Laissez-faire, at the restaurant… and beyond
It’s strange but true: the latest restaurant trend is to “not order”. Yes, you read that right! Instead of choosing dishes from the menu, people are leaving their meals entirely in the chef’s hands. It’s inspired by the Japanese concept of “Omakase” (literally, “I’ll leave it up to you”), where the customers let the chef create a one-of-a-kind off-menu experience. In Europe, the idea of “tasting menus” is more popular. This allows diners to enjoy a shared culinary journey, trying a series of pre-set dishes chosen by the chef to express their take on cuisine through a curated sequence of dishes.
Now, I’m the type who loves to “think and suggest” (ideas, styles, colours, materials, combinations), so I’m always a bit uneasy about this whole laissez-faire culinary approach. I wonder why we feel the need to be guided or surprised at the table, when eating should be the most spontaneous, enjoyable, reassuring and instinctive act! Are we so overwhelmed by choices that we crave being freed from the burden of picking, trying and risking ordering the wrong dish? What about our personal taste?
But then again, fashion works the same way. Designers set the trends for the season and their ideas are adopted, spawning countless outfits that – closely or loosely – echo their cuts, colours, textures and overall style. It’s then up to the final wearers (the ones who actually put on these outfits) to add their own touch and personalise designs to reflect their idea of beauty and comfort.
So, in a twist of fate, I occasionally give in to the idea of Omakase or the tasting menu of the day, embracing the uncertainty of what will arrive on my plate. But, just like in fashion, I like to add my own touch. Depending on the venue, I always ask for salt, pepper, soy sauce, wasabi, chimichurri or anticuchera sauce at the table.
The waiters often give me a funny look, like I’ve changed a sharp note in a Mozart score, but I stand by my right to put my own twist on things. Just like when I design my shoes, I love the idea that each of you can pair them with different outfits to express your individuality.
This is where the magic of true creativity lies: in the democratic act in which the fruit of artistic inspiration ceases to belong to its creator and transforms into endless new interpretations that keep it alive and turn it into something extraordinary, thanks to individual tastes.
Feel free to reinterpret me every day, with every step!
Marco ❤️
