Omotenashi
An experience with the wow factor!!
Omotenashi is a bit of an enigma - their website doesn't give anything away and the venue is situated in the Lexus showroom in Hobart. The mystery that surrounded our evening ahead all created a sense of anticipation and wonder. John booked Omotenashi for a special celebration dinner and was hoping it would live up to the media review which prompted the reservation. With the name, we pondered how much of a Japanese influence there would be. We knew we had to be there promptly at 6.30 and that there was only one sitting per evening for 12 very lucky guests.
In Japan, the concept of omotenashi is about showing the ultimate hospitality towards guests, originating from the tea ceremony. It is hard to define in English and is about genuine hospitality from one's heart, not hiding behind pretence or show. I think this space, with its passionate hosts sharing their food from the heart, is aptly named.
On arrival we were shown to a comfortable seating area and served a lovely glass of sparkling. We chatted to the other guests and savoured the anticipation of the meal ahead. We were then ushered to the dining area, a low bench with 12 seats around it all facing to the open kitchen. Even though the kitchen is located in a car showroom, the sense of theatre and ambience shone through, with gorgeous floral arrangements, curated lighting and a modern, sophisticated colour palette.
Each evening, the menu changes and diners are served morsels of delicious, fresh, seasonal local produce. Seafood was a highlight of our meal and we were delighted with the local foraging which graced our plates. Every single dish was mouth-wateringly delicious.
Each dish was accompanied with a story, a snippet of interesting information or some history. This was as interesting as the food and created a very unique experience.
Many of the ingredients were home grown, home made or sourced very locally - our dining companions included two producers whose products were included on the evening's menu - wine and honey. How special to have the people creating the fresh ingredients to be enjoying it alongside you!
Each dish was also accompanied by a beverage, alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Again, all were interesting and included wine, sake, beer and home fermented kombuchas. Glasses were refilled frequently and diners could switch between drinks which was helpful for designated drivers.
I cannot overstate how delicious the flavours were in each dish. The flavour combinations were sublime and each dish was a feast for the eye, as well as the taste buds. Just as a Japanese meal should be - simple, elegant, using only the best ingredients.
Everything about the experience was tinged with Japanese culture - from the hot towel on arrival to the flavours and dishes served, the excellent selection of sake, the implements and the humble yet matter-of fact manner of our hosts. It was clear they were confident with their food choices and they had every right to be - they were spot on!
My favourite dish was probably the chawanmushi, made with a delicious mushroom dashi which was full of umami, and topped with spring onion oil. I loved this so much that I went home to recreate it with shiitakes from the Farmers' Market then very next day. So good - still some testing to get to Omotenashi level though! The custard was silky and smooth and the flavour was divine.
One of the guest favourites was the amazing milk bread or shokupan. These beautiful soft, briochey type buns were so good! There were three allocated per guest and I wished I had space for my last one!
Several of the dished were cooked on the hibachi grill which lends a lovely, smoky flavour to the food. The wallaby was delicious and tender.
Normally on this blog I describe each dish, however at Omotenashi every evening is different so I am hoping to share the flare and passion behind the menu and the uniqueness of each experience. I think you could go every night and have a completely different set of dishes and flavours.
The dessert was served in a two layer bento box. Each item in the box was carefully considered and created with care and fabulous presentation. My favourite was probably the castella cake which was soft and spongey and oozing honey syrup.
Overall, Omotenashi was a wonderful evening full of delicious food, beverages and theatre. We enjoyed every dish offered and the stories behind each creation. We finished with a delicious tea made with foraged dandelions.
The whole restaurant is wheelchair friendly with a flat pathway in, accessible toilets and the seating at a good height.
We can't wait to return!
Omotenashi website:
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