Flavors of Japan

Gastronomic Discovery: An Evening of Japanese Food Culture

On March 5, 2007 The Japanese Food Culture Festival Committee with the assistance of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) presents Flavors of Japan, A Gastronomic Discovery. This unprecedented event will take place in the Broadway Room of the Marriott Marquis Hotel (1535 Broadway @ 46 Street) from 6pm – 10pm. Noted journalist and playwright Jonathan Reynolds hosts the evening which includes journalist Elizabeth Andoh. The elegant culture and style of Japanese foods will be showcased in many different ways throughout the event.

For the first time ever invited guests will have the opportunity to experience first-hand the technique and quality that goes into the ceremonial kaiseki cuisine prepared by 3 of the highest-ranking kaiseki master chefs and most respected among those in Japan’s culinary world, Masahiro Kurisu, Motoi Kurisu, and Kenichi Hashimoto. The Kurisu brothers are both owners and master chefs at Tankuma Kitamise and Tankuma Kumahiko, following in the family footsteps of their grandfather Kumazaburo. Hashimoto Kenichi is chef of his own Ryozanpaku restaurant, a hidden pearl in the heart of Kyoto. These seasoned chefs will be demonstrating how to prepare their favorite and time-honored dishes. Following the kaiseki demonstration, famed culinary genius David Bouley will also take the stage to share his original cuisine based on Japanese ingredients. Attendees may enjoy tasting the creations of these 4 talented artists. The evening is a cross-cultural learning experience to demystify Japanese food culture by highlighting traditional to contemporary Japanese cooking practices and how they are being explored by Western chefs. Throughout the evening guests will get to taste some of the foods these genius’ have prepared. Our goal is to see chefs, sommeliers and restauranteurs begin to incorporate Japanese food products into their menus and beverage programs in order to influence Americans to start using these products in their everyday cooking.

Once the cooking is done guests will be able to sample various products which have been brought in from Japan for the International Restaurant & Foodservice Show. An exhibition of exquisite sake vessels made by various Japanese ceramic artists will be on display. The display includes original works from Japanese masters who have been designated “Living National Treasures” by the Japanese Ministry of Culture.

The evening promises to be an educational and entertaining evening encompassing the food, music and culture that makes Japan a culinary and artistic mecca.

Produced by The Japanese Food Culture Festival Committee
Event publishing for The Japanese Food Culture Festival is supported by JETRO
The Japanese Food Culture Festival is a sponsored project of the New York Foundation for the Arts