Yamashiro Hollywood’s Allstar Kitchen Roster
For years, Yamashiro has stood as both an iconic architectural landmark and a beacon of culinary excellence in the Hollywood Hills. However, often overlooked is the staff that makes the renowned restaurant a hotspot for locals, tourists, and celebrities alike. At the center of Yamashiro’s charm are the chefs who carefully craft each dish, perfecting Japanese cooking traditions with a modern flair. Specifically, Executive Chef Jae Hee Lee is known for his abilities to fuse Japanese culinary heritage with the vibrant creativity of Los Angeles. For Chef Jae, cooking is both a profession and a pursuit of perfection. His path to greatness began humbly, learning the basics of frying an egg and mastering pastry techniques. Through diverse experiences in the culinary industry, Chef Jae refined his skills, resulting in a leadership style founded on trust and respect.
In Chef Jae’s kitchen, every team member is valued for their unique perspectives and contributions. His mantra, “ichi-go, ichi-i,” meaning that each moment is unique and should be treasured, resonates throughout Yamashiro. Under his guidance, dishes at the restaurant celebrate the harmony of flavors and textures. Some of his most-loved dishes featured on the Yamashiro menu are the crispy duck matcha soba and the A5 Wagyu crispy rice dish. Chef Jae devised a unique recipe for the duck matcha soba that showcases a combination of crispy duck and springy soba noodles, capturing the essence of Japanese cuisine. Further complementing his kitchen mastery is Chef Shandhi Peter De Costa, whose expertise lies in the art of sushi. Chef De Costa’s interest in Japanese cuisine began with his lifelong admiration for sushi chefs around the world. His passion led him to immerse himself fully in the intricacies of sushi-making, perfecting his skills to achieve precision in every roll.
Recognized as a master in his field, Chef De Costa’s achievements speak volumes about his talents. In 2023, he earned the title of ‘Most Skilled Sushi Chef’ in the European Sushi Championship. This achievement solidified his reputation as a sushi master, and was followed up by his second-place finish in the prestigious World Sushi Chef Japan, a reflection of his dedication to promoting Japanese culinary traditions on a global level. At Yamashiro, Chef De Costa’s creations show off his additional commitment to quality. Taking inspiration from Japanese culture, Chef De Costa’s sushi is a sensory journey that captivates the soul. Some of his most popular sushi creations at Yamashiro include the Spicy Tuna Roll and Shrimp Tempura Roll, both with cucumber and avocado. However, Yamashiro also offers a wide variety of nigiri and handrolls, providing options for every sushi preference.
Together, Chefs Jae Hee Lee and Shandhi Peter De Costa form the duo behind Yamashiro’s magic. Their partnership brings to life a menu that is both authentic and innovative, providing diners with a taste of Japan infused with the vibrant energy of L.A. Beyond their individual
achievements, both chefs share a common goal: to elevate the dining experience through their shared passion for food. Yamashiro, with its breathtaking views and historic ambiance, provide the ideal backdrop for Chef Jae and Chef De Costa to showcase their skills. Here, guests are treated to a unique dining experience that celebrates the best of Japanese cuisine with a touch of Hollywood finesse. Through their dedication to making Yamashiro the best Japanese restaurant in L.A, Chef Jae and Chef De Costa continue to redefine what it means to dine at the intersection of Japanese tradition and Californian creativity.
By Olivia Nerpouni
