We want to tell you about a very cool place, and it happens to be in our building at 76 S. Washington St. (Seattle). Sake Nomi is a self-described “museum” for premium sake. Sake (pronounced “sa-kay”") is an alcoholic beverage derived from water, rice and koji mold. Now, we know that mold isn’t a very sexy word, but don’t get too excited. It is an important part of the fermentation process. Without a complex chemistry lesson, take our word for it. It is a critical element in creating the unique sake taste experience.

Johnnie and Taiko Stroud are super cool neighbors, and we love that they have a passion for sharing their passion. Sake Nomi is a place to sample a wide selection of imported and handcrafted sake from Japan. They present not only a cultural gustatory experience, but perhaps more importantly, an educational experience. With their knowledge and excitement for all the intricacies of sake, Saki Nomi’s owners are happy to share that with their visitors.

We spent an evening with them and guests at the end of January (2011), making amazing connections between six different sakes and six Intrigue truffles. We knew it would work, they knew it would work. Still, we were blown away at how really well these two things worked together! Check out some of the most-liked pairings:

• Dassai “Otter Festival: 50″ and Taunenbaum, Honey-Ginger, and Basil Truffles

• Sougen “Pride of the Samurai” and Orange Truffle

• Yuki no Bosha “Cabin in the Snow” and Honey-Ginger, Basil, Orange Truffles

• Hansui “Fragrant Water” and Coffee, Tannenbaum Truffles

• Touryu “Rising Dragon” and Coffee, Basil Truffles

• Atago no Matsu “The Pine at Lover’s cove” and Tuaca, Honey-Ginger Truffles

We’d love to have you come by for your own truffles and sake to pair. Let us know what your favorites are!