Chopsticks NY (c/o Trend Pot NY, LLC)

06/28/2019

Dearest Chopsticks NY readers.
We regret to announce that Chopsticks NY magazine will be discontinued with the June 2019 issue (Vol. 146), published on May 24.

First published in May 2007, the free monthly magazine centered on the theme of "Experience Japan in New York" has taken on a unique approach to share information on Japan in English. But we found that publishing a print magazine monthly was difficult in this fast-paced, information-flooded digital and social media era, and we came to a conclusion to discontinue a printed version. Our back issues will remain accessible via https://issuu.com/chopsticks-ny/docs after discontinuation. Our social media will remain active, however.

We express our most sincere gratitude to you for all your support given to us throughout all these years.

Chopsticks NY Team

06/27/2019

For a chance to learn more about Tokyo, join photographer and film director Misaki Matsui ()'s discussion on her first book, Tokyo Mindscapes: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See published by Museyon Books(). Filling the pages with over 100 breathtaking photographs of Tokyo, Ms. Matsui's collection includes images of popular destinations such as Senso-ji Temple, Roppongi Hills and Mt. Takao, as well as parts unknown.

The talk will take place at Kinokuniya () on Saturday, June 29 from 2-4pm, with an opportunity for book signing.

For more information, visit Ms. Matsui's website: www.misakimatsui.com

06/15/2019

Just hit the market yesterday, instax mini LiPlay () is the latest model of Fujifilm ()’s instax series. It’s a hybrid camera that allows you to preview and edit your image before printing it. Chopsticks NY staff members had a chance to try it earlier this week. Here are what we found.

Photo 1: Very light, compact, and handy.
Photo 2: Easy to add graphics and filters onto your photos. It also records sound! Once your voice is recorded, the sound is converted into QR code. To listen to the voice message, just scan the QR code.
Photo 3: It can be paired with your smartphone and allows you to print photos from your smartphone library.
Photo 4: If you like to try instax mini LiPlay before buying, head to Wonder Photo Shop () at 176 5th Avenue (bet. 22nd & 23rd Sts.).

@ Wonder Photo Shop NYC

06/14/2019

Two Japanese cuisine-related podcast episodes are coming up this summer on Heritage Radio ()'s series, "Feast Meets West" ().

With a focus on Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) cuisine, the episode will feature chef Erik Ramirez of the soon-to-open Llama San (), and chef Mina Newman of Sen Sakana () on June 19.

For the next one, you might want to slurp on ramen as you listen to Anan Sugeno from Tonchin NY (), and the Ichiran NY team () as they share their experience of bringing a Japanese ramen concept to New York on July 17.

For more details, visit their website: www.heritageradionetwork.org

Making food radio since 2009

06/14/2019

Thank you all who shared with us your ! We selected the two winning photos:

Photo1: ’s Matcha Taiyaki at Otafuku. We love the humorous juxtaposition of Otafuku’s logo and the taiyaki.

Photo2: Reflection of a tree in a cup of tea is poetic. Good job !

Again, thank you all for sharing.

#お茶

06/13/2019

Come and join Chopsticks NY’s sake tasting event on June 15. We’ll be featuring three kinds of sake: Hakutsuru Draft Junmai Namachozo, Awa Yuki Sparkling Sake, and Moonstone Cucumber Mint. Free to enter, it will be held at Minoru's Sake Shop (, inside Landmark Wine & Spirits) from 5-8pm. You’ll also receive Chopsticks NY's sake cup. Supplies are limited, so come as early as you can!


#お酒 @ Landmark Wine & Spirit Inc

06/12/2019

Wagashi (Japanese traditional confectionery) was the centerpiece of the recent cultural event at Asia Society (). Master Junichi Mitsubori () made 5 different shapes of nerikiri-style wagashi on the stage and enchanted 200+ guests. He will also have an intensive workshop at Asia Society this Friday.

06/11/2019

Shikoku Island League: (to post on June 11)

Professional, independent baseball league founded in Japan in 2005, the Shikoku Island League () will be on their North American Baseball Tour from June 14th to 23rd. They'll be playing against Sussex County Miners, Rockland Boulders, and New Jersey Jackals.

