To kick off summer, we have arranged a special sake tasting dinner at Bar Hayama, which includes a flight of three sake, plate of sushi and 4 kozara (Japanese tapas) selected by owner, sushi chef and sake sommelier, Toshi Sugiura. In addition, our friends at Sake Social will be providing a selection of premium sake for tasting as well, to celebrate the launch of their site, www.SakeSocial.com. We’ll try at least 6 different sake in all. We’ve negotiated a discounted price of $40 (which includes tax and tip) for our group of “sake enthusiasts” and “asian foodies.” Food alone at Bar Hayama typically runs around $50 per person, so this is a great deal! We will be dining under the stars by the outside fire pit, which is my favorite place to relax and spend a summer evening. Whether you are a novice and want to learn more about sake and try something new, or a seasoned sake drinker that can’t get enough, it will be a great night for sure!

Details:
Payment: Please bring $40 cash, to be paid in advance of seating, which covers the tasting menu of sushi, kozara and of course, sake. In case you are really hungry or thirsty, you are welcome to order food and drink from Bar Hayama's regular menu or sushi bar. Since we have such a large group, to simplify things, Bar Hayama would appreciate it if you would pay the servers cash as you order rather than running a tab.

Time: 8:30pm (for those that want to come early, we’ll be having drinks at the bar).

About Bar Hayama & Toshi Sugiura:
From Los Angeles Magazine: One of the best 75 restaurants in Los Angeles (#41 to be exact) - Toshi Sugiura has created a space both quaint and sophisticated, with two intimate bars, an extensive selection of sakes (with a handy guide to their flavor profiles), and a menu highlighting kozara, or small plates. In good weather the fire pit in the garden, surrounded by communal tables, is mesmerizing.
Toshi is a Certified Sake Sommelier and founder of the California Sushi Academy. http://www.bar-hayama...

About Sake Social:
Check out the Sake Social website, which has a lot of info on sake in an easy to read format - http://www.sakesocial...

I also like “Sake Guru” Beau Timkin’s blog:
http://www.sakesocial...

And of course, the shopping section.
http://www.sakesocial...