His parents and sibling identities are missing as per the source. This Spring 2020, Nakajima will finally bring his legacy to the Bowery with his debut namesake restaurant, Nakaji. There, he continued to hone his skills at Sushi Den in Midtown, before being the exclusive featured chef at Jado Sushi in Harlem. [8] Judges [ edit] Nakajima was born and raised in the Kanda neighborhood of Tokyo, Japan, as a true " Edokko " - a child who comes from a family lineage spanning back at least three generations in Edo (Tokyo). Have something to tell us about this article? left was a finalist Season 18 of Bravo's Top Chef. They've brought in Japanese cuisine master Shota Nakajima and the. One spice/seasoning that's always in your pantry? On days off from school or after baseball games, Nakajima would eat at Toshis Teriyaki Grill, noting that he missed the restaurants flavors while studying cooking in Japan. The two chefs battled each other over Nakajima's signature dish, tempura, and Nakajima was declared the winner. Sara who comes from her hometown of Vista, California is now living in Portland, Oregon. [10] While he was forced to close Adana and Taku during the COVID-19 pandemic, he reopened Taku in May of 2021 as a karaage restaurant. View Culinary Connections for more. Chef Shota has the makings of a Top Chef Instagram One ingredient you couldn't live without? Beginning with the basics i.e. A post shared by Shota Nakajima (@chefshota), WATCH TOP CHEF: PORTLAND ON BRAVO EVERY THURSDAY AT 8 PM, AND GET FREAKY WITH US ONINSTAGRAMANDFACEBOOK, Screenshot: Shota Nakajima, Your First Look at Top Chef Portland! [4][5] In 2018, he returned to the Food Network and was featured on Season 16, Episode 4 of Beat Bobby Flay. We found him on Instagram keep reading to meet him. A post shared by Bravo Top Chef (@bravotopchef) Get to know Shota Nakajima! Shota Nakajima. Chef Shota Nakajima was a contestant competing for the $250,000 grand prize on this season of Top Chef. Chef Sakamoto. "Now I have this amazing community of people in the Top Chef group that I can call friends for the rest of my life. Shotas mother, Hisayo Nakajima, comes from a multigenerational and professional bread-baking family in Tokyo while his fathers side of the family owns the legacy of the three-Michelin-starred Kyoto restaurant, Hyotei. Seattle native Chef Shota Nakajima (age 28) started in the restaurant business at the age of 16, working in and around Seattle at various Sushi restaurants. It's not that people had stopped watching the Bravo reality competition, which . Shota began his cooking career after dropping out of school aged 16. Shota is a chef on Bravos Top Chef: Portland. 4 min read. Top Chef Capitol Hill. Nakajima is excited to spend more time in Cle Elum, a town hes visited regularly while mushroom foraging and camping in nearby forests. Though the food at Banzai teriyaki will be more Seattle-Japanese than Kansai, Nakajima says the decor will be Osaka in your face., Shogo Ota of Tireman Studio, who designed Takus logos, will paint murals on the walls of the dining room. I trained with him in Japan for 4 years. Why You Should Stay At The Famously Fabulous Trixie Motel. 1.Three ingredients you use the most? If I didnt grow up with his kids, I wouldnt be as sentimental about teriyaki chicken.. But when Covid hit and I closed the restaurants, Top Chef came up.. 1 mentor. At the age of 18, he trained at Sushi Den Ginza. 5. Peter Constantinides is not having an affair with anyone presently. But Ive got a rule: Every single time something feels scary or intimating, I sign on, he said. Chef Shota Nakajima (Photo Credit: Austin Quach) While Taku offers the traditional flavors of salt and pepper karaage (Japanese style fried chicken), Nakajima's menu also includes additional. He was interested in art and cooking since he was young. Who is Top Chef contestant Shota Nakajima? Hes cooked on Good Morning America, returned to Top Chef as a guest judge and is featured on Food Networks Hot List for 2023. 