Latest news with #Toyo
Los Angeles Times
19 hours ago
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
Tokyo Central supermarket opens in Irvine
On Monday afternoon at the newly opened Tokyo Central at Heritage Plaza shopping center in Irvine, grab and go sushi was wiped out by 2:30 p.m. 'Today was even busier than Saturday,' said an employee who was restocking the hot buffet bar. The Japanese specialty store celebrated its grand opening Saturday, July 26, marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a Taiko drum performance and free $10 gift cards to the first 100 customers. It was estimated that nearly 10,000 people visited over the opening weekend, flocking to the store for Japanese snacks, skincare items, specialty ingredients, household goods and prepared foods such as the highly coveted sushi. Tokyo Central was established in 1965 and has the distinction of being among the first international Japan-based retailers in the U.S. market. In Orange County, Tokyo Central already had locations in Costa Mesa and Yorba Linda, with the Irvine store bringing the total number of U.S. locations to 14. Previously known as Marukai, the company was acquired by Pan Pacific Retail Management, the parent company of Don Quijote or Donki, in 2013. 'Since then, we have gradually been transitioning the Marukai brand to Tokyo Central as part of a strategic rebranding initiative,' Koichi Toyo, president at Marukai Corp. said through a translator. 'This shift reflects our commitment to offering a comprehensive Japanese shopping experience under one unified brand.' While the excitement surrounding the new location's opening is apparent, the competition in Irvine is too. The city is already home to four major Asian supermarkets; 99 Ranch Market, Korean grocer H Mart, Japanese chain Mitsuwa Marketplace and Zion Market. The opening of Tokyo Central also comes on the heels of the recent announcement that T&T Supermarket, Canada's largest Asian grocery chain, will open its first U.S. location in Irvine. Toyo said the company chose Irvine for its third O.C. location based on the city's substantial Asian population. 'There is a lot of diversity in Orange County, but according to the census, Irvine is one of the top five cities with the largest Asian population,' said Toyo. 'There are a lot of younger generations who are now raising their families here and that is a big reason why we chose Irvine.' The 2023 U.S. Census Bureau reported 44% of the population in the city of Irvine identifying as Asian. Although the city has many choices when it comes to specialty markets, Toyo said Tokyo Central's focus on quality Japanese products sets the brand apart from the rest. 'Of course there are many Asian grocery stores, however we focus on Japanese groceries and we try to offer the most imported goods from Japan and we also provide a hot buffet, sushi and bentos,' Toyo said. In addition to the prepared food offerings, Tokyo Central in Irvine features a stand alone sushi restaurant next door. Waka Sakura, also owned by Pan Pacific International, specializes in Edomae-style sushi, served via conveyor belt. Not to be confused with revolving sushi, which carts the same sushi around the restaurant, the dishes at Waka Sakura are made fresh to order and served over expertly prepared sushi rice seasoned with red vinegar. 'It has a slightly brown color, so a lot of people confuse it for brown rice,' a server said on a recent visit. 'It is going to be a hint sweeter than your typical white rice.' The menu features quality fish and authentic wasabi and curated assortments like a 'scallop lovers' plate, with scallop sashimi, seared scallop, spicy mayo scallop and teriyaki scallop. The 'salmon party' with six different styles of salmon is also popular. Guests can supplement their sushi orders with hot dishes like miso soup with clams and steamed egg, studded with mushrooms and shrimp. The adjacent restaurant adds another element to the experience at Tokyo Central and an alternative to hungry shoppers when grab-and-go sushi sells out. Overall, Toyo said the company hopes to continue increasing Tokyo Central's offerings. 'Moving forward, we will continue to enhance the Tokyo Central brand, aiming to serve as a one-stop destination for Japanese culture, cuisine and lifestyle while actively contributing to the local community,' said Toyo. Tokyo Central and Waka Sakura are located at 14120 Culver Drive in Irvine. Tokyo Central is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, while Waka Sakura is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Condé Nast Traveler
