A Short History of Listening Bars

The concept of listening bars, like many things, has its origins in Japanese culture. Commonly referred to as HiFi bars in the U.S., listening bars are a “​subset of the kissaten, the small and idiosyncratic coffeehouses dotting the side streets in Tokyo​ (Ben Ratliff, New York Times),” and stem back to the 1950s.

The original idea is simple: talk less, listen more. The sound is given first priority, not the floor plan nor what's on the menu. Acoustics of the space are designed in such a way that one can fully appreciate the music that’s playing. It’s a great way to experience music; not only are the picks usually playing from vinyl but the sound system is optimized to hear details we otherwise couldn’t get at a regular venue.

What characteristics define a listening bar? Speakers tend to have a revealing sound quality for everyone in attendance. The general vibe amounts to an atmosphere that supports enjoyment and relaxation, rather than one of coffee-fueled productivity or a night club. Owners sought to do something they’re passionate about and tend to be collectors of records with a deeper appreciation for the technology behind great sounding music. It’s a unique place that provides a means to relax, concentrate on the music, and come together as a community… Arpeggio 

Kitaro - Matsuri (Live)

Wok Skills 101: Stir-Frying

“Stir-frying” is arguably the most well-known technique in wok cooking—both within China and across the globe. But contrary to what some may practice, the method is a little more nuanced than tossing some meat and vegetables around in a wok, drowning them in soy sauce, and calling it a day. Stir-frying in a wok has a long history that traces back thousands of years, but only in the last few centuries has it developed into the technique that we know now. Let’s dig in… Serious Eats 

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