Celebrating Women Producers

May 30, 2017

Celebrating Women Producers: Donna Lo of Far Leaves Tea

by Kayoko Akabori

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 […]

May 23, 2017

Celebrating Women Producers: Noriko Kamei of Sequoia Sake Brewery

by Yoko Kumano

Since opening in 2015, Sequoia Sake Brewery has been a gem in the heart of the Bay Area. Located just south of Portrero Hill, founders Noriko Kamei and Jake Myrick use their space as a full-scale sake brewery, as well as a venue to host sake tastings. Here they brew all six of their nama (unpasteurized) […]

May 16, 2017

Celebrating Women Producers: Miho Imada of Imada Sake Brewery

by Yoko Kumano

The first time I tried an Imada Shuzo (brewery) sake was in 2014 when we opened our bottle shop in Oakland. The savory acidity of the Fukucho Forgotton Fortune junmai made my mouth water, and I have been a convert ever since. I love having Forgotton Fortune with oysters and manila clams, both abundant in […]

May 11, 2017

Celebrating Women Producers: Jennifer Colliau of Small Hand Foods

by Kayoko Akabori

Jennifer Colliau is one of Bay Area’s greatest bartenders. To use words such as “smart,” “talented,” or “creative” seem to undermine her qualities. Rather, she is a force in the industry — ambitious, yet down to earth; knowledgable, yet curious; confident, yet humble. Her mind is a sponge; she lights up when talking about cocktail history […]