What TV Chef Shirley Chung Did to Culver City in 2018

December 28, 2018

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Los key contemporary dining at Ms. Chi

(Gerry Furth-Sides) Chef Shirley Chung’s dishes that make up a meal may seem the simplest at the casual Ms Chi Cafe™ in Culver City but the memory that lasts is of the most pleasant, relaxed time with elegant, lingering flavors on the palate. The Main Street location on a market Tuesday evening makes it even more special although the daily neighborhood events are also a draw. The service is smart and welcoming to make you want to go back. Chef Shirley elevated Culver City’s choices for dining, and brought back the hospitality that used to make it a draw.

The dish of the night: Shrimp garlic noodles with heavenly chive buds and confit garlic

Chef Shirley Chung’s first location with her husband and co-owner Jimmy Lee. Chef Shirley gained national recognition on the Top Chef TV show where she placed 2nd in season 14 (Charleston) and 3rd in season 11 (New Orleans). At Ms Chi Cafe™ Chef Shirley has a created a unique cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere bringing together some of the flavors she grew up with in China and fusing them with American dishes that she has grown to love.

Dumplings in a bamboo basket at Ms Chi Cafe™

Ms Chi Cafe™ showcases Chef Shirley Chung’s passion for progressive Chinese-American cuisine. In addition to her unique culinary creations inspired by traditional authentic northern-style dumplings, noodle bowls, fried rice, specialty Boba and milk teas, and coffee drinks; Chef Shirley’s personality shines in the house-made Mr. Chi Chinese spiced pastrami and scallion pancake sandwich

Hedgehog Bao with salted molten dark chocolate

Ms Chi Café’s kitchen utilizes the highest quality local fresh produce and spices and everything is house made including breads, dumpling wrappers, noodles, sauces, and more. Food intolerance menus available upon requet include gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, nut-free, egg-free and vegan. Wine, beer, sake and soju cocktails are available

The Top Chef winning dish –Jumbo Cheeseburger Potstickers with a tomato bacon jam with a thick chewy noodle to hold the ingredients

Progressive Chinese-American Cuisine refers to Chef Shirley’s spin on the traditional authentic northern-style dumplings, noodles and dishes she grew up on in China with an elevated twist for the typical American-palate. Chef Shirley considers her style as more of an evolution of Chinese food in America using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible and unique flavors which play homage to traditional Chinese dishes.

Ms. Chi’s Scallon PancakesScallion pancake with hazelnut pesto is a must-have dish

Other Menu Highlights include: Mr Chi (Chinese pastrami scallion pancake sandwich); Vegan Mapo Tofu served over rice; Beijing Zhajiang Mian (hand cut noodles for 2, Pachamama pork and 6 seasonal garnishes) and Vegan Garden Dumplings.

Chef Shirley Chung – Chef / Owner is a native of Beijing, and a proud Chinese-American. She brings a playfulness and refinement of flavors to her culinary creations. Shirley immigrated to America at age 17 for college and worked in Silicon Valley before following her passion for food. She attended the California Culinary Academy San Francisco and was trained in classic French, Italian, Latin and Chinese cuisines working with Thomas Keller at Bouchon, Guy Savoy, Mario Batali at Carnevino, and Jose Andres at China Poblano. In 2013, Shirley was a chef contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef Series Season 11 New Orleans where she finished in the Top 3 and was invited to compete again in 2016 on Top Chef Season 14 Charleston where she was awarded as the runner up. In a partnership with her husband Jimmy Lee, Chef Shirley showcases her Chinese heritage and personality in a modern fast casual service approach at Ms. Chi Cafe.

Chef Travis Masar – Executive Chef was born and raised in southeast Colorado and received a Bachelor in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales. His earned his international wine certificate and Court of Masters Sommelier Certificate at the German Wine & Sommelier School. Chef Travis discovered his love for the different cuisines and cultures in Asia after traveling and working in Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Chef Travis appeared as a contestant on Top Chef Season 11, New Orleans where he became not only colleagues but friends with Chef Shirley. It was when he was Head Chef at Bing Bing Dim Sum when he really fell in love with traditional dumplings, baos, and Asian breads.