David Shim
COTE Korean Steakhouse
David Shim is the Executive Chef of COTE Korean Steakhouse and Partner at Gracious Hospitality
Management overseeing culinary operations, menu conceptualization, and strategy across all global
COTE locations (NYC, Miami, Singapore). Born in Seoul, David moved to the US when he was... READ MORE
Management overseeing culinary operations, menu conceptualization, and strategy across all global
COTE locations (NYC, Miami, Singapore). Born in Seoul, David moved to the US when he was... READ MORE
David Shim is the Executive Chef of COTE Korean Steakhouse and Partner at Gracious Hospitality
Management overseeing culinary operations, menu conceptualization, and strategy across all global
COTE locations (NYC, Miami, Singapore). Born in Seoul, David moved to the US when he was 10
years old and his early life was marked by significant transitions, cultural challenges, and a
relentless pursuit of excellence. Following his father’s footsteps as a soccer player in Korea, David
found solace in sports throughout middle school and high school, where his athletic abilities began
to shine through. After receiving an opportunity to train and try out in Brazil, he ultimately landed
back in the US where he was left with a decision of what’s next. During this time, he visited a friend
at the Culinary Institute of America, and felt an immediate connection between cooking and sports,
reigniting his competitive spirit and providing his next challenge. David began his culinary career as
a line cook at Gramercy Tavern under the legendary Chef Tom Colicchio. His next stints included
roles as chef tournant at Veritas, master cook at L’atelier de Joël Robuchon at the Four Seasons
Hotel, and executive chef of Kristalbelli. After working as chef de cuisine for M. Wells Steakhouse,
Shim was approached by Simon Kim to open COTE Korean Steakhouse, which was officially unveiled
in New York City’s Flatiron neighborhood in 2017. The COTE empire has continued to expand, with
locations in Miami’s Design District, Singapore as the team’s first international venture, and two
forthcoming locations, including COTE Vegas opening in early 2025 and a second NYC location in
the works as a part of the brand’s upcoming 550 Madison multi-level project.
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Management overseeing culinary operations, menu conceptualization, and strategy across all global
COTE locations (NYC, Miami, Singapore). Born in Seoul, David moved to the US when he was 10
years old and his early life was marked by significant transitions, cultural challenges, and a
relentless pursuit of excellence. Following his father’s footsteps as a soccer player in Korea, David
found solace in sports throughout middle school and high school, where his athletic abilities began
to shine through. After receiving an opportunity to train and try out in Brazil, he ultimately landed
back in the US where he was left with a decision of what’s next. During this time, he visited a friend
at the Culinary Institute of America, and felt an immediate connection between cooking and sports,
reigniting his competitive spirit and providing his next challenge. David began his culinary career as
a line cook at Gramercy Tavern under the legendary Chef Tom Colicchio. His next stints included
roles as chef tournant at Veritas, master cook at L’atelier de Joël Robuchon at the Four Seasons
Hotel, and executive chef of Kristalbelli. After working as chef de cuisine for M. Wells Steakhouse,
Shim was approached by Simon Kim to open COTE Korean Steakhouse, which was officially unveiled
in New York City’s Flatiron neighborhood in 2017. The COTE empire has continued to expand, with
locations in Miami’s Design District, Singapore as the team’s first international venture, and two
forthcoming locations, including COTE Vegas opening in early 2025 and a second NYC location in
the works as a part of the brand’s upcoming 550 Madison multi-level project.
