Tuna-Truffle Sandwich Inspired by a Geisha

February 9, 2009 9:00 am

Tuna-Truffle Sandwich Inspired by a Geisha

Geisha is my favorite Japanese restaurant--the innovative menu and beautiful décor attracts a Euro crowd mixed with financiers. Visitors and locals are always impressed by the food and atmosphere Geisha offers. The sleek ambiance is a result of the collaborative efforts of Vittorio Assaf and Fabio Granato, who recruited David Rockwell to design a geisha-inspired interior complete with flowers, origami, wall surfaces flecked in gold leaves and silver beads, resembling a headdress hanging from the ceiling. However, the secret weapon that makes Geisha so special is an adorable twenty-something master sushi chef from Vietnam named Don Pham.

The charm and grace of Master Sushi Chef Don Pham brings a smile to all those who meet him. Slightly shy and very humble, he makes the best sushi and sashimi you'll ever experience. He created Geisha's unique sushi bar menu; his most famous dish is the Black Tuna Truffle Sandwich. It was previously a "secret" dish that wasn't listed on the menu but specially made for celebs and chosen members of the elite. Fortunately, the masses were finally given access to his refreshingly delicious creation. In Pham's Behind the Burner segment, he shows us how he dices the tuna and truffle and assembles the other ingredients in between crispy chips that form the sandwich. Avocado complements it perfectly, but the secret is in the sauce—just the right amount of spicy flavor to satisfy your palate.

There are many other exciting items at Geisha that you have to try—Hamachi Jalapeno, Shrimp Lollipop and Tiramisu for dessert. Cuisine king Eric Ripert was instrumental in creating the menu, so it is safe to say that it is top-notch.

Still, the Black Truffle Tuna Sandwich is a MUST EAT. Every time I encourage someone to order it, their reaction validates my opinion. Most recently, I dined at Geisha with friends who were visiting from Italy. They were hesitant when I insisted that they try it and explained that truffles and tuna are not a natural combination. However, once it arrived, they savored every bite, unable to hide their expressions of delightful surprise. I grinned victoriously.

Caroline Alexa McBride