Sake Tasting: The Wine Vault Event

From the event listing here:

Please join us anytime after 6:00 for a tasting of ultra-premium sakes. This ain't your mama's sake and this ain't that heated swill served in most Asian restaurants! If you've never had premium Sake before, you owe your taste buds this opportunity to experience the real deal! Sake expert Asako Takeuchi will be here down from LA to answer all your sake questions and to share her extensive knowledge. We're focusing on a five of our under $35 favorites from the stellar Joto Sake portfolio, and are serving generous 1.5-oz. tasting pours for a paltry twelve bucks. And for anyone wanting to try something really special, we'll also have tasting pours of an exceptional Junmai Daiginjo available for a mere four bucks extra. Sake reviews are at the end of this posting if you're interested.

In addition to the regular bistro menu, we're also featuring a special sushi platter for a ridiculously low $10. The platter includes Edamame (Salted Soybeans Boiled in the Pod), Chilled Seafood & Glass Noodle Salad with a Spicy Ginger/Sesame Dressing, Spicy Ahi Tuna Roll (2 pieces) and a Chirashi Sushi Rice Cup Topped with Sashimi-Grade Salmon & Albacore. Here's the sake line-up:


ULTRA-PREMIUM SAKE ~ $12

Shichi Hon Yari Junmai Ginjo

Chikurin Fukamari Junmai

Kasumi Tsuru Yamahai Ginjo

Watari Bune Junmai Ginjo 55

Yuki No Bosha Junmai Ginjo Nigori


OPTIONAL ADD-ON ~ $4

Yuki No Bosha Junmai Daiginjo


SO YOU DON'T LIKE SAKE, EH?

In addition to this Sake flight, we'll also have these and other wines available by the glass or bottle, as well as the usual white, red and mixed wine flights. (You can get descriptions of the other wine flights visiting our website, clicking on the calendar, and then clicking on Friday, 12/22/06.) We also have a full bar with lots of premium libations and attitude adjusters.


GRUB

In addition to the special sushi platter mentioned above, we'll also have an extensive bistro menu (access the same way as the wine flights above via the same calendar link) available featuring everything from salads, appetizers, paninis and cheese plates to main entrees like steak, chicken and pasta, so come on down and make an evening of it! The kitchen will be open until at least 9:00 and the bar will be open until at least 11:00.


RSVP ~ (619) 295-3939

Reservations are strongly recommended but not required. We accept reservations for seatings up to 7:00. For seatings after 7:00 just come on in and we'll do our best to seat you right away. If possible, when RSVPing please let us know how many in your party will be ordering the sushi special so we'll have a better idea of how much to have on hand!


***PARKING! ~ PARKING! ~ PARKING!***

On-street parking is usually available within a 3-block radius. Remember that it’s OK to park in yellow commercial zones after 6:00 and that meters are also free after 6:00. If you can’t find parking immediately next to the restaurant, there’s always LOTS OF PARKING on San Diego Avenue just past the Chevron station across Washington Street. Don't drive yourself crazy endlessly going around in circles waiting to pounce on that perfect spot when there's TONS OF PARKING only two blocks away!


LOCATION & PHONE

Wine Vault & Bistro is located in the heart of San Diego between Little Italy and Old Town at 3731-A India Street on the upstairs terrace. Follow the black handrail up the stairs from the sidewalk to our front door. Our phone number is (619) 295-3939.


SAKE REVIEWS & BOTTLE PRICES

Shichi Hon Yari Junmai Ginjo ~ $35 (720ml)

Technically a junmai daiginjo, this junmai ginjo is an elder sibling of sorts to Shichi Hon Yari junmai. Like the junmai, it has a wonderful combination of earthy and musky notes balanced by fresh fruit; however, it is lighter, more elegant and refined. It should be served chilled and complements sushi, sashimi and other light foods.


Chikurin Fukamari Junmai ~ $13 (300ml) or $28 (720ml)

This junmai is soft, relaxed and mellow, with notes of peaches and strawberries. It is best served chilled and complements yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), nutty cheeses and spicy Italian meats.


Kasumi Tsuru Yamahai Ginjo ~ $14 (300ml)

Smoky, earthy flavors mix with sweeter, fruitier notes in this warm and layered sake. It should be served chilled but also appreciated closer to room temperature. It is a wonderful accompaniment to cheese, shellfish, and grilled and smoked meats.


Watari Bune Junmai Ginjo 55 ~ $35 (720ml)

This junmai ginjo has rich and deep notes of honeydew and pineapple offset by nutty and earthy flavors. Its seimaibuai (degree of rice milling) is 55%, which explains its name. It pairs perfectly with monk fish, monk fish liver, pate, duck, soba and stews.


Yuki No Bosha Junmai Ginjo Nigori ~ $14 (300ml)

Creamy and smooth, with notes of peaches and strawberries. Complements hearty or spicy foods. It should be served chilled.


Yuki No Bosha Junmai Daiginjo ~ $57 (720ml)

Light, open, airy, and elegant, this junmai daiginjo has notes of green apple and prunes that fade into a slim, clean finish. This sake should be served chilled but also appreciated at room temperature. It is a perfect match for sushi and sashimi, as well as elegantly prepared fish and white meats.