ninme

The Times - Sushi and Stars

The news that Michelin has seen fit to award Tokyo a galaxy of stars was greeted with cries of “banzai!” by one of the eight new three-star chefs, and general Japanese jubilation. But although the Japanese were gracious enough to be pleased by the praise, it cannot have come as a surprise that once the Michelin inspectors arrived, 91 years after they began grading restaurants, they were impressed. Tokyo has 190,000 restaurants, and sushi chefs routinely spend seven years training to make distinctions between parts of tuna belly that baffle most Western diners, but which are essential when pleasing a subtle palate. …

Tokyo was the first Asian city covered by Michelin, and another secret Asian location is being scouted. Now they have progressed from Europe and the US, who can blame them? Having encountered sashimi in Japan, the inspectors will be clamouring for laksa in Singapore and noodles in Beijing. Enviable tasks, indeed.

ninme envies, she envies!