""Kumiko was born from a belief that hospitality could be quiet, precise, and powerful, that a bar could feel like a conversation," said owner Julia Momosé."
"Momosé emphasized the importance of remembering their immigrant roots and said, "Even in celebration, I can't help but think about what's going on outside our industry.""
"Noah Sandoval noted he was not attending the awards for mental health reasons and ended his message with a strong statement: "Fuck ICE.""
Chicago's restaurant scene shone at the Restaurant and Chef Awards Gala. Kumiko won Outstanding Bar, led by owner Julia Momosé, who shared a heartfelt acceptance speech emphasizing the bar's ethos and their immigrant roots. Chef Noah Sandoval of Oriole won Best Chef: Great Lakes but didn't attend due to mental health priorities. His absence still resonated with his anti-ICE message. The evening highlighted not only culinary achievements but also the ongoing challenges around immigration affecting many in the industry.
Read at Eater Chicago
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