Growing up in the U.S., Chef Ileene’s passion for sweets began at a young age - baking boxed cakes at home and spending summers in Seoul, South Korea, where she immersed herself in her family’s culture.
She went on to hone her pastry skills in some of the world’s top kitchens, including The NoMad, Betony, Le Meurice in Paris, and L’Appart.
Chef Ileene served as the opening executive pastry chef at both One White Street and The Noortwyck, leading their pastry programs with a distinctive blend of heritage and innovation. Her approach combines classic French techniques with imaginative, modern twists.
She’s the creative force behind the beloved fluffy Parker House rolls and, according to The New York Times, is just as skilled at breathing new life into familiar desserts. Signature creations include her Strawberry Lychee Pavlova and a playful Mille Feuille layered with banana cream, stout caramel, and chocolate.
Now, Chef Ileene is channeling her love for baking into her newest venture: Cho’s Bakeshop, a baking-focused CPG company rooted in nostalgia, family, and flavor. Inspired by childhood memories of boxed brownies and Sunday visits to her father’s favorite bakery in Korea, she set out to create baking mixes that are personal, premium, and playful.
Backed by professional pastry training and a belief that baking should b reate baking mixes that are personal, premium, and playful. e joyful, fun and approachable, her mission is to help others make lasting memories in the kitchen - just like she did growing up.