05-07-2025
- Business
- Condé Nast Traveler
The Best Places to Eat, Drink and Shop in Manila, According to Chef Jordy Navarra
Pairing coffee and cocktails is the latest trend in Makati, Navarra says. He touts spots in Legazpi Village like Curator Coffee & Cocktails, a café that at night transitions into a bar often helmed by guest mixologists from cities including New York, Singapore, and Seoul, and Ito, which offers prix fixe 'drinking sessions' featuring espresso-based concoctions, matcha, and nonalcoholic tipples along with snack pairings. 'I work with the same farmers as they do,' Navarra says of Ito, 'so I enjoy seeing the same produce we use at Toyo come to life in cocktails.' Shop smart Navarra shops right in The Alley at Karrivin, the Makati building complex that houses his restaurant. Aphro sells locally made stoneware, ceramics, and textiles, while the galleries Artinformal and the Drawing Room focus on Filipino artists. Eco-friendly Ritual stocks heritage goods, skin-care products, and books. 'I visit them whenever I can,' Navarra says. He also suggests the designs of Carl Jan Cruz, who created Toyo's uniforms: 'His showroom in nearby Taguig has everyday wear as well as special pieces.' This article appeared in the July/August 2025 issue of Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here.
Time Business News
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time Business News
2025 Toyota GR86: Price, Features & BRZ Comparison
The Toyota GR86 is a sports car that ignites passion. It's fast, stylish, and budget-friendly. For drivers who crave excitement, this car delivers. Part of Toyota's Gazoo Racing (GR) lineup, it offers pure driving joy. In this guide, we'll explore its price, features, and how it compares to the Subaru BRZ. Additionally, we'll cover models like the Toyota CHR Hybrid and Toyota GT86. Let's dive into the adventure! The GR86 is a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive coupe. It's built for thrilling drives. For example, its low center of gravity ensures precise cornering. Moreover, the sleek design and powerful engine attract car enthusiasts. The GR86 builds on the legacy of the Toyota GT86 and iconic Toyota AE86. Best of all, it's affordable compared to other Toyota sports cars. Engine: 2.4L 4-cylinder boxer Horsepower: 228 hp Torque: 184 lb-ft Transmission: 6-speed manual or automatic Drive: Rear-wheel drive Fuel Economy: 20 MPG city, 27 MPG highway (manual); 21 MPG city, 31 MPG highway (automatic) Starting Price: $31,085 The car is designed for performance. For instance, it offers sharp control. Features like Brembo brakes and SACHS dampers (on higher trims) enhance handling. Meanwhile, the Hakone Edition adds unique style with Ridge Green paint and bronze wheels. The starting price for the 2025 model is $31,085 for the base trim. The Premium trim costs $33,405. Furthermore, the Hakone Edition is priced at $36,405. These prices make it a top pick among sports cars. In comparison, the Subaru BRZ starts at $32,380, slightly higher. Here's a table showing the 2025 prices: Trim Starting Price Key Features Base $31,085 6-speed manual, 17-inch wheels, 6 speakers Premium $33,405 18-inch wheels, 8 speakers, heated seats Hakone Edition $36,405 Brembo brakes, SACHS dampers, Ridge Green paint Prices vary by region. For example, in the UAE, the Toyota GR86 price is around AED 108,000 ($29,400 USD). Therefore, always check with local dealers for exact costs. The GR86 boasts impressive specs. Its 2.4-liter boxer engine produces 228 horsepower. This is a significant upgrade from the Toyota GT86's 2.0-liter engine. As a result, it hits 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds (manual) or 6.6 seconds (automatic). Additionally, its lightweight design enhances agility. Engine Type: 2.4L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder boxer Horsepower: 228 hp at 7,000 rpm Torque: 184 lb-ft at 3,700 rpm Top Speed: Around 140 mph Weight: 2,811 pounds (base trim) The rear-wheel-drive setup ensures sharp handling. For example, it excels in tight corners. The car also features Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), adjustable for track driving. Consequently, drivers can push the limits safely. 