Brian Kennett
Amateur Chef and Boozy Traveling Foodie Extraordinaire
Best Omakase Dinner and Chef Table for #1's 20th Birthday
Omakase Dinner: is a Japanese dining experience where the chef curates a multi-course meal based on the freshest and finest seasonal ingredients available. The word “Omakase” translates to “I’ll leave it up to you,” signifying that diners entrust the chef to create a unique and personalized culinary journey. An Omakase Dinner typically includes sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese dishes, with each course thoughtfully prepared and presented. It’s an interactive dining experience where diners can engage with the chef, ask questions, and enjoy the artistry of Japanese cuisine.
For today, I am the Omakase Dinner Chef, and this is a dinner celebration for my #1 son’s birthday. Bring on the dining.
#1 Son turns 20 and these stupid Covid lockdown rules stop us from having nice family dinners together because we’re not cool with sitting in 2’s. So, #1 decides he wants dinner at home and to invite 2 of his mates and I chose to do a Chef Table. An Omakase meal, because I can.
You may ask what is an Omakase Dinner?
The Michelin Food Guide states;
“Few formal dining experiences are as revered or as intimidating as omakase, a form of Japanese dining in which guests leave themselves in the hands of a chef and receive a meal which is seasonal, elegant, artistic and uses the finest ingredients available.
In many ways, omakase is a spiritual companion and counterpoint to kaiseki, the elaborate multi-course Japanese meal built around seasonality, quality ingredients and simple preparations. There is one key difference though. While kaiseki is a highly ritualized meal with a specific ebb and flow, omakase changes with each occasion, with the chef making decisions about what to cook mid-course. The truth of omakase lies in the word itself—directly translated, it means “I leave it up to you.”
So #1 was leaving it up to me and I am cool with that. I’ll have some of that. I designed a Chef Omakase Dinner for 7 with 6 courses. Oh yeah, baby – this is gonna be good. AKA, EPIC!!!
This was 100% a menu for him because I know the food he likes. But I also still allowed an element of freedom because hey it was Omakase, and it’s Chef’s choice, right…?
And here is what he got for the Omakase Dinner tonight
Oysters x3: Sea salt, cracked black Kampot pepper, lemon, caviar & chili sauce, Bacon Bits & Worcestershire Sauce, Japanese oysters 'w' strawberry
It was the beauty of an Omakase Dinner I think. Feedback was good, including from the visitors. They all surely did – ENJOY!!!
People also asked about Omakase Dining
| # | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | What is Omakase dining? | Omakase dining is a traditional Japanese culinary experience where the chef crafts a unique, seasonal multi-course meal for diners, showcasing the freshest ingredients. |
| 2 | How much does Omakase typically cost? | Omakase prices can vary widely, starting from around $50 and going up to several hundred dollars or more, depending on the restaurant and the quality of ingredients. |
| 3 | Is Omakase only about sushi? | While sushi is a common component of Omakase, it also includes various other Japanese dishes like sashimi, tempura, grilled items, and creative chef’s specials. |
| 4 | What is the etiquette for dining at Omakase? | Omakase diners should respect the chef’s choices, avoid adding soy sauce to sushi unless advised, and engage with the chef to learn about the dishes and ingredients. |
| 5 | Are reservations necessary for Omakase? | Yes, reservations are usually required for Omakase dining, especially at popular restaurants, as it ensures the chef can prepare and serve the best experience for guests. |
| 6 | Can dietary restrictions be accommodated? | Many Omakase restaurants can accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences if informed in advance, allowing for a customized dining experience. |
| 7 | What makes Omakase different from a regular meal? | Omakase stands out due to the chef’s creative freedom and personalized courses, offering a unique and often more intimate dining experience. |
| 8 | Are there affordable Omakase options? | Yes, some restaurants offer more budget-friendly Omakase experiences, making this culinary adventure accessible to a wider range of diners. |
| 9 | How long does an Omakase meal typically last? | Omakase meals can vary in duration, but they usually last around 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the number of courses and the pace at which you dine. |
| 10 | What should I look for in a good Omakase restaurant? | Look for a restaurant with skilled chefs, high-quality ingredients, good reviews, and a welcoming atmosphere to ensure a memorable dining experience. |
