Gohan Society hosts event sampling rare sakes from Noto

On February 22, Gohan Society hosted an exclusive event sampling rare sakes from the Noto region of Japan ’s west coast. The venue for this evening’s festivities was Sakagura, a midtown restaurant known for its extensive sake list, (the word “sakagura” in fact, translates as ‘sake brewery’).

Noto refers to the peninsular region at the northern end of Ishikawa prefecture and it is a popular tourist destination because of its hot water springs and greenery. This is an ancient community whose economy was primarily driven by its fishing and farming industries. The sake brewing industry in the region dates back hundreds of years and the sakes are noted as being rich, soft, and full bodied. The distinctive qualities of Noto sakes are largely the product of the “yamahai” style of preparing the yeast starter.

Earlier this year Noto was struck by a very destructive earthquake registering 4.8 on the Richter scale. Several local ‘sakagura’ were damaged by the force of the quake. And as a result, a great deal of sake was lost while in production. Some of the sakes served this evening came from batches that were salvaged from this calamity.

The menu was prepared by the much celebrated Chef Shinichiro Takagi and highlighted the regional cuisine, perfectly matching the selection of boutique production sakes.

Chef Takagi is owner and executive chef of Zeniya, located in his native city Kanazawa on Japan ’s western coast. He is an ardent spokesman for the regional cuisines of Ishikawa prefecture.

Gohan Society celebrates the food of Kaga with Ambassador Sakurai

On February 20, The Gohan Society presented a dinner of Kaga cuisine at the residence of Ambassador Motoatsu Sakurai, Chief Consul General to the Consulate-General of Japan in New York . Kaga is a city in Ishikawa prefecture situated on the central west coast of the main island of Honshu . Kaga, in older times referred to the province (kuni) which occupied the southern part of present day Ishikawa Prefecture

This area was a stronghold of the powerful Maeda clan of Samurai during the Edo (or Tokugawa) period, from 1603-1868. The landscape is distinguished by its old castles, sites of worship, and hot springs , which are constant attractions for tourists to Kaga and its environs. The arts and crafts flourished in Kaga during this period when it was a focal point in early Japanese commerce; its pottery industry and contributions to the practice of the Tea Ceremony are notable. The elegant yet earthy cuisine of this area stresses the importance of fresh seasonal ingredients

The meal for this evening’s engagement was planned and prepared by Shinichiro Takagi, owner and executive chef of Zeniya, located in his native city of Kanazawa in Ishikawa prefecture. Takagi is a world-renowned chef whose preparations are profoundly inspired by the traditional cuisines of the Ishikawa region..

The Honorable Ambassador Sakurai’s generous hospitality for hosting this very special event is greatly appreciated.