Kang attended the University of California Riverside, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Soil Science in 1996. He then moved to Cincinnati, Ohio to pursue a Master degree in Environmental Toxicology at the School of Medicine in University of Cincinnati. After working in many restaurants in Cincinnati and Ontario Canada, he enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America, where he met his future wife on day one, and went on to a restaurant fellowship after graduation. He has worked for CMC Rudy Speckemp in Baltimore Maryland, and Fabio Trabocchi of the famed Maestro at Ritz Carlton Tyson’s Corner, and Fiamma in New York City. It was with Fabio’s tutelage and support that he arrived at The French Laundry in Yountville, California where he worked for Thomas Keller, Cory Lee, and Tim Hollingsworth. His tenure at The French Laundry lasted five years, rising from the ranks of Commis to Sous Chef.
In October of 2010, Kang was called on to join the Morimoto team. He formally joined the kitchen in March 2011 after giving French Laundry five months notice out of respect and gratitude. Since joining Morimoto, he has moved from the Executive Sous Chef position to assuming the full responsibility of the culinary operation.
Kang’s insight and experience in East Asian cuisine, his formal training in French techniques, and his diverse and talented staff have continued to complement Chef Morimoto’s signature style.