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2018-04-03
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Summary: Intimate and inviting, Sake Beya Masu (SBM) combines a great sake spot with food that’s a bit adventurous but with very Japanese sensibilities. A bit cozy and pricey, it’s perfect for small celebrations or must-impress dates. Wish I could have tried the omakase!On a February 14th where I refused to book any restaurants until the last minute, SBM was available and very accommodating when I called the day before. Situated just off Star Street on Sun Street, it’s low-key and a bit hidden.
On a February 14th where I refused to book any restaurants until the last minute, SBM was available and very accommodating when I called the day before. Situated just off Star Street on Sun Street, it’s low-key and a bit hidden. Inside, it’s reminiscent of a tiny dive bar in Tokyo, with low but warm lighting, a 4-seat bar and enough table seating for maybe 10 more. The sake selection is as excellent as you’d imagine for a place named “Sake Bar”, with maybe eight selections by the glass and many more by bottle. I was particularly impressed with their selection (around eight as well I think?) of very good 300 ml bottles, which is not typical. The staff is also knowledgeable and very open to sake questions so definitely try some if you go.
They emphasize their omakase meals with a HKD700 food-only course, as well as sake pairing courses at HKD1000 and HKD1500. They require 2 days advance notice for omakase however, so we were “stuck” with a la carte.
We ordered a bunch of things to try and I have to say with the exception of the seaweed salad, which was extremely okay, I think everything we tried was a unique experience. Here’s what we had:
-Sashimi of the Day - forgotten completely what it was, but was tasty
-Steamed Clams in Sake - Monster clams! Only 2 clams per person but each was worth it
-Chawanmushi with shirako! (didn’t try it but heard was excellent)
-Two types of tempura – the one with eggs inside was insanely good
-Ox Tongue with Mentaiko – what must be scoops of butter make this dish incredibly delicious though with all the mentaiko, not sure it was necessary. Umami bomb
-Surf Clam with rice – tasty clam infused rice, though a bit too much butter for me
-Wonderful homemade pickles – my barometer for good Japanese restaurants (sue me I like sour stuff). Crunchy and not overly-vinegared, these are terrific with sake.
Sorry it’s been a while since I started this review, so I don’t remember much. All you need to take away from this is; the ambience is romantic and/or mysterious; the sake selection is impressive and affordable; and the food is a bit pricey, but unique and memorable. Excellent for special occasions or dates. Don’t bring more than 6 (8 MAX) people though.
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