N/naka - Modern Kaiseki

n/naka x porridge + puffs

really loved this n/naka x porridge + puffs ekiben bento collaboration. chef phan can really turn up the flavor yet still keep everything in balance.

and now @PorkyBelly’s power rankings, sponsored by @rlw:

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1. shrimp tempura spring roll, numbing calamansi ponzu
i could eat 10 of these, the calamansi ponzu was a brilliant complement for the spring roll. and the nori and rice paper mashup really worked.
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2. panko-fried calamari with makrut
expertly fried and i really liked the addition of the makrut to give this another dimension.
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3. grilled pork meatballs with leeks + lemongrass
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4. porridge - koda farms heirloom rice, dos pueblos ranch smoked abalone, nori oil, lacto-fermented verjus
the porridge reminded me of lumpy mashed potatoes, in a good way.
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5. sweet potato + kabocha salad
this was surprisingly good, sweet, creamy, crunchy.
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6. yuzu-grilled local kanpachi
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7. tarragon gooseberry cake, passion fruit swiss meringue
just a hint of tarragon @TheCookie, and nicely balanced with the sweet meringue.
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8. louat agar + elixir
play on vietnamese thach?
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9. shiso-pickled egg
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10. braised beef rice spaetzle, five spice dashi, burnt onion oil
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shout out to the herb slaw and p+p pickles

as with any n/naka meal, a second bang is required, per protocol.

https://www.foodtalkcentral.com/t/kato-extended-tasting-menu/5737/109?u=porkybelly

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