Tuesday 5 February 2013

This isn't really about sushi

Jiro Ono is a 85 year old three Michelin star chef.

I must clarify - he is 85 years old - and still working. 
Still upholding his three Michelin stars.

When I feel like I am getting old, when I feel like complacent, 
when I feel like something is just pretty good or good enough, 
I watch this as a reminder of sorts.


 This movie reinvigorates you in a way that is in real time.

 This is not about overnight stardom, this is not a quick fix, or a Malcolm Gladwell-esque, "Oh, just put it on the middle shelf and paint in lavender and it will sell like hotcakes" message.

If anything, this is sort of like the Karate Kid for sushi makers.



He is a samurai of the culinary arts.


Jiro Ono, center. 
 His eldest son on the right, Yoshikazu Ono.
He should have a chat with Prince Charles 
about parents who won't retire.

He embodies the spirit of the shokunin;
the Japanese word for extremely skilled crafts person 
who strives for absolute perfection.
He redefines "detail". 

I have included the link here to watch online and it is in 6 parts so if time is limited you can watch in 6 installments.
You can watch it here.

I just need to try and get a reservation which is known to be one of the hardest reservations to obtain in the world.

Dare I say, while he is still alive. 

This man is literally a national living treasure for Japan due to his contribution to the national cuisine.

He has been making sushi since he was 9.

If you are lucky enough to get a reservation, 
don't expect a long boozy lunch.

They serve only sushi and only nineteen pieces of it.


No teriyaki or California rolls here darling.


  The meal will take about thirty minutes.


There are ten booth seats and 3 tables and 
it is in an unassuming underground arcade. 

No chintz nor pillars here.


And those thirty minutes will cost you 300,000 yen which is about 
$ 325.00 and remember they don't tip in Japan. 

You could easily pay that for sushi in most metropolitan areas for mediocre sushi.


I think I would go alone and imbibe the food solemnly
as if it were holy communion.


The modern triumvirate pictured above: 
from left to right, Robuchon, Ripert, and Bourdain.

Joel Robuchon, acclaimed to be one of the best chefs in the world, says he had an emotional experience while eating there.

 Anthony Bourdain who has probably been wined and dined by the best in the world said he had probably one of his best meals here.

Eric Ripert says he has never eaten rice like this.

You get the picture...

Check out the restaurant's website,
 Sukiyabashi Jiro here.







11 comments:

  1. Despite being a nutritionist, I'm not particularly adventurous with food - hence you don't see many recipe posts on my blog - consequently I've never tasted sushi! However given the critical acclaim of this chef (and his age), I would be willing to give it a try; as long as I remember my credit card!

    http://forcailini.blogspot.com

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  2. This would be nirvana for our family!

    Thank you for your recent comment on my post about Ikea Hackers.

    I am happy to be a new follower of yours. :-)

    Cheers!

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  3. Adorable post Naomi! I love celebrating age, and especially ageing with beauty and grace! xo Caroline

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  4. This is a fabulous post about a very intriguing man! Love this story very much!

    ='.'=)
    -Lauren at adorn la femme

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  5. I love cultures that encourage folk to work past retirement age, enforced retirement is the death of many people.

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  6. This is such an interesting post celebrating this amazing chef. It's great that he is able to continue doing what he enjoys and the restaurant sounds like an amazing experience.
    http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/

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  7. You always share the most interesting things! I think I heard about him before...maybe through A Cup of Jo, but I can't remember. Thanks for sharing! I need to watch it all...

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  8. Loved "solemnly.. as if communion"

    japanese prob my favorite food. My daughter is 12 and her fave food is sushi specifically sake nigiri salmon. I often daydream about sushi.

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  9. Wandered over here from Wendy's blog and found this post - well, saw it suggested in those little linkwithin pictures, clicked away and missed my chance, and then had to search for it, so in case you were wondering why someone was searching your blog for sushi, there's the explanation!

    Anyway. I loved this movie, and think of it often as well. There's something to be said for focus.

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    1. Hi Abby! I really loved this movie too. I think we have lost a bit of focus with the overnight success tv formats of x fact and americas got talent etc. I watch this once a year just to remind myself of the virtues of craft.

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    2. I love the idea of watching it annually. I have recommended this movie to so many people, I should start inviting them over to watch it and then I can see it again too.

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