What's in your Bay, new Asian Art Museum director Dr. Soyoung Lee?
Dr. Soyoung Lee is the new Barbara Bass Bakar director and CEO of the Asian Art Museum. (Courtesy of Asian Art Museum)

What's in your Bay, new Asian Art Museum director Dr. Soyoung Lee?

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As the daughter of a South Korean diplomat, Dr. Soyoung Lee grew up as something of an international nomad.

Now, after more than two decades working in museums, she’s landed permanently at one of San Francisco's most important, the Asian Art Museum.


Lee is only the second woman to lead the Asian Art Museum as the Barbara Bass Bakar director and CEO. She’ll head up an all-woman leadership team and focus on working with community stakeholders including the mayor’s team and city officials “to better understand opportunities and challenges” in the city, as well as “mapping out a bold and inspiring program” to excite current visitors and engage new audiences.

Although Lee was most recently the chief curator at the Harvard Museums in Boston (before which she spent 15 years as the first-ever curator of Korean art at the Met in New York), this luminary of Eastern art’s ties to the Bay Area run deep. She’s been visiting since she was a teenager and spent several summers in Palo Alto where her husband is a Stanford affiliate and her kids attended Mountain Camp in Woodside.

Now that Lee’s at the Asian Art Museum, she and her husband are transitioning from Stanford housing to a new home in Pac Heights—and she’s eager to explore more of what SF has to offer. So, we asked Dr. Lee what’s in her Bay, from the places she’s already fallen in love with to the spots she can’t wait to check out.

"The food [at Saap Ver Damn Good! Thai Food] is so flavorful," says Lee.(Courtesy of @saapver_sf)

What is your go-to neighborhood spot for food or drinks?

In San Francisco, Saap Ver Damn Good! Thai Food (88 Division St.), whenever we’re in the Design District. The food is so flavorful! On the Peninsula, Ettan in Palo Alto (518 Bryant St.) is a perfect go-to spot. It has a gorgeous interior (and exterior!), lovely cocktails, and I love Indian spices and flavors.


What’s your preferred place for brunch or coffee?

I love dim sum for weekend brunch—or really anytime! Hong Kong Lounge (5322 Geary Blvd., Outer Richmond) is a favorite in San Francisco for a classic sit-down experience, and Tru Gourmet at the California Avenue farmer’s market in Palo Alto for something more casual but equally delicious.


What’s your favorite neighborhood for a day or night out?

Japantown. My husband and I are big fans of Japanese food and culture, as is my college-age daughter, who occasionally visits. We try to make it there whenever she visits.

"I know it’s my job now to say this but I really think the [Asian Art Museum] has something for everyone to enjoy," says Lee.(Courtesy of @asianartmuseum)

Where’s your favorite place in the Bay to take out of town visitors?

The Asian Art Museum, of course (200 Larkin St., Civic Center). We walk through the galleries of incredible pan-Asian art, have lunch at Asian Box café, and pop into the shop for a book or a unique gift. I know it’s my job now to say this, but I really think the museum has something for everyone to enjoy.


Where do you like to get away Northern California?

I really enjoyed the weekend we spent in Point Reyes a couple years ago. It was a perfect combination of a bit of wilderness, a sweet little town, and the beautiful beaches—all very much a welcome change from the cities that we spend most of our time in.


Is there a hotel or resort that keeps you coming back?

Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach (2700 17 Mile Dr.). Most people go for the golf course, and we don’t golf, but it’s a serene getaway with breathtaking natural scenery, including the Monterey cypress in the area. Nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea also has lovely shops for when we want to leave the hotel.

Sam Ho Won and "its modern take on Korean BBQ" is topping Lee's list of restaurants to check out.(Courtesy of @sanhowon)

What restaurant or bar are you excited to check out?

There are so many and probably ones I don’t even know about yet, but two are topping my list: San Ho Won in the Mission (2170 Bryant St.) for its modern take on Korean barbecue; and I’d love to try the Peking duck at Mister Jiu’s (28 Waverly Pl., Chinatown).


What Bay Area–made item can you not live without?

I recently discovered Birdies (1934 Union St., Cow Hollow), the San Francisco-based shoe brand. I love my green-and-white Roadrunner sneakers.

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