Enjoy the Rich Cultural and Culinary Heritage of Ishikawa Prefecture’s Noto Region
For the fourth installment of its ‘Terroir Japan’ series, The Jade Room + Garden Terrace at The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon unveils Terroir Noto, a seasonal dining experience that is running until August 31. This summer’s Edition celebrates the rich cultural and culinary heritage of Ishikawa Prefecture’s Noto region.
We recently had an opportunity to try the meal and have to say, it lived up to expectations and then some. From the earthy Notokko shiitake mushroom and celery root appetizer to the freshest scallop with courgette flower and green tomato and Ishikawa sea bass with cucumber and mussels, every dish was exquisitely presented and tasted divine.
The Menu
We enjoyed a seven-course meal featuring several memorable plates, though the highlight was arguably the Noto black beef strip loin with cavolo nero and black garlic. The low melting temperature of the fat gave the meat a wonderful melt-in-your-mouth texture that tasted heavenly. It left a light and clean finish on the stomach and palate.
Each plate was paired with a glass of wine or sake. Head Sommelier Masakatsu Yatabe prepared the exclusive selection of drinks to enhance the flavors of the food, and that’s exactly what they did. Featuring boutique producers like Heidee Winery and Says Farm in Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures respectively, every glass was refreshing and very easy to drink.
The meal finished with two delightful desserts — muskmelon, junsai, sudachi and marigold, followed by fig, hazelnut and salt — before we moved on to a cup of tea and some chocolate. It concluded what had been a fantastic evening with some amazing dishes in a sophisticated setting, with Tokyo Tower serving as a stunning backdrop.
Chef de Cuisine Richard McLellan
The Jade Room + Garden Terrace is helmed by British Chef de Cuisine Richard McLellan, who has introduced menus that embrace Japan’s seasonal rhythms and regional diversity, paired with wine from the same region. Each chapter in the ‘Terroir Japan’ series explores a distinct locale, and this year, McLellan has turned his focus to the Noto region.
He was moved by the rich natural environment of Noto and the quality of its ingredients. The collaboration this year has an extra special meaning as a portion of the proceeds will go towards supporting recovery in the region. On New Year’s Day last year, Noto was hit by an earthquake that killed more than 650 people and caused widespread destruction
