I had the opportunity to take photographs with Sushi Chef Naomi Howard, a sushi chef based here in central texas. Not only did I get to photograph her food art creations, but if course I got to “test” them as well : )
Here’s an excerpt from her bio:
D Howard grew up in Texas on a diet of Hamburger Helper and Jell-O, so not surprisingly she didn’t take an early interest in food. In fact it wasn’t until she lived in Japan for 3 years that she discovered how subtle flavors and fresh ingredients made eating an enjoyable adventure. When she returned to Texas she worked at Uchi Restaurant in Austin she became inspired by the talented chefs. “I saw how the sushi chefs interacted with the guests and I knew I wanted to be part of that experience. I saw a direct way to share my experiences of Japanese culture and also express myself artistically through sushi,” explains D.
After three years making sushi in Austin she moved to New York where she worked with world-renowned Japanese chef, Masayoshi Takayama. “I was very lucky to work for Masa because as a server I got to see his performance in front of guests and working in the back kitchen I came to understand the importance of using only the very best and freshest ingredients,” a year and a half later D returned to Texas where she hopes to translate what she’s learned about preparing simple fresh Japanese foods using native Texas ingredients.
D looks forward to all types of food creation opportunities as she establishes her own catering and personal chef business in the Central Texas area.
cucumber + sun dried tomato
cucumber + crab + tomato
black cracker + sun dried tomato
rice cracker + crab + tomato
Yakitori Kababs: Eggplant, Tofu, Tomato and Chicken
sushi cracker canapes: rice cracker + crab + tomato
peach tea infused vodka martini with fresh mint
to find out more email or phone (512.699.5988) D Howard for your next dinner party.
see entire flickr set
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Brian Birzer is a freelance photographer available for photographic projects about (but not limited to) buildings, people and food.