Chef Shota Nakajima
Chef Shota Nakajima has acquired the former Bistrot Le Zinc restaurant space at 1449 E Pine Street in Seattle and in June will open Naka, offering a contemporary menu inspired by Japanese kaiseki. Growing up in a Japanese family on the Eastside of Seattle, Shota’s point of view is influenced by his mother’s homemade cooking coupled with his focus on ingredients from the Pacific Northwest. At age 18, he moved to Osaka, Japan to learn the depth of his native culture and to attend Tsuji Culinary Arts School. Following graduation, Shota had the opportunity to apprentice under Michelin Star Chef, Yasuhiko Sakamoto.
When Shota returned to Seattle, he worked for Chef Taichi Kitamura at Sushi Kappo Tamura in 2011 and 2012. In 2014, he opened his own catering business, Kappo Kitchen, and in December, he participated and won the Seattle round of the World Washoku Challenge. (end)