Curated VIP Dinner Experience

Join us for an exclusive culinary evening designed to delight the senses and inspire conversation. The WasabiFest VIP Dinner Pairing is a one-night-only event featuring a collaborative five-course meal prepared by a selection of acclaimed chefs, each course expertly paired with premium sake and wine. This intimate experience is limited to just 38 guests, including 8 exclusive chefs' table counter seats, offering a rare opportunity to engage directly with the chefs behind each dish.

The evening begins at 5:00 PM with a cocktail hour with the guests moving into the kitchen At 6:00 PM for a five-course dinner showcasing a diverse range of culinary styles. Each course will highlight the chef’s unique approach to flavor, technique, and storytelling.

This is more than a meal, it’s an immersive evening celebrating culinary collaboration, creativity, and community. Seating is extremely limited. Reserve your place today to be part of this exceptional dining experience.

Participating Chefs

Kate Koo:

Chef-owner of Zilla Sake in Portland. Trained in traditional sushi since 2000, her style blends classic technique with creative expression. She holds multiple sake certifications and has been featured on Food Network, Chopped, and Eater. Find her behind the sushi bar or on Instagram @kateyanagikoo.

Kau Kau Onolicious Grindz:

Tracee & Brandon Hirahara are the chefs behind Kau Kau, serving homestyle Hawaiian dishes in Portland since 2021. With roots in Oahu and experience at Eem, Langbaan, and Pok Pok, they blend tradition with local flavor. Their first restaurant opened in the Alberta Arts District in March 2025.

Find them at kaukaupdx.com or @kaukau_pdx.

Jeff Kim:

Executive Chef at Zilla Sake and owner of Aji Fish Butchery, known for dry-aged fish. With 16+ years of experience, he trained under Chef Katsuya Uechi and has led kitchens in LA and Portland, including Bamboo Sushi. Featured on KGW Night Market and Chefsroll. Find him at ajipdx.com or on Instagram @aji__pdx.

Justin Woodward:

The former Executive Chef of Portland’s acclaimed Castagna, known for his seasonal, boundary-pushing cuisine. A five-time James Beard Award nominee and StarChefs Rising Star, he’s been praised by Food & Wine and called “the only Portland chef cooking at Michelin-star level.”