Pictured: Christopher Pellegrini founder of Honkaku Spirits. Photo courtesy of Sage Restaurant.

Sage Restaurant is proud to announce a unique culinary event, "Taste of Japan: Rooftop Food & Cocktail Tasting," scheduled for Wednesday, January 10 at 6 pm. This special evening is dedicated to exploring the fusion of gourmet cuisine with traditional Japanese Shochu, set against the backdrop of Sage's stunning rooftop views. Executive chef Christopher Covelli and bar manager Cliseria Padilla-Flores have teamed up to create a five-course tasting menu that perfectly pairs with handcrafted shochu cocktails. Guests can expect to delight in dishes such as sea urchin crostini brulee, bao buns with pork belly and lobster, and miso glazed eggplant, each course complementing the unique characteristics of shochu. “This is an exciting category for mixing cocktails because of how unique the flavors and textures can be,” said Padilla-Flores. “We’re able to bring out rich, savory characteristics we may not get to experience with other spirits.” Adding to the evening's allure, Christopher Pellegrini, founder of Honkaku Spirits, will be in attendance. Pellegrini, an authority on koji-based spirits and author of ‘The Shochu Handbook,’ will provide insights into the world of Honkaku Shochu and Ryukyu Awamori, offering a deeper understanding of these traditional Japanese spirits. The evening promises an exquisite blend of culinary innovation and traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Tickets for this exclusive event are available for $60 per person. This price includes five courses of gourmet food dishes and accompanying shochu cocktails. Due to limited seating, early reservations are highly recommended. For reservations, guests can call Sage Restaurant at 941-445-5660, email admin@realmrestaurants.com, or book directly through Eventbrite.

Pictured: Christopher Pellegrini founder of Honkaku Spirits. Photo courtesy of Sage Restaurant.