Ep 4. Ivan Orkin

Ivan Orkin is the focus of season 3 episode 4 of the critically acclaimed show Chef's Table. Orkin is a New Yorker who left America to go to Japan where he became something of a sensation for his ramen. Now he is back in New York, running two successful businesses.

The episode begins with shots of Japan - the busy streets, the traditional food markets and the ramen bars. Orkin talks about how he first went to Japan after completing college and felt an immediate connection with the country. There he learned about ramen, a dish he had never tried before. Despite not speaking any Japanese, he decided to stay in Japan for ten years, where he met and married his wife.

Next, we see footage of Orkin in his two New York restaurants, Ivan Ramen and Ivan Ramen Slurp Shop. We see the chefs at work preparing the dishes that have made Orkin's restaurants famous. He talks about the struggles he faced when trying to introduce ramen to America, a country that was not familiar with the dish. He talks about how he had to make a lot of compromises to suit the American palate, which meant changing some of the ingredients and flavors.

Throughout the episode, Orkin talks about his philosophy of cooking and how he approaches each dish. He believes that the goal is to create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. He is not interested in following trends and instead focuses on staying true to his vision. He talks about how he wants his food to be comforting but also have depth and complexity.

One aspect of Orkin's cooking that sets him apart from other chefs is his use of shio, a type of salt that is used in Japanese cooking. He talks about how this ingredient is crucial to his dishes and how he has worked tirelessly to find the right blend of shio that suits his style of cooking.

The episode also delves into Orkin's personal life, including his struggle with homesickness when he first moved to Japan. He talks about how he felt like an outsider in Japan, but how he eventually came to embrace the country and its traditions. He also talks about his relationship with his wife, who has been his partner in business for many years.

Throughout the episode, we see beautiful shots of Orkin's food - the steaming bowls of ramen, the crispy wings, the pickled vegetables. We hear from food critics and other chefs who talk about Orkin's impact on the New York food scene and how he has transformed the way Americans view ramen.

Overall, this episode of Chef's Table offers a fascinating look into the life and career of Ivan Orkin. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in food and cooking, and showcases the incredible creativity and passion he brings to his work.