Otis and I, along with our friends Seth and Jenner who were visiting from New Haven, had the honor to attend the 'Deathmatch Japanese' dinner party on Sunday, hosted by my old friend Jon Dietz and his roommate Joe. 15 courses of incomparably delicious Japanese food was served, prepared by some of the best chefs and cooks in Portland...we also got to sample an exhaustive list of sake.

Seth and Jenner needed to drive back to New Haven early on Monday, so we didn't make it to the fifteenth course, but every single dish in #s 1-11 that we tasted were phenomenal. I honestly don't know if I've ever had a better meal.

My personal favorites were the following (although I really don't want to seem like I am criticizing any one else's food, which as I said was amazing):

Shabu-shabu prepared by Erik from the former Restaurant Bandol and forthcoming Evangeline, which featured shiso-miso marinated black cod, saffron-bonito fumet, mussels and pickled fennel, horseradish rouille, and fennel pollen. This dish was an incredible meld of Provencal and Japanese flavors, which played off the richness and subtlety of both cuisines.

A Duo of Fish prepared by 'Sean' (I don't know who he is, so if someone could tell me, that would be super helpful). This pairing of a light snapper tartare in tangerine rice wine vinaigrette and a sashimi of tarahiki in a ponzu glaze over an uni emulsion tasted like Spring, with a perfect balance of acid and smoothness.

Sweet Potato Gyoza with a dipping sauce of coconut, sesame, ginger, and sake, from 'Shane' (again, I didn't meet him so I am not sure who he is) that were ridiculously addictive.

And finally, my favorite dish, the Tampopo Ramen from Bronwen, who cooks at 555. This dish included a chicken and pork broth, braised pork belly, pickled ginger and dandelion greens, and a hard-boiled duck egg. The intense flavors were simultaneously exciting and comfortable. Yum yum yum was really all I could say while eating it. Well, technically it was more 'mmm. mmmmmm. mmmmmmmm.'

Thanks to all the talented folks who cooked for this meal, and thanks again to Dietz for the invite. I am a very lucky woman.

EDITED to add: check out John's much more comprehensive (and photographed!) rundown of the event. (John's gorgeous Maine shrimp were also fab!)