Come for sushi stay for sake

Clawson has added another unique restaurant to its already lively restaurant scene. Newcomer Sozai offers sustainable sushi and is owned and operated by Chef Hajime Sato. Sato was born and raised in Japan. His sense of adventure led him to leave Japan for a year as an exchange student in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He later relocated to Seattle, where he opened his award-winning restaurant Mashiko in 1994. In 2009, Sato became one of the first sushi chefs to commit to using only sustainable seafood. Today, Sato estimates only about ten restaurants in the entire nation are dedicated to utilizing sustainable sushi. When asked about his commitment, Sato is passionate. “When people ask why, I say why not! Everyone should be doing it. It’s responsible. It’s done to protect our oceans and save us from global warming.” In addition to being an expert in sushi, Sato is certified by Japan’s Sake Institute. “The sake culture is missing here and I would like to change that. I would like to introduce people to really good sake,” he said. Sake can be ordered to pair perfectly with the Sozai’s sushi. The dining experience at Sozai is intimate and offers just 25 seats, mostly at the sushi bar, where guests receive personal attention. Sozai is located at 449 W. 14 Mile Road, Clawson. sozairestaurant.com