2023 - 2nd Annual Signature Event: GVJCI Izakaya (Happy Hour Style: Specialty Small Bite Food, Sake, Beer and Live Music)NEW

​We invite you to join us at our 2nd Annual Signature Event:  GVJCI Izakaya!  A culinary event fundraiser featuring specialty small bites, beverages and live music, with an izakaya vibe.

Stop by happy hour style and stay for a little while, or throughout the evening and enjoy delicious food, drinks including a special sake tasting hosted by Mutual Trading Co, The Brewyard Beer Co craft beer and live music by Michael Murata, Miko Shudo & Danny Yamamoto while supporting the GVJCI!   

Event Date
April 28, 2023, Friday

Event Time
5:00-9:00PM

Age
21+ only event

Tickets

Purchase Tickets Here


GVJCI Izakaya Menu & Event Info

More Information About Event

Location
GVJCI Nisei Veterans Memorial Hall, 1964 W 162nd St, Gardena. CA 90247

​Small Bites menu prepared by Chef Justin Katsuno:
Chicken Karaage with Chili-Togarashi Aioli
Tonkatsu "Sando" bites
Spicy Togarashi French Fries with Wasabi Aioli
Broiled eggplant with miso, sesame seed, scallion, cilantro
Asian Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette
Pumpkin-curry soup "shooters'' and more!

​Sweets include Scoops handmade artisanal dairy and non dairy ice cream with unique flavors and Buttery Popcorn popped fresh in small batches with non-GMO kernels!

Chef de Cuisine Justin Katsuno​
Born and raised in Torrance, CA, Justin Katsuno knew from a young age he loved to cook. After receiving his degree in Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley, Justin went on to work his way up in the world of fine dining under the tutelage of Wolfgang Puck.

After over a decade working in the restaurant scene in Beverly Hills, Justin was asked to run the kitchen as Chef de Cuisine in Wolfgang’s Singapore location atop the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel.

At present, Justin has taken a hiatus from professional cooking and is seeking to give back to his community through volunteering, utilizing his culinary and management skills. He hopes to guide the next generation of culinary workers and help them navigate the ever-changing hospitality landscape.

Sake Tasting Hosted by Mutual Trading Company
Taste a variety of Sake from various regions in Japan, comparing different flavor profiles.

Discover pairing possibilities beyond Japanese foods: at home along with stir fry, pizza, or to just sip ‘n chill.

Test your Sake knowledge with a fun game.

The Brewyard Beer Company​
Brewyard is a craft brewery in a tucked-away converted warehouse with one simple mission: Redefine and rediscover the universe of Lagers.

​We brew beautiful hybrids that offer strong flavor like an ale but still retain the light crisper finish of a lager. Originally this type of Lager had one champion, the California Common. We expanded this category of lagers to encompass dozens of flavors from Hoppy, Roasty, Smokey, Malty, Fruity and Pale.

Michael Murata & Miko Shudo & Guest Drummer Danny Yamamoto
​Michael Murata and Miko Shudo first performed together at the wedding of Miko’s cousin to Michael’s brother in 2016. Since then, they’ve had performances throughout California and even in Tohoku, Japan at community events such as obon’s, matsuri’s, shows with the Grateful Crane Ensemble, and weddings among others. They each have a love for a wide variety of music, including jazz, popular, and movie soundtracks. Miko has released several singles including her debut original "Time Stands Still". Michael regularly posts covers and collaborations with his friends to his YouTube page @shamoji12. The duo is honored to be joined by Danny Yamamoto on drums for the evening and to set the vibe at the Gardena Valley JCI's Izakaya!