David Chang

Guide Note:

David Chang is a celebrated chef and restauranteur. The mastermind behind New York's Momofuku Ko, Momofuku Noodle Bar and Momofuku Ssam Bar, Chang is known for his haute cuisine takes on simple Asian dishes like ramen noodles and pork buns.

A New Yorker profile in March 2008 hinted at a potential Las Vegas extension of the Momofuku brand.

Momofuku Ko has generated buzz for featuring only 12 seats, no phone and no known menu.

Fast Facts:

1. Born: 1977
2. Birthplace: Arlington, VA
3. NY experience: Mercer Kitchen, Craft, Cafe Boulud
4. Tokyo experience: Fuyu-Rin, Park Hyatt Hotel
5. Famed ingredient: Pork fat

Quotes: In the New Yorker profile, Chang is quoted as addressing his chefs at the Noodle Bar as follows: "Are you willing to f*cking sacrifice yourself for the food?...It takes those little things, the properly cut scallions, to set us apart from Uno's and McDonald's...Just because we're not Per Se, just because we're not Daniel, just because we're not a four-star restaurant, why can't we have the same f*cking standards?...I know we've won awards, all this stuff, but it's not because we're doing something special—I believe it's really because we care more than the next guy." Chang Restaurants:

1. Momofuku Ssäm Bar: 207 2nd Ave, Corner of 13th and 2nd; 212.254.3500
2. Momofuku Noodle Bar: 171 First Ave, Between 10th and 11th; 212.475.7899
3. Momofuku Ko: 163 First Ave, Between 10th and 11th