38508 Fri Aug 05 19:34:58 -0700 2005 3 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 181317 Have you been to this event in the past? What did you think?? I am thinking about attending this event that is going to be held in September 15 at Hotel Nikko. The website says that the appetizers will be served by some of the chowhounds' favorite restaurants. Link: http://www.joyofsake.com/SF/index.html Fri Aug 05 19:34:58 -0700 2005 0 Yuko 1 181380 haven't been, but i heard from 2 people that last year's was very worthwhile. group trip, anyone? Sat Aug 06 14:49:22 -0700 2005 181317 0 ed 1 181473 I went last year with a friend and it was totally worth it. In fact I'll be sending some of my staffs to go this year. If I remember correctly, I paid about $80/person, and was able to taste more than 70 sake while there were more than 300! And yes there are many restaurants including Ozumo, Betelnut, Kirala, Grasshoper... Highly recommend! Lastly, I recommend a book, "The sake handbook" by John Gauntner, or visit Beau at his store on 560 Hayes Street in San Francisco, "True Sake", for those who're interested in attending but may not be as knowlegable as most sake lovers. Get yourself prepare first, you'll find this be a great learning and tasting experience! Sun Aug 07 03:23:44 -0700 2005 181317 0 Cynthia 1 181805 Thanks for your comments. I am going to check this event out. I will report back. BTW - I've been told that if you are a memeber of the Japan Society of Nothern California, the price of ticket to attend this event is only $50. Wed Aug 10 13:02:03 -0700 2005 181317 0 Yuko