If you’ve ever had the pleasure of dining at Mei Ume, you’ll know how special it is. Not only is the food spectacular but the interior is quite beautiful too. So, we were very excited to hear the restaurant had created a new cherry blossom menu in celebration of the annual Japanese Sakura Season.
You’ll find the Japanese and Chinese restaurant at the Four Seasons Ten Trinity Square. A two-minute walk from Tower Hill Tube station, the restaurant describes itself as a collaboration of cultural cuisines rather than a fusion. The usual menu has both traditional Chinese and Japanese dishes available.
In celebration of the cherry blossom season, Head Chef Tony Truong has designed an exclusive a la carte menu to transport you to the gardens of Japan to experience Hanami (the traditional ‘flower viewing’ custom).
Until April 29, you’re able to sit beneath glowing lanterns and branches laden with pink and white delicate flowers as you sample the delicate flavours of Japan.
After enjoying a delicately sweet sake cocktail, plates of Ika Karaage, a dish of crispy deep fried squid, Nasu Dengaku, sweet and sticky miso grilled aubergines, tender roasted black cod and Wagyu beef yaki gyozas – which were exceptional both in taste and aesthetics – were placed in front of us. As we were tucking in, some of the freshest tasting salmon sashimi was added to the table alongside incredible maki and a seared tuna salad.
Washed down with a glass of Domaine Mittnacht Cuvee Epice wine, which is a fantastic blend of French and German wines made to perfectly pair with sushi and sashimi, we were feeling very lucky to be the first to try such creative dishes.
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The main event, however, had to be the sea urchin and prawn fried rice finished off in front of us by none other than the chef himself. Sizzling in the bowl the rice was tossed and the smell was extraordinary. We would have to say that, despite it being one of the more simple dishes, it was one of the most memorable and delicious.
Full and content, we sipped on a clean and aromatic sake with a cherry bouquet before being invited to sample the mochi selection. Not one for desserts, we were easily won over by the subtlety of the frozen sweet dish which we advise to be eaten alongside a swig of the Black Sun tea if possible.
The new Cherry Blossom Sakura Season menu from the wonderful Mei Ume is a beautiful and delicious way to welcome Spring. We can’t think of a better way to celebrate the season.
Mei Ume @ Four Seasons Ten Trinity
10 Trinity Square EC3N 4AJ
meiume.com
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