Sake & Beer Expo
The customary annual Sake & Beer Expo sponsored by JFC International, Inc. has been held at the Courtyard by Marriott in Sherman Oaks. This event is not open to the general public, but before the doors were open at 12:00 pm many people involved in the restaurant industry had arrived. At this event, there were more than 130 famous brands of sake, shochu distilled alcoholic beverages and Japanese beers were on display. In addition, many brewers from Japan participated, showing their warm feelings regarding the sake they had proudly produced to the invited guests.

One of the participants in the event, Jenny Lopez, stated, “I work as a server in a restaurant in Ventura where many more people order Japanese sake now than in the past, so I came to participate in this event hoping to try various kinds of sake.” Other participants listened enthusiastically as the brewers explained their wares.

In addition, there was a training booth where “5 day old sake,” “16 day old sake,” “shibori-tate no genshu just brewed sake” and similar kinds of sake created during the brewing process could be tasted. All types of “sake” that can only be sampled at a brewery were available to be savored by the participants.


Yakitori Shabu Shabu Shin Sen Gumi Opens in Monterey Park
The Shin Sen Gumi Group, which has developed restaurants serving ramen, chanko-nabe sumo-type fare, yakitori grilled skewer meals and the like in Southern California opened Yakitori Shabu Shabu Shin Sen Gumi on September 25th in Monterey Park. Just prior to this opening, a Grand Opening Ceremony was held on September 18th.

The location of Yakitori Shabu Shabu Shin Sen Gumi is on the corner of Atlantic Boulevard and Garvey Avenue on the second floor of a shopping mall. Passing through the panel glass door, on the wall on the left hand side is displayed a very large photograph of Yokozuna Grand Champion Musashimaru at the time that he won the sumo tournament in 2001. Next to that there are framed handprints hanging of famous yokozuna wrestlers in chronological order. These are precious commemorative items that are rarely to be found, even in Japan and one feels lucky just to be able to see them.

The interior of the restaurant has black as the basic color scheme, which makes for a relaxing atmosphere, continuing from the tables seating four people facing the plate glass windows through to the back. On the opposite side of the room, there is a long counter with seats, where one can be up close to the grilling staff and watch as they prepare the skewer dishes. Usually in yakitori restaurants, the grilling is done just across the counter, but here there is a glass partition. Consequently, there is no smoke or unpleasant odors, so one can watch the staff execute their skills without worrying about strange smells assaulting one. Including the counter seating, the restaurant has a capacity of approximately 80 patrons. A great new place to dine has come to life in Monterey Park.


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