Entrance to Golden Gai Cocktail Club.
(Photo Courtesy of Golden Gai)
GOLDEN GAI COCKTAIL CLUB TO HOST EXCLUSIVE SAKE, TEQUILA TASTING, FRIDAY, MARCH 14
Acclaimed IWA 5 Sake, Fortaleza Tequila Paired with Curated Japanese Menu
Golden Gai Cocktail Club will present an exclusive six-course tasting experience on Friday, March 14 at 10 p.m., pairing sake and tequila with a specially curated menu. Hosted by spirits expert Ryan McGinnis of O-D-V Imports, this intimate event is limited to just 40 guests, offering a rare opportunity to savor some of the world’s most sought-after sakes and tequila alongside expertly crafted Japanese cuisine.
The tasting will feature the acclaimed Fortaleza Tequila alongside IWA 5 Sake and neighboring WAKUDA’s very own private label sake, each paired with a meticulously designed dish by Golden Gai’s culinary team. Guests will be guided through the flavor profiles and nuances of these celebrated spirits, with insights from McGinnis, whose expertise in premium spirits has made him a sought-after authority in the industry.
IWA 5 Sake redefines traditional sake-making through assemblage, blending different rice varietals and brewing techniques for exceptional depth and complexity. Fortaleza Tequila, rooted in the legendary Sauza family legacy, is produced using traditional methods like stone tahona milling and copper pot distillation, preserving its rich agave character.
The complete prix fixe tasting menu follows.
- Fortaleza Blanco Tequila in “The Siesta” welcome cocktail – Beef tartare
- IWA 5 Assemblage 4 Sake – Duo of sashimi with kanpachi carpaccio and chutoro caviar
- WAKUDA Private Label Sake – Chef’s sushi selectionsIWA 5 Assemblage 5 Sake – Seabass miso
- IWA 5 Assemblage 3 Sake – American wagyu short rib
- Fortaleza Reposado Tequila (Neat) – Mugicha tiramisu
“This tasting embodies what Golden Gai is all about—uniting exceptional spirits and innovative dishes in a memorable and intimate atmosphere,” said Peter Lee, head of nightlife at Golden Gai Cocktail Club. “By showcasing rare bottles such as Fortaleza Tequila alongside the complexity of IWA 5 and WAKUDA’s sake, guests will enjoy a truly one-of-a-kind journey for the palate.”
Tickets are $250 per person (plus tax and gratuity) and can be purchased here. Golden Gai is located steps inside the WAKUDA entry in The Palazzo Lobby at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas at 3325 South Las Vegas Blvd. Guests must be 21 or older to attend.
ABOUT GOLDEN GAI
Located inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas is Golden Gai, an intimate cocktail club inspired by the iconic neon-lit alleys of the Golden Gai nightlife district of Shinjuku, Tokyo. Developed by 50 Eggs Hospitality Group, Golden Gai blends cultural authenticity with the allure and raw energy of a bold, hidden-world experience where handcrafted cocktails, Michelin-star-quality cuisine and curated entertainment converge. The coveted destination serves the full dining menu from its neighbor WAKUDA—an internationally celebrated fine-dining Japanese restaurant—nightly until 10 p.m. Afterwards, Golden Gai transitions to a menu of small Japanese handhelds and sumptuous bar bites. The venue extends its appeal through exclusive pop-ups with the world’s best bars, alongside collaborations with top Japanese spirits, sake and champagne, creating a dynamic, rotating beverage program that promises something new with every visit. For more information, go to www.wakudajapanese.com/golden-gai or follow Golden Gai on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @GoldenGaiLV.
ABOUT 50 EGGS HOSPITALITY GROUP
Baked in 2001, 50 Eggs Hospitality Group owns and operates a multi-faceted, full-service culinary and hospitality firm. Based in South Florida and founded by chief executive officer and restaurateur John Kunkel, 50 Eggs Hospitality Group owns and drives the creativity behind some of the country’s popular restaurants. Las Vegas’ concepts include Wakuda, Chica and Golden Gai. For more information, visit 50eggsinc.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram.
ABOUT THE VENETIAN RESORT LAS VEGAS
The Venetian Resort Las Vegas features all-suite accommodations across The Venetian and The Palazzo. The iconic resort’s experience is marked by a commitment to sophisticated play and light-hearted luxury, with world-class restaurants from celebrated chefs including Cote by Simon Kim, Bazaar Meat by José Andrés, and Southern California favorite Gjelina; the rejuvenating Canyon Ranch spa + fitness; a five-acre pool and garden deck inspired by the Italian Riviera including TAO Beach Dayclub, a Balinese-inspired tropical oasis; two landmark casinos and a poker room; Voltaire, a destination nightlife venue that blurs the lines between and intimate club and is home to the Queen of burlesque, Dita Von Teese; concert and non-stop entertainment including master illusionist Shin Lim; TAO Nightclub, and unparalleled retail experiences at Grand Canal Shoppes.
A premier events and conference center, the resort is home to more than 2.25 million square feet of meeting, exposition, and convention space. The Venetian Resort’s brand-new loyalty program, Venetian Rewards, offers resort-wide earning and redemption for gaming play, including slots and tables, as well as experiential spend, such as dining, entertainment, hotel reservations, and more.
The Venetian Resort Las Vegas is the only place fans can get the full experience of Sphere at The Venetian with concert and hotel packages including preferred seating. Sphere is a next-generation venue that will redefine the future of live entertainment.
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