NEW Food Vendors
(partial list as of June 7, 2018)
Liberation Foods
Liberation Foods offers an array of traditional American BBQ dishes, Mexican American fusion cuisine and a variety of BBQ options. One of the company’s top soy dishes is BBQ with tofu, a combination of “maximum flavor” and “minimum fuss” — one that is sure to appeal to a variety of audiences, both vegan and non-vegan.
Gotta Love Kettle Corn
Established by the Truong family in 2013, Gotta Love Kettle Corn is one of the Bay Area’s premier community-based kettle corn businesses, with the best quality kettle corn and lemon shakers/smoothies made from freshly squeezed lemons. Sizing is family-friendly, and all offerings are made from 100 percent natural ingredients with no preservatives. Styles include classic, caramel and “Chicago,” as well as customized flavors such as Parmesan garlic or peanut butter chocolate.
Ooh De Lolli
From humble beginnings as a single stand selling ice pops, Ooh De Lolli has since expanded to sell both ice pops and a variety of baked goods and delicacies. Made by owner Donna Mott in her Southeast Fresno commercial kitchen, almost 5,000 popsicles are made a summer. Recipes are never pre-designed and are inspired by fruit in season. All produce is from local growers like Masumoto Family Farm and Two Sisters U-Pick Apricot Farm.
A signature offering is the “pooch pop,” which is inspired by the proprietor’s love for their furry family, a pop made using tofu and peanut butter. Other offerings include the flagship fruit-based “Ooh De Lolli” ice pop and cheesecake on a stick. Each is crafted with care and produces an authentic “local” experience. These refreshing pops are perfect for summer!
Tofutown North America
Tofutown North America is a green-friendly business with tofu products made only from organic, vegan and non-GMO ingredients. According to the company, the goal of their products is to “save the planet” through the use of natural elements. An array of flavored sunflower spreads are available for sale, from papaya curry to wild herbs.
Luana’s
Luana’s provides a variety of homemade Asian cooking inspired by all parts of Asia and America. Founded by Hawai‘i native Luana Ige, Luana’s offers not only dishes, but cooking lessons on Asian food as well as sushi-making at the Adult Education program locations in San Mateo, Half Moon Bay and Belmont. Offerings include inari sushi, chicken salad with sliced fried tofu and dim sum.
Food Trucks
The Chairman
Spearheading the “Great Culinary Leap Forward,” The Chairman Truck derives its inspiration from Asia and its people. The concept of the Chairman is influenced by the intersection of high-end techniques and street food. Its food cultivates a “bold, spicy, and unique” flavor evocative of Asia’s settings. Dishes include miso-cured tofu with mayo, tofu bowls and savory buns. Voted Best Food Truck by San Francisco Magazine, The Chairman is a high-quality deliverer of uniquely “Asian American” cuisine.
Kurotaka Ramen
The Kurotaka Ramen food truck offers their specialty of “a delicious blend of pork and chicken broth, mixed with soy sauce “tare.” Their “Kurotaka Zosui” is described as “a skillful blend of pre-cooked rice and our specialty soup full of vegetable and meat.” *Vegan is also available
— https://www.kurotakaramen.com
Returning Food Vendors
Jade Chocolates
FROM THE NICHI BEI WEEKLY: An Asian and Pacific Islander take on chocolates
Jade Chocolates is an artisan chocolate company specializing in blending teas, spices and tropical fruits from Asia and the Pacific Islands. Their shop is located on Geary at 6th avenue in the Richmond District.
Kikkoman
While it has less than 40 percent of the salt than the all-purpose Kikkoman Soy Sauce does, the Kikkoman Less Sodium Soy Sauce maintains the product’s flavor and quality. Ponzu or citrus-seasoned soy sauces and dressings offer a “splash of savory flavor” on seafood, grilled meats and vegetables. It has the “perfect balance of salty, tangy and sweet to enhance a wide variety of foods.”
Made with organic soybeans, Pearl® Organic Smart Soymilk is cholesterol-free, preservative-free, lactose-free and lower in fat and calories than regular milk, with a rich, creamy flavor. Kikkoman has 8.25-oz. size Pearl® Organic Original, Creamy Vanilla and Chocolate Soymilk flavors in order to meet the USDA’s guidelines for fluid milk substitutions in school nutrition programs.
Morinaga
FROM THE NICHI BEI WEEKLY: Torrance, Calif. company packages its tofu in a box
Morinaga Nutritional Foods, Inc. is a manufacturer of soy products based in Torrance, Calif. They produce the popular Mori-Nu Silken Tofu brand, a line of silken tofu widely sold across the U.S. and around the world, as well as the industrial and food service ingredient Silken Soy Puree. Their soy products are sold in a unique aseptic package that protects fresh tofu from light and bacteria and allows for a long shelf life without refrigeration — without the use of preservatives.
