Sushi Showdown Champions Named in Orlando
Local chefs earned top honors at a fundraising competition held at Morimoto Asia this weekend.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Food and Drink
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Chau Trinh of Sushi Pop took home the People's Choice Award while Kevin Abanilla of Okonomi received the Judge's Award during the recent Sushi Showdown. The culinary event held at Morimoto Asia brought together local talent to support a local nonprofit.
Why it matters
The event served as a significant benefit for Give Kids The World Village, highlighting the intersection of Orlando's competitive culinary scene and community philanthropy.
The competition successfully generated over $11,000 in proceeds for Give Kids The World Village. This financial milestone was achieved through ticketed guest access to various chef stations throughout the venue.
The players
Chau Trinh
A chef representing the restaurant Sushi Pop who was voted the People's Choice Award winner by event attendees.
Kevin Abanilla
A chef representing the restaurant Okonomi who secured the Judge's Award during the competition.
Give Kids The World Village
A nonprofit organization that provides cost-free vacations to critically ill children and their families.
The details
Guests at the Morimoto Asia event moved between different chef stations to sample various sushi offerings before casting their votes for the People's Choice winner. The competition also featured evaluations from celebrity judges David Martin, Hitomi Nakamura, and Brian Kirkwood to select the recipient of the Judge's Award.
Timeline
The Sushi Showdown competition took place on September 21, 2026.
Hayashi Taro is scheduled to open in the coming weeks.
Industry Dynamics
Culinary competitions in Orlando often serve as essential networking and fundraising platforms that strengthen the local hospitality community. Such events follow a pattern of industry collaboration where high-profile venues like Morimoto Asia support established and emerging local chefs.
Local food enthusiasts can look forward to new dining options in the city, such as the upcoming opening of Hayashi Taro. The successful conclusion of the competition demonstrates the continued popularity of interactive chef-led events within the region.
The takeaway
Supporting local culinary events is a direct way for residents to contribute to regional nonprofit organizations. Attendees should keep an eye on upcoming restaurant openings to support the local chefs highlighted by these competitions.
What happens next
The restaurant Hayashi Taro is confirmed to open in the coming weeks at 714 N. Mills Ave in Orlando.
Further reading
For more information on the city's culinary scene, visit Orlando Food and Drink.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Orlando Sentinel.
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