My Life Work: Learn＆Share about Good Food!

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 I love talking about food. I grew up in a family that loves to eat, and also loves to cook.

That's how I grew up.

So, it just came natural for me to be passionate in food, but right now I'm really engaged in the fact that good food has one of the biggest chances of making people happy.

It's uplifting.

When I came across an old lady who kept complaining I thought of what to do. To change the topic all I could think of was to ask her what was the most delicious food she has ever had.

Then her expression brightened up, and started talking about her experience in Ueno long time ago. 

This experience stuck with me.

I have no idea why that was the topic I chose but it just popped to my mind, could not think of anything else, and to shift to a positive working environment. I will always remember that experience.

Since then, I actually ask the same questions to whom I meet. I have a bigger chance of having a good conversation than anything else. 

I know the world is full of problems but hey, to live in a good mood is one of the best things you can do to yourself.

Talk about Good Food

Then, I started thinking "What if I can make that into my lifework."

In fact, I've been quite good talking about good food.

I've worked in many restaurants as a server.

It's quite easy for me to sell good food. 

Whenever a customer asks for recomendations, I'm good at giving suggestions as I personally like food, and it's easy to tell why it will be good.

What is the signature of the restaurant? Does it match what the guest likes? Is the food seasonal? What's the trick to make that dish special?

All these things, I'm personally interested because I like talking about it even outside of work.

Managers were quite surprised when I could sell more expensive dishes than others.

My recommendation is genuine, too. I made sure I asked managers that I want to taste it before I start to sell.

If I can try it what I say is genuine and my real experience. I can explain what I liked about the dish with passion, that's what makes me stand out as a server.

I really love the process of finding out about the food, learning why it's good, and talking about it to others.

That's how I began to think, "I want to share my knowledge and experiences about good food as a long term business."

Talk about Japanese food.

Right now I work at Choko Bar on Thursday and Friday.

I learn about Karatsu ware which makes this city famous, and I serve local sake that tastes AMAZING.

I didn't feel the same kind of joy drinking sake in Hokkaido.

There are good food and cultures left in Karatsu that I want to slowly introduce, but it has to be a long process. I need to get used to the new environment I settled from the opposite of the country, Hokkaido and where I grew up in San Francisco.

Different people, different culture.

Introduce why it's good

When I looked for a job in Karatsu, I was introduced to a 100 year old restaurant Genyou in Karatsu and became their English teacher.

I've been finding out that the restaurant keeps its tradition which involves so much work and effort for the food they serve, and it's amazing to see their techniques and tradition on how they cook.

Eventually, I want to be able to storytell what makes the restaurant special.

Server, Food Guide, and Food company

Serving at Choko Bar and Genyou is a great experience for me to learn more about Karatsu and its food scene.

I want to start a food guide of Karatsu and talk about why the food is so good here.

I hope this enhances more interactions for better food experiences in the area.

Also, I would eventually like to sell local food products and services of Karatsu as a food company.

I've decided this will be my long term work.

I know it won't be easy, but that I would love the process of learning about food, and sharing it.

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