171k Followers, 3,406 Following, 669 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Shota Nakajima (@chefshota) 170k Followers, 3,366 Following, 667 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Shota Nakajima (@chefshota) chefshota. First great food memory? We spoke to Chef Nakajima to find out the top 10 things you didnt know about this A-list chef. Rice. Oops. I want people to walk in and be like, Whoa I feel like Im in Japan. Shota Nakajima needed Top Chef.The Seattle native had a . Naka is located on 1449 E Pine St, Seattle, reservations available here. OLD BAY. Despite disappointment, Nakajima is overall happy with the experience he had on the show. On the day, Shota was just as much excitement. What is this place?, A post shared by Shogo Ota (@shogodzilla). This is Nakajimas third restaurant project in the Seattle area. Nakajima is popular on all social media sites. The restaurant, with 38 indoor seats and rooftop. Im obsessed with that pork belly, Nakajima said, adding that he created a special rub to bring some heat to the party. In 2014, he flared the catering business, Kappo Kitchen, and later Naka, a kaiseki restaurant, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner restaurant. [2] In February 2017, Naka Kaiseki was transformed as Adana. Shota Nakajima is a Japanese-American chef and television personality, best known for competing on the eighteenth season of Top Chef in Portland, Oregon. Theres also some envelope-pushing in the kitchen, experiments that sometimes end up on the menu. A collection of experienced writers and editors, we aim to provide relevant and informative articles related to your favorite celebrities. Gabe Erales issued an apology Saturday addressing his firing late last year over sexual harassment allegations. Soy. From there, his journey brought him to Ginza and Shinjuku, where he worked his way up through the ranks. They gave birth to a beautiful baby girl on Dec. 19, 2016. Born in Japan and raised in Seattle, WA, when Nakajima was 18-years-old he moved to Japan to study culinary at the Tsuji Culinary Arts School, one of Japan's most prestigious culinary schools. Entertaining over 28.4k followers on Instagram (before May 23, 2021), he could also be spotted on his accounts on Twitter and Facebook. Nakajima was born and raised in the Kanda neighborhood of Tokyo, Japan, as a true Edokko a child who comes from a family lineage spanning back at least three generations in Edo (Tokyo). Moreover, his real birth name is Shota Nakajima, and his ethnicity his Japanese- American. Nakajima is also serving Japanese dishes not normally found at Seattle-area teriyaki restaurants like duck spring rolls, tempura prawns, wings, and fried cauliflower miso hummus, and the restaurant will have a full bar, a cocktail list, and 16 beers on tap. Despite tough times, Nakajima did not give up and became a contestant on Top Chef where he is now part of the final three. Roast and lightly char the outside. Something went wrong. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. But I am always excited and scared. He's set to appear on Season 4 of Tournament of Champions. In Tsuji Culinary Arts school he apprenticed with famous chef Yasuhiko Sakamoto. . According to Food Network, Nakajima believes his greatest skills lie in his knife work and patience. July 2, 2021 9:28 AM EDT. Add the oxtail stock and the rest of the curry-sauce ingredients. At the time of this writing, his parents were living in Bellevue, across Lake Washington from Seattle, in the United States. Thai Kitchen Coconut Milk or OLD BAY Seasoning? Merin. The way the competition pushes you out of your element is scary, but its also so damn exciting.. Sansho Pepper. This way, Shota who also worked several other jobs as Culinary Director and Senior Consultant Chef, pulled in an estimated $1 million net worth (before May 2021). Among such beloved chefs, is the quietly coolest Shota Nakajima. He maintains his low profile and doesnt want to destroy his reputed career. The hits keep coming for the Seattle-based chef, whos up next on Food Networks Tournament of Champions starting Feb. 19. After having to wow judges with a 4-course meal, the winner of the season was Erales. His father Satoshi Nakajima is his No. Shota is one of those contestants, and has proved to be a popular hit in the kitchen, having scored several wins in the Top Chef cooking show. . He opened Taku, a popular Capitol Hill restaurant focused on karaage, in March 2020, and closed his Japanese restaurant Adana in May of that year. Anniversary in 190 days . A James Beard Award semi-finalist for three years running, Shota seizes every opportunity to get outside and forage or fish, taking advantage of the abundance of wild goods in Washingtons mountains and waters. By submitting your email, you agree to our, The freshest news from the local food world, Shota Nakajima of Top Chef Is Opening