The Journey Of Chef Eric Adjepong - Recorded at Yume Sushi

This was an amazing show. I had a whole list of questions ready for my guest, but the second we sat down, we dug in deep and went off-script. We followed some fantastic rabbit holes: Michelin stars, hustle vs. flow, culinary storytelling, leadership, and the future of dining both here in D.C. and across the country.

On this episode of Industry Night, I’m coming to you from Yume Sushi, the flagship of the Yume Hospitality Group and the place where their “dream” first began. I’ve had the absolute pleasure of taking this show on the road with this team: from the darling Thai street-food haven Rimtang with Chef Mama & Rock Harper, to the super-sexy Kyojin with Tom Sietsema, and now back to where it all started at Yume. I am so grateful for this partnership and the hospitality they bring to every table and every guest.

My first guest is the brilliant Chef Eric Adjepong, Food Network host, Top Chef finalist, restaurateur, cookbook author, and one of the most important voices bringing West African cuisine into the American culinary mainstream. We talk about his rise, his mission, how he balances TV life with running his restaurants (Elmina and DAWA), and why the African diaspora continues to shape the global pantry.

Then I sat down with the incredible team behind the Yume Hospitality Group — Jeff King, Chef Saran “Peter” Kannasute, and Cici Yang — to talk about the group’s evolution, their commitment to precision and their newest ventures. Plus whole fish omakase and catering.

Listen in. Watch it. Dig in. This is Industry Night.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction
02:03 - Chef Eric Adjepong's Culinary Journey
05:33 - "Food, Culture, and Childhood Memories"
06:41 - Emeril: America's Groundbreaking Chef
12:24 - "Simple Solutions for Big Problems"
13:28 - "Passion, Duty, and National Service"
16:32 - "Serendipitous Career Journey"
19:47 - "Finding Intentionality and Opportunity"
23:44 - "Communal Dining and Hospitality"
26:55 - "Storytelling Through Ingredients"
29:11 - "Local Spot, Global Vibes"
33:55 - "Prioritizing Rest and Creativity"
37:19 - "Friendship Sparks Restaurant Collaboration"
39:31 - "Embracing Whole Fish Cuisine"
43:22 - "Distinct Vibes of Three Properties"
44:22 - "Kaiojian: Elevated Dining Vision"
49:31 - "Yume Hospitality Industry Night"
50:42 - Outro

Quotes:

“I truly believe everyone has a purpose and was given something divine to do here on this earth by a divine purpose. For me, that’s expressing culture and love through food.”- Eric Adjepong

“There is so much you miss by not stepping outside your comfort zone.”- Nycci Nellis

Key Takeaways:

From Humble Beginnings to Culinary Stardom
Cooking Is a Calling
The Power of Representation and Storytelling
Legacy and Giving Back
Elmina: Hospitality Rooted in Culture
Navigating Opportunity with Intention
The Power of Neighborhood Dining
Looking to the Future

Eric Adjepong Social Media Links:
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/chefericadjepong/
Website:https://www.chefadjepong.com/
Twitter:https://x.com/chefadjepong?lang=en

Featuring Nycci Nellis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyccinellis/
Website: https://www.thelistareyouonit.com/

Produced by Heartcast Media: http://www.heartcastmedia.com