Sonny Yi, Chef/owner, KoMex Fusion Express (633 N. Decatur Blvd.)

“Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and as a kid growing up, I always enjoyed cooking. But I never imagined I’d be doing it for a career. I simply try to create dishes that I enjoy eating. All the dishes, even the customer’s special orders, are things that I think, 'Okay, I enjoy eating that dish.' I’m cooking for myself basically—I cook the way I would like it prepared for myself. I just didn’t think that many people enjoyed the kind of food that I eat. There are certain dishes I’ll never serve. I don’t like nuts in my food, so you’ll never find kung pao chicken on our menu.”