Donguri Restaurant

Executive Chef's Note-December 2011

Dear Friends,

It is hard to believe we are into the last month of the year- December! A realization that time does fly so quickly.

I am sure many of you are busy with holiday shopping, family or office gatherings. An evening at Donguri may be a welcomed respite from the bustle of the season. My special Donburi dishes alone may be well worth the visit. Donburi’s are “one bowl dishes” with savory toppings over hot rice or noodles. Traditionally considered a comfort food, I couldn’t resist serving a donburi that celebrates the purity and freshness of the sea.

The Uni Donburi Soba is prepared with fresh sea urchin, hand-harvested from the kelp beds of the California coastline. I gingerly arrange each sea urchin over chilled soba noodles, keeping in tact the “uni” which has an uncanny resemblance to a cat’s tongue. Enjoyed with a touch of wasabi, it’s succulent and sweet texture will literally melt in your mouth.

"Uni Donburi Soba"

In contrast, is the Buri Donburi which is prepared with a rich and buttery yellowtail from Japan, over warm rice. Best enjoyed during the winter months, Buri is a premium fish that is not only delicious but rich in nutrients and Omega 3. It is often said that a Japanese New Year’s meal is never complete without serving the luxurious Buri.

“Buri Donburi”

If you have never discovered Berkshire Pork Belly, you have been missing a culinary experience. The Berkshire hogs have been recognized as producing supreme quality pork for over 300 years. Known as the “Kurobuta” in Japan, they are now raised here in the United States and revered by so many chefs today. I simply grill it to enhance its aromatic flavor. A full bodied red wine will heighten this sumptuous experience.

“Grilled Berkshire Pork Belly"

With only a few weeks away before 2012, I hope you will finish off the year with a special evening with us. Until then, wishing you and your family a happy holiday season!

Best regards,

Chef Kagawa

Hitoshi Kagawa

Donguri Restaurant
Chef/Proprietor

ITO EN LTD