Best Izakaya Podcasts (2024)

1
Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya | EPCOT Review | Japan Travel Advice 41:09

42m ago41:09

41:09

Shiki-Sai opened at the EPCOT Japan pavilion in 2023 as a replacement to the former Walt Disney World dining experience, Tokyo Dining. Offering fine dining, sushi, and an authentic izakaya experience, Shiki-Sai is a culinary and cultural experience. In this episode, we review this restaurant live on location. Plus, we offer some insightful travel t…

1
The Inspiring Nordic Restaurant Noma Evolves With Japanese Food Culture 55:29

10d ago55:29

55:29

Our guest today is Thomas Frebel, the creative director at Noma. Noma is the famed restaurant in Copenhagen with numerous accolades, including three Michelin stars and The World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ No. 1 spot four times in a row from 2010 to 2014. Since its opening in 2003, Noma’s chef/owner René Redzepi has been inspiring the world through his …

1
Ask Sake Samurai Tim Sullivan: What Sake To Drink Now 48:00

17d ago48:00

48:00

Our guest is Timothy Sullivan who is the Director of Education and lead instructor at the Sake Studies Center at Brooklyn Kura. He has over 16 years of experience teaching about sake, and in 2007 he was awarded the prestigious title of Sake Samurai by the Japan Sake Brewers Association. Since 2013, Tim has served as the Global Brand Ambassador for …

1
Michael Vargo | D23 The Official Disney Fan Club 27:32

7d ago27:32

27:32

D23 The Official Disney Fan Club is the first official club of its kind, helping bring Disney fans closer to the magic since 2009, offering members one-of-a-kind experiences, quarterly publications, special events, unique merchandise offerings, and exclusive online content. As part of D23's biannual tentpole event, this year's D23 The Ultimate Disn…

1
Disney College Program | Kilimanjaro Safaris | Reflections 32:58

1M ago32:58

32:58

The Disney College Program internship hosts thousands of Cast Members each year at Walt Disney World and Disneyland as the students participating gain experience as they progress toward a college degree. I had the privilege of being a part of the Disney College Program in 2007, working at Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney's Animal Kingdom. In this epis…

1
Beer And Massage? How Do Wagyu Farms Actually Operate To Create The Buttery Marbling? 39:55

1M ago39:55

39:55

Our guest is Bob Broskey, who is the Executive Chef Partner of RPM Restaurants based in Chicago. After working at Michelin-starred restaurants in Chicago, he joined the team at RPM in 2019. Now he oversees multiple restaurants in Chicago, Las Vegas and Washington DC, reflecting his talent in managing popular restaurants in diverse genres. In additi…

1
All About The World's Biggest Seafood Market Toyosu (Formerly Tsukiji) 55:15

2M ago55:15

55:15

Our guest is Shinji Sakamoto, a seafood expert based in Tokyo. Shinji’s background is unique and impressive. He trained himself as a buyer in the world's biggest seafood market called Tsukiji, and worked in Japan, Singapore and the U.S. to support operations of the seafood departments at major corporations. He also received a formal culinary educat…

1
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge | Jambo House | Kidani Village 1:13:25

2M ago1:13:25

1:13:25

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge offers Walt Disney World guests the enchantment of an African reserve lodge in Central Florida, with sweeping savanna views where over 30 species of African animals roam, table-service African cuisine (Sanaa, Boma, and Jiko) and quick-service offerings (The Mara), shopping, and some of the best pools on Disney property…

1
The Success of Menya Rui: Expressing The Soul Of Ramen In St. Louis 52:55

2M ago52:55

52:55

Our guest is Steven Pursley, the chef/owner of Menya Rui in St. Louis, Missouri. Menya Rui opened in 2022, and since, Steven has received numerous accolades for his job at the ramen shop, such as Food & Wine magazine’s Best New Chef in 2023. Steven has the right reasons to be recognized as a great ramen chef. He grew up both in Japan and the U.S. a…

1
1900 Park Fare Dining Review | Disney's Grand Floridian 36:54

2M ago36:54

36:54

1900 Park Fare recently reopened at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and I returned with my family to enjoy the new experience. While some elements of this Walt Disney World restaurant remain the same (Big Bertha as a centerpiece and the return of the famous strawberry soup), the venue takes on a new theme of "wish fulfillment" and some new c…

