The RAMMYs – the annual award ceremony hosted by D.C.’s restaurant association – announced its 2024 finalists. One of the most coveted is the Rising Culinary Star of the Year award. Between now and the July 21 ceremony, we’re chatting with the five finalists about what they're cooking up and why they deserve the award. First up, Masako Morishita.
Morishita is the first Japanese woman to helm the kitchen at Perry’s restaurant in Adams Morgan and has quickly turned the local spot into a critically-acclaimed destination for Japanese comfort food.
An Atypical Path
Morishita came to D.C. to be on the Washington Commanders cheerleading team, where she worked for five years (even becoming captain) before getting into cooking. “I learned a lot of relevant skills as captain because it was all about managing the team,” says Morishita. “For a chef, it’s 20% about cooking, 80% that other stuff.” Before Perry’s, she ran a pop-up and was the executive chef at Maxwell Park.
Culinary Style
Morishita’s family has run a restaurant in Japan for over 100 years, and she wanted to bring those flavors to D.C. “I learned about cooking from my mom and grandmother. My food is a modern twist on what I miss eating in Japan.”
The Shrimp Katsu Burger at Perry’s. (Photo courtesy of Scott Suchman)
Taking Local Inspiration
The food you find at Perry’s is anything but cookie-cutter Izakaya food. Morishita creates one or two new specials a week using lots of non-traditional and seasonal ingredients. For example, right now she’s serving spring vegetable "kakiage" fritters with ramps and fiddlehead ferns and an asparagus & whipped ricotta dish with tamari pistachio ramp pesto.
In It To Win It
This is Morishita’s second year being shortlisted for a RAMMY. Not only would her win validate her own efforts, Morishita says it would help elevate the often overshadowed cuisine of her homeland. “I would see my win as a representation of all the Japanese moms who have cooked for their families for centuries with love. My aspiration is to bring greater recognition to this type of Japanese cuisine, which truly deserves it.”
😋 Inside Scoop: Where in DC is Morishita Eating?
Morishita’s favorite is 2Amys Pizza. “I call 2Amys my church. A lot of industry people go there,” she said. Her other top choice is Sushi Taro!
