Finalist Shota Nakajima Shares How His Life Has Changed Since Top Chef - Exclusive
Winning a cooking competition on national television certainly comes with plenty of praise, and that also means plenty of press. But even if you don't quite go home with the winning title, you're still front and center.
Chef Shota Nakajima shared both his incredible cooking skills and charming personality on Season 18 of "Top Chef." And while Nakajima didn't win the season, he did make it to the finals. He was also recognized as the season's Fan Favorite (via Bravo) and walked away with a generous prize because of it.
No doubt, winning the cash prize is great, but what else has changed for Nakajima since his time on "Top Chef" Season 18? Of course, we wanted to hear all about it. In an exclusive interview with Mashed, Nakajima dished on the new and exciting opportunities that have come up, along with the unique run-ins on the street he's had since being on the show.
'Top Chef' has offered great opportunities for Nakajima
The exposure gained from being on a major television show like "Top Chef" can certainly have an impact. Although Nakajima didn't necessarily take the season title, he still has experienced some change since being on the show, especially after gaining recognition as the season's Fan Favorite.
According to Nakajima, life post-show has come with a number of new business opportunities. "It's different and the same," he said. "Same in the sense that I'm working nonstop still, with my team, trying to create." Nakajima is still at the helm of his karaage-focused restaurant, Taku (via Eater). One of his latest projects is a campaign with Visit Seattle. Nakajima has had the opportunity to share some of his favorite hometown Seattle highlights such as restaurants or markets through the "I Know a Place" campaign.
Another change? The recognition on the sidewalk. "When I'm walking down the street, I'll be laughing with my friend and sometimes people will recognize me just from the laugh."
For more from Chef Shota Nakajima, find his recommendations in the Visit Seattle "I Know a Place" campaign.