This post comes a little late as Natto Day is always on July 10th and this year's dinner actually fell on the 10th. But better late than never. So this year's celebration was actually the 5th year it was celebrated so perpetual organizers Scott Pang, Greg Sekiya and Mari Taketa chose the original venue for their first celebration; Tokkuri Tei (it was held at The Pig and the Lady the past 3 years). Chef Santa Miyoshi created 20 dishes buffet style for the big event. The upper level of Tokkuri Tei was reserved for friends and family of the Uehara, owners of Aloha Tofu who provided all of the natto with the cold food selections lining the upper counter while the lower level was for the general particpants with the hot food selections lining the lower counter.
The whole restaurant was used for Natto Day with this hilarious disclaimer on the front door...
I started the evening with a nigori sake (cloudy, unfiltered sake)...
This is what the cold selections looked like...
Natto Rock-N-Roll
Spicy Tuna, Natto Tempura and Walnut Shrimp Sauce
Aloha Natto Tofu Salad
Waimanalo Greens, Aloha Tofu and Natto Dressing
Natto Mentaiko Mac Salad
Macaroni, Mentaiko, Cucumber, Natto and Mayonnaise
Natto Lomi Salmon Poke
Natto, Tasmanian King Salmon, Onion, Masago and Tomato
Football Natto
Cone Sushi Wrap, Ahi, Scallion, Corn and Tempura Flakes
Natto Spicy Tuna Chip
Ahi, Cucumber, Masago and Nori Tempura
Natto Caprese
Tomato, Mozzarella, Natto Pesto and Natto Balsamic Reduction
Natto Moro Q
Cucumber, Moro Miso, Natto
Chilled Natto Soup
Soft Tofu, Okura, Shiso, Ikura and Yamaimo
And what the hot selections looked like...
Natto Squid Pancake
Natto, Squid, Cabbage, Tempura Flakes and Okonomiyaki Sauce
Natto Jaga
Kurobuta Belly with Potato and Natto Sauce
Natto Eggplant Dengaku
Deep Fried Eggplant with Natto Miso Sauce
Natto Tori Nanban
Japanese Style Fried Chicken with Natto Tartar Sauce
Natto Lasagna
Natto Red Sauce and Natto White Sauce
We also uncorked a 2014 Clos Ste Magdelaine Rose ($25 corkage)... one of my favorites Roses...
Along with a Riesling (also $25 corkage)...
What out plates looked like (there was also a Unagi Natto Risotto, Natto Ravioli and Natto-Roni and Cheese but by the time the serving vessels were uncovered, there was a mad rush so I didn't photos of those hot selections...
They also served several desserts including Natto Creme Puffs, Natto Brittle on Haupia and Natto Andagi...
Dinner favors also provided by Aloha Tofu...
I enjoyed every dish and was totally stuffed by the time we left. I can't wait until next year's Natto Day!...
Comments