and the insight into the experience!

[@inesbuter5889]

Thanks for making this and giving us this inside view of a restaurant of this level. I also liked the way you edited this + the shots you took. 🧑‍🍳✅

[@yungsxma5578]

Can't wait to get more videos like this. I love the quality of the vlog so much.

[@themilkiestmanalive2531]

I’ve been really vibing with these in depth videos. Keep up the good work

[@Dorsitch]

Favorite vlog series ever!

[@bn92694]

One of the best videos I've watched in a while. You got this man!

[@ameliedewitte]

Love your techno, your filming, your jokes, and your passion and hardwork for any given task. Keep killin it bro!!

[@ashapash]

Idk how long I’ve been watching your videos, but every single one has been very eye opening about the high-end restaurant industry. It’s cool seeing your passion for it and giving us a glimpse into what it’s like! I’m looking forward to seeing where this all goes. :)

[@linaisconfused]

Idk why, but your debrief of the whole experience is my favorite part of your vlogs. Love these videos, such a cool perspective to see!

[@justinschroeder4588]

Been following for years and this launch of content makes me so excited!

[@Mrjvc163]

That was absolutely spot on. A good chef can figure out good systems to make the kitchen work better and more efficiently to serve the guests. Also, kudos on the stage. There are a lot of people that can cook and think that they can rock it in the restaurant. You were able to see the behind the scenes of how a high level kitchen operates. Great job!

[@johnlevine3384]

Excited for this series!

[@arthurcarone6364]

Your content is my favorite on here. Thank you and I hope to get to watch you keep keep experimenting and enjoying life ❤

[@mannibal]

Good luck with everything dude, you stepping out into your journey with a lot of reflection as to what it may entail is already a huge advantage to you. Never forget, the more you know that you have more options, the more at ease you will be with anything that may happen in the future Will cheer for you and your future, as I've always done in the past!

[@christophermitchell4580]

Love the tips on tools you bring to assignments and the why behind each. Would love more on that and maybe where you got each tool/story behind each. Great vlogs! Cannot wait to watch the next.

[@AItoROI]

Been watching your shorts for a while, first time seeing longer content...super awesome! Thanks for sharing and being fully yourself in front of the camera. Commenting also to help with the algo 😊

[@charleshallworth5946]

Your a real dude! Fantastic seeing the level of skill you have while still being chill! Very impressed! Good luck on persuing the chef-career🤞🏻🙌🏽

[@ayomidegbenle5017]

your passion and dedication to the culinary discipline is evident and just beautiful to watch.

[@rodrigovazquezasenjo3707]

It is honestly amazing to see you grow and try to venture something more rather than something else. Good luck, keep working hard and help you for inspiring!! :)

[@kaliflowwr]

Seeing this perspective of learning to become a chef is so insightful and helpful. It's good to know there are multiple routes to that outcome

[@jdmvtecyo]

Could watch these all day. Great job!

[@arushidesai8360]

these videos have been so informative and are much appreciated! good luck man!

[@CAmac]

Great video, thanks for letting us see how much hard work and dedication these chefs put into the great food that they are making. I hope to go to a restaurant of yours one day. Love watching your journey.

[@cheffinwithzach]

These are my new favorite videos to watch, I’ve been working in a Peruvian restaurant for the past few months and it’s been such an awesome learning experience. I’ve done a bunch of private dinners in the past but I’ve put them on hold because as you said in your previous video that you’d like to learn more so you can do it right. Would love to get some experience in fine dining as well 🙌🏾 appreciate you posting these videos

[@alov3suprem3]

Keep up the amazing work you do. Always inspiring my love for cooking and learning!

[@seahorse3267]

Been only following you for a month but I’ve loved your incredible attention to details plus your cavalier attitude. In nyc 30 yrs, art directed many cookbooks into publication, Eric Ripert, Jean Georges but also have a brother was a chef. I used to hate Gordon Ramsey until this morning when I saw a bit about his last meal. New found respect for Gordon who said he’s constantly challenging himself and not staying complacent at top. He also pointed out the culinarily field being very much like professional sports.

[@katiaali2562]

Love your vlogs, by far one of the best on KZbin rn, love how real you are! also working in a restaurant can take a toll on your body but is such a fulfilling job. Keep posting, you're doing great work!!! :)

[@elizabethjett391]

Thank you . That was awesome . Worked in restaurants for over twenty years . Tough but I loved it . The people are similar to film people , which is what I work in now. Keep the content coming

[@miguelbaco2847]

Love your videos! So inspiring and motivates me to follow your footsteps and work even harder! ❤️

[@aggelw23]

Sending much love to everything you are doing!

[@calebpodgornoff4868]

Hey, I have been loving this new content you are making and it really shows a look into this really prestigious job! Keep up the good work!!

[@kongcooks]

You got this man! Your journey is really inspiring and encourages me to take my cooking to the next level!

[@enzosison3799]

I absolutely love watching your journey. Keep grinding dude. You won't know till you try. Respect!

[@arnauddonnay3648]

amazing video and truly inspiring message by the end, keep it up man lets fkn get it

[@anissabernardez7948]

Love seeing your journey!!

[@smallMarsh]

just found ur channel thru this video and im so excited asf to scroll thru all ur short form content, but also see more of these longer vids!

[@trevinc]

Another amazing video. Love following your journey.

[@gianiekim6359]

Love this series, thanks for sharing!

[@sebastianrosendalfjordbak6534]

Just started as a chef. I had my first shift yesterday, and everything from this vlog and the last one teaches me so much. Thank you very much!❤

[@ZeroZoah]

I don't even cook often myself, but your videos helped me become knowledgeable on aspects of cooking that I never knew existed. Also, the way you edit your videos and present yourself makes for an engaging watch. Hope you achieve your dreams one day.

[@isaacblank3161]

Amazing video bro plz don’t stop the long form and don’t quit anything. You’ll be so happy in the future you

[@jayjayh0]

Sharing this with my friends! This is so lovely to watch!

[@chauphan4074]

your comments at the end of the video about actively seeking opportunities to learn speak to anyone who aspire to perfect a craft, be it culinary or not. it's the kind of mindset that i know i need to have and try to embody everyday. great video!

[@lifeof_zq99]

love this series, keep it up man!

[@brice2334]

Oh man these vlogs are unreal. Love the cooking content but love the behind the cooking content arguably much more and especially with the staging

[@shoto206]

im so happy for you man, you're living your dream!! all the best with everything