While there is not an extensive wine making culture in Japan, the cuisine of this nation does provide some delightful pairing opportunities that can treat your palate. If you are a wine lover, you might indulge your taste buds with a dinner reservation at Dragonfly Sushi. We offer an excellent selection of wines with a focus on the deep, complex red wines and fruity, playful white wines of the Pacific coast. Here are a few of our pairing suggestions for the vibrant and creative dining options you will find on our menu.
Chicken
Because chicken has a naturally light flavor, it is best paired with lighter white wines that will not overpower the meat. Pinot Grigio is a harmonious match with chicken that tends to have notes of crisp fruit with just the right balance of sweet and dry flavors. If you do prefer a sweeter wine to offset the deeper savory flavors of a dish like Chicken Yaki Soba, a Washington Riesling may suit your palate better.
Beef
Seared beef has a rich, succulent flavor that can cause white wines to feel oily or fatty in the mouth, so red wine is a more suitable, classic pairing. Acidic red wines—Pinot Noir and Zinfandel in particular—are ideal matches for beef, because they are big, full-bodied wines with enough zippy acidity and tannin to cut through the richness of the tender beef.
Fish and Sushi
White wine is traditionally paired with fish, and this can apply to the raw fish in sushi as well. Chardonnay is a versatile wine selection that can pair nicely with a number of tasty rolls that will be enhanced by the oaky, nutty qualities of the wine. If you choose a fattier fish like salmon or yellowtail, however, you might find Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to be a more pleasing pairing. Champagne and sparkling wines can also be delicious with sushi, as the light carbonation will enhance the unique textures and delicate flavors of hand crafted sushi rolls.
Whether you are inspired to follow our pairing guidelines or get creative with your own wine selections, Dragonfly Sushi can help you create the dining experience you desire. You can take a look at our entire menu and wine list on our website, or make reservations for dinner in Orlando by calling (321) 800-4928.
Using chopsticks may seem difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. For a true Asian eating experience, you can follow some simple tips and practice often to become an expert at using this ancient eating utensil.
This video shows how easy it is to use chopsticks. You will see that once you know the right finger positions and movements, all it takes is a little practice to learn how to eat with them.
Whether you like to eat with chopsticks or silverware, Dragonfly Robata Grill & Sushi in Orlando offers a true taste of Japan with delicious and authentic sushi, seafood, and other offerings. Make a reservation with us by calling (321) 800-4928.
Daiginjo sake is a centuries-old Japanese tradition, still reveled by lovers of authentic Japanese cuisine. The recipe for this Japanese rice wine has withstood the test of time and is still handcrafted by master sommeliers.
In this video, a sake sommelier describes the process of making daiginjo sake. Topics discussed include fermentation methods, types of rice used, and variations of daiginjo. Watch this video to learn more.
You’ll find a variety of authentic sakes on our menu here at Dragonfly Robata Grill & Sushi of Orlando, all of which are perfect for pairing with our delicious sushi, fresh seafood, and other offerings. To make a reservation, call us today at (407) 370-3359.
America isn’t the only nation where grilling is a foundation of cooking. The Japanese are known for being masters of grilling through their famed robatayaki concept. Read on for look at robatayaki and what makes it so popular:
The Grill
The word robata refers to a meal prepared around a fire, and it is this concept and cooking method that has become all the rage in Japanese restaurants. Robata grills are heated to scorching hot temperatures using white-hot coals called bincho-tan. Bincho-tan does not produce flames, which allows for extreme heat without producing clouds of smoke. This high heat is the secret to producing beautifully seared meats, fish, and vegetables—the ingredients are always caramelized on the outside and tender and juicy inside. As the chef takes everyone’s order and grills it right before them, his customers can watch their food being made as they talk, laugh, pass around drinks, and enjoy their dinner performance.
The Ingredients
Sauces and spices are not used extensively in robata, which means that the proteins and vegetables of a given meal contribute the flavors. This is why all robata ingredients are of the very best quality that the chefs can possibly buy. This might include all-natural meat, locally grown vegetables, and fish that is fresh enough to be served as sushi. The rule amongst chefs across all cuisines is the simpler the cooking method and the fewer the ingredients, the better the ingredients’ quality must be. This is a principle of cooking that robata relies on to produce succulent proteins and perfectly cooked vegetables every time.
If you’ve never tried robatayaki before, stop by Dragonfly Robata Grill & Sushi for dinner. Our robata chefs cook your meal right before your eyes at a scorching 1,000 degrees and serve it to you hot, fresh, and full of authentic Japanese flavor that you can’t get from any other restaurant in the Orlando area. Call us at (407) 370-3359 or visit our website to learn more about our menu.
I recently attended a conference in Orlando and for dinner one evening was looking for sushi. I asked the concierge at the hotel for a recommendation and she offered the name "Dragonfly." As she was mentioning it, another guest agreed that it was the place to go.
