Portland Japanese Garden to Host Exciting Sake and Food Pairing Event at the Leftbank Annex

The Portland Japanese Garden invites you to raise a sake cup and connect with Japanese culture

“Sake reveals true feelings” – Japanese Proverb

Cuisine of a Culture

As most travelers will attest, the cuisine of a culture can teach you much about its people and values. The same is undoubtedly true about a culture’s drinks. Connect with the culture of Japan at an exciting and educational sake tasting event at the Leftbank Annex. Hosted by Portland Japanese Garden and Joto Sake, this event will introduce guests to several varieties of Japan’s beloved beverage. Devil’s Food Catering will provide food pairings to enhance the tasting experience.

“We love being able to bring our community together with the Garden’s generous corporate sponsors. When everyone is given an opportunity to interact at these events, it deepens the Japanese cultural experience,” said Jordynn Hall, Membership Manager at the Portland Japanese Garden.

Did you know?

Sake is made from rice, water, yeast, and koji (a fungus). It is brewed, not distilled. Much to the surprise of many, sake is made from a grain, not fruit, so it is actually not a rice wine like it is often described. Sake is gluten and sulfite free. It is a clean, pure beverage completely free of additives or flavorings.

About Joto Sake

Joto is Japanese for “highest level” and it describes the makers of the sake. Founded in 2005 in New York, Joto Sake imports from eight different breweries and represents 27 individual sakes in the USA.

“We hope to spark and foster interest in Japanese culture and believe that sharing knowledge and information with people generates curiosity. In keeping with this belief, we prioritize education as a main component of our events and sake tastings,” said President of Joto Sake, LLC, Henry Sidel.

Their sakes are described as jizake, or “local”, and are brewed from different regions in Japan. All breweries produce in small batches and primarily use locally grown sake rice and proprietary yeasts.

Event Information

Some of the sakes available for tasting will be Eiko Fuji HonKara (with a dry finish that can be enjoyed chilled or warm), Izumo Fuji Junmai (made by a third generation sake brewing family using traditional methods without modern machines), and Joto’s very own sake, Joto Daiginjo. Each sake will be paired with a handcrafted appetizer made using local northwest ingredients – to remind us that sake can be enjoyed with any number of regional cuisines.

About Devil’s Food Catering

Since 2003, Devil’s Food Catering has been serving delicious food hand made from scratch. When planning their menus, they strive to select foods that will be at the peak of each season, and whenever possible, to source products locally, providing clients with the freshest, tastiest dishes.

7-9pm on Friday, November 4, 2016 at the Leftbank Annex (101 N Weidler St)

Event Sponsored by Joto Sake and Devil’s Food Catering

Tickets: $20 for Members, $30 for General Public 

Limited street parking is available, but we strongly suggest taking public transportation to the event. The Leftbank Annex can be accessed via bus 4, 6, 17, 44, and the A Loop or B Loop Portland Streetcar. Please visit trimet.org for more information.