Chef Shinobu Namae visits New York City this week to address the United Nations on World Oceans Day (June 8). During his stay, Chef Namae generously made time to visit with Andrew and discuss the subject of his presentation (the importance of seaweed to the planet and how chefs can help advance the cause of its health and longevity), his personal journey to the professional kitchen, and the evolution of his palate and culinary style at his three-Michelin-star restaurant L'Effervescence in Tokyo. ** See Andrew LIVE in Chicago: If you live in Chicago or will be visiting for the James Beard Foundation Awards, please register for your FREE ticket to a panel he'll be moderating the afternoon of Sunday, June 12 on the steps owners, chefs, and coworkers can take to help make motherhood a non-issue for hospitality workers.**Calling all young chefs and aspiring chefs: If you're under 30, we encourage you to apply for the S.Pellegrino* Young Chef Academy Competition. Application deadline has been extended to June 30.