The Writer

You ever walk into a restaurant and have your order taken by a kid who could barely see over the counter?

Yep. That was me. I’d take your order, run to the back, throw on an apron, cook your orange chicken, then run it back to your table. And to really lean into the Asian stereotype, you’d probably spot me doing homework at a four-top in the corner between tables and tickets.

For years, I was convinced my dad was terrified Child Protective Services might stroll in mid-dinner rush. Maybe that’s why he only used my siblings sparingly in the front-of-house. At 8 years old, I absolutely would’ve welcomed a rescue from 14-hour weekend shifts and weekday dinner service. Dad, I think you’re in the clear now… pretty sure the statute of limitations has run out.

From age 8 to 18, working in the restaurant wasn’t a choice—it was the family business. And I grew to resent the kitchen. I can’t tell you how many times I burned myself on a wok or nicked off a fingernail bulk-prepping 50 pounds of carrots.

So at 18, I rebelled and went to the U.S. Naval Academy. I traded an apron for a uniform—only to find out that life in the military is just as rigid and demanding as life on the line. Funny enough, the more distance I put between myself and the restaurant, the more I missed it. Throughout my military career, I kept ending up behind a burner: cooking five-course dinners for friends, planning menus, and fielding texts from friends and even random airport acquaintances asking for restaurant recommendations around the world.

I miss being around people in the food and beverage industry. One, they all seem to have a few loose bolts, which makes conversations entertaining. Two, nobody chooses this industry without a story—and that makes for a phenomenal conversation.

I started Behind the Bowls because I believe in the power of those stories. You already know how captivating a good story can be. Think about what makes you stop scrolling on Instagram: a great story, food, or… something you probably shouldn’t be looking at ;). Sharing my family’s story with our regulars is what kept us afloat through recession after recession.

Ever walk into an incredible restaurant or café that’s empty when it shouldn’t be? That hurts. With the internet, I hope I can change that. By sharing their food and their stories with you, I’m hoping you’ll find that there’s more behind the bowl.

Always remember… phone eats first (just only when that one person is with you).

-Tong

Taking a brief pit stop at the Salona Roman Ruins in Croatia to walk off one too many Dalmatian Sours from Pizzeria Sette Sorelle.