Close Up Radio
Part 1: Close Up Radio Spotlights Chef Sean Kinoshita of Blue Menpachi
Henderson, NV - Chef Sean Kinoshita, the innovative culinary consultant and owner of Blue Menpachi, is redefining the standard for exceptional dining across the country. Drawing inspiration from his roots in Hawaii and his extensive experience in some of the world’s most demanding kitchens, Kinoshita is sharing his expertise with clients ranging from elite stadium venues to high-end restaurants and major food retailers.
Kinoshita’s culinary journey began with a dose of “tough love” from his mother in his early teens. “She told me, ‘You’re not going to live with us forever. You have to figure out what you want to do when you grow up,’” he recalls. That simple nudge began a lifelong relationship with food. “I knew I liked eating, and I loved watching ‘The Great Chefs’ on PBS. That was my light bulb moment—I realized if I have to do something for the rest of my life, it should be something I love.”
From those formative experiences in Hawaii, including his enduring affection for a Vietnamese spring roll at a local Honolulu eatery, Kinoshita set his sights on culinary mastery. Attending three culinary schools, one in Hawaii, another in Minnesota, and a third, California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, he also trained in the kitchens of Lespinasse and with David Burke in New York City, where he absorbed the fine dining standards that now inform his consulting practice.
Chef Kinoshita’s career encompasses executive roles at major venues and restaurants, including Allegiant Stadium, Tao, and the Super Bowl. At Allegiant Stadium, he orchestrated five rotating menus across different suite levels, pairing celebrity chef partnerships with dynamic, customized offerings. “My approach is to utilize whatever skill sets I’ve gained—especially from fine dining—and apply them to any budget. With the right techniques and quality ingredients, you can exceed expectations, even at an NFL stadium where people don’t expect A5 Wagyu or Chilean sea bass,” shares Kinoshita.
His ingredient philosophy is refreshingly straightforward: “Menu should always be based on seasonality and product quality. If I get great tomatoes, the menu starts there. If the fish is exceptional, that becomes the focus. You get the best results from ingredients that are at their peak.” Although Las Vegas is his home base, Kinoshita navigates the challenges of sourcing by leveraging seasonal availability from the West Coast’s prime markets and maintaining close vendor relationships.
A Leadership Style That Inspires
Kinoshita’s kitchen leadership is rooted in respect, cooperation, and skill over ego. “A well-run kitchen depends on attitude—no egos, just people getting along and working together,” he notes. Unlike the archetypal screaming chef, he prefers calm, constructive guidance. “I’ve seen toxic environments, and I know people perform better without fear,” he explains. “Creating a space where cooks can learn, grow, and deliver consistency is key.”
Japanese Heritage, Multicultural Vision
Growing up in Hawaii surrounded by seafood and Asian flavors, Kinoshita’s expertise in Japanese technique his signature. “Knife skills, sushi methods, and detailed presentation all give my dishes that extra layer of refinement,” he says. The multicultural dynamism of Las Vegas has further deepened his ability to adapt and innovate, blending influences in creative combinations—like his family favorite oxtail braised in Thai curry.
Championing Culinary Education and Patient Success
For aspiring chefs, Kinoshita offers practical advice: “Be patient. Learn the craft, and the money will follow. Too many young cooks race after paychecks before they have the skills. Chefs notice dedication and invest in people who want to learn, not just earn.” He distinguishes the different roles in a professional kitchen: “The chef’s real job isn’t to cook one perfect meal, but to ensure every plate leaving the kitchen is right. That means teaching, managing, and overseeing every detail.”
Blue Menpachi: Culinary Consulting for a New Era
Today, under the Blue Menpachi LLC banner, Kinoshita is collaborating with clients such as the acclaimed Naxos Taverna at Red Rock Casino—just named the number one Greek restaurant in Las Vegas and among the top Greek restaurants nationally.
Future plans include consulting opportunities internationally and continuing to shape the way hospitality groups, restaurants, and food service operations approach menu development, staffing, kitchen design, and guest experience. As he puts it, “Every new challenge is a chance to deliver something unexpected.”
About Chef Sean Kinoshita & Blue Menpachi
Chef Sean Kinoshita is a Hawaii-born, Las Vegas-based culinary consultant and the owner of Blue Menpachi LLC. With roots in Asian-Hawaiian cooking and formal training in the nation’s top culinary academies, Kinoshita has led kitchens in world-class restaurants, casinos, stadiums, and events. Blue Menpachi specializes in culinary consulting for restaurants, luxury venues, and food retailers looking to raise the bar on flavor, service, and consistency.
For more information about Sean Kinoshita, please visit https://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release/527536/marquis-whos-who-recognizes-sean-h-kinoshita-for-excellence-in-culinary-and-hospitality-leadership/





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