SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW | SAKE

Around our offices, we've been fans of sake for years and we enjoy it beyond our sushi lunches and dinners. As we always have some on hand and have had a number of Sake in a Cups while we were in Tokyo, we wanted to know more about how this drink can be paired with a number of celebratory situations that you would typically do with wine or champagne. We chatted with Timothy Sullivan, Sake Expert and an ambassador to Hakkaisan to find out more about this rice wine.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us how you became an expert on Sake and what is it about this particular category that sets it apart from spirits and wines.

TIMOTHY SULLIVAN: I discovered premium sake about 12 years ago while having a sushi dinner in Manhattan. On a whim, I decided to splurge and order a high end sake to pair with the sushi.
I was blown away with the pairing and fell in love with sake on the spot. I started a sake website a few months later, UrbanSake.com, to record my experiences and misadventures learning my way around the sake world. From that point on, I studied and learned all that I could and tasted as much sake as possible to train my palate. In 2007, I had my first trip to Japan and visited my first sake brewery, and in 2010, I left my previous day job and began working full time in the sake industry. Sake education has become my passion and my career!

Sake is unique. It's complex production method is not used to make any other kind of alcohol. Premium Sake is gluten free, vegan, free of sulfites, and tannins and has a much lower acidity
than wine. In addition, sake is much richer in amino acids than wine or beer, allowing "umami" flavors to come out in many sakes.

AM: What is your role with Hakkaisan as an ambassador?

TS: My role as Brand Ambassador for Hakkaisan is to travel around the US and internationally and introduce not only Hakkaisan sake, but to teach about sake in general as many places as I can. To achieve this, I hold events for consumers such as sake tastings or pairing dinners, but I also work with restaurants and wine shops to do staff trainings. I work hard to clear up as many misconceptions about sake and I am so lucky to be able to meet with people all over the world and talk sake!

AM: You do a number of Sake talks here in NYC - what is your purpose in doing them?

TS: Yes, as a matter of fact, my next talk is coming up Feb 7th 2018 at the Japan Society. I'll be giving a lecture and slideshow about my recent experience of living and working for one year
as a sake brewer at Hakkaisan in Niigata, Japan. I hold lectures as often as I can to get people interested in sake. As sake becomes more and more popular with the mainstream consumer, I feel that education is of vital importance.

AM: Are the rules of pairing red and white wine with various meats and meals applicable to sake as well?

TS: Sake is quite different from wine, so most of the rules you may have heard about wine pairing (red wine with meat etc) do not apply to sake. However, I have heard one rule for wine pairing that totally fits for sake as well. Matching the weight and intensity of the wine and dish is a good rule of thumb. The same general guideline goes for sake. If you are eating a dense and spicy Japanese curry, a light and silky daiginjo sake may not be the best bet. Reach for a more full bodied, rice-driven junmai sake instead. The body and weight will stand up to the
curry much better!

That being said, it is an open secret in the sake world that sake is generally much more forgiving than wine when it comes to food pairing. This is because of the lower acidity and comparatively milder flavors. I encourage my students to experiment when it comes to food and sake pairing. It's fun and you never know what you'll discover.

AM: With Valentine's Day around the corner, many want an alternative to popping champagne - what is a great sparkling sake that should be considered?

TS: The Japanese sake industry is upping their game when it comes to sparkling sake. Years ago, sparking sake was not taken seriously and viewed as something very low alcohol, cotton
candy sweet and marketed to women in frosted pink bottles. Times have changed and many really good sparkling sakes are coming onto the market. Hakkaisan also makes sparkling sake. In the US market now, we sell our Hakkaisan Sparkling Nigori sake. This is a cloudy type of sparkling sake with a full 14% alcohol. It has a hint of sweetness up front, but overall has great balance and a bright acidity on the finish to cleanse the palate. This is the perfect champagne alternative for those who want to offer their guests something unique.

