Don Munoz’s love for sushi began not in a kitchen but around a New Year’s Eve dinner table in 2011, when his mom had a simple idea: "Why not teach the family to make sushi?" That moment sparked a passion that would shape his life. "At first, I didn’t get it, but I knew there was something special in how food brought us together," Don reflects. Today, Don is the proud owner and chef of KRFTD Sushi, where he has turned that family gathering into an art form.
For Don, sushi is more than just a meal—it’s a chance to connect, create, and share stories. “I’ve always been an artist at heart,” he says, recalling his street art days. Sushi became the canvas where he could blend his creativity with culture. His mentor, Lucas, once told him, “Eat with your eyes first,” a lesson that now shapes Don’s approach to every dish.
Sushi didn’t immediately grab Don’s attention. At 14, he didn’t think much of it, but his father encouraged him to try again, sparking an interest. Over time, sushi became a way for him to express himself. His journey from a 14-year-old trying sushi to a chef creating innovative dishes included detours in graphic design and a brief exploration of firefighting.
What truly drives Don is the relationships he builds through food. Whether hosting private dinners or teaching sushi-making classes, Don treats every guest like family. “It’s not just about the food—it’s the experience and the memories we create together,” he says. His signature Don Roll, with yellowtail and jalapeños, is one example of how he brings people together through his craft.
Working in the Temecula area has inspired Don in many ways. The community’s diversity and openness to new experiences resonate with his desire to offer more than just sushi. Through KRFTD Sushi, Don shares his heritage as a Filipino chef, offering a fresh perspective on sushi. “Being Filipino in the sushi world—it’s rare, and that’s what makes it special. It inspires me to stand out, to do things differently,” he says.
Don’s connection with his clients is as personal as the sushi he creates. When clients book a private dinner, it’s not just about food; it’s about building a relationship. His wife, who handles the bookings, arranges a call between Don and the client to learn their preferences, personalities, and vision for the meal. This connection allows Don to tailor each dish to their tastes, creating a sensory experience. Don compares it to a blind date—there’s nervousness, but also the excitement of the unknown. “It’s exciting every time because I’m basing it on a conversation, a feeling, and their trust in me. It’s a chance to create something truly special for them.”
Don’s sushi classes stemmed from the thought—why not combine the fun of wine and paint with sushi and sake? "I envisioned a place where people could enjoy themselves, learn something new, and create memories, even if their sushi came out a mess," he says. The success of these classes, where guests make three full rolls, including a tuna roll they sear themselves, has been a hit. "Everyone loves playing with fire," Don laughs, remembering how the simple act of torching the tuna becomes the highlight of the night.
For Don, sushi is the thread that ties his past, present, and future together. “It’s more than just a job; it’s a way to build something meaningful with my family,” he says, with his wife Maria and daughter Jazzlyn by his side, helping bring KRFTD Sushi to life.