Delicious Little Tokyo 2018
Discover Culinary Experiences in the Heart of LA!
Friday, July 20 & Saturday, July 21
Go Little Tokyo for two days of delicious food harvested from the streets of Little Tokyo! Delicious Little Tokyo invites all foodies to experience the vast array of cuisines that the restaurants of Little Tokyo have to offer.
The festivities are on Friday (7/20) and Saturday (7/21), and feature selected Little Tokyo restaurants offering giveaways, demonstrations, hands-on workshops and tastings. Come explore the culinary gems of Little Tokyo with your family and friends!
RSVP on Facebook: www.facebook.com/golittletokyo
#deliciouslittletokyo #golittletokyo
Registration for our fun, interactive workshops, demos, tours and tastings is now open!
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Let Go Little Tokyo be your neighborhood guide! View the Little Tokyo Food Guide, Schedule for Delicious Little Tokyo and a Summer Calendar of Events in Little Tokyo all in the Delicious Little Tokyo Event Passport & Summer Guide.
Pick up a hard copy starting Friday, July 2oth at:
- Cafe Dulce – 134 Japanese Village Plaza Mall
- JANM – 100 N Central Ave
- Kinokuniya – Weller Court, 123 Astronaut E S Onizuka St, #205
- The Little Tokyo Koban – 307 E 1st St
- U-Space at JACCC – 244 S San Pedro St
Sake on the Rocks with the Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC)
Join the Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC) for the 12th Annual Sake & Food Tasting Event, Sake on the Rocks. Taste & savor bites from over 15 top Los Angeles restaurants, paired with a sampling of over 50 sake from different regions in Japan provided by Mutual Trading Co., Inc. The LTSC’s largest fundraiser is a highly-anticipated evening you won’t want to miss.
Friday, July 20th at 7:00 – 10:00 PM at Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, Noguchi Plaza, 244 San Pedro St.
Admission: $150/person. Must be 21 years or older to attend.
Floral Centerpiece Workshop with Kuragami Little Tokyo Florist
Our favorite florist hosts another hands-on flower arrangement workshop! From date night to birthdays, learn from second generation florist veteran and owner of Kuragami Little Tokyo Florist, how to make a beautiful, effortless floral centerpiece for any special occasion. Fresh flowers, vase and materials will be provided.
Saturday, July 21st at 10:00 – 11:00 AM at Kuragami Little Tokyo Florist, 333 Alameda St #110.
Admission: $10.00/person.
Camera Eats First: Food Photography Workshop with @lapetitebelle_eats & BAE
Calling all foodies! Learn from a pro! Take your best Instagram photo yet with special tips and tricks from international foodie and Instagramer @LaPetiteBelle_Eats. Sponsored by BAE with free pastries and drinks included with admission.
Saturday, July 21st, 10:30 – 11:30 AM at BAE Little Tokyo, 369 E 2nd St.
Admission: $5.00/person.
Historical Food Walking Tour with Little Tokyo Historical Society (LTHS)
Join the Little Tokyo Historical Society (LTHS) on a journey through Little Tokyo’s culinary past with a guided walking tour of historical food landmarks found in the neighborhood. From the first fortune cookie to the first ramen noodle restaurant in the United States, visit stops featured in LTHS’ 2018 calendar, and get a commemorative calendar free!
Saturday, July 21st, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM; meet at the OOMO CUBE, 100 S Central Ave.
Admission: $15.00/person.
Indonesian Cuisine Demo & Tasting with Kasih
Chef Zachary Hamel welcomes you into his kitchen with a demonstration of how to make some home-style favorites at one of Little Tokyo’s newest restaurants that is putting Indonesian food on the map in Los Angeles, Kasih. Discover herbs and spices used in traditional Indonesian cuisine with a sampling of their dishes, like their sambals, spicy dipping sauces that will wake up your taste buds, and their satay ayam, sweet soy glazed grilled chicken skewers doused with their signature peanut sauce that will leave you wanting more.
Saturday, July 21st, 12:00 – 1:30 PM at Kasih, 200 S Los Angeles St.
Admission: $10.00/person.
Meet Gudetama the Lazy Egg, with Sanrio
Come visit the Sanrio Store at the Japanese Village Plaza for a special appearance by our favorite lazy egg, Gudetama! Make a purchase of $50 or more and reserve a chance to meet and receive an autographed drawing from the creator of Gudetama, from Sanrio Tokyo, Japan. Reservations for this exclusive opportunity will be available at Sanrio starting at 10:00 AM until timeslots are filled.
