Sake it to us!

If the idea of 160 beers on tap in a big, bustling basement doesn't thrill you, how about 150 brands of premium Japanese sake in a snug Pioneer Square sake shop? Sign me up!

Johnnie and Taiko Stroud will soon be selling sake by the bottle and pouring samples at their tasting bar at Sake Nomi (76 S. Washington St., Seattle; 206-467-SAKE (7253) or sakenomi.us).

Sake Nomi translates as "sake only" and is slang for "one who likes to drink," said Johnnie, who met his wife during the seven years he lived in Japan and who just returned from a sake festival in L.A. There, the couple met with brewers and importers, in preparation for their grand opening, slated for late this month.

In addition to selling sake and sake accessories, their mission is to enlighten sake-drinking novices, better educate sake-loving enthusiasts and provide a convivial gathering place for all, he said. Bottles and accessories will dominate one side of the small shop, with the tasting bar on the other.

"One of our concepts [for the store] is tatchi nomi, which means 'standing drink.' In Japan, retail shops have a space in the corner, where people can stand at a bar and have a drink after work. Here, you can do that before you catch the ferry," which is just down the street, "or head to a ballgame." Above all, notes Johnnie, Sake Nomi "is a place to mingle, a place for people to have a taste, then grab a bottle, take it home and share it with their friends." Kanpai! I'll drink to that.