The UM Reader

August 21, 2009

The Umami Reader, vol. 069

by Kayoko Akabori

– 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 11, 2009

The Umami Reader, vol. 068

by Kayoko Akabori

– 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 4, 2009

The Umami Reader, vol. 067

by Kayoko Akabori

– 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 […]

July 28, 2009

The Umami Reader, vol. 066

by Kayoko Akabori

– A heartfelt, authentic account of former NYT Restaurant Critic Frank Bruni’s childhood: FB aka Fat Boy. The piece is so damn long that it’s the only thing I’m making you read this week. Make sure to check out the slide show narrated by FB, the man. He was so cute! But if they make […]

July 23, 2009

The Umami Reader, vol. 065

by Kayoko Akabori

– Scientists confirm umami to be a real deal taste receptor (Food Navigator) – A view into a 14-course “kaiseki” meal at Bar Charlie in Vegas, where the chef de cuisine is Japanese. Gorgeous! (kevinEats; via Ricky) – Above pic: Pabst Blue Ribbon street art! I took the photo off the 101 in SF. The […]

July 14, 2009

The Umami Reader, vol. 064

by Kayoko Akabori

– German chef blows off his hands after a home kitchen molecular gastronomy session with liquid nitrogen. Brings new weight to the term, “Don’t try this at home.” (Telegraph; via Ricky) – Founder of esteemed cattle ranch Bill Niman’s new venture BN Ranch, after being pushed out of the Niman Ranch enterprise. “I’m not willing […]

July 7, 2009

The Umami Reader, vol. 063

by Kayoko Akabori

– Put your deposit down on a chicken or lamb from Awesome Farms in upstate NY! Delivered to the Brooklyn Kitchen once a month between now and October. Order online now. (Awesome Farms) – A list of 10 crazy-looking hotdogs. Check out the totally nasty spaghetti dogs! And props to my friend Tam Ngo for […]

July 1, 2009

The Umami Reader, vol. 062: Fort Lee Hot Dog Walk!

by Kayoko Akabori

– Don’t miss the 7th Annual Fort Lee Hot Dog Walk THIS SUNDAY!!! Walk over the George Washington Bridge to New Jersey’s historic Fort Lee and eat hot dogs along the way! Sounds super dreamy- email Bernard Ente for exact meeting instructions at bernard@workingharbor.org. Check out last year’s tour here. Someone please go on my […]

June 23, 2009

The Umami Reader, vol. 61

by Kayoko Akabori

– 66 reported ill from E. Coli in Nestle cookie dough. Cramps, diarrhea and vomiting due to eating RAW dough- WTF did these people expect??? (Bloomberg News) – Brooklyn Unfancy Food Show, Sunday June 28, 12-6pm. Featuring the fine ladies of the Green Pirate Juice Truck, Marlow and Sons, and Blue Marble Ice Cream. (Brooklyn […]

June 16, 2009

The Umami Reader, vol. 060

by Kayoko Akabori

– Pepsi Natural, the taste test/ color test/ smell test. It’s $12.50 per gallon, but come on, that’s a steal when you consider the REAL Kola nut extract you get in each sip. (Keacher.com; via Mel) – Get your Berkshire pig on: John Boy’s Farm in Westchester County, NY is the only farm in the […]