For more info, visit their website: www.iblj.co.jp (Japanese only)

06/11/2019

The East Village's beloved Cha-An Teahouse opened a new to-go concept, Cha-An BONBON (). Until the end of June, they offer free soft serve (hojicha [roasted green tea] flavor) for Chopsticks NY readers who purchase Cha-An BONBON item(s). Don’t forget to mention Chopsticks NY or show this Instagram post to enjoy the offer. (Note: One soft serve for one person who make a purchase).

@ Cha An Bonbon

06/07/2019

Got Father’s Day gift already? If not, here are Chopsticks NY selection.

Photo 1: Japanese whiskies might be expensive but they’re absolutely cool gifts. Available at Kuraichi () in Japan Village ().

Photo 2 & 3: If you look for sake and shochu serving-ware for your father, MTC Kitchen () carries various types and materials—ceramics, bamboos, and glasses.

Photo 4: Practical, affordable, and stylish—how about giving tenugui (Japanese cotton towel) that can be used for multiple purposes? Available online at wuhao new york ().

06/06/2019

Satisfy your sweet tooth this weekend at the Sweets Festival & International Food Avenue hosted by JapanFes! More than 10 sweets vendors will line the streets of East Village (3rd Ave., 10th-11th Sts.) on Saturday, and the Upper West Side (Broadway, 73rd-74th Sts.) on Sunday.



To name a few, fluffy Japanese soufflé pancake by Soufflé Pancake, and bouncy cheesecake by Keki Modern Cakes () will be there on both days. And available only on Saturday, grab 24k gold pasted on matcha soft serve by Matcha n' More ().



For more details, visit the website: www.japanfes.com

What's 『Japan Fes.』 More Japan ! More Fan ! Japanese festivals have taken root in New York. JAPANFes. Is the only place in New York that is widely known locally as a Japanese event organization that runs town festivals(Machi Fes). JAPANFes.はニューヨークで唯一、街フェスを運営.....

05/31/2019

We also found Japanese ingredients (matcha and shiso leaf) were splashed in drinks!⁣
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'Loco's Dragon Milk' by Loco Coco () [ph 1]⁣
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'See Saw' by Angel's Share [ph 2]⁣
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@ Time Out Market New York

05/31/2019

Throughout the month of June, Chopsticks NY will showcase nine Japanese sakes at Kuraichi () and Landmark Wine & Spirits ().

Also, a tasting event will be held at Landmark on June 15 from 5-8pm, featuring three sakes from SakeOne (): Hakutsuru draft Junmai Namachozo, Awa Yuki Sparkling Sake and Moonstone Cucumber Mint. Come by for a taste!

#お酒

05/31/2019

To our delight, Japanese flavors were found at Time Out Market New York ()! ⁣
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'Fried Chicken Karaage' [ph 1] and sushi-style crispy rice patties topped with salmon sashimi [ph 2] by Bessou () ⁣
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'Tebasaki Karaage' by Mr. Taka Ramen () [ph 3]⁣
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@ Time Out Market New York

05/31/2019

Last night, Chopsticks NY reporters were invited to the preview of Time Out Market New York (), a food hall housing 21 eateries. We'll share their findings in the next two upcoming posts.⁣
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@ Time Out Market New York

05/26/2019

Bustling with people and food vendors boasting offerings from Taiwan, the 18th annual Passport to Taiwan was held in Union Square today!⁣
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The festival featured bubble tea from Bar Pa Tea (), griddled pork buns with sweet soy sauce, and so much more!⁣
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@ Union Square Park

05/23/2019

Chopsticks NY June issue is hot off the press, and features cool ways to enjoy Japanese drinks in the summer. Check out our bio for the link!⁣
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#お酒 @ New York, New York

05/20/2019

Last Friday, Chopsticks NY reporters got a sneak peek at the fast-casual sushi bar MakiMaki ()'s second outpost at 360 Lexington Ave., just steps away from Grand Central. Specializing in temaki (hand-roll, shown in video), and cut rolls, everything is rolled in front of you to guarantee freshness.⁣
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As you see, it's easy to unravel the plastic wrapper revealing temaki, a crispy nori (seaweed sheet) enclosing sushi rice, fish and vegetables. The plastic wrap keeps the nori separate from the rice so it stays fresh and crunchy no matter where you go.⁣
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Drop by for their soft opening tomorrow to May 24 during lunch (11am-3pm) for your chance to grab some of the freshest, customizable sushi rolls, and try your hand at unraveling temaki!⁣
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05/17/2019