AM: When friends are coming over what is the perfect sake to pair with a charcuterie and cheese platter?

TS: When I hear "charcuterie and cheese platter" my mind immediately jumps to warm sake. Now, I am not talking about cheap, scalding hot, mass market sake you may have tried as a shot in college. I mean a gently warmed premium sake. When the serving temperature of some styles of high-quality sake is slowly raised, the texture becomes a touch richer and the umami and savory characteristics in the sake really come forward. This is a magic pairing with the meaty flavors you can find in charcuterie and the salty/creamy flavors of the best cheeses. I personally recommend Hakkaisan Tokubetsu Honjozo as a great example of a versatile type of premium sake that is great served either chilled or warm. When chilled, the Honjozo tastes dry and crisp, when warmed, it becomes ricer and more savory. Try warming your sakes to around 115˚F for maximum flavor.

AM: When you're bingeing on Netflix shows, what's the perfect sake to unwind with while enjoying solo?

TS: I have a special sake to recommend for this one. That fateful night back in 2005, when I ordered that premium sake at the sushi restaurant, the sake I tried was actually Hakkaisan Junmai Ginjo. And 12 years later I represent the brand! I can honestly say this sake changed my life. Hakkaisan Junmai Ginjo is the perfect sake for sipping with Netflix. The taste is a textbook
example of the regional style of Niigata, where Hakkaisan brewery is located. It is smooth, lightly dry and super clean with a crisp, refreshing finish.

This type of sake is easy drinking and does not tire out your palate. Some people describe the taste as being as crisp as a mountain stream, but I go one better - my nickname for this sake is "magic water". Pour it into a wine glass, start binge watching 'The Crown' and enjoy.

AM: Sake is for more then just sushi - what would you suggest for Taco Tuesday?

TS: I couldn't agree more! Sake pairs with so much more than sushi. Tacos can have some spice to them, so I love to recommend a bit of a bolder style sake to stand up to that. The type of
sake we call "nama" fits the bill perfectly! Our Shiboritate Nama Genshu is an unpasteurized sake giving it a fresh and vibrant edge. This sake is also undiluted with water, so the ABV is a full 19%! This Nama Genshu sake is as close as you can get to drinking unprocessed sake right from right from our press. It's bold and rich while still being fresh and balanced. The perfect
foil for Mexican fare!

Read more from the Jan Issue and see Something You Should Know | Sake in mag.

IN AND OUT OF THE RING DANIELLE MOINET X SUMMER RAE

Our readers are STRONG, SEXY & SPOILED and of course, that means those that grace our covers and are featured in our pages embody this spirit as well! The world of the WWE includes some of the toughest athletes with dynamic personas and ever changing storylines that keep their fans waiting to see more every week! 

The ladies of the WWE are an elite powerhouse that represents vixens and villains. For those that need an extra dose (know and love this world) of the ladies, E! Networks' Total Divas - allowed viewers to see their lives in and out of the ring. Episodes showcase the ladies in the relationships, training, their personality, their personas and more. Our initial introduction to Summer Rae came during the second season of this show.

Summer Rae is a WWE athlete who fights in the RAW brand. Playing a villain role, she has won a number of single and tag team matches which keeps the crowds wanting more. Outside of the ring, Danielle Moinet is the complete opposite of her character; but, she shares the athletic sensibility as her career includes being a former professional football player as a cornerback for Lingerie Football League's Chicago Bliss (in addition to being a professional wrestler and wrestling manager). This Manhasset, LI native is also a model and actress who took the time to chat with us about her athletic career; what it's like to be a part of the WWE; the importance of giving back and insight into who Danielle is!

|  PHOTO COURTESY WWE |  

ATHLEISURE MAG: We love seeing you in the ring and being on E!'s Total Divas. Tell us about your career leading up to the WWE, as we know you played football, were the face of the Lingerie Football League, and you were an ambassador for Nascar's Bobby Labonte's team - how did this all come together with your love of sports?

