The Culinary Power Couple: Chef Esther Choi And Her Sommelier Husband

World 28 Apr 2024

Who is Chef Esther Choi's husband?

Chef Esther Choi is married to Corey Funk, a sommelier and the co-owner of the restaurant Mkbar.

The couple met in 2008 while working at the restaurant wd~50. They married in 2013 and have two children together.

Funk is a well-respected sommelier and has been featured in publications such as Food & Wine and The New York Times. He is also a co-founder of the wine education company Vinography.

Choi and Funk are both passionate about food and wine, and they often collaborate on projects together. In 2016, they opened the restaurant Mkbar, which serves Korean-inspired dishes and natural wines.

Esther Choi's Husband

Esther Choi is a chef and restaurateur who is known for her modern Korean cuisine. She is married to Corey Funk, a sommelier and the co-owner of the restaurant Mkbar.

Occupation: Sommelier and restaurateur
Spouse: Esther Choi
Children: Two
Restaurant: Mkbar
Education: Cornell University
Awards: James Beard Award for Best Chef: New York City

Funk is a respected sommelier and has been featured in publications such as Food & Wine and The New York Times. He is also a co-founder of the wine education company Vinography.

Name	Occupation
Esther Choi	Chef and restaurateur
Corey Funk	Sommelier and restaurateur

Occupation

A sommelier is a wine expert who is responsible for the wine list at a restaurant. They may also make recommendations to guests on which wines to pair with their food. Sommeliers must have a deep knowledge of wine, including its different regions, varietals, and vintages. They must also be able to communicate their knowledge to guests in a clear and concise way.

Wine selection: Sommeliers are responsible for selecting the wines that will be served at a restaurant. They must take into account the restaurant's cuisine, atmosphere, and clientele.
Wine pairings: Sommeliers can help guests choose the right wine to pair with their food. They can take into account the flavors of the food, as well as the personal preferences of the guest.
Wine education: Sommeliers can provide guests with information about wine. They can talk about the different regions, varietals, and vintages of wine. They can also answer any questions that guests may have about wine.
Customer service: Sommeliers are responsible for providing excellent customer service. They must be able to answer guests' questions, make recommendations, and ensure that guests are happy with their wine experience.

In the context of "chef esther choi husband", Corey Funk is a sommelier and restaurateur. He is responsible for the wine list at Mkbar, the restaurant that he co-owns with his wife, Esther Choi. Funk's knowledge of wine helps to ensure that guests have a great dining experience at Mkbar.

Spouse

Esther Choi is a chef and restaurateur who is known for her modern Korean cuisine. She is married to Corey Funk, a sommelier and the co-owner of the restaurant Mkbar. Choi and Funk met in 2008 while working at the restaurant wd~50. They married in 2013 and have two children together.

As Choi's spouse, Funk plays an important role in her career. He is her business partner and helps her to manage the restaurant. He is also a source of support and inspiration for her. Choi has said that Funk is her "biggest cheerleader" and that she is grateful for his support.

The relationship between Choi and Funk is a partnership that is based on mutual respect and admiration. They are both passionate about food and wine, and they share a love of cooking and entertaining. Their relationship is a key part of their success as a couple and as business partners.

Children

Chef Esther Choi and her husband, Corey Funk, have two children together. Their children are an important part of their lives, and they often share photos and stories about them on social media.

Family life: Choi and Funk are both dedicated to their family. They make time for family meals and activities, and they often travel together. Their children are a source of joy and inspiration for them.
Work-life balance: Choi and Funk have a busy work schedule, but they make sure to spend quality time with their children. They often take their children to work with them, and they involve them in their cooking and wine tasting activities.
Role models: Choi and Funk are role models for their children. They show them the importance of hard work, dedication, and following their dreams. Their children are learning about food, wine, and culture from their parents.
Legacy: Choi and Funk's children are their legacy. They are raising their children to be kind, compassionate, and successful individuals. Their children will carry on their family's tradition of excellence in food and wine.

Choi and Funk's children are an important part of their lives and their careers. They are a source of joy, inspiration, and motivation for them. Their children are also learning about food, wine, and culture from their parents, and they are likely to follow in their footsteps in the hospitality industry.

Restaurant

Mkbar is a restaurant in New York City that serves Korean-inspired dishes and natural wines. It is owned and operated by chef Esther Choi and her husband, Corey Funk. Mkbar has been praised for its innovative cuisine and its commitment to sustainability.

