DAISUKE ITAGAKI

Born in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, chef Daisuke Itagaki developed a passion for quality ingredients and cooking early on, which led him to the Tsuji Culinary Institute in Osaka, Japan. Upon graduating in 2001 with specialization in French and Italian cuisine, Itagaki moved to Tokyo where he spent 7 years at Milial Resort Hotels, refining fine dining techniques of French and California cuisine.

With a purpose of expanding his culinary expertise, he traveled to the United States and that's when he found his love for culinary scenes in the dynamic and diverse culture. Upon returning to Japan, he was appointed to be the Executive Chef at Oregon Bar & Grill in Tokyo where he pursued his passion for American Cuisine with his twist. When Alexander's Steakhouse of California opened its Tokyo location in 2016, Daisuke was appointed to the Chef de Cuisine to help develop and deliver a menu that will reflect the essence of Californian steakhouse with abundant fresh market ingredients from Japan. In 2018, Prime42, a steakhouse featuring Greater Omaha products of Nebraska Farms opened in Tokyo, and Daisuke took the role of the Executive Chef. As a leader and the Executive Chef of M.R.S. Co., he also managed menu development for the group restaurants as well as to mentor the next generation of culinary players in the back of the house.

In 2019, Daisuke decided to move to the U.S. with his wife, Mika, current owner of Shimogamo Japanese Restaurant in Phoenix, AZ, and join the role of ownership management and executive chef of the restaurant. While he manages back of the house operations as well as menu and team development, he also hosts special tasting courses that continue to be sold out within hours after being announced. With his extensive background in western cuisine and knowledge of Japanese ingredients and cooking methods, he is dedicated to creating his own genre in the culinary world and presenting unique dishes that are found nowhere.