Biography of Aaron K. Song

Born  11-19-1959 to Louis (commercial artist/toy maker) and Rose(actress and restaurateur) in Inglewood CA.  Louis Song was the first Art Director for Mattel Toys, he is most noted for his logo designs of “Barbie” and “HotWheels”, still in use to this day.  He is also the art director of many of Mattel’s most famous toys and known as the inventor of the “ jack-in-the-box”.  Rose Song was an actress discovered while working as a hostess at her aunt’s landmark restaurant “Grand Star” located in LA’s historic Chinatown.  Rose can be seen in “Anna and the King” and The King and I” portraying one of the kings many wives in both movies.  In 1959 She opened her own restaurant “The Tea House” in Torrance CA. 

Aaron was born into the restaurant business.  Raised in South Central Los Angeles he began cooking at a very young age.  Attending Coliseum Street Elementary School he was influenced firstly by the women hired to prepare meals for the family while Rose was starting her fledgling business many miles away.  As he entered Audubon Jr. High he began to work at the family restaurant first washing dishes and bussing tables, but soon was cooking dishes for patrons.  Upon entering high school the Song family moved to Rancho Palos Verdes, Ca to be closer to the family restaurant.  Aaron has 3 siblings; brother Jason a research scientist at UCLA hospital.  Sisters Cheryl who is a dancer and actress and Lisa a clinical psychologist working for Los Angeles County.  

Aaron graduated Rolling Hills High School and entered Columbia University majoring in economics after 2 years and as a result of his mothers illness he returned home to California.  He enrolled at Loyola Marymount University and graduated with a degree in business administration continuously working at the family restaurant.  After graduation he began working for the Linear Corporation first assignment Waupaca WI.  as an account manager.  After six long months he resigned and returned home to manage the family restaurant.   Serving as cook, bartender and waiter he discovered what he wanted.  The excitement of a restaurant and the interaction of a bar were too addictive.  As Rose’s health declined he assumed management of the family restaurant.  Made changes bringing a traditional Chinese restaurant into a fun innovative eatery.  Early influences were Wolfgang Puck, Sam Choi and his teacher Roy Yamaguchi.  Setting out on his own with his father Louis at the helm of the restaurant Aaron began to work at other restaurants he was inspired by, always learning and perfecting his craft.  

In 1987 Aaron returned and remodeled the Tea House Restaurant establishing a new style of Asian food.  Bringing different Asian cuisines to people who were unfamiliar with things that weren’t Japanese or Chinese.  Some of his dishes were trend setting Cambodian Carpaccio, Vietnamese Spring Rolls, Duck Lettuce Wraps and Ahi Tostadas were just a few signature dishes. 

In 1990 he opened China Syndrome in Manhattan Beach Ca fusing his Pan Asian cuisine with jazz music.  And in 1992 he opened Joey Tai’s in Redondo Beach, bring Thai food to the beach culture both instant success. 

In 2001 Aaron relocated the family business to a larger venue seating 300 and hosting a stage and dance floor.   Bringing innovative food and entertainment to a very conservative community. 

Aaron shows his passion in his food, always cutting edge, but always considerate of his clients.  His creativity is seen in his dishes as well as his passions in life music, sports, and always insuring everyone a great experience. 

You can see him cooking for his customers at Belmont Village where he has been Executive Chef for the past 2 years or playing harmonica at a local pub with his band the Chinese Blues All-Stars.  His passions are great food, great service, blues music, surfing, raquetball, UCLA and Laker basketball.