Saturday, July 21st, Gudetama Appearance – 12:00 – 4:00 PM, Artist Autographs – 3:00 – 5:00 PM at Sanrio, 115 Japanese Village Plaza Mall
Admission: Meet Gudetama FREE, Artist Autograph FREE with purchase of $50.00 or more. No RSVP required–first come, first served.
LIVE Bento Box Demo with TABLE FOR TWO
Learn how to pack a lunch that is both delicious and adorable with TABLE FOR TWO USA, a non-profit organization that promotes healthy eating and helps hungry children around the world. Watch this LIVE cooking demonstration taught by former “Mrs. Japan” and now cooking instructor of Wa-Shokuiku “Learn. Cook. Eat Japanese!” to learn how to create kawaii (cute) characters to liven up your bento box!
Saturday, July 21st at 1:00 – 2:00 PM at the Japanese Village Plaza Stage, 335 E 2nd St
Admission: FREE & open to all!
“Furoshiki” Japanese Cloth Wrapping Workshop with the Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC) and Bunkado
Learn the art of “furoshiki” cloth wrapping from master furoshiki wrapper, and Director of Service Programs at the Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC), Mike Murase, who can wrap just about anything! Hear about the history of these traditional Japanese wrapping cloths, and try your hand at this eco-friendly, fashionable option to package your lunch boxes, bottles and other gifts. Furoshiki will be provided by local Japanese goods store, Bunkado.
Sunday, July 21st at 1:00 – 2:00 PM at Far East Lounge, 353 East 1st Street.
Admission: $5.00/person.
LIVE Art Calligraphy Performance with +LAB Artist in Residence, Kuniharu Yoshida
Trained in traditional Japanese calligraphy and Hip-Hop dance, +LAB Artist-in-Residence Kuniharu Yoshida uses his body and found objects to create giant calligraphy artwork in public spaces. His street intervention contemplates Little Tokyo’s struggle for Self-Determination and Community Control. The special performance will be emceed by fellow +LAB Artist-in-Residence, Dan Kwong. In partnership with JACCC and Sustainable Little Tokyo. Part of the Windows of Little Tokyo: Halfway Reception.
Saturday, July 21st at 1:00 & 2:30 PM at Japanese American National Museum Plaza, 100 N Central Ave
Admission: FREE & open to all!
U-SPACE `Ukulele Discovery Station
Explore a world of music with U-SPACE‘s `Ukulele Discovery Station, a DIY interactive learning and play-along musical experience. `UKE On with easy, familiar tunes and songs in a welcoming environment for `ukulele enthusiasts of all levels and playing experience. *Loaner instruments and sales assistance available on-site in our full-service `ukulele store. Join us for some four-stringed fun!
Saturday, July 21st at 1:00 – 3:00 PM at U-SPACE, 244 S San Pedro St.
Admission: FREE & family-friendly!
Windows of Little Tokyo: Halfway Reception with Sustainable Little Tokyo
Food! Performances! Windows?! A walking tour to see 11 artworks as part of the Windows of Little Tokyo series led by Sustainable Little Tokyo, and experience site-specific performances and readings by local artists along the way! Then have an early dinner at Aloha Cafe. (Light food and refreshments provided at JACCC; optional dinner at Aloha Cafe is not provided but is highly encouraged!)
Saturday, July 21st at 1:00 – 4:00 PM at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC) 244 S San Pedro St.
Admission: FREE & open to all!
Play with Your Food – A DIY Art + Film Workshop with +LAB Artists in Residence, Tina Takemoto & Susu Attar
This playful, hands-on workshop uses fresh foods sourced in Little Tokyo to create experimental drawings and film! Join +LAB Artists in Residence, Los Angeles-based visual artist, Susu Attar, and Bay-area based visual artist, Tina Takemoto, in a unique collaborative art-making workshop where you can learn how to play with your food and discover DIY art-making tools you can find right in your own kitchen!
Saturday, July 21st at 1:30 – 3:30 PM (doors open at 1:00 PM) at Matsumura Gift Shop, 341 E 1st St.
Admission: FREE & family-friendly!
Chop Suey and Sushi from Sea to Shining Sea: Chinese and Japanese Restaurants in the United States Book Launch
Chop Suey and Sushi from Sea to Shining Sea: Chinese and Japanese Restaurants in the United States fills in the gaps in the existing food studies literature by revealing and contextualizing the hidden, local histories of Chinese and Japanese restaurants in the U.S. Join the Little Tokyo Historical Society (LTHS) and the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California for the official book launch party that includes light finger foods and refreshments.
Saturday, July 21st at 1:30 – 3:30 PM at Far Bar, 347 E 1st St.
Admission: $10/person (pay cash at door)
Must RSVP at littletokyohs@gmail.com.
