Since moving to the Bay Area 8 years ago from Colorado, I've found my happy place cooking and exploring new restaurants in the Bay and beyond. I love reading, learning and watching anything related to the culinary arts. Figuring out how food, cultures, people and politics come together is my jam. There's nothing better than a hearty debate among good friends about whether you'd pick rice or noodles... to eat for the rest of your life. #TeamRice all the way!
When I'm not in the kitchen, you can find me trying to be a yogi, taking pictures of my food wherever I might be eating, rooting for the Denver Broncos and the Colorado Buffalos, out dancing with my girls, traveling with my #teamrice boyfriend or plotting my next food based adventure.
Food heroes include: David Chang, Roy Choi, Samin Nosrat, Chrissy Teigen, Dominique Crenn, Gabriela Camara, Gaggan Anand, Nancy Singleton Hatchisu, Anthony Bourdain, Julia Childs and my mom and grandma.
Shepherd’s pie is a winter favorite. For a Japanese twist, let’s add Japanese Curry! It’s flavorful and hearty to keep you warm on the chilly winter nights. This comes together in an hour and the leftovers taste just as great. Perfect for all Japanese curry lovers.
Read MoreCombining two classic comfort foods from two different countries equals a winning combination. Learn how to make an Asian version of American pot pie with savory Japanese curry.
Read MoreNo potluck or gathering is complete without Spam and Egg Musubi! This easy-to-make Hawaiian classic combines savory caramelized Spam, fluffy tamago (egg), and perfectly seasoned rice wrapped in nori. Learn the secrets to making it at home, plus tips for fun toppings like shoyu green chili.
Read MoreSpice up your deviled eggs for the holidays with this amazing, umami version! These are sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Read MoreJapanese curry sauce is versatile and delicious. This quick 30 minute recipe is perfect for dipping your grilled cheese sandos in and it’s vegetarian, with the option for added protein! Yes, you heard right! You can also use this as a quick sauce for noodles or a stir fry version over rice. Don’t miss out on a way to spice up your weeknight meals.
Read MoreLightly sweet, chewy, mochi butter cake with the bonus of Cinnamon Toast Crunch! This easy recipe is a great primer to baking and getting familiar with mochi flour. Perfect for an afternoon snack or dessert for an outdoor picnic lunch.
Read MoreChange up your baked potato recipe with this Japanese sweet potato version. Miso butter is the perfect savory compliment to the sweet and nutrient rich potatoes. You can top with anything you’d like. I recommend broccoli, radishes, furikake sprinkles and some garlic chili oil.
Read MoreUdon is a simple Japanese noodle soup made with a variety of toppings. The soup base takes less than 10 minutes to make and is the perfect broth for chewy udon noodles.
Read MoreMiso butter is one of the most versatile condiments you can have in your fridge. You can use it to cook things in, like eggs or veggies, served with roasted veggies or on top of sweet potatoes, and as an umami boost to your basics like omelettes and avocado toast. It’s only two ingredients but you can spice it up with some of my suggestions.
Read MoreSpice up your fried chicken sandwich game with Japanese 5 spice aka togarashi. This recipe also includes a light and refreshing purple cabbage slaw that’s the perfect compliment to this savory sando!
Read MoreMiso soup can be a light side or a hearty weeknight dinner. Learn how to make this versatile soup that’s perfect for all seasons.
Read MoreModern Japanese matcha house in the Mission that serves up the best katsu sandwiches in the Bay and beautifully crafted matcha drinks.
Read MoreDon’t miss out on the juciest cuts of pork and chicken katsu around.
Read MoreCure fresh egg yolks in soy sauce for the perfect companion to a steaming hot bowl of rice. Be like the kids on Terrace House!
Read MoreGyoza (Japanese dumplings) are the perfect appetizer for your Japanese meal. These gyoza are easy to make since this recipe uses premade wrappers.
Read MoreUp your avocado toast game with this Japanese inspired version. Top with hard boiled shoyu eggs and furikake, you can eat this for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
Read MoreShoyu hot dogs and rice balls make for the best road trip snack. You can also add shoyu hot dogs to your fried rice for a full on meal!
Read MoreCook this Japanese okazu (stir fry) mix when you’re short on time or have limited groceries in the house.
Read MoreEasy somen salad is a Japanese dish served cold and is great for summer time BBQs! Buy some char siu at your local asian market and layer it upon noodles, eggs, lettuce and fish cakes. Top if off with simple homemade dressing.
Read MoreExperience yakitori omakse at Hina SF for 10 servings of grilled chicken over a binchotan grill.
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