By letting guests choose their own adventure—Bold, Refined, or Unexpected—The House of Choice transformed dinner into a real-time reflection of Kirin Ichiban’s core ethos: that our choices define our path. Held at AFURI in Downtown Los Angeles’ Arts District, the immersive experiment bypassed standard fine-dining tropes to explore intentionality, intuition, and Japanese craftsmanship.
Upon arrival, guests were met with a deceptive choice: pick a path—Bold, Refined, or Unexpected. That single decision shaped the entire evening. Bathed in low lighting and subtle glints of Kirin gold, the room buzzed with anticipation as attendees trusted the kitchen to deliver. What followed was a multi-sensory, six-course Japanese-inspired menu, brought to life alongside the sweeping brushstrokes of a live master calligrapher and a vinyl-only DJ set.
As the first courses arrived, the evening shifted from a structured dinner into a high-energy gathering of artists, creators, and craftspeople. Natural curiosity took over. Rather than separating the room, the individualized menus sparked immediate conversation. Guests traded bites and compared notes, turning differing choices into a shared journey of discovery, punctuated by frequent, echoing rounds of “Kanpai!”
“By letting guests choose their own adventure—Bold, Refined, or Unexpected—The House of Choice transformed dinner into a real-time reflection of Kirin Ichiban’s core ethos: that our choices define our path.”
The menu served as a canvas for self-expression, designed to show how an individual’s intuition dictates how their evening unfolds. Each path offered a distinct expression of Japanese craftsmanship, taking guests on a completely different sensory journey.
As guests committed to their choices, the experience deepened around them. Highlights like a Kirin beer-panko Filet-O-Fish, delicate Hotate carpaccio, and modern lamb pairings weren’t just dishes—they were conversation starters. As the distinct culinary narratives unfolded across the room, a broader theme emerged: much like Kirin Ichiban’s iconic mythical mascot, the dragon only reveals itself as you move purposefully down your chosen path. What could have been isolated dining choices instead bonded the room, proving that trusting your instincts creates the richest communal journeys.
Throughout the night, the music, art, and ambient atmosphere kept the focus firmly on Kirin Ichiban’s heritage. The event arrived at a fitting cultural moment, as Japanese design, fashion, food, and nightlife continue to deeply influence American culture. It’s no surprise, then, that Kirin Ichiban has emerged as a natural icon of the Japanese culture so many have come to love. As one of the fastest-growing Japanese beers in the United States, Kirin is growing rapidly as nationwide demand accelerates for authentic, craft-led experiences.
Ultimately, The House of Choice showed that a commitment to quality and craft is never just about the final product. Three distinct menus could have easily divided the room into isolated experiences, but the night proved that individual preferences can build the strongest foundations for connection. Much like the century-old brewing traditions passed down by Japanese masters, the choices we make are significant because they shape our own fortune and actively define the experiences we want to live. There is no right answer. Only yours.
Head to the official Kirin Ichiban website for more info.
DISCLAIMER:We discourage irresponsible and/or underage drinking. Drink responsibly and legally.