Episode 32: The Life of a Sake Ambassador

Episode 7: An American Sake Samurai: Today on Japan Eats, Akiko is sitting down with one of only 48 Sake Samurais in the world as honored by the Japan Sake Brewers Association - Roger Dagorn. Also a noted Master Sommelier, Roger shares how he came around to the fascinating world of distinguished beverages as well as details on how he analyzes and pairs all types of food with various sakes plus relays how sake is typically produced. After the break, Roger describes the induction ceremony associated with the Sake Samurai, the importance of educating about sake, and his tips for pairing sakes with meals. This program was brought to you by The International Culinary Center. Every time I taste sake, I think about what I can pair it with food... Sake can be a food, it is meant to be consumed with food. [8:00] Sometimes with age they can take on strong aromas of smokiness and gaminess... Some people even compare them to scotch sometimes without the high alcohol. [31:00] --Roger Dagorn on Japa by Japan Eats!

45 min listen

Episode 10: In Pursuit of Umami: This week on Japan Eats, host Akiko Katayam is in studio with Tim Cushman, the heralded chef and owner of O Ya with locations in Boston and most recently, New York City. Since its opening in 2007, Tim and the restaurant have received numerous accolades, including being named by New York Times food critic, Frank Bruni, as the #1 new restaurant in the country in 2008. Akiko and Tim discuss his colorful path to ultimately producing fine Japanese fare before moving on to his specific kitchen techniques involving amazing ingredients as well as details around specific dishes. Tune in for a delicious show! This program was brought to you by The International Culinary Center. Why Japanese? When I fell in love with the Japanese culture, what I loved about the flavors of Japan were how much was accomplished in one bite. [17:03] The most important part of O Ya, to me, is our sushi rice, even though we have a lot more than sushi! [17:25] --Tim Cushman on Japan Eats by Japan Eats!

44 min listen

Episode 3: Rick Smith of Sakaya NYC: Rick Smith, owner of Sakaya, joins host Akiko Katayama in studio today for a conversation all about Sake. Rick starts the show by giving us all an education about what sake is made out of, and the complicated process of how it is brewed. Rick and Akiko discuss the changes that have occurred in the US based on sake appreciation. Just as wine is highly appreciated in the US, Rick tells us that sake appears to be on the same track. The beautiful tradition of sake production, how to drink sake properly, and the expanding industry of sake in the US, all this week on Japan Eats . This program was brought to you by Whole Foods Market. Beer brewing is a sequential process, one step after another, sake brewing has many steps happening at the same time in the same tank. [5:00] That was the ah ha moment for me, that premium sake had all the same qualities that had attracted me to wine. [11:00] -- Rick Smith on Japan Eats by Japan Eats!

43 min listen

Episode 13: Udon & Jazz!: What do Japanese udon and jazz music have in common? Tune in to Japan Eats as Akiko Katayama is in studio with musician Kyoko Oyobe who hails from an udon and soba noodle family! Her father is well known in Japan for his quality, homemade udon and has served it in his restaurants for years. Kyoko shares her experiences growing up as a pianist in a food household and that while she may have studied music since she age four, she still knows a great deal about this delicious and versatile noodle. Interlaced with udon talk and musical selections from her upcoming jazz album, Happy Silence, this show is not to be missed! This program was brought to you by Edwards VA Ham. For me, udon is very light, not heavy like ramen. [29:40] I grew up with udon and in the restaurant there are so many memories. My parents... are making people happy by serving a bowl of udon... I want to put out my good spirit and make people happy with my music. [32:30] --Kyoko Oyobe on Japan Eat by Japan Eats!

45 min listen

Episode 2: Fish Ambassador from Ramen Country: Yuji Haraguchi, the chef behind OKONOMI // YUJI Ramen, joins Akiko Katayama for an information-filled episode of Japan Eats. Yuji explains how he embraces mottainai, a Japanese phrase that loosely translates to no waste, in his cooking. Learn about ramen techniques, under utilized seafood and his forward thinking philosophy in the kitchen. This program was brought to you by EscapeMaker.com. The fish we serve is wild ...its important to have a good relationship with your fish purveyor. [23:00] We have more than 10 different fish on the menu. [33:00] All the ceramics we serve at the restuarant are made by hand. [38:00] --Yuji Haraguichi on Japan Eats by Japan Eats!

