Friday 12 March 2010

sunday feast review


Nearly one month has gone since my last post. Apart from a couple of sunny days, it’s been cloudy, rainy and snowy in Tokyo. This is kinda typical weather in February and March, so we need a bit more time and patience to welcome the gloriously blossom season.

In the meantime, we had guests for Sunday dinner. Well, the cooking fuss of everyday is a nightmare, but spending almost half day in the kitchen with Mum once a month or so is a comfortable activity indeed. I also enjoy the heartwarming smell and familial conversation against cold raindrops outside. Dinner-making and feeding are, more importantly, our tangible hospitality to dearies.

There’s no category such as amuse-bouche, starter or main here, and no soup. Just go buffet! All the dishes (but puds) are served up together so that the relaxing mood can’t be cut off at the table. Have a closer look before my short memory has faded away...


SAVOURY

- Yamaimo nuggets with karashi-mentaiko (pollack roe marinated with red chilli)
It’s ridiculously easy to cook, yet must be served hot. Pls refer to the basic recipe although this time I encased a pinch of the spicy roe originated in South Japan.


- Veg batons with kaki-joyu (oyster soy) mayo dip
Fancy a subtle sea breeze in a warm room? A few drops of this oyster-flavoured soy sauce works to upgrade high-street mayonnaise, and the outcome accompanies any sort of vegetables, fresh or boiled. On a tip from a Japanese lady cook, Miyako Wakabayashi.

- Velvety mashed potato salad with egg-yolk in guise of mimosa blossoms
... As it is.

- Petit vail goma-ae (mixed with sesame seeds)
"Goma-ae" is a classic Japanese dish to mix greens with half-ground sesame seeds, soy and sugar. (See the above large photo) This time, we used “petit vail”, which is a recent variety of vegetable in Japan. The crunchy, sweet texture is just beautiful.. unlike its father, Brussels sprouts!


- Turnip and smoked salmon salad with yuzu-kosho dressing
Being basically a local condiment of South Japan, “yuzu-kosho” is widely available throughout Japanese island these days. It’s a ripened paste mixed with green chilli, green yuzu citrus and lots of salt, thus, very hot and salty. The usage as a condiment is versatile, from yakitori and nabemono (hotpot) even to pasta. And adding a small amount of yuzu-kosho to French vinaigrette provides a prompt oriental kick.

- Simmered chicken with gobo (burdock) root
Mum has noted this recipe from a TV cookery show presented by Yoshihiro Murata of a Michelin-stared Japanese high-end restaurant, “Kikunoi”. The soy-oriented seasoning is rather homely. Good.

- Marinated gyu-sashi (seared beef)
If good quality of Japanese beef fillet is chosen, “gyu-sashi” is a straightforward festive dish. I’m sure meaties must fall in love with the meltingly tender and succulent slices. The process of marinating with soy, mirin (sweetened sake) and dashi (fish broth) gives an extra depth of flavour on your tongue. Worth a try.

- Spicy pork spareribs
I find soy is a good friend with garam masala. Uncomplicated to cook again as the recipe is not only pan-fried, but marinade-free, plus, tastes wonderful.

- Tonkatsu (deep-fried breaded pork) sushi rolls
Maybe, pork fillet is an unfamiliar filling for sushi roll, but tasty for sure. The key is to add a plenty of shredded “shiso” leaves when rolling up. Pungent shiso works as a liaison between the two different flavours: vinegared rice and meaty fry. Utterly delish!

- Chilli corn carne with cheesy tortilla
This is not so flamboyant as to pimp up the feast, but I wanted to cook something like tomato-intensified deep colour in freezing winter. My chilli of this day was South American style adding black beans.


WINE

- Grace Koshu (white, Japan)
That’s not all about “Grow local, Eat local”. The elegant, smooth and a little smoky texture matches the feathery weight of "washoku" (Japanese cuisine).

- Château Thil Comte Clary 2005 (white, France)
Full-bodied. An interesting contrast with the Japanese breed.

- Gosh... can’t remember (red, France)

.. No cheese.


AFTERS

- Strawberry roulade
This home-made pudding was brought by our guests. The simple trio: organic strawberry, fluffy sponge and cream indulges our palates.

- Earl Grey tea biscuits
In spite of the ready-made status, fine.

- Earl Grey tea & Green tea
To finish up our long eating... and chirping.


Well, sounds too much for six people? In several hours, all had gone to our greedy stomachs!!

10 comments:

MaryMoh said...

Yes, have been missing your post. Great that you are back. That's a lot of care and attention out into preparing this meal for your guests. I wish I was there!

the lacquer spoon said...

Dear Mary, time flies plus I was lazy ;) Wish you'd visit Japan!

Melinda said...

I've never cooked Japanese before - it's actually a bit intimidating. Thanks for giving me some ideas here!

PS What's your recommendation for a beginner's dish?

the lacquer spoon said...

Dear Sprout, welcome and thanks for your comment!

Well, formal Japanese food needs a lot of preparations and ingredients, but the daily cooking is quick and easy... no fuss wherever you are :) Please have a try something basic like “teriyaki chicken” or “pork ginger” you may already feel familiar, or all the recipes on my blog are easy to follow. Just note the Japanese taste comes from a mixture of all/some of soy, mirin, sugar and fish broth. Simple.

In the meantime, I’m thinking of including Japanese recipes in my forthcoming posts :)

Nisrine@Dinners and Dreams said...

I love Japanese food but I'm not very familiar with cooking it. I will have to try some of your recipes.

the lacquer spoon said...

Dear Nisrine, thanks for stopping by! Outside Japan, many eat our Japanese food, but the cooking is not that complicated if you can get hold of soy and some other seasoings. Well worth a try at home :)

Annecychic said...

Just wanted to say thank you for the thoughtful comment you left on my blog. It was so nice of you to visit, and I hope you enjoyed it.

Your blog, by the way, is beautiful. My son recently did a month long exchange program in Tokyo and he's enjoying reading through your posts.

chow and chatter said...

what great food can't wait to see the blossom pics in Tokyo hint hint!! Rebecca

the lacquer spoon said...

Dear Annecychic, thanks a lot for your comment. It’s been long since I visited Paris and France, but always love to be back!! Please send my hello to your son :)

the lacquer spoon said...

Dear Rebecca, thanks too! Sakura is flowering, but very slowly because it’s cold this week. We need a bit more time for the full bloom :)

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