Blog

Event Recap: Sake Gumi Underground
December 9, 2016
Last week we teamed up with Blind Tiger for our 2nd annual Sake Gumi Social. It was a great night of eating and drinking with sake enthusiasts.
The Dream Continues: Jiro Gastronomy and Jiro Philosophy
December 8, 2016
We carry two books that pay homage to the master sushi chef: Jiro Gastronomy and Jiro Philosophy. Both are written in both Japanese and English.
Go Here Now: Onsen, a Japanese Bathhouse in San Francisco
December 7, 2016
See photos and read our review of Onsen, a Japanese-style bathhouse and restaurant located in the Tenderloin, San Francisco.
Bay Eats Japan – December 2016
December 6, 2016
New Japanese eateries that opened or will open throughout the Bay Area, including Hinodeya, Onsen, Sasaki, Ippudo, Single Thread, Nobu, and more.
Great Design Idea: The Tosa Sperm Whale Knife
December 2, 2016
Handmade in Kōchi Prefecture by Tosa, these Sperm Whale Knives are great gifts for artists , whittlers, and lovers of cute things. Made in Japan.
The Umami Reader: The Taco Bell Cheetos Quesadilla and Other Food Monstrosities
December 2, 2016
The latest offering from Taco Bell Philippines, a look at the Phorrito from Komodo in LA, a huge bowl of salmon roe on rice in Sapporo, Japan and more.
Go-To Guide: The Complete Cocktail Manual
December 1, 2016
Chock full of fascinating cocktail history, advice on stocking your bar, and other useful information, this book will be your go-to practical guide.
Watch This Now – Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories (Shinya Shokudo) on Netflix
November 30, 2016
Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories is now on Netflix! I've been savoring each episode as though I were a child slowly going through Halloween candy.
Japanify: Miss Blanche (Fuyu Persimmon Kanten)
November 29, 2016
A step-by-step recipe of how to make Miss Blanche, a Fuyu persimmon and yuzu juice kanten dessert. Japanese sweets for winter. Vegan-friendly, gluten-free.
Bartender Spotlight: Shanna Farrell of Hamlet
November 28, 2016
An interview with bartender Shanna Farrell of Hamlet in San Francisco who is writing a book about the craft cocktail revival on the West Coast.
Seasonal Inspiration: The Umami Mart Holiday Gift Guide
November 25, 2016
We've put together the Umami Mart Holiday Gift Guide that we hope will inspire you to find the perfect presents for everyone on your list.
Now You Can Japanify All Day!
November 25, 2016
The first Umami Mart publication features 20 of our favorite simple Japanese recipes culled from the popular Japanify column by Yoko Kumano.