Rising Chef Series: Chef H Woo Lee (OPENING NIGHT)

(THROUGH MAY 1) 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 three emerging Asian American chefs in a month-long 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 H Woo (@hwoo.lee) , Deb Min (@debisushi), and Peter Duong (@pete_eatss).

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 (at 5:30pm and 8pm)! There are only 20 spaces available per seating and reservations are required. Each seating limited to 90 minutes. This is a 21+ event.

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.