Cross-Cultural and Authentic Japanese Dining Experience at Sekitori

When I was invited to a food tasting at Sekitori, I was wondering where did I first heard it. Then I recall later that they have a branch in Little Tokyo, Makati. Sekitori is a title for a starting sumo wrestler.

The owner is Seto Masakazu. He used to be a sumo wrestler but he quit because he does not able to continue due to the pressures of the work. Instead, he succeeded in something else. He wanted to be a teacher but he end up operating a Japanese restaurant in the Philippines. Sekitori is located along Pasong Tamo since 2005.

For Seto-san, it was not an easy. It has a series of ups-and-downs before he settles down. You may compare his story to a known biographical TV series. Seto-San arranged that most of his ingredients are from the best of Japan has to offer. This is how authentic Japanese dining Sekitori is.

The difference in this new branch in Ortigas, Sekitori dishes is presented like art while in the original branch is presented like served in a typical Japanese home. The only ingredient that is local is the calamansi. Japan does not the same fruit that the Japanese also like.

Probably the most impressive dish to me was the Gokai Sashimi no Tairyou Funamori or Premium Sashimi displayed on a wooden boat bowl. What makes it impressive for me was the boat is designed as a Japanese fishing boat and was assort beautifully that not only the sense of taste is satisfied but also the sense of sight. The tuna used was the blue finned tuna that is brought fresh from Japan.

The artist and genius behind the Japanese dishes is Chef Kamimoto. For three decades, he already traveled around the world to introduce new dishes which is why he is called the Evangelist of Japanese Cuisine. Chef Kamimoto made these dishes I tasted exclusively for Sekitori in Ortigas only.  The Evangelist travels back and to Manila from Japan to ensure that most his dishes are served in his proper way. The Japanese are also meticulous about details. If you really wanted to be oriented with the proper way to eat Japanese dishes, Sekitori is the best cuisine to go to. Sekitori also serve the imported saki.

I will feature more of Sekitori dishes in my next posts, To get more updates on my Sekitori posts, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook. Sekitori's second branch is located in Jollibee bldg. along San Miguel avenue, Ortigas Center. If you see a giant Sumo wrestler behind the glass entrance is your landmark.