Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Chef Yamasaki Transforms Food Truck into Local Seafood Izakaya

1/19/2026

24 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Chef Yamasaki moved to Los Angeles in 2018 and turned his pandemic-era food truck into an izakaya named Yess.
He emphasizes local seafood sourcing, foraging and spearfishing himself.
Disappointed by supermarket fish, he sought native California species and learned techniques from local fishermen after a challenging first fishing trip.
Eric Hodge, his mentor, recognized the quality of Yamasaki's catch.

1 of 1

Story summary

Chef Yamasaki moved to Los Angeles in 2018 and turned his pandemic-era food truck into an izakaya named Yess.
He emphasizes local seafood sourcing, foraging and spearfishing himself.
Disappointed by supermarket fish, he sought native California species and learned techniques from local fishermen after a challenging first fishing trip.
Eric Hodge, his mentor, recognized the quality of Yamasaki's catch.