The acclaimed Japanese chef takes over Solaire Resort and Casino’s signature Japanese dining outlet from 6 to 8 June 2019. T. Dining checks out the first night
The culinary genius behind the popular three Michelin-starred Tokyo restaurant, Azabu, Chef Jun Yukimura, is now in Manila for a three-night-only special kaiseki dining experience at Solaire Resort and Casino’s Japanese restaurant, Yakumi. Chef Yukimura has maintained his restaurant's three Michelin stars for nine solid years. Known for its refined taste and presentation, Kaiseki-style cuisine is a multi-course meal that showcases a variety of cooking techniques and styles.
On its pilot night, diners were treated to an eight-course traditional kaiseki menu paired with seven delightful, well-curated sakes from Philippine Wine Merchants (PWM). Each dish is beautifully plated in Legle porcelain from the the iconic Limoges district of southwest-central France—the same plates that are used in some of the best restaurants around the globe.
Served creatively on a half spiny shell was the refreshing Sakisuke, an amuse-bouche of steamed Hokkaido sea urchin and lobster jelly. Bursting with natural flavours of the sea, it gently teases the palate and reminds you of the vast ocean that surrounds the Land of the Rising Sun. In Yakumi, ingredients are guaranteed fresh and of topnotch quality as they are flown in from Japan twice a week.
East-meets-West with the second course—the Sakinokae, a marvellous cold soba noodle dish generously garnished with Bottarga powder. The panoply of tastes go seamlessly well with a pour of light Hakushika Ginjo Namachozo.
The homemade wasabi definitely adds a punch to the Mushimono, the third course, which highlighted a warm bowl of steamed ground duck with dashi. Paired with what is considered ”sacred” sake or the Kinryo Junmai Ginjo Koiai, the hearty dish is a definite must-try.
