First Look: Yopparai NYC

Not drunk, but Brave is the word I would use to describe Yopparai, the new Izakaya in the former Sushi UO space. The layout has since changed to a more veracious ‘Tokyo vibe’, with more bar counter seating than table seats. At first glance, the ‘railroad-style’ ambiance felt warm and inviting. The owner, his wife and another staff member warmly greet us upon walking in. They inform us that they are sake sommeliers and were eager to help.  In typical minimalist Japanese fashion, there is a coat cabinet under your bar seating to stow away your belongings.

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Event – LuckyRice presents: SIP + BITE + SLURP OCT7 – Volunteers needed

UPDATE: 

Free guest tickets to the event in exchange for volunteering:

Shift #1 5:30 – 7:00pm (3 people)

Shift #2 7:00 – 8:30pm (3 people)

email barbara@luckyrice.com 

WHAT: A night celebrating Japanese sake, shochu, craft beers and specialty regional dishes.WHEN: Friday, October 7th, 7:00pm to 9:00pm, VIP – Early Access from 6:00pm.

WHERE: Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St, 2nd Floor – Metropolitan Suite

WHO: 30 Japanese Sake, Shochu and Craft Beer Brewers.  8 hidden gem Japanese eateries serving regional specialties.

WHY: To drink, to eat, perchance to achieve satori.

HOW MUCH: $88, VIP – early access; $50, general admission

BUY TIX

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Event – Joy of Sake OCT21

The Joy of Sake is the largest sake-tasting outside Japan, and has been held annually since 2001. It features premium sakes submitted as entries to the U.S. National Sake Appraisal, a rigorous blind tasting held every year with ten judges from Japan and the U.S.

This once-a-year event features the world’s finest sakes in peak condition and the best in traditional and contemporary Asian cuisine. Over 300 sakes will be available for tasting, along with appetizers presented by 12 of New York’s finest restaurants. BUY TIX

Event – Okonomiyaki Night @ JCC SEP8

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If you’ve ever spent time in Osaka or Hiroshima, you have definitely had this delicious local dish.

Did you know there is a difference between Osaka and Hiroshima style Okonomiyakis?

Come check out this Kansai (Western Japan) Favorite at the Japanese Culinary Center. All main food groups piled into one dish : Starch, Vegetables and Protein. BUY TIX

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Event – Japanese Tea Ceremony @ JCC AUG29

Japanese Tea Ceremony at JCC

Have you ever heard of Japanese Tea Ceremony?

Have you ever seen it in person?

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Sign up and come to the Japanese Culinary Center on August 29th.

Rev. Mitsutaka Inui of Kamigamo-Jinja Shrine (in Kyoto, Japan) will be performing a traditional tea ceremony.

The Kamigamo Shrine in Kyoto is a World Cultural Heritage Site.

Enjoy Japanese Green Tea and Sweets served during the Ceremony!

The style of Tea Ceremony

武者小路千家 (Mushakoji Senke)

For more information about Mushakoji Senke and Japanese Tea Ceremony History, please click HERE

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Event – Let’s Make Takoyaki @ JCC AUG24

Let’s make Takoyaki

Let’s make Takoyaki together at the Japanese Culinary Center.

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This everyday favorite is sure to satisfy your Savory Snack Attack. Takoyaki are these uniquely bite-sized savory round snacks. Literally means “Cooked Octopus”. Traditionally the fillings are small pieces of octopus, giving it a different mouth feel to the doughy outside.

You can find Takoyaki near just about any major train station in Japan. It’s easy to eat and is somewhat of the perfect snack. Cooked with hot round molds, and constantly rotated to create the perfect seal, the Takoyaki itself is dressed with all sorts of other delicious toppings and sauces.

The most common fillings are Ao-Nori, Katsuo-Bushi, Beni-Shoga, Takoyaki Sauce, and Mayonnaise. But we will experiment with new favorites like as Sausage, Cheese, and other Fillings.

Come and bring friends and enjoy a night of Takoyaki and Cold Orion Beers!

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Event – Introduction to Udon @ JCC JUN30

Introduction to Udon

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It’s not easy to get tired of Japanese noodles. One reason is because there’s just so many varieties of noodles in the Japanese repertoire. Following our highly successful Ramen workshops, we shift to Udon Noodles.

Udon (OO-DON) – The Japanese handmade noodle made with only Flour, Salt and Water.

Onya Udon Masters will take you through the nuances of this unique doughy Udon Noodles. Become an expert in Udon by attending our workshop and taste 2 delicious varieties made by Onya.

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Stuff to do this Weekend and Beyond JUN10-16

From Big Apple BBQ to Midtown Lunch 5th Anniversary Party to our i8 Supper Club, there is never a lull of delicious nosh in this Concrete Jungle. We’re hosting our i8 Supper Club (Breakfast for Dinner) tomorrow as well! Want to know more stuff to do? Read on…

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Event – Ramen Noodle Tasting : Ins and Outs of cooking the perfect Noodle @ JCC JUN9

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Do you know how to judge if a noodle is Over-Cooked, Under-Cooked, etc…?

You will, after this seminar.

Added bonus : Learn how to cook and season the perfect soft boiled egg like a Ramen King.

And for the finale, we will serve up what we consider the perfect bowl of ramen.

 Cooking demo plus take home some of these special “Hanjuku Eggs” for your friends and family. 

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Food-Friendly Events, June3-9

Go catch some rays this weekend with weather hitting 80 plus degrees in NYC! The Concrete Jungle never sleeps, and here’s proof:

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Event – Umaimono Gourmet @ Mitsuwa JUN2-5

“UMAI” from all over Japan will come in by the flocks!
Discover the lip-smacking feast of Japan!

Here they come! A much-awaited event of this season, “UMAIMONO GOURMET FAIR”.
In addition to the well-known popular shops, selected specialty food from different provinces of Japan will make their first appearance for this event. Continue reading

Event – Knife Sharpening Service by Professional Sushi Chef @ JCC

KNIFE SHARPENING SERVICE BY PROFESSIONAL SUSHI CHEF

The Japanse Culinary Center now offers a knife sharpening and repair service!

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Nozomu Abe, who is reputed as one of the best sushi chefs in NYC, will sharpen your knife by hand. This is a great opportunity to have your knives sharpened by a true professional. Please ask our staff for more details. Continue reading

Stuff to do this weekend MAY21-22

 
By no means is this list cumulative, so cherry pick what suits you best. If you haven’t made plans this weekend yet or are simply lost, allow us to guide you…

Event – Lobster Tasting Dinner @ 1or8 JUN1


If you guys missed our 5 star review of 1or8, go read it. Then dive into this deal below. Dining there is nothing short of pure bliss! 7 courses for $65

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Event – Conde Nast Global Feast JUN9

You get a Cocktail Party @ Gansevoort Park, transportation from Gansevoort Park to your Dinner, plus tax & tip included. Not a bad deal, especially for Torrisi who is offering a 10 course menu. Their normal Tasting menu runs you 5/$50 already, sans tax/tip so this is a good deal. Bar Boulud at 4 courses, however…. MORE INFO