This year’s Milestone Award honorees are Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark from Parachute restaurant! Parachute has been named Best New Restaurant by the Chicago Tribune, and received a prestigious James Beard Award nomination. We were lucky enough to catch up with Beverly and Johnny so we could get to know them a little better before Milestone! Remember to get your tickets today!
Describe yourself in 140 characters or less: We are a chef couple who are owners of a Korean American neighborhood restaurant in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago.
When did you realize that you wanted to be a chef? How did your family feel about it?
John wanted to be a Chef since he was 15. Beverly wanted to be a chef since 16. John’s family was very supportive as both parents are in the creative field. Beverly’s parents met it with some resistance at first, as it was not a prestigious “profession” in the Korean American society at the time.
What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?
For John, his best meal was at Saison in San Francisco. For Beverly, one of the best meals was a beautiful feast crafted by Momma Kim for her 21st birthday which included homemade gujeolpan, braised shortribs, and squash porridge.
What do you like to eat when you’re at home?
Comfort foods, simple foods, healthy foods. Mostly globally inspired, ie: Curries, soups, noodles, fried rice.
What’s one thing you’d like to see for the Asian American community in Chicago?
We would like to see more representation in politics, more in the arts and media, more in education field.
Your son is multiracial, and is being raised in a multicultural environment. What’s one change you’d like to see in the world as Daewon grows up?
I’d like to see a world that is diplomatic, and does not use religion or race as a reason for violence.
What are some other causes that you care about?
We care about our educating children about the opportunities in food and how to cook healthy, we care about women who are coming out of abused situations and need housing and opportunities. We care about celebrating Asian Americans in the arts field.