‘Akordu’ is Basque for ‘memories’. Chef Hiroshi Kawashima weaves his prix fixe menus out of the history of Nara, the back story to his ingredients, and from memories of his own boyhood days. A small box sits on the table; inside it is several cards, each inscribed with a menu whose poetic style stirs the imagination. Kawashima’s gastronomy is deeply rooted in the land and character of Nara, while modern Spanish cuisine inspires his freewheeling imagination and technique.