Born in Oakland and now living in Orange County, first-generation Vietnamese-American chef Tu David Phu embodies the rich culinary diversity found throughout the Golden State. After working in some of the country’s finest kitchens—including Chez Panisse, Quince, and Acquerello—Phu created An, a weekly pop-up dining experience inspired in part by his mother’s recipes. This venture prompted the San Francisco Chronicle to name him a 2017 Rising Star Chef and paved the way for his inclusion on season 15 of Bravo’s Top Chef.
Here’s a look at Phu’s Golden State favorites.
Where do you live? I recently relocated from the San Francisco Bay Area to Orange County. We’ve been here coming up on two years.
Why there? My wife’s family resides here. And we love being by the beach. Our California sunsets are unmatched.
Who or what is your greatest California love? I'm in the ocean every morning, either snorkeling or diving. Our coastline is teeming with beauty.
What is the biggest misperception about Californians? That we all love avocado toast and that our pizza is horrible.
What is the stereotype that most holds true? We use “hella” to describe something amazing.
What is your favorite Golden State splurge? Dungeness crab season is amazing during the holidays.
Time for a road trip—where are you going? In my younger years, I was an avid forager for mushrooms and seaweed along the Mendocino and Sonoma coasts. There’s a ton of cute bed-and-breakfasts in the little towns along the coast. And great hidden eateries. Hog Island for oysters in Tomales Bay. And the best pizza at Cafe Reyes in Point Reyes Station.
If you could decree an official state culinary experience, what would it be? I would create a "California Culinary Journey" that celebrates the state's rich diversity, agricultural abundance, and culinary innovation. Highlights would include visits to California’s farms, where our state’s produce reign supreme.
What is your favorite way to play in California? Find a beach. Snorkel in the ocean. Swim with the dolphins.
Where would you go for the ultimate shopping spree in California? Wine country, to splurge on wine.
Best California song? Otis Redding's “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay” captures the essence of California with its vivid imagery of coastal landscapes, embodying a sense of freedom and introspection. This mirrors California's allure as a place for self-discovery and the pursuit of dreams, making the song a perfect anthem that resonates with the state's natural beauty.
How would your California dream day unfold? The adventure starts with a rejuvenating dive in the cool, inviting waters off Laguna Beach. This early morning connection with the ocean sets a serene tone for the day ahead. After emerging from the ocean, I enjoy breakfast at a quaint beachfront café in Newport Beach. I hit the road in my vintage convertible Bronco, the cool morning air rushing around me. The Pacific Coast Highway stretches out in front, a ribbon of asphalt that promises endless vistas and discoveries.
My first destination is a picturesque winery in Santa Barbara for lunch. Santa Barbara's reputation for excellent Chardonnay is well deserved, and paired with a seafood dish, it's a sublime introduction to California's culinary delights.
By mid-afternoon, I've reached San Luis Obispo. Here, I wander through a vibrant farmers' market, sampling local cheeses and fruits. A short drive away, a vineyard offers a tasting session where I indulge in the area's celebrated Pinot Noir and Syrah, savoring each sip amid the rolling hills.
As the sun begins its descent, I find myself in Big Sur, a place where the dramatic cliffs meet the deep blue Pacific. Dinner at a cliffside restaurant offers not just exquisite farm-to-table cuisine but also panoramic views of the sunset over the ocean. The journey ends in Monterey, where I check into a cozy inn that faces the bay. The soothing sounds of the waves provide a natural lullaby, the perfect end to a day filled with exploration, culinary adventures, and the sheer joy of driving a classic Bronco along one of the most scenic routes in the world.
