Chefs in action - Getting ready the donate-smoked beef brisket dish |
![photo IMG_5153_zpsqosjppgz.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5153_zpsqosjppgz.jpg)
![photo IMG_5175_zpssldhjtab.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5175_zpssldhjtab.jpg)
Otium has just soft-opened last week and started serving lunch. But, it’s dinner service won’t start until a few weeks from now. Chef Tim Hollingsworth and his team opened the restaurant just for my party on the night. Yes, the night was exclusive to us…can you believe it?!
![photo IMG_5170_zpsmlhln4an.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5170_zpsmlhln4an.jpg)
![photo IMG_5157_zpsna4izera.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5157_zpsna4izera.jpg)
They set up one long table for us in the center of the dining room with the display of the book copies on one side. I was getting so excited and waited for my guests to arrive. At around 6, most guests were here.
![photo IMG_5178_zpso9orbrij.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5178_zpso9orbrij.jpg)
![photo IMG_5184_zpslewmhk09.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5184_zpslewmhk09.jpg)
![photo IMG_5185_zpscofhymid.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5185_zpscofhymid.jpg)
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The magical night started with Champagne and canapé reception. We had…
NV Fleury , 'Fleur de l'Europe," Brut,
Champagne
Gougère
Pork &
Chorizo
The Champagne was by a natural producer I like and this is made of 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay. It’s so delicate and has the nice roundness from Pinot Noir. It was really great with both Gougère and crispy pig skin canapés. There were more than 20 of us, me and all my friends, and we were already having a great time.
![photo IMG_5190_zpssyvczkgs.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5190_zpssyvczkgs.jpg)
After a while, it was time for us to sit down at the table. It was the beginning of the epic dinner...
These are two kinds of wines we served during dinner. They are both artisan organic producers. Really beautiful wines.
The Champagne was by a natural producer I like and this is made of 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay. It’s so delicate and has the nice roundness from Pinot Noir. It was really great with both Gougère and crispy pig skin canapés. There were more than 20 of us, me and all my friends, and we were already having a great time.
![photo IMG_5190_zpssyvczkgs.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5190_zpssyvczkgs.jpg)
After a while, it was time for us to sit down at the table. It was the beginning of the epic dinner...
These are two kinds of wines we served during dinner. They are both artisan organic producers. Really beautiful wines.
2013 Ovum - "Memorista" Riesling
(Oregon)
2013 Henry Marionnet – Gamay (Touraine,
Loire Valley, France)
We also had various special wines brought by
some of the guests and also myself.
![photo IMG_5194_zpsstvowthf.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5194_zpsstvowthf.jpg)
Hamachi - Nori - Avocado - Sweet & Sour Tomatoes
![photo IMG_5192_zpsypjtkvdl.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5192_zpsypjtkvdl.jpg)
![photo IMG_5202_zpsw3obid91.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5202_zpsw3obid91.jpg)
![photo IMG_5194_zpsstvowthf.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5194_zpsstvowthf.jpg)
Hamachi - Nori - Avocado - Sweet & Sour Tomatoes
Snapper - Sea
Urchin - Truffle - Hazelnut
Oyster - Shallot
Mignonette - Horseradish
![photo IMG_5356_zpsn48mv5dl.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5356_zpsn48mv5dl.jpg)
Everybody was already at the height of excitement.
![photo IMG_5234_zpsegxrs0zb.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5234_zpsegxrs0zb.jpg)
The arrival of the donabe rice course, made in double-lid donabe rice cooker, “Kamado-san”!
![photo IMG_5203_zpswvcvasz9.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5203_zpswvcvasz9.jpg)
![photo IMG_5356_zpsn48mv5dl.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5356_zpsn48mv5dl.jpg)
Everybody was already at the height of excitement.
![photo IMG_5206_zpsanpjqcrl.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5206_zpsanpjqcrl.jpg)
![photo IMG_5207_zps0o7ghr8x.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5207_zps0o7ghr8x.jpg)
![photo IMG_5361_zpso23uxtjc.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5361_zpso23uxtjc.jpg)
![photo IMG_5234_zpsegxrs0zb.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5234_zpsegxrs0zb.jpg)
The arrival of the donabe rice course, made in double-lid donabe rice cooker, “Kamado-san”!