42 min listen

Episode 17: Chef Michael Romano: Chef Michael Romano is in studio for Japan Eats this week with host Akiko Katayama. Talking his impressive background beginning at the iconic Serendipity in New York in 1971, it was upon impressing a young Danny Meyer that propelled Michael to eventually joining staff at the Union Square Cafe while it earned numerous accolades from The New York Times and Zagat. Today Michael can be found, wearing the hats of both Chef and explorer, at Union Square Tokyo, the Japanese outpost of the New York restaurant. He shares details behind marrying the American restaurant to the Japanese culture plus more on this in-depth chat! Tokyo is not New York, you have to respect the way people eat. [15:00] --Chef Michael Romano andnbsp; by Japan Eats!

45 min listen

Episode 9: What is Japanese Curry?: This week on Japan Eats host Akiko Katayama interviews the president of Go!Go! Curry Tomoko Omori, for a discussion all about the popularity of curry in Japan. Akiko and Tomoko discuss the difference between Indian and Japanese curry, the history of curry in Japan, India, and England, and the best ingredients that can be incorporated into curry. This program was brought to you by Escape Maker. When you go to a different region, you will always find a different curry. [31:00] -- Tomoko Omori on Japan Eats by Japan Eats!

43 min listen

Episode 24: Applied Japanese Cuisine: Wylie Dufresne is in studio with Akiko this week for an intriguing episode of Japan Eats! Hinting at his new project opening in the new year, Wylie explains how he found himself in the restaurant industry and why working in the industry is likened to playing a team sport. What does Wylie think about being considered a predominant figure in the modernist/molecular gastronomy food realm? Whats his brainstorming process like? Tune in for a great discussion on finding inspiration from all around, his Japanese influences (like dashi), plus the duo dissect some of Wylies notable dishes. Often times we will try to take things people are familiar with and play with it, have fun with it. [14:30] --Wylie Dufresne on Japan Eats by Japan Eats!

45 min listen

Episode 21: Harris Salat of Ganso: How does one go from a food writer to a restaurant owner? Find out on a brand new episode of Japan Eats. Akiko Katayama is joined by Harris Salat, Ganso’s Managing Partner, journalist and restaurateur. A Brooklyn native, Harris is the author of numerous articles about Japanese cuisine, and has trained in Japanese restaurant kitchens in New York, Tokyo and Kyoto. He and Tadashi Ono are the co-authors of three popular Japanese cookbooks, “Japanese Hot Pots,” “The Japanese Grill,” and “Japanese Soul Cooking.” To do good ramen is quite difficult. we work hard everyday, still, to do good ramen. our product is amazing right now, but it was a real effort [to get there]. [29:00] andnbsp; andnbsp; by Japan Eats!

45 min listen

Episode 6: Story of Matcha by Japan Eats!

42 min listen

Episode 11: Know Your Noodles, Know Your Ramen: This week on Japan Eats host Akiko Katayama interviews Kenshiro Uki of Sun Noodles for a discussion all about the production of ramen. Kenshiro talks about how the popularity of ramen has risen, particularly in New York. Ramen has become a breeding ground for creativity and expression in the food world and its popularity is growing everyday. Join Akiko and Kenshiro to learn just why ramen is such a great business to be in. This program was brought to you by the International Culinary Center. Ramen is comfort food, its good and its affordable. [9:00] When youre younger you like the rich broth, and then when youre older you tend to like the lighter broths...one common thing is spicy, people are always requesting spicy. [30:00] -- Kenshiro Uki on Japan Eats by Japan Eats!

43 min listen

Episode 5: Japanese Food Beyond Sushi & Ramen: Go beyond sushi and ramen and deeper into the rustic foods of Japan on a brand new episode of Japan Eats!. Host Akiko Katayama is joined by Tadashi Ono, owner Ganso Yaki - a Japanese bistro that cooks bold, rustic Japanese comfort food. Chef Ono talks about pulling inspiration from French techniques and street foods of Japan and creating his own unique style of food. This program was brought to you by Bonnie Plants. Im happy to introduce this new funky Japanese food! 38:00 What I make is very rustic, not very defined. 40:00 --Tadashi Ono on Japan Eats by Japan Eats!

44 min listen

Episode 47: The Birth of Saké: Filmmaker Erik Shirai joins us in the studio to tell us all about the making of his latest documentary, The Birth of Saké, which grants an inside look at the art of sake creation in a Japanese brewery. Shirai and his producer managed to get access to the brewery at a time of transition, as a younger brewmaster was starting to take greater responsibility. by Japan Eats!

