Chef Carlos Leyva from Hotel Mousai’s Hiroshi restaurant on the Garza Blanca Preserve in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico shares this interview about the first Japanese cuisine event of its kind in Puerto Vallarta. Omakase, a chef’s table experience will take place throughout the month of June and is open to hotel guests, local residents and visitors to Banderas Bay.
- What does “omakase” mean and why is it the title of this culinary event at Hotel Mousai’s Hiroshi restaurant on the Garza Blanca Preserve?
The literal meaning of the word “omakase” in Japanese is something along the lines of “I’ll leave it up to you!” or “I trust you,” and is a term used to describe the experience in top Japanese restaurants where you trust the chef to serve you what he or she recommends, like the chef’s specials. We chose this name for our Japanese culinary event to reflect how our guest chefs from top sushi restaurants such as Katana Sushi Roku, Sushi Samba, Bar Masa and Katsuya will each serve a tailored omakase menu at Hiroshi restaurant in addition to Hiroshi’s à la carte menu featuring additional dishes created by the guest chefs. The intention is that our diners can enjoy a variety of local and imported fish and seafood as well as other dishes which have been crafted to combine flavors, textures and aromas in perfect balance to exceed expectations
- When will this unique Japanese cuisine event be taking place?
The special Omakase menus will be available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at Hotel Mousai’s Hiroshi restaurant throughout June when our guest chefs will be joining us in person. The official opening of the event will be on Thursday, June 9th featuring a delicious specialty menu by Chef Koji Matsuzaki from Katana Sushi Roku.
- Which chefs will be presenting their Omakase menus during the event?
On June 9th to 11th we will be joined by Chef Koji Matsuzaki of Katana Sushi Roku;
June 16th to 18th we welcome Chef John Um of SushiSamba;
June 23rd to 25th will feature Chef Jags Aldaba of Bar Masa;
And we close the event with Chef Brandon Konishi of Katsuya on June 30th to July 2nd.
- What makes these chefs special?
Their extensive knowledge of Japanese culture and food which they implement in their cooking styles while remaining at the forefront of experimentation and quality. The chefs are renowned for their high levels of quality and tradition within Japanese cuisine. They are protagonists in the most revered dining scenes in the United States, in locations like Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Miami. However, what makes these chefs special is the passion they impart in each of their creations.
- As Hiroshi’s resident chef, what will be your role during Omakase?
For me as Chef Patron of Hiroshi restaurant, it is an honor and a great responsibility to share the kitchen with these world acclaimed chefs who are leaders in Japanese cuisine and avant-garde culinary techniques. My role as Chef Patron and host will be to provide all of the necessary elements to create the most impressive dining experience for our diners. I can assure you it will be an unforgettable experience.
- Is this event for guests at Hotel Mousai and Garza Blanca Resort & Spa exclusively or can local residents make reservations?
Everyone is welcomed! We are accepting reservations from hotel guests, visitors to Puerto Vallarta and local residents for each night; you can book a table by calling +52 322 176 0715 ext. 6200 or through our webpage by clicking here.
- What are some of the dishes that you can recommend from the menus created by the guest chefs?
All of the dishes are innovative and surprising creations of the highest quality. I personally invite diners to try the blue fin tuna, black cod and, of course, the full Omakase experience by opting for the tasting menu.
- Can diners order from Hiroshi’s regular menu during the event?
Yes, you will be able to order from Hiroshi’s à la carte menu, which will also feature some specially prepared dishes from our guest chefs. However, the main attraction is the omakase menu which is a multi-course selection of the finest Japanese dishes.
- What in your opinion is so special about Japanese food?
The versatility of its ingredients that maintain their properties such as texture and unique flavors, and the level of refinement in every detail that characterizes Japanese culture and which is reflected in its cuisine.
- Omakase is running parallel to the hotel’s June Wellness program which is dedicated to healthy lifestyles; in what way does this culinary event compliment the wellness program of events?
According to the World Health Organization, Japan is classified as one of the healthiest nations on the planet and its diet is considered to be a great contributing factor. Therefore Omakase enriches the overall healthy experience for the participants of of both events throughout June.
