Ayah Sophia

Tokyo Weeks 3 & 4: Reflections and Recommendations

Why would you want to skip the privilege of being a beginner?

Mar 27 • Ayah Sophia

I went to Tokyo for Latin American food

Serving Peruvian cuisine through Japanese ingredients, MAZ holds one of the city's most unique menu concepts.

Mar 20 • Ayah Sophia

Den is a love letter to kaiseki cuisine, and just about everything else too

To start, this is the hardest I’ve ever worked for a reservation.

Mar 14 • Ayah Sophia

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Tokyo Week 2: Reflections and Recommendations

Listless, unmoored, and slightly apocalyptic.

Mar 8 • Ayah Sophia

What makes luxury tacky instead of aspirational?

A recent disappointment showed me exactly what happens when exclusivity isn’t earned.

Mar 4 • Ayah Sophia

Sakurai Tea Experience is an idyllic foray into Japanese tea

Worth it for the curious and inexperienced – overpriced if not.

Mar 1 • Ayah Sophia

February 2026

Tokyo Week 1: Reflections and Recommendations

Reflections and recommendations.

Feb 26 • Ayah Sophia

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Travel isn't living, it's escape

On stagnation, exploration, and the US dollar.

Feb 21 • Ayah Sophia

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January 2026

Indienne is Among Chicago’s Best Michelin Meals

A strong menu boasting beautifully complex flavors at a reasonable price makes this spot a must-visit.

Jan 15 • Ayah Sophia

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Kyoten Next Door: A Review

A traditional omakase experience in Chicago, from the perspective of a zillennial foodie who spends way too much money on fine dining.

Jan 8 • Ayah Sophia

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Reflections on New York City, 2024

Transcripts of journal entries from my travels.

Jan 3 • Ayah Sophia

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December 2025

Reflections on Japan and Korea, 2022

Transcripts of journal entries from my travels.

Dec 27, 2025 • Ayah Sophia

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