21st Shizuoka Prefecture Sake Brewers Festival
I usually keep all Shizuoka Sake postings for Shizuoka Sake Blog, but I thought for once it might be of some interest to show what can one expect at a hotel fuction dinner in Japan and Shizuoka Prefecture.
The Festival which is held every year by the Shizuoka Sake Brewers Association took place in Hamamatsu City this year as the rotation came to the West of our Prefecture (it will be held in Numazu City next year).
I came early to be able to greet the many Master Brewers and owners I know and make personal acquaintance with the few I haven’t had the pleasure to meet yet.
Before entering the Main Hall, I had a good look at some sake specialists blind-tasting brews as part of a national competition. For all my love of sake and probably because of it, I never felt becoming a recognized taster. I am more interested in the people who work so hard to produce those great nectars.
Although Grand Hotel Hamamatsu is a venerable institution, its main function hall is pretty big as it easily managed to cater for than 400 guests and all the Brewers’ stands.
I did enter it long before the actual event to say hello and talk shop with the Brewers (a bit pert, I reckon, but I did work hard to make myself accepted in a very closed traditional world).
I also the opportunity to take pictures of new labels from Sogatsuru-Hagi no Kura, Aointenka and Doi Breweries I soon will visit in Kakegawa City.
The actual event lasted two hours while all guests either stayed at the tables and enjoyed the meal and sake selection already served on each table seating eight diners, or like myself went around the whole room tasting sake at the Brewers’ stands and came back now and then for drink of water and some food served as soon as they were seated. A very practical system for the guests but extremely trying for the staff!
Set of three appetizers
Set of three sashimi
Set of fried vegetables
Cooked seafood plate
Chicken confit and mushrooms as meat plate
Seabream (snapper) rice, pickles and soup
Dessert: hot “Amazake”, made from sake white lees (non-alcoholic)
Alright, I did not go into many details but I will be glad to answer requests for explanations! At least that should give a good idea of waht to expect at such functions in Japan!
June 29, 2009 at 7:17 am |
Robert sensei,
Ohisashiburi desu. My friend told me about your Sake-quest in Shizuoka Area. I am very impressed by your report on Sake breweries.
So far we have only been to Sugii Shuzo in Fujieda, but since then we have become a big fun of the Suginishiki.
While we are in Japan, your web site will be very helpful for us to find good food and drinks!
Dewa mata.
–Asami
May 20, 2009 at 8:08 am |
Hi,
I just came across your blog/web site while checking some
cooking style of a certain dish. Google certainly leads to
interesting sites.
I was born and grew up in Shimizu city now living in Tokyo area.
I left Shimizu when I graduated from high-school and attended college in Tokyo
and don’t go back to Shimizu often nowadays.
So your coverage of
Shizuoka food and other local stuff in English is very interesting and making me
recall many things from my home town.
Keep good work (or hobby/pasttime?) going!
Sincerely
C. Ishikawa
May 20, 2009 at 8:16 am |
Dear Friend!
Greetings!
So glad to please you!
Tank you so much for the kind compliments!
Where did you learn your English?
You are certainly of a higher level!
Do you have a blog!
Cheers,
Robert-Gilles
March 8, 2009 at 12:31 pm |
Hi Robert-gilles,
This is Foodbuzz buddy, Mostly Food Journal here!
I love your writing and I wonder if you would like to submit some of these articles on Japanese food. I would give you credit and add a link to your site.
I have 2 sites, Mostly Food Journal and a new one, Mostly Asian Food (www.mostlyasianfood.com) your articles would be posted on both sites.
Very best wishes and thanks
Chrissie – PS. We return to Carcassonne in April when I’ll be enjoying lovely food cooked by our French friends… and me. LOL! x
March 12, 2009 at 1:32 pm |
Dear Chrissie!
Greetings!
All my articles and pics are for sharing!
Please do help yourself!
Cheers,
Robert-Gilles
January 24, 2009 at 2:32 pm |
I wish I had a chance to taste sake one day. I really wonder it.
January 24, 2009 at 3:31 pm |
Dear Zerrin!
Sake is witnessing the beginnng of a boom abroad!
I’m sure you will have the occasion to drink some day!
Cheers,
Robert-Gilles