Daikaya group - a well deserved "Taste of Japan 2017" Honorary Award
Daikaya is no newcomer to DC. In fact, Daikaya has been one of the pioneers of not just the ramen movement in the city but Japanese food beyond ramen and sushi. When they first opened in 2013, DC, was not a “ramen city”! Now 4 years later, the “Daikaya group” comprises Daikaya ramen bar and the upstairs izakaya, Bantam King with chicken ramen, and Haikan with Sapporo style ramen and Japanese small bites. They are each different and provide a unique take at various aspects of Japanese cuisine.
In addition to bringing awareness of Japanese food through the use of Japanese ingredients with creativity and passion, they are also instrumental in educating people about Japanese culture and food. Their Ramen 101 class is informative and delicious! So when the group was honored earlier this month by The Taste of Japan Committee Washington D.C. and Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan with "The Taste of Japan Honorary Award 2017", it really was well deserved.
The Daikaya Group (Photo Courtesy Kyle Schmitz)
At the reception honoring the group held at Mess Hall, Daisuke Utagawa, Yama Jewayni and Chef Katsuya Fukushima, accepted the award together. Following this, there was an interesting discussion led by Laura Hayes and Daisuke Utagawa on a deeper look at” The World of Ramen and Japanese Noodles”. All this time, the guests were noshing on sushi and other small bites, drinking sake, and taking in the aroma of ramen that was later served for dinner!
There was also a box of Fuyu persimmons specially imported from Japan's Wakayama province (with permission from the Customs department, of course!) that were sliced up and served to guests. This sweet fruit was a perfect palate cleanser, and another example of quality ingredients that can be so satisfying!
Delicious persimmons!
To see more about the Daikaya Group and their restaurants, visit their website. You can also learn more about the Taste of Japan organization here.
Spending 2 weeks in Japan last year, I quickly came to realize that mediocrity is pretty much nonexistent there food wise. I mean, even the 711 there had quality sandwiches and sushi and other fresh food. In true Japanese form, the Daikaya group continues to maintain the extremely high standards not just in the quality and taste of food, but also in their passion and integration into DC life.
Congratulations again to the Daikaya group, and Thank You!
