Sake and Shochu Gumi
Japanify

Japanify: Haigamai Amazake

Lately, amazake (sweet non-alcoholic sake) has been on our minds. It all started on March 1, when we celebrated Girl's Day at Umami Mart and Den Sake was kind enough to make us a batch of amazake for the second year in a...

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How to Cook Rice on the Stovetop

If you are stuck in a home with no rice cooker, or are caring for a loved one who doesn't have one,Β I hope this how-to will help you rice-lovers to cope with your rice-related anxieties. I learned how to make rice on...

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Japanify: Shiojake Donabe Rice

A few weeks ago, Kayoko and I were invited to our friend Mariko's house. Along with her partner, two twin boys, and Frenchie, their house was warm, inviting, and lively. I always find it restoring and inspiring to visit friend's houses and eat together....

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Japanify: Take-It-Easy Takikomi

If there's one thing 6 days in paradise (Kauai) reminded me about life, it's that cooking rice on the stove top (and not in a rice cooker) is so easy! I used to do it all the time when I worked as a server at...

Casa de Kei

Casa de Kei: Kimchi Omurice

INGREDIENTS Serves 2 1 small chicken breast, cut into smallΒ cubes 10 green beans, diced small 1/4 medium yellow onion, diced small 1/2 cup kimchi, diced medium 4 shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced 1 fresno chili or jalapeΓ±o, diced extra small 3 eggs, whisked...

Casa de Kei

Casa de Kei: Mame Gohan (Beans + Rice)

Mame gohan (beans and rice) with English sweet peas, organic radish, negiΒ (green onions) and katsuo bushi (bonito flakes). INGREDIENTS Serves 2 1 cup short grain rice (washed) 1 1/8 cup dashi or water 1 cup shucked and blanched English sweet peas 1/2 cup cut...

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Japanify: Mentaiko Rice Redux

Forgive me, I am going to cheat a little here... like that "100 Episodes of Seinfeld" episode. I think Umami Mart has been around long enough for something like that. So this is a re-post/interpretation of another post I wrote in Tokyo 4...

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Japanify: Negitoro Don

I am posting a recipe for negitoro donburi for the pure fact that this is the most delicious thing to make in under 5 minutes if you have cooked rice on hand. If your fish monger sells toro pieces for...

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Japanify: Matsutake Farro

The other day, Washi and I went to Uniqlo thinking we could just casually stroll in two days after its opening. First reality check: there was a line winding two blocks down the building. So we went to some other shops. Second...

MOTOism

MOTOism: MOTOburger (Rice Buns)

If you have been to Japan, you've been to MOS burger, the best burger chain. Apparently it is coming to the U.S., which will be great. Β Their burgers -- from the regular MOS burger with bolognese sauce, to tonkatsu burger with cabbage,Β to real-deal teriyaki...

The PDT Project

The PDT Project: 100 Year Punch

The 100 Year Punch is a cocktail that features a couple of unique ingredients that highlight the Korean heritage of its creator, Daniel Eun (who also created the #8 cocktail). Baekseju (also spelled Bek Se Ju)Β or β€œ100 Year Wine,” is a rice and...