2025 Toyota GR86 Engine The interior is driver-focused. It has sporty seats and a simple layout. Moreover, the 8-inch touchscreen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims add heated seats and an 8-speaker audio system. However, the rear seats are small, better suited for storage than passengers. The GR86 includes Toyota's Active Safety Suite (automatic models only). This features: Automatic emergency braking Lane departure warning Adaptive cruise control Similarly, the Subaru BRZ offers Subaru's EyeSight system. Both cars include airbags and anti-theft features. As a result, they prioritize safety without sacrificing fun. The GR86 and Subaru BRZ are like siblings. They share the same platform and engine. However, they have unique traits. Let's break it down. Both cars use a 2.4L boxer engine with 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. They offer manual or automatic transmissions. The GR86 reaches 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds, slightly faster than the BRZ's 5.9 seconds. Moreover, the GR86's stiffer suspension feels sportier. In contrast, the BRZ's softer suspension offers a smoother ride. The GR86 has a bold grille and a ducktail spoiler on higher trims. On the other hand, the BRZ has sleeker lines. The Hakone Edition features unique green paint. Similarly, the BRZ's trim, limited to 500 units, sports a vibrant purple color. Therefore, both cars stand out. Both interiors are similar. However, the GR86 offers red or white accents. Meanwhile, the BRZ has blue stitching in its tS trim. The GR86's Premium trim includes Ultrasuede seats, while the BRZ's Limited trim offers comparable features. As a result, both prioritize driver comfort. 2025 Toyota GR86 Interior Here's a table compararison: Model Starting Price Top Trim Price Toyota GR86 $31,085 $36,405 (Hakone) Subaru BRZ $32,380 $37,530 (tS) The GR86 is more affordable. Ascendingly, it includes a free High-Performance Driving Experience. Choose the GR86 for a sportier feel and lower price. Pick the BRZ for a smoother ride and Subaru's reliability. Both are excellent choices for Toyota sports car fans. The GR86 isn't Toyota's only sporty vehicle. Let's compare it to the Toyota CHR Hybrid and Toyota GT86. The Toyota CHR Hybrid is a compact crossover. It focuses on fuel efficiency, not speed. For instance, it gets 43 MPG combined, far better than the GR86's 27 MPG (manual). However, the GR86 offers thrilling handling. In the UAE, the Toyota CHR price starts at AED 95,000 ($25,900 USD). Therefore, the CHR is better for daily commuting. The Toyota GT86 was the GR86's predecessor. The GR86 has a larger 2.4L engine compared to the GT86's 2.0L. It also has more power (228 hp vs. 205 hp). Furthermore, the GR86 features updated styling and a larger touchscreen. As a result, it's the modern choice for performance seekers. The Toyota GR family includes the Corolla GR. This hatchback offers 300 hp and all-wheel drive. However, it's pricier, starting at $36,500. In contrast, the GR86 is more affordable and focuses on lightweight, rear-wheel-drive fun. Consequently, the GR86 is ideal for purists. The 2025 Hakone Edition is a special trim. It's named after Japan's Hakone Turnpike, a famous driving road. This edition includes: Ridge Green exterior paint Bronze 18-inch alloy wheels Tan Ultrasuede interior Brembo brakes and SACHS dampers Only 860 units are available. Therefore, it's highly exclusive. It's perfect for drivers seeking style and performance. 