Blog

There's a Tiny Tearoom in Berkeley for Japanese Tea Ceremonies
February 15, 2017
Blue Willow Teaspot is a new tea cafe in Berkeley that has a tiny Japanese tearoom where visitors can experience the ceremonial preparation of matcha.
The Umami Reader: Matcha Curry, Genius or Gross?
February 10, 2017
This week's food & drink news: Matcha Green Tea Curry, an ebay auction for a Cheeto that looks like Harambe, vintage Taco Bell decor, and more.
Celebrate Japanify All Month with Us!
February 9, 2017
During Japanify month, we’re throwing a Japanify Golden Ticket Contest and two parties, so that you can Japanify all month with us!
Happy Hour: In the Mood For Love
February 8, 2017
This is a refreshing cocktail that is low in alcohol. I hope that it excites and inspires passion and love this Valentine's Day!
Bay Eats Japan: February 2017
February 7, 2017
Welcome to Bay Eats Japan, where we’ll alert you to newly and soon-to-be opened Japanese restaurants and bars in the Bay Area.
The Umami Reader: Kit Kat Sushi is Real
February 3, 2017
Sushi-shaped Kit Kats, Japanese Valentine's Day sweets, a Hedgehog Cafe in Tokyo, Cup Noodles Final Fantasy collection, and cannabis olive oil.
How to Choose a Mixing Glass
February 2, 2017
A quick and easy guide to what to look for in a mixing glass, and a breakdown of all the mixing glasses and tins Umami Mart carries.
The Umami Reader: 3rd Wave Green Tea Is a Thing in Tokyo
January 27, 2017
Tokyo's 1st green tea pour-over cafe, a Japanese steakhouse's Trump Burger, Nyet My President – the cocktail, and more food + drink news.
What's Up with the Studio Arhoj Fisherman Poster?
January 26, 2017
Anders Arhoj of Copehagen-based Studio Arhoj answers questions about The Fisherman Poster, a stark b&w image he created for Umami Mart in 2012.
Umami Map: Japanese Markets in the Bay Area
January 25, 2017
From historic mom-and-pop stores to corporate chains, here's a comprehensive list of Bay Area Japanese markets to get Japanese food staples, sashimi, more.
Japanify: Chikuwa Toast
January 24, 2017
Try this easy Japanified toast recipe made with just five ingredients, including chikuwa (fish cake tubes), miso-mayo, and ao nori.
Why Is Everyone Drinking Vermouth Again?
January 19, 2017
People are drinking vermouth again, and author Adam Ford is leading the charge in turning around vermouth's rep in the cocktail world.