๐ ShoMon Kappo Sushi | November Menu Highlights
As November settles in Seattle, the chill in the air is gracefully countered by the seasonal menu at ShoMon Kappo Sushi, offering a warm and immersive Japanese dining experience. Tucked away from the bustling city, this kaiseki restaurant embraces the philosophy of "shun no aji" (the taste of the season), masterfully weaving the bounty of autumn forests and oceans into this month's creations. ๐ Matsutake Soup: The Essence of an Autumn Forest This seemingly clear broth is, in fact, a concentrated masterpiece crafted with meticulous care. Using premium Japanese matsutake mushrooms flown in daily, the soup is slow-cooked at 60ยฐC for three hours to preserve the mushroom's distinct woody aroma. The broth itself is delicately prepared with Hokkaido kombu and katsuobushi (bonito flakes), resulting in an amber-hued clarity. ๐ Chutoro: An Autumn Offering from the Sea This seasonโs bluefin tuna is at its peak richness. The chef specially selects wild tuna from ลma in Aomori Prefecture, with the chutoro (medium-fatty tuna) boasting a perfect fat content and a beautiful marbling of pink flesh and snow-white fat. ๐ Mackerel (Saba): A Remarkable Transformation Mackerel, often avoided for its assertive flavor, is elevated here through masterful preparation. The chef uses the traditional "su-jime" method, briefly marinating the fish in a house-blended red vinegar to remove any bitterness while firming the texture. ๐ถ The Art of Sake Pairing The sommelier highly recommends the Kikurihime Junmai Daiginjo as an accompaniment. This sake, extracted using the "fukurozuri" (bag-dripping) method, carries delicate aromas of melon and white peach, with a light yet complex body. Its pairing with the matsutake soup is particularly inspiredโthe fruity notes of the sake interact beautifully with the earthy fragrance of the mushrooms, showcasing the natural harmony between washoku (Japanese cuisine) and sake. ๐ A Thoughtful Dining Experience This season, the restaurant has thoughtfully adjusted its lighting to a warm golden tone, complementing the handmade pottery and autumn floral arrangements to create an intimate and cozy atmosphere. The service team offers detailed explanations of each dish, allowing guests to appreciate not only the flavors but also the cultural stories behind them. ๐ Restaurant Details ShoMon Kappo Sushi 2301 5th Ave #102, Seattle, WA 98121 Reservations recommended 2 weeks in advance ๐ท๏ธ #KaisekiCuisine #TasteOfTheSeason #MatsutakeSeason #WashokuAesthetics #SeattleFoodGuide
