Episode 7

Chef Shota Nakajima: how he embraces his weaknesses in the kitchen and uses them to propel himself forward (S8/Ep.07)

Published on: 16th November, 2022

Shota Nakajima is the chef/owner of Taku Seattle and Kōbo Pizza in Seattle. His restaurants have racked up a number of accolades including “Best New Restaurant” by The Seattle Times and “Top 10 Restaurant” in Seattle Magazine. You may also recognize him from Season 18 of Bravo’s “Top Chef,” where he placed as a top three finalist and was awarded the season’s fan favorite. During this episode, Shota shares what it was like working 20-hour shifts at a Michelin star rated restaurant in Japan, what it was like opening a new restaurant five days before the shutdown of the pandemic, and stories from his time abroad. Shota gives back to his community in a number of ways, one of which is by cooking for fundraisers that benefit organizations like World Central Kitchen. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Plate… with Chef Shota Nakajima.

This episode is brought to you by Graduate Hotels


Check out our #BtPlatePodcast Merch at www.BeyondthePlateMerch.com 


Follow Beyond the Plate on Facebook and Twitter


Follow Kappy on Instagram and Twitter

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode
Show artwork for Beyond the Plate

About the Podcast

Beyond the Plate
Social Impact in the Culinary World
Join Andrew “Kappy” Kaplan as he sits down in-person with the world’s culinary elite to explore their journey into the food industry and the social impact they have made in their community. Every episode will share inspiring stories of what it means to be in today’s hospitality industry.

About your host

Profile picture for Andrew Kaplan

Andrew Kaplan