Oceanside’s Modern Japanese Fine-Dining Concept Celebrates National Culinary Arts Month with an Exclusive Look Behind Its Culinary Philosophy
Matsu, the Japanese fine dining experience located just off South Coast Highway in Oceanside, California, is celebrating National Culinary Arts Month this July by sharing the philosophy behind Matsu and what makes it a unique culinary experience.
The modern Japanese concept, created by executive chef-owner William Eick, can be summed up by one simple word: “Balance”. According to Eick, “Balance is what makes a dish great, and it is the overall goal when creating a combination of flavors. If you achieve balance of flavor in each component, they will all come together and balance each other, providing depth.”
Depth can come down to how long someone can taste the dish when they are done eating, how many flavors they can extract and taste from a single ingredient, and how to stay within a level of balance to retain those flavors.
To ensure these components come together effortlessly, Matsu highlights on the importance of quality. “It all ties back to balance, by taking the best ingredients you can find, ones that themselves have depth, and continuing to balance the flavors of them together.” continued Eick. “True depth will always come from quality ingredients. If an ingredient is one-noted, and falls flat off the palate quickly, it’s simply not good enough. It shows a much better chef in knowing the difference in quality, having an amazing ingredient and showing restraint. The best chefs know that they don’t have to do much to an amazing product to create amazing food.”
Matsu is all about the connection of Japanese culture, techniques, traditions, and philosophy in food – and connecting it to San Diego’s (albeit Southern California as a whole) terroir. This is how the name of “Matsu” Japanese for “Pine” came about. Pine trees are prevalent in both Japanese culture and the local terroir. Matsu chefs focus on what grows locally but also what may be used in Japanese food outside of that.
Matsu is minimalist in its design, not just its food. Simple, direct, and nothing to hide behind. They have what they need and nothing more.
For more information about Matsu, visit their website to view their menu and see their latest updates.
ABOUT MATSU
Located in up-and-coming Oceanside, California, one of San Diego County’s most accomplished chefs, William Eick, has opened Matsu, a 48-seat fine dining restaurant focusing on the traditions and techniques of Japanese food, and marrying them with the Southern California terroir. Guests of the restaurant are treated to a 10-course tasting menu, showcasing the seasonal bounty from the area’s farms, as well as exquisite product direct from Japan. Matsu provides guests a bespoke hospitality experience in what is quickly becoming the dining destination town of Oceanside.
Hours of Operation are from 4 to 9 p.m. on Monday, Thursday and Sunday, and from 4 to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Call now to reserve your table at (760) 681-6152. Find out more about Matsu by visiting our website or following us on Instagram.
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