Masako Morishita, the executive chef at Perry St in New York City, has been honored as the Emerging Chef at the 2024 James Beard Foundation Awards.
Source: Eater
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Photo by James Beard Foundation
Masako Morishita
Japanese Comfort FoodKobe-style Home CookingModern Izakaya ClassicsWashoku Traditional Flavors
About Masako Morishita
Masako Morishita is a self-taught chef from Kobe, Japan, who transitioned from a career as an NFL cheerleader for the Washington Commanders to become a James Beard Award-winning executive chef. She is renowned for revitalizing the historic Perry's in Washington D.C. with a menu focused on the nostalgic, home-cooked flavors of her childhood.
★Awards & Recognition
★James Beard Foundation: Emerging Chef Wi… (2024)★Eater DC: Chef of the Year (2023)★StarChefs: Rising Star Chef Award (2022)
Chef Timeline
2013
Moved to the United States
N/A
Moved from Kobe, Japan to Washington, D.C.
2014-2018
NFL Cheerleader
Washington Commanders
Served as a cheerleader while pursuing her passion for cooking on the side.
2020
Launched Otabe Pop-up
Otabe
Started a successful Japanese comfort food pop-up that gained significant local attention.
2022
Appointed Executive Chef
Perry's
Took over the kitchen at the long-standing Adams Morgan institution.
2022
StarChefs Rising Star
Perry's
Recognized as a Rising Star in the D.C. culinary scene.
2024
James Beard Award Winner
Perry's
Won the prestigious Emerging Chef award.
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Key Information
Masako Morishita is a self-taught chef from Kobe, Japan, who transitioned from a career as an NFL cheerleader for the Washington Commanders to become a James Beard Award-winning executive chef. She is renowned for revitalizing the historic Perry's in Washington D.C. with a menu focused on the nostalgic, home-cooked flavors of her childhood.
Customer Perception
Customers frequently praise the 'soul-warming' nature of her dishes, noting that her food feels personal and authentic rather than overly commercial. Reviews often highlight her ability to make Japanese comfort food accessible yet sophisticated, with the Miso Butter Clams being a universal favorite.
Cuisine Highlights
Japanese Comfort FoodKobe-style Home CookingModern Izakaya ClassicsWashoku Traditional Flavors
News
- Masako Morishita wins the 2024 James Beard Award for Emerging Chef.
- Featured in James Beard Foundation's 'Achieving Her American Dream' series in July 2024.
- Named Eater DC's Chef of the Year for her transformative work at Perry's.
Restaurants
Perry's (Washington, D.C.), Otabe (Pop-up)
Iconic dishes
Miso Butter Clams, Japanese Potato Salad, Pork Gyoza, Grilled Onigiri, Mama's Curry
Additional Details
Before taking the helm at Perry's, Masako gained a cult following through her pop-up, Otabe. She often cites her grandmother's recipes as the primary inspiration for her culinary style, aiming to bring 'true Japanese home cooking' to the American palate.
Data freshness: 2mo ago
Restaurants by Masako Morishita
Reviews on restaurants by Masako Morishita
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