Honolulu: Sake Day Tasting at The Sake Shop

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Event Organizer description:
This Friday is Sake Day, and of course we plan to celebrate it at the shop! Now I know you’re thinking that this is some fictitious holiday we made up as an excuse to drink more sake, but there really is a Sake Day. I would love to take credit for it’s creation, but it actually originates in Japan where it’s called “Nihonshu no Hi”.

So even though we normally hold samplings on Saturday, this week we’ll be holding a special all day sampling on Friday, October 1st to celebrate Sake Day. Start your weekend a little early and stop by the shop for a taste!

Here are some of the tasty beverages that we’ve lined up for Friday.

Tedorigawa Iki na Onna Daiginjo
Iki na Onna or “Lady Luck” was originally made for the Organization of Women Sake Sellers in Japan. Great sake that drinks smooth with a dry finish.

Ginga Shizuku Junmai Daiginjo
They brew this sake in an IGLOO that they make outside of their brewery in Hokkaido, drip press the result and call it “Divine Droplets”. What else do you need to know?

Narutotai Ginjo Nama Genshu
The distributor promised us that our Narutotai order would be in before this Friday so we are planning on sampling this again. We were sold out at our tasting 2-weeks ago so many of you already know how good this sake is.

Kotsuzumi Tokubetsu Junmai
Gold Medal Winner at this years US National Sake Appraisals/Joy of Sake and brand new to our shop. Full bodied sake that finishes dry.

Kamoizumi Kome Kome
Technically a “Sake Extract” this super sweet low alcohol sake drinks more like a Riesling and scores an incredible -60 SMV!

Tsukasabotan Yama Yuzu Shibori
This refreshing Yuzu flavored sake is something we’re considering to stock in our shop. Try some this Friday and let us know what you think.

We’ll probably add a few more sake to sample just for good measure since this is Sake Day!

Kanpai,
Malcolm & Nadine Leong
The Sake Shop

Complimentary Sake Tasting
The Sake Shop
Friday, October 1, 2010
10:00 am to 7:30 pm

The Sake Shop
1461 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96814
Phone: (808) 947-7253
Fax: (808) 947-7254
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sakeshophawaii.com

Hours
Monday – Saturday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Mutual Trading Restaurant Show 2010

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The New York Mutual Restaurant show is a yearly ‘to the trade’ event that showcases the best in food, restaurant supplies… and SAKE! This year was awesome and I got to taste some of the best sake that New York Mutual has to offer. One trend I saw emerging was some breweries serving sake warm which i really enjoyed. I also tasted a delicious Junmai Genshu at the Hakkaisan Booth – this sake is not yet imported, but had a wonderful aroma and that characteristic Hakkaisan clarity! What a treat! Besides Hakkaisan, there were many wonderful sakes from some very famous brands: Dassai, Born, Tengumai, Kubota, Kikusui, Take no Tsuyu, Nanbu Bijin, Tamanohikari, Rihaku and many others! Phew!

I also attended a lecture by New York Mutual’s resident sake educator George Kao. He led us through a great exploration of sake with some amazing slides and video clips from his time working at Kikusui sake brewery in Niigata.

Check out the Gallery below for pictures and additional comments from this wonderful afternoon spent with Mutual Sakes!

NYC: Celebrating National Sake Day at Sakagura

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Sakagura

10月1日は日本酒の日です。
Celebrating October 1st, “National Sake Day” in Japan!

Did you know that October 1st is “Sake no Hi”, National Sake Day, in Japan? This is the day the brewmasters all across the nation begin to produce their sake.
We would like to extend our warmest gratitude to all of our “sake-lover” guests who have helped Sakagura to shape into what it is these days.
Let’s celebrate the importance of Japanese culture, tradition and above all, Sake!

On Friday October 1st, 2010, a careful selection of 10 Daiginjo -Super Premium Sake will be sold for $10.01 by the glass (100ml) !!
And October 2nd and 3rd, 8 Kinds Selected Sake will be sold all 25% OFF by carafe!
(excludes tax and service charge)
*These Offers expire with the availability of sake being promoted. Discount on a first come first serve basis.

