This isn’t just an apron. It’s not just merch. And it’s definitely not one of those things where someone slaps a logo on a random product and calls it a day.
This is something I’ve been dreaming up for years — a custom apron I got to design from the ground up. One that reflects who I am, how I cook, and the people who made me fall in love with food in the first place.
If you’ve been following me for a while, you already know I’m not a chef. I didn’t go to culinary school. I learned how to cook standing next to my grandma at the stove, watching her make musubi, folding wontons, getting yelled at for sneaking too many bites of filling. lol
That’s where this apron comes from — the memories, the mess, the family, the comfort. It’s for the home cooks. The passionate eaters. And those who believe it doesn’t have to be perfect to taste good.
Built to Cook, Not Just Look Good in Photos
The apron’s made from washed grey Oyster denim — durable, textured, worn-in from day one. It feels like something your favorite uncle passed down to you, but with the quality and feel of something brand new.
We went with crossback straps so you’re not dealing with that neck fatigue after an hour of cooking. (Transparently, it’s also because I’m a bigger guy and the traditional apron neck strap would always dig into my neck right away and get REALLY uncomfortable.) The towel loop is tomato red — a little pop of color to say, “Yes, I’m functional... but I’m not boring.” And of course, my flipping bowl logo is stitched right at the shoulder, where a great bowl flip reaches the perfect height.
The pocket art? That’s where it gets even more personal. My wife, Emma, designed it by hand. (She also designed the bowl logo and the substack logo. She’s very talented and I’m lucky to have her.) It’s this mix of geometric and floral elements that echoes my tattoos (originally done by Tina at Tip Top Tattoo in Fullerton, CA) — and honestly, and I couldn’t be happier with what she made.
It Took A Year — Because I Didn’t Want to Rush Something That Matters
We didn’t just choose a fabric and call it a day. We went back and forth on this thing for months. Materials. Stitching. Weight. Length. (I’m weirdly opinionated about apron lengths because if it’s too long, then it kicks out when you walk but if it’s too short, it’s not effective.) I wanted this apron to feel like an extension of you in the kitchen — not just something that looks cool, but something that actually works.
Because when you’re mid-cook and your station’s a mess, you need an apron that keeps up. One that holds the spoons, catches the splatters, and still looks good enough to wear on camera or at Sunday dinner.
In Honor of My Grandma, Miyuki Fujimoto
Now, here’s the part that really matters to me: a portion of the proceeds from this apron will be donated to the ALS Association, in honor of my grandma, Miyuki.
She’s one of the biggest reasons I cook. She had ALS — a brutal disease — and this apron is my way of keeping her in the kitchen with me. I hear her voice in my head every time I forget to lay down tinfoil before frying. She reminds me to not add too much salt, to feed people with love, and to clean up after.
I also know that it would’ve made her laugh because she didn’t like that I had gotten tattoos. She would say, “oh no, you don’t need anymore, this is good.”
Thank You
I don’t take your support for granted — not even for a second. Whether you’ve watched a video, cooked one of my recipes, or sent me a message saying “Hey bro, I never plan on making any of this but I still watch all the videos,” it means everything to me.
This apron is for anyone who’s ever found peace in the kitchen. Who’s ever cooked to feel close to someone they love. Who’s ever made a meal and thought, “Damn. That felt good.”
The apron technically doesn’t release until August 8th, but because there is a limited quantity, I wanted to make sure you all here on Substack had first dibs. So starting today, July 25th, you will have early access before anyone else.
You can grab one here: Apron
Password: bowlflip
And if you get one? Please tag me. Post a photo in the chat. I want to see what you’re making. Share memories and moments with the people you love.
Let’s cook some delicious food. Let’s make some beautiful messes. And let’s honor the people who showed us how to love through cooking.
— Ian
This post has made my entire day. Just ordered!
I love the origin story, and how you interwove yours into each stitch of this garment. Cooking is such a tie to family, and you honor your audience by sharing yours with us.