With international travel off of the agenda for the time being, many of us are missing the sense of discovery that comes from wandering the streets of a foreign city and contemplating the world from a different vista.
For jet-setting bartender Shingo Gokan of The SG Club in Tokyo, the experience of being grounded in Japan feels strange after years of traveling overseas on a weekly basis. But he’s managed to channel his wanderlust into a delightful food-and-cocktail-pairing experience that takes guests on a “virtual world tour” of his favorite global destinations: Welcome aboard SG Airways.
Since early June, Sip, the intimate bar space located on the basement floor of The SG Club, has functioned as a vehicle for culinary world travel. Upon arrival, you’re escorted to your seat and presented with a packet of boarding passes that serve as the evening’s menu. The “Business Class” seating starts at 6 p.m. and comes with seven courses and drink pairings (¥13,000 before tax), while the “First Class” option (¥18,000 before tax) offers 10 courses from 8:30 p.m. A fizzy blend of The SG Shochu Mugi (a barley-based spirit collaboration between SG Group and Sanwa Shurui distillery), wheat beer (Kagua Blanc in Business, Maison Rococo beer in First) and organic honey, finished with a spritz of herb water, is served prior to “takeoff” while Gokan explains the idea behind the event.