39 min listen

Episode 29: The Crimson & Sparrow: A Lawyer’s Dream Comes True: John’s interest in cooking began with his curiosity in his grandmother’s expansive garden, learning early about the importance of seasonality, flavor and balance. At age 14, John moved to South Korea for three years where he not only became fluent in Korean, but truly embraced Asian flavors, language and spirits. After nearly two decades running a successful law practice and firm in Manhattan, John decided to pursue his real passion-a new culinary career at the French Culinary Institute (FCI) in New York where he graduated first in his class. It was at FCI that John met Dave Arnold, a well-respected renegade of modernist cuisine. Dave encouraged John to stage at Chef Wylie Dufresne’s wd-50. After staging for several years, he and was offered the new position as part of Research and Development at wd-50 before leaving in October, 2011 to truly take his skills and craft to a new frontier. In 2010, John and Dianna (his wife) by Japan Eats!

50 min listen

Episode 8: Shochu is your new Whisky!: This week on Japan Eats host Akiko interviews the former bartender of Le Bernardin, Brian Matthys, about his love of the Japanese distilled beverage, shochu. Akiko and Brian discuss his journey as a bartender, dispel some common misconceptions of shochu, and go in depth about the history of the drink. This program was brought to you by The International Culinary Center. Theres a tremendous amount of Japanese ingredients that Ive used both with western spirits and Japanese [spirits] as well. [33:10] For bartenders, its great because its a whole new set of flavors to work with and play around with. [33:33] --Brian Matthys on Japan Eats by Japan Eats!

43 min listen

Episode 4: Japanese in Venice: Chris Jaeckle joins host Akiko Katayama this week on Japan Eats for a discussion about how he became a chef, and why he decided to cook so many different kinds of food. Chris and Akiko talk about the commitment and learning process that Chris went through that brought him to working at restaurants such as Eleven Madison Park and Morimoto, and how these experiences eventually helped open his restaurants AllOnda and Uma Temakeria. This program was brought to you by Karp Resources. Any entrepreneur who is trying to grow and get better will always be competing with themselves. [5:00] We have young kids in high school and elementary school...we certainly didnt think it would be like this, but were really pleased with the demographic [Customers at Uma Temakeria]. [34:00] -- Chris Jaeckle on Japan Eats by Japan Eats!

44 min listen

Episode 1: Brooklyn Kitchen / The Meat Hook: Welcome to Japan Eats! Japan Eats is a weekly radio show from Akiko Katayama, a food writer and a director of the non-profit organization The New York Japanese Culinary Academy (NYJCA), which promotes a deeper understanding of Japanese cuisine in the US. Akiko is joined by food industry professionals who can share their deep knowledge and passion for Japanese cuisine. Tune in and demystify Japanese food tradition, learn about the latest Japanese food trends. On her first episode shes joined by Harry Rosenblum of Brooklyn Kitchen and The Meat Hook. Harry talks about the products he carries, specifically Japanese knives. Knives are a really good example of something thes easy to directly import. [08:00] We dont like to support products that are what we call landfill fodder. We dont want to sell people things that will break in two weeks or become useless. [14:00] --Harry Rosenblum on Japan Eats by Japan Eats!

31 min listen

Episode 19: Cooking On a Farm in Japan: This week on Japan Eats, host Akiko Katayama is in studio with author, cook, and farmer, Nancy Singleton Hachisu. Leaving California for Japan in the late 1980s, fully intending to learn Japanese in one year and return to the States for graduate school, Nancy shares how she instead fell in love with a Japanese organic farmer. Now living with her husband and three sons in their eighty-five-year-old traditional farmhouse, Nancy has taught home cooking to Japanese housewives for over two decades and is the leader of a local Slow Food convivium. Her newest book, Preserving the Japanese Way: Traditions of Salting, Fermenting, and Pickling for the Modern Kitchen, introduces Japanese methods of salting, pickling, and fermenting that are approachable and easy to integrate into a Western cooking repertoire. Tune in for a thorough discussion on Japanese farm life and what is next For Nancy! andnbsp; by Japan Eats!

45 min listen

Episode 12: Art of Japanese Knives: Japan is a land of long traditions including the intricate art of crafting Japanese knives, and today on Japan Eats, host Akiko Katayama is sitting down with Saori Kawano, founder and president of Korin Japanese Trading Corp. Sharing how she moved from Japan to New York in 1978 to pursue her lifelong dream of bringing Japanese knives and tableware into American restaurants and homes, Saori highlights the history, styles, and uses for these knives. Curious what distinguishes a western blade from a traditional Japanese knife or why your sashimi is cut so precisely? Tune in to this informative episode! This program was brought to you by Edwards VA Ham. We can trace the history of Japanese knives back more than 1200 years to the traditional samurai sword makers. [4:32] The most popular traditional Japanese knives for western chefs are usuba knives. [26:39] Sharpening knives is very good meditation time; dont think about anything else just focus on sharpe by Japan Eats!