DANIELLE MOINET: I have always been a fan of sports, both watching sports and playing sports. Growing up, I danced for many years and then I also ran track, jumped hurdles and played tennis. I’ve always had an athletic background and spent a lot of time in the gym in college. Playing football was definitely very fun. It was full contact seven on seven football. The ladies of the LFL hit hard. It’s not a gimmick. I’ve always had a passion for wrestling and loved watching it. I went to Monday Night Raw and watched it in the audience and thought, “Wow I can do that and I think I can do it well.” I decided to try out for WWE.

AM: We grew up in the 80's watching the WWE, when did you realize this was what you wanted to do and what was the process like to get to the ring?

DM: The thing that I love about WWE is everyone has a story. Everyone has someone they watched growing up. With me, my dad has no sons, only daughters, and I’m the oldest. I watched with my dad on Saturday mornings and when I was an adult I would sit at home and watch Monday Night Raw. I loved the soap opera! I became a fan again after college and that’s when I realized I wanted to submit. Now with NXT, Triple H has given people a great outlet to submit their resume and portfolio and be able to try to become a WWE Superstar. 

AM: We see the physicality that is needed to be a Diva, while also being able to be a total boss by being glam. It's such a unique sport that allows both - how is Danielle Moinet similar and different to Summer Rae?

DM: Very good question! Some people like to form their WWE persona based on an extension of themselves. For me it’s the total opposite. Summer Rae is everyone I wanted to be growing up: all of the girls I wasn’t and all of the things I wanted to say to people that I couldn't because I was too nice. Summer Rae is a conniving egotistical villain who will do whatever she needs to do to get what she wants. That’s why it’s so much fun to play her! I have never once been a good guy in WWE and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

|  PHOTOGRAPHY Vince Trupsin | MUAH Stella Kae | 

AM: This summer, we worked out with you and additional Divas during Summer Slam at Tapout here in NYC - between matches and doing PR events what is the schedule like when you're traveling and how are you able to balance your day to day life with that?
 
DM: Wow! That’s so cool that you came and worked out with us! That was the first time we had tried anything like that and my first time teaching an exercise class! It was inspiring to talk to different women. It was a special event for me. It's hard to find balance and in 2017 that is what I am going after. Balance. It is hard being a Superstar, being on the road 300 days a year filming and working events on your off days. Traveling and everything that comes with it is really hard. Having a group of people, whether they are family or friends that ground you when you’re home, it's important on those off days to step away from work. Otherwise, you will lose who you are. It’s something I’ve struggled with in the past and its something I am really working towards in 2017.

AM: As an athlete, the physicality of the sport is demanding, what does your workout day look like when you're preparing to be in the ring versus when you have down time?

DM: Very good question! I've never had someone ask me this in an interview! I train very differently on days when I have a match versus days I don't. I don’t do my legs as much on days I have a match. I save my cardio days for TV. Sleep is the most important thing in this business. I like to do circuit training so I don’t overstimulate one body part. When you bump and have five matches in a week you’re going to be sore.

AM: Recovery is always essential when you're working out - we're fans of foam rollers, KT Therapy ice packs etc, what do you have on hand for a little TLC for your body?

DM: Recovery is very important. The number one thing I find that helps is sleep and I am the first person to say I don’t sleep nearly enough. On the off days I will force myself to sleep. Massage is something really great. I live by a great chiropractor and physical therapist. In Los Angeles, I have gone to PEAK Wellness and I have absolutely loved the practice. The people there have been so amazing to me. Dennis at PEAK is so amazing and I’ve loved working with them.

|  PHOTOGRAPHY Vince Trupsin | MUAH Stella Kae | 

AM: What is your favorite moment in the ring and who has been your favorite partner?

DM: My favorite moment in the ring is actually not a wrestling match. It was when I got to write my own promo and do it for everyone. It was in Chicago where I was living at the time. I got to break up with Rusev on screen. I really felt it and felt so fortunate that they let me write it. It was so amazing and the crowd was so behind me. It gives me chills to think about.

My favorite person to wrestle is Nattie. I always loved wrestling her. She’s someone who challenges me and made me try to be better every time I stepped in the ring with her. I also love Sasha Banks. The chemistry we have is amazing!
 
AM: Besides your life as an athlete, what other passions do you have as we know you have acted?

DM: Being in the Marine 4 was an amazing opportunity. I loved being on set and learning the way that works! Being in more films and being able to act is a goal. I love the idea of having an amazing day and channel different emotions into my work. It is such a talent to be able to do that and of course that is something I would love to do and love to study more. Being able to publicly speak and host as well and spread positivity.
 
AM: When you have personal time how do you take time for you to center yourself?
 
DM: Personal time is something that I am trying to work on more and have more of, and give myself. Being able to center myself is having a good support system. I center myself by going into the gym and having a great workout and catching up on some of my favorite shows. Taking time for me. Our personal time is so few and far between, that it’s something I really have to cherish when I have it.  

|  PHOTO COURTESY WWE |  

AM:  What is your personal style from what you wear when you workout, when you're going out to brunch and for a night out with your friends? 

DM: My personal style ranges. I live in workout clothes and I can be a tomboy. The word ATHLEISURE definitely suits me. I’m always in my hat on my day off, because I hate wearing makeup.  I have to let my skin breathe. Workout clothes all day! Whatever fits and is comfy. I love the girly side too and get styled. My style is very diverse.
 
AM: Clearly, you have a great body! What are 3 exercises that we can incorporate for great legs, arms and abs?

DM: For me, something that I started in the Fall that I had never tried before was Pilates. I had a lot of restrictions from wrestling as far as my mobility and neck. The thing I love about Pilates is that it's 50 minutes and it's full body, but you also use weights. I’ve tried a lot of different exercises. Pilates really helps shape my arms legs and abs. I had never done a plank until Pilates and now I see it in my shoulders and abs. It's long and lengthening. Pilates gives me the flexibility and is so safe on the joints and knees. It’s something I really have to think about. You can find all three in Pilates.
 
AM: When it comes to getting energy before a workout what do you suggest we should eat?

DM: Some people are very different when it comes to eating before working out. Some people like to eat and some people like to be empty. I like to be full. I don’t like my stomach growling. I like to eat a high protein meal. I prefer fats and carbs in each meal I eat. Having a good piece of chicken or turkey meat, a good 25/35 gms of protein. You don’t have to get fancy when it comes to caffeine pre workout. Black coffee is great. You can’t beat a double shot of espresso or a black coffee before you work out. I always have a shake right after I work out to get my protein in.

|  PHOTO COURTESY WWE |  

AM: When you're having a bit of a splurge, what is a treat that we can enjoy that tastes decadent, but isn't really that bad for you?

DM: I have a sweet tooth. Something for me that I crave is ice cream like crazy and want it all the time. Instead, I buy the fat - free Cool Whip from the market and freeze it. Then it’s like fake ice cream. I just need a little bit. It’s no fat or carbs and not nearly as bad as ice cream. I find myself only having one or two spoonfuls. It gives me that satisfaction. 

AM: What charities or foundations do you work with and tell us about them.

DM: I work with the DTM Foundation which was started and by my sister Nicolette Moinet. They work with medically fragile children at UNC and Duke hospital. Anytime I’m back home in North Carolina I love to help them in any way I can whether it be hospital visits or the comfort cooks program. We make food for the families that are basically living at the hospital with their children. With WWE, we are so fortunate to work with so many other great initiatives include our anti-bullying program Be a STAR, Special Olympics, Make a Wish, Susan G. Komen and so many others. 

Read more from the Feb Issue and the In and Out of the Ring Danielle Moinet X Summer Rae feature specifically here.