A Memorable Sake Event in Collaboration with Shimizu Seizaburo and Special Guest Sonia Bichet

On Saturday, June 15th, we had the pleasure of hosting an event in collaboration with Shimizu Seizaburo, a renowned sake brewery located in Suzuka, Mie Prefecture. We welcomed a special guest, Sonia Bichet, a MOF (Meilleur Ouvrier de France) Fishmonger, known for her exceptional skills at just 29 years old.

The event started with an insightful tour of the brewery, allowing attendees to explore the production and bottling site of the celebrated Zaku sake bottles, notably winning the prestigious Kura Master competition in 2021, among many other accolades.

Following the tour, we enjoyed a sake-tasting session, perfectly paired with delicious oysters from Mie provided by the MOF and Shimizu Seizaburo’s local partners. In a traditional toast inspired by the fishermen of Mie, we poured a bit of sake into an oyster shell, raised it to the sky, and said "Kanpai!" before savoring the delicious combination.

The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the demonstration by Sonia Bichet. Participants eagerly gathered around her table, where freshly shucked oysters were served. Throughout the event, Sonia's warmth and enthusiasm were evident as she passionately answered questions and shared her journey.

Sonia has been traveling the world (15 countries) for the past nine months, sharing her passion with younger generations and experiencing different fishing cultures. Despite the exhaustion from her extensive travels, including an incredible immersion with the Ama divers of Toba, Sonia's energy and charm quickly put everyone at ease. She not only showcases her often-stigmatized profession but also highlights the universal and borderless sharing of cuisine, enabling her to share her passion in any country.

I am grateful to Shimizu Seizaburo, Sonia Bichet, and all our participants for making this event unforgettable! Stay tuned for many more enriching events to come!