CBS News - How a New York chef made her restaurant both a dining destination and neighborhood spot
Chef Suzanne Cups, after 15 years in New York City's top kitchens, has opened her own restaurant, Lola, in the Nomad neighborhood. Her culinary style is a fusion of Asian influences and Southern charm, creating dishes that are both familiar and innovative. Cups' menu includes items like Korean-inspired beef tartar and crispy tilefish lettuce wraps, reflecting her knack for combining flavors. Her restaurant is named after her grandmother, 'Lola' in Filipino, honoring her heritage. Cups' journey from a math major at Clemson to a renowned chef is marked by her passion for food and hospitality, developed under the mentorship of culinary masters like Anita Lo and Danny Meyer. Her dishes, such as the Japanese-inspired Bento Box and crispy chicken thighs, showcase her commitment to using fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant's open kitchen, adorned in jade green, serves as a tribute to her grandmother's strength and legacy. Cups aims to create a memorable dining experience that is both a neighborhood staple and a destination for food enthusiasts.
Key Points:
- Chef Suzanne Cups combines Asian and Southern flavors at Lola, creating unique dishes like Korean beef tartar and crispy tilefish wraps.
- Lola is named after Cups' Filipino grandmother, reflecting her cultural heritage and personal journey.
- Cups transitioned from a math major to a chef, influenced by mentors like Anita Lo and Danny Meyer, focusing on fresh, local ingredients.
- The restaurant's design, including its jade green kitchen, honors Cups' grandmother and her family's history.
- Cups aims to make Lola both a neighborhood favorite and a culinary destination, emphasizing memorable dining experiences.