Experience the Culinary Challenge at NEXT TABLE Vol.2 with Renowned Judges

NEXT TABLE Vol.2: A Culinary Journey of Young Talents

On February 8, 2026, the culinary event NEXT TABLE Vol.2 will take place at the Cassolo restaurant in Tokyo. A collaboration between Chef's value and the creative community nocs, this event showcases three emerging chefs who will present their unique culinary creations.

Special Judges Revealed

Joining this much-anticipated event will be a panel of distinguished judges:

- Ueno Soshi, owner-chef of the renowned French restaurant DESTINA in Ginza, acclaimed for his ability to harmonize ingredients and cooking methods.
- Osamu Takamori, a recognized leader in hospitality, serving as the Asia representative of the International Maitre d'Hotel Society.
- Hirokazu Aoki, CEO of Chef's value, who has dedicated himself to enhancing the career capital of chefs.

The three young chefs set to compete are:

- Ken Tsuboi, a Western cuisine educator from Shizuoka, focusing on vegetable-centric dishes that explore production backgrounds. His dish, titled “In Existence,” features fermented vegetables from Ichiro Farm.
- Myeong Jihun, a Korean chef who combines Korean flavors with new perspectives learned during his culinary journey, presenting “Sake Lee Beurre Blanc” alongside seafood.
- Yoshinori Fukuzaki, an experienced event chef known for his extensive pop-up initiatives, will serve “Smile’s Papillote,” a delicate dish of kinmedai wrapped in paper with a hint of yuzu.

The Event Experience

At NEXT TABLE Vol.2, attendees will not only sample exquisite plates but also engage in a unique voting process. After tasting the dishes and hearing the chefs' inspirations and techniques, guests, alongside the expert judges, will cast their votes to determine “The Best Plate Award.”
This interactive event allows food lovers to truly appreciate the artistry and thought behind each plate, while also supporting the next generation of culinary talent.

Event Highlights:

- Exclusive tasting of innovative dishes
- Insights from talented chefs about their creations
- An opportunity to vote alongside industry experts

Key Details:

- Date: February 8, 2026
- Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (Doors open at 12:40 PM)
- Location: Cassolo, 2nd Floor New Tora-dori Core, 4-1-1 Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Cost: 7,000 yen (includes 3 dishes and drinks)
- Capacity: Limited to 30 guests, reservation required

This event is perfect for food enthusiasts, aspiring chefs, and anyone looking to engage with the culinary arts. Join us to celebrate the passion and creativity of young chefs as they take a stand in the dynamic world of gastronomy.

For more details and to secure your spot, please visit NEXT TABLE Registration.