Morimoto's NEO TOKYO: How an Iron Chef created an Asian Cuisine Explosion in America

When I was very young in the 1980's, Japanese food was not readily available for dine in or carry out.  There were sushi bars in downtown San Antonio, but they were very pricey and required a reservation.  You had to drive to Houston to get your hands on Japanese cuisine.  Then something happened in 2000.  The Food Network started airing a cooking competition that originally aired in Japan called Iron Chef.  The show had chefs from all over the world challenge one of four Iron Chefs who were the best in their style of cooking. They represented French, Szechuan, Japanese, and Italian cuisine.  Once the Iron Chef was challenged, both challenger and Iron Chef were presented with an ingredient that all courses of the meal they would prepare must consist of.  Iron Chef became a instant hit.  One of the Iron Chefs in particular became very popular.  Masaharu Morimoto was the show's Iron Chef Japanese, and he became a sensation in the US.  His popularity would lead to the United States falling in love with Japanese Cuisine.  In my neck of the woods, ramen shops and Japanese grocery stores started popping up everywhere.  How did Morimoto-san create a Japanese food revolution?  He put his own spin on traditional Japanese dishes.  

Morimoto's style of cooking is called Neo-Japanese.  He puts a modern spin on traditional Japanese dishes.  He took risks that looked and tasted amazing.  Iron Chef showcased his talents, which gave him a huge fan-base all over the world.  While taking on his duties as Iron Chef, Morimoto was making a living in New York City as a sushi chef.  At one time he was the head chef at the famed Nobu Japanese Restaurant.  Little did he know that what he did on Iron Chef would inspire many Americans to cook and dine on Japanese cuisine.  He became a phenomenon.  The Food Network decided to hold a special Iron Chef challenge that pinned Morimoto against popular Southwest cuisine chef Bobby Flay.  The response to the event was massive.  Tickets to the event sold out in mere minutes.  It was broadcast live, and brought huge ratings to The Food Network.  Morimoto came away the victor.  

There was life after Iron Chef.  In 2001, Morimoto became a restauranter when he opened his first eatery in Philadelphia called what else, MORIMOTO.  At this time, the Iron Chef also partnered with the Rogue Ale to create Morimoto Soba Ale.  The beer went on to win a slew of awards, and continues to sell very well to this day.  Morimoto has opened 10 restaurants all over the world in cities such as Dubai, Orlando, Las Vegas, Maui, Hong Kong, and Mexico City.  Every restaurant is different.  Momosan in New York City serves delicious ramen.  Morimoto Asia has menu items from Japan, China, and other Asian countries.  It is known for its excellent Peking duck.  And in this time, Morimoto continues to pass on his knowledge of food preparation and knowledge.  He has written numerous best selling cook books, and his line of kitchen knives are popular with foodies.  I own his vegetable chopping cleaver.  Best $50 I ever spent.  He has become a recognizable brand that people love.  At 63 years of age, he has no intention of stopping.  

Masaharu Morimoto reintroduced Japanese food to the masses.  His talents showcased a huge variety of dishes that other parts of the world had never seen.  These dishes then became everyday staples in eateries of Asian flavor that started to pop up everywhere.  Whether it is his handy knife work, or beautiful rolls of sushi, Morimoto is the one man who ignited the Japanese food explosion that still goes on today.  The world became enamored with him as an Iron Chef, and pay homage to his influence among foodies and chefs everywhere.  Chef Morimoto has created a dynasty that has given so much to diners.  He took risks in the kitchen that fans are in awe of to this day.  I hope one day I get to try one of his maki rolls.  So, the next time you ask why are all these Japanese restaurants are popping up;  just watch an episode of Iron Chef with Morimoto.  You will then understand why.  He is a special talent.  As a huge fan myself, I urge you to try sushi if you have never had it.  Go to a ramen bar and order a bowl of Shoyu ramen.  Visit a Japanese grocery store, and buy some takoyaki or mochi.  Masaharu Morimoto's influence can be found in all these places.  And for that.....I am grateful.

The Top 5 non-entree food items you can't say no to

We all have our favorite dishes we always turn to satisfy our hunger.  But, sometimes an appetizer or snack does the trick.  On many occasions these non-entrees are more crowd pleasing than a dish with a few sides.  Today, we look at the top 5 non-entrée food items you can't say no to.  A few you may have heard of, and others you will want to try after this countdown.  All 5 are delicious.

#5 SLIDERS

White Castle has been making them for decades, and sliders are miniature burger bliss. You can't just have one.  They have the same ingredient options as a full size burger, but sliders sometimes will have unconventional ingredients that are delicious.  Sliders are usually sold in fours, but many establishments will be more than happy to serve up the quantity you want.  Though they are small, sliders have perfectly seasoned beef.  They pack a great flavor punch.  They are fun to make as well.  The small patties and buns are easier to find at your local supermarket.  If you see them at a party or a menu, order up.

