Humanizing Chefs: Nikki Tran Duff
Name — Nikki Tran Duff (@oishiisushibakes)
Where do you Cook? — Oishii Sushi Bakes (Oishii means “delicious” in Japanese)
Favorite Food — homemade Vietnamese food
Favorite Chef — Alice Waters. She pioneered the farm-to-table California cuisine, she is an ardent advocate of locally produced organic ingredients, and she is food activist who was a leading proponent of the “slow food” movement. She was also the first woman named “Best Chef in America” in 1992 by the James Beard Foundation! I had the pleasure of meeting her at a Longevity Summit that I helped organize last Fall.
Favorite Cincy Restaurant (Past or Present) — It’s a 3-way tie between Saigon Noodle Bar, Cafe Mochiko, and BOCA. I go to SNB at least once a week, take all my loved ones to Mochiko for their weekly specials, and visit BOCA to celebrate all of life’s special occasions!
Favorite Food Memory or Meal — When I was visiting Italy in 2018, I was able to dine at Osteria Francescana, a three MICHELIN stars restaurant in Modena. At the time, it was rated #1 in “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants” and reservations were nearly impossible to get. My partner and I planned our entire trip around our reservation and on the day-of, we took the train to Modena and made an adventure out of it. It was one of the best meals of my life in one my favorite countries in the world!
I first knew I wanted to be a chef when — I’m reluctant to call myself a Chef right now (hello Imposter Syndrome) but I suppose just this year. I’ve always loved cooking but never did it as a job, until now.
If I weren’t a chef, I would be — I hope to someday open a Non-Alcoholic bar in Cincinnati. I love creating beautiful things so it would be a gorgeous bar pouring out the most delicious craft mocktails, beer, and wine. I also really enjoy the business development and marketing side of owning a business.
My first job was — I worked as a hostess/server in a mom-and-pop Italian restaurant in the Bay Area when I was 15.
Why I love my job, in three words — making people smile
If I could have dinner with anybody, past or present, it would be — Anthony Bourdain. Oh, to have been the third person at his dinner with President Obama in Hanoi, Vietnam in 2016!
My favorite book is — Becoming by Michelle Obama
Favorite thing to cook after a busy service — After cooking all day, the last thing I want to do is make something for myself. I’ll go out for a quick meal (SNB!) or DoorDash something and just veg out.
Favorite Movie — IDK, “Crazy, Stupid, Love”?
Favorite TV show — Friends
Favorite Song — I have too many favorites, but currently, it’s “I Drink Wine” by Adele. I recently saw her live in Vegas and it changed my life.
Favorite Band or Musician — Taylor Swift (don’t hate, lol)
Favorite Place to travel — The Bay Area, because that’s where I’m from and where most of my family is. Followed by Italy, Japan, and Vietnam!
Favorite Hobby — Making sushi bakes is my hobby but when I’m not doing that (or working my full-time job), I’m usually having a blast planning Cincinnati’s largest dog meetups @cincycorgis.
Favorite Quote — “If you want to change the world go home and love your family.” -Mother Teresa
Biggest pet peeve — It annoys me when people lack empathy.
My advice to future culinary pros — Cooking can be taught, but making real, good food comes from the heart. 🫶
