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

On June 10, 2024, the winners of the James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards were revealed at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, widely regarded as the Oscars of the culinary world. This prestigious award honors exceptional talent in the hospitality sector, and the title of Best Chef: Great Lakes was awarded to Hajime Sato, marking the first time a sushi chef has received this regional distinction.

Sato’s establishment, Sozai, located in Clawson, Michigan, focuses on sustainable seafood and sushi, making significant commitments to sustainability since 2009, positioning him as a pioneer in this movement.

This landmark win marks not only the first for a sushi chef but also the first for a Michigan chef in the regional Best Chef category in over two decades. Sato expressed the importance of these awards in amplifying important conversations around sustainability: “I didn’t have a voice, but now, because of James Beard I have a voice,” he remarked upon receiving the honor (via YouTube).

Hajime Sato’s vision for his restaurant is clear yet impactful: “Can I make a difference in someone’s life when I serve sushi?” he pondered onstage at the 2024 James Beard Awards (via YouTube). For those anticipating standard California rolls or spicy tuna, Sozai provides a different experience—an intimate omakase dining setup where guests enjoy dishes chosen by the chef at the sushi bar.

Spanning several hours, the meal comprises various courses, with prices ranging from $90 to $170. Focused on sustainable seafood and an array of sushi options, diners may experience sashimi or nigiri, along with adventurous choices. There’s also a vegetable and tofu omakase menu, completely free of seafood and meat. The specific dishes change each session, as Sato prefers to tailor them based on guests’ reactions and experiences. It’s recommended that the dishes be accompanied by selected sakés, and Sato is a certified saké advisor himself.

Nationally, Portland’s Langbaan was awarded 2024’s Outstanding Restaurant at the James Beard Awards, while Michael Rafidi of Albi in Washington, D.C. took home the Outstanding Chef title. Dakar NOLA in New Orleans was named Best New Restaurant, and the Emerging Chef award was given to Masako Morishita of Perry’s in D.C.

Numerous regional Best Chef honors were also bestowed upon deserving recipients. Best Chef: California went to Lord Maynard Llera of Kuya Lord in Los Angeles, David Standridge received Best Chef: Northeast for Shipwright’s Daughter in Mystic, Connecticut, Christina Nguyen earned the Midwest award for Hai Hai in Minneapolis, and Ana Liz Pulido of Ana Liz Taqueria in Mission was named Best Chef: Texas.

Sato’s sushi restaurant achievement was not the only groundbreaking moment of the evening; Paul Smith’s win for his restaurant 1010 Bridge was a historic first for West Virginia in a main category at the James Beard Awards.

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