WHAT: The Common Grains program will kick off with an onigiri creation contest at the Japanese American National Museum’s annual Oshogatsu festival. Onigiri is a Japanese rice ball dish covered in nori and filled with a traditional savory ingredient. The contest is part of the museum’s New Year celebration of the Year of the Dragon featuring arts and crafts, food, and cultural activities.
· WHERE: Japanese American National Museum located at 369 E. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
· WHEN: Sunday, January 8, 2012 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
· COST: No cost to attend and the event is open to the public
· ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Visit the Japanese American National Museum’s website www.janm.org/events/2012/01/#08>
Common Grains Soba Pop-Up Restaurant and Sake Bar at BREADBAR Century City
· WHAT: Artisan soba makers Sonoko Sakai and Mutsuko Soma will host a pop-up soba restaurant and sake bar featuring freshly stoned and milled handcrafted soba prepared with a choice of traditional or modern ingredients and garnishes and specialty grilled onigiri.
· WHERE: BREADBAR Century City located at 10520 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90067
· WHEN: Tuesday, January 10 – Thursday, January 19, 2012 from 5-10 p.m.
· COST: Menu items range from $11-16
· RESERVATIONS: Seating is limited. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling BREADBAR Century City www.breadbar.net/dining/century-city> at 310.227.7770
Common Grains Artisan Soba Demonstration and Tasting at Mitsuwa Marketplace
· WHAT: Common Grains will host a soba demonstration and tasting in the Japanese marketplace. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase fresh soba and homemade dipping sauces that can be prepared at home.
· WHERE: Mitsuwa Marketplace located at 21515 S. Western Ave., Torrance, CA 90501
· WHEN: Thursday, January 26, 2012 – Sunday, January 29, 2012, demonstrations at 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.
· COST: No cost to attend the soba demonstration, $18 for fresh soba for two with homemade dipping sauces
Common Grains Soba and Rice Workshops at Tortoise General Store
· WHAT: Soba and rice workshops will showcase different preparations of rice and soba for guests to learn how to cook healthy, simple Japanese meals at home.
· WHERE: Tortoise General Store located at 1208 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA 90291
· WHEN: Saturday, January 21, 2012 and Sunday, January 22, 2012 and Saturday, February 18, 2012 and Sunday, February 19, 2012 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
· COST: $65 per person to attend the two-hour workshops
· RESERVATIONS: RSVP to Tortoise General Store www.tortoisegeneralstore.com/online_store/index.php/new-featured.html> at 310.314.8448
