Podcast Summary: Becoming NEXTonSCENE™ – "Sake Day East September 21, 2024 Save The Date!"

Release Date: August 15, 2024
Host: Jackie Zucker, NEXTonSCENE Media, LLC
Guest: Marie Marina Giordano, Executive Director and Producer of Sake Day East

1. Embracing Internal Growth

In the opening segment of the episode, host Jackie Zucker delves into the theme of personal and professional evolution. She emphasizes the importance of confronting internal challenges—such as fears and triggers—to achieve growth. Jackie shares, “...it's so important to face them head on because it allows us to evolve to our next level.” (00:00) This sets a reflective tone, highlighting the podcast's commitment to fostering resilience and advancement among its listeners.

2. Introducing Marina Giordano

Jackie introduces the episode's guest, Marina Giordano, with enthusiasm. She describes Marina as the Executive Director and Producer of Sake Day East, an event poised to expand the appreciation of sake across New England. Jackie remarks, “She is really taking sake and expanding it all across New England and inspiring so many people to taste it, learn about pairings.” (02:49) This introduction positions Marina as an influential figure in the sake community, bridging cultural appreciation with local engagement.

3. The Genesis of Sake Day East

Marina shares the inspiration behind Sake Day East, detailing its origins and growth. She explains, “World Sake Day marks the beginning of the brewing season in Japan... I was inspired by events that I attended in Toronto, in San Francisco, and other sake events, and I thought, we need something like that here in Boston.” (03:03) Established four years ago, the event has become New England's largest sake celebration, featuring over 70 varieties from 15 distributors and importers, including renowned local brewers like Farther Star from Medfield and a Brooklyn-based brewer.

4. Marina’s Journey into Sake

Transitioning from her extensive background in television, Marina recounts her transition into the world of sake. “A friend introduced me to sake and I fell in love with it... Within three months, I was in Texas taking a class, and six months later, I was in Japan.” (04:07) Her passion led her to become a sake educator, with a mission to make sake more accessible and appreciated in the Boston area.

5. Event Highlights and What to Expect

Marina provides a comprehensive overview of what attendees can anticipate at Sake Day East. The event kicks off at 7 PM on September 21 with general admission, where guests receive a wristband and a glass for tastings. Participants can explore two separate tasting rooms, guided by experts who facilitate sampling and answer questions. Key features include:

• Guided Tastings: Focused sessions on sakes from regions like Niigata, rice varieties, and yeast profiles.
• Sushi Class: A hands-on experience where attendees learn to roll sushi.
• VIP Experience: Limited to 45 tickets, offering early entry, a bento box, and exclusive gifts.
• Food Offerings: Both complimentary and for-purchase options available at the High Street Market's food court.
• Vendor Activities: Including a Japanese pottery display and various other vendors.

Marina enthusiastically states, “You can get involved, you can meet people, get to taste my favorite beverage and hopefully your favorite beverage too.” (06:02)

6. Educational Collaborations and Classes

A significant aspect of Sake Day East is its educational component. Marina collaborates with institutions like Boston University’s Wine and Food Studies and the Commonwealth Wine School, which offers Wine, Spirits, and Beer (WSB) classes. She notes, “It's a great place to get an opportunity to taste sakes and so can also advance your learning too.” (10:49)

Marina herself conducts a variety of classes through the Wine Spirit Education Trust (WSET), ranging from basic introductions to advanced blind tastings. Additional consumer-friendly classes include:

• Sake and Chocolate Pairing
• Sake 101: Understanding labels and preferences
• Sake and Cheese Pairing
• Bonsai Making with Sake Tasting

7. Sake and Food Pairings

Marina elaborates on the harmonious relationship between sake and food. She explains, “Sake never fights with food. It just helps the food.” (12:45) Contrary to the common challenges of pairing wine with diverse cuisines, sake seamlessly complements a wide array of dishes. Whether it's enhancing the umami of mushrooms, the richness of steak, or the sweetness of brunch items, sake adapts gracefully. Marina encourages attendees to experiment beyond traditional Japanese fare, suggesting pairings with pizza, barbecue, and even coffee.

8. Tasting Tips and Best Practices

Navigating multiple sakes during a tasting can be challenging. Marina offers practical advice: “Just take some water. You can rinse your glass or... pour a little bit and then pour you a glass that helps to...” (15:01) She recommends rinsing the glass with water or sake between tastings to cleanse the palate and prevent flavor overlap. Additionally, she highlights the option to spit during tastings to maintain clarity and enjoyment without intoxication, although she acknowledges the social hesitation that might accompany this practice.

9. Charity Efforts and Community Support

Sake Day East extends beyond mere celebration by incorporating a charitable component. Marina states, “We’re donating a portion of our profits to the Noto Peninsula Breweries.” (07:55) In response to a devastating earthquake in Japan that damaged numerous breweries, the event supports the affected artisans, fostering a spirit of global solidarity and community resilience.

10. Future Vision for Sake in New England

Looking ahead, Marina envisions a burgeoning sake market within Boston and the broader New England region. Her goal is to simplify access to quality sake, ensuring that enthusiasts can find their preferred varieties locally without the need for interstate shipping. “Now there's actually places if I want a sake tomorrow or tonight, I can go and buy it and bring it home with me.” (16:59) By expanding educational offerings and increasing local availability, Marina aims to cultivate a robust and informed sake community.

11. How to Participate and Stay Connected

Interested listeners can secure their spot at Sake Day East by visiting sakidayeast.com or through Eventbrite. The website provides detailed information on ticket types, event schedules, and vendor listings. For updates and more insights, Marina can be followed on social media:

• Instagram: @WineSakiChick and @SakidayEast
• Facebook: Marina Giordano and Sake Day East

12. Closing Remarks

Jackie concludes the episode with an enthusiastic endorsement of Sake Day East, urging listeners not to miss the event. She expresses gratitude to Marina for sharing her expertise and passion, reinforcing the podcast's dedication to featuring inspiring individuals who embody the essence of becoming NEXTonSCENE™.

Timestamp Reference Guide:

• 00:00: Introduction by Jackie on personal growth
• 02:43: Introduction of Marina Giordano
• 03:03: Overview of Sake Day East
• 04:07: Marina's journey into sake
• 05:04: Discussion on sake longevity
• 06:02: Event highlights
• 07:55: Charity tie-in
• 10:49: Educational collaborations
• 12:45: Sake and food pairings
• 15:01: Tasting tips
• 16:59: Future vision
• 17:51: Ticketing information
• 19:22: Social media handles

Join the Journey to Become NEXTonSCENE™

Whether you're a seasoned sake connoisseur or new to the elegant flavors of this ancient beverage, Sake Day East promises an enriching and enjoyable experience. Mark your calendars for September 21, 2024, and immerse yourself in the vibrant community of sake enthusiasts. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your palate, support a noble cause, and embrace the next level of your personal and professional journey.