Meet Michigan’s 2025 James Beard Award Semifinalists. Story by Brenna Houck • 4mo. A decade-old trendsetting Detroit restaurant, a Mexican fine-dining spot with a snazzy masa program, ...

Less than a year after winning a James Beard Award, chef Hajime Sato has closed his Clawson Japanese restaurant. Soto announced that Saturday, April 26, was Sozai’s final day of service via an ...

A Michigan chef and restaurant owner who won a 2024 James Beard Award announced that his business is closing. Chef Hajime Sato, who owned Sozai in Clawson, announced the closure on social media ...

Other James Beard Award winners from Michigan include chef Alex Young (Best Chef: Great Lakes 2011), chef Takashi Yagihashi (Best Chef: Midwest 2003) and chef Jimmy Schmidt (Best Chef: Midwest 1993).

The James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards are at 6 p.m. Monday at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. ... Great Lakes category, which includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. ...