At Cassava, we’ve always been passionate about celebrating the seasons, our local ingredients, and the culinary experiences that have shaped our journey. This week, we're excited to introduce a special menu inspired by Chef Kris's unforgettable experience at Kikunoi in Akasaka Tokyo.
Back in 2010, Chef Kris had the incredible opportunity to stage at Kikunoi, one of Japan's most revered Kaiseki restaurants. This experience was transformative, not just in his approach to cooking but in the way he views the entire restaurant operation. Owning the iconic Kaiseki book is one thing, but cooking in Japan and learning firsthand from masters of the craft changed everything for him. The precision, the balance of flavors, and the deep respect for ingredients he learned there have continued to influence the dishes we serve at Cassava.
When Joe from Water 2 Table mentioned the current abundance of halibut in the Bay, we knew it was the perfect time to bring a bit of that Kikunoi magic to our own kitchen. We've crafted a special menu that highlights this beautiful fish, with three small dishes that reflect the delicate, seasonal approach Kris admired in Japan.
The menu features:
Tsumire in Clear Broth: A comforting halibut meatball soup with hearts of palm, paired with Daitengu Shuzou Usake Winter Muroka Nama sake from Fukushima.
Aburi Sashimi: Lightly torched halibut sashimi served with fresh Half Moon Bay wasabi, paired with Fukushima Ichi “Super Dry” Honjozo sake.
Binchotan-Grilled Belly: Marinated halibut belly, perfectly grilled over Binchotan charcoal, paired with Yamba no Kaze Junmai Daiginjo sake from Gunma.
Each of these dishes is designed to showcase the exquisite flavors of halibut, complemented by carefully selected sakes that enhance the overall experience. The tasting board is available for $45, with a sake pairing option for an additional $35.
This special menu is available throughout the week, and we hope it brings you as much joy to eat as it has brought us to create. Join us at Cassava to experience a taste of Japan right here in North Beach.
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