(Left to right) Kats Miyazato, event organizer, welcomes Naoko Kamitani, Deputy Counsul General of Japan and Donna Duperron, Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce to the 2nd Annual SAKE Matsuri South Bay.
By Donna Duperron
This past Saturday, I had the opportunity to attend the 2nd annual SAKE Matsuri South Bay at the Miyako Hybrid Hotel. Kats Miyazato, organizer, welcomed me and provided introductions to several people.
Walking through the event it was easy to see why everyone was enjoying themselves. There were 40 premier sake tastings including many award-winning brands and styles from across Japan, as well as Japanese shochu (spirits). Light snacks for sampling were served. Guests enjoyed California rolls, BBQ wagyu beef from Oshu, chicken karaage, onigiri made with rice from Oshu, and many more delicious bites. Entertainment included the traditional “kagami biraki” (ceremonial sake barrel opening), wadaiko (Japanese drumming), and an Omotesenke Japanese tea ceremony demonstration.