Tofino’s Cozy Kuma Eatery Launches New Premium Japanese Sake Flight Program

The GOODS from Kuma Tofino

Tofino, BC | This winter, Kuma is introducing a premium Japanese sake flight program to bring the experience of the historic rice brew to Tofino. We’ll be starting with three varieties of sake served in trays beautifully handcrafted by Brent Freedman of Gamla.

We selected three sakes to start with to showcase the different flavours and nuances of nihon-shu (Japanese for sake) with your Japanese comfort food dining experience at Kuma:

KAZEYO MIZUYO HITOYO – Fukumitsuya Sake Brewery, founded 1625 (Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture) – This sake is a great way to start your tasting as it is incredibly clean and fresh. Think of a mountain stream, light bodied and strikingly clear. There are hints of young honeydew on the finish, a good pairing with our roasted squash salad.

NIWA NO UGUSUI, NIGHTINGALE’S GARDEN 50 – Yamguchi Brewery, founded 1688 (Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture) – The best quality of this sake is its complexity. The flavors hit you in waves. There is a distinct aroma of ripe pineapple on the nose. The first impression on the palate is the fruit, lychee and soft apple, the next wave is a distinct creaminess and the sake finishes dry. It pairs nicely with lighter dishes like the tuna tataki and tako yakitori.

KOZAEMON, GODDESS OF SAKE – Nakashima Sake Brewery, founded 1702 (Mijunami, Gifu Prefecture) – This is the Chardonnay of sake. Big and rich. The nose is big like buttered popcorn. There is a very silky mouthfeel. The sake is earthy and full of funk. Some say they get the savoury mushroom at the end. It has an old world taste that will go well with the meatier dishes including our miso braised beef, Japanese curry and ramen.

Kuma will be open during the holiday season 4pm – 10pm (closed December 24 & 25) with a special traditional Toshikoshi (year-crossing) soba and tempura served on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

DETAILS

kuma

GALLERY

Video by Adam Chilton

Key People

Owners – Mitsumi Kawai & Rob Leadley
Head Chef – Simon Burch

About Kuma

15755068613_a538c332d5_b
Kuma is a neighborhood eatery serving humble Japanese-inspired comfort food in the heart of Tofino. Our food is made to share with your favourite people, eaten with sake and great local craft beers. Many dishes are old family recipes from the Kawai family (now Basho Cafe), who have been creating real food experiences for the last 30 years. Made expertly by head Chef Simon Burch, he has crafted his own unique dishes including a flavourful shio ramen and a spicy kimchi udon. A sister restaurant to Shika Provisions on Bowen Island, both are rooted in a love of the outdoors and good food made with the best ingredients available, local when possible.