The award recognises a person who pushes the boundaries of what it means to be an important bartender and is voted for by the pinnacle bartenders on the venues on this yr’s record.
“I used to be stunned, grateful and really honoured to be acknowledged by my friends,” stated Urushido.
“I like my job and really feel fortunate to be part of this international neighborhood. I wish to thank my Katana Kitten staff, mentors and my household for all of the assist to get right here.”
Ushido, who grew up in Nagano Prefecture, first educated in positive eating eating places and bars in his native Japan earlier than touchdown a job at Kingswood in New York Metropolis.
From there, he moved to Saxon + Parole, working alongside Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Jimenez, Naren Younger, and Linden Delight.
In 2019, Urushido opened the Japanese-American bar Katana Kitten alongside Greg Boehm and James Tune, in its first yr the bar positioned quantity 14 on The World’s 50 Finest Bars record and was named Finest New Opening.
“Masahiro has constructed a stellar popularity on two continents, each in his native Japan and his adopted dwelling within the USA,” stated Mark Sansom, content material director for 50 Finest.
“His mixological virtuosity, boundless hospitality and megawatt smile have made him beloved by bartenders and visitors across the globe.
“At Katana Kitten, Masahiro and his staff created one thing actually unique and thrilling by melding the meticulous precision of Ginza bars with the relaxed conviviality of izakaya seen by way of the lens of a New York neighbourhood bar.
“With legions of followers globally, Masahiro nonetheless takes time to make every visitor really feel celebrated, whether or not they’re regulars, drinks business stars or simply on a regular basis of us. He actually exemplifies what being an Altos Bartenders’ Bartender actually means.”
The inaugural version of North America’s 50 Finest Bars will probably be introduced on Tuesday 7 June, the ceremony may even be broadcast to a world viewers who will not be capable of attend in individual by way of The World’s 50 Finest Bars Fb web page and 50 Finest Bars TV channel on YouTube.