Plus, we will serve VARIETY OF SEASONAL DISHES, HANDMADE SAKE POTTERIES (made by Hisako Baba), and
TOMITA BREWERY (Shiga) ORIGINAL SAKE T-SHIRTS.

RESERVATION HOTLINE: 212-953-SAKE (7253)

Let’s celebrate “Nihonshu no Hi” with us!

sake day

酒蔵 SAKAGURA
211 EAST 43RD STREET B1F NEW YORK, NY 10017
(BET 2ND AND 3RD AVENUES)
212-953-SAKE (7253)
www.sakagura.com

Business Hours:
Lunch
Mon-Fri 11:30 AM – 2:20 PM
Dinner
Mon-Thu 6:00 PM – 11:45 PM
Fri-Sat 6:00 PM – 12:45 AM
Sun 6:00 PM – 10:45 PM

NYC: Yuki no Bosha Sake Tasting at Sakaya

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sakaya.gifYuki no Bosha Sake Tasting

Event Description: Yuki no Bosha Junmai Ginjo & Yuri Masamune

SAKAYA
324 E. 9th Street (btwn 1st & 2nd Ave.)
NYC 10003
212.505.7253 (SAKE)
www.sakayanyc.com

NYC: Tenko Junmai Daiginjo Sake Tasting at Sakaya

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sakaya.gifTenko Junmai Daiginjo Sake Tasting

Event Description: Tenko Junmai Daiginjo

SAKAYA
324 E. 9th Street (btwn 1st & 2nd Ave.)
NYC 10003
212.505.7253 (SAKE)
www.sakayanyc.com

NYC: Akita Seishu Brewery Sake Tasting at Sakaya

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sakaya.gifAkita Seishu Brewery Sake Tasting

Event Description: Dewatsuru Kimoto Junmai & Hihaku Junmai Daiginjo

SAKAYA
324 E. 9th Street (btwn 1st & 2nd Ave.)
NYC 10003
212.505.7253 (SAKE)
www.sakayanyc.com

NYC: Ama no To Sake Tasting at Sakaya

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sakaya.gifAma no To Sake Tasting

Event Description: Ama no To Tokubetsu Junmai

SAKAYA
324 E. 9th Street (btwn 1st & 2nd Ave.)
NYC 10003
212.505.7253 (SAKE)
www.sakayanyc.com

NYC: Chokaisan and Manabito Sake Tasting at Sakaya

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sakaya.gifChokaisan & Manabito Sake Tasting

Event Description: Chokaisan Junmai Ginjo & Manabito Junmai Daiginjo

SAKAYA
324 E. 9th Street (btwn 1st & 2nd Ave.)
NYC 10003
212.505.7253 (SAKE)
www.sakayanyc.com

NYC: Sake Day Tasting at Sakaya

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sakaya.gifSake Day Tasing at Sakaya

SAKAYA
324 E. 9th Street (btwn 1st & 2nd Ave.)
NYC 10003
212.505.7253 (SAKE)
www.sakayanyc.com

New York Joy of Sake 2010

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The Joy of Sake is an annual sake tasting that is a big as it gets in the USA. This year the New York Joy of sake event was at a new location: 82 Mercer st. in Soho. I think this was a great move and this year was one of the most enjoyable yet! The space was large, all on one level, well lit and comfortable! Loved it!

The thing I love most about Joy of Sake is, of course, the sake! And one of the special things is that sakes that are not available for sale in the U.S. are available for tasting at this event! you really can save yourself the round trip airfare to Japan. To Take a look at the sakes I tasted and the folks I met along the way, check out the gallery below!

Here’s looking forward to next year’s event!

Tedorigawa Triple Gold Sake Tasting at Sakagura

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I recently enjoyed a fantastic sake tasting event at Sakagura celebrating the sake from Tedorigawa. Mr. Ryuichi Yoshida, President of Tedorigawa Sake Brewery was on hand to introduce us all to is wonderful brews! In all, we tasted four of their delicious sakes.

During this event, we also enjoyed “Kinpaku” or gold flakes in our sake. This was a special treat that Mr. Yoshida brought from Kanazawa, which is famous for this kind of gold flakes. Check out the photos above to see even more from this fantastic event. Special thanks to Mr. Yoshida for bringing such great sakes and to Yukie and Sagakura for hosting such a great night!

