Korean-American Senior Chef Wins First Place at NYC Aging’s Plant-Forward Cook-Off

NEW YORK, NY — Chef Young Hee Song Kim of the KCS Corona Senior Center claimed first place at the NYC Department for the Aging’s (NYC Aging) inaugural Plant-Forward Cook-Off, held on March 26, 2025, at The Venue at City Harvest in Manhattan. Her award-winning dish — a vibrant Vegetable Bibimbap — captivated a panel of expert judges and earned KCS Korean Community Services top honors among eight competing chefs from Older Adult Centers across New York City.

The Plant-Forward Cook-Off brought together senior center chefs from across the five boroughs to showcase plant-based dishes that reflect the rich cultural diversity of New York’s older adult communities. Competitors were evaluated on creativity, flavor, nutritional value, and cultural authenticity — criteria that Chef Kim met with distinction.

Chef Kim’s Vegetable Bibimbap — a beloved Korean staple featuring seasoned fresh vegetables, a savory sauce, and warm rice — was praised for its bold presentation, deep layering of flavors, and its demonstration that plant-forward cuisine can be both deeply traditional and powerfully nourishing. The dish stopped the room. Judges included.

“This award is not just a victory for one chef — it is a recognition of what we do every single day at the Corona Senior Center. The fresh, culturally rooted meals we serve our elders reflect who they are and where they come from. We are proud that New York City sees and values that.”

— John Shin, Director, KCS Corona Senior Center

KCS Korean Community Services is one of New York City’s leading social service organizations dedicated to the Korean-American community and diverse immigrant populations. The Corona Senior Center — one of KCS’s flagship programs — serves older adults in the Queens neighborhood of Corona with daily nutritious meals, social programming, and culturally sensitive care.

The NYC Aging Plant-Forward Cook-Off reflects the city’s commitment to promoting healthy, sustainable, and culturally inclusive nutrition for older New Yorkers. By centering chefs from senior centers across all five boroughs, the competition celebrates the culinary talent and cultural knowledge that exists within the city’s aging services network.

Chef Kim’s victory is a testament to the belief that food is more than sustenance — it is identity, memory, and community. KCS looks forward to continuing its mission of delivering meals that nourish not only the body, but the soul.