Industry Delegation:
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Patricia Unterman - Owner, Hayes Street Grill and Writer, San Francisco Examiner* Patty was the Culinary Ambassador for this anniversary trip. She was responsible for assembling the industry delegation, appointing the ambassador chefs, and was central in putting together our amazing culinary itinerary. You did an amazing job, Patty!
Bruce Hill - Honorary Ambassador Chef, Executive Chef/Partner, BIX Restaurant and Executive Chef/Owner, Picco Restuarant and Pizzeria* Bruce traveled with a broken foot due to a recent motorcycle accident. However, that didn't seem to slow him down or damper his cheery spirit!
Scott Howard - Honorary Ambassador Chef, Executive Chef/Owner, Scott Howard RestaurantMelissa Howard - Director of Operations at the Scott Howard Restaurant
David and Kimberley Brody - Investor, Scott Howard Restaurant* We heard many rumors that Kimberley was the karaoke queen in Osaka.
John Chalik - Chair of Board, Chez Panisse RestaurantSusan Chamberlain - Human Resources Consultant/Trainer; Dianne Keaton look-alike :)
* We'll always remember John and Susan for their inviting smiles. At the conclusion of our Osaka visit, husband and wife continued their visit in Japan to Hiroshima and then to Kyoto. We exchanged our information and vowed to share another meal in the Bay Area. Enjoy the rest of your stay, and we hope to see you soon! Bon appetit!
Cecilia Chiang - Author and food consultant; former chef/owner of Mandarin Restaurant in Ghiradelli Square and Beverly Hills; restaurant consultant to Betelnut Restaurant* Celia lived in Japan for over a decade and speaks fluent Japanese before immigrating to the United States. She is known in the culinary world as the godmother of Chinese cuisine. Ceilia's son is co-owner of PF (Paul Flemming) Chiang Restaurants.
Darrell Corti - President, Corti Brothers Supermarket* Darrell generously donated the dessert wines at our reception at the Mayor's Mansion. Ha loved it so much that Ann has promised to purchase her a couple of bottles when we return. Ann and Dale live just down the street from the Corti Brothers in Sacramento.
Alice Cravens and Greg Dunham - Owner and Designer of Modern Tea
Gregory Dunmore - Executive Chef, Ame Restaurant
Kelli Dunmore - Manager, A16 Restaurant
Kalibala Kironde - President, Preferred MeatsPeggy Kironde - Book keeper, Preferred Meats
Flicka McGurrin - Owner, Pier 23 Cafe
Alexander Ong - Chef/Partner, Betelnut Restaurant* Dale and Ann shared a bowl of Ramen with Alex at the temple flea market. They intend to dine at Betelnut when we return.
Catherine Pantsios - Food Center Manager, Ketchum
Tim Savinar - Hayes Street Grill
Liz Shaw - Chef de Cuisine, A16 Restaurant
Chris Whaley - Chef, Picco Restaurant* Chris accompanied Bruce Hill, who owns Picco Restaurant.
Thomas Worthington - Owner, Monterey FishGretchen Worthington - Owner, GFW Design
Susan Yoshimine - Owner, Seto Restaurant
Jenna Zimmerman - Assistant Producer, The Food Network* Jenna traveled with her mother, Jan Yanehiro, who works for Pacific Fusion TV. She has graciously invited us to New York for a behind the scenes tour of the Food Network. Jenna, if you ever need a new show with two Asian sisters with an appetite, we're available!
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JCCCNC Staff Hosts:
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Mark Chandler - Representing the City and County of San Francisco; Director of International Trade* Mark is one of the most friendly and hospital person I've ever met. He worked really hard on making this trip memorable. Thanks Mark for your efforts and bright smile!
John Noguchi - Director of Convention Facilities, City and County of San Francisco
Allen Okamoto - Co-Chairperson, San Francisco-Osaka Sister City Association
* He and his wife Pat shared several meals with us in Osaka before heading off to Tokyo.
Diane Matsuda - Co-Chairperson, San Francisco-Osaka Culinary Tour* Diane has lived in Japan and speaks fluent Japanese. She worked as an interpreter at several of the official functions on our trip. Everyone agreed that this trip could not have been possible without Diane's endless hard work. Thank you, Diane for making this the best trip ever!
Paul Osaki - Co-Chair Person, San Francisco-Osaka Culinary Tour* Paul is hilarious! He is a self admitted 'smokie' and 'drinkie,' rather than a foodie. He loses weight every time he visits Japan. According to his buddy Dale, Paul travels with a suitcase of Twinkies!
Joy Iwasa - Executive Planning Committee Member* Joy brought her father on this trip. She was the nurturing one, always making sure that our needs were met and our tummies were fed. Joy is one of the most giggly and 'joyous' person I've ever met.
Hideki Kawashima - Consul, Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco
Donna Kotake - President of JCCCNC* Donna kept all of us in check and made sure that we stayed on schedule. She also was one of the few staff members that accompanied us on the post-tour extension to Tokyo.
Takanori Okuda - Consul, Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco
Teresa Ono - Director of Development, JCCCNC* Teresa kept the party going by encouraging us to eat, drink, and sing karaoke. Teresa also accompanied us on the post-tour extension to Tokyo to assure that we all were granted re-entry into the states, even those of us who sang terribly!
Minna Tao - Board President, Project Open Hand* Minna was the behind-the-scene support that made this trip run flawlessly.
Takahiro Tomie - Kintetsu International Travel Consultants* Tomie made the travel arrangements, including hotel, transportation, and travel guides. Without Tomie, we would have been hopelessly lost!
Ted Yamasaki - VP, JCCCNC* Ted also accompanied us on the post-tour extension to Tokyo. He and Brian made our bus trips a blast. They, like the rest of us, enjoy traveling to eat. Don't forget to try Michael Minna's!
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Foodie Delegation:
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The rest of our 75-member tour group was made up of the foodies. Many friendships were created over the countless meals and adventures that were shared. See everyone at the reunion!
