 Something unusual is cooking in Arizona. If you are in Phoenix, you would be considered a lucky man or woman to snag in invitation from Japanese born chef Kasuki "Kaz" Yamamoto. Yamamoto is considered a somewhat shadowy culinary figure who literally is thriving in secret in Arizona because of his ingenious usage of meat, game and vegetation that many people consider off limits, immoral and which is, at times, actually illegal. Over the course of the past three years, Yamamoto has created and cultivated his movable feast under the scopes of law enforcement officials and authorities, serving the rich and famous of the city some truly bewildering and bizarre dishes including: monkey brain stew, roaster flank of gazelle and even a sausage made from the African hippopotamus. Yamamoto's secret "restaurant" is called "Le Menu" and is constantly on the move throughout the Phoenix area. Other people rent out dining rooms at expensive hotels at which the feasts are prepared and consumed. Yamamoto actually is importing these strange menu choices under little known loopholes found in the U.S. Endangered Species Act of 1973 and the International Trade in Endangered Species convention, each which regulates the killing and trade in exotic, rare animals. In fact, certain animals such as lions, kangaroos, reindeer and zebras actually can be imported and eaten pursuant to the provisions of this legislation and international treaty. However, Yamamoto simply does not stop there: he imports, prepares and cooks anything he wants. In the end, it would be necessary for U.S. officials to actually prove Yamamoto is importing, killing and serving as food endangered species of animals. Because of the fact that these officials are overtaxed dealing with mad cow disease and bird flu issues, they simply lack the time and manpower to deal with Yamamoto at this point in time. Additionally, Yamamoto has many resources -- dozens and dozens -- for his illegal eats, inside and outside of the United States. Indeed, he even hunts some of the animals that his patrons dine upon himself. He allegedly has also been known to bribe officials and to participate in the black market to get what he wants. |
