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National Post
08-07-2025
- Business
- National Post
Sushi and street-style vibes: Two chefs with total of four Michelin stars team up in Toronto
Article content The restaurants Saito craved didn't exist, he adds, 'So, I made them myself.' Article content Since Saito moved to Toronto in 2019, after running the counter at the two-star Sushi Ginza Onodera on Fifth Avenue in New York City, he says the culinary scene has changed 'little by little.' New York's evolution may be faster, but he thinks its growth has almost reached the ceiling. 'Canada has more space,' says Saito. 'Canada has potential.' Article content Article content His vision for Japanese cuisine in Canada doesn't include any more sushi spots. 'We did that already,' he adds. 'I want to open a tempura and a yakitori. More Japanese cuisine techniques.' Article content Saito says many Japanese restaurants operate at the mid-level in Canada. Unlike New York, which has the likes of the Michelin-starred Tempura Matsui and Torien, specializing in binchotan-cooked skewers, the high-end is lacking. 'If we open, I want to open (a Michelin-level restaurant). No competition. Blue ocean.' He already has his sights set on Western Canada (Calgary and Vancouver specifically), but any future projects would open in Toronto first, with an increased focus on Canadian products. Article content Article content Sushi Masaki Saito aside, which he sees continuing to use predominantly Japanese ingredients, in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and trade war, Saito is pushing more local products at his other restaurants. Article content 'They should use Canadian products more and more. And then more Canadian pride, like this,' he says, tapping his Sushi Masaki Saito chef's jacket with the Japanese and Canadian flags side by side. Saito notes that he didn't put an American flag on his chef's whites when he worked in New York City. (However, if it ever came down to Canada versus Japan, his allegiance lies with Japan, 'of course.') Article content He points out that many people go to Japan to learn how to brand and care for food products so they fit into the premium category. (Witness the $120 melon or $325 strawberry.) 'Louis Vuitton, Tiffany, they know branding. So Canadian products — pork, chicken, everything — more high-brand, Canadian pride, please.' Article content Saito says it isn't necessarily a question of one nation's products being better than another's. Factors such as the weather, temperature, humidity, the environment and nature all impact the quality. The Canadian products he considers the most promising include oysters, lobsters, spot prawns and sea urchins, which people already consider luxuries. Article content Article content He uses sea urchin companies as an example, which he thinks have the potential to build a brand that captures high-end chefs' attention at home and abroad. 'Then, in 50 years, after we die, maybe the Canadian sea urchin (will be) very famous in the world. They should do it because the Canadian sea urchin is good. Canadian lobster is good. The Canadian oyster is good. Very good, good, good.'
Eater
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Eater
Here Are the 2025 Michelin Star Winners in Los Angeles
Chefs and restaurateurs from across California gathered at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center in Sacramento on June 25 for the 2025 presentation of the Michelin Guide California. At the annual ceremony, the Michelin Guide awards restaurants Michelin stars, as well as green stars, which recognize sustainability practices. Coming into this year's ceremony, Los Angeles and Orange County did not have any three-star restaurants. In 2024, Vespertine was the only restaurant to be given two Michelin stars. Last year's ceremony also saw chef Gilberto Cetina's Holbox, a Mexican seafood counter in Mercado La Paloma, gain its first Michelin star. Rebel Omakase in Laguna Beach, Uka at Japan House in Hollywood, and chef Jordan Kahn's Meteora were also awarded their first star. Although the ceremony focuses on awarding stars, it also provides updates on which restaurants have lost stars. Last year, Beverly Hills omakase restaurant Sushi Ginza Onodera and Palms kaiseki restaurant N/Naka each lost one of their two stars. This year's ceremony kicked off with some excitement even before the first award was officially announced. The Michelin Guide (accidentally) posted a video in advance of the ceremony announcing that Aitor Zabala's acclaimed tasting menu restaurant Somni had received three Michelin stars, making it LA's first three-Michelin-starred restaurant. The video was unlisted and subsequently removed. The rest of the evening held more excitement for Los Angeles, with chef Ki Kim of Restaurant Ki receiving the Michelin Young Chef Award, and the restaurant becoming LA's first Michelin-starred Korean restaurant. Mori Nozomi and Silver Omakase also received one star. Later in the evening, Michael Cimarusti's seafood tasting menu restaurant, Providence, received three stars, bringing Los Angeles up to a total of two three-starred restaurants. Sushi Ginza Onodera and Hana re Sushi did not retain their stars. Michelin published its first Los Angeles guides in 2008 and 2009, before exiting the city for a decade. (San Francisco has had its own guide since 2006.) In 2019, the California Tourism Board wooed Michelin back with $600,000 to cover the costs of expanding the guide to the entire state, including a return to Los Angeles. Michelin did not award stars in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but returned with a ceremony in 2022. Although Michelin stars are highly coveted, the Michelin Guide has been criticized for its focus on fine dining experiences, which often feature elaborate omakase-style menus or chef-driven dinners. Alongside the stars, the Michelin Guide also awards Bib Gourmands to restaurants that offer 'good quality, good value cooking.' The Bib Gourmand designation tends to highlight more affordable restaurants — at these restaurants, diners can expect two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for about $50 USD before tax and tip. Still, the Michelin Guide struggles to cover the breadth and diversity of dining scenes in cities like Los Angeles. And while recent years have seen a positive shift toward highlighting restaurants that fall outside the fine dining rubric, many local favorites and outstanding street vendors still go largely unrecognized by the guide. Here are all of Los Angeles's Michelin stars. New entrants, or changes to stars, are marked with an asterisk. 