1
Flavorama: Unlock The Art And Of Flavor With Noma’s Science Director 54:37

2M ago54:37

54:37

Our guest is Dr. Arielle Johnson. Arielle is a flavor scientist who advises some of the top chefs, restaurants, and bars in the world. For example, she co-founded the fermentation lab at the restaurant Noma in Copenhagen, which has been named the best restaurant in the world multiple times by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Arielle is currently th…

1
WAKAZE: Paving The Way For A Bright Future Of Sake 42:45

2M ago42:45

42:45

Our guest is Takuma Inagawa who is the founder and CEO of WAKAZE. WAKAZE is a unique and forward-minded producer of Japanese sake based in Paris, France. The Japanese sake industry has been facing challenges domestically due to various reasons, such as the decrease in the drinking population and the increase in competitive products in the market li…

1
EPCOT: Reflections on an Updated Park 46:27

3M ago46:27

46:27

EPCOT is just about to complete a multiyear transformation, concluding on June 10 as the final walls of World Celebration come down to reveal CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza. With the addition of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Journey of Water Inspired by Moana, Connections Cafe, Connections Eatery, Creations Shop, Remy's Ratatouill…

1
Hoseki: An American Female Chef Sparkles At A Sushi Bar 46:53

3M ago46:53

46:53

Our guest is Morgan Adamson, the chef at Hoseki, a six-seat omakase sushi bar located at Saks Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. In previous episodes, we had several non-Japanese sushi chefs who proved that America has a distinctive pool of talent, and that the American sushi culture is on healthy ground. Morgan is definitely one of these talents, and bein…

1
Japanese Curry: Unique, Delicious, Super Popular Soul Food 51:58

3M ago51:58

51:58

Our guest is Elizabeth Andoh, who already joined us 13 times and shared her truly deep insight into traditional Japanese food culture. Elizabeth is a food writer and Japanese cooking instructor based in Tokyo, and she has lived in Japan for over 50 years. She runs the culinary arts program called A Taste of Culture, which offers a great opportunity…

1
Disney's Hollywood Studios | 35th Anniversary | Stories and Details 1:21:45

3M ago1:21:45

1:21:45

Disney's Hollywood Studios turns 35 at Walt Disney World this May, opening as Disney-MGM Studios in 1989. Over its 35-year history, the park has undergone a large evolution, so extensive that its five opening day attractions (including the Great Movie Ride and Backlot Studio Tour) are all no longer a part of the park. Nevertheless, this is a park t…

1
Disney Budget Advice | D23 Predictions | Listener Questions 1:13:01

4M ago1:13:01

1:13:01

This listener question-and-answer (Q&A) episode tackles the following many Disney-related questions, including but not limited to: Do you think the Avengers E-Ticket at Disneyland could be a roller coaster instead of a dark ride? I’m going on a solo trip in October… any tips to not feeling weird about it? What’s one restaurant recommendation you wo…

1
Yuzu, Sudachi, Kabosu … All About Japanese Flavorful Citrus 45:05

4M ago45:05

45:05

Our guest is Megumi Hwang, the co-founder of KANKITSU LABO based in New York. She started KANKITSU LABO with the goal to revive the declining citrus farming industry in Japan and spread unique flavors of Japanese citrus to the world. You may have heard of yuzu, or tasted it at a Japanese restaurant and enjoyed its distinctively refreshing flavor. C…

1
EPCOT Flower and Garden | Disney Food Blog 1:06:27

4M ago1:06:27

1:06:27

The EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival blooms at Walt Disney World every spring, and this year's festival includes many fresh new offerings. With over 20 outdoor kitchens featuring hundreds of food and drink options, dozens of character topiaries and gardens, two scavenger hunts, limited-time merchandise, and the Garden Rocks Concert Se…

1
An Iowan Chef Classically Nurtures the American Sushi Culture 43:53

4M ago43:53

43:53

Our guest today is Robby Cook, who is the chef at Coral. Coral opened in October 2023 and is located next to Grand Central Station in Manhattan. Robby’s path to becoming a successful sushi chef is unique and impressive. He joined us on Episode 37 in 2016, when he was the executive chef at Morimoto, and talked about his intriguing journey to becomim…

