Postcard
January 8, 2014
Postcard from Kauai: Shaved Ice Master
It took us five days to finally get to our first shaved ice experience. Not because we didn’t try! Everyday would begin with wishful exclamations like, “Let’s get shaved ice today!” But the stars never aligned — the lady in town closed after two hours of service because she was “out of ice.” She cursed […]
January 6, 2014
Postcard from Kauai: Johnny’s Creamy Coconut Abomination
Aloha from Kauai! Yoko, Washi, Johnny, Keisuke, Jay, Rie and I have been lucky enough to spend five nights in Hanalei Bay — a picturesque town on the North Shore, surrounded by staggering mountain ranges and captivating turquoise waves. It’s truly paradise here and we are having a blast ringing in the first week of […]
October 23, 2013
Postcard from Portland: Biwa Restaurant
Yoko and I are here for Portland Cocktail Week, where we were on a panel about import/ export/ distribution yesterday (it was great!). We have been here for three nights, and it’s been a total blast. Portland has changed so much since we were last here — Yoko in 2004 and 2007 for me. It’s […]
August 6, 2013
Postcard from San Francisco: Steak Americana
An annual treat. HOUSE OF PRIME RIB 1906 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA 94109 T:Â 415.885.4605
July 15, 2013
Postcard from Tokyo: Cutting Soba/ Missing Finger (Ikebukuro)
On my recent trip to Japan, Kuni and I went to a kona-ya (flour shop) in Ikebukuro, Tokyo called Hokutou Seifun. They hold soba and udon noodle-making classes on the second floor of their storefront. Our fingerless noodle master was dedicated to his craft. HOKUTOU SEIFUN Minami Ikebukuro 1-15-22 Toshima-ku, Tokyo T:Â 03-3971-7131
July 5, 2013
Postcard from Tokyo: Hungry Ajikawa Curry Shop (Suidobashi)
Hambagu (hamburger) curry rice with an over-easy egg and a touch of fresh cream. Our uncle’s curry shop Hungry Ajikawa has been around for 35 years. HUNGRY AJIKAWA 2-17-8 Misaki-cho Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo T: 03-3261-5323
June 25, 2013
Postcard from Oakland: U-MART Opens Tonight!
Come out tonight for the grand unveiling of U-MART, the Bay Area’s first conbini. We can’t wait for you to meet our new fridge!!! Details on the PARTY OF THE YEAR here. See you tonight! GET EXCITED.
June 11, 2013
Postcard from Tsukiji: Akagai (Red Clam)
*Kid Skwid is a sous chef at Spago restaurant in Beverly Hills. On his rare days off, he enjoys riding his bike around LA and going to the beach. Follow him on Instagram (@kidskwid5) to see his gourmet breakfasts at Casa de Kei.Â
May 20, 2013
Postcard from Hokkaido: Here’s Looking at YOU
This squid was swimming around, minding its own business just a couple minutes before this photo was taken. Its tentacles were still moving and all those black spots were flashing on and off while we ate it sashimi style. Then they fried the head for tempura.
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 […]