Since moving to California, I’ve become a bit of a drunk. I’m not sure if it’s out of boredom of living in Cupertino, in the house I grew up in, right across the street from my high school. It could be that I’m almost 30 and living with my parents. Or maybe that I’m single […]
Author Archives: Kayoko Akabori
August 26, 2009
XLB Love: Shanghai Dumpling (Bay Area)
I have a new obsession- they come in these little bite-size sacks, filled with pork, crab and a touch of soup. Xiao long bao, aka XLB, soup dumplings!!! In NYC, I loved the dumplings at Shanghai Cafe, and have finally found a place that are just as good. Actually, they are BETTER. I haven’t been […]
August 21, 2009
The Umami Reader, vol. 069
– Calling all food vendors! The Greenpoint Food Market launches in NYC on September 12. They’re taking submissions now!!! – Butchers as “sex symbols with cleavers.” I’m a little ambivalent about this, but it’s a good report. (ABC; via Amy T.) – Whole Foods CEO’s plea against Obama’s healthcare reform. Paul Krugman, ok, I get […]
August 14, 2009
Umamiventure #17: Tomales Bay Oyster Co. BBQ (SF)
YES, we are finally doing this!!! Let’s meet up at the famed Tomales Bay Oyster Company on Sunday 8/23 and get our shellfish on! This is California’s oldest shellfish farm (since 1909!), about an hour north of SF. Yes, that means you have to set your alarm clock on a Sunday morning, but deal with […]
August 13, 2009
Summer Solstice Cerveza Crema
My friend Vanesa recommended this beer to me with mucho gusto the other day when we were frolicking around Whole Foods (she works there, and is quite the sales person). I’m a big fan of the Anderson Valley Brewing Company, out of Boonville, CA- their Boont Amber Ale makes a regular appearance in my fridge. […]
August 11, 2009
The Umami Reader, vol. 068
– Guss’ Pickles are moving their tiny DIY operation to Boro Park, Brooklyn- trademark gigantic pickle barrels and all. Very sad for the neighborhood- it just ain’t what it used to be. Good thing we visited when we could!!! (Jerusalem Post; via Christy) – Starting your own NYC food truck. A great little guide! (Grub […]
August 10, 2009
Preserving Lemons, Moroccan Style
What do you do when life gives you lemons?? Preserve them!!! Aya A. just moved into a new home in Campbell, where a lemon tree grows in abundunce in the backyard. She kindly gave me a bag full of these ripe, golden fruit, and I decided to preserve them Moroccan style. Not only are these […]
August 8, 2009
Mizu-Yokan Sandwich
Here’s a fun accompaniment to U N I F O R M B E H A V I O R’s flan choux discovery. One morning my mom enthusiastically proclaimed to me, “Kayo, try this now, it’s delicious.” I admit this frightened me a bit, as my mother is never so apparently excited about anything, let […]
August 6, 2009
Lazyass Cookin’: Kimchi Fried Rice
Looks like we’re celebrating carbs here at UM, as this rice post is back to back with Yoko’s mugi-toro don! Ain’t nothin’ wrong with carbs, people- get over it!!! Kimchi fried rice is my new favorite dish to cook up at home- it takes seven minutes to make from start to finish (I timed it), […]
August 4, 2009
The Umami Reader, vol. 067
– Millions of French oysters are DYING!!! AAAAHHH!!! Someone DO SOMETHING! (Telegraph) – A rainbow parasol marks the territory of Ricky’s fish taco cart in Silverlake LA, where he fries his fish on premises and serves them just how they do it in Ensanada. YAH! (Eat Drink & Be Merry) – Lagunitas’ seasonal brew, A […]