Ep. 176: The Not-So-Secret Sushi Club in Northern Liberties

Chef Kevin Yanaga is back in the kitchen with Delicious City. The owner of Yanaga Kappo Izakaya in NoLibs talks about his journey from Japan to Philly (with a stop in Salt Lake City), his time at Morimoto, and how he's found a balance between Japanese tradition and his own unique style. We get into the story behind 637 Sushi Club, the secret-door vibes, the DIY anime wallpaper, and how Kevin creates an omakase experience that feels more like hanging out at his place than a traditional sushi counter. And - he gives us a taste on the chicken katsu and Japanese egg salad hoagie he's bringing to Hoagie Throwdown (it's a contender!) with a crash course in Kewpie mayo and his "Oma-cafe" coffee pairing. (00:00) Ice cream samples: how many is too many? (08:13) Hoagie Throwdown is 9/27! Watch on YouTube for a chance to win (09:40) Chef Kevin Yanaga of Yanaga Kappo Izakaya (29:41) Best Bites: drunken meatballs and crab rangoon dip (43:53) The Dish: don't miss these dinners in August and September GIVEAWAY: Win a pair of tickets to Hoagie Throwdown on Sunday September 27th at Other Half Brewing! Here's how: Comment on this YouTube video with your favorite hoagie spot in Philly. That's it! No purchase necessary. One entry per person. Entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST on September 7th, 2026. The winner will be selected at random on September 8th and announced in the comments of this YouTube video. See YouTube video description for full details and official rules. GOOD LUCK! We could not do this podcast without our amazing partners who are as passionate about food and drink as we are: If your restaurant or company wants to be in the headlines for all the right reasons, click here to discover how Peter Breslow Consulting and PR can take your business to the next level Social media and digital content are two of the most important things you can create for your brand. Check out Breakdown Media, a one stop shop for all of your marketing needs Listen to us on Spotify Listen to us on Apple Watch us on YouTube Connect with us on Instagram, and share your eating adventures by tagging us so we can shout you out on the podcast