Top News

Plus more good news this week.

Key Points

• Jesse Ito, a second-generation chef, won his first James Beard Award after nine nominations.
• He opened Royal Sushi & Izakaya in 2016, ten years before receiving the honor of Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic.
• And more good news, like how an anti-inflammatory diet can help mitigate dementia risk.

This is Good Food Newsyour weekly installment of positive food and health news from around the world. These feel-good stories are hand-picked by EatingWell editors to help make your week just a little bit brighter.

Featured Story: Meet Chef Jesse Ito, First-Time James Beard Award Winner After 9 Nominations

If you need a story of perseverance to motivate you this weekend, this one is for you.

Last week, the James Beard Foundation honored chefs, restaurants, industry leaders and food writers at their awards ceremonies in Chicago. And during the chef awards, two Philadelphia chefs were honored, one being Jesse Ito, chef and owner of Royal Sushi & Izakaya and Dancerobot.

While this is Ito’s first James Beard win—he scored the honor of Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic—the chef is also a nine-time nominee, so when he tells EatingWell he had “zero expectations” as he arrived in Chicago for the awards, who can blame him?

“I’ve been through all the range of emotions,” he shares with me as we sit on a bench just a few blocks away from Dancerobot, his ’80s-themed Japanese izakaya. “This was the first year where I didn’t stress at all during the ceremony. So when they called my name, I was laughing… I thought it was so funny.”

Raised by immigrants—Ito’s mom is from Korea, his dad from Japan—in South Jersey, he has been in the restaurant business since he was 14. A second-generation chef, he worked as a dishwasher in his dad’s restaurant and slowly worked his way up. He took a hiatus to attend Rutgers University and received a degree in business marketing, but his passion for food continued.

“When I was 24, a couple of restaurateurs in the city had eaten at my sushi bar where I worked at my dad’s restaurant, and they all were asking if I wanted to open a restaurant,” Ito says. Thus, in 2016, Royal Sushi & Izakaya opened, appearing in Queen Village with a subtle, hole-in-the-wall exterior. There’s no signage; just a lantern beside the door lighting a portal to an award-winning world of small plates, sake and spirits.

Ten years later, after Ito’s first medal, I tried some of the dishes at Royal Izakaya ahead of our interview—not the omakase section of the restaurant, as it’s nearly impossible to get a reservation. I started the night with sake for a beginner’s palate: Kirinzan Classic, which was incredibly smooth and offered balance to the savory dish lineup I ordered.

Hamachi (yellowtail) ponzu, curry buns, nasu dengaku (Japanese eggplant with a sweet miso glaze), a salmon-avocado-cucumber sushi roll and a black sesame panna cotta arrived one by one at my table. I’m sure you can understand why I had zero leftovers to bring home with me—the fresh and vibrant ingredients, unique flavor combinations and lively atmosphere already have me planning for my next visit.

And a bonus: the izakaya was fairly budget-friendly, with each of the plates ranging from $10 to $20—since the dishes are meant to be shared, you could always split the tab with friends.

“As long as people enjoy it and it keeps us really busy, I think being accessible is good,” Ito notes.

My main thought after leaving the restaurant was that it’s about time Ito received his deserved flowers. And doing it in one of the most underrated culinary cities in the U.S. makes it even more of an honor for the chef.

“Philadelphia is an amazing food city,” Ito tells me. “I think it’s an amazing city to live in.” Alongside Ito, Philly restaurant Kalaya was also recognized at the James Beard awards this year. Ito considers the chef-owner of Kalaya, Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon, a friend.

More Good News This Week

New Study Shows How an Anti-Inflammatory Diet Can Lower Dementia Risk

An anti-inflammatory diet may lower dementia risk, even for people with early dementia biomarkers, according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open. In fact, the research showed that those with common precursors for Alzheimer’s had a 21% or more lower risk when incorporating foods like leafy greens, fruits, legumes, whole grains and nuts into their eating patterns.

These Generic Groceries Will Help You Save Money

According to a new report from NetCredit, buying generic cereal, milk, condiments, drinks and snacks can help you save up to 50% on your grocery bill versus buying the name brand. Our editors also swear by generic groceries like canned beans, frozen fruits and vegetables and pasta to help them through the week.

Ina Garten Announces New Podcast

Finally, the Barefoot Contessa herself is ready to take the mic and host a brand-new podcast. The first episode of Happy Hour with Ina Garten will be available for your ears this September, and according to Garten’s interview with The New York Timesit will include cocktail making with celebrity guests.

Video of the Week

We’ve all been there… okay, maybe not. But next time you’re looking to host or attend a garden party, bring one of these Ina Garten-approved recipes: