Sometimes it's ok to be a glutton
Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 5:52PM Just in time for bikini weather comes two almost back to back nights of pure gluttony--dinner at Makoto in Washington, and the Culinary Institute of America's American Bounty restaurant in Hyde Park, NY. My husband's birthday was yesterday and we celebrated at Makoto, one of the best restaurants in DC. Dining at this Japanese restaurant is a unique experience. Their sushi is amazing, but I highly recommend getting the complete dinner, a series of small plates that includes sushi, but for me the highlights were the other dishes. I'll go into more detail on the restaurant review page, but I can't resist describing the first dish. We started our meal with conch and wild mushroom soup served in a conch shell over "fire." This soup is traditionally cooked over a fire in Japan so it was served next to a flaming piece of blue lava. ok, I have no idea if it is really traditional or not, but I have no reason not to believe them and the flame was a completely gratuitous and enchanting accompaniment to the meal. It just got better from there...
I really enjoyed the meal because it was challenging. I think that so many "gourmet" restaurants are simply variations of the same theme. Although we had some familiar flavors at Makoto--ginger, mushrooms, avocado--there were many unfamiliar tastes. Also, the way the flavors were mixed together was completely foreign to me. Luckily I already hired a master chef to teach me the art of Japanese flavors. Stay tuned for that adventure!
I am visiting my mom for the weekend which means lots of good food besides our trip to the CIA, and of course being spoiled by mom. I can't complain.
Klutz in the Kitchen
I've just been informed by the aforementioned Master Chef that he is not a Master Chef. In fact, he is an Iron Chef. Coming soon, Iron Chef America Battle Kitchen Klutz. Let the battle begin!