Yet another celebrity chef is headed to Madison Square.
Chef Makoto Okuwa, known for his double-digit appearances on “Iron Chef America” as well as his many award-winning restaurants in Madrid, Washington D.C. and Miami, will open Japanese restaurant Suzu in the Madisonville development this July.
It will sit next to “Top Chef” alum Fabio Viviani’s newly-opened Italian restaurant Zingaro, at 5392 Medpace Way.
Okuwa began his culinary career in his hometown of Nagoya, Japan, and began an apprenticeship with legendary sushi chef Shinichi Takegasa at just 15 years old before achieving worldwide television fame while working under “Iron Chef” alum Masaharu Morimoto.
A quick glance at the menu reveals shareable starters, warm rice and noodle dishes, fresh sushi and premium Japanese grill items. But the most interesting part of the new restaurant is “Suzuné,” the 10-seat Edo-style omakase counter—roughly translated from Japanese to “I’ll leave it up to you,” where the menu is hand-selected by the chef every night—where guests can watch Okuwa and crew prepare all kinds of sushi first hand.
The celebrity chef has garnered plenty of awards over the years; his D.C. restaurant Love, Makoto has been recognized by the Washington Post, New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler and the Michelin Guide as one of the best of the region. With his latest restaurant here in Cincinnati, Okuwa is paying tribute to the region that gave him his start.
“Growing up, my mother and grandmother showed me how much care goes into preparing food for others,” Okuwa said. “That spirit lives in every dish we’ll serve at Suzu. We want each guest who walks through the doors to feel that sense of warmth, intention and respect for ingredients and leave feeling that they’ve shared a remarkable experience with our chefs, staff and the people they dined with.”
Suzu opens this July at Madison Square. For more info, visit the official website.
