Sake is a wonderful alternative libation to tap water. Don't be alarmed by what appears to be a disco ball-size beehive that hangs over the entry way of True Sake. Upon closer examination, you'll see that it is a brown cedar ball. Originally green, the ball turns brown, thus signaling the end of the sake brewing process.

The cedar ball is always brown outside of True Sake where you will find plenty of fresh sake ready to drink. They are packaged in beautiful bottles with impressive labels that signify not only quality but also art.

President and tastemaker, Beau Timkin, selects the freshest seasonal sakes and goes to the "valley of shadows" to bring the best to his chilled sake store- the first of its kind in San Francisco. There are nearly 100 varieties with a range of sizes. Prices range from $4 to $180 per bottle.

- Excerpt from "Better Than Tap Water" by Grace Chen