FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
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Treasures of the sea

Treasures of the sea

Chef Antony Scholtmeyer and his team at Elements restaurant of the Okura Prestige Bangkok hotel continue their celebration of succulent seafood this summer, blending French culinary techniques with premium Japanese ingredients.

Smoked, steamed, poached or grilled, star of the show throughout September is fresh salmon from Hokkaido.
Research has shown that fishing for salmon around Hokkaido dates back almost 4,000 years, and even today the island accounts for around 80 per cent of Japan’s annual salmon catch.
Salmon caught at sea during spring and summer are called tokishirazu. They can also be referred to as aki-aji because they return to rivers in the autumn.
Juvenile salmon caught off the Shiretoko Peninsula and on the coast of the Okhotsk Sea are called keejii and mejika respectively.
They are a prized delicacy because of their high fat content. To protect salmon numbers, many juvenile fish are raised in more than 200 hatcheries on Hokkaido. These fish are released after 3 to 5 years and return to the river. 
Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which help to lower blood pressure and guard against disease, salmon is a nutritious source of protein, vitamin B and essential minerals such as potassium and selenium. You can enjoy it steamed with a green tea veloute, white asparagus, soya beans, and kinako; as rillettes served on toasted brioche with fennel, ikura, and hajikami ginger; house smoked with mustard sauce, avocado, smoked tofu, and soba croutons; poached in olive oil served with fresh yuzu, panisses, and sorrel butter; and grilled salmon with charred onions, daikon petit farcis, eggplant, and tarragon jus.
The Hokkaido salmon menu is available at Elements restaurant every Tuesday to Saturday from September 1 to 30 from 6 to 10.30pm. Prices start from Bt420.
The Elements restaurant is located on the 25th floor of The Okura Prestige Bangkok. Book your table at (02) 687 9000 or email [email protected]

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