Ever wonder what your child’s name would look like in Chinese characters, or kanji? We pick one baby photo and render the baby’s name in kanji. James in Seattle Here is his name in Kanji: 慈栄夢寿 The meanings behind the brushstrokes: 慈 This character means “love,” especially a pure love between true friends. 栄 This character means “succeed,” specifically a process that makes...
Cooked Rice with Oyster 2 rice-measuring cups rice 7 ounces oysters 1 cup dashi broth 2 ½ tablespoon usukuchi soy sauce (light color soy sauce) 2 ½ tablespoon sake green onions, chopped Rinse and drain the rice. Rinse well the oysters with salt water and drain. Heat dashi broth, usukuchi soy sauce and sake in a saucepan and bring to boil. Add the oysters...
Take a little Studio Ghibli home with you Lincoln Square Cinema in Bellevue is the place to catch this year’s Studio Ghibli Fest, which features nine movies from the famed animation studio throughout the year. Coming next are Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (May 20-21) and Whisper of the Heart (July 1-2). These movies are beautiful to watch on the big screen,...
Uwajimaya: A Wealth of Wagyu Awaits There is arguably no better steak than the one you grill in your backyard with friends, especially if you don’t scrimp when choosing that steak. In Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, and Beaverton, there is a wealth of wagyu choices at the Uwajimaya grocery stores. Butchers are on hand to offer tips on what to choose and how to cook...
When I visit Japan, one of the highlights of my trip is to indulge in the delicious food. As I have a sweet tooth, I am especially in heaven with all those confections, from the traditional Japanese sweets to the European-influenced baked goods available in Japan. At the end of the trip, I even check out the airport shops to buy additional sweets to...
Ever wonder what your beloved pet’s name would look like in Chinese characters, or kanji? We pick one pet photo and render the pet’s name in kanji. Deacon Deacon is a big, friendly Great Dane that lives in Ballard. He used to live on a houseboat. We bet he made that houseboat rock! Now he lives with his owners, Min and Dotty, in a...
Japan’s beloved cat cafes are inspiring people like Caitlin Unsell to replicate the businesses abroad. Unsell spent two years in Sapporo teaching kindergarten. “At that time there were no cat cafes in the U.S. yet and I knew so many people would love them. I told myself as soon as I returned to Seattle I would open one!” Unsell gets her kitties through the...
U:DON U:don owner Taku makes some delicious udon. I was surprised to find this high-quality udon in the Seattle area. The homemade noodles have body to them and an authentic taste. Information 1) U:Don Capitol Hill 1640 12th Ave Seattle https://freshudon.com/ 2)U:Don University District 4515 University Way NE, Seattle TEINEI This is my go-to restaurant when I want to eat yummy ramen. You can...
Fran’s chocolates Check out Fran’s Japanese collection of urushi lacquer boxes and bowls filled with the chocolatier’s legendary salted caramels. Green tea lovers should try Fran’s matcha bar, released last summer. It’s made with organic matcha and white chocolate. The bar has a strong matcha flavor. Another fun option is to take the Fran’s “guided tasting experience” tour at the flagship store in Seattle....
Having friends over to watch the Super Bowl or expecting a cozy Valentine’s date at home? Why not impress your friends by making sushi at home? Too difficult, you say? Not true. Kits available at Uwajimaya supermarket make it quite easy to whip up both rolls and nigiri sushi in the comfort of your kitchen. For starters, try the Hand-Rolled Sushi kit. Add...
