itamae
Japanese kitchen artisan
An itamae is a Japanese chef, particularly one trained in traditional cuisine and knife skills.
The term literally means "in front of the board"—referring to the cutting board where the chef works.
In sushi restaurants, the itamae prepares food directly before customers at the counter: We sat at the bar and watched the itamae slice the fish.
Vinegared rice with toppings
- knifeSharp cutting utensil
- fishGilled aquatic vertebrate
- slicingCutting into portions
- precisionAccuracy of measurement
apprenticeship · omakase · counter · technique · mastery · training · dedication · years
Thinly sliced raw fish
- nigiriHand-formed rice with topping
- riceStaple cereal grain
- wasabiPungent green root paste
- gingerPungent culinary rhizome
nori · bamboo · cutting board · fresh · seasonal · sourcing · market · ingredients
Diner yields to chef
- counterFlat service surface
- guestWelcomed visitor
- conversationExchange of spoken ideas
- rapportHarmonious mutual connection
anticipation · reading · pacing · personalization · service · interaction · greeting · farewell
sushi
Vinegared rice with toppings
precision · apprenticeship · omakase · counter · technique · mastery · training · dedication · years · discipline
sashimi
Thinly sliced raw fish
ginger · nori · bamboo · cutting board · fresh · seasonal · sourcing · market · ingredients · quality
omakase
Diner yields to chef
- counterFlat service surface
- guestWelcomed visitor
- conversationExchange of spoken ideas
rapport · anticipation · reading · pacing · personalization · service · interaction · greeting · farewell · regularity
apprentice
Learner bound to employer
years · observation · shadowing · scales · scrubbing · humility · obedience · tradition · lineage · succession
itamaehome cook
novice · culinary student · beginner · apprentice · dilettante
itamaehome cook