The Singular Magic of Torrisi: New York City on a Plate
New York is full of places to have an excellent meal, but few tell the complex story of the city and its people the way Torrisi does. In this installment of Story of a Restaurant, Sam Sifton takes you on an immersive video journey through some of the city's most evocative dishes. As he puts it, 'Restaurants tell stories about the places they exist in, the places they aspire to.'
One of the most celebrated restaurants in Manhattan, the Michelin-starred Torrisi is the home kitchen of the chef Rich Torrisi, one of the partners in Major Food Group. It's not easy to get a reservation, but if you do manage to secure a table, the culinary history of the five boroughs unfurls as the meal arrives at your table.
Through dishes like capellini Cantonese and cavatelli with Jamaican beef ragù, Mr. Torrisi traces the influences of the various communities — Chinese, Caribbean, Italian, Jewish and others — that make the city what it is.
'The fact of the matter is what we eat tells us something about who we are,' Mr. Sifton said.
'Anyone who comes to this restaurant will taste the flavors of America as refracted through the eyes of — I'll just say it — the artist who created the dishes.'
This video was made with support from Meta. The version here was designed for the web. The full spatial-video experience is available on the Meta Quest 3 headset. To view it, visit Meta.
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CNBC
3 hours ago
- CNBC
Where a Michelin-starred Japanese chef eats, drinks and shops in Tokyo
Shingo Akikuni is best known as the chef at SHINGO, a one-Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant in Miami. He grew up in Japan and returns yearly as a visitor. The fourth-generation sushi chef told CNBC Travel how he spends his time there. Ginza Sushi Aoki Akikuni's first recommendation is where he was trained as a chef. The restaurant — which was opened over 50 years ago — is led by a chef who "makes himself available for not only locals, but also people that are visiting from abroad," Akikuni said through a translator. Noda For more contemporary flavors, Akikumi recommends visitors try fusion restaurants run by chefs who were trained in different parts of the world. One such restaurant is Noda, which marries Japanese techniques and ingredients with French influence. "In addition to the cooking, he really loves the wine pairing," his translator told CNBC Travel. Restaurant reservations are usually made over the phone in Japan, Akikuni said. To avoid language barriers, he recommends that travelers make reservations through their hotel concierge. Toranomon Yokocho Akikuni also suggests eating at a Yokocho, an alleyway lined with street vendors and bars. Toranomon Yokocho, a newer food center in Japan, is a modern take on the Yokocho concept — although it is set up in a "nice development," he said. Food there goes beyond Japanese cuisine, and visitors can "try a little bit of everything all in one place." Good Music Bar Akikuni recommends the vinyl music bar with an extensive record collection and live acts from Monday to Saturday. The bar has great cocktails, a high-quality sound system and is big enough for groups of friends, he said. Kasumicho Arashi The hidden bar is known for its fruit-based cocktails, Akikuni said. It's tucked in the basement of a house in the residential area of Nishiazabu. The speakeasy incorporates "great farm fresh items" in its menu, he said. The SG Club This one is owned by Shingo Gokan, whom Akikuni called "one of the most famous bartenders of this generation." Gokan, who won the 2021 Industry Icon Award from the World's 50 Best organization, also owns a speakeasy, Sip & Guzzle, in New York City. The bar, which "has been popular for a long time," has three unique floors with different menus and a cigar room, Akikuni said. Tokyo offers many spots for sightseeing, and Akikuni's favorites are the Meiji Jingu Shrine and the Toyosu Fish Market. Meiji Jingu Shrine The shrine — arguably Tokyo's most famous — is a must-see, he said. The shrine was built in 1920 in the busy neighborhood of Shibuya. "It's a great break from the hustle and bustle of the city," he said. It's free to enter and lies within a man-made forest. It opens around sunrise and closes around sunset. Toyosu Market Akikuni said he visits the Toyosu Fish Market every time he's in Tokyo. At the market — the largest in Japan, at around 4 million square feet — he sees the vendors and suppliers who stock his Miami restaurant, he said. The early morning tuna auction is a popular attraction there. Visitors can ballot for the chance to view the auction up close, according to Japan National Tourism Organization's website. In January, a 608-pound bluefin tuna was sold for around $1.3 million dollars – the second-highest price paid since the auction began in 1999. Visitors who do not win the lottery can still watch buyers bid for their choice from farther away, and also buy some fresh fish for breakfast after. Toyosu Fish Market is known as the "best in the world," but fewer people know about the Toyosu Fruit and Vegetable Market, Akikuni said. "Japanese people generally are very dedicated to whatever craft that they have," he said. "So if they're a strawberry farmer, they're trying to grow the very best strawberries." Omotesando and Harajuku While the neighborhood of Ginza is home to many international brands, Akikuni recommends shopping on Omotesando or in the neighborhood of