Reservation
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$600 per person (seats will be sold in groups of two)
Attire: Dressy Casual
*Complimentary valet parking at Haven
Join us at Haven on our patio for a celebration of the House of Suntory as we take you on a cultural journey through the heart of Japan. Senior Brand Ambassador, Gardner Dunn, will lead you on an expedition of meticulously crafted Yamazaki expressions. These Japanese whiskies are the quintessential spirit, crafted with attention to detail and a steadfast commitment to quality. In our relentless pursuit of perfection, guest Chef Michael Collantes from Michelin-starred Soseki Modern Omakase will join Chef Chad Johnson in the kitchen to create courses that will accentuate the magic of Yamazaki.
~All sales are final and this outdoor event will take place rain or shine~
Reception
Reception Cocktail
Tempura Shiso – toro, kaluga caviar
Foie Gras Sando– sansho pepper, persimmon, milk bread
First Course
Yamazaki Mizunara Oak Cask
Seared Tuna – orange ginger dressing, local radish, raw root vegetables
Second Course
Yamazaki Spanish Oak Cask
Halibut Cheek – pine nut miso, colonel newsom’s ham dashi
Third Course
Yamazaki Puncheon Oak Cask
Matsutake Congee – ginger, scallion, black truffle, crispy leeks
Fourth Course
Yamazaki 18yr
Dry Aged Rohan Duck – betel leaf, preserved egg, bluegrass soy
Fifth Course
Yamazaki Peated Malt
Tasting of Wagyu Beef– black garlic, curry spices, autumn vegetables
Petit Fours
*Please note that due to the format of this dinner; allergies and dietary substitutions cannot be accommodated. Menu items are subject to availability and may change without notice.
Gardner Dunn has always been ahead of the curve. As a musician, as a trendsetting New York bartender, and most notably as the first ambassador of Japanese whisky in the US over 14 years ago, Gardner’s unique talent and perspective move the needle on everything he attempts. His role as Senior Brand Ambassador for the House of Suntory portfolio for Beam Suntory showcases his gift of making what seems impossible, possible. In his tenure, Gardner has taken Japanese whisky from the dusty bottom shelves of liquor stores and made it one of the most sought-after categories in the best bars and restaurants in the country.
Growing up in Southern California and going to school in Montana, Gardner set his sights on becoming a full-time musician, a drummer more specifically. His dedication to his craft paid off, and soon he left college to tour and record with bands all over the world for several years. Gardner eventually found himself in New York after returning from a stint living in Europe. Never one to do things halfway, Gardner took up bartending with the same ambition and eye on the future as he did with making music. Shaking and stirring at some of the top spots in the city, Gardner started winning international cocktail competitions which sent him to places like New Zealand and Brazil. After 10 years behind the stick, he was approached to represent Midori and a little-known whisky, Yamazaki. Gardner was so impressed by this diamond in the rough whisky, he felt called to spread the word about it and ended up evolving his position into an exclusively Japanese whisky role after growing the brand and the category exponentially. The reason you see Japanese whisky keeping company with Scotch, Bourbon, and Irish on menus these days has everything to do with Gardner Dunn.
Having won countless awards, including the much-coveted Icon of Whisky in 2019, Gardner is focused on sharing the Japanese concept of monozukuri, or passionate craftsmanship with people serving the spirit and the enthusiasts who love drinking it. Spending time in Japan with Suntory’s Master Blender and Chief Distiller, Gardner not only continues to expand his own understanding of the techniques, culture, and craft behind each bottle but also finds inspiration to create even more innovative tasting experiences that tell the story of The House of Suntory.
Now based in Miami, Gardner enjoys exploring his new city. He is still playing drums, even crafting his own instruments on occasion. If you catch him out and about, highball in hand, and ask him for his best advice he will probably tell you to truly believe in what you do and you will find success. Gardner is living proof.
Michael earned his first Michelin star in 2022, a year after launching Soseki Modern Omakase in Orlando, FL. Soseki, a 10 seat multi-course tasting menu, utilizes the best fish from around the world while exploring the amazing bounty Central Florida has to offer.
With over 20+ years in the hospitality industry Michael searched to work for some of the best chefs from Wolfgang Puck, Joel Robuchon, Eric Ripert, Masa Takayama and Jennifer Carroll. Spending time working in leadership roles for amazing brands like Levy Restaurants, MGM Grand, Ritz Carlton, Aria Casino and Culinary Director for a multi unit/ concept brand.
Michael is featured on Morimoto's Sushi Masters on season 1 on Roku.
Michael now spends his time as the co-host for Diaries of a Master Sushi Chef, a youtube channel with 2M+ subscribers and 86 The Podcast a hospitality based podcast. Michael is also the culinary director for the MM Member's Club at Ava Winter Park and Mila Miami.