Since May, our beloved Ippuku of Berkeley has been serving teuchi (handmade) soba. Owner-chef Christian Geidemann recruited Koichi Ishii from Yamagata, a prefecture well-known for soba, to come and cook at Ippuku and start a soba program right here in the East Bay. We are SO LUCKY! I know, I should have reported on this sooner. […]
Author Archives: Kayoko Akabori
November 9, 2012
Oorutaichi: Japanese Experimental Pop @ Umami Mart
We are super jazzed to host our first music show! Yup, Umami Mart is turning into a venue for one night on Tuesday 11/20 for Oorutaichi, a free-form, improvisational electropop artist from Osaka. Inspired by The Doors and The Residents, Oorutaichi has been performing in the underground scene to critical acclaim, both solo and with his […]
November 5, 2012
The Forest Feast Show @ Umami Mart
We are more than a little excited to announce our first art show with long-time Umami Mart contributor Erin Gleeson. A year ago, Erin started her photo and illustration blog The Forest Feast, after moving to the California woods from NYC, where she spent many years as a food photographer. Since, the website has rapidly […]
October 31, 2012
Richmen: Ramen Shop’s Noodle-Making Machine from Japan
It all started with a vision. Three guys, slaving away at Chez Panisse for years, decided to open a ramen shop in Oakland. Hot damn! The East Bay needs nothing more than a GREAT ramen shop, and the Food Gods know it. They have left the responsibility up to Jerry (JJ) Jackish, Rayneil De Guzmun […]
October 30, 2012
Upcoming Event: First Friday with Grease Box
Our great friend (and twice-Umami Mart writer) Lizzy Boelter is popping up at Umami Mart with her mobile kitchen Grease Box this Friday. Lizzy makes super rad soul food of her native Louisiana, all gluten-free! And lucky for us, Lizzy does not skimp on the lovin’ or the flavorin’. For this special pop-up, she’ll be […]
October 29, 2012
Umami Mart Spotlight: Atelier Dion Yunomi (Teacups)
We are extremely excited to present yunomi (teacups) exclusively made for us by our dear friends Jay + Rie of Atelier Dion. They have been running their ceramic studio in West Oakland since 2010, and for years we’ve been in conversation with them to make something just for Umami Mart. Our wish has finally been […]
October 17, 2012
Just For You: The Best Hangtown Fry in San Francisco
In the spirit of getting back into writing and sharing my thoughts more often on Umami Mart, I want to tell you the story of how Johnny and I met. It was the summer of 2011. I had been going on dates throughout the year, and “putting myself out there” on internet dating sites and […]
October 15, 2012
Sip + Shop: Atelier Dion Teacup Launch + Bicycle Coffee
Our great friends and talented ceramicists Rie and Jay of Atelier Dion have designed cups for Umami Mart! Please join us this Thursday to celebrate the launch of our teacups, in three different designs. Of course, Rie and Jay will be here! And Bicycle Coffee will be here to serve coffee too! WHAT: Atelier Dion for […]
October 2, 2012
Upcoming Event: Umamiventure #33: Hive Tour with East Bay Urban Bees
Umamiventures are BACK! The last field trip was at the TCHO factory back in March 2011, remember? Wow, it has been WAY TOO LONG. For years I have been trying to organize an event with a honey producer, and the time has finally come! We’re proud to announce a special tour with East Bay Urban Bees […]