Savor the Season: Soba Noodles with Hojicha Broth and Shiitake Mushrooms

The calming effects of sipping a hot cup of tea on a cold day allows you to slow down and take a moment for yourself. When many of us are at risk for getting sick or feeling run down during the holidays or during the change of seasons, a daily cup of green tea can have powerful effects on both your health and mental well being. A known superfood, green tea is said to be high in antioxidants, and its low levels of caffeine are said to help improve your mood, mental clarity, and focus. But for some, the grassy taste and vegetal aroma of green tea is not appealing to their taste palette. As an alternative, we have prepared a green tea soup that has all the benefits of green tea but in a delicate vegetable broth.

The Science and Beauty Behind our Chikuno Cube

Originally harnessed by Japanese craftsmen over four hundred years ago for its natural purifying properties, activated charcoal has recently undergone something of a renaissance. What was once a little-known secret has transformed into a popular resource with hundreds of users and just as many uses. Its most creative interpretation may just be the Chikuno Cube, an ingeniously designed miniature air refresher that uses the properties of charcoal to banish odors and humidity around the house. In this special Deep Dive series, we explore the Chikuno Cube, from its origins in the charcoal kilns of Kyoto to the science behind its unusual honeycomb structure.  

Eating In: Cooking Japanese Food at Home

For the inexperienced Japanese food fan, preparing flavorful and impressive Japanese dishes in the comfort of ones home might as well be impossible. After all, to make it properly you need to master its subtle flavors and use techniques that could take years to master... right? As our Wholesale Manager Lisa learned, this couldn't be further from the truth. She shares her thoughts on Mastering the Art of Japanese Home Cooking by Masaharu Morimoto and her learnings while preparing a few select recipes and presenting them in Gato Woodworks.

Spotlight On: Gato

Since 1908, Gato Mikio Co. Ltd. has been at the leading edge of more than 400 years of Japanese lacquerware. Experts at their craft, their collaborative style combines craftsmanship, heritage, and innovation like few of their contemporaries. Their collection showcases some of the best qualities of Japanese craftsmanship and, as such, has earned Gato a place as a Morihata favorite.