Thirsty Thursdays: Gekkeikan Sake Shows Out At Sunda

Konbanwa or Good Evening in Japanese.

Tuesday, June 2nd, The House of Gekkeikan (the world's finest sake) transformed River North's swanky Sunda restaurant's upstairs private parlor into an exotic sake bar replete with several sake tastings.

Guests were greeted with the clash of a gong signaling when to switch sake stations. The evening started off with Suzaku (Junmai Ginjo-shu) sake. Notes of honeydew, pear and pineapple, make this premium sake remarkably smooth on the palate, with a creamy body that leads to a light finish.  Suzaku is great with grilled flaky white fish, seared scallops, or beef ribs and pork BBQ.

Mixologist Nahm Kim

Guests also enjoyed delectable appetizers consisting of Indo Corn Fritters, lemongrass beef lollipops, crispy wontons (as the base) with ahi tuna, avocado, and spicy mayo, affectionately called "Hawaiian Poke", were generously passed around. 

Fifteen minutes later, the gong was heard and another sake station awaited - a well appointed D-I-Y sake bar with Black & Gold (Junmai-shu) as the base.  Raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, lime and pineapple juice awaited to be muddled together to create an aromatic, custom cocktail. 

Black & Gold is a special blend of two sakes known for its tropical fruit aromas, papaya taste and savory finish. This compliments anything from pork belly and roasted mushrooms, to Ceasar salad and grilled beef skewers.  

To round-off the evening, we enjoyed Nigori (Junmai-Shu). This was wildly popular with several guests. Its flavors of peach, banana, and mango reveal the character of this mildly creamy sake (preferably served cold) that has subtle notes of citrus.  A perfect accompaniment to Thai and Indian curries, fajitas, or even blackened shrimp.  

Overall, Gekkeikan offers a variety of sakes that will suit any palate and complement any meal.

Jetta Bates (Jettasetting) and Desiree Sanders

To find out more about Gekkeikan Sake and other products go here.

Desiree Sanders is the former owner of Afrocentric Bookstores. Ms. Sanders is currently working with community gardening projects bringing fresh, whole foods to each neighborhood. She and her family reside in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood.

Photo credits: All photos courtesy of Desiree Sanders for C-Style Magazine