Author Archives: Kayoko Akabori


May 30, 2017

Celebrating Women Producers: Donna Lo of Far Leaves Tea

by Kayoko Akabori

Far Leaves is a treasure in Berkeley, CA. A place to enjoy a pot of luxurious teas from Asia or simply buy a canister to take home — Far Leaves is an oasis of calm, nestled on a busy, industrial section of San Pablo. I always look forward to visiting for a cup of tea with […]

May 11, 2017

Celebrating Women Producers: Jennifer Colliau of Small Hand Foods

by Kayoko Akabori

Jennifer Colliau is one of Bay Area’s greatest bartenders. To use words such as “smart,” “talented,” or “creative” seem to undermine her qualities. Rather, she is a force in the industry — ambitious, yet down to earth; knowledgable, yet curious; confident, yet humble. Her mind is a sponge; she lights up when talking about cocktail history […]

May 5, 2017

The Umami Reader: The Asian Salad Must Die

by Kayoko Akabori

We often joke about the Asian Salad genre at Umami Mart HQ — Chinese Chicken Salad, Chopped Asian Salad, Oriental Salad, etc. It is so ridiculous and it boggles me that it’s still on menus around the country, and even, ehem, the Bay Area. What exactly makes a salad “Asian”? Is it the cilantro? The thin […]

March 20, 2017

Event Recap: Succulents + Sake @ Sunset Magazine

by Kayoko Akabori

Yoko and I were so excited to be a part of “Succulents + Sake” at Sunset magazine’s HQ, right here in Jack London Square in Oakland. The event was a celebration of the publication of Robin Stockwell’s new Sunset book, Succulents. The evening comprised of two elements – a hands-on succulent designing tutorial by Baylor Chapman of Lila B. Designs, and […]

March 14, 2017

Event Recap: Hinamatsuri (Girl’s Day) 2017 at Umami Mart

by Kayoko Akabori

On March 5, we celebrated Hinamatsuri, a Japanese holiday commemorating the strength and health of women. It’s become an annual fete at Umami Mart. We display ohinasama, (traditional dolls for the holiday) made by Yoko’s mom, and invite everyone to join us for an afternoon of snacks, amazake, and doll viewing. It’s always a rowdy event with kids […]

March 13, 2017

Happy Hour: The Mother-In-Law Cocktail

by Kayoko Akabori

I found this cocktail inside Ted Haigh’s Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails book that we carry at Umami Mart. Aptly named the Mother-In-Law cocktail, it is indeed a stiff enough drink to prepare you for a visit with the in-laws. There’s nothing like a boozy, numbing drink to smooth out anxieties and tensions that a family gathering […]

March 6, 2017

Event Recap: Japanify Zine Party at The Kebabery

by Kayoko Akabori

Two weeks ago, we were lucky enough to get a sneak peek into The Kebabery, a new eatery opening soon in North Oakland. It’s one the most anticipated Bay Area restaurant openings of the year! Camino owners Allison Hopelain and Russ Moore have partnered with Brian Crookes (manager at Camino), for The Kebabery, offering Russ’ now-famous […]

February 27, 2017

10 Years of the Umami Mart Blog

by Kayoko Akabori

We are celebrating 10 years of Umami Mart’s blog this year. I get verklempt thinking about it. People often ask, “Did you ever expect that Umami Mart would become what it is today?” Some people think it was all in the plan from the beginning. HA! We started, and continued, the blog for pure FUN. We […]

February 8, 2017

Happy Hour: In the Mood For Love

by Kayoko Akabori

When we talked about me creating a cocktail with the theme of love for Valentine’s day, I balked. Love… ha! How trite! But in these tumultuous times, we could all use some love. Now, more than ever, am I right? When I walked with thousands of other people at the Women’s March in January, we chanted in unison, […]

December 28, 2016

Happy Hour: The Drake

by Kayoko Akabori

When the holidays roll around, I reach for Cognac. The Sidecar is my all-time favorite cocktail for these times – a festive mix of Cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon. Nothing says, “Let’s Party!” like a shaken drink; and there is an old-timey, finger-snapping elegance to Cognac that always makes me feel like I’m hanging out with Daisy, Nick, […]