Beer, sake and sushi! We were in heaven at the Japan Society’s 11th annual Beer and Sake Festival. It was held at the San Diego Marriott Del Mar June 27. Microbreweries and sake manufacturers poured samples of their best products including Japanese rice wine. Caterers and restaurants served various appetizers, sushi, salads and desserts.
Chefs could be seen arranging their creations before the public came in to the ballroom. VIP’s were allowed inside one hour prior to general ticket holders. Guests outside were entertained by sushi masters showing off their fish-cutting techniques with a 180 pound tuna. Toward the end of the night, these pieces were brought in on trays and given to each of the chefs, who then created impromptu dishes. Some simply added the fresh tuna pieces on top of vegetables while others, like The Lab Dining Sessions, seared them with a torch. The most interesting appetizer that we tasted was chicken skin ((tori)kawa) that was grilled to a crisp and lightly seasoned. The dishes were scrumptious. They practically melted in your mouth.
The festival included art booths, a silent auction, an opportunity drawing and various entertainments. We won a case of Trumer Pils and were gifted a case of Asahi Amber Lager by one of the other attendees. We also bought a beautiful art piece from Billy Martinez at Nekko Press Comics whom the guests were able to observe creating new work on-site. Martinez has worked in the comic industry since 1996. His work includes Heavy Metal Magazine, The Sci-Fi Channel’s The Chronicle and Family Guy trading cards for Inkworks. All proceeds from the festival benefited the Japan Society’s many educational programs and activities. For more info: japan-society.org
Social Media Day
According to Peek Analytics, more than 118,000 Tweets were sent regarding Social Media Day this year and about 20,000 of these mentions were on that day, June 30. The celebration caught on after being launched in 2010 by Mashable as a way to recognize the digital revolution. Four years later, it is celebrated in 117 countries including Australia, Costa Rica and Sri Lanka. The San Diego social community was not left behind as social media geeks gathered at San Diego Marriott Marquis and Marina to celebrate the day and network (gasp) offline.
The event was free and offered two tracks, Getting Started With Social Media presented by San Diego Magazine and Social Media For Professionals. The guest speakers included Mari Smith, one of the world’s leading social media strategists and Little Tommy, Laura and Emily from KyXy’s Jeff & Jer Showgram.
After these educational tracks, we gathered at Marina Kitchen for some food samples and social media inspired contests, promotions and discounts. We met a few of our friends from Scatena Daniels Communications and the Marketing Team from the upcoming FilAmFest. It was one of the only events where being glued to our phones while someone’s speaking on-stage isn’t considered rude.
Mr. Miss and Ms. Pride
Congratulations to Jimmy James, Diamond Sin-Sation and Terry Nunez, your 2013 Mr. Miss and Ms. San Diego Pride crowned July 7 at Numbers. We look forward to seeing great things from these folks in the upcoming year. We didn’t win the raffle but Her Most Serene Highness Jaeda Reign and His Most Serene Highness Mikie could sure sell those tickets. We’d also like to thank Jeff Gilson for asking us to be a part of his speech. Congratulations on getting on that stage and showing them what you got!
Speaking of San Diego Pride, don’t forget to check out Art of Pride at the festival. We’re one of the artists being exhibited. Our photography work, titled Hold My Hand, celebrates this year’s theme Freedom to Love and Marry. And thanks to the recent court rulings many of us are now able to do so. We were one of the few couples that were able to get married in 2008. Let’s celebrate our little hearts out and continue the fight for equality all over the world.
