Friday - August 28 at Nishi Honganji Kaikan

The Ultimate Sake Pairing

Kampai!  and Otsukaresama! A pair of words commonly shared by friends, families, and supporters, as over 100 participants gathered in the LAHHBT Kaikan on August 28th, 2015 for the 1st inaugural sake tasting fundraiser.

The event was a spectacular pairing of sorts – the first being the idea brainstormed by Rev. Koho Takata and Judy Izumo, both of Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple.  Their vision for a fundraiser celebrating the 100th anniversary of branch temple Hollywood Buddhist Church, paired with the 50th anniversary campaign of LAHHBT in its current location, came to fruition due to the sake support by Mutual Trading Co., Inc. 

The event filled Nishi’s Kaikan with a variety of sights, smells, and tastes.  A number of classic Japanese dishes were prepared, and then served, with selectively paired sake, to enhance and complement one another.  Unique appetizers included Ume Kyu, Tako Wasa, and Kurobuta sausage, while some of the popular favorites included oden, karaage, takoyaki, cha soba, and sushi.   The surprise of the evening consisted of a unique taste test allowing everyone to try the same sake, served cold and warm, side by side.   The results were stunning and remarkable.  In the end, a variety of 9 pairings were enjoyed and even the designated drivers were treated to 9 non-alcoholic tastings.

A very special thank you to Atsuko Kanai and Mutual Trading Co., Inc. for her expertise and enlightening presentation regarding the origins and the makings of sake, and to Chef Akira from Maison Akira for his wonderful mango dessert and expertise in the kitchen.  Thank you to the Sayano Family and Nanka Seimen for their delicious cha-soba, to Mr Tak Hamano of Umeya Rice Cake Company and to Judy Izumo who helped close the evening with a generously fulfilling bowl of shrimp tempura udon.

Lastly, if it were not for the energetic volunteer servers who were kept busy all night long, the event may have come up a few pairs short!   Thank you to everyone for a very successful event.

Sake Fundraising Committee