This weekend will be a perfect BBQ weather in New York. Check out Chopsticks NY May issue (link in bio) to find easy recipes for Japanese-style homemade BBQ sauce.⁣
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Oroshi Ponzu: mix daikon oroshi (grated daikon radish) with ponzu (soy-base sauce with dashi & citrus juice). It's bright and refreshing. [ph 2]⁣
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Wasabi & Soy Sauce: pungent aroma and flavor of wasabi pairs well with powerful flavor of grilled meat. [ph 3]⁣
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Sesame Oil & Salt: a classic dipping sauce in Japanese yakiniku restaurants, it has a nutty sesame aroma and rough salt texture. [ph 4]⁣
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Creamy Sesame & Miso Sauce: rich and creamy, this sauce mildly embraces full-bodied meat. You can also add ginger for a kick. [ph 5]⁣
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Infused Soy Sauce: soak kombu kelp for umami and your favorite dried fruits for sweetness. [ph 6]⁣
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@ New York, New York

05/16/2019

Did you know today is National Mimosa Day? We've just found out, actually. For celebration, why not try your original mimosa using sparkling sake? Just mix orange juice and sparkling sake instead of Champagne!⁣
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#白川郷 #お酒

05/14/2019

It's been so cold and rainy; so let's warm up with some spicy ramen!⁣
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Nippori ()'s "Tan Tan Men" has meat sauce amplifying its umami, and it's also fresh and crisp with red onions, coriander and scallion. [ph 1]⁣
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At Bow Ramen (), top-selling "Bow Chili Ramen" is both hearty and fiery with spicy ground chicken and mugifuji pork belly. [ph 2]⁣
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Dock Asian Eatery () boasts "Spicy Miso Ramen" with a depth of flavor, and the playful butter gives a touch of salty. [ph 3]⁣
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@ New York, New York

05/09/2019

Refreshing and tropical cocktail perfect for the upcoming summer, "Beach After Sunset" is one of coolest cocktails served at the Honshu Lounge ().⁣⁣
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Featuring a cloudy sake, Ozeki Nigori (), it boosts its smoothness.⁣⁣
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You can grab a glass there, or learn how to make it yourself here!⁣⁣
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(Cocktail recipe courtesy of Victor Octavianus of Honshu Lounge.)⁣⁣
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You'll need: mint leaves, 2 slices lime, 1 slice orange, 0.25 oz lime juice, 0.75 oz orange juice, 0.50 oz Batavia Arrack van Oosten (sugarcane spirit), and 2.25 oz Ozeki Nigori.⁣⁣
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1. Put mint leaves, lime and orange into a glass and muddle them.⁣⁣
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2. Add lime juice, orange juice, Batavia Arrack, and Ozeki Nigori and shake well.⁣⁣
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3. Pour into a serving glass, do not strain, leave it dirty.⁣
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@ Honshu Lounge

05/02/2019

Coming up in Carnegie Hall () are two Japanese classical pianists.⁣
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This Saturday (May 4) at 8pm, Mitsuko Uchida () will continue her exploration of Schubert's piano sonatas.⁣
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And next Friday (May 10) at 8pm, Nobuyuki Tsujii, the 2009 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition winner will recite the works of Satie, Debussy, Ravel, and Chopin.⁣ Chopsticks NY readers enjoy an exclusive 10% discount by mentioning 'Chopsticks NY' or using promo code CHP31414 for tickets to Mr. Tsujii's live performance.
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04/30/2019

Surrounded by the beautiful ocean of the East China Sea, blessed with a subtropical climate, and offering a unique regional food culture, Okinawa attracts many visitors from all over the world. Chopsticks NY is giving away "Be. Okinawa", an official tourist guidebook published by Okinawa Prefectural Government, to 5 lucky readers.⁣
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To enter this giveaway, email [email protected] with the header "Chopsticks NY Travel Okinawa" with your name and email address by May 31. The winners will be notified via email on June 7.⁣
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04/26/2019

Found in the Canal Street Market and Brooklyn's Smorgasburg, Bonsai Kakigōri () will open their first brick-and-mortar location at 100 Stanton Street tomorrow, April 27th. And only there, you'll find the "LES Black and White Cookie" kakigōri drizzled in sweet, chocolaty syrups reminiscent of the cookie (ph 1+2). ⁣
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Taking inspiration from Japanese kissaten (café), Bonsai Kakigōri will also offer coffee and tea, as well as drinks incorporating Japanese matcha like the "Iced Piña Colada" (ph 3).⁣
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They'll also be serving savory bites including sandwiches and toasts.⁣
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@ Bonsai Kakigōri - 100 Stanton

