Photo Credit: Sushi by Bae
A female sushi chef is not commonplace in the predominantly male-dominated sushi industry. However, chef Oona Tempest has made a name for herself as a top sushi chef as she’s combined her love for cuisine and art into one as she’s perfected the art of sushi-making. Now, she’s making history as she opens Sushi by Bae in New York City—which will be one of NYC’s only female sushi chef-run eateries, particularly of this caliber.
The Tanoshi Sushi-alum realized her love for sushi while working at the token spot on the Upper East Side in 2013, where she learned under chef Toshio Oguma. At the time, she previously sought a career in the art world until the culinary industry came to be her true passion. She realized that when creating nigiri—translating to ‘squeeze by hand’—it was very similar to creating a work of art. But instead of a canvas, she was putting this art onto the plate, utilizing the most coveted fish around and learning her skilled technique from a respected leader in the industry.
Photo Credit: Sushi by Bae
She learned traditional techniques from chef Oguma, and combined her own unique skill and craft to develop her signature art of sushi-making. She went on to work at the globally-acclaimed Sushi Ginza Onodera following this, and now, she’s finally opening her first permanent restaurant, Sushi by Bae, in the heart of Union Square at 118 East 15th Street.
The intimate, six-seat counter will serve guests in classic omakase style, featuring a 15-course, 90-minute, Edomae-style (nigiri) meal. Diners can expect a vibrant selection of pieces based on what’s most fresh at the moment, including but not limited to Japanese Sea Bream marinated in vinegar, Torched Tuna Collar, Hokkaido Uni, fatty o’toro and so much more. Additionally, guests can indulge in cocktails from the seasonal menu or pair the fresh pieces of fish with Japanese sake. The spot’s counterpart, Sushi by Bou, will be located adjacent from Sushi by Bae.
Photo Credit: Sushi by Bae
The sushi bar will be open from Tuesday-Saturday, offering three seatings a night at 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
For more information, please visit here.
