秋 | AUTUMN
秋 | AUTUMN
DEPTH – UMAMI – MATURITY
Autumn at Hikari is a journey into depth.
It is the moment when nature moves past the vibrant exuberance of Summer, settling down to attain a state of perfect maturity. Flavors now are no longer about the spirited energy of dances; instead, they are full, mellow, and profound—mirroring the quiet beauty of time itself.
This dish narrates the story of nature’s quiet transition. Come October, as the lotus blooms upon the water fade, the nine-hole root deep within the mud silently gathers the fullest essence of heaven and earth.
The Japanese call this「旬の恵み」 "Shun no Megumi" – The Blessings of the Season.
Within the golden-hued, gently sweet embrace of the Inari pocket, Hikari nestles a poetic encounter: The crisp, pristine sweetness of Autumn lotus root is awakened by the elegant, citrusy zest of Yuzu.
No ostentatious display. No clamor of flavors. Merely a quiet accent, yet it captures the fleeting, delicate beauty of Autumn in a single bite.
"Akisaba" (秋鯖) is the name bestowed upon Mackerel as Autumn heralds its arrival. This is the precise moment when the fish reaches its peak firmness, succulent richness, and the most consummate sweetness of the year.
Inspired by the culinary heritage of Nagahama, the mackerel is slow-simmered for hours in a Shoyu and Mirin broth until the flesh melts away, steeped in a bold, savory-sweet essence. Yet, the true artistry lies in the delicate Sōmen noodles. Instead of being boiled in plain water, they are bathed directly in the rich braising reduction. Thus, the noodles become silken, absorbing the aromatic fish oils and pure Umami deep into their very core.
The dish achieves an absolute harmony: a balance between the intense depth of the sea and the airy lightness of the wheat; between the rich, melting flesh and the smooth glide of noodles upon the tongue.
More than just a dish, Akisaba Sōmen preserves a time-honored custom. It originates from the tradition of gifting seasonal mackerel to loved ones—a cherished ritual of "sustenance." It is a way to convey empathy and sincerity through cuisine:"May you remain steadfast and healthy to weather the busy days ahead."