{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Tasting Notes Toronto by Insider Wine","title":"Eric Chong — Opening aKin, Toronto’s Newest Michelin-Starred Restaurant","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/421cd2de\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":4069,"description":"In this episode, I sit down with Chef Eric Chong to discusses the intense journey of opening his Michelin-starred restaurant, aKin. Initially trained as a chemical engineer, Eric's true passion for food led him to pursue a culinary career, starting with winning Master Chef Canada and then honing his skills in Asia under the guidance of celebrity chef Alvin Leung. He talks about the immense pressure leading up to receiving a Michelin star, the financial and emotional challenges of running a high-end restaurant, and the validation that came when Akin was finally recognized. Eric also shares insights into the importance of humility, continuous learning, and the joy and satisfaction that come from creating exceptional dining experiences. If you’re curious about what chasing a Michelin star really looks like behind the scenes, this is an episode for you. \n00:00 The Pressure of Earning a Michelin Star\n01:58 Chef Eric Chong's Journey from Engineering to Culinary Arts\n03:23 MasterChef Canada: A Life-Changing Experience\n05:41 Training Under Chef Alvin Leung\n15:07 Opening R&D Restaurant\n25:52 The Vision Behind Akin\n34:32 Challenges and Successes of Akin's First Year\n36:08 Financial Struggles in Fine Dining\n36:44 Vision and Challenges of a Blind Tasting Menu\n38:02 The Importance of Accolades\n39:52 The Impact of Michelin Star\n45:04 Adapting to Increased Demand\n48:38 Staff Loyalty and Work Culture\n50:40 Insights from Dining at Top Restaurants\n58:53 Balancing Passion and Personal Life\n01:04:54 Advice for Aspiring Chefs\n01:06:29 Maintaining Motivation and Success\n🙌 Enjoyed the episode?\nFollow, rate, and review Tasting Notes Toronto on your favorite podcast platform — it really helps others discover the show. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.\n\nChampagne: Cork Pop and Pour by ultradust -- https://freesound.org/s/166923/ -- License: Attribution 4.0","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/qu6sl5IgAAe55ng9ARpyYSW-PPfIZ_6b8pSn9asQ7QY/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS81ZTNh/NGU4YjQ5YmQ5ODk4/NTdiOGYwNGZhNDM1/ZjZmZi5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}