Latest news with #Naruto
Eater
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Eater
Explore This New Bucktown Tasting Menu Restaurant With a Secret Bar
is the James Beard Award-winning regional editor for Eater's Midwest region, and in charge of coverage in Chicago, Detroit, and the Twin Cities. He's a native Chicagoan and has been with Eater since 2014. Class Act, a new tasting menu restaurant in Bucktown, attempts to remove many obstacles that prevent diners from enjoying fine dining by presenting meals in a friendly, residential-like atmosphere around a 16-seat communal table, hoping diners will mingle with other parties. There's a bar component to the space, called Nightcap, a tiny speakeasy-style spot that's open to the general public without requiring reservations. Folks can enter through a side alley. Restaurant guests will eventually be whisked to the space at the end of their meals. This is the welcome room that greets guests. Chef Nicolai Mlodinow 'Bouquet' is make with zucchini flower, parmesan mousse, flowers, and honey. Chef Nicolai Mlodinow hatched his dream in college, cooking in dorms, and brought his apartment pop-up to Chicago. The restaurant's kitchen, with its marble counter facing the entrance, looks like an apartment kitchen from afar, albeit armed with sufficient gadgetry that Mlodinow hopes will allow Class Act to compete with Chicago's top-tier restaurants, mentioning restaurants like Alinea, Oriole, and Smyth. He describes the approach as modernist cuisine that taps into international influences. Mlodinow, an avid basketball player who grew up in California, is confident and wears sneakers showing off who his favorite player was growing up — a certain LA Laker who sported 'a Mamba mentality.' Mlodinow shares a story about wearing ankle weights while cooking to develop endurance strength, comparing himself to Rock Lee, a manga character from the Naruto series. The chef hopes this attitude carries through a 13-course meal over three hours that touches upon nostalgia. The opening menu is called 'Growing Up.' The communal dining seats 16. The kitchen is meant to look residential. 'The sense of connection and belonging is everything to me,' Mlodinow says. 'Bringing people together to break bread... One of the courses, they literally tear bread together. That is why I cook.' A tartlet with butter-poached shrimp and flavored with Cajun seasoning and garam masala is emblematic of what Mlodinow wants to achieve, he says. It reminds him of a blackened salmon dish his father cooked for him growing up: 'When I look at it, when I taste it, I get all those flavors,' he says. He's quick to say he isn't swapping in fancy ingredients to tried-and-true dishes just for the sake of it. For example, the thought of recklessly substituting uncured brisket in a specific dish instead of pastrami revolts him. 'Blackened Seafood' and 'Scrimps.' 'Ice Cream Truck' is made with saffron olive oil ice cream and crystalized chocolate. There's a Nordic bent in Class Act's menu, but Mlodinow calls it subtle — the use of flowers, for example. Flowers are something the chef gravitates toward: 'They're very intentional, it's not just with how pretty it is,' Mlodinow says. 'These things actually have flavor.' Guests will enter and convene in a welcome room where they can enjoy a drink and decide on a beverage pairing; perhaps some peer pressure or old-fashioned conversation can help customers decide between nonalcoholic, standard, reserve, or cocktails. Dinner costs $230 per person, which ranks as one of the pricier tasting menus in town. The top tier includes Oriole ($325), Smyth ($420), and Alinea ($325 to $395) for standard reservations. In comparison, Feld, which opened in 2024, debuted at $195. The back bar, called Nightcap, is open to the general public. The cocktails aren't mundane. The chef's business partner, Shreena Amin, met Mlodinow while she was a guest at one of his dinners. She lives in Schaumburg and grew up traveling the world and eating at fine dining restaurants. The two took a research and development trip to Copenhagen, where they visited Michelin-starred institutions like Noma, the Alchemist, Jordnær, and Geranium in one week. For Amin, opening Class Act can give Chicagoans a taste of other cultures without a passport. 'We want to be carving out our own space that is about connection and fun and whimsy and joy and the food always has to be incredible — it takes you somewhere and tells a story,' she says. 'But what you're going to take away and remember is who you sat next to, how you laugh together, that's what makes you want to come back.' Class Act and Nightcap, 1737 N. Damen Avenue, reservations via OpenTable.
Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Burger King menu brings unexpected international collaboration to US
American fast-food chains often seem to save the most exciting limited-time menu items for their international markets - often launching exotic desserts, crazy burgers, and unexpected partnerships in other countries. While factors out of their control may lead them to make these choices, it's hard not to wonder if U.S. consumers are being left out of all the fun releases on purpose. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Fast-food giants like McDonald's (MCD) , Burger King, and Starbucks (SBUX) frequently find themselves at the center of these speculations, which can lead to backlash from their own customers. Related: McDonald's puts popular Pokemon promotion back on the menu When Starbucks Japan gets a cool new seasonal Frappuccino, McDonald's Singapore unveils a new Crispy Mac 'N Cheesy Wrap, and Burger King releases an exciting collaboration anywhere but in the U.S., jealousy can get the best of anyone, prompting some of us to make one or two nasty comments on social media. Restaurant Brands International's (QSR) Burger King partnered with Naruto, the iconic manga series, to debut a limited-time menu collaboration in Brazil last December. This launch featured a King Jr. Meal with Naruto-themed toys, food, and packaging. It also consisted of four new items on the regular menu, including a shake, fries with toppings, a crispy chicken burger, and a new Whopper. The collaboration was so successful in the Brazilian market that Burger King released it in France only a month later. More Food News: This popular fast-food burger chain just turned into a hot dog standPopular chicken chain is begging customers to give it another chanceChick-fil-A offers free food to game-playing fans This second launch also featured a King Jr. Meal with Naruto-themed toys, food, and packaging. Additionally, Burger King x Naruto merchandise was released to make it unique for the French market. The partnership gained traction worldwide, especially across the U.S., with fans asking for the Naruto collaboration to be brought nationally. However, months flew by without updates, leaving American fans with little hope of its U.S. debut - until now. Burger King has unveiled that it will finally bring its Naruto collaboration to the U.S. on July 21, but it's being more cautious. This new national launch will be a King Jr. Meal with unique toys featuring the show's most iconic characters, including Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, Kakashi Hatake, Hinata Hyuga, Neji Hyuga, Rock Lee, and Gaara. However, this latest release is entirely different from its international launches because, as exciting as this is, no Naruto-themed food or beverage will be included. Related: Burger King menu goes big with new Whopper-style double burger Malaysia will simultaneously get its own Naruto King Jr. Meal, but Naruto-themed food and drinks will be included for this launch, as will new immersive fan experiences at select locations. Burger King has not revealed why the U.S. won't get Naruto-themed food or beverages, but there seems to be a pattern tied to this decision. Although Naruto has a global following, its biggest fan base is in Asia, which is fitting given its Japanese origins. The series is also very popular in Brazil and France and ranks as the top kids' show. The manga series has a solid U.S. following, as it has been translated into English to meet fans' demand. Still, its American fandom is much smaller than its Asian, European, and South American counterparts. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
The Mainichi
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
'Demon Slayer' Japanese manga series tops 200 million copies sold worldwide
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Popular Japanese manga "Demon Slayer" has sold over 200 million copies across all 23 volumes worldwide, its publisher said Thursday, a feat achieved by only a handful of titles under its wing. The number of copies in global circulation of the hit series by Koyoharu Gotoge has hit 220 million, including digital editions, according to Shueisha Inc. The series, which was serialized in the Weekly Shonen Jump from 2016 to 2020, tells the story of Tanjiro Kamado, an adolescent boy who battles human-eating demons while searching for a cure for his sister, who has turned into a demon. An animated film based on the series, released in 2020, became the first movie in Japan to top 40 billion yen ($269 million) in box-office revenue. The latest animated film "Demon Slayer -- Kimetsu No Yaiba -- The Movie: Infinity Castle" will open in cinemas across Japan on Friday. Other Weekly Shonen Jump series that have surpassed 200 million copies in circulation include "Dragon Ball," "Naruto" and "One Piece."
Kyodo News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Kyodo News
"Demon Slayer" manga series tops 200 million copies sold worldwide
TOKYO - Popular Japanese manga "Demon Slayer" has sold over 200 million copies across all 23 volumes worldwide, its publisher said Thursday, a feat achieved by only a handful of titles under its wing. The number of copies in global circulation of the hit series by Koyoharu Gotoge has hit 220 million, including digital editions, according to Shueisha Inc. The series, which was serialized in the Weekly Shonen Jump from 2016 to 2020, tells the story of Tanjiro Kamado, an adolescent boy who battles human-eating demons while searching for a cure for his sister, who has turned into a demon. An animated film based on the series, released in 2020, became the first movie in Japan to top 40 billion yen ($269 million) in box-office revenue. The latest animated film "Demon Slayer -- Kimetsu No Yaiba -- The Movie: Infinity Castle" will open in cinemas across Japan on Friday. Other Weekly Shonen Jump series that have surpassed 200 million copies in circulation include "Dragon Ball," "Naruto" and "One Piece."
