Category Archive for Fims + Videos
WORLD’S WEIRDEST RESTAURANTS, FOOD NETWORK TV SHOW. BOB BLUMER: CURRY TRAIN CAFE, THAI BOXING, MONKEY WAITERS.
Have you spotted any Pirates on Food Network Canada? The TV show World’s Weirdest Restaurants, which Captain La Carmina and First Mate Naomi arranged and appear on, is currently airing every Wednesday and Saturday.
You may recall that we were in Tokyo for a month last fall, working on this Food Network docu-series. Since I wrote a book called Crazy, Wacky Theme Restaurants: Tokyo, we knew exactly where to take the TV cameras.
Canadians may recognize host Bob Blumer from “Glutton for Punishment” and “The Surreal Gourmet.” We shot at Kayabuki, the tavern with monkey waiters.
Naomi held a baby monkey!
In addition to serving hot towels and beer, the macaques do tricks like balancing on a ball.
Naomi spoke expertly about this monkey business. I can’t imagine a restaurant in North America that would allow this.
The tofu, grilled mackerel and sashimi were to die for. The bee larva… not so much. Kayabuki is located north of Tokyo, in Utsunomiya (Address: 栃木県宇都宮市御幸本町４６８８).
Every day was insane: we rushed to a theme restaurant and filmed non-stop, for hours. We adored Curry Station Niagara, helmed by a an adorable grandma “conductor.” The homemade curry is delivered to customers via toy trains.
Hats all around, for the kids. The decor is authentic: parts salvaged from vintage trains. (Address: 東京都目黒区祐天寺2-1-5 高坂ビル)
As fixers, we’re always dealing with last-minute changes. Within 24 hours, we arranged filming at a Muay Thai boxing restaurant!
The signs outside Ooenjyai (4-9-23 Ayase, Adachi-Ward, Tokyo) make the theme apparent…
You eat delicious Thai food while watching young people beat each other up!
Upstairs, there’s a training room.
The Thai boxers included teenage boys and a young woman.
Interested in seeing more photos and stories of Japan bizarre cafes? Please support my work and check out my Crazy, Wacky Theme Restaurants book. Also visit the Pirates website for Tokyo TV hosting, location scouting, TV production, translation and guiding services.
PS: Thanks to Fashiolista for interviewing me. The style-sharing and saving site is addictive! I post my finds and outfits there; add me to get started.
What do you think of these weird Japanese restaurants? Would you be interested in visiting one? Have you seen our TV show yet? (I’ll post clips later.)
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DOWNTOWN SEATTLE BOUTIQUE HOTEL: KIMPTON VINTAGE PARK, WINE HOTELS. GOTH CLUB SCENE, NOC NOC INDUSTRIAL MUSIC.
Thanks for supporting our GPKISM dance video on the anniversary of the earthquake! Mary Nine and tank9 are an amazing duo. We hope the video encourages people to take action for Japan.
The charity project wouldn’t have been possible without Seattle’s Kimpton Hotel Vintage Park. (Remember the time we stayed at this boutique wine hotel?)
As a seasoned traveler, I can vouch: Kimpton’s customer service is through the roof. The charming concierge Louis greeted us with hugs, and sent this hand-written note to our room — along with chocolates, a DVD, and a bottle of Syrah!
The rooms are lushly decorated, each with individual artwork. No beige here.
The hotel upgraded us to a double suite. We love the leopard print bathrobes.
Local producers hold afternoon wine tastings, which let the guests mingle. This time, we tried rose and syrah by Washington’s Adamant Cellars.
The beds were comfortable, and had a good bounce! (No, we don’t encourage such naughty behavior…)
Guess who brought these bear bags.
When you travel to Seattle, keep Hotel Vintage Park in mind. You can’t find a warmer hotel (and it’s pet-friendly too).
For more tips about why boutique hotels rock, watch my Huff Post video.
Closeup on my DIY crown, scarves and nails. The sheer sleeves are gifted by Sleevey Wonders.
My dashing eyelashes are a gift by Sugarpill by Shrinkle. Basil Farrow loves the packaging.
Sugarpill’s eyelashes are well-made: no sharp edges, and lightweight. They went on easily and kept their shape, so I can wear them multiple times. Paws up.
Rose also rocked spider lashes.
Lolita-Punk fashion, and leopard half-shaved hair.
That evening, we went to the Industrial night (Resurrection) at Club Noc Noc.
Hugs for everyone who came and supported our project.
PS: I’m posting daily photos with the Instagram app, including cute Scottish Fold cat snaps. Let’s be friends? My Instagram name is lacarmina.
What’s your favorite hotel, and why? Did you enjoy our Seattle Goth adventures? Take a moment to watch my industrial dance video with tank9, Mary Nine, and jumping kigurumi.
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LA CARMINA
