Enso uses fresh seafood flown directly from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market for its sashimi-and-sushi platter. — Photos: JAROD LIM/The Star
Celebrate with Japanese cuisine, fireworks showcase in KL
THERE is a Japanese restaurant in Kuala Lumpur where traditional artistry meets modern elegance, set against views of the city skyline.
Enso Izakaya & Bar at Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur in KL Midtown is presenting a New Year’s Eve dinner set menu that blends seasonal Japanese treasures with modern luxury.
Executive chef Masami Okamoto has also taken great care to ensure the kaiseki-style menu includes festive items that are symbolic of the occasion in Japanese culture.
“The menu celebrates Japanese New Year traditions and features seasonal ingredients, presented in a simple and refined style,” said Okamoto whose career has taken him to France, Germany, Singapore and Switzerland.
His stint in Switzerland earned the Japanese restaurant that he led a Michelin star and a 17-point Gault-Millau rating in Zurich.
Now at Enso, Okamoto serves an array of authentic Japanese fare, including fresh seafood flown directly from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market and a diverse selection of izakaya-style small plates.
Crispy sushi rice topped with T’lur Kaluga Amur Caviar (front) and Hokkaido Scallop Tartare.
The New Year’s Eve dinner set menu begins with Enso’s signature appetiser of crispy sushi rice featuring seasonal treat Hokkaido Scallop Tartare, Ikura with Avocado-Wasabi Sauce and in-house speciality T’lur Kaluga Amur Caviar with Avocado-Wasabi Sauce.
Next comes the zouni, a Japanese soup made with mochi (rice cake), chicken and shiitake mushrooms.
“Zouni is a dish traditionally served during the New Year as it symbolises good fortune and a fresh start for the year ahead,” said Okamoto.
The third course offers a feast for the eyes and palate. It showcases a sashimi-and-sushi platter theatrically presented amid a veil of dry ice.
It offers sashimi of salmon, toro (fatty tuna belly) and kanpachi (greater amberjack), while the sushi comprises ikura (salmon roe), salmon and aka ebi (red sweet prawn).
Ebi Renkon Hasamiage (prawn and lotus root fritter).
Following this is Gindara Miso (miso-marinated black cod fillet charred using a Binchotan grill with pickles) and Ebi Renkon Hasamiage (prawn and lotus root ritter).
Binchotan is premium Japanese white charcoal that is favoured for grilling delicate items. Using this white charcoal to grill food results in better flavour preservation.
The main course ends with a comforting serving of Gyuniku Shabu-Shabu, highlighting A4 Japanese Miyazaki Wagyu beef striploin accompanied by udon.
The shabu-shabu (Japanese hotpot) features a light dashi soup base.
Diners who favour a stronger taste profile can pair their beef striploin with a ponzu (citrus-soy) sauce or sesame sauce.
Okamoto’s New Year’s Eve menu includes festive items that are symbolic of the occasion in Japanese culture. — Courtesy photo
Although Toshikoshi Soba is the traditional dish used to mark the transition to the New Year, Okamoto has opted for udon instead of the buckwheat noodles, while still honouring the noodles’ symbolism of longevity.
“Shabu-shabu and lotus root are included as these are traditional Japanese winter ingredients, with lotus root symbolising a positive future and shabu-shabu favoured for its warming properties,” he said.
Dessert comes in the form of Kurogoma Ice-Cream Monaka (black sesame ice-cream, mochi, strawberry and monaka, crisp wafers that sandwich a sweet filling).
The set menu is priced at RM488+ per person. It is available on Dec 31, from 5pm to 10pm.
Enso is also hosting a New Year’s Eve countdown themed “Tokyo Neon Spectacular” that promises a night of vibrant energy with a private fireworks showcase.
Enso’s main indoor dining room blends open-plan seating with semi-private areas, inspired by a Japanese farmhouse.
The countdown runs from 10pm to 2am with a cover charge of RM150 nett per person, inclusive of two drinks.
Dinner guests enjoy complimentary entry to the countdown.
Enso presently offers a dinner menu but next year, it will expand into daytime hours with a new semi-buffet on Saturdays.
ENSO IZAKAYA & BAR, Level 4, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown, Jalan Dutamas 2, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: 03-3093 1234). Business hours: 5pm-1am (Tues-Thurs), 5pm-2am (Fri, Sat). Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
