With the Easter and Labour Day holidays approaching, some people have decided to take a short trip to Japan to enjoy the delicate cuisine and exquisite landscape of this land of rising Sun. But before you buckle your seatbelt, there is no harm to take a detour to the Japanese fine dining restaurant Yamazato in Hotel Okura Macau for some pre-trip genuine washoku. From March 11 until 31, Yamazato is holding an Oita Food Festival, offering its customers an Oita set lunch and set dinner with ingredients from the Oita Prefecture.
Toyohiko Ota, Vice-Governor of the Oita Profecture has arrived at Macau yesterday, bringing with him some of the best produce from the area, including Kabosu Buri Yellowtail, Dried Shiitake Mushrooms and Oita Bungo Beef.
According to the Vice-Governor, the Oita Bungo Beef has such a nice distribution of fat that it delivers a melting mouth feel. This can be attributed to the fact that the cattle is raised in the mountainous region in the Prefecture, allowing them to take full benefits from the natural environment.
The other ingredient that the Vice-Governor has recommended is the Kabosu Buri (Kabosu fed) Yellowtail. "Kabosu" is a citrus originated from Japan, almost exclusively grown in Oita. This may be the reason the Oita Prefecture has chosen to create its mascot out of the fruit. It is said that the grinded kabosu that is mixed with the fish feed can improve the taste of the meat and cleanse the fish.
Of course, Oita is more than its impressive produces. The prefecture is also a famous tourist area. The Vice-Governor specially recommended its hot spring, saying that the experience is both "deluxe and comforting".
With the superb ingredients, the Executibe Chef of Yamazato, Akira Hayashi has created several dishes for the lunch and dinner set menu, including the Sashimi of Kabosu Buri Yellowtail, Kabosu Flatfish, and Squid with Kelp, Grilled Kabosu Buri Yellowtail and Shiitake Mushroom with Teriyaki and Grilled Oita Bungo Beef Steak.
The texture of the Kabosu Buri Yellowtail sashimi is firmer and more solid than that of salmon, but is obvious less fishy, thanks to the Kabosu. The Grilled Oita Bungo Beef Steak is just like how the Vice-Governor has described – melt in your mouth. The solid texture and excellent aroma of the Shiitake Mushroom with Teriyaki can easily conquer each and every taste bud of yours with its flavour.
And these are just part of the Oita Food Festival. Seize the chance of a 20% off discount for Macau ID holders and take this journey to the deliciousness at Hotel Okura!