A Culinary Journey: From Kitchen to Korean Cuisine

Meet Resident George Yu, the Proprietor Behind Noona Fine Meats & Seafood in Downtown Duluth

Resident culinary expert George Yu is a seasoned chef with a passion for Korean cuisine, who has carved a unique niche in Atlanta's vibrant culinary scene. With a background in electrical engineering and a culinary degree from Le Cordon Bleu, George brings a distinctive perspective to his craft.

George and his family are approaching their one-year anniversary of living in Edinburgh. He and his wife, Selena, are the proud parents of three amazing boys: fifteen-year-old Caleb, twelve-year-old Joshua, and nine-year-old Lucas. They love supporting their kids in their sporting endeavors and educational pursuits. Being a part of the Edinburgh Marlins in the summer and engaging at the boys’ schools throughout the school year brings them joy and purpose as they make family memories and support their community.

A Family Affair and a Culinary Calling
George's love for cooking began at a young age, and his passion led him to open his first restaurant in 2008. Noona, his latest venture, holds a special place in his heart. Inspired by the Korean term for "older sister," Noona pays homage to the influential women in his life - his mom, wife, and older sister (all of whom are older sisters). The name is a savory connection between these important women in his life, seasoning his culinary journey with their influence.

A Unique Korean Culinary Experience
While Atlanta boasts many steak and meat houses inspired by Italian and French cuisine, Noona stands out as a pioneer in Korean-inspired dining. Offering a distinctive dining experience, the restaurant has quickly become a local favorite.

Community Engagement and Giving Back
George is deeply committed to giving back to the community. Noona partners with local non-profits like Giving Kitchen, Spectrum, and Corners Outreach, as well as the Edinburgh Marlins, to support various initiatives. 

Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges faced by any business, George has successfully navigated the culinary landscape. His dedication to providing exceptional service and fostering a positive work environment has been instrumental in the growth and success of Noona.

While content with his current endeavors, George envisions future opportunities to expand his culinary empire. His advice to aspiring leaders is simple: prioritize your staff and the guests, profitability and growth will follow.

Edinburgh Residents Lindsey and Chris Costello share, "We had the pleasure of dining at Noona’s this summer, and it was such a great experience! Everything was cooked to perfection, and I particularly enjoyed the grilled Caesar, filet, and apps. The staff was attentive and the vibe was welcoming. We highly recommend going for a date night!" 

Edinburgh Resident Shenell Myrie tells us, "I have been to Noona Meat and Seafood a few times and each experience has been wonderful. The food is exceptional each time. I like how they add minor tweaks to the menu every so often. The servers are always attentive. I highly recommend dining at Noona Meat and Seafood. You will want to go back. It is perfect for special occasions or just a great dinner!

Noona is more than just a restaurant; it's a testament to George's culinary journey, his commitment to the community, and his passion for Korean cuisine. 

****SIDEBAR***
We are thrilled to announce the newest addition to our Stroll Edinburgh Sponsor Family - Noona Fine Meats and Seafood! Please show your support for this resident-owned business by visiting Noona with your friends and neighbors.

George is excited to sponsor our Resident Recipe Column each month. He is starting us out with a tailgate-friendly recipe for October. Be sure to check it out on page X.