Taste the best of the best!　Miyagi "Minamisanriku Natural Abalone Fair

  • Miyagi
  • Eating
Exquisite dishes using Minamisanriku's natural abalone

Abalone is the star this winter! Inaugural Minamisanriku Natural Abalone Fair

From November 19, 2024 to February 28, 2025, Minamisanriku Town is holding the "Minamisanriku Natural Abalone Fair - 100 days to taste the season from the date of the opening of the season"! Abalone fishing started on November 9 in Minamisanriku-cho, Miyagi Prefecture, and during the fair you can taste abalone, which is in season in winter, at various restaurants. The staff of JR East Travel Service Center Sendai attended the press conference in Sendai and would like to introduce the attraction of the "Minamisanriku Natural Abalone Fair"!
Thick natural live abalone

What is the charm of Minamisanriku's natural abalone?

Dried abalone from the former Utatsu Town was offered to the Emperor Showa at his enthronement ceremony "Otamesai" held at the Kyoto Imperial Palace in 1928, and Minamisanriku has long been known as a production center of high quality abalone in both taste and quality. In addition, Shizugawa Bay, which stretches across Minamisanriku Town, is a rich sea inhabited by more than 200 species of seaweed, and was registered as a Ramsar Convention wetland in 2018 in recognition of its diversity. The abalone that grows in this rich ecosystem is truly a regional treasure. To prevent overfishing, the abalone, a natural resource, can only be fished on "opening day," which is the opening of the abalone season about four times a year! Furthermore, prefectural ordinances strictly regulate the fishing of abalone, with only those larger than 9 cm being allowed to be caught, and the fishing method is limited to the traditional method using the old-fashioned "hook and line" method. When the opening day arrives, local fishermen head out to the sea early in the morning as soon as the sun rises in search of treasure. In Minamisanriku, abalone has long been considered a luxury item and a good omen, and is a source of great pride for the fishermen.
Demonstration of how to handle live abalone at the press conference!

Each restaurant's elaborate and gorgeous menu!

This precious natural abalone will be served at 22 businesses in Minamisanriku, including restaurants, lodging facilities, and retail stores, with a total of more than 30 special menu items. Participating restaurants have developed menus specifically for this fair. Each restaurant has prepared a variety of menus that are more affordable than the typical menu, including dishes that allow you to enjoy the original texture and flavor of abalone, dishes that are unique to the area of origin and go well with rice that combines seasonal ingredients, and luxurious bowls of rice topped with sea urchin. Here are some of the dishes served at the press conference!
*Menus may be subject to availability due to landings, availability, etc., as abalone is a natural product.

Benkei Sushi [2 kinds of sushi with abalone

When eaten raw, abalone has a crunchy texture that is very enjoyable, and when steamed, it becomes soft and its characteristic flavor is more intense. The "Abalone Nigiri Sushi 2 Kinds" is a luxurious menu that allows you to enjoy the taste of abalone in two different ways. The sweetness and texture of the abalone goes very well with the rice.
Two kinds of nigirizushi with abalone, limited quantity, 4 pieces, 2,420 yen (tax included)

Kaisenjo Liang [Abalone Steak

It is said that it takes 4 to 5 years for an abalone to grow to over 9 cm in length, which is the target size for catching. The abalone often distributed is about 100 grams, but this "Abalone Steak" uses a large one weighing about 150 grams. The abalone shrinks a little when grilled, but the large abalone makes the steak a wildly thick slice, just as it looks. The texture is chewy when raw, but it becomes very tender when cooked, and the unique flavor and butter make it an appetizing dish.
Abalone steak - limited quantity on weekends - 3,300 yen (tax included)

Seasonal Cuisine Shinoya [rice bowl with grilled abalone in miso sauce

Abalone marinated in miso in the traditional way to make it soft and tender can be enjoyed in a bowl with other seafood. The gentle flavor of the miso, combined with the abalone's inherent richness, also makes for a flavorful bowl of rice that is sure to please. Another attractive menu item is the "Abalone Tempura" served with special sea urchin sauce, limited to 15 servings for 3,000 yen (tax included).
Abalone rice topped with grilled abalone in miso sauce: limited to 20 servings, 3,000 yen (tax included)

An event where you can buy live abalone!

In conjunction with the fair, events will be held where visitors can purchase live natural abalone on site, including the Utatsu Abalone Festival on Sunday, December 22, 2024, the 34th Ramsar Shizugawa Bay Osubade Festival on Sunday, December 29, 2024, and a special "live abalone sale" on January 19, 2025, and February 19, 2025. (The "34th Ramsar Shizugawa Bay Ousubade Festival" will be held on Sunday, January 19, 2025, and Sunday, February 23, 2025, and a special event "Live Abalone Sale" will be held on Sunday, January 19, 2025, and Sunday, February 23, 2025.
The first "Live Abalone Sale" will be held at "Royal Fish" in Minamisanriku San San Shopping Street, where you can purchase live abalone in tanks at a lower price than the market! After purchase, you can have your abalone shipped nationwide or kept at the store until 16:00, so even if you come from far away, you don't have to worry! The event will be held from 10:00 to 14:00 and will end as soon as the limited quantity is gone. Detailed information on the venue and sales hours can be found on the official website. Various campaigns are also being held in conjunction with the fair, so please be sure to check them out!
Minamisanriku Natural Abalone Fair Official website is here
Minamisanriku Natural Live Abalone Fair

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