Blog

New in the Shop: The Sori Yanagi Flatware Collection
March 24, 2017
The Dinner Fork + Dinner Spoon and Serving Fork + Serving Spoon are all designed by Japan's renowned modern industrial designer, Sori Yanagi.
New in Blue: Indigo-Hued Hasami Porcelain
March 23, 2017
We've added a new color to our Hasami Porcelain collection. Indigo-blue mugs, teapot, sugar pot, milk pitcher, and 3-1/3" tray. Made in Japan.
Te Aprecio: Beth, The Knockout
March 22, 2017
The Knockout. You may be familiar with this bar if you're a fan of Barry Jenkins, as it made a cameo in 2008's Medicine For Melancholy.
Snack Break: Bhugay's Katsu Burger
March 21, 2017
Bhugay's Katsu Curry in Downtown Oakland specializes in deep fried meat cutlets smothered in Japanese curry sauce. We stopped in to try the Katsu Burger.
Event Recap: Succulents + Sake @ Sunset Magazine
March 20, 2017
Yoko and Kayoko took part in Sunset magazine's event celebrating the release of "Succulents" by Robin Stockwell with sake selections from Sake Gumi.
The Umami Reader: The Death of Lucky Peach
March 17, 2017
Lucky Peach is folding, a cheeky Hungarian winery has a message for Donald Trump, a Japanese start up bringing back the yaoya, and more food news.
Te Aprecio: Liz, The Phone Booth
March 15, 2017
The Phone Booth is a well-loved neighborhood dive found at 25th and South Van Ness in the Mission. Meet Liz, a bartender at the Booth for five years.
Sake Gumi News: Family (March 2017)
March 15, 2017
We selected sakes that would pair well with communal meals. We considered the fact that individuals within families all have different tastes.
Event Recap: Hinamatsuri (Girl's Day) 2017 at Umami Mart
March 14, 2017
Check out what happened at our annual Hinamatsuri, girl's day celebration, at Umami Mart. We served amazake, snacks, and brought out our hinasama dolls.
Happy Hour: The Mother-In-Law Cocktail
March 13, 2017
I found this cocktail inside Ted Haigh's Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails book that we carry at...
Ain't Nothing Wrong with a Little Bit of Toast n' Grind
March 10, 2017
If you cook with sesame seeds, you need the Spice Toaster and the Mortar + Pestle. Ain't Nothing Wrong with a Little Bit of Toast n' Grind.
The Umami Reader: Japan's Pizza Hut Cats Are Back!
March 10, 2017
A Pizza Hut run by cats, the deportation of a Houston taco truck owner, an interview with Kogi's Roy Choi, and a bakery in Oakland with Black Panther roots.