06/28/2026
It’s been nearly 2 weeks since the JBFA, and I’m still trying to get a grasp on all of this.
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When we talk about full circle moments, rarely do they begin with darker memories.
Most people don’t know this about me, but when I was young; when I was bullied - one of the things I was teased about often (probably second to being Asian) was my name. Not only my last name, but my first name. You can only imagine the numerous ways other kids thought it was funny to say my name.
Even our family doctor used to come out into the waiting room to call my name, loudly (especially when there were several others in the waiting room),
Pene-lōpe, and immediately start laughing.
I never told my parents how much this bothered me, I just buried it, like so many other things I wished I weren’t.
**full disclosure: - I am aware there was no ill intent when my name was announced incorrectly.
When my name was called as the 2026 James Beard Award Winner for Best Chef: Mountain, Pene-lōpe Wong - it was a moment in which my whole being spiraled back into the classroom and on the playground with those other kids; and into that doctors office waiting room, being laughed at. But then the applause came, followed by the loud woot-woots! And it pulled me back into this moment where I was being celebrated. Me. They were applauding and cheering for my name, for being recognized for doing nothing but simply cooking to remember the favorite parts about my childhood and my family.
This was my full circle moment.
To be recognized as a JBF regional best chef, nominated amongst other talented individuals I simply adore, is surreal and something that could never have been expected. Nothing could have prepared me for this moment.
This was so unexpected, in fact, that I actually started writing my “just in case” would be speech in the literal minutes prior to the Best Chef Mountain category.
As the ceremony began, I pulled out my phone and started typing like a mad woman. I felt like Ngoc was giving me the side eye for being on my phone during the ceremony 😅
I wanted my team on stage with me because I needed them to be fully immersed in this moment. What a joy it was to share this experienc
