Unveil our sauces.
I am finishing up the menu for Maest food solo vegan farm to table dinner event.
Maest food (Tomoko Tahara) vegan farm to table dinner event vol.12 event details are here.
I am introducing here about our sauces and key ingredients for the main course.
Pine cone reduction sauce:
Pine cone honey, a labor of love. Crafted over several weeks, this "honey" is a vegan creation, a thick pine cone syrup that imparts a unique and complex flavor. This delectable sauce is for the roasted burdock that prepared through layers of cooking process. By reducing the pine cone honey with soy sauce and adding a touch of umami-rich seasonings, created a wonderful tare sauce, combining the well-balance of saltiness and sweetness to the burdock.
Rhubarb Kosho: A Fiery Twist:
Next flavor is the Rhubarb Kosho, a robust sauce crafted using rhubarb and jalapeno. The acidity of the rhubarb lends a refreshing tang to this salty and hot condiment. Given its intense nature, only a small amount will be served to provide just the right amount of heat, making it a remarkable addition to the dish.
Mushy Peas with a Zesty Twist:
The mushy peas, made using seasonal peas, will be accompanied by a burst of flavors. If faba beans are unavailable at the market, English peas will be used instead. This mushed pea side incorporates an abundance of caramelized onions and garlic and roasted pumpkin seeds, harmoniously balanced with a hint of yuzu flavor, elevating the British common mushy peas to some interesting characters.
Artichoke Floss, Quinoa Topping, and Matcha Tuille:
To cater to various dietary preferences, gluten-free concept is naturally happened but end result, being a highlight of this event menu. Artichoke floss, a unique ingredient, will add a delightful touch to the dish. A sprinkling of fried quinoa topping will bring a crunch, perfectly complementing the ensemble. And to round off the meal experience, a delicate Matcha tuille is providing adds nice crisp bite for the rich plate.
Hidden flavours?
'“Hidden flavours”. This Japanese cooking term called “Kakushi-aji” kakusi means hidden, Aji means taste.
Since Folke X Maest (Tomoko Tahara) collaboration event is on 24th April, I had the pleasure of visiting Folke restaurant the other day to test out a first course. While there, Chef Colin Uyeda introduced me to a variety of condiments that he makes in-house. That must be the hidden flavours of Folke. I was blown away by the selection, which included all kinds of miso and a chili paste called "Kosho," among others. Each condiment had its own unique combination of umami flavors and tastes that really impressed me.
I was so excited by what I tasted. One condiment in particular caught my eye: sunflower miso. It I knew it would be the perfect match for my dish at our event.
Overall, I'm grateful for the opportunity to explore new flavors and ingredients, and I'm looking forward to what Chef Colin and I can create together.
Also the amazing desert for the end of event is made by chef Pricilla Deo! Chef Colin and Pricilla together opened Folke last year.
Tickets are here.
Photo : Cafe yvr
Chef Colin with his condiments.
Photo : Cafe yvr
Sneak peek of 1st course : Hassun, snack plate
A sneak peek of our first course: Hassun.
Folke restaurant and I (@tomokotahara/ @maest_food ) teamed up to create a modern take on this traditional snack tray from the Kaiseki tea ceremony menu.
Our Hassun features four unique snacks:
Candied horsetails with beach rose sugar. (T) / I wrote about candy made from foraged horsetails that I dehydrated and candied with soy caramel, coated with beach rose sugar.
Wild green bouquets with rosehip tare, flavoured oil.(T) / I also foraged wild greens, including ground elder, cleavers, bitter cress, wild fennel, and blossoms, and served them as a bouquet with rosehip tare sauce and flavoured oil.
Pumpkin seed tofu with Chef Colin’s special condiments (stay tuned)(F) / Chef Colin from Folke created pumpkin seed tofu without using Nigari or other coagulant agents. He will serve it with his special homemade condiments, and the reveal is coming soon!
Slow cooked Beet sashimi with house made ponzu jelly.(F)/To make the slow-cooked beet sashimi, chef Colin used a multi-step process that included burning, slow cooking, and dehydrating the beets. The resulting dish is packed with delicious beet flavor.
Here is a great news. We're excited to offer a more budget-friendly version of our event ticket. Now priced at just $85, your ticket includes a 7-course tastings menu(complete with dessert) and gratuity.
We've also streamlined the menu by reducing the number of featured items, so you can focus on savoring each bite. Choose your preferred seating time (6pm or 8pm) and get ready for a culinary adventure like no other!
*We understand that some of you may have already purchased tickets at the higher price, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. However, we will be issuing refunds for the price adjustment to ensure that everyone can enjoy this incredible dining experience at the new, lower price.
Ticket link https://www.folkerestaurant.com/tickets. Photo credit : Cafe yvr
Collaboration vegan dinner event
Exciting news! Folke restaurant and Maest (Tomoko Tahara) are collaborating on a plant-based 8-course tasting dinner.
The event will take place on April 24th with 2 seatings at 5:30pm and 8:30pm.
Tickets are available now at Folke restaurant for $135, 8 courses includes 4 kinds of welcome snacks and drink, a dessert. Drink pairing is also available for an additional $45. Tips are included.
The location is Folke restaurant at 2585 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6K 2E9. Don't miss out on this amazing culinary experience!
*Photos are examples
About Folke : To bring people together- whole communities, friends and neighbours. Folke is a vegetable focused restaurant that strives to highlight local farms and the beautiful produce that they provide us with. Our everchanging menu is composed of a variety of small plates for a shared dining experience.
Before chef Uyeda’s recent three year-run as the chef de cuisine at Kissa Tanto, he was at Pilgrimme on Galiano Island. Deo is a pastry chef (recently at Tsawwassen Springs). They opened a community-oriented vegan restaurant. Their concept is something that Uyeda had come across while working at Pilgrimme and the now-closed Relae (Copenhagen)*The sentences from Scout magazine
About Maest food : Tomoko's background as a chef who has been trained by several chefs and worked at good restaurants in Vancouver for a decade indicates that she has gained significant experience in the culinary arts. Her focus on vegan cuisine and the use of locally sourced and foraged ingredients demonstrates a commitment to sustainable and ethical cooking practices.
Her work as a head chef at Harken coffee and writing their menus with original recipes showcases her culinary creativity and ability to develop unique and exciting dishes. Her participation in an internship at Inua, Noma's sister restaurant in Japan, and a class at Mad academy in Copenhagen, as well as her current work at Annalena in Vancouver, suggests that she is dedicated to continuing her education and improving her skills and knowledges as a chef.
