Adam Fleischman Adam Fleischman is widely considered a maverick in the fast-dining industry. One of the early pioneers of the better-burger movement, he launched a gourmet burger chain built around the Japanese concept of umami, or the fifth dimension of taste. He is the co-author of Flavor Bombs: The Umami Ingredients That Make Taste Explode (2016). Experience Adam Fleischman began his restaurant career by opening two of Los Angeles's first wine bars, BottleNeck (2006) and Vinoteque (2008). His passion for wine and food led Adam to delve further into his fascination with the "fifth taste" or umami. He founded the Umami Burger chain in 2009 based on recipes he painstakingly developed to heighten and accentuate the savory experience. The success of his restaurant group, which expanded to include 800 Degrees Pizza, played an important role in challenging the concept of what fast food and casual dining could be. Adam appeared in the food documentary Bite into the Future and television shows Hell's Kitchen and The Best Thing I Ever Ate. He shared his expertise with readers in the 2016 cookbook, Flavor Bombs: The Umami Ingredients That Make Taste Explode. Education Adam earned a bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts from the University of Maryland. About Food & Wine Food & Wine, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, is an award-winning online resource for anyone passionate about the culinary world. With rigorously tested recipes and the most trusted restaurant, drinks, culinary travel and home coverage, we inspire and empower people everywhere to discover, create, and devour the best in food and wine. Learn more about us and our editorial process.