CUTE BENTO BOX LUNCH DEMO VIDEO, JAPANESE BENTOS COOKING LESSON. LIVE CHARABEN TUTORIAL AT NEW YORK BOOK SIGNING.
November 24, 2009 at 21:26 | In Press, The Book: Cute Yummy Time | Leave a Comment
My first NYC book signing for Cute Yummy Time went well enough that the store kindly invited me back — and on Halloween, too! (As if I need an excuse to wear spooky clothes for my events.) I am costumed as Pierrot, the classic French clown. The pointy hat is from Village Paper; I decorated it with skull stickers from Tokyu Hands. The panda’s a bit of a trompe d’oeil; it looks like a pendant but is actually a sticker from a Harajuku store.
Fun fact: I use Staedtler purple pens to sign my name.
To my surprise, as you can see in the video, the books sold out in 10 minutes! But I stuck around to demonstrate bento cutters, turning cheese and crackers into kawaii animals. (If you’re interested in my Cute Yummy Time cookbook, you may find out details and ordering info here.)
New York City, I will be back soon! I got some thrilling news today; I’ll let you know what’s up as soon as it’s set in stone. Maybe you can even be involved, dum dum dum…
Thanksgiving is almost upon us. What are you doing for the holiday? Maybe you can give the cute turkey dinner and pecan pie recipes in my cookbook a spin.
CUTE YUMMY TIME: NEW BOOK SIGNINGS ANNOUNCED IN LOS ANGELES! WASHINGTON DC AUTHOR EVENT, CUTE CUPCAKES & BENTO TOOLS.
November 21, 2009 at 21:07 | In The Book: Cute Yummy Time | Leave a Comment

My family is originally from Hong Kong but I have relatives scattered all over the world, including Washington, DC. And so, my Cute Yummy Time book signing in the capital city turned into a mini-reunion with family — Basil Farrow’s father included.
I fell in love with Hill’s Kitchen the second I stepped in. A bright, loft-like space filled with modern kitchen gizmos, with a studio for cooking lessons upstairs… ah, cute cooking heaven!
Dress with military buttons: Algonquins Addiction
Dead teddy T-shirt: Akina

The stylish Harukosama, who interviewed me about cool hunting/trend scouting, brought several boxes of Georgetown Cupcakes to the event. (What a sweetie!) The bakery is a DC legend, and deservedly so: the dark chocolate ganache was lick-your-fingers delicious, yet not too sweet; the lemon, red velvet and key lime flavors were perfectly balanced. Next time you’re in DC, swing by Georgetown Cupcake for a treat… or two, or three!

The best part about book touring? Meeting all of you (insert awws)! It was a pleasure to speak to readers in person, especially after chatting in the comments and on Twitter. If only Basil Farrow could travel with me, life would be complete, wouldn’t it? (If you’re interested in my cute cookbook, you can find out more here.)

When I returned, my Scottish Fold turned on the cuteness and I took hundreds of new photos. You can see them daily on Basil’s blog, and I added a large batch to his Facebook (add him to see them: “Basil Farrow”).

(Cute Yummy Time by La Carmina book cover)
Announcing yet another Los Angeles book signing – this time for Crazy Wacky Theme Restaurants: Tokyo!
WHEN: Monday, November 30, 6:30-8:30pm
WHERE: Giant Robot LA gallery, 2062 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles CA / RSVP HERE
Hope to see you there and at the November 28 and 29 signings at Kinokuniya LA.
CUTE YUMMY TIME COOKING DEMO ON NBC TODAY SHOW! JAPANESE CHARACTER BENTOS, CHARABEN INSPIRED RECIPE BOOK FOR PARENTS, KIDS.
November 14, 2009 at 07:07 | In Press, The Book: Cute Yummy Time, Videos | Leave a Comment
A new day, a new video: my NBC Weekend Today Show appearance! I talk about character bentos (charaben) in Japan and the healthy approach to cooking in my book Cute Yummy Time. Then I demonstrate two cute food demos, which turn a fried and hardboiled egg into chick critters! For behind-the-scenes photos of the 30 Rock Today Show studio, check out this post. I invite you to subscribe to my YouTube channel as I have more videos in the works!
Can’t wait for my LA book signings at the end of November (event details here). Hope to see you there.
LA CARMINA: GUEST ON TODAY SHOW, LIVE BENTO DECORATION FOOD DEMO. TV APPEARANCE AT 30 ROCK, INSIDE NBC STUDIOS IN NYC. CUTE YUMMY TIME REVIEWS.
November 14, 2009 at 01:11 | In Press, The Book: Cute Yummy Time | 1 Comment

Once upon a time, I was a guest on the weekend edition of Today Show in New York — and the experience was like a fairy tale. The previous night, I stayed up late prepping for the food demo (unlike Cinderella, the neighborhood rats didn’t lend me a paw). Somehow, I managed to crawl out of bed at 5am to do my hair and makeup. A sleek black car drove up to my doorstep; the driver popped open a large black umbrella and walked me to his chariot. I felt like a princess — or maybe Sleeping Beauty, as I wanted to doze on the Dr. Oz talk show couch!
Lolita kitty dress: Innocent World, from Closet Child Harajuku
Silver sheer skull leggings: from Hong Kong
Runched ankle boots: MB Shoes from Kris + Cris shoe store in Vancouver

The chariot drove to 30 Rock, the famous address of NBC Studios. Getting past the metal barricade required a security check and airport levels of security. Fun fact: the elevators are designed so that you can only get off at your designated floor (so no, I couldn’t stalk Tina Fey or Jimmy Fallon). I crossed four more security guards and got lost several times before finding the Today Show studio.

I wanted to show a spread of cute food, so I brought some hardboiled eggs and quickly decorated into chicks. The singing crab bagel and ham/cheese animal face sandwiches are recipes from my cookbook, Cute Yummy Time. (Want to learn how to turn boring breakfasts into cute creations? There’s info on my book here.)

The sun had hardly risen, and yet the TV hosts were inhumanly perky. They gushed that their children loved the book and cooed, “Eeeeee, look at the little egg guys!” I waited for a swine flu Q&A session to end. During the commercial break, my publicists and I set up the Cute Yummy Time display. Then at 7:45am, photos of kawaii food flashed on the screen and I was up.

Nervous? Nah — you know I do cute food demos on my YouTube channel all the time. A quick photo with Erika, and 3… 2… 1… we’re on the air! (Tomorrow, I’ll post the video of my Today Show appearance on my YouTube channel.)
Announcing TWO Los Angeles Cute Yummy Time book signings! I hope to see you on Saturday, Nov 28 and and Sunday, Nov 29 from 2-4pm. Come to Kinokuniya Bookstore, 123 Astronaut S Onizuka #205, Los Angeles CA. If you’d like to cover the event or interview me for a publication, please contact me.
PHILLY BOOK SIGNING: BUY CUTE YUMMY TIME, REVIEWS & SUMMARY OF CUTE YUMMY TIME, CUTE CHARACTERS JAPANESE BENTO COOKBOOK. KIDS COOKING, CHILDREN FOODS.
November 14, 2009 at 01:11 | In Cute Food in the News, The Book: Cute Yummy Time | Leave a Comment

I had a grand time in Philly. In particular: Chapterhouse coffee house (they have an amazing green apple soy chai smoothie), vegetarian Chinese food, jazz at the Kimmel Center jazz (I snatched this witch’s hat from the store) and the Fabric Workshop and Museum. (Found a ring that, when pressed, shoots out purple light. And I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Ryan Trecartin’s campy cross-dressing drama-filled films, which remind me a little of my own… life…)
I wasn’t thrilled about the inclement weather, but did my best to keep warm. I put my h.NAOTO dress over a John Galliano sweater (a gift from someone awesome) and wore warm tights with Leche by Yosuke shoes.

Possibly my favorite part of the trip: Fante’s Kitchen Wares, the sprawling shoppe where my Cute Yummy Time book signing took place. The friendly staff warmed me up with rose tea and coo-ed over the photos of my Scottish Fold cat. (Tip: if you ever want to win me over, just start gushing about Basil Farrow.)

What a pleasure to see friends, old and new, and see their reaction to my third book. Many of them are IN the book, in the form of cute animal characters.

The Fantes staff was sweet beyond words; if you’re ever in Philly, you’ve got to stop by to sip home-brewed tea and browse the incredible selection of kitchen goods. Fantes even put a photo of me in the “some of our famous friends” section of their website — with Emeril Lagasse and Jacques Pepin.

Between the signings, I’ve been doing radio interviews (I’ll post the recordings, if I can find them). One of the neatest experiences was Kid’s Place Live on Sirius/XM. The target audience is 10 years old — so the host and I had to speak in slow, eager, high-pitched voices for the sake of the listeners! While I was on the air, children called in and asked for advice on how to “cute-ify” their school lunches. I gave them suggestions — cut cheese into eyes, add cucumber ears — and they couldn’t wait to get started. (Children and parents have been loving Cute Yummy Time; if you think you might too, check out the info here.)
CUTE FOOD DEMO, LUNCH IN BOX BENTO ACCESSORIES. CHARABEN CLASSES IN NYC, CUTE YUMMY TIME BOOK SIGNING BY LA CARMINA.
November 14, 2009 at 01:08 | In Press, The Book: Cute Yummy Time | 1 Comment

Announcing TWO Los Angeles Cute Yummy Time book signings! I hope to see you on Saturday, Nov 28 and and Sunday, Nov 29 from 2-4pm. Come to Kinokuniya Bookstore, 123 Astronaut S Onizuka #205, Los Angeles CA. If you’d like to cover the event or interview me for a publication, please contact me.
I did two cute food demos and signings at New York’s Broadway Panhandler, a wonderland of kitchen goodies. I’m wearing an h.NAOTO skull dress from Closet Child Shinjuku, a steal at $70. My witch hat and pumpkin hair clips are from Tokyu Hands in Shinjuku. The crown choker necklace is Black Peace Now from Closet Child Harajuku. (My outfits get progressively weirder on the tour, as you’ll see.)

I did a cute cheese and cracker demo: bento cutters are an easy way to add a twist to hors d’oeuvres. The children in the store rushed up and were wide-eyed at the transformation. One girl couldn’t stop flipping through the photos. Another loved the fairytale about Basil Farrow and me (found inside the book — it’s not just recipes!). And it was a pleasure to see old friends and meet blog readers.

The books sold out at the store — but you can find Cute Yummy Time online here. (Video from The Today Show and another store demo coming soon.)
CUTE YUMMY TIME REVIEW, KAWAII BENTO CHARABEN COOKBOOK BY LA CARMINA. WOMAN’S DAY & METRO NY BOOK REVIEWS, SUMMARY.
November 6, 2009 at 07:38 | In Cute Food in the News, The Book: Cute Yummy Time | Leave a Comment
Metro NY and Metro Philadelphia recently printed an article about my cookbook Cute Yummy Time. It made it onto the cover…
… and my Scottish Fold cat Basil Farrow steals the show inside!
Woman’s Day Magazine printed some Halloween recipes from Cute Yummy Time. (If you’re interested in ordering the book or finding out more, click here.)
Last but not least, Harukosama interviewed me about “cool hunting” or Japanese trend-scouting. You can read my thoughts here.
Book tour coverage coming up soon, including my Today Show appearance. Stay tuned for more press and a LA book signing! Thanks for your interest in Cute Yummy Time; you can find out more about my cute cookbook here.)
PANDA FACE CUTE COOKIE FROM AIR NIPPON AIRLINES, JAPANESE WEIRD STRANGE CUTE FOOD TREND, FUNNY DESSERTS IN ASIA.
October 2, 2009 at 06:14 | In Cute Food Photos | Leave a Comment
Airline food is notoriously drab. But Air Nippon puts smiles on passengers’ faces with a panda face dessert! Wonder how it tastes… From toyohara
- Check out healthy recipes for cakes, desserts and occasions in La Carmina’s book Cute Yummy Time, now available for pre-order here.
- Want to buy cute bento equipment and Hello Kitty dessert molds? Come to my online store!
CHINA BUNNY SANTA CHRISTMAS CUPCAKES, WEIRD ASIAN DESSERTS, STRANGE CHINESE CAKES & CUTE FOOD PASTRIES.
September 30, 2009 at 06:11 | In Cute Food Photos | Leave a Comment
The Easter Bunny… meets Santa Claus? I suppose this Huangshan, China cute dessert is truly for all occasions! From iwastella.
- Check out healthy recipes for cakes, desserts and occasions in La Carmina’s book Cute Yummy Time, now available for pre-order here.
- Want to buy cute bento equipment and Hello Kitty dessert molds? Come to my online store!
CUTE YUMMY TIME BOOK TOUR SIGNING DATES ANNOUNCED! LA CARMINA COOKBOOK IN-STORE EVENTS IN NYC, DC, PHILLY.
September 29, 2009 at 19:56 | In Press, The Book: Cute Yummy Time | Leave a Comment

CUTE YUMMY TIME BOOK SIGNINGS!!!!
Three tour dates announced so far in NYC, Philly and DC. I hope to see you there — I’d love to stay afterward to hang out with you! More US dates to be announced soon.
NYC
Sunday, October 11: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
The Broadway Panhandler, 65 East 8th Street, New York, NY 10003
PHILLY
Saturday, October 17: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Fante’s Kitchen Wares, 1006 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
WASHINGTON, DC
Saturday, October 24: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Hill’s Kitchen, 713 D Street SE, Washington, DC 20003

So far, Cute Yummy Time has been getting an awesome reaction. Popular bento blogger Bento Lunch gave my cookbook a 100% positive review. Shannon writes: “…the food is absolutely darling. Called “kawaii” and pronounced like Hawaii, the food is all presented as adorable animals. Even better, none of the animal shapings call for anything extremely complicated [...] All of the recipes seem to be reasonable in terms of time & ingredients and many of them appear to be rather kid friendly but still healthy (lots of homemade breads & pastas, wheats instead of whites and plenty of veggies). Personally, I love how easy her tips are for making the food cuter. There were so many hints we’re going to try and add into our bentos since they aren’t time consuming.”
I loved seeing the animal ham/cheese crackers and quesadilla she made, inspired by my recipes. Best of all, the book gets her daughter’s stamp of approval! “Faith also loved the little story that runs through each page of the author and Basil the cat’s adventures in Kawaii-land.”
More info about Cute Yummy Time here. Hope to see you soon (I’ll try to bring adorable snacks!).
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