Harajuku instead. Both have stores that visitors will "only find in Tokyo," he said. Omotesando, referred to as the Champs Élysées of Tokyo, is an avenue with iconic Japanese fashion houses like Comme des Garçons and Issey Miyake. It's also home to Omotesando Hills, a shopping complex with more than 130 shops. Harajuku, however, is known for its subculture and quirky fashion. Both areas are walkable and easy to explore, said Akikuni, with vintage shops where visitors can pick up luxury and trendy pieces. The Imperial Hotel and Aoyama Grand Tokyo Akikuni prefers two hotels in Tokyo, both of which offer different experiences. The Imperial Hotel is close to the Royal Palace. It opened in 1890 to welcome foreign visitors, according to the hotel's website. The traditional concept of Japanese hospitality — or "omotenashi" — is what draws him to the hotel, Akinkuni said. It's like looking "into the past of how the standard of hospitality was created" in the country, he said. The contemporary Aoyama Grand Tokyo is a good option for shopping in Harajuku or Omotesando. It's close to both neighborhoods and the food is excellent, he said.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Global Times: Chinese online novels inspire waves of readers, creators around the world, bridging various cultures
BEIJING, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In recent years, a new wave of Chinese cultural products, represented by games, short dramas, and online literature, has captivated millions overseas. Data underscores this rise. In 2024, Chinese independently developed games generated $18.57 billion in overseas sales. Chinese micro-short drama companies have launched over 300 apps overseas, amassing more than 470 million downloads across over 200 countries and regions, while a top Chinese platform for online literature exports attracted nearly 300 million users from abroad. More importantly, this global spread of culture has evolved from "one-way exports" to "co-creation." In this "Cultural Voyages" series, the Global Times will talk to cultural consumers, creators, and practitioners from both China and abroad to see how Chinese cultural products are changing people's lives. In the quiet corners of Scotland, a 19-year-old college student named Antechao (pseudonym) stumbled upon Chinese web novels - a discovery that opened a new world of literature and culture. It was five years ago when Antechao first encountered Chinese web novels through a Reddit thread. "My first Chinese web novel that I remember the most about would be Emperor's Domination," Antechao recalled. "My impression of it was 'Wow!'" he told the Global Times. "It was an entirely different reading experience that I had never had before and it was a bit overwhelming at first, but I did get engrossed the more I read." His journey reflects a global wave, where millions of readers in more than 200 countries and regions are embracing China's online literature amid a phenomenon that is transcending borders and redefining storytelling. Literary powerhouse China's online novels have evolved from a niche pastime into a cultural and economic powerhouse. By the end of 2024, the scale of China's online literature reading market had reached 43.06 billion yuan ($5.99 billion), up 6.8 percent year on year, according to a research report released by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). The year 2024 also witnessed the release of a number of online literary works featuring realistic themes and fine traditional Chinese culture, which are dynamic vehicles for promoting mainstream values and spurring cultural innovation, the Report on the Development of Chinese Online Literature said. In 2024, market revenue generated by online literature adaptations reached 298.56 billion yuan, forming a synergy with short-format dramas, games, and other forms of content on various user platforms, the report revealed. Ding Guoqi, director of the Literary Institute at the CASS attributes this success to a "content + industry" model. "IP adaptations have become the core path to cross-industry monetization," he noted. With over 30 million authors crafting 41.651 million works for 575 million users - more than half of China's netizens - the industry embodies a "nationwide participation" creative landscape. This economic might is matched by a cultural resonance, as readers like Antechao discover a treasure trove of Chinese traditions within these novels. For readers like Antechao, however, the diversity is a draw. "There's a lot to draw on and many different interesting things from Chinese culture that can make a very compelling and interesting novel," he noted, highlighting the appeal of cultivation narratives and unique power systems. Bridging civilizations The global reach of Chinese online literature is undeniable, with 808,440 exported works and 352 million users across more than 200 countries and regions in 2024. A milestone in this expansion was the British Library's inclusion of these novels, which were displayed alongside classics like the Diamond Sutra. In November 2024, it added 10 online novels by Chinese authors, including Lord of the Mysteries, Soul Land and The Joy of Life. This library first added a Chinese online literature work to its collection in 2022. Ding sees this as embodying "mutual learning between civilizations," where storytelling disseminates Chinese culture while absorbing global influences. "Through 'cultural translation,' online literature promotes mutual