Episode 176: Winning MasterChef and Finding Success in Food Media with Dara Yu

Line Cook Thoughts

On this week's podcast I chat with Chef Dara Yu. Dara Yu is a 21-year-old LA native chef. Her career started in the MasterChef Junior kitchen at age 12 where she placed as runner-up in season one. Following her run on MasterChef Junior, she started staging at restaurants to continue to perfect the craft of cooking. She's spent time in kitchens such as AOC, Bouchon Bakery, Annisa, and Tasting Kitchen as well as being a part of the opening team of Dominique Ansel Bakery LA at the age of 16. She continued her education at The Culinary Institute of America Hyde Park, where she graduated with a high honors degree in Baking and Pastry Arts. Most recently, she was named the youngest champion of season 12 of MasterChef "Back to Win". Dara is a culinary instructor at the Gourmandise School of Sweets & Savories and an active member of the Los Angeles food community. She finds inspiration from her early childhood food memories, cooking with her Chinese New Zealander grandma, international trips to places like Italy and Japan, and her love for California's diverse food culture. Instagram: @foodforyu Newsletter Sign Up: linecookthoughts.com Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple!