Emporium Shokuhin is organising the Ehime Seafood & Sake Fair 2016 from 2 to 30 September. The highlight in this Ehime fair is the exclusive Ehime Seafood & Sake Pairing Menu at Takujo Japanese Dining. Takujo Japanese Dining is one of the 8 restaurants at Emporium Shokuhin. The remaining 7 are Gyuu+ Yakiniku Grill, Umi+Vino Seafood Wine Bar, Tsukeru Shabu Shabu, Senmi Sushi, Burosu Hoten, Kohi Koji and Ready To Eat Section.
Little known is Ehime to most of us. It is a prefecture in northwestern Shikoku, Japan. Rich in marine resources and has a long history of fishing culture. It produces some of the best citrus products, sake and fresh seafood in Japan. As such, diners can expect dishes with these fresh produce from Ehime.
Ehime Seafood & Sake Pairing Menu
In the Ehime Seafood & Sake Pairing Menu, there are a total of 7 course with 3 sake.
Sakaroku Junmai Daiginjyo Pairing
Sakaroku Junmai Daiginjyo was the first Sake served to pair with the first 2 course. This Junmai Daiginjo goes well with grilled dishes and stronger flavour dish. It uses 50% polished Yamada Ishiki and Matsuyama Mii rice and fermented over a longer period of time. Hence expect a dry Sake.
The first course in the Ehime Seafood & Sake Pairing Menu is the Jakoten Shioyaki. It is a Premium fish cake cutlet grilled with sea salt. This is an Ehime Specialty. The fish cake is made using the entire fish, from head to tail, including its bone. When I heard that I was quite apprehensive about eating it. As I was thinking that I might be choked by the bone. My worry was unneccessary. I couldn’t feel any bony structure in the fish cake, instead it was flavourful and chewy.
Next is the Tamanegi Pari-pari Sarada, a Japananese Salad consisting with mainly Ehime Potherb mustard (Mizuna) and onion and dressed in Wafu sauce. The bitterness of the greens were masked well by the Wafu sauce. Even those who are sensitive to bitterness taste approve of this salad.
Hanahimesakura Daiginjyo Pairing
Before the third course, a second Sake was poured. Instead of serving it in a shot glass, Tajuko chose to serve the award winning sake in Japan, Hanahimesakura Daiginjyo, in a wine glass. The 40% polished Yamada Nishiki is fermented at low-temperature hence it is sweet, soft and clean aftertaste. It goes well with most dishes.
Ehime Mikan Dai Aburi no Otsukuri comprises of flamed citrus seabream sashimi slices with red vinegar jelly. The sashimi is lightly in flavour when eaten alone. However, when consumed with the red vinegar jelly, the sashimi was fully emitted with sweetness.
The forth course, also a fish dish, Hamachi Kama & Daikon. The fried Ehime yellowtail cheek with a savoury sauce on a braised daikon. The savoury sauce was lightly sweet with citrus flavour hence it was appetising. I wish I have a bowl of rice to go along with the sauce. The essence of the sauce got into the Daikon. As such remember to enjoy the Daikon too.
Minakuchi Daiginjyo Dogo Kurasake Pairing
Finally, the last sake for pairing in the Ehime Seafood & Sake Pairing Menu is the Minakuchi Daiginjyo Dogo Kurasake. Brewed with 35% polished Yamada Nishiki rice and good water from Manyoshu, this Jumai Daiginjyo has a delicious aroma and gently rice flavour that goes well with fish and tempura dishes.
Therefore Tajuko Dining paired the Minakuchi Daiginjyo Dogo Kurasake with Kurobuta and Yasai Tempura. When I heard deep fried pork, description such as tough, chewy meat comes to mind. In fact, to my surprise, the pork was soft and it melt in the mouth. The Pork was braised before coating with the tempura batter for deep frying.
Before having the dessert, diner get the Ehime Somen, a chilled handmade thin noodles in light bonito sauce. The purpose of serving chilled noodle was for washing to diner’s palate after the deep fried dish. The sequence of serving was well thought.
Lastly, dinner was ended with a refreshing and yet creamy Yuzu Sherbet. As it was sourish, it once again boost my appetite leaving me craving for more.
Price
The seven course meal is at $78++ per pax for member while it is at $88++ for non-member. An additional $28++ for Sake pairing.
NAHMJ Verdict
In the Ehime Seafood & Sake Pairing Menu, expect only the freshest produce from Ehime. The food exceeded my expectation.
Takujo Japanese Dining
6 Raffles Boulevard, #01-18, Marina Square, Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6224 3433
Website: http://www.emporiumshokuhin.com.sg/dining/Takujo
Opening Hours
Daily 1130 to 1500, 1800 to 2200
Getting There
By MRT:
- Circle line – Esplanade, Promenade
- Downtown line – Promenade
- North-South or East-West line – City Hall
By Bus:
- Esplanade along Raffles Ave 36, 56, 70M, 75, 77, 97, 97e, 106, 111, 133, 162M, 171, 195, 531, 700A, 857, 960
- Pan Pacific Hotel along Raffles Boulevard 36, 107M
- Suntec Convention Centre along 36, 70M, 97, 106, 111, 133, 162M, 502, 502A, 518, 518A, 531, 700A, 857, 868
Rating: 8/10