2025 Toyota GR86 The Toyota GR lineup is rooted in racing. The GR86 competes in events like the Super GT Championship. Its lightweight design and balanced chassis make it a track star. Moreover, Toyota's Gazoo Racing team fine-tunes it for performance. As a result, it's a favorite among racers. The GR86 faces rivals like the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Ford Mustang. The Miata has less power (181 hp) but similar handling. Meanwhile, the Mustang offers 315 hp but is pricier. Consequently, the GR86 balances affordability and fun. For example, it's ideal for budget-conscious thrill-seekers. In the UAE, the GR86 is popular among sports car fans. Its price starts at AED 108,000. In contrast, the Toyota CHR price in UAE is lower, but the GR86 offers unmatched thrills. Both cars have sporty designs. However, the GR86 is built for performance driving. Some confuse VSC Lexus with the GR86's Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). VSC prevents skids and is standard on the GR86. For instance, you can adjust it for track driving. Lexus models, like the IS, use VSC for luxury driving. Therefore, the GR86's VSC is tailored for sporty performance. The 2025 GR86 is a top pick. Here's why: Affordable Price: Starts at $31,085, cheaper than rivals. Thrilling Drive: Rear-wheel drive and sharp handling are exciting. Unique Style: The Hakone Edition adds flair. Reliable: Toyota's reputation ensures durability. However, the rear seats are cramped. Also, road noise can be noticeable. Nevertheless, the GR86 offers incredible value for Toyota sports car enthusiasts. Before buying, consider your needs. For example, decide between manual or automatic transmission. The manual offers more engagement, while the automatic is easier for daily driving. Additionally, test-drive different trims. The Hakone Edition is exclusive but pricier. Therefore, weigh style against budget. Finally, check for deals or incentives at local dealers. The GR86 is affordable to maintain. For instance, oil changes cost $50-$80. Tires last around 30,000 miles and cost $600-$800 to replace. Moreover, Toyota's warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles. As a result, ownership costs are reasonable for a sports car. However, track driving may increase wear on brakes and tires. How much is a Toyota GR86? The 2025 Toyota GR86 starts at $31,085 for the base trim. The Premium trim costs $33,405, and the Hakone Edition is $36,405. Prices vary by region, like AED 108,000 in the UAE. How much is Toyota GR86? The 2025 Toyota GR86 has a starting price of $31,085. The Premium trim is $33,405, while the Hakone Edition costs $36,405. Regional prices, such as AED 108,000 in the UAE, may differ. When did the Toyota GR86 come out? The second-generation Toyota GR86 was released in December 2021 for the 2022 model year. The 2025 model, with updates like the Hakone Edition, became available in fall 2024. Toyota GR86 how many seats? The Toyota GR86 has a seating capacity of four. However, the rear seats are very cramped, better suited for storage or small children than adults. The 2025 Toyota GR86 is a dream for sports car lovers. Its affordable price, powerful engine, and sharp handling make it a standout. Compared to the Subaru BRZ, it's sportier and cheaper. Whether you choose the Hakone Edition or base trim, it delivers thrills. Ready for the ride? Visit a Toyota dealer today! TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Tatler Asia
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Sustainability and flavour: The rise of fermentation in Asia's top restaurants
2. Toyo Eatery (Manila, Philippines) Named after the Tagalog word for soy sauce, Toyo is the Philippines' most internationally renowned restaurant. The intimate space in Makati is where Filipino nostalgia meets slow fermentation and sleek modernism. Skipping the more intimidating setups of other restaurants of the same calibre, Toyo feels more like a warm family dinner than a fine-dining room. It is helmed by Chef Jordy Navarra and his wife and creative partner, May, and with their team, they've created an ode to fermentation. Take the beloved tortang talong, a humble eggplant omelette transformed by their house-made fermented banana ketchup. Or the Bahay Kubo salad, a riot of 18 local vegetables, each preserved, pickled or marinated to maximise character. And yes, they have their own takes on vinegar-laced sawsawan, made with fermented coconut sap, adding funk and brightness in equal measure. Don't miss: Together they thrive: How did Jordy and May Navarra build Toyo Eatery Navarra taps into local fermentation traditions like tapuy (fermented rice wine) and bubud (a natural yeast starter) to build dishes that feel ancient yet avant-garde. One course might include clams kissed with tapuy, another a fish that's been dry-aged with microbial care. Fermentation in Asia often takes two directions—backward and forward. Toyo, however, uses it to look inward, toward heritage, home and the flavours passed down at the family table. 