Through his innovative approach to cooking, Kunio Tokuoka reinvents the
classic dishes of Kaiseki without deviating from the extraordinary
history and tradition of Japanese cuisine. In this book, he shares the
inspiration behind his dishes with reference to the seasons, art,
natural history and culture of Japan and through the exquisite
photographs, he gives a glimpse of the beauty and creativity of his
extraordinary restaurant. --Heston Blumenthal, Chef de Cuisine/Owner,
The Fat Duck restaurant
Kaiseki had its origins in the sixteenth century as an accompaniment to
the Japanese tea ceremony. Over time, it has evolved into a highly
formalized, artistic cuisine that celebrates the seasons by using only
fresh, natural, local ingredients. Today, what we know as kaiseki owes
much to Teiichi Yuki, founder of Kitcho restaurant in Kyoto and the
creator of a contemporary version of this traditional cuisine. Kitcho
continues to be world-renowned as the high temple of kaiseki; and its
current chef and owner (and Yuki's grandson), Kunio Tokuoka, is revered
for his innovative and exquisite interpretations of kaiseki dishes. Now,
with this book, readers will get a look behind the well-guarded doors at
the secrets, recipes, presentation techniques, and philosophy of one of
the world's premiere restaurants.
Chef Tokuoka stands at the top of his profession. Yet his approach to
cooking is remarkably simple. How can he draw the best flavors for a
hearty stock? How can he cook a fish dish so that it becomes a
transforming experience for even the most jaded diner? Answer: Simply by
finding the optimum way to prepare or cook each ingredient so as to draw
out peak flavor. Over and over again, he demonstrates how he has
reinvented an old technique or created new dishes to astonish loyal
patrons.
At Kitcho, a full-course meal is a multisensory experience to be
savored on many levels. It can be a revelation. It can change the way
people think about food. This book will do the same.
From innovative cooking techniques to an artist's touch in food
arrangement, Kitcho Japan's Ultimate Dining Experience reveals every
aspect of entertaining in the Japanese mode through brilliant
photography; the chef's recipe notes; and essays on cooking, food
arrangement, Japanese aesthetics, food philosophy, and the exquisite
Japanese art of entertaining at the table, penned by Nobuko Sugimoto,
one of Japan's leading food writers.
