CUISINE
Fortifying ourselves with a Donnafugata
Sul Volcano Etna Rosso Nerello, a pairing
of a Japanese A-5 Wagyu strip steak and
American Wagyu strip steak was placed
side by side along with roast Cippolini
onion, curried potato, seasonal mushroom,
yuzu kosho condiment, fresh grated wasabi
from the root being rubbed against shark
skin and an arima sansho pepper reduction.
What an opportunity it was to taste the two
beefs prepared in exactly the same manner
and to be able to compare the two. The
meal concluded with a delightful Castella
cake with honey meringue on top, sesame
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brittle, Hojicha custard and honey caramel.
However, there was more to come,
a traditional Japanese tea ceremony
shortened for our benefit, but still featuring
Matcha green tea powder, no leaves, being
whisked by small bamboo stirrers and
served to us with instructions on how to
hold the cup, raise and lower it and then
turn it prior to drinking. It was an evening
we will long remember.
Takumi-Tei also offers a smaller sevencourse
tasting menu including the Wagyu
and the tea ceremony, and an a la carte
menu with appetizers, sushi, sashimi and
160 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2020
Thinly sliced marinated duck breast is served with kabocha squash,
edamame, Japanese Mizuna and cured duck egg yolk in a grape reduction.
Among the specialty cocktails is the Kami,
an origami-adorned Roku gin cocktail.
nigiri, as well as entrees of Wagyu, duck,
seabass and tiger prawns. Since Takumi-
Tei is at Disney, there also is a children’s
menu.
Over our years of dining, we have
experienced many things, but this
evening will stand out as one of our most
memorable. 9
EDITOR’S NOTE: Takumi-Tei is located at
1780 N. Avenue of the Stars in the Japan Pavilion
in Disney’s Epcot Resort, Lake Buena Vista,
Florida. For reservations, call (407) 939-3463.
Takumi-Tei’s interior design elements of water, stone, wood, earth and
paper are themes for the various dining rooms in this tranquil setting.