Dinner on the Ranch with The Sake Ninja

Join us for an unforgettable evening at Cannon Valley Ranch, where premium sake meets the finest local flavors.

In collaboration with Bleu Duck Kitchen, Jack’s Bottle Shop, and World Sake Imports, this exclusive dinner experience features expertly curated sake pairings guided by the renowned Sake Ninja, Chris Johnson.

Enjoy a six-course meal spotlighting Cannon Valley Ranch’s exceptional beef and the region’s freshest ingredients. Throughout the evening, you’ll explore the rich history and intricate craft of sake—learning how to taste, appreciate, and describe this unique Japanese beverage.

Your evening menu:

Welcome
Oyster with Bleu Duck Hogwash - Rice Vinegar, Cider Vinegar, Shallot, Jalapeno, Pepper, Chili Flake, Cream of Corn
Sake: Kamoizumi Umelicious Umeshu Spritz

Amuse Bouche
Wagyu Mushroom Arancini with Wagyu Gold Curry - Beef Golden Curry Gravy, Arancini Rice mixed with Wagyu Stew Meat & Mushrooms
Sake: Tedorigawa "U"  

Salad
Tomato Shishito Panzanella - Smoked Miso Vanilla Vinaigrette, Shiso, Blistered Shishito, grilled Bread, Cucumber, Scallion
Sake: Nagurayama "Crescent Moon"

Fish
Green Curry Fish Kushiyaki - Green Curry Hollandaise, Mini Corn, Zucchini, Mushroom, Soy Marinade
Sake: Dewazakura “Green Ridge”

Beef
Wagyu Picanha with Yuzu Kosho, Wasabi Pea Puree, Roasted Shitake, Crushed Wasabi Peas
Sake: Tedorigawa "Chrysanthemum Meadow"

Dessert
Black Sesame Olive Oil Cake - Fig Caramel, Oolong Crème
Sake:  Kamoizumi “Summer Snow”

About The Sake Ninja

Chris Johnson fell in love with sake – and the culture and history that surround it – during the three years he spent living and working in the Japanese countryside. 

Chris specializes in thought provoking sake-and-food pairing experiences that are approachable yet rival the most serious wine and cocktail lists in the business. By combining his reverence for traditional Japanese flavors with a touch of Western ingenuity, he aspires to elevate sake beyond the confines of the traditional Japanese restaurant, and onto an international platform.

Chris is a sake sommelier certified by the Sake Service Institute in 1999, a member of the board of directors for Joy of Sake, and has served as a senior judge for the U.S. National Sake Appraisal since 2000. Chris has judged for the International Wine Challenge Sake since 2015.  Chris is a certified WSET Level 3 Sake Educator and in 2013 earned the distinguished title of Sake Samurai.

He travels worldwide representing his consulting company, The SakE Ninja, speaking about sake, and has been featured in a number of national publications including The New York Times, Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Cosmopolitan Magazine, New York Magazine and BlackBook, as well as Japanese publications such as Kateigaho, Anan and Erio.

We can't wait to spend an evening with Chris and our hosts at Cannon Valley Ranch!