Recently, Ms. Chizuko Kimura, 54 years old, made history by becoming the first female sushi chef in the world to be awarded a Michelin star - a prestigious symbol of global cuisine.
But for her, this star is not only professional recognition, but also a way for her to fulfill a promise to her late husband.
Three years ago, her husband, chef Shunei Kimura, was awarded a Michelin star for his Sushi Shunei restaurant in Paris, France, marking the pinnacle of his career after decades of working in France.
However, the joy did not last long. He died of cancer just 3 months after receiving the star. A year later, the restaurant also lost its prestigious star.
Kimura had no intention of pursuing a career in cooking. She worked as a tour guide until the COVID-19 pandemic put her out of work.
At the same time, her husband decided to open a restaurant despite his illness. Kimura then began to help in the kitchen – learning how to prepare fish, cook rice, and run the restaurant – while also caring for her husband, who was becoming increasingly frail.
After her husband passed away, Kimura decided to continue operating Sushi Shunei. She brought in veteran sushi chef Takeshi Morooka as a consultant and improved the diner experience by introducing “tsumamis” (small appetizers served with sake) to the menu, tweaking the sushi rice recipe, and upgrading all the kitchen equipment.
After three years of relentless effort, Sushi Shunei has regained its Michelin star. In a small space of only nine seats that she calls a “traditional sushiya,” Chizuko Kimura captivates diners with her delicate nigiri-making techniques, fresh fish, and creative seasoning combinations.
Michelin praises the experience at the authentic restaurant as a “sensory journey."
Normally, it takes at least 10 years of training to become a master sushi chef. However, it took Ms. Kimura only 5 years to achieve her first Michelin star.
She hopes this recognition will inspire more women to pursue their dreams in the culinary profession - which has long been considered a male specialty.
For Ms. Kimura, the next goal is not only to maintain the Michelin star, but also to surpass her late husband's achievements, as a deep gratitude to him./.
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/nu-dau-bep-sushi-dau-tien-tren-the-gioi-nhan-sao-michelin-danh-gia-post1033475.vnp
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