NYMTC Food Show - Sake Seminar

Sake seminars at the Altman Building

by Sake expert Michal J. Simkin

■　11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. "Sake 101"

Including a tasting with 6 stylistically different sakes.

■　12:40 p.m. - 11:10 a.m. "Nigori Sake"
What is Nigori and how is it made?

■　3:10 p.m. – 3:40 p.m. "Sake Tidbit"
Discussion regarding sake service, temperature, serving vessels , and more.

NYMTC Food Show - Kitchen Stage Line-up

11:00 - Chef Nils Noren of the French Culinary Institute for a Cooking Demo with FCI Student
12:00 - Sara Moulton of Gourmet Magazine for Interview and Demo with Hiroko Shimbo
1:00 - Chef Yosuke Suga of L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon NYC for a Cooking Demo

2:00 - Panel Discussion
*GM & Partner Yasuyuki Suzuki of Lan Restaurant (formerly of Megu Restaurant)
for Panel Discussion

*Japanese Cuisine Authority and James Beard Award-nominated cookbook author,
Hiroko Shimbo for Panel Discussion
*Chef Johan Svennson of Aquavit for Panel Discussion
*Author of "Sushi Economy", Sasha Issenberg (pending) for Panel Discussion

Panel Discussion Topics
1) What is Japanese Food
2) Evolution of "Japanese Food" in NYC
3) Ingredients in Global Cuisine and it's place in NYC

3:00 - Chef George Mendes formerly of Tocqueville and Wallse for a Cooking Demo
4:00 - Chef Takanori Akiyama of Lan Restaurant for a Cooking Demo

Zen Zen

Trevor Corson's "The Zen of Fish", is another book sushi lovers need to pick up.
In an industry (hospitality and food) where thousands of lousy books are published, it's refreshing to find 2 great books in recent months.

Interview with Sasha Issenberg

Devin Stewart, from the Carnegie Council recently interviewed Sasha Issenberg, author of "The Sushi Economy".

For those of you who don't know who Sasha Issenberg is;
He has written for Slate, The Washington Monthly, Inc., Philadelphia, Conde Nast Traveler and George, where he served as a contributing editor. The Sushi Economy is his first book. He lives in Philadelphia.

If you are passionate about food, or just curious about the ins and outs of the food industry, and ways of the supply chain, this is a must read.

You can read the interview by clicking here.

Picholine Restaurant

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Picholine Restaurant (located 64th between columbus and central park west) with a colleague of mine.
With Chef Craig Hopson in the kitchen, and Jason Miller in the front of the house, the dining experience was as pleasurable as any I can remember.

I am also proud to annouce New York Mutual and Picholine's Jason Miller will be conducting a workshop during the 2007 NYMTC Food and Restaurant Show on Sake and Cheese Pairings. Definitely come and check it out.
2007 NYMTC Food & Restaurant Show


Here's a list of dishes we tasted :
Amuse Bouche - Fluke Carpaccio, Morel Mousse, Cucumber Shooter, Bacalao Fritters
Sea Urchin Panna Cotta
Day Boat Scallop Carpaccio
Watermelon Feta Salad
Olive Oil Poached Halibut
Wild King Salmon "mi fume"
Squid Ink Pasta
Morel and Rabbit Risotto
Lamb Saddle
Cheese Plate
Chocolate Soup
Blueberry Crumbler
Petit Fours
Chocolate Truffles

-george

Sakagura - 43rd between 2nd & 3rd

For an interesting Japanese night out, you have to check out Sakagura.
Located 43rd street between 2nd and 3rd ave. A few stored down from AVIS rent a cars.
You need to enter an office building, walk towards the back, take the stairs down to B1, walk past some bamboo fencing and through a single door before entering into this Japanese food haven.
The food there is "homey" and not pretentious. Simple Japanese comfort food.

But what really separates this restaurant from the rest... and I do mean the "rest" is their enormous sake listing. There's over 300 sakes listed on their menu every night.
There's something there for even the pickiest Sake connoisseur.

Reservations are recommended.

Attention FCI Students

Dear FCI Students,
To all whom are taking part in the Best New Recipe Competition and Sake Cheese Challenge,
please expect to receive your samples later this week.
Also, please e-mail me your e-mail address so that I have it on file.

Thank you and Good Luck,

George Kao
george@nymtc.com

Chanto - Sake Tasting Event

Chanto Restaurant - 133 7th Ave NY, NY 10014
(7th Ave. between Charles and w10th Street)

Every month, Chanto hosts a Sake/Shochu tasting open to the public.
For around $60, you get to try a myriad of libations while you snack on their signature dishes.
Last night's event featured Sakes from Asahi Shuzo and Rihaku Shuzo.
Chef Kiyotaka Shinoki prepared a variety of hour d'oeuvres and fresh Tuna Sashimi/Sushi from Japan to go with the Sake.

Around 60 people attended last night's tasting. We hope to see you at one of these events soon.