IKKO'S FILMS
Roppongi Hills has a popular Italian restaurant called "la Brianza". On Monday afternoons, the madams enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Hills. Yes, there is definitely a wealth gap. Today is a private event in my online salon. The owner and chef, Yoshiyuki Okuno, is amazing as he can cook dishes from 8 different regions in Italy. When I asked him if he could create a special menu featuring the cuisine of a specific region for this season, he recommended the Liguria region in Northwest Italy. So, we are going to enjoy a "Special Menu of Ligurian Regional Cuisine" (not normally offered on the menu). Ligurian cuisine is considered Mediterranean cuisine, with a balance of seafood and mountain produce. Some famous dishes include the fragrant basil-based "Genovese Pesto" and the salad "Cappon Magro" made with vegetables and seafood. I can't wait to see what dishes will be served. Here's what we enjoyed:
- Oysters: featuring "Senten" oysters that enhance the taste with a deep sea flavor.
- Focaccia: Liguria's own bread made with juicy olive oil, the sweetness of potatoes, and a chewy texture with a strong salty taste that keeps you coming back for more.
- Farinata: chickpea pancake baked in the oven after soaking the chickpeas for one day. Featuring "Stracchino cheese," nicknamed "tired cheese," with a chewy texture and a hint of acidity.
- Bacala Mantecato: dried cod dish with potatoes, Ligurian olives, anchovies, and olive oil. The richness, acidity, saltiness of anchovies, and the texture of cod create a perfect balance.
- Mesciua: a simple bean soup with three types of beans, artichokes, white beans, green peas, cabbage, olive oil, and a deep rich bean flavor.
- Raw Whitebait and Egg: an omelet with raw whitebait, fluffy with a simple expression of whitebait flavor.
- Ciuppin: a simple soup made with Liguria's most beloved fish, "Triglie," cooked with water, anchovies, potatoes, olive oil, creating a flavorful broth.
- Genovese Pesto: served with Maritati (short pasta). A rich and fragrant Genovese Pesto with a hint of garlic, mixed with tender pasta.
- Abbacchio (lamb): steamed lamb with white wine, Vermentino, butter, herbs, and rosemary.
- Creamino: a dessert similar to panna cotta but with coconut, creating a melting sensation without much jelly-like texture.
- Baked Chocolate: a new world of Italian flavors that excited everyone.
The bill came out to around 15,000 yen. Traditional Ligurian regional cuisine, valued by tradition but enhanced by Chef Okuno. We enjoyed the wonderful Ligurian dishes. Looking forward to trying cuisine from other regions next. Thank you for the delicious meal. *For more restaurant reviews, please visit my blog. Feel free to come and visit!