Table Setting #208
Bite-Sized Bliss: Warm Sake and Summer Flavors

Otsumami, those delightful little side dishes that pair perfectly with sake, are the stars of this table. Imagine fresh sashimi, thick slices of tamagoyaki, and other bite-sized delights. An artful mosaic of Japanese small plates makes the spread inviting. Sip and savor as warm sake blends with every flavor, bringing out the best in both food and sake.

Contents

• Setting the Scene with Summer Green
• Sake Cups and Carafe Matching the Season 
• Featured Item

Key points of this table setting

1. Setting the Scene with Summer Green

When the cool indoor air leaves you feeling chilly, warm sake offers a soothing alternative to the usual cold brew. Its gentle warmth complements savory morsels, enhancing the wide flavors and aromas of warm sake.

Our table radiates an eye-opening freshness. The scene is set with summer green placemats from Hakuichi, inspired by the serene hues of Mt. Fuji. A grand flower display in the ALART gourd frame vase brings nature right to your table, with long branches and vibrant red flowers.

Matte blue celadon, white and blue sometsuke plates in various shapes and sizes showcase the beauty and diversity of Japanese tableware. Every dish is meticulously selected to perfectly tailor to the portion of each otsumami, from the savory stewed burdock, kinpira gobo, to the delicate slices of sashimi. The mix-and-match of small plates create a unique collage of textures and designs.

This chrysanthemum-shaped side plate is from the Moist series by Hataman Touen. The uniform and neatly patterned petals of the chrysanthemum create a beautiful frame for the Japanese sweets. Celadon’s soothing hue and lustrous glaze elevate the plate’s craftsmanship, embodying the artistry of Imari Nabeshima ware.

2. Sake Cups and Carafe Matching the Season

Adding to the setting are Kutani ware ochoko cups. Their vibrant green and blue hues add a cool, calming presence to the table. The simple design of the ochoko cups makes each sip of warm sake a delight, fitting the summer atmosphere.

The Seigado Tales of a Century Silver Chirori Tin Sake Carafe is an exquisite sake carafe. Perfect for warming sake by immersing it in hot water, its high thermal conductivity ensures quick and even heating. The meticulously hammered surface showcases exceptional craftsmanship, while the cool metal paired with the bamboo handle, strikes a balance between beauty and functionality.

The soothing warmth of sake complements the fresh and diverse flavors of otsumami. Each piece on the table, from the summer green placemats to the chrysanthemum celadon plates, plays its part in creating a graceful blend of taste and aesthetics.

Featured Items

Hataman Touen Moist Series

The traditional technique of Nabeshima celadon is characterized by a pale blue color reminiscent of the morning of the Okawachiyama in a light mist. Hataman Touen has taken on the challenge of creating a new expression of celadon porcelain, and has created the matte-textured Moist series with a sandblasted finish. The moist texture is very smooth to the touch, and the fresh green gradation gives a cool and refreshing feeling.