In honor of the 6th Annual Saké Fest at the Loews Hotel on Wednesday, April 14, we've complied a list of our favorite spots to swig saké.
Let’s start with Philly favorite, Morimoto. Although all the saké comes from a single brewery, Fukumitsuya, the famed restaurant is still well known for its array of sake inspired drinks such as the Morimoto martini. This tasty martini is created with Morimoto’s signature saké Junmai, Smirnoff and jazzed up with slices of cucumber. The restaurant also serves up a tasting flight that features two-ounce samples of Junmai, Ginjo and Daiginjo. Pair that with any of “Iron Chef” Masaharu Morimoto’s signature dishes and prepare to be dazzled.
Not only does Fuji Mountain boast “the best sushi in Philadelphia,” they’re saké menu isn’t too shabby either. With a selection of 25 saké like Karakuchi Honjozo, Hakkaisan Ginjo or Matushima Junmai, we’re pretty sure you’ll find something you like (and if you can’t, then maybe saké isn’t for you). As an added bonus, Fuji offers a private room for karaoke that can be rented out anytime from 6 p.m. until 2 a.m. daily. The fourth floor room accommodates up to thirty people and is conveniently located near a saké-serving bar.
RAW Sushi and Saké Lounge is a saké lovers dream with an extensive menu. They’ve got dry sake, smooth saké, light and floral saké; reserved selections and small bottles. Some of our favorites are Ozeki Yamadanishiki (made from Yamadanishiki rice, it can be paired with most anything on the menu) and Zui Chou, a sweet drink that’s great for saké virgins.
But the best way to start drinking saké is to head to the Loews at 6 p.m. for Saké Fest and taste rare and premium saké, paired with delicious food from Morimoto, Eliza's Bakert, Margaret Kuo's, Haru Sushi, Maido!
Tickets are available at the door for $69.50.
Remember a few key things when drinking saké. This Japanese drink is an acquired taste, so if you don’t like it the first time, try, try again. Most saké is served warm in the winter and chilled in the summer months. Generally, chilled saké is sweeter when warm, so be careful not too over drink because saké stomach is no fun.
