Ever wondered what it’d be like to enjoy hanami, otherwise known as the cherry blossom festival during spring season whereby people gather under blooming cherry blossoms for food and camaraderie? To help you emulate a similar experience and learn about the traditional Japanese custom, Dai Nippon Printing Co. Ltd brings you Flavour of Hanami.
Essentially an exhibition, live demonstration and tasting rolled into one, Flavour of Hanami kicked off on January 21st and will go on until March 25th, with three different zones showcasing hanami themed activities, including the Theatre whereby a short 4K insight into the best Kyoto has to offer is presented and the Gallery exhibiting intricately prepared bento boxes.
Over the course of four weekends up till the end of March, four renowned Japanese chefs from esteemed restaurants with are slated to carry out live presentations of their Kyoto-style Japanese specialties. The highlight would definitely be having the opportunity to taste these dishes that otherwise would only be found upon visiting Kyoto, Japan.
For the first instalment of Flavour of Hanami, Chef Shogo Sasaki, the heir of the current 7th generation of Kyoto’s IZUU, displayed his culinary repertoire for sushi-making as he prepared two of his signature dishes – the exquisite Saba-sugatazushi (Whole Mackerel Lightly Matured Sushi) and delicately plated Chirasizushi (Scattered Topping Sushi).
IZUU has long been a part of Japan’s culinary history as it was the first restaurant in the world to offer mackerel sushi. Traditionally served at home in Kyoto for celebrations and special occasions, the mackerel sushi has now grown to become a classic gift when visiting other households or as a notable souvenir.
The other upcoming live presentations and tasting sessions at The Cube (ISETAN The Japan Store, Lot 10 Kuala Lumpur) are scheduled for February 18 and 19 (Tsuruse), March 4 and 5 (Chikurin), as well as March 18 and 19 (Kinobu).
Guests can select from three sessions per day – 12pm to 1.30pm, 3pm to 4.30pm, or 6pm to 7.30pm. Seats are limited to the first 25 people and the entrance ticket is RM100, including GST.
Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office, +03-2382777 or www.eventbrite.com.
