David Choi, Brian Fisher
David Choi, chef/owner of Korean-Mexican restaurant Seoul Taco, has hired Michelin-starred, James Beard Award–nominated chef Brian Fisher to serve as culinary director. The Chicago-based chef will oversee the kitchens of the fast-casual brand’s seven brick-and-mortar locations across St. Louis, Columbia, and Chicago. Fisher will also spearhead menu and recipe development.
“Neither of us was looking for this, but the situation presented itself, and it made a lot of sense,” says Fisher. “I'm at the point where I want to do more for the other 98 percent of the dining population than the 2 percent.”
Fisher cooked in notable restaurants on both coasts before returning to his native city of Chicago. He served as chef de cuisine at Michelin-starred Schwa in Wicker Park, where he expanded his knowledge of international cuisines and experimented with new culinary techniques. He received national acclaim for his skilled precision and innovative flavor profiles when he opened Entente in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood in 2017. He earned his first Michelin star in 2018, when he was also a semi-finalist for a James Beard Award in the "Best Chef: Great Lakes" category. When Entente relocated to a new home in the heart of Chicago’s River North neighborhood, he maintained its Michelin rating.
The inevitable question of why Choi decided to hire such an esteemed chef to run the culinary aspect of his restaurants is fair, since the menu, as Choi describes it, is "six or seven well-executed items that are simple but super-flavorful." For those who know Choi and how he vets those he collaborates with and employs, the choice was a natural one.
Choi and Fisher met a few years ago in Chicago, connecting over their many common interests and passions. “We met through some of our mutual friends: other chefs, DJs, artists and creatives we know, who are all pushing the bar forward," explains Choi. “Being part of a community of friends who are all working and progressing together toward the same goal is so fulfilling, and Brian is definitely one of those innovators. Brian is one of the most talented chefs I know. Period.”
Diners can expect to see frequent menu additions at Seoul Taco, as well as seasonal items. Fisher has a reputation for pushing boundaries with his cuisine, exploring and experimenting with ingredients. “I’m not opposed to anything,” Fisher says.
Besides changes to the menu, Choi and Fisher envision collaborations, special dinners, and events with not only other chefs and restaurants but also other types of businesses. “We may work with someone like a cannibis company,” says Choi. "We are into that type of community-building and development."
“I’ve really loved connecting with the people and chefs I’ve met in St. Louis,” adds Fisher. “Every part of St. Louis I’ve experienced has been really appealing to me: the people, the restaurants, and the vibe. I’m excited to get to know more of this city. St. Louis is pushing forward.”
