This special post is specially for a friend of mine, Chef Kenny, who has joined this new family at Hinoki few months back, and of course, also in support of the Japanese & their produce. For the ignorant few, as long you don't gobble down a whole raw salmon (or any other fish) from THAT province of Japan or its neighbouring provinces, you are definitely fine with a few slices of sushi/sashimi. At the very least, trust our AVA.
Chef Lawrence Chia - joint owner of Hinoki
Think he looks familiar? Yupz, he is the younger brother and former joint-owner of the famous Tatsuya Japanese Restaurant in Goodwood Park Hotel, now owned by Chef Ronnie Chia. After splitting with his brother to join his Master, and then leaving to set up another joint venture, before finally settling down here in Hinoki with a few other partners, Chef Lawrence, with 20+ years of experience under his belt, has charmed many of his loyal followers to support him where ever he goes, which also forms the basis of his "never-say-die" attitude, together with his passion for cooking and bringing quality Japanese food to his customers.
Chef Gary Ng & Chef Kenny Hew
Helming the sushi counter with Chef Lawrence, is Chef Gary Ng (his assistant & partner) with 20years of experience under his belt, and my friend, Chef Kenny, as their new protege-in-grooming. Despite his lack of experience in formal Japanese cuisine preparation, Chef Kenny's sincerity and determination to learn and willingness to take hardship are the 2 main qualities which convinced his mentors to selflessly teach him all they know, and groom him to be the next 板长.
Part of the "fish counter" which is going to be in our dinner!
And of course, fresh horseraddish (definitely not my cup of tea)
Chef Lawrence grating the horseraddish in front of us
Getting ready for dinner!
Complimentary Starter - Crispy salmon belly skin
I personally don't like fried skin because of its oozing oil, but for those who like pork lard, it is a good starter to have with beer.
Complimentary treat from Chef Kenny - half of a Japanese Fruits Tomato (U.P. $12 each)
When i saw the whole tomato, and heard the price, my jaws drop. I think only the Japanese are able to convince people to pay so high for such a small thing! That being said, it has a clean, sweet and fresh taste, imagine the sweetest variety of cherry tomatoes minus abit of the seeds.
Complimentary Salad - not my cup of tea too
Complimentary Starter no 2 - Century Egg Tofu
This was very interesting. Century egg sauce/puree smothered on a cube of silky soft tofu, topped with fish/tobiko roe, nice!
My dinner set - Sushi Bento ($32)
On a normal hungry day, this portion is just right for me to finish without feeling hungry after that, but last night was a not-so-hungry day, so cant help feeling that i kinda over-estimated my appetite (blame it on the very beautiful photo of this set in the Menu!). That aside, the seafood were fresh, portion of sushi rice to topping is just right (although Chef Gary claims that he purposely used less rice for me so i can eat more, lol), and the excitement of seeing your food prepared in front of you with concentration just gives you the determination to finish your food in appreciation of the chef(s) that prepared it. (PS: Tried as hard as i might, i still couldnt finish 1 and a half pieces of maki and 3 pieces of sushi rice, oops!). The chawanmushi that came with the set was different from those you get outside, there were no ingredients in it, just pure smooth steamed egg with a rich dashi stock.
Complimentary dessert - Matcha ice cream
Smooth and full of matcha flavour, definitely not the icy type you get in some supermarkets. Friend loved it so much, she wanted to order from the restaurant, but it only came in huge 2kg tubs, so too bad for her.
Complimentary Sake treat from Chef Lawrence
Sake Treat no 1- Unfiltered sake served cold
Smooth-tasting, and easy on the throat, this lightly alcoholic(13% i think?) sake tastes very subtlely of fermented rice, with 一点点的米香. Good for ladies who can drink.
Complimentary Sake from Chef Kenny
Complimentary Sake no 2 - Sparkling Sake
The Japanese's answer to a Moscato wine, this sparkling sake is much lighter and sweeter than all the other types of sake (7% i think), and is definitely a pleasant ladies' after-dinner drink. My favourite among all the sakes i have tasted so far, 1 bottle of it to myself is definitely no problem for me.
And finally, a group shot!
Many thanks to the 3 musketeers behind the sushi counter, Chefs Lawrence, Gary and Kenny for their hospitality and generosity with all the complimentary courses (both food courses and lesson courses). Do support them at this new place if you like Japanese cuisine, and like interacting with chefs. If you do not like crowds, its advisable to come for dinner instead, because lunch time will be pretty packed with the office crowd coming for a quick bento fix.
Hinoki Japanese Restaurant
22 Cross Street
#01-50/53 China Square Central, South Bridge Court
For reservations: 6536 7746
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