CC Lee's kitchen journey started back home when he was very young. He was tasked with cooking the family meal when his mom was busy with her tailoring work. She was the first person to train him in cooking basics. He was very fortunate to have tasted many delicious dishes from her kitchen, and this experience set the standard for him for what truly good food is. She laid the foundation for him, which led to the birth of JUJU Restaurant Lounge.
He grew up near the seaside, spending many hours by the beach and beyond. It was their playground at that time. One vivid memory is catching their own horseshoe crab and passing it to the fishermen nearby, who cooked it with fire and banana leaves for them. It was an unforgettable meal. The sea and marine life have always fascinated him, and now he is on a mission to source the best local seafood.
Penang has a wide variety of seafood throughout the island and mainland. He wants to highlight the many world-class seafood offerings available here through his 10-course omakase to both local and international diners. By giving it the lightest Mediterranean touch, he aims to let the seafood shine. He directly sources these seafood gems from many local fishermen who use “sampan” boats. They are his lifeline, and he truly appreciates their hard work and dedication in bringing the best wild-caught seafood in Penang to our table.
CC, also known as the.closet.chef, is passionate about elevating locally-sourced ingredients with a unique Mediterranean twist inspired by his travels to Portugal and Spain. During these travels, he experienced the diverse ‘saltiness’ levels and distinct ways each culture treats fresh seafood, which deeply influenced his culinary approach. His journey in the kitchen began with the rich, local flavors and techniques he learned from his mother.
CC’s entry into the culinary industry started with a humble yet impactful step. On his days off, he began cooking at a friend’s cafe, Thor’s Affair, where he hosted a weekly pop-up. This experience marked his first venture into serving paying customers and laid the groundwork for his professional culinary career.
Transitioning from a musician to a chef, CC brings the same passion and precision to his cooking that he once poured into his music. He harmonizes his culinary creations with an artistic flair, ensuring each dish is a symphony of flavors.
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