Hajime Sato Becomes First Sushi Chef to Win James Beard Award.

On Monday, June 10, the 2024 James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards winners were revealed at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Known as the Oscars of the culinary world, this honor celebrates excellence among the nation’s top hospitality professionals. Hajime Sato received the title of Best Chef: Great Lakes, making history as the first sushi chef ever to earn this regional award.

Sato’s restaurant, Sozai, located in Clawson, Michigan, is dedicated to sustainable seafood and sushi. He has been a pioneer in the sustainability movement since 2009, committing to environmentally friendly practices early on.

This award marks not only the first victory for a sushi chef but also the first win for a chef from Michigan in over two decades within the regional Best Chef category. Sato emphasizes the importance of these prestigious awards for bringing attention to crucial issues like sustainability: “I didn’t have a voice, but now, because of James Beard, I have a voice,” he shared while accepting the award (via YouTube).

Hajime Sato’s vision for his restaurant is both simple and profound: “Can I make a difference in one person’s life when I serve sushi?” he pondered on stage at the 2024 James Beard Awards (via YouTube). However, those expecting typical California rolls or spicy tuna will be in for a surprise. Instead, Sozai provides an exclusive omakase dining adventure at its sushi bar, where guests savor the chef’s selection of dishes.

Spanning several hours, the dining experience comprises multiple courses, with prices ranging from $90 to $170. Focused on sustainable seafood and various sushi types, diners might enjoy sashimi or nigiri, along with some more daring choices. Additionally, there is a unique omakase menu featuring vegetables and tofu, entirely free of seafood or meat. The specific dishes change frequently since Sato tailors them based on the guests’ preferences and reactions. It is recommended that patrons pair their dishes with suggested sakés, and Chef Sato is a certified saké advisor.

Among the national accolades, Portland’s Langbaan was honored as the 2024 Outstanding Restaurant, while Outstanding Chef was awarded to Michael Rafidi of Albi in Washington, D.C. Dakar NOLA in New Orleans clinched the title of Best New Restaurant, and the Emerging Chef award went to Masako Morishita of Perry’s, also in Washington, D.C.

Numerous other regional Best Chef awards were bestowed upon a diverse and deserving slate of winners. Lord Maynard Llera of Kuya Lord in Los Angeles received Best Chef: California, while David Standridge won Best Chef: Northeast for the Shipwright’s Daughter located in Mystic, Connecticut. Christina Nguyen was recognized with the Midwest award for Hai Hai in Minneapolis, and Ana Liz Pulido of Ana Liz Taqueria in Mission was awarded Best Chef: Texas.

Hajime Sato’s sushi restaurant win was not the only historic achievement of the evening; Paul Smith’s Southeast award for 1010 Bridge marked the first time a West Virginia restaurant has won a James Beard Award in a main category.

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