Kimoto Sake & Sushi: Japanese Pub BREW
by Brandilyn Brown and Christopher Mitchell
Forget the expensive flights across the ocean; Modesto is full of little gems when it comes to romantic get-aways. This year, be different and head over to our own little “izakaya” (translated “stay in sake shop”), Kimoto Sake & Sushi. This Japanese pub is a place you will fall in love with, while your date falls in love with you over your great taste in adult beverages. You will never get bored trying all their different cocktails made with Japanese whiskey and sake. Or drink ‘em straight! (Which is just as delightful!) Why a Japanese pub in Modesto? Because who doesn’t love drinks, sushi, hanging out with people you enjoy, and eating delicious plates of food? The culture is rich in Kimoto, down to the traditional red paper lanterns found in Japanese pubs. While you won’t find the French fries or chicken wings you’re used to at most pubs, what you will find is finger food to drool over, like the uber-delicious bacon wrapped mushrooms and tempura veggies! Owner Brandon Dodge met with us to take us on a taste-bud journey to Japan! Did you know the Japanese went to Scotland and learned to make their whiskey right at the source? They took a perfect whiskey and perfected it even more. Not possible? Try a pour of Hibiki 18 year old aged spirit, and dare to tell us we’re wrong! Kimoto carries the largest cache of Suntory whiskey in the Central Valley, rated the number one whiskey in the world for three years straight. Kimoto’s bottle service makes your life easy: buy a bottle of your favorite whiskey (which is cheaper than by the pour), and come in anytime you like to partake. Your
bottle will be kept on the wall with an artsy nametag, so patrons will know you have a true palate for good whiskey! Brandon’s creative drinks will turn anyone into a whiskey fan. Although he originally wanted to own & bartend a sports bar, he became enamored with the Japanese pub culture while working at Fumi Sushi. It wasn’t long before his dream transformed into the reality it is today, making
delicious drinks and putting smiles on patron’s faces. We tried a wide array of his amazing cocktails, and our favorites are the Manhatten East (made with Do Good Distillery’s Rye Bourbon, Domaine De Canton, Tyku junmai sak, Peychaud’s bitters with a slice of orange peel) & the Harajuku Fizz (made with Tyku junmai sake, pomegranate liquer, and ginger ale). The perfect amount of dry
with a bit bubbly, this is sure to be your favorite Valentine’s drink! Craft beer is also taking the Japanese pub culture by storm. Try the sampler, it is sure to please! It comes with Shikkoku (a smooth dark lager that can’t quite be called a stout), Coedo Kyara (a not-too-hoppy IPA that even those who dislike IPA’s should enjoy), Shiro (a Hefeweizen with notes of banana), and Coede Beniaka (a light sweet potato beer with hints of vanilla). What do we recommend? A full glass of ice cold Beniaka! Before ending our little excursion into another culture, we asked Brandon if he prefers the Beatles or the Stones. “Stones!” Sorry Beatles fans, maybe next time! With elements of Japanese culture, large TVs for watching sports, a relaxing atmosphere and mouth-watering food like this baby Cthulhu (oh ok, it’s really a grilled squid!), you are sure to have a great izakaya experience right here in your own city. We will certainly be back for more Beniaka, and to try some items on the new menu like the Sriracha honey chicken bites and fried oreos. We hope to catch you there!
Proceeds benefit the Modesto Rotary Foundation which supports worthwhile projects in our community and world at large. www.modestorotary.org
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