Chefs Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi fell in love while working in a New York City kitchen run by French chef Alain Ducasse. One decade, a cross-country move, two children, and four restaurants later, they’re still in the kitchen—and still in love. Chirchi has been known to refer to both their sons and their restaurants as “our babies.”
Since 2007, the husband-and-wife team has built successful restaurants based on a wildly creative vision that combines their shared love of bold, unexpected Asian flavors with classic, rigorous technique. Their food is beloved by seasoned, adventurous diners and often considered a revelation by newcomers eager to expand their palates. The couple’s work is consistently acclaimed and recognized, including four James Beard Award nominations for Best Chef Northwest in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019.
Through their company, Relay Restaurant Group, Rachel and Seif own and operate two restaurants in Seattle—Joule and Revel. Just like their food, the restaurant spaces balance formality and tradition with energy and creativity.
Both Rachel and Seif remain working chefs who, any given night, can be found cooking on the line in one of their signature open kitchens. Their two young sons, Rye and Pike, can often be found in the family’s restaurants as well.
Relay Restaurant Group moves unyieldingly with intention of diversity, inclusivity and collaboration recognizing and celebrating our staff from all race, religion, sexual orientation, and any and all differences that makes each one of them a beautiful part of our family. Delivering some of the most exciting and culinary forward dishes in the PNW, Relay Restaurant Group prides itself on genuine hospitality you would find at your favorite neighborhood hangout.
