Discover the Minneapolis Chef Redefining Japanese Cuisine

Discover the Minneapolis Chef Redefining Japanese Cuisine

In a quaint second-story space with flowing Japanese noren curtains, chef Shigeyuki Furukawa stands with his arms to the side, looking straight ahead, a reflective expression on his face, as guests start to arrive at Kado no Mise. It’s about appreciating and being present in the moment, he said. “The people in this room, the dishes, this evening cannot be duplicated.” Furukawa is an elite chef bringing the ancient arts of multicourse Japanese omakase and kaiseki dinners to the Midwest at the Minneapolis restaurant he co-owns. To introduce such a rare concept can be a risky proposition. But the fact that the eight-year-old North Loop restaurant still draws regulars, attracts diners from near and far and continues to create buzz is a testament to the chef’s skill, craftsmanship and creativity. Ahead of this year’s prestigious James Beard Awards, in which Furukawa is up for Best Chef: Midwest along with two other Minnesota chefs, Furukawa reflects on what motivates him to bring t…