Starbucks 'Trenta': How The New Size Compares To Your Stomach
Famous Death Row Last Meals
Umenohana, an upscale, all tofu restaurant that opened in Beverly Hills only a few months ago, has decided to close its American doors for now, serving its final meals the last days of August. The restaurant is the first American branch of a well-established restaurant in Japan that specializes in tofu, particularly in yuba, a fine, thin "skin" of tofu. But apparently, American tongues are not ready for an all-tofu meal. Raw fish is so common in L.A. diets, it might even be more popular than a filet mignon, but it took more than thirty years for sushi to hit the mainstream.
With as much body, mind, and soul consciousness that there is in L.A., as well as a fairly large Asian population, it is difficult to understand why a tofu restaurant could not do well. Perhaps Umenohana is a little too haute cuisine for now, but in a few years, if sushi ever goes out of fashion, they could try again.
Umenohana
443 North Canon Drive (@ Brighton Way)
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310.860.9236
Jane Seymour's Modest And Modern Style
Broke Stars: 11 Celebrities Who Went Bankrupt
LOOK: Amazing Underwater Photos Of Dogs
Adele Five-Year Break? Singer Plans to Focus on Relationship, Write 'Happy Record'
Social Security Is Failing Even Faster Than We Thought
PHOTOS: How You Can Get The 'Miracle' Dress
Man Says Starbucks Discriminated Against Him Because He Has Half An Arm
Chris Brown, Grammys 2012: Embattled Singer Slams Critics
Janice Dickinson's Outrageous Style
Ford's clever Sports Illustrated Swimsuit ad features phantom model
3 Economic Misconceptions That Need to Die
Photos Of Dead Lacrosse Player's Injured Body Shown To Jury
Trace Adkins Reunites With College Crush, 30 Years Later
Van Gogh's Starry Night modded into beautiful interactive light and sound show (video)
PHOTOS: Model Falls At Dennis Basso Show
'Hooker Teacher' Forced To Resign, Now Can't Find Work
Lauren Scruggs Goes On Ski Vacation
WATCH AND LAUGH: Cops In 2-Hour Standoff With Empty Car
New Clues, Details Emerge In Powell Case
Woman's Dead Fiance Is Behind Her Disappearance: Cops
Stephen Wiltshire Draws Cities From Memory
PHOTOS: Remembering The People's Ballerina
We Meant There WERE Nukes In The Fire
8-25-2005 @12:52PM Tom Biro said... Seriously, that's rough. As someone who regularly is out with folks who order tofu WITH their sushi meal, I'll definitely say that I'm not totally surprised that this isn't working out so well just yet. We shall see, I suppose.
Reply
8-25-2005 @2:32PM Rachael said... I really loved that place. I think it failed for a few reasons...the big one being very few people (except tourists, usually on a budget) eat dinner in Beverly Hills, the other being that no matter how quick they promised your lunch would be, it just seemed too austere to be a business spot, or where you could pop in for a quicky lunch.
Oh well. I will miss it.
Reply
8-25-2005 @3:00PM Sir Not Appearing in this Blog said... I'm not surprised that Ume no Hana is closing if their focus is tofu. Many Americans have a negative image of tofu. It's bland, it has an odd texture, and of course it's got that "health food" stigma.
I can't say that I'm crazy about the stuff. A maguro nigiri, dipped in some citrus seasoned soy sauce is something almost anyone can make and enjoy. Tofu requires a little more effort. In this time-obsessed culture in which we live, anything that takes too long to prepare isn't likely to become a major component of our diet. The Japanese diet has always included tofu, so a tofu-themed restaurant would have a greater chance of success. This just goes to show that however similar Japan is to America there are lots of major cultural and dietary differences. Just because sushi and sashimi have become popular here that's no assurance that other kinds of Japanese food will catch on.
I just hope no-one tries a natto themed restaurant... X^P
Reply