John Gauntner, recognized as the world's leading non-Japanese sake expert will share his insights about sake at contemporary North Asian restaurant, Bei, in March.

Gauntner has long been known for making sake, traditionally a Japanese beverage, popular outside of Japan. In his first visit to Beijing, Gauntner will be discussing all things sake-related while tasting relevant sakes to help you learn all basics of sake- what it is, how it is unique, how long it has been around, how to know a good sake from a less good sake, the grades, temperature, aging, storage and more. It is designed to make sake immediately approachable for everyone, so that they can confidently go out and select and enjoy sake on their own. The tasting course is RMB 388*per person and includes sake and hors d’oeurves for the evening.

In addition to the two sake tasting courses, a separate 6-course sake paring dinner will be prepared by Bei chef de cuisine, Max Levy. “This is a great way for anyone interested in sake to get some wonderful in-depth knowledge about Japanese rice wine and appreciate the basics as you would wine of the grape variety,” says Bei restaurant manager, Diana Dang.

Sake tasting courses will be held in Bei on:

Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 5pm In English, Approximately 2 hours.

OR

Sunday, March 22, 2009 4:30pm In English with Chinese Translation, Approximately 3-4 hours

(Please note, both courses will cover the same material)

RMB 388* per person includes sake and hors d’oeurves

Sake-pairing dinner will be held in Bei: Monday, March 23, 2009 6:45 In English RMB 988 per person. Includes all food and beverage. price subject to 15% service charge