Monthly Archives: June 2009

Obon: Senshin Buddhist Temple

We kicked off this summer’s obon season at Senshin Buddhist Temple on Saturday. Everyone packed Senshin’s parking lot, moving in synchronized fashion as they danced bon odori. The people who live across the street from (in this South Central neighborhood) were in their front yard, curiously watching the festivities from a distance. This was my […]

Posted in Los Angeles Guide, Perspectives | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Responses

Bacon and Shiso Fried Rice

I’ve never made an exceptional fried rice. Maybe my ratios are off. Maybe it always tastes better when someone else makes it. My dad once made fried rice with kabocha and it was delicious. When I tried making it, it was very mediocre. But this recipe isn’t about kabocha, but about two of my favorite […]

Posted in Favorites, Rice Dishes, Traditional Recipes | Tagged , , , | 5 Responses

Restaurant: Daikokuya

I’ve loved Daikokuya from the time they first opened their doors. They had replaced an okonomiyaki restaurant (which at the time I sadly mourned) but was happy to discover what was to replace it. This is ramen as it should be. Daikokuya’s tonkotsu ramen is made from kurobuta and is the best ramen I’ve eaten […]

Posted in Los Angeles Guide, Restaurants | Tagged , , , | 2 Responses

Merchant No. 4

I’ve been drooling over the kitchen and tableware products at Merchant No. 4. The hook was a beautiful limited-edition ceramic vase I saw on Design Milk by Japanese artist Emogayu. Sadly, this piece is sold out, but exploring the site was like being a kid in a candy store. I want it all!! The wood/glass […]

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Nattō

When it comes to natto, there are two camps: the lovers and the haters. They say you’re not truly Japanese unless you enjoy eating this stuff, but most Kansai people don’t like it. I grew up with natto because my family strongly believes in its health benefits. My grandmother says it makes your blood sara […]

Posted in Featured Ingredient, Perspectives | Tagged , | 6 Responses

Garlic Harvest

In 2003, my husband and I moved out of the San Francisco Bay Area and made a Santa Rosa hillside our home. Since then, both of us have become serious gardeners. How serious? We turned every square inch of our lot to planting trees, bushes, flowers, and vegetables. By trial and error, we learned not only how to […]

Posted in Gardening | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment
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