On a lovely spring day, we hosted an event focused on seed season and gardening. One of our most popular items at Umami Mart are the Asian vegetable and fruit seeds by the Kitazawa Seed Company — so we knew that many people in our community would be interested in a gardening event. The talk […]
Author Archives: Kayoko Akabori
May 17, 2013
Kayo’s Kitchen: Harusame Salad for Summer Potlucks
I have a confession to make: I am not a fan of potlucks. I’ve always found it to be a lot of pressure and kind of take them too seriously. But bringing a home-cooked dish to a party is not only financially practical for the party host and guests, but also supposed to be FUN, […]
May 13, 2013
Event Recap: Lease-Signing Party
Photos by Josh Urich, The Joy of Drinking We did it! We signed a lease! After six months of free rent with Popuphood to see if we could “make it” in Old Oakland, we have proven to the world, and to ourselves, that the world is in need of a shop dedicated to Japanese bar […]
May 6, 2013
Postcard from San Francisco: Stairway to Whisky
Went to Hard Water the other night, Charles Phan’s newest eatery located along the scenic Embarcadero in San Francisco. It’s such a rarity to go out and join the HOT SF scene. But it must be done, once in a blue moon! The space was impressive, with a gorgeous marble U-shaped bar against a majestic […]
May 3, 2013
U + MAMI: Gift Sets for Mother’s Day
Yo Martians! Mother’s Day is NEXT SUNDAY MAY 12!!! Have you thought about what you’re gonna do yet? Maybe take Mom out for a nice brunch? You can also get her something fun and original for her kitchen and home from Umami Mart! We’ve put together four special gift sets to say, “Thanks, Mom!” I […]
May 1, 2013
Kayo’s Kitchen
Remember when Umami Mart used to be really raunchy and we used to talk about all our 20-something woes? It was so fun. We would bitch and moan about what we felt were Very Important Topics. Well, we’re 30-somethings now and while life is not more exciting, things have certainly changed. We’re grown-ups! Which doesn’t […]
April 29, 2013
Upcoming Event: First Friday with Ippo Ramen
Come out for the 2nd edition of the Ippo Ramen pop-up here at Umami Mart. Last month, the ramen sold out in record time — 56 bowls in 56 minutes. You know what that means… get here EARLY if you want a bowl. Seriously. Steve will be serving his signature ramen with shoyu, miso and […]
April 23, 2013
Lazyass Cookin’: Tuna-can Pasta
I love canned fish. When I was little, I would eat canned sardines in miso sauce by the spoonful. Like ice cream! Haha. During my year living in Italy, I learned how to make this dish: pasta with canned tuna, onions and tomatos. So easy! In Italy I also discovered the increased quality and flavor […]
April 18, 2013
Postcard from Cái Bè: Meat Market Stall
I just returned from a week in Vietnam with Johnny. We had an incredible time! I will be posting more in the coming weeks, as my jetlag fades, but here’s a snapshot from a market in Cái Bè, a small town on the Mekong Delta. I love this photo. Amidst the chaos of the early-morning market, this […]