1
Enowa: ‘Beyond Farm-To-Table’ Restaurant in a Remote Onsen Town In Japan 33:04

4M ago33:04

33:04

Our guest is Tashi Gyamtso, the chef at Enowa. Enowa is a beautiful new restaurant and hotel in Yufuin, a remote town in the southern part of Japan. Enowa represents Tashi’s unique culinary philosophy, which he has developed through his diverse experiences in the U.S. and abroad, including his career as a sous chef at the Michelin-starred Blue Hill…

1
Walt Disney | Stories of Walt at Disneyland | Part Two 58:24

5M ago58:24

58:24

Disneyland is not only the first Disney Park created around the world. It's also the only Disney Park that Walt Disney personally visited. Walt Disney helped to develop so many specific elements of Disneyland, many of which are still visible today, and there are countless stories that describe how Walt helped to create and transform "the happiest p…

1
Walt Disney | Stories of Walt at Disneyland | Part One 58:48

5M ago58:48

58:48

Disneyland is not only the first Disney Park created around the world. It's also the only Disney Park that Walt Disney personally visited. Walt Disney helped to develop so many specific elements of Disneyland, many of which are still visible today, and there are countless stories that describe how Walt helped to create and transform "the happiest p…

1
Wagyu: The Most Prized Meat In The World 33:31

5M ago33:31

33:31

Our guest is Yuki Ueki, the assistant vice president of Zen-Noh America. Zen-Noh America is a subsidiary of the National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations of Japan. As you may know, Wagyu beef is known for its extreme marbling and delicateness, as well as its unique, pleasant flavor. Behind its deliciousness, there is so much to d…

1
Ramen Lord’s New Chapter: His Own Ramen Shop Akahoshi Ramen 57:02

5M ago57:02

57:02

Our guest is Mike Satinover, the chef/owner of Akahoshi Ramen in Chicago, which opened in November 2023. Mike joined us on Episode 280 in November 2022 and shared his fascinating story of how a young man who grew up in Chicago got into Japanese culture, ended up living in Japan, and discovered the profound world of ramen. Among ramen connoisseurs a…

1
Lanny Smoot | Disney Research Fellow | Imagineer | National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductee 27:28

5M ago27:28

27:28

Walt Disney Imagineer Lanny Smoot was recently inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, the first Imagineer and the second person at Disney to ever receive this distinction (the first was Walt Disney). With over 25 years as a Disney Research Fellow and Walt Disney Imagineer, Lanny Smoot has filed over 106 patents (74 for Disney), includin…

1
Dassai Blue: The American Brewery By Japan’s Biggest Sake Brand Aims To Exceed Its Parent 48:47

5M ago48:47

48:47

Our guest is Kazuhiro Sakurai, the 4th generation and CEO of Asahi Shuzo, the maker of Dassai sake. Dassai is the biggest export brand of Japanese sake. Kazuhiro joined us on Episode 233 in July 2021 and shared the unique sake-making philosophy of the company, as well as why Dassai became so popular globally. In September 2023, Asahi Shuzo opened i…

1
America’s Best Sushi Made in the Meat Kingdom 1:02:53

6M ago1:02:53

1:02:53

Our guest today is David Yoshitomo Utterback, the chef/owner of Yoshitomo in Omaha, Nebraska. Japanese sushi has become a big part of American food culture. The presence of many great non-Japanese sushi chefs in the U.S. proves that sushi does not belong only to Japan. These chefs serve to inspire the tradition and help push it further. David is a …

1
Disney Cruise Line: What To Expect 57:48

6M ago57:48

57:48

Disney Cruise Line takes the magic of a Disney vacation out to sea, providing Disney fans with the opportunity to literally travel the world while being immersed in the worlds of Disney. Disney Cruise Line offers some incredible experiences not just in port but also out at sea. With rotational dining, entertainment, on-board activities, kids clubs,…

1
Stubbornly Serving Sustainable Sushi in New York 1:07:35

6M ago1:07:35

1:07:35

Our guests are Jeff Miller, the chef/owner of Rosella and Bar Miller in the East Village in NYC, and James Dumapit, the executive chef at Bar Miller. They both worked at Uchiko in Austin, Texas, which is one of the most influential sushi restaurants in America. In 2017, Jeff opened Mayanoki, the first sustainable sushi restaurant in New York, with …

