On Monday, June 10, the winners of the 2024 James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards were announced at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Known as the Oscars of the culinary world, this honor recognizes excellence in the country’s leading hospitality professionals. The Best Chef: Great Lakes award has been presented to Hajime Sato — the first time this regional recognition has been awarded to a sushi chef.
Sato operates Sozai in Clawson, Michigan, where the focus is on sustainable seafood and sushi. Since 2009, he has been a pioneer in committing to sustainability within the industry.
This award not only signifies a historic win for a sushi chef but also marks the first victory for a Michigan chef in the regional Best Chef category in over two decades. Sato emphasizes the importance of these prestigious awards in drawing attention to issues such as sustainability: “I didn’t have a voice, but now, because of James Beard I have a voice,” he stated upon receiving his accolade (via YouTube).
Sozai in Clawson offers a remarkable omakase dining experience.
Hajime Sato’s vision for his restaurant is straightforward yet impactful: “Can I make a difference in one person’s life when I serve sushi?” he mused onstage at the 2024 James Beard Awards (via YouTube). However, those seeking traditional California rolls or spicy tuna might be disappointed. Instead, Sozai features an exclusive omakase dining experience at its sushi bar, where guests enjoy the chef’s selection of dishes.
The dining experience lasts several hours and includes multiple courses, with prices ranging from $90 to $170. Centered around sustainable seafood and various sushi types, the offerings might feature sashimi or nigiri alongside more adventurous choices. There’s also a vegetable and tofu omakase menu that excludes seafood or meat. The specific dishes change with each service, as Sato likes to tailor them based on the patrons’ experiences and responses. It is recommended to pair the meals with suggested sakés — and chef Sato is a certified saké advisor.
Other prominent winners at the 2024 James Beard Awards include celebrated chefs and innovative restaurants across different culinary fields.
Among national winners, Portland’s Langbaan was honored as 2024’s Outstanding Restaurant, while Michael Rafidi of Albi in Washington, D.C. took home the Outstanding Chef award. Dakar NOLA in New Orleans was recognized as the Best New Restaurant, and the Emerging Chef designation went to Masako Morishita of Perry’s in Washington, D.C.
Several regional Best Chef awards were given to an impressive lineup of recipients. Lord Maynard Llera of Kuya Lord in Los Angeles won Best Chef: California, whereas David Standridge received Best Chef: Northeast for the Shipwright’s Daughter in Mystic, Connecticut. In the Midwest, the award went to Christina Nguyen for Hai Hai in Minneapolis, and Ana Liz Pulido of Ana Liz Taqueria in Mission was recognized as Best Chef: Texas.
Hajime Sato’s sushi restaurant achievement was not the only “first” of the evening; Paul Smith’s win for his restaurant 1010 Bridge was the inaugural James Beard Award in a main category for a West Virginia establishment.
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