Milk District izakaya Juju to host chef’s collaboration series

Chef Lewis Lin had a kaiju-sized hit on his hands when he introduced his retro-themed izakaya, Susuru, to a slew of the city’s avid slurpers back in 2018. Fans closer to the city’s center were thrilled when Susuru’s sister, Juju, opened in the summer of 2022.

Now, with two years under its obi, Lin is ready to celebrate Orlando-style with a series of chef collaborations this week.

“It’s a way we can really showcase the diversity we offer in Orlando,” says Lin. “Food is what brings different cultures together, and we really want to emphasize that by working with loved and talented local chefs with different roots and culinary experiences—Japanese, Taiwanese, Filipino, Korean and Thai.”

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Among the roster of talent: “Chopped” champion and 2024 James Beard Finalist in the Emerging Chef category, Nikko Cagalanan, of Charleston’s Kultura restaurant, who will kick off the festivities on Aug. 7, followed by David Tsan of Norigami on Aug. 8; Jason Kim, sous chef at Morimoto Asia on Aug. 9; and Jack Jone of SEA Thai on Aug. 13.

Lin says it has been a delight to be a part of Orlando’s growing food scene, to which Juju has brought its own unique brand of Kappo-style omakase, including dry-aged fish, while Susuru’s charcoal fire and yakitori has made its mark, as well.

Come winter, there will be another of Lin’s concepts to sink our teeth into: Hikiniku To Sumi, where charcoal-grilled Japanese Wagyu hambāgu will be the focus. Popular in Japan, the hambāgu is a fine example of Japanese-American fusion.

“Hikiniku means minced meat,” Lin explains. “This unique experience is not currently offered in Orlando. We want to level it up with finer ingredients like A5 Wagyu and Japanese charcoal fire cooking technique, and donabe-steamed rice. It will be served Teishoku style (as a set meal).”

Its location is to be announced, but interested foodies can look for it to launch this winter.

Meanwhile, you can celebrate with the Juju crew. For reservations, hit up susuruorl.com/juju-restaurant.

Want to reach out? Find me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: [email protected]. For more fun, join the Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook group.