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Celebrate the Japanese Star Festival Tanabata with Daikaya
A time for reunited lovers, Somen Noodles, an Astral Traveler Cocktail, and making wishes during this special week.
Daikaya, the popular izakaya & ramen shop, is excited to celebrate Tanabata, the Japanese Star Festival, the week from July 1st through July 7th. Tanabata means "evening of the seventh" and originated from the Chinese Qixi Festival. It celebrates the meeting of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi. According to legend, the Milky Way separates these lovers, and they are allowed to meet only once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month.
In celebration of this event, Executive Chef Katsuya Fukushima will be preparing Somen Noodles, with his artful interpretation on this traditional Japanese dish which is served for Tanabata. The noodles will be available exclusively on the dinner menu at Daikaya. Beverage Director Lukas Smith will also be showcasing a new cocktail, The Astral Traveler, priced at $9. Guests can raise a glass to this festive holiday for lost love and wish making. The Astral Traveler features one each of two kinds of Daikaya’s alcoholic gelatin spheres, or Dai-Drops: the traditional saké yuzu Drop is paired together with a new red wine and ginger Drop. The Drops will be served in a coupe filled with Daikaya’s house Scratch Lemon-Lime Soda. Of a similar nature, but in opposed colors, the pairing of the Drops represents the union and the separation of the star-crossed lovers that Tanabata celebrates.
“We picked Somen as the Tanabata dish because this is what is commonly enjoyed for this festival in Japan,” explains Daisuke Utagawa. “As for the cocktail, it is our interpretation of the symbolism of the story of the Tanabata.” Guests can look forward to seeing Daikaya decorated for the special occasion with bamboo trees for hanging special wishes noted on small pieces of paper. Everyone is invited to participate in the fun, recording their wish and placing it on the trees.
Daikaya is located at 705 6th Street NW, 20001, close to the Gallery Place Metro station.
For more information please visit www.daikaya.com or cal (202) 589- 1600
