For me, very few shelves at Total Wine are more confounding than the sake section, and still more are far less mysterious. When it comes to sake, choices abound. There are small bottles, big bottles, mini bottles -- even champagne-style bottles. Some are cloudy and cloyingly sweet; others are clear, bitter and dry. Complicating things further, some are heated and served piping hot, while others are best served cold. And labels written in Japanese don't help one bit.
When I'm helplessly staring down bottles of this delicious fermented rice water -- debating whether a tiny $50 selection is really better than a $10 jug -- it's times like this I wish Broward and Palm Beach County had a real, honest sake bar. You know, a place totally dedicated to this plethora of rice wines, this endless array of styles, flavors and serving suggestions.
If you're anything like me, you'll probably be just as excited for the chance to learn about -- and best of all, sample -- some of the world's best sakes this Friday, January 25, when Sushi Jo in Juno Beach will be hosting a free cold sake tasting from 8 to 11 p.m.
The tasting will be lead by local sake sommelier Takayuki Kashiwagi, who will be offering various cold sakes to willing patrons at Sushi Jo's newest location in the Loggerhead Shopping Plaza in Juno Beach.
There is no cover charge, and anyone over 21 is welcome to participate in sampling the large selection of sakes that will be available, including some of the finest cold sakes in the world. To keep the sake from going straight to your head, there will also be complimentary hors d'oeuvres from 9 to 11 p.m.
In addition to the free food and drink, you can also jam out to music presented by DJ "Sushi Jo," while enjoying the work of local artist Greg Panas, whose photographs will be on display as part of the restaurant's Surf Photo Exhibition.
For more information visit the Sushi Jo Juno Beach website or Facebook page, or call 561-691-9811.
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