UNLVino’s Sake Fever takes Sake sips from the Pacific Rim to the Mirage Resort’s Tropical Pool

 We have attended many UNLVino events over the years, it is a great way to support UNLV and have some fun as well. One of the favorite events of the weekend is Sake Fever held poolside at the Mirage Resort’s Tropical pool.  This evening sampling delights from the Pacific Rim is a wonderful way to experience not only world class Sake but Beer and of course unbelievable Sushi and Sashimi offerings as well.

Editor-In-Chief Elaine Harris

Upon entering the tropical oasis most Sake Fever veterans start looking for the big star of the night and head straight for it with great haste. After all, it’s not often you get to watch Master Sushi Chefs break down a $5000.00 230Lb Tuna just flown in for the occasion.

These masters of knife skills carefully inspect the Tuna and determine the best way to get the most out of this tasty delight from the sea. Before they do anything, it all about respect for this fish who gave its life for us to enjoy.  Sake is poured and a hearty “ Kampai “  to cheer the fish that will soon be on our plates. 

The Chefs carefully and methodically,  just as it has  been done for centuries ,cut large pieces of beautiful red meat to be broken down smaller and smaller until it perfectly  fits our chopsticks.  With aromas of the sea in the air, guests enjoyed this wonderful tuna sashimi as it melted in their mouths.

A UNLVino Tradition is the Dom Perignon Award of Excellence awarded at each event to honor a person in the Hospitality Industry that has made a great impact on the industry as a whole. At SAKE FEVER the 2013 Dom Perignon Award of Excellence honoree was Chef Masaharu Morimoto who is known to millions as the Star of Iron Chef and Iron Chef America.  Upon receiving his award under a perfect starlight sky, the iconic chef pleased the crowd as he serenaded them in Japanese.

Chef Masaharu Morimoto , Editor-In-Chief Elaine Harris

 Guests strolled from table to table enjoying Sake as they sampled traditional dishes from Japonais  in the Mirage , the Palazzo’s Sushi Samba, Summerlin’s Poppy Den  and Naked Fish just to name a few. For the beer lovers, Asahi ,Singha and Tsingtao were on hand and pouring their best.

Sake Fever started out as its own event and not part of the UNLVino weekend.  A few years ago Sake Fever joined the UNLVino lineup and has been a huge hit.  The 39^th UNLVino was one of the best ever and we look forward to what the 40^th year will bring.  KAMPAI!  for a job well done.