Appetite for Good

Mother’s Day 2010 in New York City arrived on a chilly and windy day that was very unfitting of its May setting. Luckily, I was able to give my mom (and dad) a cozy spring-like experience at EN Japanese Brasserie last Sunday, with the Sakura Kaiseki menu.

Matsuri’s interior is a perfect mirror reflection of Chef Tadashi Ono and his cooking – understated and unpretentious. Not meant to be ostentatious or flashy, the décor takes you to Japan – more specifically, a welcoming modern izakaya – where you can enjoy the food in its natural habitat.

Compassion. That’s not a word that comes to mind when someone mentions a Michelin star restaurant in New York City. You probably think “extravagant” or “exotic”. But compassion is exactly what Eric Ripert of Le Bernardin and David Chang of Momofuku Ko are.

I walked into the LUCKYRICE Talk + Taste event without knowing exactly what to expect. All I knew was that I’d get the opportunity to taste the delectable creations of 5 renowned Asian chefs. What I got was a lot more than just that.

Saturday evening was a perfect night for a feast. A Grand Feast, that is. The 36th floor of the Mandarin Oriental was the perfect setting for the LUCKYRICE Festival Grand Feast. Right in the heart of Columbus Circle by the southwest corner of Central Park, the ballroom of the Mandarin offered a 180° view of the Park.

Do you like Asian food? Yes? Good, me too. Oh and I’m not saying that because I happen to be Asian. I think Asian food, and love of it, is universal. This is what LUCKYRICE is all about: appreciating every aspect of Asian cuisine.