WORK • Thursday Routine
YONDJÉ CHOI • CEO and founder • OMA Natural Food
Neighborhood you work & live in: Manhattan Beach
It’s Thursday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
Breakfast is ready — scrambled eggs and fruit, the usual. As I eat, I start thinking about which OMA seaweed soup with bone broth recipe to try next week. Our seaweed “cubes” are super versatile, and people always ask for new ways to enjoy them with extra protein or veggies with the bone broth. I’m brainstorming a fresh twist that’s still quick, comforting, and packed with nourishing ingredients.
What’s on the agenda for today?
Today's focus is our partnership with our favorite pilates and yoga club, to participate in a wellness event as we prepare the launch of our new flavor. We’re finalizing our postcard and sample to make it extra special!
Any restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
Tonight, I'm heading to Funke for a drink on its beautiful rooftop — they make Cognac-based cocktails that are surprisingly good — followed by dinner at Pizzeria Mozza. I'm obsessed with the pizza there, my end-of-week treat.
During weekends, I always do a workout at StudioMorph Pilates — honestly, the hardest and best I've ever done. I’ll go there with my girlfriends who are also addicted to this place. Another combo I like is to end my day with a yoga session at Open in Venice and dinner at RVR.
How about a little leisure or culture?
For the past few years, I've been attending Poetry in the Garden at The Getty. I just like to sit on the lawn and listen to the words flowing. I’m excited for the villa to reopen.
Any weekend getaways?
When I have time to visit my friend in Santa Barbara, we'll go for a little hike at Inspiration Point and grab a tea at Dart Coffee, where they have an amazing carrot tea (yes, you read that right). We’ll then have dinner at Barbareño — a farm-to-table restaurant with an extensive wine list (which makes me extra happy).
What was your last great vacation?
I just came back from Korea, where I was meeting with our seaweed suppliers. I ended up doing a temple stay in the Seoraksan Mountains — completely randomly, after meeting a monk (true story!).
My top 3 spots in Seoul:
ChaegBar: A hidden speakeasy where every cocktail is inspired by a book.
Dobu: An intimate chef’s table experience at a very affordable price. It’s my go-to every time I’m in town.
Teokkochi street food: My ultimate childhood snack, grilled rice cakes served by ajummas — crispy, chewy, spicy!
What store or service do you always recommend?
Den Mother wellness spa in Venice Beach. I absolutely love their little spa garden with the ritual foot bath, while sipping my favorite OMA seaweed soup.