The "Art" of Teppanyaki - a Delicate Touch

sand_man · 10-30-2018, 05:31 AM

I'm not exactly sure how I stumbled on to it, but one day this came up on my YouTube suggestion feed. I am mesmerized by these videos. I find them relaxing. No music, no explanation, no dorky host...just the chefs doing their thing. I love the purposeful movements, the delicate touch, the obvious respect for the ingredients, the order in which the food is prepared...just the technique in general. Not at all like that silly Kanki and/or Benihana show with all the flailing knives and flying food. I have never tried wagyu or kobe...hhhmmm

jwasbury · 10-30-2018, 07:17 AM

During a visit to Tokyo for business, I had dinner at a Teppanyaki restaurant in the Roppongi district. When they dropped the prawns on the griddle, I realized they were alive

The chef had to hold them down with his spatula. It was brutal to watch...I got over it, and they were tasty.

Gogar · 10-30-2018, 08:28 AM

Watching the guy peel and devein the prawn in that kobe video was great

TimT · 10-30-2018, 10:56 AM

If you're interested in more of a glimpse of Japanese food prep and philosophy

Check out "Jiro Dreams Sushi" I know its on Netflix, not sure about any other platforms

sand_man · 10-30-2018, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimT

If you're interested in more of a glimpse of Japanese food prep and philosophy

Check out "Jiro Dreams Sushi" I know its on Netflix, not sure about any other platforms

One of my faves!!!! Seen it more times than I care to admit!!! Makes me crave sushi like a dope fiend in need of a fix!

Shaun @ Tru6 · 10-30-2018, 02:36 PM

I never knew. Fascinating! Thanks for posting, I have a lot of research and tasting to do now. Several local Japanese restaurants mention Teppanyaki on their web sites.

masraum · 10-30-2018, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwasbury

During a visit to Tokyo for business, I had dinner at a Teppanyaki restaurant in the Roppongi district. When they dropped the prawns on the griddle, I realized they were alive

The chef had to hold them down with his spatula. It was brutal to watch...I got over it, and they were tasty.

Twice now (in Seattle), I've had this experience, where I was introduced to these guys a min or two before I ate them as "ama ebi nigiri" aka sweet shrimp (it's raw).

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimT

If you're interested in more of a glimpse of Japanese food prep and philosophy

Check out "Jiro Dreams Sushi" I know its on Netflix, not sure about any other platforms

I've had sushi from a guy that trained under Jiro. Shiro Kashiba, almost 20 years ago, I was lucky enough to happen upon his restaurant in Seattle and eat at the bar with him serving us. Then back in Sep I was able to take my wife to his new restaurant near the Pike Place Market. The price is quite a bit higher now, but it's completely worth it. I'd like to have gone a couple of times.

masraum · 10-30-2018, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sand_man

I'm not exactly sure how I stumbled on to it, but one day this came up on my YouTube suggestion feed. I am mesmerized by these videos. I find them relaxing. No music, no explanation, no dorky host...just the chefs doing their thing. I love the purposeful movements, the delicate touch, the obvious respect for the ingredients, the order in which the food is prepared...just the technique in general. Not at all like that silly Kanki and/or Benihana show with all the flailing knives and flying food. I have never tried wagyu or kobe...hhhmmm

If you have Netflix streaming, you may want to check out the "Jeong Kwan" episode of Chef's table (it's in season 3). She's a buddhist monk. I felt so relaxed at the end of the show. I've watched it a few times.

TimT · 10-30-2018, 02:52 PM

Quote:

"ama ebi nigiri" aka sweet shrimp (it's raw)

I've had that a few times here in NYC and once in San Diego, not my fav... But when you're in the middle of Omakase.. and they turn up a quick wash em down with beer and on to the next..

One of the Japanese restaurants near my home often has live Sea Urchin in the the coolers... its cool to see them amble about while you're eating.. depending on how long your meal lasts they can make it all the way across the case in one meal...

sand_man · 04:13 PM

"Sweet shrimp" is one of my faves!!! Love that deep fried head (tempura?) that is usually served with it as part of the garnish!

sand_man · 10-30-2018, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by masraum

If you have Netflix streaming, you may want to check out the "Jeong Kwan" episode of Chef's table (it's in season 3). She's a buddhist monk. I felt so relaxed at the end of the show. I've watched it a few times.

Agreed. Incredible!

sand_man · 10-31-2018, 04:54 AM

A "street food" version:

GH85Carrera · GH85Carrera's Garage

There is no food or beverage worth $148 for a meal. That is the realm of spending money just to impress others. As long it is was not my money, have at it.

I have had many expensive meals, but about $100 per head is my limit and that buys a really great meal around here. I don't doubt many places in NYC or SF Tokyo or Singapore charge that much for a simple sandwich. I ain't a player.