On September 16, 2024, RESOBOX hosted a collaboration event with “Third Kingdom,” a mushroom-specialty restaurant in New York, and Sugimoto Shiitake’s premium dried shiitake mushrooms, Hana Donko, sourced from Takachiho-go, Miyazaki Prefecture.
“Third Kingdom” is the latest project by the restaurant group Overthrow Hospitality, which also operates the popular Avant Garden, consistently ranked as one of the top three vegan restaurants in New York City.
Driven by the desire to introduce the exceptional quality of Sugimoto Shiitake’s Hana Donko to New York food aficionados, RESOBOX proposed this collaboration to Drew Brady, COO and partner of Overthrow Hospitality. His enthusiastic participation was crucial for bringing this project to fruition.
The event sold out immediately after reservations opened, and Mr. Brady even had to place additional orders for shiitake mushrooms to accommodate all of the diners.
The course menu, crafted by Third Kingdom’s Executive Chef Juan Pajarito, featured not only the Hana Donko but also Sugimoto Shiitake’s 100% shiitake powder, used generously throughout the dishes. One highlight of the menu demonstrated the difference in umami brought out by guanylic acid, allowing guests to compare the same dish prepared “with shiitake powder” and “without shiitake powder.” This creative approach left a lasting impression on attendees.
During the dinner, Sugimoto Shiitake’s President, Kazuhide Sugimoto, accompanied by RESOBOX staff, visited each table to engage with the guests directly. President Sugimoto, wearing his signature shiitake mushroom hat, captivated attendees, sparking numerous questions such as, “Why are Sugimoto’s shiitake mushrooms so delicious?”
We extend our deepest gratitude to Drew Brady and his team for flawlessly supporting the event’s operations. Moving forward, RESOBOX aims to spearhead further collaborations to pioneer new markets for shiitake mushrooms here in New York.