Meet DAVID HONDA

We had the good fortune of connecting with DAVID HONDA and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi DAVID, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I worked in the field of Law Enforcement for about 8 years and I cooked a lot as a stress relief from the job. After I had left the field, I had developed my skills cooking to the point where I felt confident enough to try and work in the culinary setting.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
There are few things in this world that naturally bring people together; those being dance, music, and food! My philosophy with food, is if I can use my ability to create amazing food that will nourish peoples hearts, it will bring people together.

I’ve had the fortune of being able to work in catering, as a line cook, commercial kitchen for buffet, and starting my own brand and concept.

I don’t have a lot of experience on paper per say but through all my efforts, having a proactive mindset, and taking on many different opportunities, I feel like I’ve been able to grow my skills and knowledge of a kitchen very quickly.

It doesn’t matter whether you start from a pin-point goal or you have know idea where you are going, as long as you have the conviction to win and succeed in life, you will never be off path.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would definitely start off with a good hike; there are so many great hiking locations in SoCal! After the hike, depending which one we’d do, if it’s in LA area probably going for a burger at the Father’s Office. But if its in OC, we’re getting Mexican at Pepe’s in Fullerton.

I think SoCal is definitely the richest as far as food diversity. For Ramen and Japanese, Torrance is huge! Umemuras, Jidaiya, Kagura, and Anza Sushi just to name a few.

There has also been a growing culture of food halls and markets. Smorgasburg in LA is amazing, Anaheim Packing District, and 4St in Santa Ana are great spots for variety.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
After I had left the law enforcement, I had a couple of individuals who really helped me in this new career path. The first being Leonard Kim at Cherrystones Restaurant in Gardena, CA and second was the Executive Chef Devin Law at Florida Nature & Culture Center. Both of whom provided the ground work and opportunity for me to start my way as a chef and in business.

I also want to shout out the SGI or Soka Gakkai International. Soka Gakkai translate to “value creation society” and is the largest Buddhist organization in the world. It was through my Buddhist practice that I was able to over come the struggles of being in law enforcement and gaining the courage and confidence to start a whole new career path.

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