The Japanese relationship with the cherry trees goes beyond the contemplation of nature. Long before the Modern Era, they helped peasants identify that winter was nearing its end. In addition, its flowering —called sakura— brings the symbolism of joy and peace, but also a warning about the brevity of life. In Japan, admiring this cherry blossom has become an important tradition in the calendar.
On the other side of the planet, in São Paulo, the lounge of the Japanese restaurant Maza houses a beautiful cherry tree. She is the Achado do place and who welcomes customers, who then choose a table in one of the three rooms of the house, in addition to the counter, in a space marked by an abundance of wood, stones, natural light and lots of greenery.
Inaugurated in August 2020 at Itaim Bibi, the business is a tribute from partners and brothers Thiago Yuji and Igour Kenji Yoshimori to their father, Sérgio, affectionately nicknamed Maza.
The kitchen is led by sushiman Leandro Yutaka Oshima, who elaborates the so-called contemporary Japanese cuisine — a technique that combines the traditional roots of Japanese cuisine with local ingredients, respecting the seasonality and conservation of fish.
From the cold menu, it’s worth ordering the miso maguro portion (R$ 55), the wagyu sushi with miso (R$ 38, with two units), the salmon jyo with truffled quail (R$ 35, two units), the tuna sashimi with foie gras (R$ 45, two units) and the scallop sashimi (R$ 40, two units).
Among the hot ones, the tips are the portion of corn tempura, which costs R$25, and the pair of salmon tacos with edamame and red onion, at the price of R$34, in which the corn dough in the Mexican recipe is replaced by wonton—a thin, crunchy dough made with wheat flour and eggs.
The drink list features ten authorial options, including the Saori Spritz, which costs R$33 and includes Aperol, vodka with melissa tea infused with orange blossom, carrot syrup with spices, citrus mix and sparkling water.
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I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
