Far North Queensland’s dining scene has its fair share of characters, but few are as distinctive—or as dedicated—as Adam Craven-Sands. Restaurateur, raconteur, and FNQ’s only certified sake professional (accredited by the International Sake Sommelier Association), Adam has built a reputation not only for his skill with Japanese cuisine and drink but for the way he weaves them into unforgettable dining experiences.
Meet Adam Craven-Sands
Adam’s path to becoming FNQ’s resident sake authority is anything but ordinary. With decades of hospitality experience behind him, he has worked across a variety of culinary cultures, but it was Japan’s centuries-old brewing traditions that truly captivated him. Earning his sake sommelier credentials put him in a rare global fraternity of experts, and he’s since made it his mission to introduce locals and visitors to the remarkable diversity of nihonshu.
A Sake Pairing Evening with Adam isn’t a stiff, lecture-style affair. It’s a warm, witty, and interactive journey—where history, technique, and flavour meet over a perfectly poured ochoko. Guests leave not just with a new favourite sake, but with the kind of knowledge that makes every future sip taste better.
Inside Yama Zaru Izakaya
Nestled in the heart of Cairns, Yama Zaru Izakaya is Adam’s homage to the bustling backstreet eateries of Tokyo and Osaka. It’s a place where the grill sizzles, the sake flows, and the menu shifts with the seasons and the market. Here, classic izakaya comfort dishes share space with refined, produce-driven plates that speak to FNQ’s bounty—reef fish, tropical citrus, and prime beef all make their way into the kitchen’s Japanese-inspired creations.
The restaurant’s intimate size works in its favour, especially for events like this. With fewer seats, there’s more opportunity for genuine conversation, and Adam thrives on the exchange—answering questions, demystifying sake etiquette, and sometimes veering into tales that could only come from a life well-travelled.
The Event
On Tuesday 20th August, Yama Zaru Izakaya will host another of Adam’s Sake Pairing Evenings, a one-night-only event featuring three carefully chosen sakes, each matched with a complementary dish from the kitchen. Guests will experience sake served at different temperatures—cold, warm, and hot—paired with dishes ranging from kombu-cured coral trout to marinated octopus and grilled wagyu.
It’s more than a dinner—it’s an immersion into Japan’s national drink, guided by a man who knows it inside out. Whether you’re already a convert or just curious, Adam’s knack for blending education with entertainment ensures you’ll enjoy yourself as much as your palate does.
📅 Date: 20th August
📍 Venue: Yama Zaru Izakaya, Cairns
🎟 Tickets & Info: Book here
Seats are limited, and these events have a habit of selling out quickly. If you’ve ever wanted to experience sake the way it’s meant to be enjoyed—thoughtfully, joyfully, and in very good company—this is your chance.