Joto Sake Tasting at the Good Fork Restaurant

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How far would you travel for good sake? How about to the known edge of the sake universe? Or in other words: Red Hook! Henry Sidel, president of Joto Sake recently hosted an unforgettable sake night at the Good Fork Restaurant in far out there Red Hook, Brooklyn.

It may have been hard to get to for a hardened Manhattan-ite like me, but boy oh boy was it worth it. The event featured two Joto sake brewers – One brand new and one a long-time favorite. The New Brewer on the block was Mr. Nakao of Hiroshima’s Nakao Sake Brewery, maker of the Seikyo Brand. This brand is not yet known in the States, but it will be. The other Brewer at this dinner was Mr. Saito from the outstanding Saiya Brewery in Akita, makers of the famed Yuki no Bosha line of premium sakes.

Here is an overview of the pairing menu and sakes:

  • Scallop Sashimi + Nakao Seikyo “Omachi” Junmai Ginjo
  • Crab Stuffed Zuchinni Blossoms + Yuki No Bosha Junmai Ginjo
  • Crispy Chatham Cod + Nakao Seikyo Takehara Junmai
  • Manchester Farm Quail + Yuki No Bosha Junmai Ginjo Nigori
  • Croque en Bouche + Yuki No Bosha Daiginjo

This event was a fantastic coming together of the ‘best of the best’ sake on the outer reaches of New York City! I was so happy to have snagged a seat! Beyond tasting their sake, just being able to say hello to the brewery Presidents is such an honor! They are the “Rock Stars” of our industry and I always get a thrill getting to listen to and learn from them. Watch the restaurants and sake shops near you for Seikyo sake so you can taste this wonderful stuff for yourself. Many thanks to Henry, Nakao-san and Saito-san for the wonderful event! Kanpai!!

NYC: TEDORIGAWA TRIPLE GOLD WINNERS NIGHT at Sakagura

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Yoshida Shuzo and Sakagura Present:
TEDORIGAWA – TRIPLE GOLD WINNERS NIGHT
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22ND, 2010
7:00 PM TO 9:00 PM

Please join us for a tasting of three prize-winning entries from this year’s 2010 U.S. National Sake Appraisal. President, Mr. Ryuichi Yoshida from Tedorigawa will be on hand to talk about the great sakes of Kanazawa and how they are made.

The U.S. National Sake Appraisal has been held annually since 2001, with ten judges from Japan and U.S. evaluating around 300 sake entries over two days. Top-scoring labels receive gold and silver awards. Following the Appraisal, all entries are presented for tasting by the public at the annual The Joy of Sake events in Honolulu, San Francisco and New York.

Beautiful seasonal finger foods, in a joint effort with Sakagura Executive chef, Mr. Yasuhiro Honma, and carefully selected four kinds of Tedorigawa labels (one sake is not yet to be sold in the U.S. market).

Please make the RSVPs ASAP since there are tickets limited!

Tasting Party Price: $30.00 (includes tax and service charge)
30 Guests Limited

Prompt RSVPs are recommended. A credit Card Number is needed to process the RSVP.
Please note that this event is buffet (stand-up) style.
Tables and chairs are not available.

RSVP HOTLINES: 212-953-SAKE (7253)

We are looking forward to seeing you. Kanpai!!

SAKAGURA 酒蔵
211 EAST 43RD STREET B1F NEW YORK, NY 10017
(BET 2ND AND 3RD AVENUES)
212-953-SAKE (7253)
www.sakagura.com

Business Hours:
Lunch
Mon-Fri 11:30 AM – 2:20 PM
Dinner
Mon-Thu 6:00 PM – 11:45 PM
Fri-Sat 6:00 PM – 12:45 AM
Sun 6:00 PM – 10:45 PM

NYC: Chokaisan Sake Tasting at Sakaya

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sakaya.gifChokaisan Junmai Ginjo Nigori Tasting

SAKAYA
324 E. 9th Street (btwn 1st & 2nd Ave.)
NYC 10003
212.505.7253 (SAKE)
www.sakayanyc.com

Honolulu: Narutotai Sake Tasting at The Sake Shop

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Event Organizer description:
We have a very special tasting scheduled for this Saturday. We will be introducing a new sake to Hawaii for the very first time! Ms. Motoko Matsuura, Vice President of Honke Matsuura brewery, will be pouring her line of Narutotai Sake at the shop from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm.

