Over 150 varieties of fine sake. How else could we begin this review? That’s Hakobune’s claim to fame in the Kannai area, but this izakaya offers much more to distinguish itself.
But let’s start with that fantastic selection. If you know your sake, you’ll probably tremble with glee at the all-you-can-drink plans. Even if you don’t know sake, these are great options for drinking around and comparing flavors. Seasider publisher Ry Beville is actually a Certified Sake Professional and gives this place a big thumbs up for both selection and cost performance.
The cheapest plan is ¥2000 and lasts two hours, offering five well-known brands, including Kirinzan and Hakkaisan. The plans also include other alcoholic beverages like shochu, mixed drinks and beer. The ¥2500 plan features ten selections of sake, including two “ginjo” (premium) and two “junmai” (pure rice) brands. The sake geek’s premium plan tops out at ¥3000. It spreads the love with twenty varieties chosen by the store manager, including two “daiginjo” (super-premium) brands. Beville advises that you not get too caught up in the “premium” labels, though; there are many other excellent sake. Note that the last order is 30 minutes before time’s up. If you are not looking to binge and just want a selection or two, you only need pocket change. Some start less than ¥600, while some super premium sake are much pricier. One delightful discovery was that Hakobune also serves two varieties of Swan Lake craft beer from Niigata. Definitely go for a bottle if you need to change pace.
Hakobune is as attractive for its food as for its sake. It specializes in traditional, seasonal Japanese, with dishes rich in fish and vegetables. It offers extremely affordable banquet plans to go along with the sake, starting as low as ¥3000. Plans change each month.
The dim, sake-themed interior is attractive and well-suited for larger groups. It can get a little smoky, but some sections allow you to pull a curtain. Enjoy your feast in private.
Source:
http://ift.tt/1nQi7rt