Sagetsu by Tetsuya Dubai

Not a review because they had been open for 24 hours only. Just some random thoughts.

Sagetsu restaurant at the newly opened One & Only at One Zabeel. Modern Japanese cuisine by 2 star chef Tetsuya Wakuda.

Chef Tetsuya came to the table to say hi. I impressed the Serb by not mentioning that I visited Tokyo last year, something I’ve forced into almost every conversation since returning. I desperately wanted to, though. I might message him.

The Serb and I briefly looked at the 1,800 dhs tasting menu and decided we preferred al a carte.

I ordered the Patagonia Toothfish and made our server listen to my story of why it’s more commonly known as Chilean seabass. He politely listened but seemed to make less trips to our table afterwards.

I splashed out and also ordered the Aburi wagyu beef with sushi rice. A single bite for 180 dhs. I told the Serb it was super spicy, so she wouldn’t order one. It wasn’t spicy – it was delicious.

The chopsticks they bring have been soaked in cold water for 30 minutes and then chilled. It’s a Japanese tradition, apparently. Mysteriously, that’s all our server knew. If anyone can add to this, leave a comment.

The ingredients were clearly superior – subtle miso marinade saturated my toothfish. (also known as a Chilean Seabass, by the way). The Serb ordered yaki shabu wagyu - thinly sliced beef with a delicate cocotte egg in a secret house sauce.

The hostess presented a rose to The Serb. I tried to imply I had arranged it, by giving a knowing nod of thanks to the hostess, but I don’t think the Serb bought it.

Congrats on the opening, Sagetsu and best of luck in the future.

I’m off to send Chef Tetsuya a photo of my Japanese knife I bought in Kappabashi, when I lived in Tokyo for four days. Less