715 Bell's Camphor Caruso's Citrin Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura Gwen Heritage Holbox Kali Kato Knife Pleat Meteora Morihiro Mori Nozomi * N/Naka Nozawa Bar Orsa & Winston Osteria Mozza Pasta Bar Rebel Omakase The Restaurant at Justin Restaurant Ki * Shibumi Shin Sushi Silver Omakase * Six Test Kitchen Sushi Inaba Restaurant Sushi Kaneyoshi Uka at Japan House Additional reporting by Eater Southern California/Southwest lead editor Matthew Kang. See More:
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
7 reasons this festival is what you want to do this weekend
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The 29th Annual Honolulu Festival is Hawaiʻi's premier Pacific Rim cultural event. It kicks off on today, March 8 and runs through Sunday, March 9; and it's offering a day full of exciting cultural performances, workshops and food experiences. 10 facts about Kelly Slater's $16.5M Hawaiʻi North Shore home for sale Throughout the day, you and your friends and family can enjoy a wide range of activities, from performances by over 90 cultural groups to interactive workshops. Whether you're interested in traditional music, hands-on experiences or simply enjoying Japanese delicacies, the Honolulu Festival has something for everyone. 1. There are cultural performances across three locations: The festival features 91 cultural groups, a significant increase from last year, performing traditional music and dance from Japan, the Pacific Rim and Hawaiʻi. Performances will take place at the Hawai'i Convention Center, Waikīkī Beach Walk's Plaza Lawn on Lewers Street and Ala Moana Center's Center Stage to offer a variety of shows for all ages. 10 things to know about the 'God Squad': How it impacts Hawaiʻi 2. There are sushi-making workshops: A new addition this year is the Sushi to Me workshop that is offering participants the chance to learn the art of sushi-making from a renowned chef at Sushi Ginza Onodera Hawaiʻi. These hands-on workshops will take place at the Hawai'i Convention Center Exhibit Hall at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Participation is free but limited to the first 100 attendees.3. Sake and Food Fest: For food and drink lovers, the Sake and Food Fest is a must-experience event. This expanded exhibit in the Hawai'i Convention Center Exhibit Hall offers samplings of Japanese alcohol, including sake, shochu and awamori (for adults 21 and older). Explore more shops and foods from Japan and enjoy the flavors of the Pacific Rim. 10 alternatives to an expensive night out with friends: Hawaiʻi budgets 4. Ennichi Corner: Families with keiki can visit Ennichi Corner. It's a special exhibit designed for keiki to enjoy cultural games, crafts and activities. It's a fun way for children to engage with Japanese traditions while learning about the culture. 5. Trade show and art market: Explore more than 200 booths at the Hawai'i Convention Center Exhibit Hall, where you'll find multicultural exhibits, local crafts, artwork and unique snacks from Japan. It's a great chance to shop for one-of-a-kind items and learn about different cultures. 6. Bon Dance: Experience the tradition of the Bon Dance, Hawaiʻi's first of 2025, with two performances in the Hawai'i Convention Center Exhibit Hall: 12–12:15 p.m. and 2:20–2:35 p.m. The Bon Dance is a popular event that invites everyone to join in and celebrate the cultural traditions of Hawaiʻi. Admission is free; click to reserve your spot(s). 7. Japanese Film Festival: For film enthusiasts, the Japanese Film Festival will showcase internationally acclaimed films on the third floor of the Hawai'i Convention Center. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Admission is free, and you can find the full schedule of films online. The 10 most spoken languages in Hawaiʻi The Waikīkī Grand Parade will be on Kalākaua Avenue at 4:30 p.m., and the Nagaoka Fireworks Show begins at 8:30 p.m. Following a second day of cultural performances, exhibits and activities, the 29th Annual Honolulu Festival comes to an exciting conclusion on Sunday, March 9, with the magnificent Waikīkī Grand Parade that runs along Kalākaua Avenue. The parade begins at 4:30 p.m., and the spectacular Nagaoka Fireworks Show above Waikīkī Beach begins at 8:30 p.m. The festival begins at 10 a.m. and goes through to 6 p.m. It is taking place across three locations in Honolulu: the Hawai'i Convention Center, Waikīkī Beach Walk's Plaza Lawn on Lewers Street and Ala Moana Center's Center Stage. This year's theme, 'Bridging Cultures, Together for a Peaceful Tomorrow,' highlights the festival's mission to promote cultural exchange and understanding through art, food and community engagement. The 29th Annual Honolulu Festival is supported by the Hawai'i Tourism Authority, the City and County of Honolulu and generous corporate sponsors. You can click for more information on the festival. You can follow up to minute updates via their pages on and . Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 It's an event that brings the community together to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific Rim. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
