Sake Community Dinner with Monica Samuels
About this Event
Join us at Akai Sushi for a fun, intimate and deeply immersive evening of Japanese sake, food and storytelling hosted by Monica Samuels, President of Komé Collective and an official Sake Samurai, one of the most prestigious honors bestowed by the Japan Sake Brewers Association.
This special five-course dinner will feature a thoughtfully curated flight of exceptional and rare sake. Throughout the evening, Monica will guide guests through each pour, sharing the stories, traditions and nuances behind each sake in a way that is both fun and educational. Rather than simply pairing sake with dinner, this experience is about discovering why the pairings work…how the character, texture and flavor of each sake can complement, contrast and ultimately elevate the food on your plate.
And because great sake is even better when shared, seating for the evening will be community table-style, creating an intimate and convivial atmosphere where guests can enjoy the experience together. The evening is designed to be as much about connection and conversation as it is about discovering great sake.
Meet Your Host: Monica Samuels
Monica has spent more than fifteen years immersed in the sake industry across restaurants, distribution and importation. As President of Komé Collective, a leading U.S. importer of Japanese sake and spirits, she has dedicated her career to introducing American audiences to the depth and diversity of Japanese sake.
Raised bilingual and bicultural between Los Angeles and Tokyo, Monica was inspired by her grandfather, a former sake brewer. In 2017, she was awarded the prestigious Sake Samurai title. She has also been named to Wine Enthusiast's "40 Under 40" and the IWSC "Future 50," and has judged leading sake competitions around the world, including the International Wine Challenge and the U.S. National Sake Appraisal.
A Rare Opportunity at Akai
As an added bonus, guests will have the exclusive opportunity to purchase rare sake featured during the evening and available only at AKAI.
With very limited seating, we encourage you to reserve early for what promises to be a memorable evening of exceptional food, rare sake, great conversation and a whole lot of fun, all guided by one of America's most respected sake ambassadors.
Come hungry. Come curious. And come ready to drink some really f*cking good sake.
Evening Schedule
6:00 PM – Doors open. Guests are welcomed.
6:30 PM – The five-course, sake pairing experience and presentation begins promptly. Doors close at 6:30 PM to preserve the flow of service. Each course will be served approximately 15–20 minutes apart, allowing for a relaxed and intentional pace. (Seating is Community Table-Style.)
8:30 PM – Dessert finale is served. Closing remarks.
The Pairing Menu
- Amuse-Bouche: Sushi Pizza | Salmon K-Pop. Paired with Tensei "Infinite Summer" Tokubetsu Honjozo.
- Appetizers: Japanese A5 Wagyu Carpaccio | Japanese A5 Wagyu Gyoza | Japanese A5 Wagyu Nigiri. Paired with Shiokawa "Cowboy Yamahai" Junmai Ginjo Genshu.
- Intermezzos: Shogun Roll | Bayou'd Salmon Roll | Spicy Salmon Onigiri. Paired with Kawatsuru "Olive" Junmai Ginjo.
- Main Course: Miso-Glazed Chilean Sea Bass with Coconut Sticky Rice | Omakase Taster. Paired with Rihaku "Dreamy Clouds" Tokubetsu Junmai Nigori.
- Dessert: Lychee Sake Sorbet. Paired with Tozai "Blossom of Peace" Umeshu.
What Your Ticket Includes:
- A curated five-course culinary experience with many items created exclusively for this event and otherwise unavailable on our regular menu.
- Five sake pairings thoughtfully selected to complement each course.
- A guided educational sake presentation led by official Sake Samurai Monica Samuels.
- Exclusive access to purchase featured sake bottles available at the event at a discount.
- Gratuity included in the ticket price.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 135.00
