Sunday, August 14, 2016

Recap of Paul Qui's Omakase Throwdown @ Pao (Faena Hotel) 7.17.16





Three nights after delivering a kick ass Cobaya Experiment, Chef Paul Qui was ready to throw down some more.  So on short notice, I reached out to my food loving friends and quickly gathered 19 adventurous diners (nine attended the Cobaya Dinner too) for a 12 course Omakase Throwdown.  

This was another outstanding meal.

I've written about Paul and Pao as well as the fantastic Faena property recently so I will spare you the details here.  You can read more about them in the link above.  

No menus were provided.  Once the group was seated Paul along with his chef de cuisine Derek Salkin just started delivering plates to our table.  This is my favorite way to eat and Paul did not disappoint.  

It should be noted that Paul owns a Japanese restaurant in Austin called Otoko.  Otoko is a 12-seat multi-course omakase experience that blends Tokyo-style sushi and Kyoto-style kaiseki into a unique tasting menu. 

So he is no stranger to this type of meal. 

He is looking to do the omakase dinners on a monthly basis. The next one is set for August 25, 2016 at 7PM. Tickets are $175.00 and include a pairing.  There are only 12 seats for this one so you better act fast.  Tickets are available via TockTix HERE.  

Additionally, he is also cooking an Imperial "OG" Thai Feast the night before with  Chef Changthong, executive chef at Paul's restaurant Thai-Kun in Austin.  More details and ticket information is available HERE.  I look forward to seeing you there.






Sunomono
Assortment of Last Season's Vegetables




Uni Chawanmushi!

Soft Egg Custard, Santa Barbara Sea Urchin, White Sturgeon Caviar




Clam Ceviche 






Nasu Nigiri 

Grilled Japanese Eggplant, Soy Caramel 




Wagyu Nigiri 

Grilled Wagyu Beef Short rib, Smoked Shoyu, Fresh Wasabi 




Veloute of the Year (pre Veloute)


Sunchoke Jardiniere
Sunchoke Veloute, Raw and Marinated Farm Vegetables, Fresh Sour Cream, Lobster Coral
 




Veloute Shot!




Fresh Lumpia 

Lamb Tartare, Kaffir Lime, Egg Yolk Pudding, Hoja Santa Wrapper (loved the hoja as a flavorful vehicle)




Ginataan
Coconut and Tumeric Poached Maine Halibut, Tomato Jam, Summer Squash Conserva, Zucchini Blossom Kimchi 





Quail Onigiri
Texas Banderas Quail, Sushi Rice (stuffed),Stone Fruit Sauce, Pickled Green Strawberry





Dinuguan (not very photogenic but delicious)

Pork Blood Sauce, Potato Gnocchi, Crispy Pig Ears, Red Onion, Coriander.






Smoked Lone Mountain Wagyu Ribeye
Green Peppercorn Umami Sauce 



Cashew Pie
Fermented Banana Sorbet, Dark Treacle Marshmallow, Binchotan Sear




Sear to Table!! 
Pardon my reach but do you mind if I Binchotan your dessert?!



Mignardises
Pandan Mochi, Kinako Flour


Run don't walk to Pao for their regular menu and of course annoys their special meals including the next Omakase dinner on August 25, 2016.



3201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140




Hours of Operation
Dinner Only
6:00pm – 11:00pm (Sunday – Thursday)
6:00pm – 12:00am (Friday & Saturday)

For Information
Phone +1 786 655 5600 / + 1 844 798 9712

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