I have mentioned before how Saké is part of many different ceremonies and rituals in Japan. Yet did you imagine that Saké is also part of a ritual involving alleged organized crime?
A "sakazuki" is a small to medium-sized cup for drinking Saké and it used only for drinking Saké. As I discussed previously, it is traditional to share Saké at weddings performed in accordance with Shintoism. This custom is generally known as "sakazuki-goto." Yet Sakazuki-goto is not restricted to weddings. It is sometimes used by others to solidify their friendships or bonds. And one such group that uses this ritual is the Yakuza.
The Yakuza, often labeled the "Japanese Mafia," are members of traditional organized crime groups. The origin of the Yakuza extends back hundreds of years and their exact origin is shrouded in mystery and dispute. The Yakuza adopted a traditional hierarchy of "oyabun-kobun." The kobun (literally translated as "foster child") owes their allegiance to the oyabun (literally translated as "foster parent").
This relationship was formalized by a sakazuki-goto, sharing of Saké from a single cup. The kobun would keep the sakazaki as a sign of their loyalty to the oyabun. Those who perform sakazuki-goto with the oyabun are considered to be part of the immediate family and thus ranked in terms of elder or younger brothers. The kobun may perform also the sakazuki-goto with their own underlings. This creates small, affiliated gangs, which have a lower overall ranking in the larger organization. Many Japanese Yakuza movies depict sakazuki-goto scenes.
A sakazuki-goto is not limited to performance within a particular Yakuza organization. It can even be conducted to ally different Yakuza groups.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Saturday, January 19, 2008
OurGlass: Grand Winter Tasting
OurGlass Wine Co. will be holding a Grand Winter Wine Tasting on Saturday, February 16, from 3-7pm. This free Tasting will probably include 50+ wines and maybe some beers as well. They run several of these Grand Tastings each year and they are always an excellent opportunity to taste some of the newest wines on the market. They always have a good diversity of wines available for tasting. There will also be some food to nibble upon as well as a discount on their wines.
If you are not still hung over from the Boston Wine Expo the weekend before, then why not stop by. I will be leading a group of the North Shore Winers there so maybe I will see you there.
OurGlass Wine Co.
124 Broadway (Rt.1 N)
Saugus, MA
Phone: 781-941-8068
If you are not still hung over from the Boston Wine Expo the weekend before, then why not stop by. I will be leading a group of the North Shore Winers there so maybe I will see you there.
OurGlass Wine Co.
124 Broadway (Rt.1 N)
Saugus, MA
Phone: 781-941-8068
14 Bottles a Year
The U.S. is now #2 in annual wine consumption, rising above Italy and nearing France which remains #1. But France's position is precarious and the U.S. should take its place within the near future.
The Sierra Sun has a new article concerning U.S. wine consumption and it is well worth checking out. I am sure you will see similar articles this week in other magazines and newspapers. I previously discussed a similar article in the Houston Chronicle. The Sierra sun article repeats much from that previous article but does add some new information.
What I found especially interesting about the article was the statistic on how much wine the average U.S. wine drinker imbibes. The annual average is 2.77 gallons of wine, the equivalent to about 14 regular-sized (750ml) bottles of wines. This is just a little bit more than one bottle per month. This is the average for "wine drinkers" so it does not seem to take into consideration those people who do not drink wine.
I think it is safe to say that most wine bloggers are not average in this respect. We all probably drink far more than that in a single month.
This statistic though obviously shows why the wine industry is so competitive. If the average person is only buying about one bottle of wine per month, then how does a wine producer get their product to be that one bottle? That is why you see so many animals on labels and other gimmicky wines. Anything to give a wine even the slightest edge over another. And if they can get some loyalty toward their product, they might be almost the only wine a consumer buys.
A couple other important facts about wine buying includes that wines under $20 occupy the largest market share and that women buy more wine than men (which I have also discussed before).
The Sierra Sun has a new article concerning U.S. wine consumption and it is well worth checking out. I am sure you will see similar articles this week in other magazines and newspapers. I previously discussed a similar article in the Houston Chronicle. The Sierra sun article repeats much from that previous article but does add some new information.
What I found especially interesting about the article was the statistic on how much wine the average U.S. wine drinker imbibes. The annual average is 2.77 gallons of wine, the equivalent to about 14 regular-sized (750ml) bottles of wines. This is just a little bit more than one bottle per month. This is the average for "wine drinkers" so it does not seem to take into consideration those people who do not drink wine.
I think it is safe to say that most wine bloggers are not average in this respect. We all probably drink far more than that in a single month.
This statistic though obviously shows why the wine industry is so competitive. If the average person is only buying about one bottle of wine per month, then how does a wine producer get their product to be that one bottle? That is why you see so many animals on labels and other gimmicky wines. Anything to give a wine even the slightest edge over another. And if they can get some loyalty toward their product, they might be almost the only wine a consumer buys.
A couple other important facts about wine buying includes that wines under $20 occupy the largest market share and that women buy more wine than men (which I have also discussed before).
