A little peach and a lot of character - David Chang of Momofuku wins (yet another) award

February 28, 3:58 AMBoston Food ExaminerJacqueline Church

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Character David Chang; courtesy of USA Networks

David Chang continues to reap the rewards of a thoroughly un-Asian approach to school and career. And for that, we thank him.

A poor student, Chef Chang was a competitive golfer who had the bad luck to come of age during the Tiger Woods era. Then, Chang thought football might be his thing. Turns out, all the milk in the world won't make a Korean kid NFL sized.

Philosophy intrigued him but apparently not enough to curtail the partying. A 1.9 GPA in college is not exactly a parent's dream.

But doing it his own, hard-headed, mercurial and fun-loving way, Chang has found his niche. This thoroughly takes the wind out of every Asian parent's argument that not applying yourself will result in ruin. See Mom? Sorry, couldn't resist...

The Character Approved Award comes courtesy of USA Networks, whose motto is "Characters Welcome" and whose own family of characters includes pill-popping antisocial doctors, investigators with OCD and the like.

So it's fitting that Chef David Chang is the first chef to win this award. He shares the honor with awardees in fields of music (Lupe Fiasco) and architecture (Jennifer Siegal) and Shepard Fairey (Art), among others.

Chang's restaurants are all in New York City and include:

Momofuku Noodle Bar - Momofuku means little peach and is also a nod to the Japanese man who popularized ramen

Ssam Bar - Think Asian Burrito. Yummy street food. Relaxed environs.

Ko - Famous for it's online reservation system - no favors - no VIPs - ever. Small number of seats, meals served Omakase style.

Momofuku Bakery Milk Bar - The newest in the family, flavored "cereal milk" and crazy desserts that are all reminiscent of childhood favorites. They also do a variation on the famous pork belly bun, adding an egg for breakfast.