What's your favorite food? Mine begins with chopsticks,
is topped with wasabi, and usually comes with a, saikeirei
(最敬礼), or "most respectful bow."
Tonight I go to the Sake and Tofu Tasting in Little Tokyo to talk about food and diversity on my Pubic Affairs TV
Show.
It's hard to believe the Japanese favorites we love were originally created as fast food. Now, they are considered a masterpiece. And at the Tasting there is a line for Toranoko's, albacore cievichi and tofu hand rolls that are personally handed out by the star sushi chef. The Bonaventure Hotel uses a soft tofu crumble beside their giant braised scallops. Yum! 
Way to get scallops into a tofu tasting, but it is the rice that steals the show. If you polish the little grains down, so that there is only 30%, you are left with just the rice starch. I learn this little rice starch, minus its' proteins and amino acids, is what makes the the best sake.
The Vibiana, a former Catholic Church, serves as a colorful serene backdrop for the night.
Inside and out this venue is laden with tasting booths overflowing with the best food and sake. Hungry yet? The event benefits Little Tokyo Service Center, LTSC,
and they are the real reason we lift a sake glass. The LTSC helps
build community in Downtown Los Angeles through affordable housing, counseling, and
youth programs. (One day they will have an organization for my people.... maybe
I'll be the first to start the interracial fund!)
Kidding aside, food brings people from many backgrounds together, and together we can work towards a vibrant community, which truly benefits us all.
