Critically Acclaimed Chef Akira Back Unveils Namesake Private Label Sake At His Fifth James Beard Dinner

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Culinary virtuoso and Executive Chef Akira Back of the world-renowned Yellowtail Japanese Restaurant & Lounge in Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, NV is pleased to announced to the release of Junmai Ginjo – Back's first private label sake.  To mark the occasion, Back will unveil his creation at the prestigious James Beard House in New York City on Saturday, February 8 at 7 p.m. where he will have the privilege of hosting his fifth James Beard Dinner.

In addition to being among the first to sample Akira Back Sake, guests are invited to embark on a feast of the senses and the elements. At the helm of Yellowtail Japanese Restaurant & Lounge at Bellagio and Kumi Japanese Restaurant + Bar at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas; and Akira Back Japanese Restaurant at the JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity in New Delhi, India, Back serves a high-rolling style of modern Japanese cuisine with Korean essence. A former professional snowboarder, Akira Back worked with Nobu Matsuhisa and Masaharu Morimoto before opening his own acclaimed restaurants in Las Vegas. 

At the James Beard House, Back will take guests on a gastronomic tour of Japan and awaken the senses with a menu that includes Hors d'Oeuvres like Japanese Eggplant with Mozzarella and Sweet Miso, Crispy Rice with Blackened Tuna, Seaweed, and Screaming O Sauce, all with Shirakabe-Gura Mio Sparkling Sake NV.  For the dinner itself, each stellar course will be paired with sakes carefully selected by Back and his team. Menu highlights include Big-Eye Tuna Pizza with Micro-Shiso and Truffles paired with Akira Back Junmai Ginjo Sake NV, a Butter-Poached Lobster with Citrus Maldon Sea Salt paired with Hatsumago First Grandson Junmai Kimoto Sake NV. For dessert, Back is creating a Sesame Cheesecake with Yuzu Sorbet paired with a Choya Ume Blanc Plum Wine.

The cost of the James Beard Dinner for members is $130 and $170 for general public. Call 212.627.2308 to reserve. Akira Back Sake will be available for purchase for $80 at Yellowtail Japanese Restaurant & Lounge at Bellagio and Kumi Japanese Restaurant + Bar at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas starting Spring 2014.

Media Contact:
Carma PR
Oriane Lluch
305.438.9200
[email protected]

SOURCE The Light Group