Heat Seekers Season 3 Episode 5 Japanese-Jewish Cuisines
- February 18, 2022
In the fifth episode of the third season of Heat Seekers, titled "Japanese-Jewish Cuisines," hosts Aaron Sanchez and Roger Mooking embark on a culinary adventure that explores the fusion of two distinct cuisines. The episode features the duo as they travel to Los Angeles, California, to try out some unique Japanese-Jewish dishes.
The show begins with Aaron and Roger visiting the Breadbar bakery, where they meet Chef Nori and his team. Chef Nori introduces the hosts to the concept of Japanese-Jewish cuisine and explains how he came up with the idea. The concept builds on the similarities between the two cuisines, such as the use of umami-rich ingredients and pickling techniques. The team then gets to work, preparing a variety of dishes that combine Japanese and Jewish flavors.
The first stop on their culinary journey is Max's Delicatessen and Restaurant, an iconic Jewish deli in Los Angeles. Here, they try out the deli's Matzoh Ball Ramen, a dish that combines traditional chicken soup with Japanese ramen noodles and matzoh balls. The soup is flavorful and satisfying, with the comforting texture of the matzoh balls adding an interesting twist to the dish.
Next, the hosts head to the nearby restaurant, Beverly Soon Tofu. Here, Chef Nori creates a Japanese-Jewish version of Soon Tofu, a traditional Korean dish. The dish features tofu, egg, and challah bread in a spicy soup that is layered with complex flavors. The team then visits a local farmer's market to gather fresh vegetables and ingredients for their next dish.
The next stop is the Aburiya Raku restaurant on West 3rd Street, where Chef Nori has created a dish called the Bagel and Lox Donburi. The dish features a bed of rice topped with smoked salmon, salmon roe, cream cheese, and pickled onions. The combination of these ingredients creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile that blends the best of both worlds.
The final stop on their culinary journey is Mama Musubi, a Japanese musubi food truck that specializes in rice balls. Here, Chef Nori creates a unique fusion dish by combining Japanese musubi rice balls with Jewish lox and cream cheese. The result is a yuzu-cured salmon rice ball that is both flavorful and comforting.
Throughout the episode, Aaron and Roger learn about the unique blend of Japanese and Jewish cuisines and explore the techniques and ingredients that make these two cuisines so distinct. They also showcase the innovative ways in which chefs are incorporating these flavors into their menus, creating dishes that are both delicious and unexpected.
Overall, the "Japanese-Jewish Cuisines" episode of Heat Seekers is a celebration of culinary fusion and a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of chefs and cooks around the world. It's a must-watch for anyone who loves discovering new and exciting flavors and cuisines.