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Xiang Xiang means popular in Chinese. So it’s the perfect name for Tokyo’s star panda. Lucky were those who won a lottery ticket several months ago to see the “Made in Japan” baby. You, however, are the fortunate one if you travel to Tokyo today. Ueno Zoo – home to Xiang Xiang – now issues a Disneyesque Fast Pass. Even better news: You can leave the zoo and come back at your appointed panda viewing time... Read More |
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Classic Japanese Comfort Foods with a Lighter Touch
里帰りFresh in the Box
Health conscious California foodies flock to Fresh in the Box for their mostly organic menu. Fans of Japanese cuisine gather to enjoy classic comfort foods with a lighter touch. In fact, Fresh in the Box offers calorie-mate bento boxes. True to its name, from salmon sushi to chicken teriyaki everything is super fresh. Glazed with a soupcon of brown sugar and soy sauce,... Read More |
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Our bodies are our temples. Allow a morsel of gluten or a grain of sugar to trespass our lips…and we’ve committed a mortal sin! At least in Southern California.
Health is important. But so is fun! Eating can be enjoyable AND good for you. Did your inner Japanese bento master just say Amen? I thought so.
The original Japanese bentos were the precursor to astronaut food: dehydrated fish and rice (reconstituted with water.) But I... Read More |
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From Spirits to Sweets ハモサビーチ・ベーカリーのお菓子作りに見られる禅宗哲学
Longtime aficionado and seller of premium wines, David Wallace sees similarity in spirits and sweets: “It’s organic chemistry of the best kind.” In 2013, he opted out of hobnobbing over wines with prominent figures like Russia’s President Putin. On Father’s Day of that year, David opened the Hermosa Pie & Cake Company. With the exception of the Buddha in the... Read More |
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The opening of Mister Donuts in Tokyo was like winning Willie Wonka’s golden ticket and a 3-day pass to Disney World. No more sugar glazed bread circles stuffed into plastic bags pretending to be donuts. Mister Donuts were like real American donuts. The chocolate donuts tasted like firm chocolate cake. More food fantasies were fulfilled with the appearance of Dunkin’ Donuts. My favorites were the pastel cream filled donuts. Krispy... Read More |
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Japanese Trains Made Simple #JapanTravel
Japan’s trains appear to possess superpowers. Rarely are they delayed. Few and far between are the accidents. Most are meticulously clean.
The bullet “Shinkansen” trains are the fastest and the sleekest in the world. Elegance and grace are another hallmark of shinkansen. Conductors and tea trolley ladies bow upon entering a train car. The experience is sublime. When you are... Read More |
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A First Class Trip to Asia via Beverly Hills / ロスの絶景で楽しむアジアの最高料理とおもてなし
LA's La Cienega buzzes with traffic. Smart drivers stop at Shan’s Social House. Hopping out of the car, the customers step into a serene Japanese garden. The elegant door opens and diners are greeted with a sincere smile. Any seat in the restaurant shows off the high-end Asian décor. Every dish is made with high-quality ingredients. ... Read More |
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Ree Drummond, the redheaded Pioneer Woman smiles at me from the cover of People magazine. Like many Americans, I’m enchanted with the Manhattan marketing maven who traded her high heels in for cowboy boots. Skyscrapers disappeared and so did her strict vegan diet. A dashing Ladd Drummond swept Ree off her feet and onto his ranch.
The Food Network star rejected her Pawhuska, Oklahoma small town roots in her youth. Fame as a globetrotting... Read More |
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Dancing with the Flavors of the World
世界の高級グルメをお届け
My World on a Plate is currently the darling catering company of Hollywood’s celebs and event planners. Each dish and dessert spotlights flavors from around the globe. The CIA (Culinary Institute of America) trained chef; Keven Lee is the mastermind behind client faves such as Green Tea Anglaise topped White Chocolate Bread Pudding. Chef Keven perfected his chocolatier and pastry... Read More |
