About Shizuko

Shizuko was born in Osaka, Japan but grew up mostly outside of Japan because of her father’s trading business. She left Japan at young age to live in New York and subsequently in London and now lives in Los Angeles, California. Growing up, Shizuko watched her mother cook Japanese food at home every day using only the limited ingredients that were available to her at the time. As a young girl, Shizuko quickly learned that strictly following traditional Japanese food recipes does not always work, given that where she lived, all the necessary ingredients that were called in the recipes were usually not available. Shizuko realized that the key to a successful dish is always to be creative and flexible and use local ingredients.

Because of her passion in food, Shizuko went to culinary school to be a professionally trained sushi chef and simultaneously studied wine and sake to receive some industry recognized credentials including DipWSET in wine and Sake Diploma certification from Japan Sommelier Association. Currently, she enjoys cooking at home and creating dishes that she and her husband, Chris, appreciate while experimenting with various drinking options. Her goal with this blog is to spread home cooking by showcasing easy ways to prepare some of her favorite Japanese and impromptu dishes. Shizuko also wants to share her recommendations on how to best pair food with sake, wine, cocktails (including those using Yuzu-based ingredients and Japanese spirits), or non-alcoholic beverages. Shizuko enjoys in entertaining guests at home and now hopes to extend her hosting spirit.

Eat, drink, and enjoy!

Expertise

• Professionally Trained Sushi Chef

• DipWSET

• Japan Sommelier Association, Sake Diploma (1 of 16 in the U.S.)

• International Sake Sommelier

• Certified Sake Adviser

• Loving Daughter