Atypical Japanese Beers

The hottest summer time has passed and it is getting cooler. We survived the summer 2012!! Before the short fall will end, why don't you try some Japanese beers? Japanese beers... Asashi? Kirin? or Sapporo?? Those are well known Japanese brands, but there are a lot more interesting and exotic beer selections here in the store.

1. Asahi Select 

This copper color lager has a subtle malts aroma. The malts character is more pronounced on the palate with some residual sugar providing some weight to the beer. 

2. Asahi Kuronama

It has been Japan's favorite dark beer with its rich aroma and subtle sweetness. It is made from three types of dark roasted malts that each gives a different characteristic flavor according to how it is roasted and tasted. 

3. Orion Beer

It is made in Okinawa and directly imported from Japan. Okinawa is located at very south of Japan, and has warm weather throughout the year. It is the best selling beer in Okinawa, and it has crisp and refreshing tastes with light and long-lasting head. 

4. Coedo

It is made in Kawagoe city, Saitama and directly imported from Japan. Saitama is located at central part of Japan.




--Kyara: Rich golden brown with tinges of red. These are the hues of Koedo Kyara. The name "Kyara" is derived from the incredibly flagrant aloeswood tree. The rich, full-bodied flavor of malt is enhanced by the use of highly aromatic hops. 

-- Beniaka: Beniaka is a roasted kawagoe sweet potato. It is fermented for an extended period of time. This premium lager features an aromatic sweetness in its amber tone.

--Ruri: With the stark contrast of the clear golden hues and fluffy pure white head, this premium pilsner boasts a crisp refreshing taste. The name "Ruri" is Japanese for the gemstone Lapis, representing the pure clarity this beer abounds in. 

5. Koshihikari Echigo

It is made in Niigata and directly imported from Japan. Niigata is located at north-central Japan. It is brewed using famed Koshihikari rice from Niigata prefecture. It is clean and simple yet packed with a delicious rice flavor. 

6. Echigo Stout

It is made in Niigata and directly imported from Japan. This dark coffee-like brew is an American stout. Made to the 100% molt Irish stout standard. It is brewed twice as long as other beers giving it a mellow rounded flavor and a creamy head. 

7. Suntory Premium Malts

The premium malts features a delicate floral aroma and a rich quality taste. It is made from carefully selected pure ingredients using original brewing methods.  







If you tell the store casher that you read this blog, you will get 5% off on these beers! *one time only per person

Do you wanna make Sushi at home?

Do you wanna make Sushi at home?

Have you had Sushi?-- maybe "Yes!", but... Have you made Sushi on your own?

This tells you what to need to make Sushi at your home. Nigiri (sliced fish on the top of the rice) is very difficult to make, so why don't you try making some rolls first?

First ingredient is "rice." Sometime people ask, "Which one is sushi rice?" This answer is "there is no sushi rice." You can use whichever you want. If you often cook rice, and eat it as just steamed rice, and you want to use it for sushi as well, it is recommended using short grain rice. But, for your information, most of Japanese restaurants in Arizona use medium grain rice.

Second ingredient is "vinegar." It is used to season the rice. You can find Rice Vinegar and Sushi Vinegar at the store. To make sushi, you should get sushi vinegar because it is already seasoned. If you pick rice vinegar in case that you want to use it for making dressing or so, you should add sugar and a bit of salt. 

Third one is "seaweed." There are some different types of seaweed at the store, so make sure that you pick plain "nori," NOT "wakame" or "konbu."

An equipment you need is a bamboo mat, called "makisu." This is to wrap up the sheet of seaweed, rice and other ingredients.

Those four above are basically what you need. You may get sesame seeds to sprinkle on the rice, and wasabi to make it spiced up.   

What you want to put inside is totally up to you. There are examples to make some rolls.

1) sashimi grade frozen tuna for tuna roll

2) imitation crab, avocado, cucumber, mayonnaise and masago (additional) for california roll

3) tuna, mayonnaise and Sriracha sauce for spicy tuna roll. 

Don't forget to get soy sause! You need it when eating your own sushi even though it ends up with either clumsy shape or excellent artwork. You can find regular, less sodium and gluten-free soy sauces. 

So, now you are ready for making your own Sushi!
Here are some useful links that teaches you how to make Sushi Rolls.
http://makemysushi.com/index.php/How-to-make-sushi/maki-roll.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_4746015_make-own-sushi-rolls-home.html

For more information, ask store clerks.