About Founder Alex J Nakamura
Born in Japan and raised in Colombia. Grew up in a home where there was an immense appreciation for international foods. This passion for food was imparted at an early age and Alex started cooking and experimenting with recipes at the age of 9. From then on love for food has been an ongoing, growing journey.
Alex Founded Sumiye Eco-Boutique in 2020
Food Industry Background:
Worked in hospitality in Los Angeles from 2009 – 2020 at restaurants, bars & boutique hotels. During that time her career was focused on California-centric
foods & wines (mostly natural & biodynamic) and she gained great knowledge
in growing mixology, craft beers and coffee trends.
During this time Alex J Nakamura worked with several progressive chefs in Los Angeles who greatly influenced her approach to food as well as hospitality experts that informed how she viewed hospitality as a whole.
- Josef Centeno: Chef & owner of Bäco Mercat, Bar Amá, Michelin Starred Orsa & Winston. Named “baron of downtown dining” by Pulitzer-winner food writer Jonathan Gold.
- Houston Hospitality: Mark and Jonnie are native Angelenos; born and raised in the LA community. Secret entrances, live performances, award winning cocktail programs and interior design will take you into the world that is Houston Hospitality.
- Phillip Pretty: Golden State leader in sustainable gastronomy. Earned Michelin Green Star distinction in 2023 for his restaurant Heritage
- Evan Funke: Master pasta maker. His restaurant Bucato set a new standard for handmade pasta in Los Angeles. Chef & owner of Felix Trattoria in Venice, CA
- Nyesha Arrington: Top Chef alum & winner of Food Network’s ‘Chef Hunter’. Owner of Leona restaurant in Venice, CA
- Stephen Kalt: Iron Chef America winner against Alex Guarnaschelli in 2013 & "Beat Bobby Flay" 2017. Former co-owner of Fornelletto at Borgata Hotel & Casino with Geoffrey Zacharian & Bobby Flay. Owner of Spartina in Los Angeles, CA
- Sahar Shomali: Executive Pastry Chef at Suzzane Goin’s Lucques, Tavern, a.o.c, Larder
- Isa Fabro: Pastry Chef at Unit 120. Rated No. 6 by Los Angeles Magazine’s Top Best New Restaurants of 2016
Alex has had the opportunity to participate in hosting events for top personalities & organizations:
- Show “Eastbound & Down” season premiere party 2011
- Show ‘Mad Men’ filming lunch catering 2012
- The Guild Of Music Supervisors, Grammys day brunch 2012
- Food writer, reality show star Kat O’dell ‘Eat, Drink, Love’ season premiere viewing party 2013
- Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi Saving SPOT! Benefit 2013
- Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival kickoff party 2013 at the Beverly Hills Thompson Hotel
- Actors Michael C Hall (Dexter) & Daniel Radcliff (Harry Potter) movie premiere party for “Kill your Darlings” 2013
- Emmys host/actor Neil Patrick Harris post award ceremony party 2013
- Jimmy Kimmel birthday dinner 2013
- Writers for show ‘Homeland’ season finale screening 2013
- Show ‘The Office’ season finale party 2013
- Michelin starred chef Dominique Crenn’s birthday dinner 2014
- Zagat’s 30 under 30 Los Angeles party 2014
- L.A. Food & Wine Festival Co-Founder David Bernahl dinner 2014
- Comedian Natasha Leggero Christmas dinner 2014
- Kate Winslet celebration luncheon after receiving a star in Hollywood walk of fame 2014
- Nightly post-show cocktail hour for ‘Book of Mormon’ cast during their season in LA 2014
- Los Angeles City Ballet Company donor’s dinner 2015
(Los Angeles, CA 2014 – 2015)
Mixology training with Proprietors LLC’s David Kaplan, author of bestseller ‘Death & Co’
(Los Angeles, CA 2014 – 2015)
Barista, coffee training and studies at Stumptown Coffee Roasters
(Los Angeles, CA 2014 – 2015)
Sous Chef at 'Sur La Table' Cooking School
(Boca Raton, FL 2015-2017)