Haute Living Miami Dec/Jan 2012
Morimoto Bringing Japanese Flavor to Wine Country
by Ebony Montenegro

Anyone who has watched Food Networks, “Iron Chef” and “Iron Chef America” is familiar with Chef Masaharu Morimoto, a regular to the sometimes-kooky culinary challenges. Recently, having lost 40 pounds (the old fashion way with exercise) and working on his new restaurant, Morimoto Napa, it looks like Chef Morimoto could very well be on top of the world.

At the 12th Annual “Worlds of Flavor” conference, Morimoto had a chance to talk to Carolyn Jung about his new plans. The conference was held at the Culinary Institute of America at in St. Helena, and this year’s theme was “World Street Food, World Comfort Food.” Included in the chef’s demonstrations were okonomiyaki (a Japanese savory pancake layered with noodles, pork and a fried egg) and takoyaki (a Japanese octopus donut hole).

Regarding his choice to open his sixth restaurant in wine country, the Japanese chef admits that after his visit two years ago for the  “Worlds of Flavor” conference, he liked Napa. “It’s a culinary place,” he says.

Designer, Thomas Schoos, who projects have included Tao in Las Vegas, will be the designer for Morimoto Napa. Essentially the restaurant will have three components: a sushi bar, a fine-dining room and omakase (a late-night lounge and a retail store).  “People will be able to buy fish and Wagyu beef from Japan to take home to cook. We may sell bento box lunches and do catering for parties, too,” says Morimoto.

Patrons should expect nothing less than true Morimoto style in the restaurant. And with the number of establishments already in business, Morimoto plans to spend as much time at the Napa restaurant as he can.
In regards to buying a place in Napa, “depends on the price,” he joked, “I am thinking of getting a place here. Maybe.”

Via: Food Gal

Nov 19, 2009 7:22 PM
Read 0 Times
Related Posts
by Elissa Vallano, Nov 22, 2011 8:25 PM
 
Mark your calendars and save your appetite for November 17-20,when Flavor! Napa Valley brings world-class cuisine and wine to an exciting four-day event. The extravaganza of farm-to-table fine cuisine and world-class wines will feature a wide variety of events, including the food and wine tasting...
by Angella Sprauve, Nov 6, 2011 2:33 AM
 
Cleansing your palate to prep it for intense sensory images, a good wine dinner turns a meal into a celebration. Indulge in these worldly wine menus as a good vino brings out flavor combinations like you wouldn’t imagine possible.
by Lauren Monitz, May 12, 2011 11:30 AM
 
Few things go better together than fresh sushi and perfectly chilled sake, but throw in warm summer weather, the sunset against the NYC skyline, and a yacht cruise through the harbor and you’ve got an absolutely sublime dining experience. Classic Harbor Line Yachts and Morimoto are happy to enter ...
by Pauline Sung, Jun 7, 2011 2:23 AM
 
With a history which spans as far back as 4000 B.C. in ancient China, it was the Japanese who began the mass production of this simple rice wine once known as the "drink of the Gods." Sake still remains one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in Japan and is quickly become an international favor...
by Rebecca Anne Proctor, Apr 4, 2011 12:49 AM
 
In 2011, China displaced Great Britain as the fifth-largest wine consuming country in the world. The United States ranked number one.
by Julia Jacobo, Jan 14, 2012 12:12 AM
 
If "Iron Chef" Masaharu Morimoto, Hubert Keller of the famed Fleur de Lys and Rick Moonen of rm seafood weren't star-quality enough, the inaugural Hawaii Food & Wine Festival added a couple of new chefs to its impressive lineup.
by Haute Living, Sep 28, 2011 4:59 PM
 
Sake refers to rice wine in English. It is naturally sweetened by fruit and can be served warm or chilled to taste for added flavor. Sit back, take a swig, and cheers to restoring glory to Japan. Kampai!
by Lauren Monitz, Mar 24, 2011 1:30 AM
 
As soon as men invented fire, women learned to play with it. Going off of a similar philosophy, welcome Union Sushi & Barbeque Bar, a playfully refreshing twist on the ever-growing Japanese hautes in downtown Chicago. Started by the ever-sassy food blogging duo Mike and Chao, Kushiyaki is the fo...
by Lauren Monitz, May 13, 2011 7:23 AM
 
We've narrowed down a list of the best sushi restaurants in all of Miami.
by Lindsay Brooke Cohen, Feb 22, 2011 12:20 AM
 
 
 
CURATORS
 
TOP 5
 
Los Angeles Jan/Feb 2012
 
HAUTE 100
Howard Schultz, Starbucks CEO, recently announced that China is set to become the company’s larges...
 
HAUTE SECRETS
Wendy Williams is a former 20 plus year radio veteran and now is the host of the successful daytime ...
© HAUTE MEDIA GROUP 2011