Monograph Japanese Supperclub
Japanese food is a real art form and so to find myself sat in the backstreets of Shoreditch at a supper club run by an Italian, serving the most beautifully prepared and well thought out food was something.
Each course, although small, was indeed perfectly formed and the quantities in fact judged to perfection. Easing us in with a little explanation of why we were there and the thought process behind the food, our host for the evening explained in impassioned and heartfelt terms his love for Japanese food and how this often provokes surprise.
Frankly, given the quality of the food, I think more Italians out to try it and perhaps put down their basil and passata. Starting with some pickles and cucumber just to whet our palates, before proceeding on to a beautiful, simple clear soup of smoked mackerel and wild rocket the tone was one of delicacy and careful thought. The main event was perfectly cooked marinated salmon served simply with Japanese rice and soya sauce served in a small spray bottle to minimise waste and to avoid drowning the food. A very neat touch and one that, as the chef himself said, derives from his almost obsessive attention to detail.
Finally ending with a selection of delicious Japanese desserts we all were left with a perfect sense of contentment and satiation. If you get the chance to go to this delightful little supper club I highly recommend it.
The details can be found here and also on Facebook and Twitter. There are two more evenings of this round on the 20th and 27th June.
Reporter: Peter Churchill