Flavour of Hanami at The Cube, Isetan, Lot 10

Last Saturday, Mommy Jane and Little Angel were invited to join the X-Group Team lead by Xavier Mah for Flavour of Hanami Live Presentation and Tasting at The Cube, 3rd Floor, Isetan, Lot 10. The Flavour of Hanami exhibition is held from 21 January to 23 March 2017 where guests will able to experience a live presentation and food tasting by Chef Shogo Sasaki from the famed restaurant IZUU in Kyoto.

At the exhibition hall, we had discovered the joyous occasion of Hanami (Cherry Blossom Festival) through the featured photographs and videos and had a chance to indulge in an exclusive dining experience.

Presented by Dai Nippon Printing Co. Ltd, the Hanami themed activities were presented in three different zones at the venue. The Gallery introduced visitors to the original Hanami bento boxes made especially for this exhibition, giving us the chance to experience the tradition and craft of Japanese cuisine.

After visit the exhibition with some beautiful photos of the place in Japan and Japanese food, we had green tea and sake tasting. We were then presented with a short movie with high definition that gave us an enticing insight into the four Japanese seasons and the history and foundation of Kyoto food, which is considered the best of all Japanese cuisine.

"We hope visitors will have the chance to discover for themselves, the essence of the Hanami, an ancient tradition of welcoming spring. While in Japanese culture is popular among Malaysians, we want to give people a chance to discover the cultural aspects and culinary delicacies associated with the Hanami season," said Ken Fukutake, General Manager of Media Content Planning Department, Dai Nippon Printing Co.

Mr Xavier Mah (X-Man of X-Group), Chef Shogo Sasaki (Owner Chef of Restaurant IZUU), Mr Ken Fukutake (General Manager of Media Content Planning Department Dai Nippon Printing Co. Ltd) and Chef Takeshi Matsuo (Head Chef of Restaurant IZUU) for a photo session

After an interesting movie session, Chef Sasaki gave all bloggers a live presentation of his 2 signature dishes - Chirasizushi (Scattered Topping Sushi) and Saba-sugatazushi (Whole Mackerel Lightly Matured Sushi). 

Mr Sasaki had a live demonstration which was witness by my blogger friends

Mr Sasaki showing the method to make Chirasizushi

After the demonstration, we had a chance to indulge in Chef Sasaki's authentic and delicious Kyoto-style dishes. The taste is unique, simple and delicious. Mommy Jane and Little Angel love it so much.

Chirasizushi (Scattered Topping Sushi) 

Saba-sugatazushi (Whole Mackerel Lightly Matured Sushi)

Chef Sasaki is known as the heir of the current 7th generation owner of IZUU, a Kyoto sushi restaurant established in 1781 and also known for his culinary prowess in preparing the popular mackerel sushi. He had a training for 3 years at a famous sushi restaurant in Osaka before he joined IZUU, with the aim to preserve the flavours and culture of Kyoto's mackerel sushi. The sushi specialist continues the tradition of his forefathers, adding a significant touches of Japanese flavours and culture into one of his most-loved dish, to pass it to the next generation.

Chef Sasaki with his Interpreter explained to us his experience in sushi industry

IZUU has been a part of Japan's culinary history of being the first restaurant in the world to offer mackerel sushi, traditionally created at home by the citizen of Kyoto for celebrations and festival days as a treat. Since opening its door to residents, the mackerel sushi dish has been a significant part of the entertainment district tea houses.

Saba-sugatazushi with different packaging at different seasons

Flavour of Hanami is a 3-month exhibition with the aim to showcase Hanami culture and Japanese traditions. It will also features another 3 young and dynamic chefs from Kyoto. Three more live presentations and tastings will be held in February and March. Besides the food tasting sessions, guests will be treated to live presentations of their selected dishes, trying the authentic Japanese cuisine, specially prepared by the Chefs. 

Each Chef will have their own unique menu of Japanese traditional cuisine with tickets available for up to 25 guests on a first-come, first-serve basis. Ticket was price at RM100 which include GST and admission to the exhibition. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to start. Tickets for the 3 sessions can be purchased at the ticket office ot call 03-23827777 or purchase online at www.eventbrite.com.

Thanks to Xavier Mah and Dai Nippon Printing for the invitation to the Flavour of Hanami. Mommy Jane was fortunate to be selected as one of the member of X-Group to explore the food and activities together. The food was yummylicious and Mommy Jane had learned some of the techniques to prepared the Japanese dishes. Times for Mommy Jane to prepared it at home for my 5 Little Angels and I'm sure they will love the dishes as much as I do. If you want to learn it too, then remember to join the top Chef of Japan for the live presentations and food testing and get the tips from them.