43 min listen

Episode 14: The Making of Japan Town: Japan Eats is back! Host Akiko Katayama welcomes Shuho Yagi, owner of TIC Group, to the studio for a talk about his life and times, building a successful business, helping to define Japanese cuisine in New York City, plus establishing Japantown located in the East Village. He shares that he fatefully missed his Japanese college entrance exam by ten minutes which prompted him to take his tuition money on an adventure to the United States. Working his way as a short order cook, he quickly realized the untapped potential of introducing Japanese food to the American palate. Priding himself by implementing traditional Japanese cooking techniques, it is no surprise that his T.I.C. Group is comprised of multiple, thriving restaurants that allow patrons to Enjoy Japan without Airfare! andnbsp; My concept is always original, go back to the original, that is key. [39:00] --Shuho Yagi on Japan Eats andnbsp; by Japan Eats!

46 min listen

Episode 16: Ivan Ramen: Ivan Orkin is in studio with host Akiko Katayama this week for Japan Eats! Talking how this self described Jewish kid from Long Island fell in love with the cuisine and culture of Japan to becoming a renowned and respected chef, Ivan shares what specifically attracted him to refining his own style of ramen. Discussing the evolution of ramen’s popularity in the Japan and the United States, Ivan also relays the importance of observing Japanese customs and traditions, details from his cookbook Ivan Ramen: Love, Obsession, and Recipes from Tokyos Most Unlikely Noodle Joint, and whats trending in ramen today. One of the reasons I chose ramen was because I felt it was the only food stuff in Japan that didnt have any rules. [11:00] Ramen shops used to be like a gangster shop, kind of like an old Irish pub! [18:50] --Ivan Orkin on Japan Eats andnbsp; by Japan Eats!

45 min listen

Episode 18: The Essence of Washoku: Born and raised in New York, though has called Japan home for more than four decades, writer and Japanese Food Culture Specialist Elizabeth Andoh joins host Akiko Katayama for another informative episode of Japan Eats. Explaining that her formal culinary training was taken at the Yanagihara School of Traditional Japanese Cuisine, in Tokyo, it was in 1972 that she began her own culinary arts program, A Taste of Culture. Combining spicy tidbits of food lore with practical tips and skill-building lessons on how to prepare Japanese food, Elizabeths programs are conducted in Tokyo and offer a unique opportunity for foreign residents and visitors from overseas to explore and enjoy Japans culture through its food. Tune in to hear more about Elizabeths fascinating path through the Japanese culinary world. I often say what got me in to food was a bad bowl of noodles! [9:00] If you have a balanced meal - sweet, sour, salty - its likely you will avoid food cr by Japan Eats!

44 min listen

Episode 15: The Secret of Japanese Cocktails: Meet Kenta Goto, guest on this weeks episode of Japan Eats, hosted by Akiko Katayama. Kenta is the mastermind behind the newly opened Japanese-American bar, Bar Goto, located in the Lower East Side of New York City. Talking the differences between the American and Japanese bar scenes, and what makes the fusion of the two a unique experience at Bar Goto, Kenta shares his own brand of creativity when it comes to serving the best some of the cocktails in the city. Does freshly chipped ice make for a better martini? Whats on the menu at Bar Goto? Tune in for the delectable answers! Theres a huge difference between the Japanese bar scene and American bar scene... in the states we make tips, bartenders in Japan are based on salary. [11:00] The concept is good cocktails and comfort Japanese food. [25:50] --Kenta Goto on Japan Eats by Japan Eats!

43 min listen

Episode 50: A Ramen Legend from Japan: This week on Japan Eats, host Akiko Katayama is joined in the studio by Chef Shigetoshi Nakamura, who recently debuted his first restaurant in the United States. Hailed as one of only 4 "Ramen Gods" Chef Naka experienced colossal success in Japan after he opened Nakamura-Ya when he was 22. Always seeking to share his craft with America, he partnered up with Sun Noodle, the leading US-based ramen noodle manufacturer, and started building up a network state side. In the US, Chef Nakamura debuted at Sun Noodle's "Ramen Lab" where he again received critical acclaim. With a network of support created through Sun Noodle, and the success at Ramen Lab, Chef Naka was ready to open his own shop: Nakamura. by Japan Eats!