Food & Sake Pairing with Sake Dojo
Hot or cold? Dry or sweet? Learn the history, cultural significance and brewing process of various types of sake, Japanese rice wine, offered at Little Tokyo’s newest Japanese-style restaurant with a modern culinary twist, Sake Dojo! Sample select items from Sake Dojo’s delicious food menu to create a match made in heaven on your tongue.
Saturday, July 21st at 2:00 – 3:00 PM at Sake Dojo, 333 E 1st St.
Admission: $20.00/person. Must be 21 years or older to attend.
Mixology Demo with Wolf & Crane
Join Little Tokyo’s neighborhood watering hole, Wolf & Crane, for a lesson on how to make some of their unique craft drinks. Step into a relaxed environment and learn a few tips and tricks from the friendly faces behind the bar on the history of Japanese whiskey and what makes every sip special.
Saturday, July 1st, 2:30 – 3:30 PM at Wolf & Crane, 366 E 2nd St
Admission: $5.00/person. Must be 21 years or older to attend.
Donut Decorating Workshop with Cafe Dulce
Get ready to get creative and get your hands dirty with sweet and savory goodness at one of Los Angeles’ most delectable donut shops, Cafe Dulce! Decorate your very own custom Dulce Donut to perfection with a variety of some of their favorite toppings.
Saturday, July 21st, 2:30, 3:00, 3:30 & 4:00 PM at Cafe Dulce, 134 Japanese Village Plaza Mall.
Admission: $5.00/person.
LIVE Ramen Demo with My Ramen Bar
Noodles and broth describe the simplified structure of ramen, but so much more goes into preparing a perfect bowl. Learn about this popular Japanese dish’s origins, the different styles offered and how to make this comfort food at home from ramen chef and owner of local favorite, My Ramen Bar, in a live demonstration!
Saturday, July 21st at 3:00 – 4:00 PM at the Japanese Village Plaza Stage, 335 E 2nd St
Admission: FREE & open to all!
Pizza-Making Workshop with Baldoria
Get with the laissez faire lifestyle with a pizza lesson from the experts at Baldoria! Try your hand at making your own tasty pizza under the direction of Baldoria’s own, Chef Duke Gervais. Intimate sized classes include a journey through our pizza dough program and instruction on forming and cooking your own pizza.
Sunday, July 23rd, 4:00 – 5:00 PM at Baldoria, 243 S San Pedro St
Admission: $20.00/person.
Onigiri Workshop with TABLE FOR TWO
Learn to make Rice Ball Characters, a fun and creative take on onigiri — the most popular Japanese snack! Onigiri is a healthy staple in Japanese cuisine and an important part of the culture. It comes in many flavors and is sold by practically every convenience store in Japan. This hands-on, family-friendly food education class is organized by Wa-Shokuiku “Learn. Cook. Eat Japanese!” team of TABLE FOR TWO USA, a non-profit organization that promotes healthy eating and helps hungry children around the world.
Saturday, July 21st, 4:00 – 5:00 PM at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC) Basement – Garden Room B, 244 S San Pedro St
Admission: $15.oo/person.
Japanese Tea Ceremony with Tea Master of Little Tokyo
Experience the beautiful, choreographic ritual of preparing and serving Japanese green tea, called Matcha, in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony led by renowned Tea Master Nishimura of the Edo Senke LA Fuhaku-kai School. Learn the art of making matcha provided by local green tea store, Tea Master of Little Tokyo and enjoy Japanese treats provided by Fugetsu-Do to the sounds of a Tsugaru-shamisen (traditional Japanese stringed musical instrument).
Saturday, July 21st, 5:00 – 6:00 PM at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC) Basement – Garden Room A, 244 S San Pedro St
Admission: $5.00/person.
For parking options visit www.golittletokyo.com/map and select PARKING.
Delicious Little Tokyo is brought to you by Go Little Tokyo, a Little Tokyo Community Council (LTCC) neighborhood marketing campaign developed and produced by Community Arts Resources (CARS) and made possible with support from Metro Los Angeles. Produced in collaboration with the Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC).
Thank you to all of our Community Partners!
BAE Little Tokyo, Baldoria, Bunkado, Cafe Dulce, Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC), Japanese American National Museum (JANM), Kasih, Kuragami Little Tokyo Florist, @LaPetiteBelle_Eats, Little Tokyo Historical Society (LTHS), Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC)’s +LAB & Small Business Assistance Program, My Ramen Bar, Sake Dojo, Sustainable Little Tokyo, TABLE FOR TWO USA, Tea Master of Little Tokyo, U-SPACE, Wolf & Crane
published on May 2, 2018