So we're having a couple friends over for dinner in a few weeks. The guy really fixates on a 'theme' for the meal when we get together, and next up is 'Asian night'. The menu I've come up with is fairly easy to execute, and I've done test runs of all the recipes and definitely have ideas for changes. So I'd appreciate some feedback and suggestions on 1) ways to incorporate more Asian-ness into the dishes, and 2) ways to incorporate more modernist techniques into the preparations.
1st - Chawanmushi (was originally trying David Chang's recipe with crab and mushrooms, but it was kind of flat flavor-wise except for my too-strong dashi; all you could taste was katsuobushi. I think I'll do a more traditional version on the night)
2nd - Pork rolls in perilla leaves with a fish sauce for dipping (This was super tasty, and I'm only planning a couple small changes)
3rd - Roasted Brussels sprouts with fish sauce vinaigrette and puffed rice (another Chang recipe, but this one was pretty good and will be included in the meal)
4th - Sake (salmon) 104. I 'Asianed' it up by using pickled daikon and wasabi in the cream, but additional suggestions are welcome.
For dessert, I'm planning on making a matcha gelato churned in ye stand mixer with dry ice (1st time trying) for the dish I posted in the "What's for dinner" thread.
So.... have at it! Hoping for some good suggestions and ideas from the group.
