Japanese burdock vegetable

These burdock on the photo is a specific type of burdock vegetable commonly found in Japan. We are lucky to have a glower here in Vancouver.

Burdock itself is a root vegetable that is often overlooked or underrated. It has a distinct earthy taste, which is being compared to the taste of the soil or earth.

When it comes to local Japanese burdock, it is important to note that it is typically more expensive in the market compared to imported burdock varieties. This indicates that it is considered a high-quality and sought-after vegetable.

What sets this burdock apart is its unique flavor profile. It is known for being flavorful with an earthy and muddy aroma. Additionally, it has a touch of sweetness, which adds to its overall taste experience.

it has a certain dryness, so it requires some processing or preparation before being cooked in a dish.Also unique bite texture. It is fibrely, if you cook properly, the texture gets tender.

Japanese variety of burdock vegetable that has rich flavor, earthy aroma, and subtle sweetness. 

We will serve the burdock for a part of our main course - Karaage.

After careful deliberation, a change has been made to our menu. In lieu of the originally planned slow-cooked burdock, we are thrilled to present our patrons with an exciting dish - burdock and artichoke karaage. Though karaage may sound ordinary at first, we assure you that this rendition is anything but average.

Considerable effort has been invested in crafting a dish that showcases intricate layers of flavors and textures. Our attention to detail begins with the special burdock itself, which has undergone special preparation techniques. By tenderizing the burdock , we have created a culinary delight that promises an exciting flavor and texture experience.

To elevate the meal's character, we have chosen to serve it with a side of mushy peas, a beloved British classic. However, we have infused our own twist into this familiar side dish by incorporating pumpkin seeds and yuzu citrus, which impart a refreshing and vibrant element to the plate.

For those seeking an extraordinary seasoning experience, we present a traditional Japanese addition - @tsuentea Matcha salt. This unique seasoning boasts refreshing notes that beautifully complement the dish's richness, resulting in a harmonious balance of flavors.

Initially, we contemplated serving the main course with a pine cone reduction sauce. However, after careful consideration, we have decided to omit it from the dish. Nonetheless, for the curious and adventurous, we may offer it on the side bbq-ed onigiri rice balls. Our commitment to maintaining a well-balanced flavor profile led us to this decision. Actually, it is perfect for the rice balls. Slight pine flavour and tamari..

This dish promises to captivate discerning palate. We invite you to join us on a culinary journey that celebrates innovation and showcases the true artistry of our kitchen.Event tickets are here.

Our vegan ‘omakase’ dinner event

As I was browsing through Noma Kyoto's posts (feeling a bit jealous that people were able to snag a reservation there), I couldn't help but appreciate the amazing food environment in Japan. With the islands spanning a long distance, the country experiences a variety of climates in each season. In particular, during springtime, one can enjoy summer fruits from Okinawa and other southern islands, as well as regular spring vegetables and plants from Honshu, and late winter seaweeds and vegetables from colder areas such as Hokkaido and the northern region. This realization came to me while I was interning at Inua back in 2019.

I am grateful that restaurants like Noma Kyoto are introducing Japanese culture and environment to the world, showcasing how rich and diverse the food culture of Japan is through their eyes. It makes me realize how lucky I am to have been born in this country and to be proud of my Japanese heritage.

Anyway, let's get back to the main topic. I (@tomokotahara as @maest_food) am excited to announce a collaboration with @folkerestaurant, featuring an 8-course tasting dinner. The base inspirations for our menu items reflect the food culture of Japan. Chef Uyeda, who was born in Canada and is half Japanese, has experience working for six months at a 3 Michelin star restaurant in Japan and also CDC at Kissa Tanto (a Japanese-Italian restaurant) for three years.Along with co-owner and pastry chef Deo, they have opened Folke, whose menus are strongly inspired by East to South Asian cultures and plant based. I feel honored to have the opportunity to work with them.

I hope to see you at the event.

Event details: Ticket link is here.

A plant-based 8-course omakase tasting menu. The event will take place on April 24th with 2 seatings at 5:30pm and 8:30pm. Tickets are available now at @folkerestaurant for $135, 8 courses.

Drink pairing is also available for an additional $45.

The location is Folke restaurant at 2585 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6K 2E9.

Trick, or…Dinner

Finalizing the menu ideas for my event on 18th October.

Today is a test for a snack. Planning to make a “black tart”.

My experiment went well. I was originally thinking to make it very thin crusts but, it looks neat and ancient when I made thicker crust with unfinished touch of shapes. It is perfect for my theme.

The dough is made with activated charcoal, Canadian ancient grain red fife flour from Flourist.

The filling is made with local potato with truffle flavour, chestnuts, vegan caviar.

Vegan farm to table dinner vol.11 at Burdock and co “Nightmare before halloween” tickets link is here.

It’s quince season

I love smell of quince. I’m looking forward to have it this time of the year. Conversely to the aroma, they are tuff, dry taste when you try it raw.

I cooked them as savoury with yuzu, Mexican mint, organic sugar, vegetable dashi broth and salt.

Additional, Mexican mint has great aroma, it smells like tarragon and mint, a hint of vanilla.

You will try this sauce with a rulade dish, at my vegan dinner pop up at Burdock & co. 18th October.

This is the last pop up 2022. Don’t miss it. Tickets link is here

Cheese board, green walnut

Finished for a test for one of a menu for vegan contemporary dinner series vol.9 Far East.

We will feature Vancouver vegan’s favourite, plant based cheese shop, Blue Heron’s products.

We call it “board”, cheese samplers are on a pear compote(the cheeses on the pear are ideal, we don’t have actual products yet since we need to serve them fresh).

Pears.When I saw the pears at a farmers market, I bought it right away.

They looked like a treasure that I found in a cardboard, beautiful product.(And actual taste is perfect too)

Green walnuts. I received them from a farm where I took a field trip to, and then preserved in pickling liquid in mid summer.

I’ve tried the taste of nochino before but not pickled green walnuts.

After fermented a few days, the liquid got so black and I was excited how strange they are. Then left it about a month.

When I tried them two weeks ago, it was slightly too bitter and I thought I can’t use it for the event. Then I tried it again this week -happy surprise! It wasn’t bitter. Food science and time made a magic. Wonderful fragrance, unique texture and taste. Great addition for cheese & wine snack.

Shiso. Found them at a farmers markets then made an extract, then jelly. Very unique flavour, in between anise, basils, and mint.

Try them at our event. September 14th at Burdock & co. 7 course tastings dinner with a glass of wine, cold brew coffee & a dessert. The details are here.