~AME~ has kicked in another winter season of serving hirezake: hot sake steeped with roasted tiger fugu (blowfish) fin. Owners Lissa Doumani and Hiro Sone brought the fugu fin from the Osaka Fish Market in Japan. The unique drink is reportedly rich in aromatics, and a natural pairing for fish. At Ame you can order six ounces of “Karatamba” Honjozo, Hyogo Prefecture sake, served warm with fugu fin for $15.
Oh, and for you rare wine auction types, WineGavel (a new fine and rare wine auction company headquartered in San Francisco) will be holding a live fine and rare wine auction on Saturday December 19th at Ame. This auction features over $350,000 worth of fine and rare wines from private collections; classic wines from Bordeaux, Burgundy, and California will be offered for bidding. (You can view the catalog on the site.) The auction will begin at 10am, and bidders are advised to pre-register and arrive early to ensure seating. Refreshments and Champagne will be served followed by a three-course luncheon which begins at 12pm. The live action will end approximately halfway through lunch. Ame’s wine list will be available, and diners are also encouraged to bring a bottle of their own from their personal cellars. Contact or call 800-774-2130 to RSVP for the event.
