[ laughter ] >> masa: don't hurry. good food takes long time. >> anthony: so this big argument with the spanish. big argument. is umami a flavor or a sensation? >> masa: umami is essence. strong essence. >> anthony: so it's a mysterious force. >> masa: yeah, much bigger than the universe. >> anthony: bigger than flavor? >> masa: of course. this vegetable is called fukinoto. under the ground, covered in snow. cold. then, little by little, it opens up like that. this is first sign of spring. we appreciate that. >> anthony: how do you cook this? >> masa: grill, fried, or braise it. i'm gonna grill it, little bit of oil, then a little bit of salt. this is so happy, the phases. so happy. they're going to be cooked this way. their blood is bitterness, very bitter. you need bitterness to grow. >> anthony: this is italian.