How to Start an Underground Restaurant – Nguyen Tran of Starry Kitchen

Aloha friends and foodies, and welcome back. Today I'm interviewing Nguyen Tran, one half of the duo behind Starry Kitchen, a restaurant and brand that was started in Nguyen's small North Hollywood apartment. Originally, it was a way to earn some money after Thi, Nguyen's wife, lost her job in the big economic crash of 2008. After realizing they had an underground hit on their hands, the two operated from their apartment for eight months before finally moving to a legit restaurant site. Since starting the restaurant, Nguyen and Thi have become part of L.A.'s food culture scene and Los Angeles Food Galore. Just a few years ago, they started Button Mash, the next iteration of Starry Kitchen, and Nguyen has also been a frequent guest to shows on the Cooking Channel.  In this episode, we talk about Nguyen's fascinating journey from underground restauranteur to a key member of the LA food culture, delicious Vietnamese cuisine that you can make at home, and the tip to giving amazing parties. Find Nguyen: Starry Kitchen Blog Instagram Facebook Twitter   Button Mash Website Facebook Twitter Instagram Recipes Mentioned in this Episode: Thit Ko (Braised Coconut Pork) Nguyen's Cookbook Adventures in Starry Kitchen: 88 Asian-Inspired Recipes from America's Most Famous Underground Restaurant   Come Visit BFF with the Chef: The BFF with the Chef Website Twitter Facebook Instagram