Hello. I’m the PR representative for Rakuzo—all-private-room restaurant—Hiratsuka Branch.
It’s that time of year when the late-summer breeze gradually begins to cool the heat of the night. In this post, we’ll discuss some unexpected pairings of drinks and food that can add a little extra excitement to your everyday meals. Why not come experience new culinary discoveries—ones you can only try in the private setting of a private dining room?
Table of Contents
The Unexpected Synergy Between Fried Foods and Carbonated Drinks
Freshly fried “Tatsuta-age Young Chicken” is a dish that captivates with its crispy batter and juicy meat. While many people tend to pair it with beer, pairing it with carbonated drinks like highballs or sours actually leaves your palate feeling even fresher and more refreshed. The carbonation pleasantly washes away the richness of the fried food’s fat, making each subsequent bite feel even fresher. Additionally, when pairing slightly tart sours with vegetable fritters—such as “Crispy Fried Japanese Mountain Yam”—they bring out the natural sweetness of the ingredients. In the calm setting of a private room, take a bite of the piping-hot, freshly fried dish and take your time savoring the contrast with the refreshing fizz. The harmony between the warmth of the freshly fried food and the tingling sensation of the carbonation—made possible only because our chefs prepare each dish to order—is sure to be a truly new discovery for you.
A lingering aftertaste enhanced by a final serving of carbs
Rice dishes are an essential way to wrap up a night of drinking. At our restaurant, we offer “Ume” and “Salmon” ochazuke, which actually serve to gently soothe the lingering aftertaste of stronger alcoholic beverages. The aroma that rises when hot tea is poured gently soothes the effects of the alcohol. Additionally, our “crispy grilled rice balls”—carefully grilled after being brushed repeatedly with our special soy sauce glaze—feature a savory soy sauce flavor that harmonizes surprisingly well with the aromas of sake and shochu. The contrast between the crispy, burnt-rice-like exterior and the fluffy rice inside serves as the perfect supporting act to help you savor that final sip even more deeply. By deliberately pairing your drink with these savory carbohydrates to round out the meal, you’ll find that the overall satisfaction of your meal is elevated to a whole new level.
Contrasting Flavors in a Private Room
The reason we are committed to providing private rooms for every table is so that you can focus on the flavors in a space all to yourselves, without worrying about the stares of others. In a quiet private room, you can thoroughly explore the subtle temperature changes in the dishes—which are often hard to notice in an open dining area—as well as the full range of flavors that emerge from pairing them with sake. For example, the contrast between the heat of fried foods and the coolness of a drink, or the toasty aroma of grilled rice balls and the rich flavor of sake—the private room serves as a stage that brings these taste contrasts into sharper relief. From tables for two to private rooms with sunken hearths accommodating up to 24 guests, we offer spaces tailored to your party size. So, while enjoying conversation with your loved ones, please discover your very own “perfect pairing.” The combinations of each dish, crafted by our chefs, and our extensive drink menu hold infinite possibilities. We invite you to discover new flavors one by one in this private setting.