Unmi Abkin is a chef and restaurateur whose culinary journey began in childhood, shaped by her experiences as an orphan in South Korea and her subsequent adoption into a multicultural family. Her early exposure to hunger and diverse food traditions - from her Jewish-American father and Mexican mother - fueled her lifelong passion for flavor. After graduating from the California Culinary Academy, she honed her skills at renowned establishments such as Chez Panisse and Boulevard Restaurant before opening her first restaurant, "Cha Cha Cha," in Northampton, Massachusetts, at the age of 25.
Abkin's career is marked by her dedication to blending cultural influences into her cuisine. Alongside her husband, Roger Taylor, she owns and operates "Coco & The Cellar Bar" in Easthampton, Massachusetts, where her innovative approach has earned her four James Beard Award semifinalist nominations for Best Chef in the Northeast. Her work reflects a deep understanding of food as both sustenance and art, informed by her unique background and professional training.