Have you noticed that sake is suddenly “a thing?”  There it is.  Right at the heart and in the title of the Amazon series, Sunshine Sento Sake and – look – there it is again, in the Netflix show Samurai Gourmet.  There’s techno DJ and sake super fan Richie Hawtin who recently launched his very own sake label. Sake’s fan base is growing and the ancient beverage is having a new moment in the spotlight.  It’s a new trend that’s been around more than two thousand years. 
 
It’s definitely in the spotlight at Canada’s biggest celebration of sake, Kampai Toronto, held this year at the Distillery District’s Fermenting Cellar on June 1st 2017.   The annual event is an amazing opportunity for those who are curious to taste, to learn and to explore the world of sake.  It’s a chance to sample more than 150 sakes with delicious foods, specially created, to enjoy with sake, by some of Toronto’s top chefs and restaurants.
 
Some surprises are in store for those coming to this year’s festival of Japan’s celebrated beverage.  For the first time, Kampai will include a free outdoor market to welcome the public along the historic Gristmill Lane, with music, culture and crafts.   Almost a thousand people are expected to attend. 
 
According to sake sommelier Mariko Tajiri:
“the excitement around sake is greater than ever – and Kampai is not only amazing opportunity to immerse yourself in the flavours and aromas of the beverage but also to experience the exciting foods and experiences that are part of the sake experience.  Your palate will be dazzled.” 
 
For those interested in attending, make sure to reserve your tickets early – the event has sold out five years in a row.
 
The Sake Institute of Ontario presents Kampai Toronto 2017 at the Fermenting Cellar in Toronto’s historic Distillery District
 
Thursday, June 1 from 5:30 to 9:30 pm