A Kyoto Cocktail Trailblazer Arrives in the Twin Cities
Nokishita711, a standing-room-only Kyoto gin bar, revels in experimentation: Bartender Tomoiki Sekine is known for his “liquid cuisine” philosophy, which uses alcohol as a lens to explore unexpected food combinations (think: peach, grilled beef, and sweet chili vinegar with green tea and vodka).
On Sunday February 5, Tomoiki Sekine will head north to Brooklyn Park for a cocktail pop-up at Skaalven Distillery from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Think of this as the relaxed after party for Kado no Mise’s more formal affair. It’s first come first serve, though expect to pay a seating fee (as is common in many upscale Japanese bars). Sekine is bringing an assortment of syrups and cocktail ingredients he made back home in Kyoto. Skaalven co-owner Tyson Schnitker says he and his wife Mary (also a co-owner) recently visited Nokishita711 on a trip to Kyoto.
Dahlia — helmed by Travail alum Nat Moser, Sarah Julson, and Alex Althoff — is operating entirely as a pop-up for the time being, though plans for a permanent restaurant are in the works. For now, catch this breakfast-forward operation at Falling Knife Brewing Co. on Saturday, February 11 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. for flaky, beautifully laminated sweet and savory pastries, plus a doughnut inspired by one of Falling Knife’s beers. On Sunday February 12, find Dahlia serving pastries and sweets — plus a TBD menu — at the Briar in Northeast from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Later February pop-ups are in the works, too.