MaRoo offers a full menu of premium sake, cold sake and hot sake, a full wine list, as well as a vast list of imported and domestic beers, but I went for the sake experience. The premium sake list covers the spectrum of tastes and each sake is filled with a world of distinct flavors and treats for your palate. Of the 11 -- yes 11 sake varieties that I sampled, the sake I most enjoyed was Shirataki, aptly described as ""Pure Flavor"". Shirataki has a wonderfully sweet and fruity quality without coming off too strong or heavy. The fruit flavor and the dry body of the sake combine to create a light and clean texture which makes it go down smooth -- as if it were simply gliding its way down your throat. Shirataki is so well balanced that the moment you think you might actually be drinking air, the superb acidic aftertaste kicks in and reawakens your senses!Wakatake, affectionately referred to as ""Demon Slayer"", and Namahage, or ""Monster Sake"", are two I would suggest for anyone who wants to try something with more power! Wakatake is bold, with a strong, full flavor which is initially masked within its silky texture. This sake starts off soft and quickly builds into an immense, rich taste full of fruit and acid, trailed by a delightfully bitter aftertaste. Namahage is similar in that it is bold and full of flavor. However, where the Wakatake is silky, the Namahage is dry and filled with earthy undertones. I like to believe that I completed my Sake Challenge with honor, but drinking sake in appreciation for the process and taste, not part of theenticing ""Sake Bomb"" takes true strength! Fortunately, MaRoo provides a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere and a bar staff well-versed in the tradition, history and custom of sake, so I left feeling like a champion!Want to know more about local hot spots and the tastiest dishes around town? Check out Fresno Magazine each month for the Lunch Ladies review and Barfly column. You can also find the reviews online at www.fresnomag
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