Save the Date for “Delicious Little Tokyo” July 19-20

(Gerry Furth-Sides, all photos courtesy of Go Little Tokyo) The history Little Tokyo section of downtown Los Angeles had undergone a renovation – just ask any of us who had to skirt around it in construction traffic.  Now visitors will also get to enjoy all of the work at the Go Little Tokyo’s 4th Annual Delicious Little Tokyo. It is also a chance to see in its authentic setting, such current mainstream culinary darlings as matcha tea and even sushi.

Los Angeles’ largest annual Japanese curated culinary extravaganza returns to Downtown Los Angeles for two days of food tastings, demonstrations, and workshops on Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20.  Authentic food and drinks from the streets of Little Tokyo in one area are paired with walking tours and other exclusive opportunities to experience diverse Japanese flavors.

The festivities will kick off Friday, July 19 from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. with Sake on the Rock’s 13th Annual Sake & Food Tasting Event* hosted by the Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC) at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC) Plaza. Experience more than 50 types of traditional Japanese sake provided by the Mutual Trading Company and sample small plates from over 20 of Los Angeles’ top restaurants and chefs.

On Saturday, July 20 beginning at 10 a.m., experience culturally immersive and interactive culinary workshops presented by participating Little Tokyo businesses and partners.  Flavors, food demos, and tastings brand new to Delicious Little Tokyo this year including unique doughnut combinations like ube glaze and matcha pistachio from Donatsu, Little Tokyo’s newest handcrafted vegan donut hotspot.

Back by popular demand, learn about neighborhood landmarks from the first fortune cookie to LA’s first sushi restaurant, on the Historical Food Walking Tour presented by the Little Tokyo Historical Society (LTHS). Continue your foodie adventure with samplings from Kasih’s Indonesian Cuisine Demo & Tasting or decorate the most Instagram-worthy donut that tastes just as good as it looks with Cafe Dulce’s Donut Decorating Workshop.

Feed your creative appetite with returning fan favorites like the Floral Centerpiece Workshop led by Kuragami Little Tokyo Florist and “Furoshiki” Japanese Cloth Wrapping Workshop with Bunkado and the Little Tokyo Service Center.  The Little Tokyo Food Stage at the Japanese Village Plaza sets the stage for live cooking demos and presentations.

More workshops, demos, and activations will be announced as Delicious Little Tokyo nears. To stay up to date on the latest Delicious Little Tokyo announcements and registration for culinary demos, hands-on cooking workshops, food tours, and more visit golittletokyo.com/delicious or like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram. #golittletokyo #deliciouslittletokyo

Go Little Tokyo is a community-led effort aimed at highlighting the unique cultural programs, community events, and dining and shopping experiences found in Little Tokyo. As one of Los Angeles’ most vibrant cultural hubs, there is an abundance of destinations and landmarks in and around this historic walkable neighborhood and Go Little Tokyo will help you uncover them. Go Little Tokyo is a Little Tokyo Community Council (LTCC) project developed and produced by Community Arts Resources (CARS) and made possible with support from Metro. For more information, visit //www.golittletokyo.com/.