Rising Chef Series 2023
When
Where
Description
CELEBRATING ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
This Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC) hosts the return of its celebrated “Rising Chef Series,” a dinner pop-up series convening four emerging Asian American chefs in a 4-week celebration of food, culture, and the spirit of innovation.
Taking place within the JACCC’s Toshizo Watanabe Culinary Cultural Center (TWCCC), which brought us acclaimed culinary residencies such as Hansei and n/soto, the series will feature innovative pop-up restaurant concepts inspired by the Asian American identities and experiences of Chefs Yakitoriguy, Jasper Lynn, Yoonjin Hwang, and Stella Navarro-Kim.
Each week will introduce a new immersive dinner experience within the JACCC’s James Irvine Japanese Garden and include a 5-course pre-fixe menu inspired by each Chef’s cultural heritage, alongside signature House of Suntory cocktail pairings and more.
Each week we will open our doors to the public for 4 exclusive seatings! There are only 22* spaces available per seating and reservations are required. Each seating is limited to 90 minutes. This is a 21+ event. Please no walk-ins.
All proceeds from the event will be donated to fund culinary innovation and entrepreneurship, including support for TWCCC’s Culinary Arts Program, which empowers aspiring chefs with a space to share their stories, techniques, and innovations.
Week 1: May 2-3
Yakitoriguy
Week 1 of the series will feature a restaurant concept by Yakitoriguy, a self-taught Japanese-American chef that has spent time in Japan learning under yakitori masters. Chef Yakitoriguy’s menu is an ode to the traditional and Japanese culinary art of yakitori, elevated through innovative flavors and pairings.
Week 2: May 9-10
Jasper Lynn
Week 2 will feature a restaurant concept by Jasper Lynn, a Chinese-American self-taught chef who first discovered his passion for cooking in the pandemic. Since then, Lynn has launched Rosalynn Supper Club, a fine dining experience that operates out of his own home, and has had a chef cameo in Season 2 of Bling Empire. Chef Lynn’s menu features flavors from his childhood and his upbringing in the US, showcasing his sophisticated interpretation of New American meets Asian cuisine.
Week 3: May 16-17
Yoonjin Hwang
Week 3 will feature a restaurant concept by Yoonjin Hwang, a self-trained home Chef best known as the visionary behind the acclaimed and now-closed Spoon by H, a beloved foodie destination that wowed diners with its innovative takes on Korean comfort dishes. Chef Hwang’s menu will reflect her trademark style of elevating Korean comfort dishes with inventive flavors and pairings.
Week 4: May 23-24
Stella Navarro-Kim
Week 4 will feature a menu by Stella Navarro-Kim, a Korean-Mexican Chef and bartender that developed her passion for food early on, cooking alongside family in her home kitchen. Chef Navarro-Kim’s menu will feature flavors from her mixed Korean and Mexican heritage.
Things To Know
Reservations
Each week we will open our doors to the public for 4 exclusive seatings! There are only 22 spaces available per seating and reservations are required. Each seating is limited to 90 minutes. Please no walk-ins, this is a 21+ experience.
*Please carefully review the ticket date & time before purchasing tickets. All ticket titles have an allocated date and time slot and are valid for that period only. In your order confirmation email, you can find your dining session in the "Order Summary" section. Tickets may not be refunded or exchanged, are non-transferable to other dining sessions, nor may they be resold. For any ticketing questions, contact Jake.Kochiss@iwgroupinc.com.
Tuesday Seating Times:
- 5:30 PM
- 8:00 PM
Wednesday Seating Times:
- 5:30 PM
- 8:00 PM
Entrance
Please check in at our host stand located by the front doors of JACCC. Once you have confirmed your reservation with our host, your party will be escorted to the Japanese garden lounge for a welcome cocktail. Guests are encouraged to come early and enjoy a special welcome cocktail in the Japanese garden lounge.
Press/Media Inquiries
Please check in at our host stand located by the front doors of JACCC. Once you have confirmed your reservation with our host, your party will be escorted to the Japanese garden lounge for a welcome cocktail. Guests are encouraged to come early and enjoy a special welcome cocktail in the Japanese garden lounge.