04/26/2019

The cherry blossoms have finally bloomed at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden ()! And it's just in time for their Sakura Matsuri taking place this weekend, April 27-28.⁣
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Here are the performers from the press preview last Tuesday:⁣
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Action-packed, samurai swords will clash on-stage by Samurai Sword Soul () at the Cherry Esplanade Stage on Saturday (3:15-4pm) and Sunday (2-2:45pm). [ph 1]⁣
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Yayoi Ikawa with special guest Emeline Michel () will present jazz synthesized from Japan and Haiti at the Cherry Esplanade Stage on Saturday (3:30-4:15pm). [ph 2]⁣
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Acoustic ballads from award-winning Japanese singer & songwriter, Ka-Na (), will perform at the J-Lounge Stage on Sunday (3:45-4:30pm). [ph 3]⁣
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Techno-infused music project, Twisty Bonbon (), will perform at the Cherry Esplanade Stage on Sunday (4-4:45pm). [ph 4]⁣
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Cosplay curator Charles Battersby () will host a fun-filled game show, "Neko or Usagi: Anime Quiz Battleground", at the J-Lounge Stage on Saturday (2-2:30pm) and Sunday (3-3:30pm) [ph 5].⁣
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Of course, there will be more activities and events to come! ⁣
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#桜 #桜祭り @ Brooklyn Botanic Garden

04/25/2019

On the eve of the Japan's new era, NHK World-Japan will present a special 3-day documentary series, "EMPEROR AKIHITO", following Emperor Akihito's abdication and his son's accession to the throne that will take place on April 30th.

Leading up to the coverage, from April 27th to 29th, the series will follow the life and reign of the Emperor and Empress, featuring rare archival footage and first-hand testimonies. Exclusive to the U.S., you can catch this special coverage on local satellite and cable TV providers, as well as on Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.

For more details, visit the NHK World-Japan’s website: www.nhk.jp/world

NHK WORLD is the international service of NHK, Japan's largest broadcasting organization. Radio Japan broadcasts in 18 languages.

04/24/2019

Just in time for the BBQ season, Chopsticks NY May issue highlights barbeque and steak fired out in Japanese-style. Here's a sneak-peek on the restaurants we featured.⁣
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@ New York City

04/21/2019

April 22nd marks Earth Day. Supporting New York’s efforts in banning plastic straws, Chopsticks NY shares tasty ways you can also do to help.⁣
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Dining at environmental-conscious restaurants and cafes is one way. From Earth Day, Japanese cuisine-inspired, fast-casual eatery; wagamama () will switch out plastic for biodegradable paper straws in their NY and Boston locations. The cardboard sleeve ('belly band') on recyclable takeaway packaging will also be done away with at its 135 U.K. and U.S. locations. [ph 1]⁣
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SoHo’s Matcha drink pop-up, Matchaful () allows you to sip on their drinks with their sustainable, reusable and compostable bamboo straws. [ph 2]⁣
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Like “My Hashi" (carrying reusable chopsticks) concept, you can carry “My Straw” with you. Made by Horie (), specializing in anodized titanium engineering, 'Straler' is an eye-catching, neon color, reusable straw made from non-toxic titanium. [ph 3]⁣
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@ New York City

04/18/2019

Three Asian auteurs’ films will be screened in Film Forum’s one-month-long series “TRILOGIES”, which will kick off tomorrow, April 19. The series features 26 legendary film directors’ trilogies (total 78 films), representing each director’s signature style, philosophy, and social statement. ⁣
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Photo 1: Japanese filmmaker, Masaki Kobayashi’s “The Human Condition” Trilogy will be a marathon screening of 10-hour long The Human Condition I (1959), II (1959), and III (1961). ⁣
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Photo 2: Selected from Taiwan, Hou Hsiao-Hsien’s “Coming of Age” Trilogy includes A Summer at Grandpa’s (1984), The Time to Live and The Time to Die (1985) and Dust in the Wind (1986). ⁣
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Photo 3: India’s auteur, Satyajit Ray, is also featured in the series. Screened are “The Apu” Trilogy: Pather Panchali (1955), Aparajito (1956), and Apur Sansar (1959).⁣
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All photo images courtesy of Film Forum ⁣
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@ Film Forum

