Three years have passed since the renowned Shichiken house and celebrated Monegasque chef Alain Ducasse joined forces to explore Japanese sake. Their collaboration gave rise to the “Alain Ducasse Sparkling Sake” aperitif and the “Alain Ducasse Sustainable Spirit,” which can be enjoyed as a digestif or a cocktail base.
Founded in 1750, Shichiken is one of Japan’s most revered sake breweries, celebrated for its exceptional sake crafted from Mount Kaikoma’s pristine spring waters, naturally filtered through granite bedrock. Over 13 generations, Shichiken has blended tradition and innovation, producing sake that embodies both heritage and contemporary artistry.
Now, Shichiken’s Yamanashi Meijo and Chef Alain Ducasse are partnering again featuring exclusive dinners in seven of the celebrated chef’s restaurants worldwide, starting in Tokyo on October 22, 2024, before moving to Bangkok, Naples, Monaco, Paris, London, and New York. Each event offers a unique pairing of Shichiken’s sake with a curated menu of French dishes, showcasing the harmony between Japanese and French craftsmanship.
Bangkok joined this extraordinary tour on 26th October 2024 at Blue by Alain Ducasse and The Luxury Editor was lucky enough to be invited along to experience it.
Blue by Alain Ducasse, set within the ICONSIAM complex with panoramic views over Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, (read Simon’s restaurant review here) has earned a reputation as one of Asia’s top French fine-dining venues. Designed by the acclaimed Jouin Manku Agency, the restaurant’s interior reflects a modern elegance that enhances its renowned French cuisine. Led by Executive Chef Wilfrid Hocquet, Blue by Alain Ducasse presents exclusive menus that blend classic French culinary techniques with the refined flavours of Shichiken’s premium sakes, promising an unforgettable dining experience.
The evening began with delicate canapés, followed by Celeriac, William Pear, and Elderflower, paired with Alain Ducasse Sparkling Sake. Next is Brown Crab, Coconut, and Finger Lime, accompanied by Sparkling Yama no Kasumi, and then Turbot, Zucchini Flower, Tonka Bean, and Sake, served with Kinunoaji Junmai Daiginjo. The main course featured Bresse Chicken with Japanese Rice, Smoked Cep Mushrooms, and Kumquat, complemented by Furinbizan Junmai. To finish, guests enjoy a baked apple dessert with double cream and Arlette, paired with the Alain Ducasse Sustainable Spirit in a unique cocktail.
This exclusive dining experience is further enhanced by a custom-designed menu cover created by INDEN-YA, a traditional craft house from Yamanashi. Made from lacquered deerskin with wave patterns inspired by the Alain Ducasse Sparkling Sake label, these covers are gifted to guests, symbolising the collaboration between Shichiken, Alain Ducasse, and INDEN-YA.
The Luxury Editor’s Simon says – “Led by General Manager Giovanni on the floor, the team at the super slick Blue by Alain Ducasse perform magic in presenting a unique menu created for one night only by executive chef Wilfred Hocquet. Each course is inspired by its saké pairing provided by legendary Japanese Shichiken brewery. CEO Tsushima Kitahara was in attendance but in-house beverage ambassador Bella detailed how each saké is made and why each works so well with Wilfred Hocquet’s pairings. It was a flawless, fascinating and extravagant evening never to be repeated again“.
If you like the sound of this, similar one-off events are scheduled by Alain Ducasse and Shichiken for Italy, Monaco, France, UK and U.S.
- October 22: Beige Alain Ducasse Tokyo, Japan
- October 26: Blue by Alain Ducasse, Bangkok, Thailand
- October 29: Il Ristorante Alain Ducasse, Naples, Italy
- October 31: Louis XV – Alain Ducasse, Monaco
- November 2: Les Ombres – Quai Branly, Paris, France
- November 5: Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, London, UK
- November 8: Benoit, New York, USA
The UK event is taking place on Tuesday 5th November at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester with prices at £430 per person and you can book tickets on the Dorchester website.
