When I was very young in the 1980's, Japanese food was not readily available for dine in or carry out. There were sushi bars in downtown San Antonio, but they were very pricey and required a reservation. You had to drive to Houston to get your hands on Japanese cuisine. Then something happened in 2000. The Food Network started airing a cooking competition that originally aired in Japan called Iron Chef. The show had chefs from all over the world challenge one of four Iron Chefs who were the best in their style of cooking. They represented French, Szechuan, Japanese, and Italian cuisine. Once the Iron Chef was challenged, both challenger and Iron Chef were presented with an ingredient that all courses of the meal they would prepare must consist of. Iron Chef became a instant hit. One of the Iron Chefs in particular became very popular. Masaharu Morimoto was the show's Iron Chef Japanese, and he became a sensation in the US. His popularity would lead to the United States falling in love with Japanese Cuisine. In my neck of the woods, ramen shops and Japanese grocery stores started popping up everywhere. How did Morimoto-san create a Japanese food revolution? He put his own spin on traditional Japanese dishes.
Morimoto's style of cooking is called Neo-Japanese. He puts a modern spin on traditional Japanese dishes. He took risks that looked and tasted amazing. Iron Chef showcased his talents, which gave him a huge fan-base all over the world. While taking on his duties as Iron Chef, Morimoto was making a living in New York City as a sushi chef. At one time he was the head chef at the famed Nobu Japanese Restaurant. Little did he know that what he did on Iron Chef would inspire many Americans to cook and dine on Japanese cuisine. He became a phenomenon. The Food Network decided to hold a special Iron Chef challenge that pinned Morimoto against popular Southwest cuisine chef Bobby Flay. The response to the event was massive. Tickets to the event sold out in mere minutes. It was broadcast live, and brought huge ratings to The Food Network. Morimoto came away the victor.
There was life after Iron Chef. In 2001, Morimoto became a restauranter when he opened his first eatery in Philadelphia called what else, MORIMOTO. At this time, the Iron Chef also partnered with the Rogue Ale to create Morimoto Soba Ale. The beer went on to win a slew of awards, and continues to sell very well to this day. Morimoto has opened 10 restaurants all over the world in cities such as Dubai, Orlando, Las Vegas, Maui, Hong Kong, and Mexico City. Every restaurant is different. Momosan in New York City serves delicious ramen. Morimoto Asia has menu items from Japan, China, and other Asian countries. It is known for its excellent Peking duck. And in this time, Morimoto continues to pass on his knowledge of food preparation and knowledge. He has written numerous best selling cook books, and his line of kitchen knives are popular with foodies. I own his vegetable chopping cleaver. Best $50 I ever spent. He has become a recognizable brand that people love. At 63 years of age, he has no intention of stopping.
Masaharu Morimoto reintroduced Japanese food to the masses. His talents showcased a huge variety of dishes that other parts of the world had never seen. These dishes then became everyday staples in eateries of Asian flavor that started to pop up everywhere. Whether it is his handy knife work, or beautiful rolls of sushi, Morimoto is the one man who ignited the Japanese food explosion that still goes on today. The world became enamored with him as an Iron Chef, and pay homage to his influence among foodies and chefs everywhere. Chef Morimoto has created a dynasty that has given so much to diners. He took risks in the kitchen that fans are in awe of to this day. I hope one day I get to try one of his maki rolls. So, the next time you ask why are all these Japanese restaurants are popping up; just watch an episode of Iron Chef with Morimoto. You will then understand why. He is a special talent. As a huge fan myself, I urge you to try sushi if you have never had it. Go to a ramen bar and order a bowl of Shoyu ramen. Visit a Japanese grocery store, and buy some takoyaki or mochi. Masaharu Morimoto's influence can be found in all these places. And for that.....I am grateful.
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