Boston Wine Expo & Thomas Arvid
Maybe you cannot attend the wine dinner at Fleming's but still would like to meet Thomas Arvid. You will have another chance to meet you, at a different event.
I have previously posted about the upcoming 17th Annual Boston Wine Expo on February 8-10. I wanted to update you about the special appearance of Thomas Arvid at the Expo.
On February 9 & 10, from 1-5pm each day at the Expo, Dzian Gallery will present Thomas Arvid, a painter who specializes in art depicting wine and the rituals surrounding its consumption. Take a look at his website to see some of his work. He will be doing a book signing at the Expo. He might also have other items for sale, including his artwork, though I am not sure of that.
So when you go to the Expo and take a break from tasting, to rest your palate, why not stop by Arvid's booth and check it out. I will likely stop by on Saturday afternoon so maybe I will see you there.
I have previously posted about the upcoming 17th Annual Boston Wine Expo on February 8-10. I wanted to update you about the special appearance of Thomas Arvid at the Expo.
On February 9 & 10, from 1-5pm each day at the Expo, Dzian Gallery will present Thomas Arvid, a painter who specializes in art depicting wine and the rituals surrounding its consumption. Take a look at his website to see some of his work. He will be doing a book signing at the Expo. He might also have other items for sale, including his artwork, though I am not sure of that.
So when you go to the Expo and take a break from tasting, to rest your palate, why not stop by Arvid's booth and check it out. I will likely stop by on Saturday afternoon so maybe I will see you there.
Fleming's Wine Dinner with Thomas Arvid
On February 7, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine will be holding a wine dinner with special guest Thomas Arvid. There will be a Reception at 6pm and then dinner at 7pm.
Dzian Gallery states: "Thomas Arvid continues to astonish both art and wine enthusiasts with his monumental compositions that capture the delicate beauty of wine and the evocative pleasure of its consumption. Achieving widespread success with his iconic portrayals of the wine experience, Arvid has become synonymous with the art of living graciously. As the foremost painter of American Realism, Arvid conveys in vivid detail one of the most enjoyable aspects of life - getting together with friends to enjoy good conversation over the perfect bottle of wine."
Check out Arvid's website to see his intriguing wine pictures. And join him at Fleming's for a delicious sounding menu created by Chef/Partner Jason Carron. The wines are exceptional as well. I have been to Fleming's before and enjoyed the food very much.
MENU
1st Course
House Cured Salmon Roulade & Raspberry Infused Goat Cheese Puff
paired with NV Perrier Jouet Grand Brut Rose
2nd Course
Hawaiian Lemon Snapper, Sesame Encrusted Jumbo Lump Crab, & Butternut Squash Puree
paired with 2006 Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay
3rd Course
Lamb Porterhouse, Roasted Fig and Rosemary Glaze
paired with 2004 Shafer Vineyards, “Relentless” Syrah
4th Course
Bone-in New York Sirloin “Fromage”, Melted Aged Gorgonzola, & Fingerling Potatoes
paired with 2002 Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
5th Course
Raspberry Infused Chocolate Fondue, Hazelnut Biscotti, & Fresh Strawberries
paired with Taylor Fladgate 20 Year Tawny Port
There is Limited Seating so make your reservations early. The dinner costs $159 per person. Please call to reserve at 617-292-0808
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
217 Stuart Street
Boston MA
Phone: 617-292-0808
Dzian Gallery states: "Thomas Arvid continues to astonish both art and wine enthusiasts with his monumental compositions that capture the delicate beauty of wine and the evocative pleasure of its consumption. Achieving widespread success with his iconic portrayals of the wine experience, Arvid has become synonymous with the art of living graciously. As the foremost painter of American Realism, Arvid conveys in vivid detail one of the most enjoyable aspects of life - getting together with friends to enjoy good conversation over the perfect bottle of wine."
Check out Arvid's website to see his intriguing wine pictures. And join him at Fleming's for a delicious sounding menu created by Chef/Partner Jason Carron. The wines are exceptional as well. I have been to Fleming's before and enjoyed the food very much.
MENU
1st Course
House Cured Salmon Roulade & Raspberry Infused Goat Cheese Puff
paired with NV Perrier Jouet Grand Brut Rose
2nd Course
Hawaiian Lemon Snapper, Sesame Encrusted Jumbo Lump Crab, & Butternut Squash Puree
paired with 2006 Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay
3rd Course
Lamb Porterhouse, Roasted Fig and Rosemary Glaze
paired with 2004 Shafer Vineyards, “Relentless” Syrah
4th Course
Bone-in New York Sirloin “Fromage”, Melted Aged Gorgonzola, & Fingerling Potatoes
paired with 2002 Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
5th Course
Raspberry Infused Chocolate Fondue, Hazelnut Biscotti, & Fresh Strawberries
paired with Taylor Fladgate 20 Year Tawny Port
There is Limited Seating so make your reservations early. The dinner costs $159 per person. Please call to reserve at 617-292-0808
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
217 Stuart Street
Boston MA
Phone: 617-292-0808
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