koichi aoyama
CORPORATE SUSHI CHEF
When Chef Koichi Aoyama was a young boy growing up in Tokyo, he did not know he would one day be named the best Japanese Chef in Philadelphia by Philadelphia Magazine. Chef Aoyama says what he enjoys most about his job is being creative. While he tries to adhere to the traditional Japanese style, he adds his own flair. "Sometimes I like to conflict them or confuse them." He values quality ingredients and prepares dishes as if it were only for you.
"Tai" Mikado
EXECUTIVE SUSHI CHEF
Chef Tai has been part of the Mikado Thai Pepper family for the last 20 years. He creates incredibly diverse menus that ranges from delicate sashimi cuts, to creative nigiri bites and maki rolls. Sushi aficionados will appreciate his perfected technique, the variety of specialty rolls that are offered and the deliciousness of fresh sashimi his is able to source from around the world.
Agus Lukito
CORPORATE CHEF
Chef Lukito first was introduced to sushi under the tutelage of Ige-san at Teikoku in West Chester. After stints in NYC, Chef Agus returned back to Philadelphia and became Executive Sushi Chef at Mikado and also participated in the Chef in Residence Program at Mango Moon with both Moon and Ige-san. Since then he has rejoined the WSR company and has become Executive Sous Chef at Teikoku creating spectacular sushi dishes and honing his culinary skills.
TAKaSHIMA AKIHIKO
EXECUTIVE SUSHI CHEF
Chef Takashima was born in the Aichi Prefecture, Japan and joined Japan’s Self Defense Force (SDF) before beginning a career as a Sushi Chef. In 1983 he arrived in the U.S. and started work at the acclaimed Genji Restaurant in Philadelphia before joining Win Signature Restaurants in 2007 at Teikoku.
LEk punsuk
EXECUTIVE CHEF
Pratchaya “Lek” Punsuk was born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand. As a young man, he learned to love cooking while spending time in the kitchen with his grandmother. Lek opened a small Asian Fusion restaurant in Thailand, but he wanted to come to the United States in pursuit of new experiences and opportunities. He joined Win Signature Restaurants in 2000, where he honed his skills under former Corporate Chef Takao Iinuma. Lek likes to experiment with big flavors in a tapas style. When asked what he wants guests to take away from their experience at Azie on main, Lek simply says, “I like to make people happy.”
Jose manuel VILLANueVa
EXECUTIVE CHEF
Chef Gato was born in Honduras and began working at Win Signature Restaurants in 2010. He learned about Japanese cooking and honed his craft at Thai Pepper Mikado under Chef "Thai". In 2013 he started working under Chef Kaz and is now an Executive Chef at Azie in Media.
