Eat Out


April 2, 2009

Tokyo JUNKtion: American Sushi at Rainbow Roll Sushi

by Yoko Kumano

In an ultra-postmodern city such as Tokyo, where sign and meaning are often so far gone from each other, it seems fitting that a cuisine such as American Sushi finds its way “back.” Many visitors from America who come to Japan are often surprised to find out that the sushi rolls we see in the […]

March 24, 2009

Mission Street Foods: Paging Dr. Octagon (SF)

by Kayoko Akabori

My curiosity bubbled when I read about Mission Street Foods (MSF) in the San Francisco Chronicle back in February. Started by a husband and wife team Anthony Myint and Karen Leibowitz, the duo served dishes like pork belly and cilantro aioli sandwiches for $5 out of a taco truck until the sidewalk could no longer […]

March 13, 2009

PELLET EATS SAN JOSE: Fried Chicken at Hydration

by UM Guest

Preface:PELLET EATS SAN JOSE: Taqueria Eduardo #4PELLET EATS SAN JOSE: Banh Mis at Dakao Written by PelletPhotography by Kayoko This place came in towards the end of the great boba craze of 2003-2004, I believe. Their boba is good, but their popcorn chicken is their fucking Gem of Cyttorak. It’s perfect, though drowning in it […]

March 12, 2009

PELLET EATS SAN JOSE: Banh Mis at Dakao

by UM Guest

Preface: PELLET EATS SAN JOSE: Taqueria Eduardo #4 Written by PelletPhotography by Kayoko Dakao is about a block away from one corner of San Jose State University. It’s on Third and San Salvador and they have great Vietnamese sandwiches. I like to get the regular chicken sandwich, or the ham, headcheese sandwich. Get a few […]

March 11, 2009

PELLET EATS SAN JOSE: Taqueria Eduardo #4

by UM Guest

Pellet is an extremely imaginative, hilarious artist who is making his way to NYC from lil’ ol’ decrepit San Jose. Bright Lights, Big City!!! Having just left the city myself, I am extremely excited for him to branch out of California and tackle NYC head on. There ain’t no other thrill like it, is there??? […]

March 10, 2009

Umamiventure #14: Strong Beer Month at Magnolia Pub and Brewery (SF)

by Kayoko Akabori

Went to Strong Beer Month at Magnolia Pub in San Francisco a few weeks back with a group of UM readers. The first Umamiventure since I moved back to the west coast! No better way to start off my California residency than some delicious beers brewed right in the middle of the city! As CJ […]

February 25, 2009

The Golden State LA To Open Early March (For Real This Time)

by Kayoko Akabori

My dear friend Jim is opening a sandwich, beer and ice cream joint in LA!!! My three favorite food groups all under one roof- could you ask for anything more? I think not. He and his biz partner Jason have named the cafe The Golden State, that will quite appropriately be highlighting beers, meats, cheeses […]

February 23, 2009

LE BERNARDIN! (NYC)

by Kayoko Akabori

Finally made it to my #1 NYC fantasy restaurant, Le Bernardin! I had been dying to go there for years- one time I had almost convinced my parents to take me, but alas my dad refused when he heard of their silly jacket requirement. I don’t actually think he owns a suit… My prayers were […]

February 9, 2009

Alvy Singer Goes to M Cafe de Chaya (LA)

by Kayoko Akabori

I’ll have the alfalfa sprouts and a plate of mashed yeast. Famous Alvy Singer quote from Annie Hall when Alvy meets Annie at an outdoor cafe in LA, remember? Well, when Moet asked me to meet her at M Cafe de Chaya in West Hollywood and she mentioned “macrobiotic food,” I felt a wave of […]

February 8, 2009

Siam Cafe: Authentic Chinese Food in… Cleveland?!

by Kayoko Akabori

I am totally into food. Add my friend who is also totally into food, and you get a Pepto Bismol-inducing food frenzy. On one such occasion, we visited perhaps the only authentic Chinese joint in Cleveland proper, Siam Cafe. Apparently, they also serve Thai and Vietnamese food, but we were there for the good stuff. […]