Tips for Trying Omakase

 

Danny Zelouf, president of the New York City-based textile distributor Zelouf International, enjoys exploring world cultures in his free time. A lover of Japanese cuisine, Danny Zelouf favors the omakase meal.

The omakase meal is a Japanese tradition in which the chef selects the dishes presented. The word literally translates to “I trust the chef,” though diners may hear it as a variant of “It's up to you.”

The tradition gives the chef free reign to serve what he or she believes the diners will enjoy. No modifications or substitutions are available, and the tradition assumes that the diners will eat whatever the chef puts in front of them. It is thus not an ideal tradition for those with allergies or food restrictions, nor is it for those who are particularly picky, but the adventurous and open eater often finds himself or herself in the midst of a memorable dining experience.

When one orders omakase, one is essentially asking for the best on the menu. Many chefs who offer omakase will present their finest quality ingredients and most attention-grabbing dishes, and the price does reflect this commitment. Price may range from $50 to $80 per person, though this figure often includes special attention from the chef and even answers to the diner's pressing culinary questions.