Food Sep. 06, 2011 - 06:01AM JST ( 19 )

LOS ANGELES —

Plenty of Americans are sushi bar regulars or have dined at their local teppanyaki steakhouse, but how many really know Japanese cuisine, with its rich traditions and nuanced flavors? Not nearly enough, says Yoko Isassi—and with the launch of FOODSTORY (http://ifoodstory.com), the self-styled “Food Ambassador of Japan” is aiming to introduce more people to genuine Japanese food and the fascinating history and culture behind it.

FOODSTORY is a labor of love for Isassi, who has spent her life learning about Japanese dishes, ingredients and preparation methods, traditional ways of eating, and the connections between foods and special occasions. As a child, Isassi spent every morning and evening in the kitchen with her grandmother, who told her everything she knew about the history and origins of the recipes they would prepare. This spurred her passion for telling the stories of Japanese food. As a young “food storyteller,” Isassi would regale visitors to her family’s home, including her father’s international business associates, with the stories behind the food the guests would enjoy.

At iFoodstory.com, Isassi brings the stories behind traditional and contemporary Japanese cuisine to a broader audience. The engaging FOODSTORY blog is a mix of Isassi’s own stories of foods and traditions, interviews with Japanese chefs, seasonal Japanese recipes, articles and videos about Japanese meal courses and etiquette, profiles of Japanese restaurants and food-related businesses like sake breweries, and more.

“Here in Los Angeles, we have access to delicious Japanese cuisine, but we rarely learn about the stories and culture behind the food,” Isassi stated. “It’s our mission at FOODSTORY to weave a sensory tale about Japanese food.”

Isassi is doing just that with “Travel With Sushi,” an event she describes as a culinary travel adventure. On Sept 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Nibei Foundation in West LA, or on Oct 8, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Kleverdog in downtown LA, class participants will receive a hands-on education in sushi.

Isassi will present a non-linear history of sushi against a backdrop of historic paintings and illustrations, and participants will learn how factors like geography, oceanography, climate, wars, immigration, urban planning and disasters have influenced the development of sushi. An established Japanese restaurant will cater the event, giving participants the opportunity to see and taste different forms of sushi, including sushi offerings less familiar to the contemporary diner. Moreover, Isassi will reveal insider secrets on sushi etiquette she learned from renowned sushi chefs.

To celebrate the launch of FOODSTORY, Isassi is offering a 20% discount on “Travel With Sushi” registration. Normally $60 per person, “Travel With Sushi” will be available for just $48 to those who sign up to receive the FOODSTORY e-mail newsletter or who “Like” FOODSTORY on Facebook.

PR Newswire