Sake and Shochu Gumi
The Forest Feast

The Forest Feast: Pear Pancakes

Even though it's starting to become spring, it's still cold in some parts!  We were recently in NYC and since Jonathan's family has a house in Vermont, we took a group of friends there for the weekend. We cooked big meals together, played snow football...

Kuishinbo

Kuishinbo: Oba-chan's Shochu Kumquats

When we were little we used to watch my oba-chan (grandmother) make this seasonal treat from Kagoshima prefecture in southern Japan. We were too little to enjoy it at first, but as we grew older the dish became more...

The Street

The Street: Maracuja (Passion Fruit)

Spending two weeks in Brazil the middle of the Umami Mart build-out was a bit disorienting. But the abundance of tropical fruits on street stalls, in the grocery store and in fancy restaurants forced me forget about home and embrace the fact that I...

The Forest Feast

The Forest Feast: Watermelon Salad

Nothing says summer like watermelon! Slice watermelon into approx 1 inch rings, then remove the rind from each slice with a small knife. Place one watermelon “round” onto each salad plate, then top with a layer of thinly sliced fresh mozzarella (about five pieces,...

The Forest Feast

Forest Feast: Strawberry Caprese

Strawberry Caprese is a seasonal twist on the classic tomato basil appetizer. A perfect mix of sweet and savory! Strawberry Caprese 1 bunch chopped basil 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 1 cup bocconcini (mozzarella balls) 2 cups sliced strawberries Combine all. Dress...

Persimmon Tree

Photo by Kelly Ishikawa, a San Francisco-based photographer and the co-owner of The Perish Trust.

Japanify

Japanify: Kumotsu (Offering)

A butsudan is a shrine memorializing dead relatives in homes of Japanese Buddhists. Although I am not Buddhist, this butsudan set up that I received from my Buddhist grandma is hands-down one of the best things someone has given...