56 min listen

Episode 23: Obsessed with Shochu: Kampai! or Cheers! This week on Japan Eats host Akiko Katayama welcomes Stephen Lyman to the studio talking all about the Japanese alcoholic beverage shochu. Founder and editor of Kampai!, Stephen explains his devotion to shochu, of which he is an expert and shares his travels to Kyushu (where 90%+ of authentic shochu is made) where he visited 6 distilleries and tried 262 different shochu (there are an estimated 6,000 labels from 600 distilleries in Japan) in just 5 days. Stephen went on to neighboring Okinawa where he visited 5 more Awamori distilleries. Upon his return from Japan he realized he had just scratched the surface of understanding shochu, but by this point his obsession had turned into a passion. After the break, Akiko and Stephen taste select shochu in studio and discuss traits to look for in the unique beverage. Virtually all shochu is aged 3 to 6 months. [28:30] If Im just out drinking with friends, the easiest way to drink it is on by Japan Eats!

42 min listen

Episode 30: From French Chef To Ramen Master: Over his 25‐year career, Chef Takashi Yagihashi has been lauded by consumers and critics alike for his exquisite ways of melding contemporary French, Asian, and American cuisine, and today he is in studio with Akiko Katayama for a brand new episode of Japan Eats. A native of Mito, Japan, the self-taught Yagihashi was working in a local restaurant when the owner asked him to relocate to the States and work for him there; over the next several years, the young chef worked his way up the culinary ladder throughout Chicago where he has most recently helmed the Slurping Turtle restaurant and appeared on Bravos Top Chef Masters. Tune in for more on this inspiring chef! andnbsp; by Japan Eats!

51 min listen

Episode 26: Science in Japanese Food: Japan Eats returns for 2016 with none other than the man who wrote the book on science and cooking, Harold McGee. His career defining book, On Food andamp; Cooking, has been referenced as a cooking bible for a generation of forward thinking chefs and culinary professionals. Discover how Harold was inspired to make a career of researching and writing about what happens when we cook, prepare and consume food, not to mention Japanese food! Harold is largely responsible for the molecular gastronomy/modernist cuisine movement and is cited as a major influence from the likes of Heston Blumenthal, Alton Brown and Dave Arnold. Harold’s passion for gastronomic knowledge has changed the way we eat food in this country, and his journey is as inspiring as his work, so tune in for a great show! by Japan Eats!

47 min listen

Episode 45: Many Seasons of Tableware: This week on Japan Eats, host Akiko Katayama is joined in the studio by Kumiko Jitsukawa, the founder of Ki-Chu New York, a traditional Japanese tableware company dedicated to enhancing appreciation of the Japanese dining experience. Jitsukawa was born in Yokohama, Japan. She studied space design at Musashino Art University in Tokyo, moved to New York in 2001, and studied at New York School of Interior Design. She worked at the renowned lighting design firm, L’Observatoire International. She specialized in hospitality design and has overseen various high-profile projects such as Jean-George Vongerichten's restaurant Jean-Georges. by Japan Eats!

48 min listen

Episode 40: Discover Sake!: This week on Japan Eats, Akiko is joined by sake expert Chizuko Niikawa-Helton. Ms. Niikawa, grew up on the Temple grounds of the Zen Buddhist Temple Gihozan Hosho Ji, located in the finest Rice and Sake producing prefecture of Japan, Akita. chizAfter graduating, Takushoku University and with additional studies at Esmond Japon, a fashion college. Ms. Niikawa embarked on a career in fashion as a fashion designer for over ten years. With her firm grounding in balance, and form, through a decade of fashion design Ms. Niikawa began to awaken to her deep appreciation, and love of the ancient art of Sake, and the pleasures and complexities it possesses. She began to feel that Sake had life, and form, and texture. She remembered her childhood, and her roots, she remembered the incredible rice, and Sake that her famous prefecture of Akita was known for and she began to appreciate of how closely Sake in form, as well as in balance was a living thing and that it nee by Japan Eats!

45 min listen

Episode 28: The Sushi Explorer: Tune in to Japan Eats as host Akiko Katayama is in studio with Chef Marco Moreira. Brazilian-born chef Marco Moreira arrived in New York City in 1982 eager to explore the city and immerse himself in an exciting, multi-ethnic culinary scene. Through an inspired twist of fate, he ended up training as a sushi chef at the very beginning of the sushi craze. From the start, he proved his skill in this highly technical profession and quickly earned acclaim as one of the most talented sushi chefs in New York City. In 1986, he launched Marco Polo Sushi Catering, and soon afterwards he was hired to implement the sushi program at Dean andamp; Deluca. With the skills and experience in the Manhattan restaurant scene, Marco devoted himself to turning Marco Polo Sushi Caterers into a full-service company (renamed Marco Polo Caterers) that catered to select clients in New York City and throughout the tri-state area. At the same time Marco pursued other positions at by Japan Eats!

48 min listen

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Episode 32: The Life of a Sake Ambassador

Episode 32: The Life of a Sake Ambassador

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