Overview
Few dining experiences compare to a traditional omakase, where highly trained Japanese chefs decide what to serve diners and make their food right in front of them. It's a gastronomical performance like no other. And Chef Kimura, one of the best omakase chefs in the world, has left his Tokyo restaurant (which has received two Michelin-stars five years in a row) to bring his particular take on the experience — specifically, jukusei-sushi (aged sushi) — to Australia.
This November, the hospo heavyweight — and third-generation sushi chef — will be taking over the kitchens at Sydney's 20-seat Sushi E (on Saturday, November 5) and Byron Bay hot spot Raes on Wategos (on Tuesday, November 8 and Wednesday, November 9). Getting a table at his restaurant in Japan is renowned for being almost impossible, so you'll want to nab a seat at one of these dining experiences, stat.
At the table, diners will taste dishes that don't often hit plates Down Under. Much of this is thanks to the chef's deft knife abilities — which took him nearly a decade to perfect — his pursuit of premium ingredients and the pure love and dedication he has for his craft. Experimenting with great abandon, Chef Kimura (successfully) sought to cook a path in which he could honour his pedigree and create an unexpected and pioneering culinary experience.
What's needed to attain the skill of jukusei-sushi? Enough patience, determination and intuition to put most to shame. More complex than simply knowing how long to age each fish for — 12 days for mehikari, for example — it's learning what to do with each species' unique traits. Few can do what Chef Kimura does, as well as he does it.
It's these details that makes this an unmissable dining opportunity for any foodies out there. Not only will you devour these extra-special morsels, you'll see each plated up as your esteemed chef talks to you directly about his produce and techniques. So, secure a ticket and get ready to marvel at a master at work.
Chef Kimura will take up residence at Sushi E on Saturday, November 5, across five sittings. Further north, he will be hitting the kitchen at Raes on Wategos for four sittings across Tuesday, November 8 and Wednesday, November 9.