Bangkok Post
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Bangkok Post
The ninja way
Written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto, the Japanese manga Naruto has been popular since it was first published in Weekly Shonen Jump in September 1999. The manga follows the story of orphan boy Naruto Uzumaki who overcomes deadly battles with rivals and confronts his past to become Hokage (chief) of Konoha no Sato (Hidden Leaf Village). The manga kicks off with an attack on Hidden Leaf Village by Kurama, a deadly powerful nine-tailed fox. To protect the village, Naruto's parents Kushina Uzumaki and Minato Namikaze sacrifice themselves and decide to seal Kurama inside Naruto (their newborn baby) and he becomes the host of Kurama. Since Naruto is the host of the beast, villagers despise and fear him. Naruto grows up alone with no parents and friends. To gain attention from others, he becomes a troublemaker. However, despite causing trouble, Naruto's goal is to become Hokage so he can be accepted and gain the respect of others. To pursue his dream, Naruto attends a ninja academy where he is grouped into Team 7, which includes teacher Kakashi Hatake and teammates Sakura Haruno and Sasuke Uchiha (Naruto's best friend and only survivor of the Uchiha clan massacre). Naruto takes readers and viewers through Team 7's training, dangerous missions and adventures. As a ninja student, Naruto learns the meaning of friendship, team work and perseverance. The manga is a story of self-growth and self-discovery of a boy from a nobody to a great leader. Naruto's popularity extends beyond Japan, with a total global circulation of over 250 million copies and distribution in more than 60 countries and regions (sales outside Japan exceeded 100 million). Although the last episode of Naruto released in 2014 and the animation series ended in 2017, Naruto's popularity has never faded. Toby Lu, director of sales and marketing at River City Bangkok, who is also a fan of Naruto said that the character inspired him. "I watched Naruto when I was in high school. At the time, I was not good at studies. I repeatedly watched Naruto and the story made me realise that I was not a bad person. Naruto is a representation of people who are mediocre or not very talented at first," said Lu. "With determined effort, you can turn your life around. Although you may be a bad kid in everyone's eyes, you still can achieve great things. Throughout the animation, the friendships Naruto makes and love he receives made him a stronger person and that helps viewers feel connected to him." To celebrate Naruto, 54 Entertainment presents "Naruto The Gallery In Bangkok". This exhibition takes fans on a journey of Naruto and Sasuke's intertwined life through seven curated zones. In front of the exhibition are life-sized figurines of Team 7 members -- Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura and Kakashi. Chapter One or the first zone displays signatures from people involved in the Naruto animation, including Tetsuya Nishio, the main character designer, Chie Nakamura, the voice actress for Sakura, and Date Hayato, the animation director. Chapter Two is a cinema room where a two-minute video summarises Naruto's story for viewers who have never read or seen the manga. "Naruto The Gallery In Bangkok" narrates the story of Naruto's journey from beginning to end. Viewers can understand the story through original storyboards, layout models, powerful scenes and pivotal moments from the anime series. Chapter Three introduces Team 7 members and how they work together to pass an exam to become Chunin (an intermediate rank of ninja). The students are challenged to use their leadership skills, strategic thinking and maturity. However, the Chunin exam is interrupted because Orochimaru teams up with Sound Village and Sand Village to invade the Hidden Leaf Village. In this area, there is a white diorama that represents the layout of Hidden Leaf Village with three-dimensional figures. This imported model from Japan depicts venues that viewers will recognise, including the ninja academy, the training area, hero memorials, Konoha hospital and Ichiraku Ramen restaurant. Chapter 4 focuses on Akatsuki -- an organisation with exiled ninjas from many countries. These villains are dangerous criminals since their skills are equal or superior than those of high-ranking ninjas of Hidden Leaf Village. For example, Hidan has the power of immortality obtained by worshipping the God Jashi and the ritual of sucking opponents' blood. Chapter 5 is titled Fourth Great Ninja War. This area of the exhibition is divided into two sections: Naruto and Sasuke. The Fourth Great Ninja War is the climax of the story which unites ninja characters from all over the world to join forces and fight the biggest threat ever. Chapter 6 displays a collection of memorable quotes from the anime. Some of these include: "A guy who cannot even save one friend cannot become Hokage" (by Naruto) and "I admit that I've lost" (by Sasuke). In this zone, two videos also display emotional scenes from the anime. One is when Naruto's parents decide to sacrifice themselves to save the village and the other is a video that reveals the unexpected truth of why Itachi, Sasuke's brother, killed their parents. The Final Chapter, a cinema room, screens the scene in which Naruto fights Sasuke. The scene showcases their complex relationship as friend and foe. The scene also shows how Naruto and Sasuke have different viewpoints. While Naruto believes in peace and understanding, Sasuke believes in changing the world by destroying the old system. Throughout the exhibition, there are exclusive collaborations including five rising stars from the Japanese art scene -- Nina Ai, Kohei Kadowaki, Que, Kosuke Sugimoto and Kohta Morie. Lu believes that both Naruto fans and newcomers will enjoy the exhibition. "People who never watched Naruto can expect to learn how a mediocre person can become successful after working hard, learn how to love and not hate, and give unconditional love to others. Viewers will also get to see interesting and funny plotlines of how a character can become a better person." "Meanwhile, Naruto fans can reconnect with memories of the animation through music and powerful words. Fans who are encountering challenges in life can go back to their childhood and have their spirits lifted." "Naruto The Gallery In Bangkok" runs at RCB Galleria 1-2, 2nd floor of River City Bangkok, until July 31. Tickets cost 450 baht (250 baht for children and seniors aged 60 and above). For more information, visit
