We're excited to see the field of competitors who have already won their golden ticket and registered to compete at the 2024 World Food Championships. And we are always proud to announce our special guests and celebrity judges participating in our judging events across the nation - we're sure the championship food certainly helps! Best of luck to our 2024 competitors!
COMPETITOR
Izakaya Club
HEAD COOK: Heidi Hamamura
COMPETITION: World Seafood Championship
I grew up cooking alongside my father, Naomi Hamamura, a St. Louis sushi legend. I worked for celebrated chefs Ben Grupe, Bernie Lee and Jamey Tochtrop, and took over Guerrilla Street Food in the famous Delmar Loop. I love my Asian culture and heritage and infuse it into all of my menus. I have maintained my connection to fine-dining at The Saint Louis Club while launching Izakaya Club, a Japanese pub-style pop-up featuring local and national DJs, crafted cocktails, and supported by Kirin Ichiban and Suntory. Our last event featured the world famous Sumo wrestler turned chef, Sumo Yama, and our events benefit the Japan-America Society of Saint Louis and the Japanese-American Citizens League.