Join us at Thalassa for the debut of selected artisanal sakés from the award winning Ichishima Shuzō (Brewery).  These carefully selected sakés are the grand cru of Niigata, Japan's premier saké-producing region.
 
Noted saké master Michael John Simkin, founder of MJS Saké Selections, and Chef Raphael Abrahante of Thalassa have created a superb pairing menu; for this is the first-ever, serious pairing of saké and Mediterranean cuisine.  See what happens when two sea-faring nations with love of story-telling get together!
 
These artisanal sakés have never before been tasted in North America.    

Menu
First Course    
Hamachi Tartare Wrapped in Roasted Grape Leaves with Eggplant Mousse and Wasabi Tobiko
Ichishima Shuzō, Ichishima, Junmai, Niigata, Japan    
   
Second Course           
Cherry Tomato Salad  with Marinated Greek Beans
Ichishima Shuzō, Ichishima, Honjōzō, Niigata, Japan 
 
Main Course   
Grilled Lamb Chops with Haricots Verts and Fingerling Potatoes with Balsamic Vinegar Reduction
Ichishima Shuzō, Ichishima, Ginjō Koshu [Aged for 5 years], Niigata, Japan
 
Dessert           
An Assortment of Greek Pastries
Ichishima Shuzō, Ichishima, Silk Deluxe, Junmai, Niigata, Japan

                                              
The Ichishima Saké Brewery was founded in 1790 by a wealthy farmer from the Ichishima family. They have been involved in saké making for more than 200 years (since the shōgun era).  The company continues to excel in producing high quality saké through the combination of Niigata's famous rice, purest water and ideal climate with a technique developed through 200 years of brewing tradition.  It is currently well known for its sake museum that is open to the public as well as for its employment of female saké makers who work at the kura (saké house).