Eat-a-Ducky-Mouse: A Gastro-Memoir and Love Letter to Japanese American Food
28 May 2026, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
5:00-5:30 pm – Registration & Light Reception (Enjoy some fun treats from Eat-a-Ducky-Mouse) 5:30-6:30 pm – Presentation and Q&A
About the Event
Every group of immigrants that comes to the US brings with it a food culture that may not be reproduceable in their new home given the availability of products, retailers, and restaurants, as well as the urge to leave old ways behind and acculturate into the American food landscape. However, many cultures, Japanese Americans among them, have successfully integrated foods from the homeland with “American” cuisine, creating a food culture that is unique to both. Eat-a-Ducky Mouse: A Gastro-Memoir and Love Letter to Japanese American Food Culture is the first in-depth examination of over 125 years of Japanese American eating, drinking, cooking, dining and more.
About the Speaker
Bob Kumaki is the Managing Principal of the Ronin Group, Clinical Professor of Marketing at Northeastern Illinois University and author of over 100 newspaper and professional journal articles and columns.
In the food realm, he has dined with Julia Child, Ming Tsai and Emeril Lagasse among other superstar chefs. He has done food research for the Government of Japan and eaten an estimated 125 global cuisines. He has a sake professional certification and his latest book Eat-a-Ducky-Mouse: A Gastro-Memoir and Love Letter to Japanese American Food Culture has been nominated for a James Beard Media Award.
(Note: Finalists for the James Beard Awards will be announced May 6)