1
Disney Cruise Line: Planning Your Trip At Sea 1:06:03

6M ago1:06:03

1:06:03

Disney Cruise Line takes the magic of a Disney vacation out to sea, providing Disney fans with the opportunity to literally travel the world while being immersed in the worlds of Disney. Unlike a Disney Parks vacation, a trip aboard Disney Cruise Line includes some additional steps in the planning process, but it can also be a more relaxing vacatio…

1
The Fascinating Life of a Japanese Private Chef In America 41:11

6M ago41:11

41:11

Our guest today is Isao Yoshimura, a private chef based in New York. Isao grew up in the countryside of Japan and came to New York in 1996 where he jumped into the restaurant industry, when authentic Japanese restaurants were still few and far between. His approach to Japanese cuisine is traditional, but his work reflects his free, creative adaptiv…

1
Marrying Traditional Spanish And Japanese Cuisines Naturally 36:55

6M ago36:55

36:55

Our guest is Victor Rivera who is the Head Chef at The Bazaar by Jose Andres in New York City. Before Victor became the Head Chef at The Bazaar, he cooked Japanese food in notable restaurants, including Masa in New York City, which has 3 Michelin stars. Also, he has a very strong culinary background in French with his experiences at top restaurants…

1
Music of Pixar Early Years | Finding Nemo to Up 1:18:50

7M ago1:18:50

1:18:50

Pixar's early years are defined by some iconic films, each telling a unique story in a way that made Disney-Pixar productions famous. The first 10 films in particular helped pave the way for Pixar's success and influenced Disney to acquire the studio. In addition to the stories, characters and animation that made these movies famous, the music help…

1
A French Pizzaiolo Is Running A Successful Food Truck In Japan 42:57

7M ago42:57

42:57

Our guest is Yohan Ourliac, the chef/owner of the Neapolitan pizza food truck “Pizza Bella'' located in Iizuka City, Fukuoka Prefecture in the southern part of Japan. Yohan is originally from France and worked in Australia, Canada, Korea, eventually arriving in Japan eight years ago, where he found his calling of making great pizza for his customer…

1
Music of Pixar Early Years | Toy Story to Monsters Inc. 1:35:27

7M ago1:35:27

1:35:27

Pixar's early years are defined by some iconic films, each telling a unique story in a way that made Disney-Pixar productions famous. The first 10 films in particular helped pave the way for Pixar's success and influenced Disney to acquire the studio. In addition to the stories, characters and animation that made these movies famous, the music help…

1
Haunted Mansion Holiday | Disneyland | Nightmare Before Christmas Overlay 44:04

7M ago44:04

44:04

Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland transforms the Haunted Mansion every Halloween and Christmas season into a Nightmare Before Christmas Halloween Town wonderland. Complete with iconic characters from the 1993 Tim Burton film (Jack Skellington, Sally, Oogie Boogie and more), memorable songs, and a unique narrative, Haunted Mansion Holiday brings…

1
Redefining Japanese Sake With Ancient Rice And A Global Mindset 37:45

8M ago37:45

37:45

Our guest is Yoshiki Yukimachi, the 6th generation brewmaster of Takeno Brewery in Kyoto. Founded in 1947, Takeno Brewery is known for its high-quality sake as well as its innovative mindset. Yoshiki’s father, Yoshihei Yukimachi, initiated the transformation of the brewery’s strategy and introduced unique products under the Kurabu brand, which feat…

1
Brooklyn Kura: Leading The American Craft Sake Industry 50:34

8M ago50:34

50:34

Our guests are Brandon Doughan and Brian Polen, co-owners of Brooklyn Kura, the very first sake brewery in New York, which opened in 2017 at Industry City in Brooklyn, New York. Brandon and Brian joined us on episode #105 in December 2017 and episode #178 in November 2018, where they discussed the unique concept of Brooklyn Kura and how they natura…

1
Dave Goelz | 50 Years with The Muppets 59:18

8M ago59:18

59:18

Performing as Gonzo the Great, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Waldorf, Beauregard, and countless other Muppets for over 50 years, Dave Goelz has been working on this franchise since the beginning. He's one of two Muppet performers to have worked on all 8 Muppet theatrical releases, and his experience includes time with working other Muppets legends like Fran…

