Hanami : Picnic Under the Cherry blossom
Hanami is a beautiful and timeless tradition in Japan that celebrates the arrival of spring and the blooming of cherry blossoms.
The delicate and vibrant pink and white petals of the Sakura ( Cherry blossom) trees serve as a poignant metaphor for the fragility and beauty of life, reminding us to cherish every moment we have.
This joyous event, people come together with their loved ones to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and indulge in delicious food and drinks while sitting under the blooming trees.
The air is filled with the sweet aroma of the cherry blossoms, and the sight of the pink and white petals dancing in the gentle breeze is truly mesmerizing.
What is Hanamizake?
Hanamizake is the sake you enjoy while admiring cherry blossoms.
Not sure what kind of sake to choose for cherry blossom viewing?
I have a perfect sake for you!
Dassai Nigori Sparkling is the perfect companion for this celebration!
Its pink and sparkling appearance evokes the beauty of the cherry blossoms, and its creamy, silky texture with delicate sparkling made by the champagne method is a treat for the senses. It has a little sweetness that perfectly balances its clear finish, making it a delightful drink to savor during Hanami.
Dassai Junmai Daiginjo Sparkling 45 :
Recommended temp: -5 ~ +2c
Yamada-Nishiki rice
Polished down to 45%
* open slowly, it will burst like champagne🍾
I found this sake at BC liquor store! However it seems like sparkling style is limited during this season, so hurry!
The blossoms only last for a brief period, the memories created during Hanami can stay with us forever.
It is a time to appreciate the beauty of nature and the company of those we love, and to be grateful for the fleeting moments of joy that life brings us.
SAKE CLUB vol. 4
Learn and taste MOTO - Mother Of Sake
Learn the fascinating traditional KIMOTO ake brewing method, a discovery dating back to the late 1600s. Get ready to indulge in an exceptional tasting experience with five different types of sake, featuring one brewed using a 400-year-old technique. Don't miss the chance to savor the best of Japanese sake brewing!
Date: January 18th Thursday
Time: 5:30 pm-7:00 pm
At: E:Ne Raw Food + Sake Bar
New Year’s first SAKE CLUB, We will have Omiki : Sacred sake with Natural Organic Sake by Terada honke
Classic Japanese hotpot
One of the iconic winter dishes in Japan
Ingredients for 2
1 /2 lb Chicken thigh or breast *1 see note
2 TBSP Shio-Koji
5 cm Kombu seaweed(dry)
3 cups Water
1/2 cup Daikon(half inch thick sliced)
1/2 block Soft or medium tofu(cut in small blocks)
1 cup Mushroom(any kind / fresh)
1/2 cup Green onion(chop in 2-3 inch or cut into small pieces)
2 cups Napa cabbage or bok choy (cut in 2 inch) or any leafy greens *2 see note
Instructions
Put water and kombu in a pot and soak kombu for at least 30 minutes.
Cut and marinate chicken with shio-koji for at least 30 minutes.
Add daikon and chicken in the pot, slowly boil with medium heat.
Once the water is boiled, add tofu, mushroom and white part of napa cabbage.
Put a lid on, gently boil for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
Add green onion and green part of napa cabbage or any leafy greens.
Serve with Ponzu*3 or our Yuzu chili miso or Kimchi koji*4 if you like spicy.
Don’t throw away the liquid! That’s the umami soup!
- Liquid in a pot is absolutely full of umami ! At the end of the hotpot, we usually make Zo-sui ( Japanese congee).
How to make Zo-sui
- Put a bowl of cooked rice in the umami soup, stir a bit and add beaten egg on top of rice. Put a lid on and to cook for a few minutes!
NOTE
1 : Substitute salmon or white fish for chicken are also good!! If you use sliced pork or beef, add at the end and cook for a few minutes.
2 : You can also use any other leafy greens like lettuce, mizuna, baby leaves or pea shoots and sprouts, but add those just before you eat.
3 : Ponzu is a soy sauce base citrusy dipping sauce and you can get any Japanese store or asian food aisle.
4 : Kimchi koji is one of our limited products in a holiday gift box.