July 25, 2016
It’s that time of year again, Matsuri time! Umami Mart turns 4yo this year and our annual fiesta will be jam-packed and rowdier than ever. It’s Oakland’s Party of the Year! Our Matsuri, this year on Saturday 8/13, is always our way to celebrate our birthday and honor our community – our favorite people! We love all of you who have been […]
August 20, 2015
Umami Mart is all grown up. Although she’s only 3 years old, the lifespan of a business seems to whiz by and feels like it goes by in dog years. So it feels more like she actually just turned 21. It makes sense, as year 3 brought us our very own license to sell beer […]
July 27, 2015
Wow guys, THREE YEARS!!! Can you believe we have been open in Old Oakland for three whole years???!?!?! From bare walls to Skankynavian chic, Yoko and IÂ are so proud and happy to have been able to share our passion for food and drink culture with all of you. Thanks so much for all your support! […]
April 6, 2015
We can not tell you how fun it has been at Umami Mart since we’ve started selling beers and sake. We are America’s first Japanese beer shop! And you ain’t seen nothin’ yet, ya’ll. Getting our license to sell alcohol was our biggest hurdle, and now that it’s here we plan to do this right. We’re […]
November 24, 2014
Another summer, come and gone. Erm, another fall, come and gone. It’s starting to get chilly here in the Bay Area so I thought I would bring back some summertime warmth and celebration and blog about our 2nd annual Umami Mart Matsuri. Or as I like to (humbly) call it, Oakland’s Party of the Year. […]
July 28, 2014
Guess what? It’s our birthday! We’re turning TWO years old (can you believe?!?!?!) and as we promised, we are making our Matsuri festival an annual tradition and throwing yet another big bash to celebrate our summertime birthday (holla to the Leos). If you came to last year’s Matsuri, you know how insane it is — […]
August 13, 2013
August is our birthday month! It’s been one year since we opened our doors at 815 Broadway in Oakland, and indeed it’s been an enriching, exhilarating year. Thank you everyone for supporting our vision as America’s premier Japanese bar and kitchenware shop! We could not have come this far without all of you. On Saturday 8/24, we’ll […]
June 17, 2013
Conbini is a shortened word for “convenience” which is referred to when talking about convenience stores in Japan. Littered around on any street corner in most cities, conbinis are like a typical corner store, or bodega — but from the future. They are well-lit, sparkling clean havens stocked with freshly prepared foods to-go, nail clippers, […]