57344 Wed Dec 10 13:04:57 -0800 2003 2 2 Los Angeles Area 0 299388 Thought I'd pass this on -- I'll be out of town. January 1st, at 2nd & San Pedro intersection/Weller Court, there will be a New Years day celebration. The opening ceremony at noon, drum performance 12:25, sake barrel breaking at 12:40 (anyone know the significance of this?) and Mochitsuki (pounding of sweet rice) at 1:40. Food booths, samurai action show... etc. There will be a tea ceremony and sake tasting corner at the New Otani. The add in "Sushi and Tofu" (a monthly paper) says more information at nylt.org (or link through shushiandtofu.com). Wed Dec 10 13:04:57 -0800 2003 0 Sandra W. 1 300475 If you're downtown, check out "Cafe Lauren" on the 3rd floor of Mitsuwa Marketplace (formerly Yaohan Plaza), roughly cnr 3rd & Alameda. Mon Dec 22 17:49:24 -0800 2003 299388 0 Ron Kane 2 300542 Anything in particular we should check out there? When I'm there I usually eat at the Udon place on the ground level just before going into Mitsuwa. Pretty good for Kitsune Udon. Tue Dec 23 05:30:50 -0800 2003 300475 0 Lion Dancer