Before Adam Fleischman fell in love with umami, he had a long affair with wine. However, his first love was the written word. Fleischman studied literature in college and prepared for a life in journalism. A trip to Burgundy after graduation sparked a culinary and oenophilic fire in the fledgling journalist, and food and wine became the focus of his writing.

Fleischman became immersed in the wine world through his writing. He worked for several prominent Los Angeles wine retailers as well as consulted Tesori Imports on their wine portfolio. Later, Fleischman founded and ran some of LA’s first wine bars, BottleRock and Vinoteque.

With the increased exposure to wine, Fleischman’s palate matured, spurring his eventual fascination with the fifth taste.  Fleischman developed a restaurant concept dedicated to the all-American classic, hamburgers. He opened his first Umami Burger on La Brea in 2009 and has since opened  additional locations all around California. In addition, Fleischman helped to create 800 Degrees and Red Medicine.  In 2012, Fleischman acquired an ownership stake in L.A. Creamery Artisan Ice Cream bringing his creative culinary talents to frozen treats, creating Porc Phat, Absinthe, Mezcal and Moonshine Ice Creams.