04/16/2019

Here comes the strawberry season! In the recipe section of upcoming Chopsticks NY May issue, we will introduce a sweet and refreshing dessert, Ichigo Kanten (agar agar with fresh strawberries). [ph 1]⁣
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Also in our back issues, we have some more Japanese dessert recipes with strawberries.⁣
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@ New York, New York

04/11/2019

Did you miss the previous Chopsticks NY issues? You can find all of our issues online at Issuu: www.issuu.com/chopsticks-ny⁣
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Free to access; catch up on the latest news related to Japanese and Asian food culture in NYC, and look back on our previous highlights!⁣
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04/08/2019

Congrats Takuma for your win at the INDYCAR Race in Birmingham, Alabama today! ⁣⁣⁣
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It was an exciting race from the start to the end! ⁣⁣⁣
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Thank you for dropping by Chopsticks NY office last year, and we are looking forward to seeing you this year again!⁣⁣⁣
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04/05/2019

The next Chopsticks NY Instagram Photo Contest features "Tea". Sencha, matcha, gyokuro, hojicha, tea-infused cocktails, matcha sweets, etc. Share your photos of tea and tea-related drinks and dishes with by June 5th.⁣⁣⁣
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We will select two photos at the end and award a $25 gift certificate at Gift Rocket (www.giftrocket.com).⁣
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#お茶

04/03/2019

Spring has finally arrived, and it's time to celebrate with 5 cocktails accentuated with colors of spring. Which one will you choose?⁣⁣
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Photo 1 left to right:⁣⁣
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"Sakura" from Izakaya MEW (): edible cherry blossoms inside, it's lightly sweet with refreshing, smooth sake. It's a seasonal special available only until the end of this month.⁣⁣
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"Lychee Martini" from wagamama (): crisp with notes of lychee, its clean finish is perfect for the warmer weather.⁣⁣
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"Magokoro" (Pure Heart) from Soba Noodle Azuma: lovely as its name, it's sweet, smooth and creamy with a tangy aftertaste.⁣⁣
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Photo 2 left to right:⁣⁣
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"Butterfly Effect" from Shinka Ramen (): magic show in a glass, it first starts off as sapphire blue and transforms before your eyes.⁣⁣
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"Cherry Blossom" from Rabbit House (): vibrantly pink from the prickly pear puree, floating inside is a cherry blossom frozen in a spherical ice.⁣⁣
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#桜 @ New York, New York

04/02/2019

Are you interested in broadening your knowledge on Japanese sake? This Saturday (Apr. 6), RESOBOX (), a Japanese gallery, studio and restaurant will be hosting an insight into how just one sake can be enjoyed in 10 different ways. Different containers, different temperatures, and different mixtures; you'll be surprised how the flavor will change each time.

For this event, Koshi no Tosetsuka, Junmai Ginjyo (Snow Flowers of Koshi) from Takano Brewery (Niigata Prefecture) will be featured. To be paired, a plant-based food menu curated by Kuniko Naito, a Natural Food Chef, and Makiko Ishida, founder of Alter Native Foods (www.alternativefoods.online), will be served.

Check the website for more details and tickets: www.resobox.com/event/sake-meal

03/28/2019

Sake & shochu specialty store, Kuraichi, just opened in the Japan Village in Industry City, Brooklyn. This Saturday (3/30) from 1pm to 6pm, to kick off their grand opening, they will hold a free sake tasting event, highlighting four brands of sake [pictured]. Just be noted that the entrance of Kuraichi is not the same as the Japan Village but is located on 36th Street, just off 3rd Avenue.⁣⁣
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Sake brands that will be featured at the event are (from left to right):⁣⁣
Kansansui, Junmai Daiginjo, from Kitaya Co., Ltd. (Fukuoka Prefecture) ()⁣⁣
Shunkashusetsu Echizen, Junmai Ginjo, from Koshinoiso Brewing Co., Ltd. (Fukui Prefecture)⁣⁣
Sawanoi Daikarakuchi, Junmai, from Ozawa Shuzo (Tokyo)⁣⁣
Shirakawago Sasanigori, Junmai Ginjo Nigori, from Miwa Shuzo (Gifu Prefecture) () ⁣⁣
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#日本酒