Top Chef Alum, Katsuji Tanabe Brings His Talents From Los Angeles with High Horse Restaurant in Downtown Raleigh
Top Chef Alum, Katsuji Tanabe
Written by Renee Hart
Raleigh, North Carolina is home to an array of culinary culture. The food scene is thriving with new talent every year with a passion to become one of the most popular food capitals. Raleigh is a prospective area for chefs to diversify the community with new cuisine. Top Chef Alum, Katsuji Tanabe is Raleigh’s newest chef to the up and coming foodie scene. He recently moved his family from Los Angeles, California to celebrate his “American Dream” with his new restaurant, High Horse, located in the historic City Market in downtown Raleigh.
On Sunday, November 17, 2019, High Horse opened its door to the city to reveal a fun dining experience like no other. Tanabe features his unique culinary combinations of Mexican, Japanese, and American flavor prepared by a wood-fired grill. No stoves or ovens will be used in the restaurant. Some signature menu items include the flat-iron steak, bacon wrapped dates, grilled octopus, NC grilled oysters, and barrio cornbread which is a recipe handed down by his grandmother.
From restaurants and events to national television, Katsuji Tanabe encourages his peers and his fans to take risks to accomplish your dreams. His creativity in providing more than a meal but a party on a plate will be a necessary addition to the Raleigh dining experience.
Business Mogul: What attracted you to Raleigh, NC from other cities?
Katsuji Tanabe: Raleigh is known as an up and coming city, with a great quality of life and low cost of living. I was excited to embrace the food traditions and agriculture of the American South. This is an exciting time to move into this food scene!
Business Mogul: What feeling(s) do you feel when it comes to food?
Katsuji Tanabe: Food for me is a hobby. I do it all the time! For fun, for work, when I’m on my own, with family, with friends when I’m entertaining, etc. It’s my way of life.
Business Mogul: Can you elaborate on your hashtag #itookarisk?
Katsuji Tanabe: In order to accomplish your dreams, you have to take risks. Instead of being afraid of this, I’ve embraced it. I had to! We also had fun with each other on Top Chef encouraging each other to take bigger risks in our cooking, and always teased each other by saying “I took a risk…”
Business Mogul: What are you looking forward to in a new environment and with High Horse?
Katsuji Tanabe: I’m excited to bring my unique global style of cooking and entertainment to the South, and I’m excited to embrace the flavors of the South in my cooking.
Business Mogul: Why is a “fun dining” experience important to you?
Katsuji Tanabe: As a chef today, it’s important that we understand that we’re in the entertainment business and the food is just a vehicle for this. Life is too short to take everything so seriously! I also want to be open to everyone… by being affordable and approachable, and creating a positive environment where everyone feels good. I think fun dining creates a setting for all of this!
Plan your next reservation at the High Horse tables located at 208 Wolfe St. Let the fine time begin!
