Pagu: Where Culinary Passions Converge and Community Thrives

From a pre-med track to a James Beard-nominated chef, Tracy Chang's journey in the culinary world is a testament to the power of following one's true calling. Her love for food, rooted in her grandmother's Japanese restaurant in Cambridge, has blossomed into a vibrant and community-driven restaurant, Pagu, where the intersection of Spanish and Japanese cuisines creates a unique and captivating dining experience.

Embracing the Unexpected: Tracy Chang's Culinary Odyssey

Discovering the Allure of the Kitchen

Despite her family's initial reservations about the restaurant industry, Chang found herself constantly drawn to the world of food. While pursuing a finance degree at Boston College, she spent much of her free time cooking for friends, tailoring dishes to their personal tastes and dietary needs. This passion for creating personalized culinary experiences would later become a hallmark of her approach at Pagu.

Formal Training and Global Influences

Recognizing the need for a more formal culinary foundation, Chang embarked on a journey that took her from Paris to Spain. In Paris, she immersed herself in a one-month intensive course in patisserie at the renowned Le Cordon Bleu, honing her skills in the art of pastry. Eager to further expand her culinary horizons, Chang then won a scholarship to apprentice with Chef Martín Berasategui, whose three-Michelin-star restaurant, Restaurante Martín Berasategui, near San Sebastian, provided her with a grueling yet highly educational experience.

Embracing the Unexpected: Ramen and the Birth of Pagu

Despite her family's initial directives to steer clear of the food industry, Chang's passion for culinary exploration ultimately prevailed. During her senior year of college, as the economy faltered, Chang began to pursue her culinary interests by working at o ya, a fine dining restaurant in Boston. This experience, coupled with her time in Spain, would later inspire the creation of her own restaurant, Pagu.

Pagu: A Reflection of Chang's Culinary Journey

The concept of Pagu, named after the Japanese word for "pug," embodies Chang's diverse experiences and her unique perspective on food. The restaurant sits at the intersection of Spanish and Japanese cuisine, a reflection of her time at o ya and Restaurante Martín Berasategui. Dishes at Pagu range from traditional tapas to typical izakaya offerings, showcasing Chang's ability to seamlessly blend culinary influences.

Freshness and Personalization: The Hallmarks of Pagu

One of the defining features of Chang's cuisine at Pagu is the emphasis on freshness. Unlike some other tapas or Japanese izakaya establishments, Pagu makes all its sauces, aiolis, and even baos from scratch, ensuring a level of quality and authenticity that sets it apart. Additionally, Chang takes great pride in creating dishes that hold personal meaning to her, further enhancing the connection between the food and the diner's experience.

Pagu as a Platform for Community Empowerment

Chang's vision for Pagu extends beyond the confines of the restaurant itself. She sees the establishment as a platform to support and empower the community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chang founded "Off Their Plate," an organization that provided hot meals to healthcare workers across Boston. She has also hosted fundraiser dinners, such as one for Boston's Chinatown Neighborhood Center, to shed light on the challenges facing Chinatowns across the country.

Sharing Knowledge and Inspiring the Next Generation

Chang's passion for food extends beyond the kitchen, as she actively shares her knowledge and expertise with others. She has presented at food conferences, radio stations, and even Harvard's Science and Cooking course. Inspired by these experiences, Chang has created a program at Pagu that offers courses on sushi-making and hand-pulled noodles, empowering her customers to explore and expand their culinary skills.

The Pug-Inspired Vision: Playful, Sparkly, and Exciting

The name "Pagu" itself, which means "pug" in Japanese, reflects Chang's playful and joyful approach to food. She even has her own pug, Pearl, who has served as a muse for her culinary endeavors. Chang's desire to create a name that is "forever sparkly and exciting and playful" is evident in the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere of Pagu, where diners are invited to embark on a culinary journey that nourishes both the body and the soul.