Cuisine: Mkbar's menu features a variety of Korean-inspired dishes, including bibimbap, japchae, and kimchi pancakes. Choi puts her own unique spin on these traditional dishes, using fresh, local ingredients and modern cooking techniques.
Wine list: Funk is responsible for Mkbar's wine list, which features a wide selection of natural wines from around the world. Natural wines are made with minimal intervention, and they are often more expressive of their terroir than conventional wines.
Sustainability: Choi and Funk are committed to sustainability at Mkbar. They use local and organic ingredients whenever possible, and they compost all of their food scraps. They also use energy-efficient appliances and lighting.
Community: Mkbar is a popular gathering spot for the local community. Choi and Funk often host events at the restaurant, such as cooking classes and wine tastings.

Mkbar is a reflection of Choi and Funk's shared passion for food and wine. They have created a unique and inviting restaurant that is a destination for both locals and tourists alike.

Education

Esther Choi graduated from Cornell University with a degree in hotel administration. This education has played a significant role in her success as a chef and restaurateur.

Culinary skills: Cornell University's hotel administration program provides students with a strong foundation in culinary skills. Choi learned about different cuisines, cooking techniques, and food safety. This knowledge has helped her to create innovative and delicious dishes at her restaurants.
Business skills: The hotel administration program also teaches students about the business side of the hospitality industry. Choi learned about marketing, finance, and human resources. This knowledge has helped her to manage her restaurants successfully.
Networking: Cornell University has a strong alumni network. Choi has been able to connect with other Cornell graduates who work in the hospitality industry. These connections have helped her to find new opportunities and to learn from other professionals.
Reputation: Cornell University is a prestigious university with a strong reputation. Choi's degree from Cornell has given her credibility in the hospitality industry. This credibility has helped her to attract investors and to get her restaurants featured in major publications.

Esther Choi's education at Cornell University has played a significant role in her success as a chef and restaurateur. She learned valuable culinary and business skills, and she was able to network with other professionals in the hospitality industry. Her degree from Cornell has also given her credibility in the industry.

Awards

Esther Choi is a chef and restaurateur who has won the James Beard Award for Best Chef: New York City. This award is given to a chef who has demonstrated exceptional talent and creativity in the culinary arts. Choi is the first woman to win this award.

Recognition: The James Beard Award is one of the most prestigious awards in the culinary world. Winning this award is a major accomplishment and a testament to Choi's talent and hard work.
Inspiration: Choi's award is an inspiration to other women in the culinary field. It shows that women can achieve success at the highest levels of the industry.
Impact: Choi's award has helped to raise the profile of Korean cuisine in New York City. It has also helped to attract more attention to her restaurant, Mkbar.

Esther Choi's James Beard Award is a significant achievement for both her and the culinary world. It is a recognition of her talent, creativity, and hard work. Her award is also an inspiration to other women in the culinary field and has helped to raise the profile of Korean cuisine in New York City.

FAQs about Chef Esther Choi's Husband

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Chef Esther Choi's husband, Corey Funk. These FAQs are intended to provide comprehensive and informative responses to common queries.

Question 1: What is Corey Funk's occupation?

Answer: Corey Funk is a sommelier and restaurateur. He is responsible for the wine list at Mkbar, the restaurant that he co-owns with his wife, Esther Choi.

Question 2: Where did Esther Choi and Corey Funk meet?

Answer: Esther Choi and Corey Funk met in 2008 while working at the restaurant wd~50.

Question 3: When did Esther Choi and Corey Funk get married?

Answer: Esther Choi and Corey Funk got married in 2013.

Question 4: How many children do Esther Choi and Corey Funk have?

Answer: Esther Choi and Corey Funk have two children together.

Question 5: What is the name of the restaurant that Esther Choi and Corey Funk own together?

Answer: Esther Choi and Corey Funk own the restaurant Mkbar together.

Question 6: What type of cuisine is served at Mkbar?

Answer: Mkbar serves Korean-inspired dishes and natural wines.

These FAQs provide essential information about Chef Esther Choi's husband and their professional and personal lives.

Summary: Corey Funk is an accomplished sommelier and restaurateur who has played a significant role in the success of Mkbar. He is a dedicated husband and father who supports Esther Choi's culinary endeavors.

Transition: To delve deeper into the world of Chef Esther Choi and her husband, Corey Funk, explore the following sections for additional insights.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chef Esther Choi's husband, Corey Funk, is an accomplished sommelier and restaurateur who has played a pivotal role in the success of Mkbar. His extensive knowledge of wine and his passion for hospitality have contributed to the restaurant's reputation for excellence.

The partnership between Esther Choi and Corey Funk is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared passion. Together, they have created a unique and innovative dining experience that has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal following.

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