ByJames Lee is a physical therapist and his wife Sufei is a software engineer. But they're also owners of a popular local condiment: Chilee Oil."Initially they're a little confused like what is this stuff and then we give them a taste of it and their eyes open and they're really excited," said James Lee, founder of Chilee Oil."Our first year we sold 5,000 jars, very shocking, incredible," Lee said.
Chilee Oil is a chili oil made with an avocado oil base infused with chili peppers and other spices. It can be used to garnish dumplings, eggs and a variety of cuisine. Influenced by both his Korean heritage as well as his wife Sufei's Chinese heritage, James started experimenting with chili oil recipes before developing his own.Lee spends one day of his week making large batches of chili oil and personally delivers it throughout stores and restaurants in Chicago. His Chilee Oil can be found on pizza at Paulie Gee's, 88 Marketplace, and local farmers markets."I think for now I'm just really happy with where Chilee Oil is.