Whereas December is usually packed with feasts and festivities, it’s typically followed by a January marked by financial and/or caloric frugality, or even a turn towards sobriety. But this year, we’re shifting the focus. Instead of deprivation, we’re of a mindset to set a delicious note for the New Year ahead, by filling up with good food that’s also nourishing and good for the planet. And joining Tomoko Tahara (Mæst food) on January 26th for a sustainable plant based tasting menu certainly fits the bill!

The event is inspired by Japanese New Year traditions celebrating “renewal and the beauty of nature’s cycles” – more specifically, Risshun, the first of Japan’s 24 ‘sekki’ (solar terms that make up its ancient calendar). Usually timed for a week in advance of the Sun reaching 315° longitude (which begins precisely on February 3rd, 2025), this time of year features a special culinary experience to mark the transition into Spring. Although that celebration may seem a bit premature to most, we think that a little seasonally-inspired optimism on the plate and in our stomachs certainly doesn’t hurt! And, although the theme may be Spring, as usual at a Mæst event, the menu will still be focussed on in-season and locally sourced ingredients, which will be transformed into six tasty (and totally gluten-free) courses, some served up sharing style and others as individual dishes. Get a better idea of what to expect from the photos above and below, as well as the descriptions that follow:

1: “Roots and grains” 3 types of snacks | Okinawa black sugar shortbread and roasted koji caramel / Napa cabbage and turnip yuzu tsukemono pickles / Parsnip cake with shichimi tougarashi chili oil, soy emulsion

2: “Seven verdure” | Koshihikari rice Congee with 7 toppings (braised daikon, radish tops, maitake mushroom XO, house made pickled plums, pickled ox-eye daisy, confit leek, puffed wild rice), finished with koji oil and a smoky kick from pumpkin bushi, crafted by Noma Projects, finishing with Koji oil

3: ”Winter leaves” | Umami-rich Roasted brussel sprouts, forest flavour compressed apples, pumpkinseed vinaigrette

4: ”Carrots 3 ways” | Carrot tofu, carrot reduction sauce, decaf coffee slow roasted carrot with Kyoto Yuba

5: Black hazelnuts Nerikiri

6: “Melted snow” | Whipped amazake with rose syrup

The meal is hosted by Modus cafe in Mount Pleasant and there is only one 6pm seating available for the Saturday, January 26th…so considering the size of the space and the popularity of Tahara’s past events, our best bet is that this will sell out. Don’t stall on getting your tickets!

Tickets $90 per person, not including gratuities or drinks – the latter of which there will be both wine BTG and bottles, as well as non-alcoholic drinks, available for an additional cost the night of. Secure your spots here.

Coffee Roastery Modus (Coffee)

Neighbourhood: Mt. Pleasant

112 W Broadway

604-873-5111

WEBSITE