Japanese sushi has become quite popular in many areas of the US. Sushi consists of fresh pieces of (usually) raw sea food together with other ingredients such as rice and presented in unique and delicious ways. For people who have come to enjoy sushi, omakase can offer them an entirely unique sushi experience.
The word "omakase" means, quite literally, to entrust yourself to the chef. You are placing the choice of ingredients and presentation in the hand of the sushi chef, called an itamae. In some of the lesser quality sushi eating establishments, this could result in a mixed platter of recognizable items or items the itamae is actually trying to get out of his kitchen. Nonetheless, in the better sushi restaurants, one will certainly be presented with the freshest seasonal items that might have never been considered as well as traditional favorites featured in innovative and intriguing ways.
The sushi chef should be attentive to you when choosing the items and preparation. For instance, you may order a plate of omakase while specifying that no mackerel be used. You should still get a premium quality blend of different types of fish and varying presentations, but no mackerel should be on the plate. Some chefs who have gotten to know you will actually already understand your preferences and be able to adjust his presentation based on your likes and dislikes, so befriending your itamae is a great way to ensure you have the best experience.
Some individuals think that it is advisable to go to a sushi restaurant where they are known to the itamae. When this is the case, they feel that they will only be presented with items the chef knows they will appreciate. However, to honestly take pleasure in the experience, it does not matter if the particular person is known to the chef or not as he will still be utilizing fresh, distinct items that one might not have ever considered trying or might not have encountered at some point in the past.
It is very feasible that your plate will include items you have never considered trying or presentations which you do not find appealing. While it is deemed poor conduct to leave food on the plate, you are not being pressured to eat something unappetizing. However, in the event that you have requested this as a means to try something new and diverse, you might take into consideration at least trying each different variety of sushi offered. You could very well find some new favorites hiding there, as seasonal items may only be available for short periods of time.
Restaurants like it when customers order omakase often. They can charge a higher price for the dinner because it highlights not just the very best of ingredients available at that moment, but the skills of the itamae too. This also makes it easier for them to plan food expenses into their purchasing.
Itamaes enjoy preparing this because it gives them a chance to express their ingenuity. Creating an omakase meal is the same as creating a masterwork in the art world to the chef. He will work harder to ensure the diner gets an experience that will be unforgettable with his choices of ingredients and presentations. In fact, many diners have been inspired to take photographs of their meal before eating because the presentation was so beautiful.
It is a well recognized fact that the Japanese are a people who place high value on honor. When one puts his confidence in the itamae to select the meal and how it will be presented, one extends to him a great honor. Most will put only their best efforts into preparing a meal for patrons who have honored them in this fashion. Even familiar items will be handled with more care and a focus to detail.
Omakase is the greatest expression of trust to a sushi chef. It is also the opportunity for one who enjoys sushi to expand horizons and try new tastes. This may not be the meal choice for one who is set in his ways or does not like trying new things. However, it can heighten the experience for the ones who already enjoy sushi or entice some who have never tried sushi to consider it. Diners are assured they will be served the best and freshest of ingredients available, including seasonal offerings they might have never considered trying in the past. The presentation is certain to take the dining experience to a completely new level, with most itamaes putting additional effort into crafting a meal that is as visually appealing as it is delicious.
If you are interested in omakase and other information about sushi and sashimi, please check out The Sushi FAQ at http://www.sushifaq.com.
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