understanding across civilizations," he said, citing elements like traditional architecture and intangible cultural heritage that captivate overseas readers. For Antechao, this cultural exchange has been personal. "I've seen elements like Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism," he said. "Taoism comes up very often in my reading as it's realistically the end goal of everything - to follow your own path." He also finds traditional Chinese medicine fascinating for its "broad and cool applications," deepening his appreciation of Chinese culture. Yet, Ding cautions that full mainstream recognition remains elusive, driven more by popularity than traditional elite systems. "Much more work needs to be done. For the industry, establishing a dynamic evaluation system for the overseas expansion of Chinese online literature can help us timely understand the effectiveness and existing problems of such an expansion, so as to adjust strategies and promote its better development," adds Ding. To resonate globally, Chinese online literature must balance its distinct "Chinese feature" with universal appeal. Ding advocates for integrating traditional elements - represented by the guochao (Chinese-style trend) with modern expression and AI translation. This cultural exchange isn't just for readers. It's inspiring creators worldwide, like Russian author Barisbi Alborov, known by his pen name Guiltythree, whose novel Shadow Slave has amassed over 50 million views. Inspired by Chinese works like Super Gene, Alborov blends Eastern fantasy with his own cultural perspective. This influence has shaped his own work. "I wanted Shadow Slave to be a lot more like Super Gene," he admitted. "But my own imagination and cultural background took control and led the story in a unique direction." Alborov's pen name, a playful choice after finding the names "Guiltyone" and "Guiltytwo" taken, reflects his lighthearted approach, though his work is serious business. Transitioning from game writing to web novels, he found freedom on the WebNovel platform. "I believed that I could write a good story, and I liked the idea that its success or failure would be solely my responsibility," he said. In his eyes, the language of stories is universal, and people in any part of the world can enjoy a good story equally. It is a unifying force. At the same time, the cultural heritage and personal imagination of authors enrich their stories with unique and distinct flavors, which makes reading such works a varied and pleasurable experience. In his case, China's online literature changed him, firstly as a reader, and then as a writer. "I spent a blissful year reading wonderful web novels, from Release That Witch, The Legendary Mechanic to Supreme Magus and so on," the Russian gamer and narrative designer recalled. "These stories reignited my love for reading," he noted. After a while, he decided to "try writing a web novel of my own." His dystopian tale, infused with Eastern influences, shows how Chinese literature has inspired global creators. "I've been to China twice, and both trips were wonderful and unforgettable experiences for me as I could enjoy China's rich history and amazing culture just like how I was inspired by novels," he said. Voices of a global community The industry now boasts 449,000 overseas authors, many of them Gen Z creators like Alborov, who enrich its narrative tapestry. "Overseas Gen Z creators bring new creative perspectives," Ding observed, noting their ability to blend local myths with Chinese elements. Alborov's routine - two chapters daily, fueled by reader interaction - illustrates this engagement. "I feel a responsibility both to my readers and to my story," he said, noting that he has connected with a cosmopolitan audience, from researchers to families. "I even talked to a person who was reading Shadow Slave in Antarctica once, which was pretty amazing." Antechao, too, reflects this global readership. "It's made me more open-minded regarding different cultures and my outlook on things," he said, noting that he is considering learning Chinese. His advice to new readers - "be open-minded and not have any bias" - mirrors the cultural learning curve these novels demand. When reading these novels, he encountered different philosophies, which found very interesting as they presented other views. "I can consider and use these to further develop my own thoughts, ideas and values. It helps me learn and consider things I might not have before." The story of Japanese screenwriter and director Hikaru Takeuchi is a little different from other readers-turned-writers. Takeuchi is an avid fan of the Chinese web novel Apocalyptic Forecast, a fantasy fiction about a disillusioned young man who gains mysterious powers and is drawn into a hidden world of supernatural conflict and secret societies. Although she studied classical Chinese literature in school, she had little exposure to online works. That changed when her work introduced her to Apocalyptic Forecast, which, in her words, "opened up a whole new world," according to a Xinhua News Agency report. She was especially struck by the multidimensional characters and the emotional complexity of the protagonist, whose joy and struggles resonated with her. When the novel ended, Takeuchi felt compelled to write a letter to its author, Feng Yue. This cross-border fan mail became a symbolic bridge between cultures. Now Takeuchi is not just a fan, but also a translator and grassroots promoter of Chinese web