Founder and Chef Esther Choi opened Mokbar in 2014 followed by Ms Yoo in 2017 – driven by her personal passion to introduce Americans to the traditional flavors and culture of Korea through food.

Chef Esther blends the traditions of her grandmother’s recipes and the influences of her adolescent years in Korea with her own American upbringing in her seasonal menus. She has then opened 2 more Mokbar locations, and Ms Yoo Cocktail bar.

Esther began her professional education at the early age of 14. Her formal training as a chef began at New York City’s Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), followed by various positions at New York City’s renowned ilili and La Esquina, as well as that of the Food Network. Esther was the host of Eater’s video series “Kitchen Gadgets”, where she channeled her cooking prowess and demonstrated compelling Korean dishes and flavors, garnering over 50 million views. She has appeared in numerous Food Network shows such as co-hosting and winning “Beat Bobby Flay” a continuous judge on “Chopped” as well as many other popular shows. She guest-starred in HBO’s “Selena + Chef” alongside Selena Gomez.

Esther was the Finalist chef in “Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend” which premiered on Netflix, 2022.