626 Night Market Returns For Its 5th Season

Modeled after street markets and bazaars in Asia, the 626 Night Market will be returning for its fifth season this July at the Santa Anita Race Track in Arcadia, California. “626” refers to the area code of the San Gabriel Valley, which houses a notable cluster of Asian ethnoburbs and is also widely known as Los Angeles’s Asian Food Mecca. Since its debut in April 2012, the market has drawn an impressive average of 50,000 people in foot traffic.

From traditional street snacks such as stinky tofu and boba, to innovative fusion options like Ramen burgers and Kimchi tacos, the 626 night market hosts hundreds of vendors, offering various kinds of Asian street snacks and even Asian inspired merchandises and crafts.

Initially started as an event to empower the Asian community by providing a platform for local businesses, this family-friendly weekend spectacular has now become a way to bridge cultural and language barriers thanks to a growing interest in Asian cuisine. 

Visit http://www.626nightmarket.com/home for more information!

           

The Matcha Craze

With an increased awareness in achieving a healthier lifestyle, many trends have emerged over the years to satisfy the needs of consumers. Although organic pressed juice bars and gluten-free restaurants seem to be here to stay, Matcha has come on the scene as the newest lifestyle hype. Aside from making waves in health food stores, this Japanese cuisine staple has also made its way into a variety of recipes in the West. From macarons to donuts to the popular Green Tea Latte from Starbucks, it is hard to miss the Matcha movement.

Traditionally in Japan, brewing Matcha represents a sense of inner peace; however internationally, it has earned itself a reputation as a tea “powerhouse”. Different from conventional green tea bags, Matcha is stoneground green tea leaves that allows us to take full advantage of its health benefits by consuming the tea leaves in powder form whereas the benefits are remained unused if brewed with a tea bag.

Most commonly known to be packed with antioxidants, Matcha is also rich in fiber and vitamins. Drinking Matcha green tea on a regular basis has proven to increase metabolism,     improve immune defense of the body and even prevent aging! Aside from health benefits, Matcha like other teas contains caffeine, which can provide a boost of energy without the negative side effects from consuming coffee. For those who are looking for a mid-day “pick me up,” give Matcha green tea a try next time!