1
B Kyu Gourmet: Discover Casual Palate Gems 51:13

8M ago51:13

51:13

Our guest is Kentaro Tsurushima, the President of Canvas Creative Group based in New York. He consults for Japanese food businesses with 20 years of experience in the field under his belt. Today’s topic is B Kyu Gourmet, or B-Class Gourmet. B Kyu Gourmet means B-rank dining experience, but it does not mean second-class food at all. Japanese people …

1
Restaurant Yuu 35:04

8M ago35:04

35:04

Our guest today is Yuu Shimano who is the chef/owner of Restaurant Yuu in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, which opened in May 2023. Yuu joined us in Episode #197 way back in 2020 when he was the executive chef at Mifune, a creative Japanese restaurant in Midtown, Manhattan, to discuss his unique culinary career. For instance, Yuu worked as the saucier at Guy…

1
Disney Jollywood Nights | Opening Night Review | Event Strategy 1:26:47

8M ago1:26:47

1:26:47

Disney Jollywood Nights debuted November 11, 2023 at Walt Disney World, and I was there (on a paid ticket, not by invitation) to experience the event for myself. With two live stage show performances (Disney Holidays In Hollywood and What's This? Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along), live street performances (Twilight Soiree at t…

1
Soba: As Profound As Kaiseki, As Healthy As Medicine 43:42

9M ago43:42

43:42

Our guest is Shuichi Kotani, a New York-based master soba chef with over 25 years of experience. After working at prestigious restaurants in Tokyo, including Gonpachi and the Michelin-starred Edo Soba Hosokawa, he came to New York in 2008 and successfully served as the executive chef at Soba Totto in Manhattan. In 2012, he founded Worldwide Soba to…

1
Hokkaido: The Home Of A Unique Japanese Food Culture 56:25

9M ago56:25

56:25

Our guest is Michael Magers, a documentary photographer and journalist who splits his time between New York City and Austin, Texas. He joined us in episode #307 and discussed his affection for Japanese culture and how he captures it through his lens, including works of Japanese “shokunin” artisans. Mike is a frequent collaborator with the highly ac…

1
it’s a small world | Disneyland | 1964-1965 World’s Fair 1:07:01

9M ago1:07:01

1:07:01

Perhaps the most iconic ride of all time, "it's a small world" opened at the 1964-1965 World's Fair in New York at the UNICEF pavilion sponsored by Pepsi-Cola and was later moved to Disneyland, opening there in May 1966. Imagineers Mary Blair, Rolly Crump, Blaine Gibson, Marc Davis, Alice Davis, Harriet Burns and Claude Coats worked closely alongsi…

1
Shojin Ryori: Traditional Japanese Plant-Based Dishes 31:36

9M ago31:36

31:36

Our guest is Masami Asao who is a temple chef and registered dietitian based in Japan. She is also the Director of Akasaka Teran, a vegetarian cooking school located within Jokokuji, a 350-year-old temple in Tokyo. The Japanese diet is known for being healthy with lots of vegetables incorporated in daily meals. Also, there is a fully plant-based tr…

1
Oogie Boogie Bash | Disney California Adventure | Disneyland 1:27:40

9M ago1:27:40

1:27:40

In this episode, we recap our experience at Oogie Boogie Bash at the Disneyland Resort, which takes place in September and October at Disney California Adventure. We discuss the villain treat trails (especially Ernesto de la Cruz, Judge Doom, and Agatha Harkness), the character meet-and-greets, the parade, the crowds, dining options and beyond. Oog…

1
New York’s Craft Sake Brewery Kato Sake Works Successfully Expands 40:02

9M ago40:02

40:02

Our guest is Shinobu Kato who is the owner and brewer of New York’s own craft sake brewery Kato Sake Works in Brooklyn, which opened in 2020, right before the pandemic. He joined us in Episode 189 to discuss his new brewery and the fascinating story of how his well-established corporate career transformed into entrepreneurial sake brewing in New Yo…

1
The Legendary Cocktail Bar Angel’s Share Returns 52:55

9M ago52:55

52:55

Our guest today is Erina Yoshida, the owner of Angel’s Share in New York. She joined us in Episode 165 and shared her unique life story as a daughter of Tony Yoshida, the powerful figure behind New York’s thriving Japanese food culture. Now, four years later, she herself is a successful business owner and the leader of the amazing team at Angel’s S…

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Izakaya Podcasts

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