What

Izakaya (pronounced ee-Zah-ka-ya) | Portland’s Japanese Pub Festival

Welcome to Portland Oregon’s first and much needed Japanese Pub festival. You’ll find food, drink and Pub Culture fun. Portland is commonly known for its tasty microbrews, groundbreaking chefs and foodie events galore. What you might not know is that Oregon also is the number one saké market per capita. A growing field in Portland, saké imports have increased significantly in the last few years. With only a handful of saké events in the area and a plethora of amazing resources, creating “Izakaya: A celebration of Japanese pub culture” was the perfect opportunity to bring a unique event to Portland. The purpose of this festival is to spotlight the best of Japanese cuisine, shochu, saké and beer for NW drink connoisseurs and foodies alike. When Japanese culture has so much to offer, why just limit our guests to saké? An Izakaya is more than its literal translation to “a Japanese pub.” It’s a cultural experience deeply rooted in Japanese food culture. It describes an atmosphere of comfortable surroundings, deliciously authentic cuisine and free-flowing drinks. At Izakaya 2012, we invite you to immerse yourself in this world, raise your glass, and celebrate! The emphasis of Izakaya is on the delicious bites and abundance of libations, but we couldn’t stop there- It will also showcase Japanese artists and world class DJs. Guests can explore the creative atmosphere of the Jupiter Hotel while feasting their eyes on prominent Japanese art. Needless to say, we are thrilled to embark on this planning journey for the year and do hope you join us! Make sure to save the date: November 16th, 2012!

Glossary of Izakaya Fun

ITADAKIMASU Customary etiquette, to be stated before eating a meal, meaning “I [humbly] receive”

KANPAI! Translates roughly to “Toast!” or, “Cheers!”

NIHONSHU Japanese brewed rice considered “sake” in the US O’MIZU Drinking water.

O’HASHI Chopsticks

RED LANTERN The term “red lantern” has become synonymous with an Izakaya because these traditional paper lanterns are almost certainly found out front of an established pub. Glowing red and welcoming in even the darkest nights, these lanterns are beacons to those looking for a warm place to while away the night in the company of good friends, good food and plentiful drink.

ROBATAKI An open grill for vegetables and fish

SAKE Pronounced “Saw kay” Japanese word for alcoholic beverages in general. Outside of Japan Sake has become known as what the Japanese call “Nihonshu”. Alcohol beverage brewed from rice.

SASHIMI Raw fish.

SHOCHU A traditional Japanese spirit commonly distilled from barley, sweet potato or rice.

SOBA Japanese buckwheat noodles, served hot or cold.

SUSHI Cooked rice with vinegar (various things can be put on top such as raw fish, cooked egg, vegetables, etc.)

YAKISOBA Meaning “grilled soba”, this noodle tends to be thicker than traditional soba and is made from egg rather than buckwheat.

## Must be 21 years of age or older to attend this event. ##