Far Leaves is a treasure in Berkeley, CA. A place to enjoy a pot of luxurious teas from Asia or simply buy a canister to take home — Far Leaves is an oasis of calm, nestled on a busy, industrial section of San Pablo. I always look forward to visiting for a cup of tea with […]
Author Archives: Kayoko Akabori
May 5, 2017
The Umami Reader: The Asian Salad Must Die
We often joke about the Asian Salad genre at Umami Mart HQ — Chinese Chicken Salad, Chopped Asian Salad, Oriental Salad, etc. It is so ridiculous and it boggles me that it’s still on menus around the country, and even, ehem, the Bay Area. What exactly makes a salad “Asian”? Is it the cilantro? The thin […]
March 20, 2017
Event Recap: Succulents + Sake @ Sunset Magazine
Yoko and I were so excited to be a part of “Succulents + Sake” at Sunset magazine’s HQ, right here in Jack London Square in Oakland. The event was a celebration of the publication of Robin Stockwell’s new Sunset book, Succulents. The evening comprised of two elements – a hands-on succulent designing tutorial by Baylor Chapman of Lila B. Designs, and […]
March 14, 2017
Event Recap: Hinamatsuri (Girl’s Day) 2017 at Umami Mart
On March 5, we celebrated Hinamatsuri, a Japanese holiday commemorating the strength and health of women. It’s become an annual fete at Umami Mart. We display ohinasama, (traditional dolls for the holiday) made by Yoko’s mom, and invite everyone to join us for an afternoon of snacks, amazake, and doll viewing. It’s always a rowdy event with kids […]
March 13, 2017
Happy Hour: The Mother-In-Law Cocktail
I found this cocktail inside Ted Haigh’s Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails book that we carry at Umami Mart. Aptly named the Mother-In-Law cocktail, it is indeed a stiff enough drink to prepare you for a visit with the in-laws. There’s nothing like a boozy, numbing drink to smooth out anxieties and tensions that a family gathering […]
March 6, 2017
Event Recap: Japanify Zine Party at The Kebabery
Two weeks ago, we were lucky enough to get a sneak peek into The Kebabery, a new eatery opening soon in North Oakland. It’s one the most anticipated Bay Area restaurant openings of the year! Camino owners Allison Hopelain and Russ Moore have partnered with Brian Crookes (manager at Camino), for The Kebabery, offering Russ’ now-famous […]
February 27, 2017
10 Years of the Umami Mart Blog
We are celebrating 10 years of Umami Mart’s blog this year. I get verklempt thinking about it. People often ask, “Did you ever expect that Umami Mart would become what it is today?” Some people think it was all in the plan from the beginning. HA! We started, and continued, the blog for pure FUN. We […]
February 8, 2017
Happy Hour: In the Mood For Love
When we talked about me creating a cocktail with the theme of love for Valentine’s day, I balked. Love… ha! How trite! But in these tumultuous times, we could all use some love. Now, more than ever, am I right? When I walked with thousands of other people at the Women’s March in January, we chanted in unison, […]
December 28, 2016
Happy Hour: The Drake
When the holidays roll around, I reach for Cognac. The Sidecar is my all-time favorite cocktail for these times – a festive mix of Cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon. Nothing says, “Let’s Party!” like a shaken drink; and there is an old-timey, finger-snapping elegance to Cognac that always makes me feel like I’m hanging out with Daisy, Nick, […]