#Japan #Tokyo #Cassolo #Chef's Value #Shintomi

A Culinary Journey to Shintomi: An Exclusive Event at Cassolo

On April 13th, the Cassolo restaurant in Toranomon, Tokyo, hosted a remarkable food event titled "Taste of Shintomi Produced by Cassolo." This event, organized in collaboration with the Koyu Foundation, aimed to showcase the rich agricultural heritage of Shintomi Town, Miyazaki Prefecture.

Participants had the opportunity to savor a specially curated menu by the chefs at Cassolo, featuring locally sourced ingredients from Shintomi Town. The event was more than just a dining experience; it served as a networking platform where guests could engage with local officials, food industry professionals, and media representatives, thereby celebrating both the cuisine and the community.

Event Highlights

The evening began with an introduction by Momoko Hidaka from the Koyu Foundation, explaining the purpose and schedule of the event. Following this, Takushi Kojima, the mayor of Shintomi Town, and Hirokazu Aoki, the CEO of Chef’s Value, addressed the attendees, sharing their excitement for the evening's offerings. An initial toast by Mayor Kojima marked the start of the dining experience.

As the multi-course meal was served, participants enjoyed not only the exquisite dishes but also the opportunity to converse and connect with one another. Chef Makoto Sato highlighted the philosophy behind the meal's preparation, emphasizing the integrity of the ingredients. He noted, “The flavors of the produce are strong, and we aimed to enhance them with minimal intervention.” Attendees expressed their delight in the dishes, praising the textures and the satisfaction of enjoying such meticulously prepared cuisine.

The Culinary Delights

The multi-course meal featured a variety of dishes, each showcasing the unique ingredients of Shintomi:

• - Anti: Organic carrot terrine, made from carefully cultivated carrots grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
• - Caldo: Fried wakasagi fish, made from Miyazaki's rice flour, served with a zesty vinaigrette.
• - Pasta: Spring cabbage aglio e olio, accompanied by expertly grilled eel. The eel, raised sustainably, boasts a rich flavor and tender texture.
• - Second: A layered mille-feuille of grilled eel and couscous, featuring the same premium eel.
• - Dolce: Matcha cheesecake, crafted by a local tea shop renowned for its award-winning products.

These dishes, delivered with precision and flair, highlight the strength of regional ingredients. Chef Sato expressed his desire for attendees to discover and appreciate the flavors of Shintomi, which were carefully incorporated into the menu.

Participant Reactions

Feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive. One attendee shared, “It was my first time joining a dining event, and the time flew by. I hadn’t thought about visiting Miyazaki before, but this experience has inspired me to go.” Another guest remarked, “I couldn’t believe I could enjoy eel in such a refined manner; it felt almost too luxurious, yet I was very satisfied.”

Closing and Future Events

Peiji Okamoto, the director of the Koyu Foundation, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase Shintomi's rich food culture. He emphasized the importance of building connections and hopes for continued collaboration with attendees. Hirokazu Aoki echoed this sentiment, stating that this event marked a novel approach to connecting chefs with local ingredients, a concept they believe is vital for the culinary landscape.

About Cassolo

Cassolo, a flagship restaurant of Chef's Value, was established in November 2022. The restaurant’s mission is to support culinary professionals in their career development and provide them with a nurturing environment to thrive. As a culinary hub, Cassolo is committed to delivering dishes that reflect the seasons, using fresh, high-quality ingredients and an extensive range of wines.

For further information and to stay updated on future events, visit Cassolo’s Official Website or follow their Instagram.

Through events like the "Taste of Shintomi," Cassolo continues to foster connections between culinary artisans and local flavors, enriching the gastronomic landscape of Tokyo and beyond.