Like so many revolutions, the rise sanuki udon began with a book. Sanuki udon, Shikoku’s special brand of thick wheat noodles, had long been revered by udon connoisseurs in western Japan, but the release of Osorubeki Sanuki Udon (The Astounding...

The other day, while sipping on a glass of etherial Wataribune Daiginjo at Fuchu Homare Shuzo in Ibaraki prefecture, my good friend Rick remarked, "There's something so special about drinking sake at the place it was made." I couldn't agree more. A...

“You fell asleep chewing,” JP said. The reproach in his voice was evident. “Arrrrrgghhhhhh!” I screamed into my pillow and kicked my feet. “Ta-monster!” “You kept asking,” he giggled, “how I was going to develop my menu.” I...

I giggled, I snickered and even cringed just a little at first, but yesterday's Sake Walk was a big success and a lot of fun. I'd been running late and, when I arrived at Mizutanibashi Park, I was surprised to find a band of people, right fists raised,...

“If you had a restaurant, what would you name it?” JP asked, giving his wine a swift, professional-looking swirl. “That’s a tough question.” I shook the clams in my pan and sprinkled them with salt before turning around to face him. “Not...