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I attended a special one-day event called "CHURA NIGHT," and here are my thoughts on the exclusive course meal.
◆ Appetizer
- Ratatouille: The gentle sweetness of brown sugar balanced perfectly with the acidity of the tomatoes and the slight bitterness of the bitter melon, making it very enjoyable. The lean flavor of the chicken breast complemented it well, making it very easy to eat.
- Pork with Fuchiba: The sweetness of the pork fat and the acidity and saltiness of the tomatoes created an exquisite balance that never gets boring, no matter how many times you eat it.
- Liver Pâté: Despite being made from offal, it had no unpleasant gamey taste. A slight hint of funk added an accent, preventing it from feeling monotonous among the appetizers.
◆ Okinawa Soba:
The broth was rich in aroma, setting the flavor beautifully. The noodles were firm and twisted, clinging well to the broth, while the texture of the sea grapes provided a great accent. The bitterness of the bitter melon didn’t disrupt the dish; instead, it blended perfectly and added to its structure. The tomatoes provided a bit of sweetness, keeping the chicken's taste light. It paired wonderfully with the special menu white wine, as the sweetness of the bonito harmonized with the acidity and tannin of the wine—truly a perfect match.
◆ Acqua Pazza:
The tender white fish paired excellently with the rich broth, which was so concentrated that you could easily eat three cups of rice with it. Despite its richness, it wasn’t heavy at all and kept you wanting more. I could imagine enjoying it served over rice as a risotto; it would be incredibly satisfying.
◆ Wagyu Steak:
The slight acidity and sweetness of the shimara shallots matched beautifully with the meaty richness of the wagyu. The overall harmony of the dish highlighted each ingredient's flavors. The wagyu was incredibly tender and melted in the mouth, enhanced by the presence of the Shariapin sauce, which brought out the lingering taste of the beef even more.
◆ Granita:
The shikuwasa sorbet was refreshingly balanced in its sourness and bitterness, making it a perfect palate cleanser. I felt that adding some Okinawan salt would elevate its deliciousness.
◆ Bavarois (Dessert):
The sweet and tangy flavors of pineapple and mango in the bavarois were wonderfully balanced, evoking the taste and aroma of tropical fruits reminiscent of summer. The creamy milk pudding had a smooth texture and paired perfectly with the fruit chunks.
◆ Special Menu White Wine:
The sweetness of the bonito and the soft broth provided a lovely base, while the acidity and structure came in as a great accent. Drinking the white wine after tasting the broth enhanced the flavors of both, allowing for a delightful back-and-forth experience.
◆ Special Menu Red Wine:
This wine was exceptionally easy to drink. Initially, it offered complexity alongside tannins and a wild quality, but as it opened up, it transformed into a vibrant, fruity flavor. Even enjoyed on its own, it evoked the taste of fruits and desserts—an undeniable choice for first-time drinkers!
Overall, as it was a special menu, I was incredibly satisfied with the course. I will definitely return for a regular visit as well!