Snapshots from the Gohan Society's Aki Matsuri Festival

[Photographs: Eunice Choi]

Yesterday evening, The Gohan Society, a non-profit organization that works towards foster appreciation for Japan's culinary heritage through cooperation with chefs, held their third annual Aki Matsuri. The event was a celebration of Japanese cuisine and how it's taken shape in New York as well as an embrace of the fall season.

Yesterday's event was centered on the theme of izakaya, that is, Japanese pub fare. Over a dozen different restaurants presented small bites, with their own spin on the theme. Ramen Burger of recent Smorgasburg fame seemed to gather the most attendees, although people crowded around Blue Ribbon Sushi booth and its classic, simple maki rolls. Nobu presented an almost interactive experience with a shabu-shabu, and Yuji Ramen's uni mazemen presented an incredible balance of sweet urchin roe with the salinity of the white miso.

Ume jello shots.

Other booths also presented tasting flights of sake, shochu, Japanese whisky, and cocktails. The event's venue, the Brooklyn Brewery, also provided beers on tap from their rotating seasonal menu.

The night ended with a noodle-making demonstration by Sobaya to the beat of Japanese drums. Raffles were held for meals in various restaurants throughout New York, and a portion of the evening's proceeds are to be donated to Japan Relief, with all other proceeds going towards future educational programs.

Click through the slideshow to see the scenes from the event!

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