A memorial dinner at the Cerulean Tower Tokyo Hotel for the much respected, sadly departed Professor Yuko Hattori, Bailli Provincial of Kanto, was coupled with a celebration of World Chaîne Day.

The welcome toast was given by Chef Hiroyuki Sakai (Officier Maître Rôtisseur), known as the “King of Iron Chefs” who is Chef/Owner of La Rochelle, the French restaurant in Tokyo.

Then four Chefs - Executive Chef Fukuda, Chef Koga, Chef Baton, and Chef Chen - shared their memories of Professor Hattori by creating a menu which was a collaboration of French and Oriental cuisines.

MENU

Executive Chef Nobuhiko Fukuda
(Conseiller Culinaire)
Amuse-bouche
Grilled young sweetfish with salt
was enhanced by bamboo leaves and shoots,
the sweet aroma of Saikyo miso. Rape blossoms
and sansho pepper added a slightly spicy freshness
to the Japanese dish

Chef Junji Koga
(Maître Rôtisseur)
Shizuoka asparagus and Shinshu marinated salmon
ravigote sauce
[Professor Hattori’s seafood favourite]

Executive Chef Nobuhiko Fukuda
(Conseiller Culinaire)
Trio of cold pumpkin, new onion soup, chicken consommé
with pumpkin cubes and finely crushed seeds instead of croutons

Chef Kentaro Chen
(Maître Rôtisseur)
Lobster au gratin
chili sauce (ketchup, garlic, ginger, and sake brewing)
[Inspired by a dish made by his father the ‘Iron Chef’]

Hanamaki
Dried grilled shrimp
oven baked individually

Chef Philippe Batton
(Maître Rôtisseur)
Beef Wellington
Madeira sauce finished with a pinch of fleur de sel
potato puree, watercress

Executive Chef Nobuhiko Fukuda
(Conseiller Culinaire)
Pistachio mousse
coated with pistachio-flavoured white chocolate
peeking out from the cookie shell

The flow of courses was perfect starting with a light French style rising to the crescendo that was the Beef Wellington. All in all, it was a fitting tribute to our beloved Professor Hattori. May his soul rest in peace.

Mrs Mika Jo
Pair de la Chaîne

NB. This article is based on Mrs Jo's postings to the World Chaîne Day Social Media Wall and is therefore her personal take on the event.