⏰ Service 36 — The Japanese Dinner Party
← Block 29–30: Japanese Cuisine Overview
Goal: A complete Japanese dinner for 4–6 guests demonstrating techniques from across the block
Suggested menu:
Course 1 — Soup: Miso soup with dashi, tofu, and wakame; served in lacquer bowls if available
Course 2 — Small Bites: One or two of: - Gyoza (crispy-bottom, pan-fried) - Agedashi tofu - Edamame with sea salt
Course 3 — Main Selection (choose one or two): - Tempura set (vegetable + shrimp) with tentsuyu dipping sauce - Teriyaki salmon or chicken with steamed rice - Ramen course (unexpected as a dinner party dish; dramatic when served properly in heated bowls)
Course 4 — Rice Course (if main was not rice-forward): - Steamed Japanese rice with pickled vegetables and a side of miso-marinated something
Course 5 — Dessert (optional): - Mochi ice cream (purchased) - Matcha panna cotta (made in advance) - Fresh fruit sliced precisely — this is a legitimate Japanese dessert approach
Logistics note: Much of this meal can be prepped in advance. The tempura must be fried à la minute. Plan: everything else ready before guests arrive; fry tempura during a short kitchen break after the soup course.
🎥 Compare Notes: DIY Sushi: Temaki Hand Roll Party Guide — Just One Cookbook — Nami shows how to set up and host a temaki party; compare your prep work, station layout, and how guests interact with the spread.