Usually hailed for its golden summers and iridescent waters, Mykonos or the ‘land of the winds’ as it is otherwise known, seems to be gaining popularity anew as the hot spot for international cuisines. After the recent opening of an upscale Peruvian restaurant, the island welcomed a special summer showcasing of Zuma’s Japanese menu curated from the world over featuring a delectable selection of fresh seafood and sophisticated signature styles.
The brainchild of Rainer Becker and Arjun Waney, that was founded in London, and currently dots 11 iconic locations across the world, Zuma found a welcoming host by the poolside of Cavo Tagoo Mykonos from 15th May to 10th October 2020. Cavo Tagoo is a well-known luxury property that sits a mere 4 km from the Mykonos Airport, near the town of Chora, and is famed for its opulent spa, private pools and incredible vistas in Mykonos.
A popular favorite for its contemporary Japanese cuisine, Zuma is famous for incorporating all styles of Japanese cuisine under one roof that have won it some incredible awards including ‘Restaurant of the Year’ in UK’s Tatler Restaurant Awards as well as the top 100 listing of the S. Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurants. Featuring big, bold flavours that seamlessly fused authenticity with modern cooking techniques, all Zuma offerings (made famous in their international posts) were presented in izakaya style –meant to be shared at the table. The all-time favourite miso-marinated black cod made a toothsome appearance, as did some other classic hits: the Chilean sea bass with green chilli, succulent and sweet mazara prawns in red chilli and sour dashi, and the spicy beef tenderloin with sesame and chilli. A chef’s selection of larger sharing platters (unique to Zuma’s menu at Mykonos) came generously heaped with fresh nigiri, sashimi so delectable and fresh, it could have jumped onto your plate from the sea. The roasted lobster in ponzu-butter and jumbo tiger prawn served with yuzu kosho sauce absolutely wrecked for choice. The restaurant’s meals from three different kitchen styles (main, the robata grill and the sushi counter), paired beautifully with the hotel’s iconic views of the city, the sunset and the seascape.
Open from 1pm to 1am every day, Zuma’s mouth-watering summer pop-up featured a relaxed ambience that was best enjoyed with award-winning selections from the aquarium bar, including a Rikka and Tonic with Tanqueray 10 and a Hikari Spritz with Italicus Rosolio. Or one could simply opt for a refreshing signature Zumatini, another trendsetting cocktail specially available on the menu. As the sky transformed from molten gold and blue to rich velvety purples, Zuma’s famed DJs took over the evening to transform the poolside into an incredible night-scene with their pulsating seductive beats till the wee hours of the morning.
After the success of its Grecian summer pop-up, Zuma appears delighted but unsatiated, and promises to return with even more culinary offerings in Mykonos itself within the following year.
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