What does an autumn meal look like at the Japanese table? As the leaves of the trees take on a thousand shades, the wild geese return, and the dry, fresh air sweeps away the nostalgia of summer.
Chestnuts and mushrooms mingle with the warm flavors of sweet potatoes. Lotus roots crunch between the teeth. The burgundy lacquered plate gleams with a soft sheen. The steaming tea invigorates. The aroma of the rice intoxicates us. A feast for the senses. The Japanese don't seek the emotional impact of a particular dish, but rather the experience of a moment of complete harmony.
A land of youth, boasting the highest global longevity, Japan equates beauty with healthy eating. The Japanese have built a balanced meal around rice, their staple grain, a meal that follows the rhythm of the seasons. They call it “ ichiju sansai.” It consists of three small protein dishes: fish or meat, vegetables accompanied by misoshiru (pickled vegetables), and other fermented foods.
Itadakimasu ! Before we begin, a breath. Let's join our hands to celebrate the ingredients and the bountiful earth. With the gentle touch of chopsticks, let's immerse ourselves in the scene. And let's take the time to savor the energy of autumn at our own pace.