Akira Back
American chef known for Japanese and Korean cuisine.
via Wikipedia: Akira Back · see source
Akira Back, born Sung Ook Back in 1974, is an American chef and restaurateur. He is recognized for his creative take on Japanese and Korean food, running 28 restaurants worldwide, including the Michelin-starred Dosa in Seoul.
Quick Facts
- Birth name
- Sung Ook Back
- Born
- 1974
- Birthplace
- Seoul, South Korea
- Occupation
- Chef, Restaurateur
- Notable works
- Akira Back restaurants
- ABSteak
- Dosa
Facts from the source article.
Early life
Akira Back grew up in Seoul, Korea, where he was a serious young baseball player. That path ended when his father's job moved the family to the United States in 1989, and they eventually landed in Aspen, Colorado. At 15, he switched to snowboarding, spending seven years on the pro circuit and appearing in extreme sports films. To help pay the bills, he worked in local Japanese restaurants, which sparked his interest in cooking. He later studied at the International Culinary School through The Art Institute in Colorado.
Culinary career
Akira Back traded snowboarding for the kitchen, studying at the International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Colorado. He started as a sushi prep cook at Kenichi in Aspen in 1993, later opening Kenichi locations in Austin, Texas, and Kona, Hawaii. In 2008, he launched Yellowtail Japanese Restaurant & Lounge at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, known for Bigeye Tuna Pizza and Maine Lobster Carpaccio. That same year, he faced Bobby Flay on Iron Chef America, battling with spinach. His restaurant Dosa earned a Michelin Star in 2017.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Akira Back born?
Akira Back was born in 1974 in Seoul, South Korea.
What are Akira Back's notable works?
Notable works by Akira Back include Akira Back restaurants, ABSteak and Dosa.
More in American Chefs
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced