Jose Vargas
As the new year starts and we make plans for 2024, it is the perfect time to look back on 2023. To remember all of our highlights that defined the year as well as all of the lessons we learned. Yamashiro Hollywood Chef, Gani T. Cristobal, had an eventful 2023, and although he is excited for what’s to come in the new year, he took some time to reflect on why 2023 was so memorable for him.
Working at Yamashiro Hollywood has played a pivotal role in Gani’s life, both professionally and personally. Yamashiro is known for its dynamic menu that is constantly changing according to each season. The atmosphere is also one-of-a-kind, with the restaurant filled with tourists, romantics, and locals. Gani emphasized Yamashiro’s role in helping him out of his shell as each day is fun, exciting, and brings something new.
For his professional career in 2023, Gani recounts meeting Chef Jaehee Lee. Chef Jae is also a chef at Yamashiro, and Gani learned a lot from his guidance. Gani has grown incredibly as a chef with the mentorship of Chef Jae, learning new techniques as well as how to work with new ingredients. One such cooking hack that Gani believes everyone should know is cutting lemons and limes vertically or using tongs to get better juice extraction.
A personal standout moment for Gani was purchasing a Mustang. Mustang’s have been his dream car since he was a child, so being able to buy one for himself was a great accomplishment and a testament to all his hard work at Yamashiro. In addition, Gani was able to bring his dog, Thor, to the United States. This was a definite highlight for Gani as being separated from Thor was always difficult and he was excited to be reunited with his best friend.
Gani was introduced to cooking through his mother. He was always interested in the traditional Filipino dishes she made, and he decided to abandon his career plans of becoming an accountant in order to pursue his dreams. Gani also takes inspiration from countries he has traveled to. He notes his trips to the Philippines, Hong Kong, China, and Korea as his favorite for cuisine, and he is excited to visit more countries soon. Gani does not have any specific culinary inspirations other than his culture and family; however, he does look up to his mentors such as Chef Jae.
Looking forward to 2024, Gani is excited to learn more. As a chef, he is always learning new recipes, new techniques, and keeping up with new trends. In addition, this year Chef Gani will be moving to Ina, a restaurant opening up in Los Angeles soon. At Ina, he hopes to bring happiness to guests with delicious meals, a simple but effective plan for a chef.
