Thursday, March 19, 2009

Kenichi Dallas saké sommelier Hung Nguyen attains Level II Sake Expert certification

By Pegasus News wire

DALLAS — Kenichi Dallas is happy to announce that its saké sommelier, Hung Nguyen, has attained Level II Sake Expert certification, the highest level of English-language certification currently available. Fewer than 40 individuals worldwide have attained this level of certification, and Hung is the only Level II expert in Texas.

The certification is accredited by the Saké Educational Council (Tokyo), hosted by the Saké Brewers Association of Japan. The certification exam was developed and administered by John Gauntner, the world's pre-eminent English-speaking saké professional and author of several definitive books on saké. Passing the certification exam requires in-depth knowledge of saké production as well as the ability to identify saké styles and characteristics in blind tastings.

Joining Hung on the saké team at Kenichi Dallas are Adam Faraizl, who holds a Level I certification--one of about 120 in the world, and Rob Albright, who is scheduled to test for certification in the near future. They oversee the largest saké list in the state and one of the largest in the nation.

On the evening of April 9, Hung and the saké team will host Kenichi Dallas' Spring 2009 Saké dinner, which features six courses of specially-prepared food from Chef Garee Battad and Executive Sushi Chef Yuki Hirabayashi (from Tokyo), paired with premium saké.

Planned Menu (pending ingredients' availability):

Sashimi

Daikon Oroshi, wafu dressing

Stuffed morel and tempura cocktail

Heirloom Tomato Puree

Organic Avocado Pure

Baby Asian greens

Genuine Japanese Wagyu tataki maki

Chef Freddy's special dipping sauce

Aji study:

Aji nigiri

Aji sanban-su

Choice of:

Caramelized Sea scallops

Asian pesto "salad"

Chipotle-carrot reduction

Truffled haricot verts

Grilled Five Peppercorn-rubbed Kobe-style ribeye

Maytag Blue Cheese Yukon Gold potato purée

Sansho Crispy red onions

Warm chocolate "Soufflé" Cakes

Cardamom cream

Tahitian Vanilla Crème Anglaise

$100 per person plus tax and gratuity

For information and reservations, please call 214-871-8883.

Source: Kenichi Dallas

Related stories

• Dinner at Kenichi Dallas on Thursday paired saké with wagyu beef, sushi, and scallops (April 11, 2009)
• Eating and drinking events in Dallas-Fort Worth April 9-14 (April 8, 2009)

See more stories in:

• Food and Drink > Dining / Restaurants
• Food and Drink > Wine

Comments

DC Anonymous

Yes, it's true. Hung knows his stuff. I've even seen him wear tabi at work to improve stealth.

7 months, 3 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

Teresa Gubbins Staff

Chef Hung says over on SideDish that the saké matches haven’t been announced because the menu items aren't the ones normally found on the Kenichi menu and could change; and because Chef Hung is a "stickler" about his choice of saké and wants to make sure it's fresh, the best, etc.

7 months, 3 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )