HEALTHY FOOD & GREEN FESTIVAL

The Healthy Food & Green Festival is the second festival in JapanTown's three-part series that will take place on August 22nd, 2010. Promoting a healthy lifestyle using Japanese ingredients and cooking methods, the festival aims to enlighten New Yorkers about the many wholesome foods and flavors of Japan and how to incorporate them into American kitchens, ultimately increasing the understanding of Japanese culture through food. Starring in the festival are the flavorful offerings from international Japanese brands and local restaurants.

Health-conscious visitors can look forward to sampling some uniquely Japanese eats such as edamame vegetable gyoza, organic ramen noodle salad, misoyaki, organic Japanese vegetables, and Kikkoman soy products. Iced kukicha, hiyayako, hiyashi chuuka, smoothies, Japanese ices and ice cream—all perfect for the summer heat. Debuting at the festival will be Ryokko Aojiru, the famous Japanese health drink made primarily from organically-grown barely. Additionally, samples of Ito En's bottled green tea will be distributed.

The Healthy Food & Green festival's main attraction is the Essence of Japanese Cuisine demonstrations sponsored by JRO (Organization to Promote Japanese Restaurants Abroad), whose mission is to teach the world about Japanese food culture. The demonstrations will feature the many versatile ways to utilize Japanese ingredients in everyday life and will be hosted by Chef Billy Strynkowski of Cooking Light magazine, Chef Fred Sabo of the Met Museum's Trustees Dining Room, Jenna Zimmerman, an Assistant Culinary Producer from the Food Network, and veteran chefs of Japanese cuisine from Tanuki Tavern, Sushiden, Souen, and Hakata Tonton.