At the Ethnic Market highlights international specialty foods and ingredients you're very unlikely to find at your local Gristedes.
Although the English part of the label references the famous Dylan song, the exact translation of Kaze ni Fukarete Tofu-ya Johnny, stamped on the blue-and-white tubs of premium bean curd, translates to “Johnny the tofu maker blown by the wind.” It’s one of several products made by Kyoto’s Otokomae Tofuten or “handsome guy tofu shop," and in addition to the odd Dylan-inspired name there's the price: at $4.99 for 8.5 ounces, it’s not exactly cheap.
And despite being entirely written in Japanese, the company’s web site is strangely compelling, thanks mainly to bizarre black and white animations and an infectious theme song. Further reading revealed the reason for Johnny’s price: It’s fresh tofu made from high-quality soybeans.
Peeling back the label revealed the wobbly off-white tofu; rather than adulterate this luxurious bean curd with anything else, the first spoonful was sampled neat. It was super-creamy and had a nutty flavor, yet it still needed a little something. The white curd was so rich that it seemed more appropriate to eat as a dessert. So rather than ruin it with soy sauce, honey was called for. It was the ideal combination, like a cold version of the steaming dau fu fa that’s scooped from a wooden bucket at dim sum joints.
Johnny The Tofu Maker, Blowin’ In the Wind is also available at Sunrise Mart in the East Village. Given its popularity you might want to call in advance to check if it's in stock.
Sakura-ya, 73-05 Austin St. , Forest Hills, 718-268-7220
Sunrise Mart, 29 3rd Ave., Sunrise Mart, 212-598-3040