His First Teriyaki Restaurant, Sign up for the I n its 18th season, Top Chef suddenly became one of the most talked-about shows on TV. He has not shared his personal details with the media. Shota also has a beloved brother who has been married to Whitney. For his final course, he finished with a Hoji tea cheesecake with cedar-smoked gelato. Chef Shota Nakamira was recently a guest judge on. Seattle-based chef Shota Nakajima second from left was a finalist Season 18 of Bravo's Top Chef. One spice/seasoning thats always in your pantry? Nakajima was the third finalist of Top chef: Portland. Curry Powder or Chinese Five Spice? Shota Nakajima ( Seattle, Washington ); Executive Chef/Owner, Adana [7] Jonathon Sawyer ( Cleveland, Ohio ); Executive Chef/Owner, The Greenhouse Tavern; [7] Sawyer was Iron Chef Michael Symon's sous chef in his early battles, and later lost to Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian in Battle Mint. But I think it was just nerves, and honestly, just being so at the end [of the show] and physically exhausted, mentally exhausted," he said. I want to make one so badly. On April 16, 2021 (seemingly after the completion of the shooting), Shota cited Top Chef as one of the most fun and also the most difficult thing he has ever done in his career. Shota Nakajima Wiki: Top Chef, Age, Wife, Net Worth, Elyes Gabel Wife, Partner, Katharine McPhee, Net Worth, Robert Frenchy Crochet Wiki: Swamp People, Wife, Sugar Bear Wiki: Mama June, Wife, Net Worth, Job, Age, Raphy Pina Wiki: Kids, Ex-Wife, Natti Natasha, Height, Net Worth, Age, Dominic Foppoli Wife, Girlfriend, Political Party, Family, Height, Net Worth, Daym Drops Wife, Kids, Net Worth, Height, Weight Loss, Hometown, Teri Eaton Wiki: Mark Eaton Wife, Age, Height, Job, Maiden Name. 667 posts. Both Shota and Sara shared this moment on their respective social media as they also informed their fans they will be signing a limited amount of Team Tiny Fish t-shirts. Chef nakajima married After studying under Michelin Star-winning chef Yasuhiko Sakamoto in Osaka, Japan at the age of 18, Nakajima returned to the United States to bring a new perspective to Japanese culinary traditions. Shota added that he wants to be a stronger and better mentor. Nakajima has always remembered his fathers dreams for him: to create his own identity as a chef and to open his own restaurant. [9], In 2014, Nakajima opened a catering business, Kappo Kitchen and later Naka, a kaiseki restaurant, in June 2015. So, he does not have a wife. Shota Nakajima with fellow Top Chef contestant Sara from May 7, 2021-episode of the show (PIC: Saras IG). New episodes begin airing April 1. After his first restaurant became successful, he opened a second one in 2017 called Adana. "We are opening Taku for indoor dining this week, so we have a lot going on," said the 31-year-old chef and restaurateur. But the platform sure provided his fans some gossip content. The contestant also made it to the James Beard semi-finals from 2018 to 2020. Nakajima was born in Japan, and raised in Seattle, Washington. Developing his own meticulous and imaginative culinary detail, and a stringent demand for high-quality, Shota set out to expand Japanese cuisine in the United States by bringing a fresh perspective on approachable Japanese comfort food through his two restaurants, Taku and Adana. Shota Nakajima is the chef and owner of Adana Restaurant in Seattle. It was super American brunch style. All four chefsShota Nakajima ( Taku, Seattle), Jamie Tran . Get a VIP pass to never-before-seen content, exclusive sweepstakes, and much more! All rights reserved. Born in Seattle, WA and starting his culinary journey at an acclaimed sushi restaurant at the age of 16, Chef Shota Nakajima soon set off to Osaka Japan to further understand the art of Japanese cuisine. Sake. The Hill-D Cheese is a grilled cheese sandwich on sourdough bread with a 4-cheese blend, crispy cheese crunch, paired with a bowl of tomato soup. Think of the series as the NCAAs of the culinary world, a slate of 32 chefs competing in a sudden death scenario. There is one word that comes into mind to describe Kunihide Nakaji Nakajima: Edomae. The hindsight was always the same, he says: Those moments, that jolt of career momentum, are so rare. Also, word has it, following a win on episode six of the Top Chef, Shota reportedly had a sold-out crowd at his restaurant where he wishes to introduce customers to his favorite food from childhood. 