For fifteen years, Niki Nakayama and Carole Iida-Nakayama have built one of the most influential restaurants in America.
What began as a deeply personal vision for modern kaiseki in Los Angeles has evolved into a restaurant that has helped redefine fine dining in Southern California, earned international acclaim, inspired a generation of chefs, and become one of the most sought-after reservations in the country.
But this conversation isn't about how n/naka started. It's about what happens after success.
In this deeply personal episode of On The Pass, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Chef's Niki Nakayama and Carole Iida-Nakayama to reflect on fifteen years of n/naka, how their definition of success has evolved, the realities of building a life and business together, and the lessons they've learned through both triumph and adversity. The conversation explores the partnership behind one of America's most celebrated restaurants, the pressure of maintaining excellence at the highest level, and the resilience required to continue moving forward when the path isn't always upward.
For the first time, Niki and Carole speak candidly about the emotional realities behind public success, the evolution of their relationship, the future of n/naka, and what they hope their legacy will be long after the final course is served.
Topics discussed include:
• 15 years of n/naka and the evolution of modern kaiseki in Los Angeles
• How success changes over time
• Building a restaurant and a life together
• Leadership, partnership, and trust
• Michelin stars, adversity, and resilience
• The future of n/naka • Lessons for chefs, entrepreneurs, creatives, and founders
Whether you're a chef, restaurateur, entrepreneur, hospitality professional, or simply someone striving to build something meaningful, this conversation offers a rare look inside the mindset required to sustain excellence over the long term.
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