Japanese, contemporary cuisine figure prominently in first Toronto Michelin Guide
Global News
Sushi Masaki Saito earned two stars in Michelin's first Canadian food guide announced Tuesday, when the Parisian ode to gastronomy endorsed a range of outlets.
Toronto can now boast to being home to more than a dozen Michelin-star eateries, including a two-star sushi restaurant run by a celebrated chef previously recognized by the prestigious food guide.
Sushi Masaki Saito earned two stars in Michelin’s first Canadian food guide announced Tuesday, when the Parisian ode to gastronomy endorsed a range of Hogtown outlets specializing in everything from Chef Masaki Saito’s tradition-steeped Edomae-style sushi to fried chicken takeaway.
The honours were revealed in an evening ceremony streamed online, with Saito last to take the stage to accept the night’s top award from Gwendal Poullennec, the guide’s international director, and Bibendum, the tire company’s puffy white mascot.
Dressed in black pants, a white shirt, white apron, and white hat, Saito thanked the Michelin Guide for coming to Toronto and said he felt, “very, very happy and excited.”
He then added that he had two things to say: “I love Toronto, I love Canada.”
“One more thing is: I am still single, I don’t know why,” he said to laughter from the audience.
Saito’s New York eatery, Sushi Ginza Onodera, earned a Michelin star in 2017 and two stars in 2018. He left that restaurant to open Sushi Masaki Saito in Toronto’s tony Yorkville neighbourhood in 2019.
In their citation, the anonymous inspectors praised Saito’s latest restaurant for offering fish and nigiri rice from Japan, and a special blend of vinegars.