Chef Lee’s Vision Blends Zen & BBQ
Chef Lee Grossman is a man of many flavors known for his culinary creativity and dedication to authenticity. As the owner and executive chef of The Bento Box Sushi Bar & Asian Kitchen and co-owner of Pipeline Poke, alongside executive chef Zac Zaytoun, he has helped shape Wilmington’s modern Asian and Pacific Island–inspired culinary scene. He has been cooking his whole life but began focusing on Asian cuisine in 1985. His passion has taken him across the globe, most recently spending three months immersed in the flavors of Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam to deepen his skills and bring new inspiration to his menus.
Belgard® Dimensions™ 12 in Magnolia
But when Chef Lee’s not creating vibrant dishes or testing new recipes, you’ll likely find him behind the grill at home – relaxing, smoking meats, and entertaining friends in a backyard he recently transformed from unusable to unforgettable.
The yard had become far more of a problem than a pleasure. The area lacked structure and suffered from drainage issues and uneven ground. Inspired by the elegance and ease of the Zen design at the restaurant, Chef Lee envisioned an outdoor space that was equally functional and beautiful.
His first stop was Stone Garden, Wilmington’s trusted supplier of landscape and hardscape materials. There, he explored patio materials in our Inspiration Garden and paver courtyard.
After considering a range of styles, he settled on a design that would provide a low maintenance surface with clean lines and a modern appeal.
He selected Belgard® Dimensions™ 12 in Magnolia for the central patio inlay, a contemporary yet warm tone. He accented it with a 6×9 Midnight border, creating a sleek contrast that anchors the space.
Through Stone Garden’s contractor referral network, Chef Lee connected with Juan Santiago of JC’s Hardscape & Landscaping. That partnership turned out to be the keystone of the project. What followed was a transformation that exceeded expectations.
“Juan and his team were amazing. They removed six truckloads of dirt, installed seven pallets of pavers, and created exactly what I had imagined.”
The upgrades didn’t stop with the patio. JC’s team installed new sod with an irrigation system and addressed the drainage issues by grading, and mulching under the trees to pitch water away from the house.
They installed a pergola to create a defined lounge area. At the heart of the space is a repurposed shipping container, fully powered with AC and lighting. It functions as a smokehouse, workshop, and creative studio.
“Now I can step right out onto the patio – no step up, no step down – just clean, flat access. It completely changed the experience AND they got the entire job done in just five days.”
The crew not only worked efficiently but with care and precision, from excavation to final touches.
Chef Lee was so impressed by the skill and dedication of Juan Santiago and his team that he had them return the following week. The front yard received its own facelift, complete with new planting beds, bamboo, and a concrete driveway extension.
“Juan has the right people – skilled craftsmen who care about the details. He took what was essentially trash and turned it into treasure.”
What had once been a problematic patch of land is now a thoughtfully designed outdoor setting perfect for cooking, gathering, and unwinding. Whether grilling for friends, slow-smoking meats for new dishes, or simply relaxing under the stars after a long day in the kitchen, Chef Lee’s backyard now reflects the same principles that define his restaurants: thoughtful design, cultural respect, and a passion for great food.
“It’s not just a patio. It’s a space that feeds creativity, just like my food.”
Here’s where to find Chef Lee and Chef Zac’s restaurants and learn more about Juan Santiago and his team at JC’s Hardscape & Landscaping:
The Bento Box Sushi Bar & Asian Kitchen
Pipeline Poke
JC’s Hardscape & Landscaping