Archive for December, 2008

First Anniversary

Monday, December 8th, 2008

It was one year ago today that we exited the subway and walked up 2nd Avenue toward E. 9th Street with nervous stomachs anticipating a day that we’d worked towards for what seemed like an interminable three years.  Wondering what the ensuing eight hours or so held in store for us, we opened our gate, unlocked the front door and crossed our fingers…

Since that eventful day (including the temporary loss of our credit card processing unit), we have seen a year pass in what seems like the blink of an eye.  What accounts for the rate at which time passes has been the subject of intense discussion for many but for us it has been a experiential journey, a learning curve that figuratively rivaled scaling K2, and most importantly meeting and making new friends.  Our dream of sharing and spreading our passion for sake which lead to the birth of SAKAYA was fulfilled in more ways than we could have imagined.   It would not have happened were it not for a selfless group of folks who generously gave us their valuable time and shared the benefits of their hard work and experience:  Steve Bamundo, Charles Hamowy, Candia Herman-Flaum, Tom Sedlock, Beau Timken, Mani Dawes, Michelle Pravda and Patrick Watson, Henry Sidel, John Gauntner, Tim Sullivan, Jessica, Laura, and Dan Lim, Lisa Rosenthal, Hiromi Tsuruta and Swee Phuah.    We cannot thank you enough!

To those who have visited us in the first year of our existence we extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for your support.    We look forward to welcoming you back and also to meeting those of you who have yet to seek us out.    Please join us in celebrating our first anniversary at the series of special tastings that can be found on the events page on our website.

With warmest wishes for the happiest holiday season,

Kanpai!

Rick & Hiroko

December Tastings

Monday, December 8th, 2008

Hard as it may be to believe, a year has passed and SAKAYA has become a destination for an ever-expanding community of folks like you who have come to enjoy the pleasures of drinking sake.  To thank you for your support and to celebrate our first anniversary, we invite you join us for the festivities!

Friday, December 5, 6-8PM, World Sake Imports:

Masumi Yumedono Daiginjo (Nagano), Akitabare Suiratkuten “Heaven of Tipsy Delight” Daiginjo (Akita), Tedorigawa Ikina Onna Junmai Daiginjo (Ishikawa)

Saturday, December 6, 3-6PM, Chizuko Niikawa, Sake Sommelier:

Daishichi Minawamon Kimoto Junmai Daiginjo (Fukushima), Dassai 23 Junmai Daiginjo (Yamaguchi), Wataribune Junmai Daiginjo (Ibaraki)

Thursday, December 11, 6-8PM, Kagatobi Selections:

Kagatobi Cho Karakuchi Junmai, Kagatobi Junmai Ginjo, Kagatobi Junmai Daiginjo

Friday, December 12, 6-8PM. SAKAYA Selections:

Kubota Manju Junmai Ginjo (Niigata), Masuizumi Junmai Daiginjo (Toyama), Tama no Hikari “Brilliant Jade” Junmai Daiginjo (Kyoto)

Saturday, December 13, 3-6PM, ASPEC Selections:

Manabito Junmai Daiginjo, Chokaisan Junmai Daiginjo, Dewatsuru “Habataki” Junmai Ginjo

Friday, December 19, 6-8PM, Niigata Sake Selections:

Kirinzan Junmai Daiginjo, Minogawa Koshi no Omachi Daiginjo, Kakurei Plum

Saturday, December 20, 3-6PM, Japan Prestige Sake Selections:

Tsukino Katsura “Heiankyo” Junmai Daiginjo (Kyoto)

Saturday, December 27,  3-6PM, Sparkling Sake Tastings:

Chikurin Hou Hou Shu & Chikurin Hana Hou Hou Shu (Okayama)