Ninja 忍者

The Ninja, and related Shinobi, warriors were prominent in 15th century Japan during the Sengoku period. Ninja translates to “one who is invisible”, and Shinobi to “one who sneaks” or “to steal away, to hide”. They functioned as mercenaries, covert agents practicing a type of “guerilla” warfare considered less honorable than the Samurai. In the 17th century they faded into obscurity but became the stuff of myth and legend during the latter Meiji Restoration period, with their folkloric magical abilities.

Japanese Karakuri Creation Group artist Osamu Kasho turned to this lore for his recent exhibition piece. “This time, the theme of new release of KCG was JAPAN. I wanted to make something about ninja from before because it must fit well with Karakuri box, so that's the time.” Kasho’s creations are often surprising and hide well disguised secrets, which seems like a perfect approach for a Ninja themed puzzle box. Once he came up with his idea, he notes that everything went smoothly from the start and he did not need alter or change the design.

“There were many challenges to make mechanisms move smoothly. Weight of the parts were very important for its mechanism this time. I controlled them by the wood type, thickness, and small metal weights.” The box has a nice geometric pattern in colorful wood displayed on top, and what appears to be a drawer, but with no handle – another clever, Ninja-like detail. The box pays homage to both the history of Japan and the history of the Karakuri Group. “It contains some major mechanism of Karakuri. I thought it must be nice to combine this and another mechanism.” Kasho says he learned many things from this production, and may make future mosaic designs as well, but, “I have to make so many accurate triangles each by each. It was very hard work!” I asked him what he has in store for his next project, and he told me, “I always have no idea for future. I will get some beer first!” I’ll drink to that!

“Nacho” Jimenez, head bartender at the multi award winning New York bar Ghost Donkey, set out to create a Mexican-themed, mezcal and tequila bar that evoked the “sense of welcome” present at any good Mexican dinner party. Drawing inspiration from his Central Mexico roots, he pulled influences from all regions of his homeland, from the drinks and food, to the festive décor, to the soundtrack of mix tapes his mother loved. In addition to the requisite nachos, you will find a frozen drinks machine behind the bar, serving up the easiest choice on the menu.

I am toasting my friend Osamu and his Ninja secret box with something that will also sneak up on you, if you are not careful. It’s a delicious version of the classic margarita, made with refreshing cucumber puree and sweetened with elderflower and agave. There’s a dash of chili heat as well, which can be homemade by infusing dried red chilis in vodka for a few days to make a tincture, which is how it’s done at Ghost Donkey, where this drink is served. I added the heat with Bittermen’s “Hellfire” habanero tincture, which is an incredible way to turn up the heat in a cocktail. I’ve even used straight Tabasco from time to time! Easy does it, or the drink will sneak up on you even faster! Cheers!

Stealth Margarita by Ignacio Jimenez

1 ½ oz blanco tequila

½ oz elderflower liqueur

½ oz agave syrup (1:1 agave:water)

¾ oz cucumber puree

¾ oz lime

3 dashes chili tincture

citrus salt: lemon, lime, orange and grapefruit zest mixed with sea salt

Combine ingredients in a blender with 5 ice cubes and blend. Pour into a favorite glass and garnish with citrus salt on the glass and a slice of cucumber.

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