Kaiseki: The Exquisite Cuisine of Kyoto’s Kikunoi Restaurant by Yoshihiro Murata (2012)

Kaiseki celebrates the natural ingredients of each season with a spectacular presentation. After a front section explaining the history and components of kaiseki cuisine, Yoshihiro Murata, the third generation owner/chef of Kyoto’s famed Kikunoi restaurant, introduces the establishment’s menu. With candidness and insight, he shares his thoughts on ingredients, preparation methods and the philosophy behind his dishes. He explains how the cuisine has changed over the years—and continues to do so. He even explains how some dishes evolved as he searched for the proper combination of ingredients.