Ep 4. Niki Nakayama

In Chef's Table season 1 episode 4, viewers are introduced to Niki Nakayama, a Japanese-American chef who has taken the Los Angeles dining scene by storm with her innovative and deeply personal take on traditional Japanese cuisine.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a glimpse into Nakayama's background and culinary inspirations. Raised in a traditional Japanese household, she was tasked with learning how to cook by her mother from a young age. However, it wasn't until she discovered Japanese tea ceremonies and the Kaiseki cuisine served at these events that she truly fell in love with cooking.

From there, Nakayama embarked on a journey to master the art of Kaiseki, a highly structured, multi-course meal that emphasizes seasonal ingredients and the art of presentation. She trained under some of the most respected chefs in Japan before eventually returning to Los Angeles to open her own restaurant, n/naka.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to intimate shots of Nakayama at work in her kitchen, meticulously preparing each dish with an attention to detail that borders on obsessive. Whether she's selecting the perfect mushroom for a dish or delicately arranging a slice of sashimi on a plate, Nakayama's passion for her craft is evident in every gesture.

Viewers are also introduced to some of Nakayama's signature dishes, including an octopus and uni dish that takes on almost mythical proportions among foodies in Los Angeles. In addition, Nakayama goes into detail about her use of traditional Japanese ingredients and how she adapts them for a modern American audience.

Overall, Chef's Table season 1 episode 4 is a captivating look at a talented chef who has carved out a unique niche in the crowded LA culinary scene. Nakayama's dedication to her craft and her deeply personal approach to cooking are sure to inspire viewers and leave them with a newfound appreciation for the intricate art of Japanese cuisine.