literature. Over the past three years, the 50-something creative has translated more than 200 chapters of Apocalyptic Forecast into Japanese and shared them with friends. As Chinese online literature expands abroad, a growing number of overseas readers are becoming not just consumers, but translators, creators, and even co-developers of new intellectual properties. Challenges and innovations Rapid growth brings challenges. The 20-fold increase in AI-translated works on Chinese online literature platforms in 2024 has sparked concerns about "diminishing literary style." "We should leverage technologies such as AI translation to make works more accessible to overseas readers, thus spreading Chinese stories and Chinese culture worldwide," said Ding, who also recommends optimizing human-machine collaboration, with translators refining AI output, and establishing industry standards to maintain quality. Alborov, meanwhile, thrives on immediacy, publishing fresh chapters daily despite the difficulty involved. "I can't create a stockpile to save my life," he said, noting that he relies on readers' support to sustain his pace. Consistency is definitely difficult to maintain. Writing daily requires a lot of discipline and willpower, while maintaining sufficient quality demands talent and dedication. "What helps me the most is the thought that I am writing for actual people, who expect to read new chapters of Shadow Slave each day," he added. Ding also envisions a "dynamic evaluation system" to assess the impact of web novels overseas and tailor stories for Gen Z. "We should create more contemporary and youthful works closely aligned with Gen Z lifestyles," he urged, noting that it will be important to leverage platforms like social media for promotion. Collaborations signal a bright future. The report shows there was a 180 percent rise in online literature readers in Japan in 2024 alone, ranking the country among the top five growth markets alongside Spain, Brazil, France, and Germany. "Japan's growth may stem from a foundation of accepting Chinese culture," Ding noted, adding that he sees potential in localized development. The online novel platform WebNovel also unveiled its plan to work with Japanese bookstores to provide localized content for Japanese readers. Inspired by his Chinese online literature experiences, Alborov said he hopes to visit China again, while Antechao ponders learning Chinese, hinting at deepening ties. In this global tapestry, China's online novels weave together diverse voices. Ding, Alborov, and Antechao illuminate a phenomenon that transcends storytelling, fostering cultural exchange and understanding. As Ding put it, "Online literature has played a vital role in spreading Chinese culture and enhancing national cultural soft power." For readers and writers alike, it's a journey of discovery - one chapter at a time. View original content: SOURCE Global Times
Business Journals
7 hours ago
- Business Journals
Business of Pride 2025
I remember a time, late in the last decade, when tech companies saw the San Francisco Pride march as one more field of competition. Who could field the largest contingent? The loudest T-shirts? The biggest and most outrageous floats? And, crucially, the most eye-roll-inducing queer-dad-joke names for their employee resource groups? Those seem like such innocent times in retrospect. Companies haven't just pulled their floats and their funding for Pride, they've retreated on decades of progress in policies that recognize hateful speech for what it is. If we were to award a prize for Corporate Shame, it might go to Meta, which shamelessly included the anti-LGBTQ dog-whistle term "transgenderism" in its revised, anything-goes policy that allows users of its social-media apps to claim — falsely and against medical science — that homosexuality is a mental illness. For me, this change is a reminder that Pride is not only a celebration, it is also a protest. There is more to protest against now, as revisionist policies sweep away hard-won recognition and protections for some of the most vulnerable parts of the LGBTQ community. As a member of that community but also a journalist, I have to look at the world as it is, not as I might wish it to be. Our 11th annual Business of Pride issue reflects some of those hard realities: the heart of gay San Francisco wrestling with its identity as a neighborhood and the nonprofit behind the Pride march and celebration hustling to make the numbers work. But we also found much to celebrate. Lyft, our Corporate Pride winner, stands out for standing fast to its principles. Niko Storment has built a career as an event producer by embracing queer joy. Thomas Forbes bought a candy shop in North Beach and plans to, in his words, "gay it up." And the life story of Andy Cramer, our Legacy Leader honoree, highlights how so many LGBTQ people have found the freedom to be themselves, to make a living and to find a calling in the Bay Area. I'd like to thank Simon Campbell, special projects editor; photographer Adam Pardee; Ari Mahrer, data reporter; and staff reporter Alex Barreira for their hard work on this special issue. Their effort fills me with even more pride. It is my honor as a gay man to bring you our annual Business of Pride issue. Whatever Pride means to you, I hope you find it in this season. And I hope you find reasons to celebrate, even in the midst of struggle. It's how our community has always gotten through tough times. — Owen Thomas, Managing Editor
