I was recently inspired by an IG story by the supermodel, Paulina Porizkova where she spoke about…read morehow governments turn people against each other to control the population. Citing how she was born into communism, then lived in socialist countries and now has made a home in a capitalist society, she spoke with authority about what is happening in the world right now. She eloquently reminisced about her experience in a communist country, where the enemies were the capitalists who, "kept us from achieving our full potential," in the former republic of Czechoslovakia. The overarching message is that there is more power in unity than being in a fragmented society where its people scramble for truth, justice and freedom.
A concept like Godai can only exist in a free society. Everywhere I went on this recent trip to Puerto Rico, I heard people talk about this restaurant: on business meetings, at drinks at a hotel bar and from local friends. Apparently, it's a bit of a social media darling among locals. And, there's good reason. What started as a speakeasy omakase establishment by chef couple Cesar and Daysi is now a full-service restaurant with 3 different spaces: izakaya, omakase tasting room and zen garden. Only in an environment where people have the liberty to pursue their passions, learn techniques from different cultures and there's a free exchange of ideas, can a restaurant in one island nation be inspired by the culinary traditions of another island nation.
My dining companions and I were so inspired by the well orchestrated and attentive service, I asked Chef Cesar whether he had made everyone read Will Guidara's "Unreasonable Hospitality." He demurred with humility and said, "we're still trying, and thank you."
The food was phenomenal. I'm pretty sure it's the first time I've had black truffle shaved over my tuna crispy rice, and it was tasty. We also had the bluefin and salmon crudo, duck fried rice, spicy edamame, shishito peppers, robata miso black cod, Alsatian white wine, unfiltered sake and panna cotta with raspberry. I noted how authentic everything looked and tasted, but there was a local twist and cariño expressed in every dish. This was not fusion, but Japanese food seen through a local lens. It's not so much that they're trying to recreate an experience in Japan, but paying homage with respect to Japanese gastronomy.
You might think that Japan and Puerto Rican cultures are polar opposites, but food brings people of all types together. Godai is a great testament of this, and Paulina would certainly enjoy this spot for so many reasons.
