Restaurant Hagi, located in Iwaki city, Fukushima Prefecture, won Destination Restaurant of the Year 2023.
The chef and owner of Hagi, Harutomo Hagi, mentioned that since the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, local farmers and chefs have been working together to ensure that the food and cuisine of Fukushima is not lost, and it is very important for local people to recognize the existence of local chefs through the Destination Restaurants award, adding, "I want to bring people to Fukushima with the power of cuisine."
The 120-odd attendees were delighted with curated platters prepared by some of the listed chefs, as well as La Grande Dame champagne provided by MHD.