#4    NACHOS

Like the taco, you can pack nachos with a ton of ingredients.  It is the perfect party food.  You don't have to make a whole lot of cheese, and the chips are pretty inexpensive.  Nachos are a crowd pleaser, and seconds and thirds are always had when your friends notice the crock pot of nacho cheese in your kitchen.  Nachos are easy to prepare.  I like to add pork sausage and salsa to my nacho cheese.  You can try different ways of preparing nacho cheese.  You can't go wrong.  It can feed a lot of people with out breaking the bank, and the flavor  is off the charts.  Who turns down nachos?

#3  GUACAMOLE

Guacamole is highly addictive.  First off it is tasty.  It is good for your health, and you can put it on or mix it with anything.  Be warned, really good guac gets eaten fast.  Eyes get big when discovering guacamole is on the table at a party or restaurant.  If there is a bag of tortilla chips around, pass me the bowl of guacamole.  The habit around guac is that once you start dipping your chips into it, you probably will not stop.  It is super cheap to make, and will satisfy a lot of appetites.  I add tomatoes and lime to my guacamole.  I also use Mexican avocados over California ones.  Guacamole in English means Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

 #2    WINGS

There is nothing like having some wings during football season.  Wings are perfect for any occasion because they come in different flavors, and you can order as little or as many as you want.  They go great with ranch dressing or blue cheese.  Vegetables go great as a side with wings.  You can get them spicy, sweet, sour, or plain.  No matter how you like them, they are delicious.  Got some left over?  Throw them in the microwave, they come out great.  As an appetizer or even a main dish at times, wings are always a delicious great idea for a group of people or a party of one.  My favorite flavors are garlic-parmesan, Hawaiian, teriyaki, and lemon herb.  Wings rule.

Now for the entry that no one can not say no to.  It is simple yet amazing.  Comes to us by way of the Philippines.  It may not look like much, but your stomach will live in euphoria and you will want more.  A lot more.

#1    LUMPIA

I know what you are saying "It looks like an ordinary spring roll."  That is where you are wrong.  It has the texture of a spring roll, but the flavor inside is amazing.  Inside the wrap is the perfect combination of rice noodles, meat, and vegetables.  When I first tried lumpia, my eyes got big because the flavor is incredible.  You can have them with all sorts of sauces.  I made them for a party once, and they were gone in five minutes.  That's considering I made 50 of them.  Once you try lumpia, you will get hooked.  It is an appetizer you will never get tired of.  I do not know of anyone who has ever said no to lumpia.  It is perfect food.  Goes excellent with pancit as well.  

What are some of the foods you can't say no to.  Leave a comment and let me know what dish always gets a yes from you.  Have a great evening, and Bon Appetit. 

 

THE PHENOMENON THAT IS JOLLIBEE

Three years ago, I was invited to tag along on a weekend trip to Houston with my cousin Mark and his family.  His youngest daughter had a tennis tournament, and I really needed some time away from San Antonio.  Through the weekend, my cousin and his kids kept mentioning a place named Jollibee.  I had never heard of it, but my cousin's kids could not wait to get there.  I was up for something new.  I'm a foodie, this would be an experience.  And man........was I right.  The moment came to walk through its doors, and the menu just amazed me.  I can choose between burgers, noodles, fried chicken, spaghetti, and the bubble smoothies as well as a very delicious treat called halo-halo.  I decided to try the fried chicken. The three piece ChickenJoy to be exact.  It was amazing.  It had a thin and crispy crust that packed a ton of flavor.  Had a citrus flavor to it.  It was awesome. 

Jollibee is a Filipino based fast food restaurant that caters to people from all walks of life.  There are 1200 Jollibee restaurants in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong,Italy, Middle East, and North America.  Here in the states, Jollibee can be found in cities with large populations of Asian people such as Houston is.  All ethnicities love this place.  It has a welcoming environment, and very friendly staff.  The dining room is very nice for being a fast food joint.  You mention Jollibee to someone who has experienced it, and you will see them light up. with glee.

Jollibee is celebrating it's 40th birthday this year.  It has become a foodie's destination for many years.  It has become a house hold name.  In fact, toy company FUNKO has released a limited edition JOLIBEE Funko Pop Vinyl Figure to commemorate the occasion.  Not bad for a global food phenom that started at an ice cream parlor in Manilla.  They have established themselves as an American favorite.  An eatery of the people.  I urge all of you to find your local Jollibee and enjoy the treats it has to offer.  My personal favorite is the Amazing Aloha Burger, which has teriyaki sauce and pineapple.   The fried chicken comes with probably the best brown gravy I have ever had. As far as fast food goes, I give JOLIBEE an A+.  Foodies from all over the world sing its praises.  I am sure once you try it, you will be singing as well.