3. Gaa (Bangkok, Thailand) At Gaa, Chef Garima Arora has found a way to make fermentation taste like a homecoming and a disruption at the same time. Born in Mumbai and trained in the avant-garde kitchens of Noma, Arora brings centuries-old Indian preservation techniques into dialogue with Thai ingredients—and the results are electric. In Gaa's fermentation room, lychee becomes liqueur, split peas turn into miso, and Thai fish sauces bubble away beside jackfruit pickles. A dish might riff on the comfort of curd rice, but arrive layered with lacto-fermented fruit and spiced oil. Or chaat will get a haute twist thanks to garums made with koji-cultured Thai beef. In case you missed it: Garima Arora is Asia's Best Female Chef and the first Indian female to receive a Michelin star Arora's philosophy is less about fusion and more about translation. Her 'beef garum,' for example, doesn't try to mimic fish sauce—it speaks its own savory language. The result is a genre-defying menu that bridges the fermented worldviews of India and Southeast Asia, balancing nostalgia with discovery. 4. 7th Door (Seoul, South Korea) To say that Chef Kim Dae-chun of Seoul's 7th Door dabbles in fermentation is an injustice. Rather, he builds worlds of flavour around it. His intimate, 14-seat restaurant is a fermentation theatre where more than 40 house-made brews and pickles are the stars of a sensory journey. You literally walk past the jars: bubbling, ageing, thickening—an overture to the tasting experience that follows. Kim's guiding metaphor? Fermentation as the 'sixth door' in a seven-step journey toward gastronomic epiphany. Here, jangs—Korea's holy trinity of fermented pastes and sauces—are aged up to a decade in-house. The fish sauce called aekjeot is crafted from local seafood and cured in soy. Even desserts carry fermented echoes, such as soy-syrup glazes over truffle tteokbokki. In one course, raw fermented seafood called gejang is reimagined with rare Dokdo prawns. In another, traditional Korean citrus is preserved until its bitterness turns sweet. It's fermentation as art, memory and alchemy. 5. Onjium (Seoul, South Korea) Not far from 7th Door, another Seoul dining room pays tribute to fermentation in a quieter, regal way. At Onjium, co-chefs Cho Eun-hee and Park Sung-bae reinterpret Korea's royal cuisine with the poise of scholars and the precision of artisans. Their secret weapon? A fermentation farm in Namyangju, where they produce their own variants of jang, kimchi and vinegar using methods drawn from historical royal cookbooks. The dishes at Onjium whisper elegance: cabbage that's been brined, aged and caramelised or soy sauces made from heirloom beans aged in traditional earthen hangari. The fermentation here isn't experimental—it's ancestral. But don't mistake it for nostalgia. Onjium's modern plating and seasonal tasting menus pull these ancient techniques into the present, reminding diners that the best ferments are, above all, timeless. 6. Mingles (Seoul, South Korea) If 7th Door is fermentation as intimacy and Onjium is fermentation as legacy, then Mingles is fermentation as global stagecraft. Under the visionary hand of Chef Kang Min-goo, this Seoul heavyweight has turned jang, those beloved fermented pastes and sauces, into the core of award-winning culinary performance. Here, doenjang and gochujang aren't accents—they're structure. Think seared Hanwoo beef glazed in soy aged five years or a vinegar reduction made from Korean pears and wild herbs. Kang pairs these ferments with international techniques: foams, emulsions and the kind of delicate plating you'd expect in Paris, not Gangnam. The result is a cuisine that elevates fermentation. The message is clear: Korean flavours, when rooted in their fermented foundations, can speak a global language—and win all the stars while they're at it. Don't miss: Chef Mingoo Kang receives Inedit Damm Chefs' Choice Award 2021 by Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 7. Amber (Hong Kong) At first glance, Amber, the flagship of the Landmark Mandarin Oriental, might seem too polished, too pristine, too art-directed to be part