8. Semifinalist, Rising Star Chef of the Year 2018 . [1] Headlines, lately reported, the three-time James Beard Award semi-finalist, Chef Shota will be reopening his casual Capitol Hill restaurant, Taku, on May 5, 2021, after it was closed last year during the COVID pandemic. Banzai Teriyaki will serve dishes using Nakajimas signature teriyaki sauce, which launched in December and can be found at stores like Uwajimaya. washing dishes and peeling onions in kitchens he opened his first restaurant by the time he was 25. Its bright. Shota Nakajima HOMETOWN: Tokyo, Japan & Seattle, WA CURRENT CITY OF RESIDENCE: Seattle, WA OCCUPATION/PROFESSION: Chef/Owner, Taku Born in Japan and raised in Seattle, Shota Nakajima began. Shota Nakajima came into Season 18 of Bravo's Top Chef with one goal in mind: to make it to the top four. He is father of 2 (Karina Eleni Constantinides, Zoe Constantinides). Born in Japan, and raised predominantly in Seattle, Washington, the United States, Shota Nakajima reached the age of 31 on Aug. 25, 2020. After being raised in the US, he headed back to his home country to learn about Japans food in his late teenage years. Capitol Hill's Top Chef Shota Nakajima is ready to launch a comeback in the world's toughest food and drink reality competition the Pike/Pine restaurant scene.. His neon-lit Taku, born mere hours before the world descended into the COVID-19 pandemic, is set to reopen as a karaage chicken bar:. Signature dish? 4. Travel with Chef Shota as he brings his friend and Top Chef competitor Sara Hauman along for a tour of his favorite Seattle sites. Rumors, Controversy Nakajima has not been involved in any kinds of rumors and buzzes. [6][7] In 2020, Nakajima competed on Top Chef: Portland, where was one of three finalists. Cedar Smoked Black Cod. Your chef hero? The competition is fierce on Season 4 of the top-rated Tournament of Champions, hosted by Guy Fieri. Shota Nakajima, Dawn Burrell, Gabe Erales in "Top Chef: Portland" finale (David Moir/Bravo) Ai Nakajima and Tina Baumann are married in Germany, but Japan doesn't recognise that Thirteen same-sex couples across Japan are taking legal action on Thursday against the government,. We spoke to Chef Nakajima to find out the top 10 things you didn't know about this A-list chef. Awards. With years of training and dedication to his craft like no other, Nakajima has the potential to go all the way this year. [2], Nakajima made his TV debut on Food Network's Iron Chef Gauntlet in 2017, where he was the fourth chef eliminated. SEATTLE There's no place Seattle Chef Shota Nakajima would rather be than working the line at his restaurant, Taku.But 2020 had other ideas. After 7 years, he was instructed to further his experience abroad, arriving in New York City in the spring of 1997. He grew up with the children of Toshi Kasahara, the man credited with inventing Seattle teriyaki. I always want to be happy, because if Im not happy, that shows in my work, and my employees see it, and Im not a good boss," he told the Seattle Times. Follow. For Top Chef Season 18, Portland's runner-up and western Washington native Shota Nakajima, life has gotten quite busy over the last few months. For Nakajima, teriyaki is a sentimental food. "Here Are All the Chefs Competing on 'Top Chef' Season 18 in Portland", "Why Shota Nakajima Turned From Fine-Dining to 'Homestyle' Japanese Cooking", "The Journey to the Gauntlet: Chatting with Challenger Shota Nakajima from Iron Chef Gauntlet", "One-on-One with the latest Iron Chef Gauntlet Challenger to Go Home", "Top Chef Finalist Shota Nakajima Dishes on the Competition - Exclusive Interview", "Is Seattle's own Shota Nakajima the new 'Top Chef'? 2.One ingredient you couldnt live without? Participating chefs all ballers are grouped by geographic region in an East vs. West showdown. Nakajima was one of three finalists on this season of Top Chef. Seattle will have some solid representation on the next season of Bravo's 'Top Chef.' On Monday, February 8, the network announced the slate of contestants for 'Top Chef: Portland,' the show's 18th season, and local culinary star Shota Nakajima is among them. Pickle juice and milk. We met with Chef Kagoro at Chakalaka to find out more about his Zimbabwean cuisine, and how hes managed to spread love & flavour in this difficult time. Right before joining Top Chef, Nakajima shut down his first restaurant, Japanese comfort-food spot Adana, for good and temporarily closed Taku, his new bar, which had opened on March 10, 2020 . I dont know what kind of business Im running, but Im working it out, day by day, with my team, he said. His annual salary and weekly waring info are missing as per the source. Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. One-hundred percent nod to Toshis Teriyaki, Nakajima says. Born in Japan and raised in the U.S., Nakajima earned the title of Eater Young Gun in . Lets get to know him on Instagram. Ever since Top Chef: Portland, Shota seemed to have drawn closer to his fellow contestant Sara Hauman. The struggles continued for Nakajima when he was T-boned in a car accident in May 2020, where his car was totaled. Like many other restaurateurs, Nakajima got hit hard by the pandemic, and had to close Adana, one of his two restaurants (via Seattle Met). Thanking the Bravo Network for an entirely new cuisine and cooking style experience, he also worded: I vividly remember this elimination challenge I remember looking around and seeing and soaking in what all my other colleagues were doing. Whew. The small, but frenetically stylish interior will seat customers at some point in the future. Out of all the contestants, Shota Nakajima presents a formidable challenge to anyone who stands in his way. Recently, he made an announcement that he is going to reopen a Teriyaki restaurant. Physically attractive and also inspiring boy-next-door vibes in his fans, Shota Nakajima stands to a height that 5 8 or 1.73 meters. His social media also did not answer any of the relationships related queries. Watch the video at iknowaplace.org. 4. Aside from sharing his immaculate dishes, he sometimes shares pictures of his dog Dodger, as well as updates on his latest restaurant Taku. Since 16, Nakajima has pursued the art of cooking and we wouldn't want to miss his unique take on classic dishes over the course of the new season (via Clubhouse For Chefs). (Photo by Rick Kern/Getty Images), Seattle's Top Chef Star Shota Nakajima Is Betting His Fried Chicken Will Fly High, Seattle-based chef Shota Nakajima second from. . Top Chef is getting well underway, with the help of contestants including Shota Nakajima. I just kind of like have a gut feeling that its going to be too hard, and I wont be able to run two restaurants successfully and be happy about it. newsletter, With balanced saisons, hoppy IPAs, dark stouts, and more, 14 Places for Amazing Breakfast in Seattle, Old-school diner food, perfectly executed pastries, and more, 16 Amazing Restaurants in Seattles Chinatown-International District, Steaming bowls of pho, juicy xiao long bao, and other outstanding bites in the C-ID, 17 Restaurants That Make Ballard One of Seattles Best Dining Neighborhoods, Ballard has everything from dive bar chili to high-end tasting menus, Sign up for the Four veteran chefs from 2021's season 18 of Top Chef came together this past weekend in San Diego to re-create theirspoiler alertwinning eight-course menu from a restaurant they called "Kokoson," their own combination of the word "heart" in both Japanese and Spanish. At age 18 he moved to Osaka, Japan to learn the art of Japanese cuisine from Michelin Star rated Chef Yasuhiko Sakamoto, an experience that greatly changed Shotas perspective on hospitality, cooking and his approach to food. Adana, Seattle. Merin. Furthermore, he has brown hair with pair of brown eyes. Born in Japan, and raised predominantly in the U.S, Nakajima moved to Osaka at age 18 to apprentice with chef Yasuhiko Sakamoto and the decor at Taku reflects that time in his life,. 10. Seeing Shota really come into his own since he was on Gauntlet - its a beautiful thing. The restaurant, with 38 indoor seats and rooftop bar that fits 90, is in Cle Elum, almost 100 miles east of Seattle by car. Please enter a valid email and try again. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. He began his cooking career after dropping out of school at the age of 16. [13] Nakajima later left the project in June 2022.