Cherry Blossom Festival at Saké, The Rocks

Sakura, or cherry blossom festival returns to Saké Restaurant & Bar in The Rocks with a themed food and beverage menu that celebrates the centuries-old Japanese tradition.

Sakura at Sake

Renowned for their inventive cocktails and Japanese food with a modern influence, Saké has made the cherry blossom an integral part of their cocktail and special dinner menus.

Sakura Bellini

The Sakura Bellini ($15) is an elegant and light cocktail made with sake topped with sparkling wine and floating cherry blossoms which have been infused in the drink. Refreshing and vibrant, it makes the perfect aperitif drink with a hint of floral and fine bubbles. The edible cherry blossom is a delicious surprise not to be missed.

Head Chef Shimpei Hatanaka

Head Chef Shimpei Hatanaka been with Executive Chef Shaun Presland for 10 years, and along with his brother, also a sushi chef, they are offering a Hatanaka Brothers Dinner ($120) for one night with a selection of umami-based dishes where ingredients speak for themselves.

An example of the dishes on offer is the Ocean trout and scallop tartare with truffle ponzu and caviar, created by Shimpei three years ago. As elegant as it looks, this dish is best mashed up in the glass to release all the flavours.

Scallop Tartare & Ocean Trout with Truffle Ponzu and Caviar

The lightly seared ocean trout comes from Tasmania the scallops from Japan. Both are served in a sweet ponzu sauce (citrus-infused soy), infused with orange skin, coriander roots and jalapeno chilli for a little kick and fruity flavour. This dish is not on the menu at Saké but we hope Shimpei will be convinced to change his mind.

Super Sentai

The cocktail names tap into idea of contemporary Japan, using fictional Japanese characters and drawing from popular culture. Super Sentai ($18) is made with gin, Green Chartreuse, a little spice, vanilla sugar for balance and a dash of yuzu. Fresh with herbal and aniseed flavours, it is vibrant and stimulating with the citrus flavour dominant on the back palate.

Sour Kappa

The Sour Kappa ($18) is based on whisky sour, an easy drinking cocktail with framboise, Disaronno, Aperol, Choya Umeshu, lemon juice, passionfruit and a dash of egg white. For lovers of whisky, The Great Masatara ($19) hits the right spot with Nikka from the Barrel, Aperol and Liqor 43.

The Great Masatra with Nikka Whisky

During Sakura, Saké is hosting a Nikka Whisky Masterclass ($45) in the Bonsai room with renowned bartender and ambassador, Taka Shino featuring Nikka from the Barrel, Miyagikyo 12 yo Single Malt and Yoichi Single Malt matched with canapés. Whisky flights with matching bites ($47) will also be available during the month.

L-R: Sakura Mont Blanc, Cherry Blossom Ice Cream, Sakura Custard

Cherry Blossom desserts are not to be missed, with an irresistible selection of Sakura Mont Blanc ($15) with cherry blossom flowers, Cherry Blossom Ice Cream ($8) and Sakura Custard Cream and Strawberry Tart ($12).

Saké Dining Room

Saké Drums

Sakura at Saké Restaurant & Bar runs throughout September at Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane locations.

Saké Restaurant & Bar Sydney
12 Argyle Street
The Rocks, Sydney
02 9259 5656
www.sakerestaurant.com.au