Grasp sushi chef Katsuya Uechi, the culinary power who reshaped Los Angeles’ sushi scene and launched the now-ubiquitous spicy tuna crispy rice, has died unexpectedly at 67.
His restaurant group confirmed the information in an Instagram submit Thursday evening however didn’t disclose a reason behind demise.
“Katsu-San helped form the Los Angeles sushi panorama and past, making Katsuya a family identify. Immediately, we honor his life and legacy by proudly carrying ahead the imaginative and prescient he spent a lifetime perfecting,” the assertion learn.
“Our hearts are together with his family members and all who had been lucky to know him… Relaxation in peace, Chef. Your legacy lives on in each visitor we welcome and each dish we serve.”
Born in Okinawa, Japan, Uechi moved to LA within the Nineteen Eighties earlier than opening Sushi Katsu-ya in Studio Metropolis in 1997.
On the time, Ventura Boulevard’s famed Sushi Row was largely outlined by conventional, understated Japanese eating places.
Uechi introduced a distinct method.
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Mixing elite sushi coaching with daring, trendy flavors, he rapidly attracted a faithful following and helped redefine California’s sushi tradition with creative dishes that broke from conference with out sacrificing method.
His largest contribution was the spicy tuna crispy rice, unveiled within the early 2000s.
The dish exploded in reputation and have become a signature merchandise that has since unfold to sushi eating places throughout america, cementing its place as one of the influential creations to emerge from the LA eating scene.
One other hallmark of Uechi’s menu was his tackle yellowtail sashimi, pairing citrusy ponzu sauce with a slice of jalapeno or serrano for a spicy kick.
From his unique Studio Metropolis location, Uechi expanded the Katsu-ya model throughout LA, together with eating places in Brentwood and Hollywood, serving to flip his identify into considered one of California’s most recognizable sushi manufacturers.