Abalone - Chestnut
Rice. Once the lid was removed, a special soy-based sauce with yuzu-ginger
flavor was poured over and the rice was quickly fluffed.
![photo IMG_5226_zpstpqxtjad.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5226_zpstpqxtjad.jpg)
Unbelievable dish. When I had a chat with Tim a couple of weeks before the dinner, he asked me if there was any specific rice dish I wanted him to make. I didn't want to influence his mind with my existing idea of my familiar dishes, so I said I was open to ANY idea he had and wanted him to make anything he wanted. When I saw and tasted this dish, I felt, this was exactly why I said it, because this dish was beyond anybody’s imagination and it was nothing but the expression of the chef’s true talent. Everybody including Mori-san who cultivated this rice in Uruguay was blown away by this beautiful dish.
![photo IMG_5238_zpsygnitqy8.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5238_zpsygnitqy8.jpg)
We all felt like the luckiest people on earth, having this dinner.
![photo IMG_5264_zpsdmzaro5h.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5264_zpsdmzaro5h.jpg)
Otium Garden Salad - Fresh Herbs
Scallop - Bone Marrow Vinaigrette - Celeriac - Celery
Duck - Pear - Chocolate - Turnip - Onions
![photo IMG_5266_zps0qucuje1.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5266_zps0qucuje1.jpg)
Every dish and every detail…the level of sophisticateon was above and beyond.
I invaded the kitchen to witness the special moments. Chefs in action.
![photo IMG_5360_zpsulsdcket.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5360_zpsulsdcket.jpg)
And, the chefs were getting ready a dish with the donabe smoker, “Ibushi Gin”!
![photo IMG_5313_zpshtmiauhl.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5313_zpshtmiauhl.jpg)
Smoky reveal time!
![photo IMG_5324_zpscb9uvxtk.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5324_zpscb9uvxtk.jpg)
Smoked Brisket - Everything Bagel Topping
Potato - Carrots - Onions - Brussels
Creamy Mashed Potato
When the lid was removed the aroma of the savory meat and smoke was gently released. Wow, the beef was so tender and flavorful with the perfect smoky flavor.
Dessert time.
S'mores
Banana Cream Grand Macaron
![photo IMG_0033_zpstduhiz2p.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_0033_zpstduhiz2p.jpg)
EVERYTHING was beyond incredible.
![photo IMG_5230_zpsis6lwsjl.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5230_zpsis6lwsjl.jpg)
![photo IMG_5226_zpstpqxtjad.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5226_zpstpqxtjad.jpg)
Unbelievable dish. When I had a chat with Tim a couple of weeks before the dinner, he asked me if there was any specific rice dish I wanted him to make. I didn't want to influence his mind with my existing idea of my familiar dishes, so I said I was open to ANY idea he had and wanted him to make anything he wanted. When I saw and tasted this dish, I felt, this was exactly why I said it, because this dish was beyond anybody’s imagination and it was nothing but the expression of the chef’s true talent. Everybody including Mori-san who cultivated this rice in Uruguay was blown away by this beautiful dish.
![photo IMG_5238_zpsygnitqy8.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5238_zpsygnitqy8.jpg)
We all felt like the luckiest people on earth, having this dinner.
![photo IMG_5257_zpsp7fxzjzl.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5257_zpsp7fxzjzl.jpg)
![photo IMG_5246_zpsvsb6dwjh.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5246_zpsvsb6dwjh.jpg)
![photo IMG_5256_zpsingwmaf0.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5256_zpsingwmaf0.jpg)
![photo IMG_5264_zpsdmzaro5h.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5264_zpsdmzaro5h.jpg)
Otium Garden Salad - Fresh Herbs
Scallop - Bone Marrow Vinaigrette - Celeriac - Celery
Duck - Pear - Chocolate - Turnip - Onions
![photo IMG_5266_zps0qucuje1.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5266_zps0qucuje1.jpg)
Every dish and every detail…the level of sophisticateon was above and beyond.