The sake that we’re really looking forward to trying is her Narutotai Nama Genshu which comes in a cool looking can. The can is supposed to better protect the sake and keep it cooler. Don’t worry about the aluminum can affecting the flavor of the sake as all of the cans have a sealant coating on the inside.

This brewery is also known for doing something pretty incredible. After milling or polishing the rice down to the desired size, they HAND PICK only the best rice grains to make their sake with! By removing the imperfect pieces they ensure that only the finest grains of rice are used to make their sake. They really take the idea of “quality control” to a whole other level!

Narutotai Nama Genshu is supposed to be big and bold with a full rich flavor. Along with their Nama Genshu we will also be sampling two other sake, their Narutotai Junmai Ginjo (Genshu) and Narutotai Junmai Daiginjo. All of these sake are highly rated and delicious to drink.

Remember, this sampling is only for a few hours from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm. We hope you can make it to this event and taste these really great sake for the first time in Hawaii.

Kanpai,
Malcolm & Nadine

COMPLIMENTARY SAKE TASTING
The Sake Shop
Saturday, September 18, 2010
5:00 pm to 7:30 pm

The Sake Shop
1461 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96814
Phone: (808) 947-7253
Fax: (808) 947-7254
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sakeshophawaii.com

Hours
Monday – Saturday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

NYC: Ura Gasanryu Tasting at Kirakuya

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URA GASSANRYU Tasting at Kirakuya!
Location: Kirakuya: 2 West 32nd Street 2nd floor bet 5th Ave & Broadway

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NYC: Joto Sake Dinner at The Good Fork

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Five Course Joto Sake Dinner:

Event organizer description:
We’re taking advantage of a U.S. visit from Japanese sake brewers Kotaro Saito (Yuki No Bosha, Akita Prefecture) and Tyoshi Nakao (Nakao Brewery, Hiroshima Prefecture) to host a five course sake dinner on Monday, Sept 13th. Each course is designed with Good Fork care to specifically match the flavor profiles of these excellent sakes. $75.00 per person. Menu details forthcoming. Doors open at 7pm. First course at 7:30.

Seating is limited, and reservations are accepted via telephone only—718.643.6636.

San Francisco: Sake Day 2010

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SAKE DAY!

October 1st – The Fifth Annual Sake Day Celebration

5th Annual Sake Day
Friday, October 1st 2010
6-9PM
Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California
1840 Sutter Street – (between Webster and Buchanan)
Muni Bus #38, 22, 2, 3
Japan Center Garage Parking – 1610 Geary Blvd.
Presented by True Sake and Nombe and all proceeds to benefit JCCCNC

Out of town guests – this is the event to hit! There are plenty of hotels in Japantown within walking distance. The closest is Hotel Tomo , which is ten steps away!

Click here to go to the SakeDay.com website to purchase your tickets now.

NYC: Hakkaisan Kaiseki Dinner at Kitano Hotel

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Kitano Hotel

On September 24th Hakubai Restaurant in The Kitano New York will be holding a special Kaiseki event called “Kaiseki Hajime no Ippo” (great first step to enjoying Kaiseki style food). Mr. Kojima, director/deputy general manager of The Kitano NY will guide all about Kaiseki of Hakubai, and sake teacher/sake samurai Timothy Sullivan will guide about Hakkaisan.
This event is limited to only 16 participants. The cost is $65 per person (does not include tax & tip). You will be served 3 kinds of Hakkaisan including a special sake. Also, you will get some gifts from Hakkaisan and The Kitano New York.

To reserve your spot, please contact at Manami at The Kitano New York.

Event Location:
Hakubai Restaurant at The Kitano Hotel New York
66 Park Avenue New York, NY 10016

Date/Time:
Sept 24th Friday 6:30pm – 9:00pm

Price:
$65 per person (does not include tax and tips)

For Reservations, Please contact:
Manami: [email protected] or Tel: 212-885-7072



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