Chef Kevin Lee

About

Korean-American chef and restaurateur known for his culinary approach that fuses traditional Korean flavors with American steakhouse classics and for being the owner and executive chef of Birdie's by Chef Kevin Lee. He is also known for competing in several Food Network shows, including Guy's Grocery Games, Alex vs. America, Beat Bobby Flay, Superchef Grudge Match, and Tournament of Champions.

Before Fame

He took a cooking class as part of his hospitality management program while attending the University of Las Vegas. His experience with this cooking class sparked his passion for the culinary arts. He began working as a prep cook at a local sushi restaurant, which led to an apprenticeship under Chef Joon Choi at Sushi Wa. He then became the executive chef at Mandalay Bay when he was 21 years old. He opened his restaurant Birdie's in 2021.

Trivia

He was nominated for a James Beard Award in 2025. He is a fan of K-pop and frequently incorporates Korean music into the ambiance of his restaurant. He often shares his love for Korean pop culture and music on his social media platforms. He was awarded Best New Restaurant by Eater OKC in 2021.

Family Life

He spent his formative years in various locations, including Korea, Connecticut, Washington State, and Oklahoma. He is a father.

Associated With

He competed in Guy Fieri's competition show, Guy's Grocery Games, and ended up winning the competition.