Teppanyaki Hosted by a Female Chef

I had a delightful surprise dining experience at the hotel's restaurant, enjoying teppanyaki. The 'performance' was led by a female chef. In today's world, this is no longer a novelty. Female chefs can be found at renowned restaurants like Four Seasons' Kiku at The Royal Garden Hotel and Mok San's Michelin-starred establishments. The meal began with tomatoes and toast. The chef added a bit of alcohol to create a 'flame' effect, showcasing her skilled techniques with flair. Japanese tomatoes are naturally sweet, and while you can add a pinch of sea salt if you like, I found them perfect on their own or paired with the crispy toast. The grilled mackerel, slightly tangy, was a great appetizer to whet the appetite. I sometimes dread eating abalone because many chefs overcook it, making it as tough as rubber. However, this was not an issue here. The abalone was perfectly cooked, tender, and simply accompanied by a green seaweed sauce. The star of the meal was, of course, the Kuroge Wagyu beef. The chef carefully selected two different cuts, sirloin and tenderloin, offering diners a dual taste experience. Lightly seared on the teppan, Japanese Wagyu is always delicious. The tenderloin was soft and tender, while the sirloin had a richer flavor. Both cuts were memorable, and the chef thoughtfully paired them with vegetables to balance the richness of the Wagyu, showing great attention to detail. Before dessert, we had fried rice. Unlike the typical Hong Kong style where each grain is distinct, the chef here pressed the rice into a cake-like form, giving it a unique, chewy texture that was equally enjoyable. I rarely finish every grain of rice, but I did this time. We then moved to the elegantly decorated side room to savor the desserts. The simple sorbet was refreshing and delightful, paired with crispy wafers for added texture. Having already had numerous cups of coffee, I opted for Earl Grey tea to conclude the meal, which was a wise choice! Restaurant Information: Takumi Teppanyaki 1st Floor, The Strings Hotel, 4-60-7 Hiraike-cho, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture