i. Biography
Coming Up
Seafood sits at the center of Brian Baik’s work, but the frame around it is built from three sources: Los Angeles upbringing, formal culinary training, and years in New York kitchens. That combination runs through Corridor 109, the project he has carried from Monday night dinners at his family’s Koreatown restaurant into a restaurant in Melrose Hill, with Kobawoo House — established by his parents in 1983 — as the constant reference point.
Where They Are Now
At Corridor 109 in Melrose Hill, Los Angeles, Baik is working in a format he describes plainly: bringing different cooking experiences together into a personal style, then centering the ingredients he wants to put forward. The statement is less about invention for its own sake than about editing those experiences into a single service language. The clearest read on that language comes through the plates. Ise Ebi – Spiny Lobster, Tartlet has been highlighted as a statement piece for its crunchy Santa Barbara lobster texture.
Career - Chef and owner — Corridor 109, Melrose Hill, Los Angeles (2025–present) - Cook — Bouley Restaurant, New York - Chef — Eleven Madison Park, New York - Chef — Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare, New York - Opening team member — Sushi Noz, New York - Chef and owner — Corridor 109 pop-up dinners at Kobawoo House, Koreatown, Los Angeles (2021–2024) - Chef and owner — Corridor 109 Test Kitchen, Far East Plaza, Chinatown, Los Angeles (2023–2024) Education: University of Southern California; International Culinary Center
Signature
Brian's signature dishes include Ise Ebi, Tartlet, Aji, Toast!, and Ankimo.
In Their Words “The concept is bringing my different cooking experiences together into what I believe to be my own style and format, and sharing the ingredients that I’m passionate about.”
Honors
The clearest measure of the work is the shift from Monday night dinners in Koreatown to a chef-owner address in Melrose Hill. Brian Baik has built Corridor 109 with seafood at its center, drawing from Los Angeles roots, New York restaurant experience, and formal training without losing sight of the family restaurant that shaped the project.
FAQ What is Brian Baik's current role? As of 2026, Brian Baik is Chef and Owner. Where did Brian Baik train or study? Brian Baik trained at University of Southern California and International Culinary Center. What is Brian Baik known for? Pristine seafood.
