Latest news with #Japanophile
Time Out
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
From sweet matcha treats to saké: a new Japanese dining wonderland opens in Melbourne's CBD
Japanophile foodies, this one's for you. What would you do if we said you could now get premium Wagyu, artisanal matcha, picture-perfect baked treats and quality saké in Melbourne's CBD – all under the one roof? If the answer is call a friend and jump on the tram for a lunch date asap, then you'll want to keep reading. Cult fave eatery Omi has just opened its flagship destination, Omi 380, a multi-sensory space offering five distinct Japanese dining specialties: Wagyu, bēkarī (bakery), matcha, gelato and saké. Over at Omi 380's Wagyu station, tuck into a mouth-watering meal of your choice – from signature donburi and premium A5 Wagyu cuts to izakaya-style plates and steaming hotpots. This is where your journey begins, but it doesn't stop there. For dessert, you're spoilt for choice at the bakery; think tasty sweet morsels like the mini pan pan, just-baked shokupan and canelés made fresh daily. If a frozen indulgence is more your jam, don't skip a visit to the gelato station, where East-meets-West scoops celebrate inventive and matcha-inspired flavours. Note: there are three levels of intensity to dial up the matcha magic. Since we're on the topic of matcha, trust that true enthusiasts can enjoy the ingredient in drinkable form with traditional matcha lattes and 'grammable new creations like the Matcha Daydream, plus house-made speciality coffees like the Misty Forest. While Omi's much-anticipated saké experience is still yet to be unveiled, we're promised it won't be long before fans of the Japanese liquor are treated to an enticing array of tasting sets, infused cocktails and more.
Axios
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Comedy icons, local cinema and other weekend events
🤣 Laugh along with comedy icons Jerry Seinfeld and Jim Gaffigan at Nationwide Arena. 7:30pm Friday. $55+. 🎵 Hear the mesmerizing "Boléro" and other classical favorites performed by the Columbus Symphony. 7:30pm Friday and Saturday, Ohio Theatre. $38+. 😻 Embrace your inner Japanophile during Anime Night, with cosplay contests and a tribute band. 8pm Friday, Skully's, 1151 N. High St. $25. 🎥 Celebrate local cinema at Picture Lock 2025, featuring films created at or with the help of the Wexner Center for the Arts. Showtimes through Saturday, 1871 N. High St. $5-10 per screening. 🐦🧠 Flaunt your knowledge at a "Birds & Brews" trivia fundraiser benefitting the Grange Insurance Audubon Center.
Axios
17-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
The best cherry blossom pop-ups around D.C. this spring
Cherry blossom pop-ups are sprouting faster than the blooms at florally festooned bars and restaurants around the city. Why it matters: Cherry blossom season is like D.C.'s Super Bowl, and local spots are going all out with spring decor and enticing menus. 🌸 What's new: Hiya Izakaya (East End): The izakaya at Japanophile destination Love, Makoto launches a cherry blossom pop-up with pink blooms and specialty cocktails, plus a regular happy hour and sushi boats. Guests can order hanami picnic baskets ($55) for dine-in or takeout at the adjoining Love on the Run food hall. Open March 20-April 13 Blossom omakase bar (West End): If you're more foodie than floral, check out chef Masaaki "Uchi" Uchino's pop-up at The Watergate. The Kyomi sushi master leads a 10-seat omakase through 15 courses with seasonal spring fish. Open Mondays only starting March 17-April 14 ($130 required reservations) Bloomroom at Hi-Lawn (Union Market): The 50-foot spherical dome atop Union Market turns from Alpine motifs to florals for spring. A 90-minute immersive dining and drinking experience includes a visual tour through flowering environments with refreshments like fruity spritzes and spring plates to match. Open April 4-May 18 ($35 entry tickets available now) Sakura Soirée (Logan Circle): The new Barrel House Cafe & Bar goes all out for its cherry blossom pop-up including floral décor, Japanese-inspired cocktails, a new patio ringed with freshly planted cherry blossom trees, and eats by Little Miner Taco. Open March 20. Meanwhile, some of D.C.'s most popular cherry blossom pop-ups are back with fresh floral themes. All are free admission unless noted. (Many take reservations, and it's a good idea to book in advance.) 💮 Ciel Social Club (Mount Vernon Triangle): The scenic rooftop lounge is filled with locally designed blossom installations and twisty faux branches indoors and out, plus Japanese-inspired cocktails like lychee martinis. Open: Now 🌸 Mercy Me (West End): A "secret" blossom garden is tucked away in the rear restaurant patio with pink blooms, bamboo accents and a seasonal sakura menu that blends the Nikkei flavors of Peru and Japan. Open: Now 🍹 Residents Café and Bar (Dupont Circle): Sip a floral spritz on this café's blossoming patio, where there's a new spring brunch and dinner menu. Open: Now 🍷 Lulu's Winegarden (U Street): The Southwest-inspired wine bar debuts a "Flora Garden" theme on two outdoor patios and indoors with specialty floral cocktails, bubbles and rosé, and pink treats like rosy cakes and seasonal toasts. Open: March 18-May 4 🐈 Calico (Shaw): The urban backyard bar covers its large greenhouse in blossoms — good for groups who fancy floral spritzes or cherry ciders. Open: March 20-April 13 🦁 Silver Lyan (Downtown): One of D.C.'s best cocktail bars celebrates the blossoms with a Japanese-inspired hanami pop-up — now in its intimate "Dishonesty Bar." Groups of two or four can book the experience that includes a welcome sake, two cocktails of choice from the specialty menu, and bar snacks ($75, including tax and gratuity). Open: March 21-29, reservations required.
