gavin turns 20 for the second time.

Event Details

I refuse to use the number four when speaking of my second 20th birthday. Let’s face it, no one wants to get old so I’m dividing by two from here on out. Since I’m passing into another decade, I have something special in mind. It’s so special I’m telling you now, even though my birthday isn’t until February.

Since it opened a few years ago, I have been dying to go to Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s restaurant in Philadelphia. I know this is “taking it up a notch” from my previous birthdays, but I think you’ll all agree on these three things:
1. 20 times 2 is a big deal birthday
2. Gavin is awesome
3. It will be worth it

We’ll enjoy a 6 course Omakase (chef’s choice) menu in the in the private dining room that overlooks the main restaurant. The table is a custom made for the room and seats up to 17. A sample menu is below, but it may change by the time we’re there. You can also visit their website at: www.morimotorestaurant.com

Cost
It’s not as bad as you might be thinking. There were a few options and the one I picked is priced as follows:
Dinner - $80 per person plus tax/tip
Drinks – a la carte.

All together, dinner, tax and tip will be about $100. Drinks will of course add to the total and you can expect prices for wine/cocktails in the $8-$15 a glass range.

I know this is expensive, no way around it, but for me, Morimoto is one of those once in a lifetime experiences I want to enjoy. If it’s too much, I completely understand.

Transportation
No drivers necessary, I’m taking care of transportation. Depending on the number of people who can come, I will either hire a mini-bus and driver or put us all on the Amtrak. The 2nd option of course means a tiny bit of driving to get to Penn station, but that’s all.

What if the weather sucks?
It won’t, trust me. I’ve already sacrificed seven farm animals and sold my soul to the ruler of the underworld to ensure nothing will interfere with these plans. Fate wouldn’t dare get in my way, unless fate wants a black eye. In other words, the deposit is non-refundable, so come hell, high water or 70 inches of snow, we’re going. Yet another reason to take comfort in the fact that you won’t be driving!

When do I have to say I’m in?
I can cancel free and clear up until 2 weeks prior to the event. So come mid-January I’ll create another event and begin hounding you for an answer. In order to meet the minimum charge for the event, I’ll need approximate 10 people to be on board. So far, I know of at least 5 who are pretty solid. Like I mentioned before, the maximum is 17.

Here's the sample menu...

1st Course
hamachi tartar with caviar and fresh wasabi
yamamomo, wild japanese mountain peach

2nd Course
whitefish carpaccio
seared with hot oil, seasoned with yuzu citrus soy
finished with mitsuba, ginger, and chives

3rd Course
sashimi salad
over mixed greens with soy onion dressing and chive oil
finished with shaved bonito

intermezzo

4th Course
hotate chazuke
ume seared scallops, summer vegetables, rice, green tea dashi broth

5th Course
roasted duck breast
apple cider miso, sake poached apple and seared foie gras

6th Course
chef’s selection of sushi

Dessert
flourless chocolate torte
with caramel-corn mousse and blueberry