Experience Tottori's Unique Rice "Hoshizora Mai" with a Special Tanabata Plate!

Celebrate Tanabata with Tottori's Unique Rice

During the Tanabata festival this year, visitors to Tottori's antenna shop, the "Tottori Okayama Shinbashi-kan", can indulge in a limited-time culinary delight featuring the original Tottori rice brand, "Hoshizora Mai". From July 1 to July 15, renowned plate stylist and freelance announcer Maria Nosaka will present her special creation: the "Hoshizora Mai Tanabata One Plate”, located on the second floor of the Bistro Café "Momotenashi-ya".

The Essence of Tottori in One Plate

This exclusive dish is designed with inspiration from both the natural beauty of Tottori and the vibrant Tanabata celebration, which involves wishing upon stars. The star-shaped rice takes center stage alongside carefully selected local ingredients: Daisen chicken, nagaimo (Japanese yam), shiso pickles, seaweed, and white rose yogurt. Each component is aesthetically arranged to resemble a shimmering summer sky, perfect for both the palate and the eyes.

A Dish Crafted for the Senses

Highlights of the Plate

- Hoshizora Mai: The star of the dish, known for its exquisite taste and texture.
- Grilled Daisen Chicken with Sansho Pepper: A refreshing teriyaki with a touch of spice.
- Celestial Boat of Nagaimo: Featuring honey-soy marinated nagaimo, shiso pickles, and seaweed, representing the flowing Milky Way.
- Star-shaped Okra Wrapped in Pork: A festive twist in flavor and presentation.
- Stuffed Paprika: Adding vibrancy and rich flavor.
- Milky Way Jelly with White Rose Yogurt: A delightful dessert portraying a starry night in a glass.

Maria Nosaka herself, a native of Yonago, Tottori, emphasizes that the dish encapsulates the ambiance of the midnight sky adorned with stars, with the ingredients perfectly harmonizing with the qualities of Hoshizora Mai.

Insights from Maria Nosaka

As a prominent plate stylist, Nosaka has a considerable social media following, which showcases her talent in creating engaging visual presentations for home-cooked meals. She leads a styling workshop that aims to transform everyday dishes into photographic masterpieces. Her work extends beyond styling; she also hosts character bento classes in collaboration with local themes, like the Yonagi character and Tottori's first character bento contest.

In her own words, Maria shares her vision: "The dish is a tribute to the beautiful starry skies of Tottori. We utilized local specialties to create a plate that sparks joy and nostalgia for everyone enjoying it."

What is Hoshizora Mai?

This remarkable rice variety is exclusive to Tottori, celebrated for its visual appeal and culinary excellence. Its name, "Hoshizora Mai", reflects its glistening grains that resemble stars against a night sky. This high-quality rice has even earned the prestigious "Special A" rating in the regional taste ranking, known for its glossy appearance and sweetness, making it a must-try culinary delight.

Come and experience the enchanting flavors of Tottori while celebrating the beauty of the Tanabata festival with Maria Nosaka's exceptional one-plate creation!