Friend of Graza: Rashad Rastam
The podcaster and founder of Matsar on his most memorable cup of matcha, the bites he can't stop thinking about, and where he falls in the Graza trio!
Q: How would you describe yourself?
R: I can describe others but myself? My friends tell me that I’m exactly what my sign is. Capricorn. Hardworking and responsible. Boring right? Things I do to shape myself from being a square is that I’m a creative producer, musician, photographer, podcaster, writer, and collaborator. Throw being a comedian in there and you get.. Entrepreneur. Hope that helps.
Q: Finish this sentence, cooking for me is…
R: Labor of Love. Emphasis on labor.
Q: You recently launched the matcha brand Matsar. Tell us about your most memorable cup of matcha.
R: Having our matcha for the first time in Malaysia, then connecting with our farmers in Japan and then bringing it home in NYC to serve to everyone.
Q: Are you more of a Sizzler, Drizzler, or Frizzler?
R: Can I say Rizzler? If not, Drizzler.
Q: What is a bite and sip you can’t stop thinking about?
R: Nasi Lemak at Kopitiam, Zorba Plate at Baby Blues, Cheesesteak at Saad’s, Americano at Villager, Classic Slice at La Flor, Lasagna at LaRina, Tagliatelle at Briscola, The Healing Acres Eggs, Cheeseburger at Ingas Bar, and Cait’s Key Lime Pie.
Q: Who do you look to for inspiration?
R: All the guests from my podcast, Wear Many Hats.
Q: What does Matsar mean to you? How is that intertwined with the brand?
R: Matsar means Memories. I want every drink to bring you back to the time you felt at home or with someone you care deeply about.
Q: Best spot in NY for a matcha?
R: Enoki: Reflections of Home
Q: Any words of wisdom, quotes, or mottos you live by?
R: Don’t Work Too Hard. It’s a saying I came up with for my studio, Dahsar.
Q: How would you incorporate Graza into a fun matcha recipe?
R: Graza Matsar matcha mochi .. say that 3x times fast.
Q: What’s on the horizon for you?
R: Matsar is collaborating with local eateries, experimenting in test kitchens, getting into cpg, and bringing the fun to your local grocery store. Wear Many Hats will be having more food eccentric guests on the show.
