The fifth annual GVJCI Izakaya, an evening of food, fun and music, will be held on Friday, July 10, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Nisei Veterans Memorial Hall, Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute, 1964 W. 162nd St., Gardena.
Indulge in specialty small bites from Mike Inouye, GVJCI teaching chef, and Gary Matsumoto of Azay in Little Tokyo; savor a special sake tasting by Mutual Trading Company; enjoy special mocktails with Aiya Matcha & Calpico white peach and Mitsuya Cider; and treat yourself to Yamanaka kakigori (shave ice) and paradise or dobash cake from King’s Hawaiian.
Born and raised in Gardena, Inouye graduated from UC San Diego and went on to become a sushi chef, working at the San Diego Fish Market for 23 years. Cooking is a passion of his taht started back in grammar school. Now, he would like to share his knowledge with anyone interested.
Born and raised in Southern California, Matsumoto returned to the area in 2022 after spending almost 30 years in Hawaii. Training and progressing in the kitchen at Alan Wong’s Honolulu, he has also served as a chef de cuisine, executive chef, general manager, food and beverage director, and consultant across a spectrum of different properties.
$60 general (food and dessert set menu, two drinks, sake tasting, special gift)
$50 non-alcoholic (food and dessert set menu, two non-alcoholic drinks, special gift)
$75 VIP (all general ticket benefits, VIP sake tasting)
Must be 21+.
Gold sponsor: Hirano Homes
For more information, call (310) 324-6611 or visit www.jci-gardena.org.