Last week, Japanese students got a taste of American culture – and pizza – at Flatbread and Sacco’s Bowl Haven. — Photos by Cyrus Konstantinakos

By Eliot Josti

On Friday, October 16, Somerville welcomed a group of curious students eager to experience American culture all the way from Japan. The Showa Boston Institute, located in Jamaica Plain, provides an immersive experience dedicated to community conversation and cultural exchange.

One of the most exciting events of the semester centered around Somerville’s own American Flatbread and Sacco’s Bowl Haven. As part of the students’ Food Culture and Production course, American Flatbread offers locally sourced ingredients, community spirit, and a constant flow of customers each way, making it not only a fun experience, but an educational one.

“At American Flatbread and Sacco’s Bowl Haven, we really believe in being part of the fabric of our community. We love getting involved with local schools, students, and nonprofits, whether that’s teaching something new, sharing what goes into running a restaurant, or simply creating an experience they might not otherwise have. We’ve been partnering with Showa Boston for a few years now, and it has always been a great experience,” said Melissa Merrill, the General Manager and Managing Partner of American Flatbread.

Cyrus Konstantinakos, Japanese Language Program Manager and Instructor at the Showa Boston Institute, shared that students arrived with a few questions for the owners and chefs at American Flatbread. As they bowled, the groups interacted closely while experiencing rounds of Candlepin.

“I hope they feel confident and flexible in speaking with close interpersonal communications. This successful first experience will give them more confidence to engage and achieve positive conversations with foreigners moving forward,” said Konstantinakos.

After bowling, the students had the opportunity to learn and make pizzas with Mike the chef.

“The other wonderful aspect was how hands-on it was. Students actually went into the kitchen and learned from the chefs how to make their own pizzas. It was surreal for them, stepping into a scene they would normally only photograph during study abroad,” said Konstantinakos.

On top of it all, Somerville’s American Flatbread provided the entire experience free of charge.

“Giving back has always been a big part of who we are at Flatbread. Between our weekly Benefit Bakes, our 7 Acts of Kindness, and other community initiatives, we’re always looking for ways to get involved. Our staff genuinely enjoys being part of these experiences, too. Donating our time and resources is just another way for us to support our community and share something we love doing,” said Merrill.

After their stop at American Flatbread and Sacco’s, the class will experience larger food corporations such as Sodexo and The Cheesecake Factory as a way to understand food production in the United States. Classes and experiences that Showa provides stick out in today’s age of education.

“Our market in ESL is really shrinking, as well as world language education in general. The field has to wake up and realize that this is where we differentiate ourselves from what AI can do. You can not replicate what the students experienced. The hands-on and celebration of community was really mind-blowing,” said Konstantinakos.

After the experience, students reflected on their time at Somerville.

“We can go to an American food shop anytime, anywhere. But we can learn by experiencing the process and what goes on behind, and communicating with the staff,” said Akari Kon, a student at Showa Boston.

“Food is one of those things that brings people together, no matter where you’re from. There’s something really special about getting your hands in the dough, making something from scratch, and then sitting down to enjoy it together,” said Merrill.