Ikigai omakase

03/18/2026

Well, that’s all she wrote.
Words can’t describe how proud I am of the food and more importantly, the hands that made it all possible.
Without each and every one of you ikigai8 couldn’t have been possible
To the folks who have been long supporters (you know who you are) Thankyou for helping me feel like myself and ikigai mattered.
To the individuals who happened to attend your first ikigai, Thankyou so much for the kind words.
To the ones who missed out, you gotta be quicker 😘
I don’t know what my next venture will be, or if ikigai will happen again but once I know, I’ll know.
In the meantime, find your ikigai.

Special shout out to:

02/16/2026

With the heaviest of hearts, ikigai8 will be the last installment for the unforeseen future.

I want to keep this as short and sweet without getting too much into detail.

When I started ikigai, it was purely a passion project I eventually believed had the potential to eventually one day become a brick and mortar.

Seeing my vision and not being 100% satisfied I always felt something was missing. What I realized what was missing was the knowledge to bring ikigai its justice, which is why I’m leaving to learn and grow to bring Columbia nothing less than the best it deserves.

I love this town and its community it brings with it. Moving here 10 years ago, I’ve gained nothing but memories, knowledge and gratitude to the individuals who showed me and have taught me the things I needed to learn and become the chef I am today. I will carry it with nothing but gratitude and love.

With that being said, 3/16/26 will officially be the last ikigai installment. Hopefully or possibly not forever but indefinitely.

I am opening an extra 10 seats per service
5-6:30
7-8:30
9-10:30

If you feel obliged to experience the last ikigai with me, seats will be open for purchase immediately until sold out.

Again, thankyou all for being apart of my vision and showing me that someone’s individual passion can become more than just a thought. Thankyou from the bottom of my heart.

Now go and find your ikigai, it’s out there.

02/09/2026

01/27/2026

This post is long overdue, but hey the holidays get the best of everyone ya know?

With the successful return of ikigai its 7th installment was nothing short of amazing, it felt great getting back to seeing your faces and sharing my vision and I couldn’t have done it without the very much appreciated help behind the scenes!

Now for the fun part!!
Ikigai8 will be happening on 3/16/26
@ Irene’s bbq located 711 n college avenue
80$/seat
8courses
Three seatings to choose from
5-6:30
7-8:30
9-10:30

45 seats all day!

Seats will be available for purchase via Venmo on 2/1/26

Allergens present with no substitutions will be
Soy,gluten,and non AGS friendly

12/15/2025

Well tomorrow is the day for the seventh installment of ikigai! Would like to take a moment and express my fullest gratitude to each and every one of you attending! If you’re a little confused about the destination it will be located at Irene’s BBQ at 711 n college avenue! Please arrive 15 minutes early for drinks (if that’s what you’re into) and getting settled in! Looking forward to seeing you all for the return of ikigai! ❤️

11/01/2025

Ikigai7 menu

06/30/2025

I got over 10 reactions on one of my posts last week! Thanks everyone for your support! 🎉

06/24/2025

To all who came and shared your time I can’t begin to thank you. It is definitely bittersweet but the kind words I’ve heard and your time you’ve shared with me mean nothing less than the world. Momentarily this is the last ikigai. I hope to see all your beautiful faces when I embark once again to bring my vision to Columbia. Find your ikigai. ❤️

06/23/2025

See yall at ikigai6!❤️