![photo IMG_5274_zps2ialqm7f.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5274_zps2ialqm7f.jpg)
![photo IMG_5374_zpshlhrbqm2.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5374_zpshlhrbqm2.jpg)
![photo IMG_5283_zpssl1wjc83.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5283_zpssl1wjc83.jpg)
![photo IMG_5289_zpsxgbvnphe.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5289_zpsxgbvnphe.jpg)
I invaded the kitchen to witness the special moments. Chefs in action.
![photo IMG_5291_zps5fedsrnf.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5291_zps5fedsrnf.jpg)
![photo IMG_5297_zps5uqyugzj.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5297_zps5uqyugzj.jpg)
![photo IMG_5301_zpsoczthtwz.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5301_zpsoczthtwz.jpg)
![photo IMG_5360_zpsulsdcket.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5360_zpsulsdcket.jpg)
And, the chefs were getting ready a dish with the donabe smoker, “Ibushi Gin”!
![photo IMG_5312_zpsye03t2jw.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5312_zpsye03t2jw.jpg)
![photo IMG_5313_zpshtmiauhl.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5313_zpshtmiauhl.jpg)
Smoky reveal time!
![photo IMG_5315_zpsi2rjrq3j.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5315_zpsi2rjrq3j.jpg)
![photo IMG_5318_zpscoxeloly.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5318_zpscoxeloly.jpg)
![photo IMG_5325_zpsa1rlbqou.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5325_zpsa1rlbqou.jpg)
![photo IMG_5322_zpsouvhwg7m.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5322_zpsouvhwg7m.jpg)
![photo IMG_5324_zpscb9uvxtk.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5324_zpscb9uvxtk.jpg)
Smoked Brisket - Everything Bagel Topping
Potato - Carrots - Onions - Brussels
Creamy Mashed Potato
When the lid was removed the aroma of the savory meat and smoke was gently released. Wow, the beef was so tender and flavorful with the perfect smoky flavor.
![photo IMG_5307_zpsg3rr8xsc.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5307_zpsg3rr8xsc.jpg)
![photo IMG_5345_zpshuyrxiwm.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5345_zpshuyrxiwm.jpg)
![photo IMG_5334_zpsgbigbg1z.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5334_zpsgbigbg1z.jpg)
![photo IMG_5333_zpsgkvtn3bp.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5333_zpsgkvtn3bp.jpg)
![photo IMG_5339_zpsegltebsb.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5339_zpsegltebsb.jpg)
![photo IMG_5347_zpsebwcaubh.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5347_zpsebwcaubh.jpg)
Dessert time.
S'mores
Banana Cream Grand Macaron
![photo IMG_5335_zpsnqh8tsad.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5335_zpsnqh8tsad.jpg)
![photo IMG_0029_zpstjjjuhvd.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_0029_zpstjjjuhvd.jpg)
![photo IMG_0030_zpsaakhfjar.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_0030_zpsaakhfjar.jpg)
![photo IMG_5355_zpsfwty3z9d.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5355_zpsfwty3z9d.jpg)
![photo IMG_0031_zpsagbgjhlv.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_0031_zpsagbgjhlv.jpg)
![photo IMG_0033_zpstduhiz2p.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_0033_zpstduhiz2p.jpg)
EVERYTHING was beyond incredible.
The dinner was
filled with all the happy positive energy of everybody. I just didn’t want the
night to end…it was so incredible that this dinner will be unforgettable for my
life.
![photo IMG_5351_zpsv9xymxl0.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5351_zpsv9xymxl0.jpg)
I can’t thank Tim and his most talented team enough for making this happen with the amazing dinner and top class “omotenashi” hospitality. The experience they gave us made us treasure the moments we share and made us fell Life is Great!
![photo IMG_5349_zpscqerpyls.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5349_zpscqerpyls.jpg)
![photo IMG_5351_zpsv9xymxl0.jpg](http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2015/IMG_5351_zpsv9xymxl0.jpg)
I can’t thank Tim and his most talented team enough for making this happen with the amazing dinner and top class “omotenashi” hospitality. The experience they gave us made us treasure the moments we share and made us fell Life is Great!
(There are some photos taken by my friends in this post but I can't remember which ones were from whom, so thank you, my friends!)