Top Chef Hung Huynh to Cook Kosher

Hung Huynh, perhaps our favorite Top Chef contestant ever, and, in case you’re living under a rock or something, last season’s winner, will be cooking Kosher food for the month of March. Solo, a fancy Kosher spot in the Sony Building on Madison Avenue, has enlisted Hung’s services as a guest chef. The full press release is available, after the jump. Jump!

SOLO ENLISTS BRAVO TV’S REIGNING “TOP CHEF” WINNER, HUNG HUYNH

Guest Executive Chef Hung Huynh To Add More Asian Flare To Solo’s Fare

(February 2008) – Upscale restaurant Solo has appointed Hung Huynh, the recent winner of Bravo TV’s hit show Top Chef, as the executive chef beginning March 2, 2008. Located in the Sony Building at 550 Madison Avenue, Solo is renowned for its Mediterranean-Asian fusion. Huynh has signed on to assume the role of executive chef until early April, and will apply his classic training in Asian cuisine to further enhance Solo’s Asian inspired flavor– and add a few specialties of his own.

Born in Vietnam, Hung Huynh received classical training in Asian and French cuisine from the Culinary Institute of America. Most recently, he rose to fame by winning the popular Bravo Television show Top Chef; he has also served as executive sous chef at Guy Savoy, one of Las Vegas’ most exclusive restaurants. Hung speaks four languages and has traveled the world—his cooking reflects this globetrotting experience as he incorporates Asian, French and Spanish influences in his dishes. He believes in cooking from the soul and especially loves seafood because there are a myriad of flavors and entrees to combine and create. His immense talent and versatility will allow him to easily transition to kosher cuisine, as he’ll use Solo’s fresh meats and produce to create amazing dishes that don’t include the non-kosher ingredients and additives that he’s accustomed to cooking with.

“We are ecstatic to have Hung Huynh onboard,” said Steven Traube, Solo’s operating partner. “We did this to show appreciation to our customers, we’re confidant that they’ll enjoy his food and talent. Also, Hung’s classical training in various cuisines and his appreciation for fused fare make him a perfect fit for our restaurant.

SOLO is New York’s first fusion restaurant that is also entirely kosher. Since opening in 2005, Solo has become one of the City’s finest restaurants and has garnered praise from critics, celebrities and diners alike. Its elegant main dining room – furnished with plush deep brown chairs, intricate mosaic linens and a carved glass wall – captures an elegant Mediterranean flavor. It’s menu boasts offerings such as Yellow Fin Tuna Carpaccio and Maple Glazed Duck with Savory Chestnut Sausages, among others. Located in the legendary Sony Atrium at 550 Madison Avenue, Solo is open for Lunch Monday- Friday 12:00pm- 3:00 pm; dinner is served Sunday-Thursday, 5:00pm-11:00pm.