Chef Harold Jurado is a native Chicagoan with a passion for food and cooking that began at an early age. After earning his culinary degree from Kendall College, Harold began his career at Japonais in Chicago and helped open Japonais in New York. He continued on his path under the guidance of Chef Charlie Trotter in Las Vegas where he learned to engage all of his senses in the kitchen. He then returned to Chicago to work as Sous Chef to Chef Rodelio Aglibot in the opening of Sunda.
When the prospect arose for his own restaurant, Harold stood at the forefront of the izakaya revolution in Chicago. After traveling to Japan, Harold opened his own restaurant, Chizakaya in 2010, (a Japanese-style gastropub), in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. Chizakaya earned a mention in the 2012 Michelin Guide, among other recognitions, culminating his dreams of being a successful chef.
His path continued with the opening of Nico, as a butcher. Most recently, he’s once again teamed up with Chef Matthias Merges at Yusho where he currently is Chef de Cuisine.