Gourmet Art

Ishikawa prefecture has the best of both the culinary and artistic worlds. Located in Japan's north-west, the region is home to some of the best seasonal produce and sake, as well as artisanal craft - be it gold leaf Wajima lacquerware, Kutani porcelain or handmade tableware. Get a taste of winter's best snow crabs at the modern kappo-style eatery Takayama, where Chef Taro Takayama puts together a special S$280 menu from now until Dec 31. Sample the crabs in different presentations - the steamed female Kobako-gani meat re-assembled in the shell with crunchy roe and topped with apple and vinegar jelly, and male Kano-gani grilled and cooked in a claypot separately. The meal is complemented by pristine vegetables such as lotus root and daikon, matched with sake from the famed Tengumai brewery, and presented on traditional Ishikawa plateware. Takayama is at #01-09/10 OUE Downtown Gallery. For reservations, call 6224 0864.