Umami Mart’s Shochu Gumi Club

Exploring the world of this distilled spirit, with origins tracing back to the 16th century in Japan

Once a food and drink blog that transformed into an online shop and brick-and-mortar bar, Oakland-based Umami Mart—founded by Kayoko Akabori and Yoko Kumano—centers on functional design, kitchen accessories, barware, food and beverages. Umami Mart’s ever-growing selection of shochu, and Akabori and Kumano’s interest in learning more, inspired them to write about the distilled spirit (most commonly made from barley, rice or sweet potato) and to …

Brooklyn’s Faccia Brutto Makes Delicious Old World Italian Spirits

The distillery focuses on organic ingredients and classic aesthetics to deliver a quality product

Italian spirits have undergone a renaissance in the US. Though many Italian distillers have sought a Denominazione di origine controllata (D.O.C.) for numerous amaro styles, which would restrict the official category to Italy (like Champagne in France), many spirits producers across the US try their hand at making bitter botanical spirits. There are several distilleries in Brooklyn alone making high-quality fernet, aperitivi, and amari. Faccia …

Commending the Conceptual Design of Chef Cedric Vongerichten’s Wayan

The ethos of the restaurant's cocktails and cuisine weave into a Rockwell Group-designed space that we can't wait to revisit

In early February, chef Cedric Vongerichten’s NYC hotspot Wayan hosted an extravaganza for its first anniversary—a milestone that oftentimes ushers in one of the most challenging times for restaurant, after the allure of “brand newness” fizzles out and strength of reputation and seasonal menu changes act as traffic drivers. Wayan easily weathered the transition as many sought out its delectable Indonesian cuisine, prepared with French flair, …