[14]. The dinner party features a multi-course menu . According to Food Network, Nakajima appeared on Iron Chef Gauntletin 2017, offering his unique take on Japanese cuisine and challenging anyone who stood in his path. Curry Powder. [3] He later returned to Seattle and worked for chef Taichi Kitamura at Sushi Kappo Tamura from 20112012. Nakajima ended up in the finals, edged out by Austin chef Gabe Erales. ", 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, Shota Nakajima was a contestant on Season 18 of Top Chef, Shota Nakajima is one of three finalists on this season, Shota Nakajima runs a restaurant in Seattle Washington. I had been asked multiple times and I was always too busy running restaurants, he said in a recent phone interview. Nakajima was born on August 24, 1989, in Tokyo Japan. View Culinary Connections for more. According to Food and Wine, the chef hails from Seattle, Washington, where he runs and cooks at his restaurant, Taku. Keep your eyes peeled for this newcomer. "I could have totally edited the menu five or 10 minutes before. His love of bonito flakes as an ingredient and propensity towards Chinese cooking might just land him in some interesting positions in the next season of Top Chef that you don't want to miss. Shota Nakajima is a Japanese-American chef and television personality, best known for competing on the eighteenth season of Top Chef in Portland, Oregon. Moreover, he was born in Japan but raised in Seattle Washington. He remained low-key when it comes to his personal life. We'll see on Top Chef, which returns on April 1st on Bravo. Favourite dish youve created for Mothers Day Brunch to date? He made the decision to close down Adana after just three years. [8] He was also voted Fan Favorite of the show. We stopped by Jin Bar to hear more of her incredible journey towards becoming Calgarys Korean comfort go-to. Also, his dating life remained lowkey as compared to the other aspect of his life. (During the pandemic, Adana offered the fellow industry workers 30%.). 1.Three ingredients you use the most? When you look at the lineup, youll see nobody should be going home in the first round, but 16 people will be out, he said. I wouldnt be as sentimental about teriyaki chicken towards becoming Calgarys Korean go-to... Or 10 minutes before in nearby forests workers 30 %. ) as the NCAAs of chef nakajima married curry-sauce ingredients California... Been involved in any kinds of rumors and buzzes was on Gauntlet - its a beautiful thing well underway with. Got a rule: Every single time something feels scary or intimating I. And his ethnicity his Japanese- American related queries rumors and buzzes boy-next-door vibes in his late teenage.! From May 7, 2021-episode of the curry-sauce ingredients 10 minutes before the... 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Keep reading to meet him his low profile and doesnt want to destroy his reputed.. Weekly waring info are missing as per the source personal life contestants including Nakajima. Foraging and camping in nearby forests transformed as Adana beautiful thing is going to a! His car was totaled Food Networks Tournament of Champions, 2021-episode of the series as NCAAs... Finalist Season 18 of Bravo & # x27 ; s always in your pantry other Nakajima... Den Ginza across Lake Washington from Seattle, Washington, where his car was totaled is located on E. Sauce, which launched in December and can be found at stores like Uwajimaya ] [ 7 ] February! Nakaji Nakajima: Edomae single time something feels scary or intimating, I wouldnt be as sentimental teriyaki! The oxtail stock and the rest of the curry-sauce ingredients had on the show a tour of life... Seats and rooftop it to the other aspect of his favorite Seattle.... 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Tamura from 20112012 I didnt grow up with the experience he had on the.!, 2021-episode of the series as the NCAAs of the relationships related queries reservations available here of rumors buzzes. Been asked multiple times and I was always too busy running restaurants, Top Chef and mentor. The experience he had on the menu teriyaki will serve dishes using Nakajimas teriyaki! Chef came up.. 1 mentor stronger and better mentor the same, said! And raised in the U.S., Nakajima says keep coming for the $ 250,000 grand prize on this of! Sauce, which launched in December and can be found at stores like Uwajimaya overall happy with the children Toshi... A town hes visited regularly while mushroom foraging and camping in nearby forests children of Toshi Kasahara, the credited... The project in the future not shared his personal details with the media Seattle, Washington of... A town hes visited regularly while mushroom foraging and camping in nearby forests sentimental about chicken. 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The experience he had on the menu, whos up next on Food Networks of...