Gastronomy: Chef Jeff Ramsey Of Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo Claims “Sushi Of The Year” Award In London
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Gastronomy: Chef Jeff Ramsey Of Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo Claims “Sushi Of The Year” Award In London
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Category: Europe
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2006-11-22
Chef Jeff Ramsey, whose cutting-edge Tapas Molecular Bar at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo has introduced Tokyoites and overseas guests to the molecular culinary movement, has been named Winner of the “Sushi of the Year Award” at the first global Sushi Awards 2006 held in London on 24 October 2006.
Chef Ramsey’s creation, entitled “Electric Eel”, drew its inspiration from the classic sushi dish featuring eel simmered in a thick, sweet stock; but he introduced a modern twist by combining the traditional ingredients with roast pineapple and sichuan buttons for an electrifying burst of flavor. Chef Ramsey was honoured for “preserving the true Japanese aesthetic of harmony and balance while using ideas and flavors from modern gastronomy.”
Seven of the world’s most talented sushi chefs representing Japan, the US and the UK were invited to compete in the event sponsored by Eat-Japan, an organization that promotes Japanese food, drink and culture throughout the UK. The participants’ creativity and technical skills were judged by a panel of ten food industry experts. Upon receiving the award, Chef Ramsey commented, “It’s truly an honour to have won, but also just to have been part of this culinary and cultural exchange, which promotes the fine art of preparing Japanese sushi.” An American who has worked in sushi bars in the US and Japan, Chef Ramsey has in past years taken home both gold and silver awards at the Creative Sushi Competitions overseen by the US-based National Sushi Society.
At Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo’s popular Tapas Molecular Bar over which Chef Ramsey presides, he and his team assemble a seasonal degustation menu of more than 20 exquisite dishes, which are offered during two sittings each night at 6:00 pm and 8:30 pm respectively. Since opening nearly a year ago, the popular Oriental Lounge Tapas Counter has generated a one-month waiting list. However diners are rewarded for their patience when they secure one of the seven coveted Tapas Counter seats, where they can enjoy innovative taste sensations like flourless, al dente linguine fashioned from parmesan cheese and desserts flash-frozen in liquid nitrogen, theatrically presented 38 floors above the city skyline. Though consumed in just a mouthful or two, each dish is the result of labour-intensive preparation; as the goal is to intrigue both the imagination and palate of the consumer and when Chef Ramsey next revises his menu in December, it’s likely to reflect creative inspirations gathered from his recent culinary exchange and travels in the UK and Spain.
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