Latest news with #MasakiHisaike
Hypebeast
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
Inside Bar Selecta, the 10-Seat Listening Bar Where Sake Meets Soul
Summary Melbourne'sBar Selectadoesn't shout, it hums. Located on Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn, this 10-seat listening bar is the work of six hospitality veterans:Joey Tai(ex–Flower Drum),Masaki Hisaike(sake sommelier),Kelvin Low(The Elysian),Adam Ong(Golden Monkey), andMichaelandEleena Tan(Brand Works). The concept pays homage to Japan's intimate vinyl bars, where the music takes centre stage. Expect 1950s jazz records, obscure Japanese funk and throwbacks fromLana Del Reyto De La Soul, played through vintageJBLsin a space framed by red onyx, orange glass bricks and mid-century modern minimalism. Behind the red onyx marble bar, drinks riff off the vinyl energy. Try the Sailor Moon Gimlet, a neon mix of Japanese gin, cherry blossom cordial, and Midori, or sip premium saké out of a wine glass, guided by mood and flavour rather than pretence. The venue also features a 25-person lounge and laneway terrace, with Sunday BYO vinyl sessions and yakitori on the horizon. The vibe is summed up by the team's quiet mantra: 'Softly spoken. Deeply felt.' For those chasing thoughtful cocktails, rare sake and warm frequencies, Bar Selecta hits the right note. Bar SelectaRear entry, 717 Glenferrie RdHawthorn VIC 3122
The Age
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
A new 10-seat bar channelling Tokyo is hiding in a suburb that might surprise you
New laneway hideaway Bar Selecta in Hawthorn blends vintage vinyl, analogue audio gear and retro design cues to transport you to another time and place – specifically a Tokyo listening bar. Growing out of postwar coffee houses for jazz enthusiasts, listening bars went on to embody the golden age of '80s and '90s hi-fi. The 10-seat Selecta, opening tomorrow, is an homage to these venues, serving carefully crafted sips that share equal billing with the audio. 'Music has been a core part of my life,' says co-owner Masaki Hisaike, a sake sommelier and cocktail whizz. 'Creating a music-inspired cocktail menu is the perfect way to combine that.' Drinks like Tempo Pop, Bebop Kiss and Bittersweet FM are an obvious musical nod. Future drink specials will tie in with specific genres, perhaps referencing popular drinks of the era, artist favourites or complementary sensations, such as jazz-funk with funkier styles of sake.
Sydney Morning Herald
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
A new 10-seat bar channelling Tokyo is hiding in a suburb that might surprise you
New laneway hideaway Bar Selecta in Hawthorn blends vintage vinyl, analogue audio gear and retro design cues to transport you to another time and place – specifically a Tokyo listening bar. Growing out of postwar coffee houses for jazz enthusiasts, listening bars went on to embody the golden age of '80s and '90s hi-fi. The 10-seat Selecta, opening tomorrow, is an homage to these venues, serving carefully crafted sips that share equal billing with the audio. 'Music has been a core part of my life,' says co-owner Masaki Hisaike, a sake sommelier and cocktail whizz. 'Creating a music-inspired cocktail menu is the perfect way to combine that.' Drinks like Tempo Pop, Bebop Kiss and Bittersweet FM are an obvious musical nod. Future drink specials will tie in with specific genres, perhaps referencing popular drinks of the era, artist favourites or complementary sensations, such as jazz-funk with funkier styles of sake.
