Japanese English
Sudo Honke ▲Mr. Gen–uemon Sudo
“Good sake stems from good rice and good rice stems from good soil;
Good soil stems from good water and good water stems from good trees;
Good trees are safe-guarding our brewery and sake.”
“Sake, Rice, Soil, Water, Tree” is one of the family rules that has passed on from one generation to another in Sudo Honke (the main branch of the Sudo Clan).
“Just come along for some sake!”
Because of the warm welcoming of Chef Arakane (aka Kin-san), the consultant of Akachochin, we have been visiting Akachochin every night .
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The executive director of Sudo Honke Inc., Mr. Gen–uemon Sudo has been promoting Japanese sake around the world for a long time. As a “Sake Preacher”, Mr. Sudo has gone all the way to America, Europe and Asia to spread and to educate people about sake.
Mr. Sudo gave us his business cards after greeting us with a gentle smile. “Gen–uemon Sudo” on the card is a big giveaway to the profound history of Sudo Hoke. It was such an ancient and uncommon name that we were once again awed by the fact that Sudo Hoke, founded in 1141, is the oldest brewery in Japan.
To Akachochin, the most ordinary and the most justified thing to do is to deliver the best to each and every customer. A fully occupied dinning area has proven Akachochin is on the right track since the grand opening.
Perhaps it’s the great personality of the head chef, Kengo Hiromatsu.
Perhaps it’s the cosiness that enables you to relax and enjoy.
Or perhaps, it’s the lively and attentive staff who are at your service.
No wonder this place is so popular these days because the food is lovely and the smiles of all the staff members are so bright. Our guests, Mr. and Mrs. Sobashima* were enjoying themselves, too!
*(Hidenobu Sobashima is the Consul-General of Japan, Melbourne)
It’s almost like common sense for Akachochin to prepare dishes that go well with sake. But, recommendation towards matching sake with a certain wine glass or a sake cup is far beyond expectation! Sake is a magical creation from the moment it is brewed. It first penetrates into the hearts of the drinkers, and then, as if sake itself would like to remind drinkers of its presence, it leaves them mesmerised and intoxicated towards the end.
If sake, the gift from nature, moisturises the human body, and human is part of the nature, then drinking sake is a process of “from nature to nature”. Sake might be quieter than wine and other spirits, but this delicate characterist is what makes a sake.
When the Japanese history and culture are spread to the world, Japan’s humble sake will be transformed into the exotically elegant sake that everyone is toasting with.
Sudo Honke Official Website: http://www.sudohonke.co.jp/english/index.html
AKA CHOCHIN
www.akachochin.com.au
33 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf VIC 3006
03 9245 9900
Restaurant Review: Akachochin
