Friday 1 May 2015

Food - Japanese Supper Club, Brazilian Nikkei Cuisine with the London Foodie, Islington

Brazilian Nikkei cuisine represents the influence of Japanese diaspora adding to the delicious melting pot of Brazilian cuisine.  I don't know why Luiz Hara hasn't been approached to open a restaurant, because the slick operation he runs in his beautifully furnished home in North London far surpassed to many other supper clubs I've been to previously. Luis produced 7 beautiful courses which demonstrated an instinctive feel bringing together different types of ingredients.

Starter 1: Salmon Tiradito - Peruvian Sashimi of Salmon, Passion Fruit Leche de Tigre, Crispy Kabocha & Espelette Pepper. Hidden underneath crispy bits of Kabocha (like sweet potato) were several slices of sashimi grade salmon. Luiz's passion-fruit marinade was sharp and smooth at the same time. Perfection.
 Starter 2: Deconstructed Sushi - Grilled Scallops on Rice, Wasabi Flavoured Tobiko Eggs, Nori and a Spicy Creamy Sauce. The outstanding dish of the evening for its interest factor. The fake cheese like exterior is simply a mask for what is actually a gorgeous lemon and light cream sauce, enrobing little nuggets of grilled scallop on a bed of sushi-rice.


Starter 3 - Nasu Dengaku - Grilled Aubergine with Miso, Mirin and Sugar Dressing, Topped with Mozzarella Cheese. The addition of cheese on top of miso grilled aubergine sounds wrong but tastes, oh, so very right.

Starter 4 - Nimono - Daikon Fondant, Soboro Chicken and Blow-Torched Foie Gras. The daikon acts as a sponge, soaking in the rich flavours of the chicken. The foie gras was a little indulgent addition.


Starter 5 - Tempura - Courgette Flowers Filled with Scallop, Tofu and Lemon Mousse, Oyster Mushrooms and Petters. You'll just have to take my word that the courgette flowers were incredibly fresh, and the scallop mousse worthy of the fine ingredients.

Main Course - Yakiniku - Brazilian Beef Picanha in Rock Salt, Crispy Onions, Soy Sauce and Lime Dressing, served with Japanese Stir Fried Garlic Rice and Japanese Mushroom in Truffle Ponzu Butter.

Dessert - Banana and Nutella Gyoza, with Black Sesame Caramel Ice Cream.

You can check out Luiz's blog at The London Foodie which lists his forthcoming supper club dates. At £45 a person, the price is genuinely worth every penny. Luiz's passion for cooking really stands out in the design of his menu.  I have been slavishly following his food and travel blog for years and clearly the influences of his travels to Brazil is reflected in what he shares with his guests at his supper club. Bravo.

No comments:

Post a Comment