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I've heard the term kaiseki to mean a very expensive formal Japanese
meal. What exactly is it? |
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There are two kinds of kaiseki, written with two
different sets of Chinese characters, and both are expensive, extended
three- to twenty-course meals.
The lesser observed kaiseki is the very formal food that accompanies
a long tea ceremony. It has rules of preparation and presentation
that make it inaccessible to most of the public, and most chefs
as well.
The other kaiseki has come to mean in Japan a far less formal--though
still fairly formal by Western standards--meal that is based on
the traditional "one soup, three vegetables (or fish)"
model with many other courses added. This kaiseki features food
widely available and highly accessible to both the chef and the
gourmand.
In Japan this kaiseki has become considerably less expensive in
these economically depressed days. Recently I've seen "mini
kaiseki" advertised at around $30 US, although it is still
easy to find $150-300 versions in cities like Kyoto.
In the US and other countries the concept of cheap kaiseki has not
taken root and what is available, in large cities, is still very
expensive. Despite the high price, I would venture to say it's worth
the experience.
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