Second Helpings (VII).

New seasons, menus, and special events.

Second Helpings (I, II, III, IV, V, VI) can be found here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Takahisa x Inja

It’s well-established that if I’m in the UAE, I will enthusiastically say yes to an invitation to Takahisa. The recent collaboration with Delhi-based Inja (including the brilliant work of Chef Adwait Anantwar) was no different. For the record, I want to take a moment to mention how wonderful a lunch booking is for this type of experience and I wish other restaurants would consider the option. I realize the choice is an extended day for the kitchen, but a meal at 1 or 3 p.m. can make all the difference in photos (and my enjoyment).

The menu? I'm so glad you asked! Personally, the Takahisa put up my favored dishes, but that could also be an extension of my enjoying luxury beef and seafood. For example, the Kobe beef tarar “millefeuille” and the chutoro and sea urchin are always going to hit. However, I thought Inja’s Hokkaido scallops “panta bhat” was inspired. It’s not secret I’ve …