PENSACOLA BEACH — The Consul General of Japan and the Sake Export Association held a Nov. 29 sake tasting for those in the restaurant and bar business at Flounder’s Chowder House.
While there, Consul General Ken Okaniwa received a set of commemorative coins marking Naval Air Station Whiting Field’s upcoming 75th anniversary. He was the first consul to visit the base last year.
Sake is the traditional alcoholic drink of Japan. It's made by fermenting rice that is polished to remove the bran.
The event, which featured 13 sake brewers from various parts of Japan, was open to restaurateurs, distributors, hoteliers and other trades people.
"We wanted to show them the best sake," Okaniwa said. "Most that are sold (in the U.S.) are not the best grade of sake."
While Okaniwa’s 2016 trips to West Florida focused on the aerospace industry, Wednesday's event followed his overall purpose of bringing together Japanese and Floridian businesses.
Addressing attendees, Okaniwa said sake is an important part of Japanese culture and it can go with American food.
"Sake goes with most foods as long as they’re not overpowering," he said.
Foodie LIFE and Eight Fifty Media supported the event; Keith Hoffert, their owner and president, respectively, was among attendees. The chef of 25 years said he’s held sake tastings before.
"At my own restaurant, I’ve held (them) before but they’re not the real deal," he said, referring to the quality of sakes at Wednesday's event.
Hoffert said he couldn’t compare sake to an alcoholic drink someone may know.
"Sake is a different experience on its own," he said. "It has a taste of its own."
Kevin Kerrigan and Ian Arnold work with Fluid Spirits, a supplier for Afrohead Rum and Toast Vodka. Arnold said they’re always looking to expand their portfolio.
"I’ll give them feedback, which will be very positive," Arnold said.
"This is featuring the product, not the establishment," Kerrigan said, discussing holding the sake tasting at a seafood restaurant as opposed to a Japanese restaurant.
"Sake pairs with all things, not just hibachi."
"We wanted to show them the best sake. Most that are sold (in the U.S.) are not the best grade of sake."
— Ken Okaniwa, Consul General of Japan
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: 'Sake pairs with all things'