This instagram post from David Beckham triggered a memory about trusting only restaurants which specialize in only doing one thing. Sukibayashi Jiro is the 3-Michelin-Star sushi restaurant of Jiro Ono, the 89 year old chef who's been making sushi since he was nine. It is also the most expensive restaurant per minute of dining because every meal lasts on the average only half an hour and it will cost a customer at a minimum of JPY 30,000 or USD 300; with a waiting list of several months to get a seat. Celebrities and world leaders all flock to this place; with President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe dining here during Obama's last state visit to Japan.
I liked this documentary a lot ; I watched it five times last weekend and in typical fashion; I read anything and everything I can read about Jiro Ono and his passion and commitment to making the perfect sushi; of finding Umami--that perfect balance between the rice and the fish/seafood; that perfect moment equivalent to the exclamation of Aaahhh when you've finally taken a cold shower on a warm and humid day.
This documentary is so beautifully done by David Gelb that it was able to combine a lot of my favourite topics as a foodie; minimalist; and a fan of Japanese culture and way of life. It has also enough conflict to keep the audience engaged. Who knew Sushi making can be this interesting? Trust me, you will never look at sushi in the same way ever again.