of the fermentation set. But Chef Richard Ekkebus has spent the past few years quietly reworking fine dining's relationship with preservation. Gone are the creams, butters and heavy reductions of yesteryear; in their place are koji-aged vegetables, fermented grains and lacto pickles used with the precision of a Cartier timepiece. Amber's menu doesn't scream 'fermented,' but listen closely and it hums with microbial nuance: carrot koji with abalone, fermented buckwheat bread and a much-lauded plant-based bouillon that's more umami-packed than most bone broths. Even the desserts get in on the action, with seasonal fruit vinegars and fermented rice milk redefining what 'light' can mean in a luxury context. Amber isn't trying to be Nordic or temple cuisine. It's Hong Kong high design, reimagined with microbes and minerals. Fermentation here isn't rustic—it's tailored. 8. Yun (Seoul, South Korea) One might remember Chef Kim Do-yun from Culinary Class Wars: a White Spoon chef whose eyes were practically closed as he cooked rockfish while rocking headphones. He even detailed his obsession with drying ingredients, claiming he has the most extensive dried food collection among the cast. It comes as no surprise that his acclaimed restaurant, Yun, is built on traditional Korean fermentation, ageing and custom noodle-making. Chef Kim obsessively sources and preserves ingredients—pickles, beans, grains, dried vegetables, meats and fish—often ageing many of them for years to deepen the flavour. His lab-like kitchen storage with over 500 labeled ingredients (pickles, grains, seeds, etc.) underscores how fermentation and time are central to his cooking. For example, Yun's signature naengmyeon (cold wheat noodles) are made entirely in-house from Korean wheat and served simply with salt and oil. Chef Kim is even notorious for taking months off to study ingredients and techniques. While the chef himself is soft-spoken, his philosophy is bannered loudly in the restaurant, with diners hearing the detailed explanations of the ageing, fermenting and drying process behind the dishes.
Business Wire
02-06-2025
- Automotive
- Business Wire
Palliser Capital Publishes Value Enhancement Plan for Toyo Tires
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Palliser Capital ('Palliser'), a significant shareholder in Toyo Tires ('Toyo') (5105 JT), today published a comprehensive presentation on the opportunities available to unlock value at Toyo. To ensure market transparency and respond to requests from shareholders and other stakeholders, Palliser published the presentation first delivered by James Smith, Palliser Founder and Chief Investment Officer, at the Sohn Hong Kong Investment Leaders Conference on May 30, 2025. Toyo, a premium tire brand with a leading U.S. market share in Wide Light Truck Tires, has consistently underperformed and is materially undervalued, trading at a significant discount to peers across key valuation multiples, despite the company's far superior revenue and profitability profile. In Palliser's view, the factors driving this value gap are readily solvable and, if remedied, could deliver over 45% upside to shareholders – or materially more with a Palliser-proposed stakeholder value enhancement committee actively exploring options for Toyo, including interest from multiple PE and strategic buyers. Palliser's enhancement plan includes: Adopting best-in-class performance targets and incentive structures to fully align management incentives and shareholder interests; Implementing a TSE-aligned capital allocation framework, grounded in clear and distinct metrics, returns and hurdle rates; and Conducting a comprehensive review of all strategic options to maximize stakeholder value, including privatization and resolving overhang from Mitsubishi's investment in the company. Full details of the presentation are outlined in the accompanying attachment. About Palliser Capital Palliser Capital is a global multi-strategy fund. Our value-oriented investment philosophy is applied to a broad range of opportunities across the capital structure with a focus on situations where positive change and value enhancement can be achieved through thoughtful, constructive and long-term engagement with companies and across a range of different stakeholder groups.