Megumi Natto
FROM THE NICHI BEI WEEKLY: Company distributes fresh handmade natto in the U.S.
Japan Traditional Foods Inc. was established in 2006. Two years later, the specialized natto-making process was transferred from Japan to its facility in California’s Sonoma County wine country, home of many cutting edge agricultural products, to produce the highest quality of organic, naturally fermented natto in the U.S. In 2013, Japan Traditional Foods, Inc. completed a restructuring to become MegumiNATTO, Inc.
Natto is a traditional food from Japan, recognized for centuries for its unique health benefits. Fermentation enhances the nutrition of soybeans. During fermentation, a beneficial bacteria, Bacillus natto, is added to the soybeans. This results in the production of the enzyme Nattokinase. This enzyme has been found to dissolve blood clots and thin blood. Megumi Natto is high in protein, good source of dietary fiber, and rich in Vitamin B2 and K2.
NEW Artisan Vendors
Goo Enterprise
David and Shirley of Goo Enterprise have created a line of “Rice Bag” clothing with aloha. They also make other “Goo” creations such as Reversible Tote Bags and bibs for toddlers.
Hello Sushi Store
Hello Sushi features a Hawaiian Slang Hand Towel, which features “Happy Hawaiian” food images on a surfboard with various “Hawaiian slang terms” and “a nice beach background” — all on a highly-absorbent microfiber material. The art is original work created by Kanagi Design. Hello Sushi also features “super soft plush fabric” pillows with a “Happy Sushi” sake (salmon) design or a “Happy Spam Musubi” design, with original artwork created by Kanagi Design.
Kotas Kreations
Kotas Kreations features well-made children’s clothing and accessories with a focus on unique, modern and kawaii styles. Handmade in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Morita Arts
Morita Arts combines traditional Japanese art forms with modern materials and colors to produce lively yet skillfully crafted pieces. “In my paintings, I seek to combine sumi-e with vibrant colors and watercolor washes to produce a truly Japanese American art expression,” says Barbara Morita.
P.M.B.Q. Studios
P.M.B.Q. Studios is a “Pandariffic” art studio founded by Phuong-Mai Bui-Quang in San Jose, Calif. The studio began by drawing manga, or Japanese-style comics. P.M.B.Q. artwork can be seen on T-shirts, art prints, comics, toys and also on a public mural in downtown San Jose. P.M.B.Q is “committed to creating the highest quality artwork on responsibly sourced apparel and products.”
Tomoko Ceramics
“My ceramic art concept is simple, modern functional designs that are fun for people to use,” says ceramic artist Tomoko of Tomoko Ceramics. ”My artwork is 100 percent handmade, mostly using the throwing wheel and slab, (and) does not have industrial or machine-made perfection. Small imperfections are a quality of my handmade pieces and shape their beauty.”
Wear Now Do
Wear Now Do makes and sells “beautifully designed bags, apparel, and home goods and donates a portion of its proceeds to nonprofits working in the community. Our mission is to help people by ensuring nonprofits have the funds they need to reach more people and provide more services.”
Returning Artisan Vendors
Sumofish
Sumofish is a San Francisco-based independent line of T-shirts with unique Japanese illustrations by owner Brandt Fuse.
Official Festival Merchandise
Official Northern California Soy and Tofu Festival merchandise — including T-shirts, sling backpacks, bags, totes, mugs, magnets and pins — will be available at the Festival, with 100 percent of the proceeds going toward Festival expenses.
MakiMino
Find Makimino’s fun and cute designs on apparel and more! “Oh goodness.”
Yume Glass Art
Health and Wellness Vendors
Farm Fresh To You
Farm Fresh To You brings “the season’s best mix of organic produce and hand-crafted farm products conveniently to your door by growing and partnering with local farms and artisans.”
San Francisco Lupus Support
San Francisco Lupus Support’s mission is to build a supportive community for people living with lupus, their family and friends so they don’t have to manage lupus alone. “We are not exclusive and welcome anyone who needs lupus support in the San Francisco Bay Area. We’re here to offer assistance through our support group meetings, which can include guest speakers, and through information and resources learned and shared among members of our community. Our group also participate in events, such as local fairs and lupus walks, to spread lupus awareness and fundraise for lupus research.” San Francisco Lupus Support is a subchapter of the Lupus Foundation of Northern California.
Northern California Soy and Tofu Festival 