NYWFF: Rock 'N' Roll With Morimoto

By: Reena Mehta
Blue Ginger Sushi

I was fortunate enough to attend "Rock 'n' Roll with Morimoto and Friends: A Sushi Singing and Karaoke Soiree" at the prestigious Harvard Club for the New York Food and Wine Festival. In a word, the event was superb combining two of my favorite loves – sushi and Karaoke!

Morimoto

The evening began with the masterful Morimoto skillfully carving up the largest tuna I had ever seen. In a flash his entire team created delicate pieces of white rice sushi including avocado, wasabi, cucumber, nori and the precious pink fish. After Morimoto's exciting show I dove into the exquisite fresh fish bites presented by local New York City restaurants. Here are a few of the outstanding highlights.

Big Eye Carpaccio

Roy's Hawaii featured an "All Island" big eye carpaccio with a peppery parmesan, Kalamata olive arrare, and an edamame tapenade. The sharp bite of the cheese with the tenderized big eye tuna was an unexpected mix of flavors balanced with a bit of lemon juice.

Bar Paya

Next I devoured a colorful rainbow of fresh crab, avocado and spicy corn nuts wrapped in a purple potato presented by Bar Paya. The crispy corn nuts and smoothly molded potato perfectly showcased the sweet crab.

Marcus Samuelson serving up mini crab tacos

As the night progressed I had the pleasure of meeting the gracious Marcus Samuelsson . He was personally serving up mini crab tacos and silky soba noodles from the newly opened Red Rooster.

Oyster

Matsuri presented a killer Kumamoto oyster dressed up with yuzu ice, seaweed salad and soy vinaigrette. The marvelous shellfish shined with the icy textures that would make any oyster lover swoon.

Ming Tsai

Finally I indulged myself by snapping a pic with Food Network's veteran chef Ming Tsai from Blue Ginger. He served sweet black rice sushi and cured salmon with sweet syrupy soy and miso sauce.

As the party came to a close the crowd was sent off with none other than Morimoto and a few of his friends singing the nineties classic Poison by Bell Biv Devoe. If only all sushi meals ended with classic Karaoke!

—Reena Mehta

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