Please follow me if you like what you’re reading.
I like to think I only post when there’s something of value to say, so I shouldn’t steal too much of your bandwidth.
DIBMO
FOMO (fear of missing out) and MOFO (look it up, kids!), they’re in all the online dictionaries (does anyone buy a hardcopy dictionary these days, actually?) and now I’d like to introduce DIBMO: Damn I’ve Been Missing Out.
THE AGONY OF CHOICE
Funny how things change.
Twelve months ago, possibly even just six months ago, the concept of spending a weekend multi-Googling flights and accommodation options across two, or more, devices was something we “used to do” before the pandemic.
![COULD DO BETTER - Part 2 [Retailers]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e96799c27ead06f534c181b/1682495235584-MY2XC6KOYF5EYLYBGGJM/IMG_9064.jpg)
COULD DO BETTER - Part 2 [Retailers]
In Part 1 of this ranting article I gave, with help from Tom Wilson at Kanpai London, a quick snapshot of the post-pandemic Sake restaurant scene in the UK. It’s not bad, on the right trajectory but still could do better.
![COULD DO BETTER - Part 1 [Restaurants]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e96799c27ead06f534c181b/1681284969115-NO37TM6MR25OPW6TAZDL/IMG_3765.jpg)
COULD DO BETTER - Part 1 [Restaurants]
Could do better, three words that strike fear into the hearts of any parent on opening a report card. But this isn’t a nostalgic review of my school days, it’s a fitting comment for the state of the nation when it comes to Britain’s Sake scene.
2023: BACKING OFF THE ONLINE
Yep, that’s my advice for you in 2023. Get away from your screen a little, get outside and log out on your way out.
BACK IN ACTION
Apologies, it’s been a while since my last mailing. Some of you may be relieved about that, but hopefully not too many of you. It’s been a pretty wild time these last 15 or so months. I’ve been out of Hong Kong traveling for almost a third of 2022. So here’s what’s been happening, to explain the lack of comms.
IWA 5 - ENCORE UNE FOIS
Yes, Assemblage 2 is exclusively out for those of us lucky to be in Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia however it’s far from a simple encore of what happened with the inaugural IWA 5. It will nevertheless still be leaving drinkers demanding “more”.
HONG KONG: HOW A THIRST FOR JAPAN IS CHANGING DRINKING HABITS
Marooned residents are taking sake enjoyment to new levels, riding a wave of increased supply and diversification.
AGE IS JUST A NUMBER
I’m hurtling towards my half century, and whilst it’s still a few years away, the writing has been on the wall for a while. In 2019 I was offered senior rates for golf in Michigan. Twice. At least there’s some silver lining to turning five-zero, I guess.
“ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?”
It’s not exactly fighting for your life in front of thousands of Colosseum season ticket holders but it’s still an unnerving experience standing in front of a bunch of strangers, dozens of pairs of eyes focused on you, as you kick off another Sake 101 presentation.
“HELLO TARTNESS, MY OLD FRIEND”
“Hello tartness, my old friend,” is either my best or singularly worst title for an article so far. I guess it depends on how much of a Simon & Garfunkel fan you are.
MAKING A SONG & DANCE
The Ninja throwing star shaped Sado Island is like a cooler version of an asterisk or ‘You Are Here’ arrow. It’s not that Niigata needs its own iconic homing beacon, but the Prefecture has one nonetheless.
ON TOUR WITH ZOKU
I love food, don’t we all, but it’s been a real part of my life. My first job entailed selling rice, pasta and ready to use sauces to Chefs at universities, hospitals and workplace catering hubs which sounds rather dated now but back then we would fax orders to Head Office and having a cellphone seemed the coolest thing ever.
IMA IWA
First of all, Kung Hei Fat Choy. The Year of the Ox is here. Got to say the Rat didn’t do much to break any vermin stereotypes last year.
Despite having some R&R opportunities over the New Year holidays, it’s been a busy period but I found time to say goodbye (good riddance) to the Year of the Rat with a Sake that left me a little shocked. In a good way.
COMING UP DOWN UNDER
It seems only right that the first article of 2021 (sorry for the delay) should be a positive one as we enter a year of hope and optimism, with a sprinkle of can do avant-garde attitude.
2020 WRAPPED UP
The best thing about 2020 is that it’s almost over.
NEWSFLASH
What a lovely way to end what has otherwise been a year pretty bereft of good news!
EVENTFUL
In a year where pretty much all large scale events have been cancelled, and some of 2021’s too, it was a real treat to be involved in a two-night production here in Hong Kong, and Sake Matters’ first genuine gig.
And that explains the absence from posting. But I’m back, for now anyway.
MORPHING TO THE MASSES
They have a saying in Texas, apparently, which goes: He’s so busy you’d think he was twins. And that aptly describes Adam Blumenshein’s existence these past months along with his team at Texas Sake.