Charles Phan facts for kids
Phan in 2014
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| Born | Toàn Phan July 30, 1962 Da Lat, South Vietnam |
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| Died | January 20, 2025 (aged 62) |
| Education | University of California, Berkeley |
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Current restaurant(s)
The Slanted Door, San Francisco
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Charles Phan (born Toàn Phan; July 30, 1962 – January 20, 2025) was a well-known American chef. He also wrote cookbooks and owned restaurants. He was the main chef and creator of "The Slanted Door" restaurant in San Francisco, California. He also led The Slanted Door Group of restaurants. Charles Phan wrote two cookbooks about Vietnamese food.
Contents
Charles Phan's Early Life and Learning
Charles Phan grew up in Da Lat, Vietnam. His parents had moved there from China in the 1960s. His family name, Phan, is Vietnamese. His first name was Toàn, but it changed to Charles when he came to the U.S.
In Vietnam, his father and uncle opened a small grocery store. Charles and his five brothers and sisters helped with the family business. This store later inspired his San Francisco restaurant, Wo Hing General Store.
In April 1975, when Charles was 13, his family had to leave Vietnam. They left with 400 other people on a cargo ship. The ship went to Guam, where they lived for 18 months. An American couple helped his family with a place to live. While helping his aunt cook, Charles watched a TV show by chef Jacques Pépin. This made him very interested in cooking.
After Guam, his family moved to San Francisco, California. He grew up in the Chinatown area and went to Mission High School. He finished high school in 1979. Charles then went to the University of California, Berkeley to study architecture. But he left college early because tuition prices went up a lot. After college, he worked in software sales and other jobs. During this time, he started planning his first restaurant, The Slanted Door.
Charles Phan's Restaurant Journey
As a teenager, Charles became very curious about food. He learned from watching his aunt cook. He also explored the many different foods in San Francisco. Charles saw a chance to show American diners how amazing Vietnamese food could be. He started by cooking small dinners for his friends. This helped him make his cooking style better and develop his restaurant idea.
In 1995, Charles Phan opened his first restaurant, The Slanted Door. It was a fancy restaurant that served Vietnamese food. His goal was to make Vietnamese food special. He wanted to use modern design, fresh local ingredients, good teas, and wine pairings.
The first Slanted Door was on Valencia Street in San Francisco. It moved to the SOMA area in 2002. Then, in 2005, it moved to its famous spot at the historic Ferry Building. The Slanted Door was one of the first restaurants in San Francisco to offer special craft cocktails.
In 2004, Charles Phan won a big award. He was named “Best Chef: California” by the James Beard Foundation. In the years that followed, Charles opened more restaurants and bars.
Amazing Awards and Recognitions
Charles Phan and his restaurant won many important awards:
- 2004 – He was named “Best Chef: California” by the James Beard Foundation.
- 2011 – He joined the James Beard Foundation's Who's Who of Food and Beverage in America. This means he was recognized as one of the most important people in American food and drink.
- 2013 – His cookbook, “Vietnamese Home Cooking,” won an award for chefs and restaurants. It was from the IACP (International Association of Culinary Professionals).
- 2014 – The Slanted Door restaurant was named an Outstanding Restaurant in America by the James Beard Foundation.
- 2015 – His book, “The Slanted Door,” won an award for its photography from the IACP.
His Family and Later Life
Charles Phan lived in San Francisco, California. He lived there with his wife and their three children.
Charles Phan passed away on January 20, 2025. He was 62 years old.
