A Japanese Omakase Not To Be Missed In Las Vegas

Las Vegas always shines as a culinary beacon, and this Saturday, Sept. 9, epicureans can follow that light to a once-in-a-lifetime dining event. Celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Yuji Aruga, master of wine for Jyozo Winery's Aruga Branca wines from will host an exclusive Japanese wine dinner at Nobu Restaurant and Lounge in Caesars Palace.

Legends Matsuhisa and Aruga tapped into their longstanding friendship and a history of excellence to develop this event. For one night only, these masters will share superb food beautifully complemented with the best Japanese wines, previously unavailable outside of the country. This omakase dinner is an oenophile's dream.

Katsunuma Jyozo Winery is situated in one of Japan's most interesting and prolific winemaking regions. Katsunuma-cho is one of the primary creators of fine wines within the region. The founder, Yoshichika Aruga, started making wines in 1937 and promised to "make only wines of great quality, even if we produce just one barrel."

Aruga Branca wine is made exclusively from Japan's indigenous grape variety, koshu, which has been grown for more than 12 centuries in the Katsunuma region. One can trace the origins of the koshu grape along the Silk Road from the Caucasus to Japan, where it spread and took root in Katsunuma, which has a terroir suitable for cultivating grapes.

According to local legend, in A.D. 718, a Buddhist monk named Gyoki dreamt of Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of medicine, holding a bunch of grapes. Following this vision, Gyoki built Daizenji Temple and started cultivating the grapes for medicinal purposes. Today these very grapes are used in producing fine wines that are earning recognition around the globe.

The rest, as they say, is history. This momentous event is well worth the $395 per person. This wonderful chance to be totally immersed in Japanese food and wine should not be missed.