Tanaka Report

Limited Edition Atmos G-shock DW-5600-VT 10th Anniversary

Tanaka Report — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 05:28:00 GMT

Limited Edition Atmos G-Shock DW-5600-VT

Only 1000 of these bad boys were made, which only 25 made it to America! Those 25 (make that 24) Limited Edition Atmos G-Shock DW-5600 10th Aniversary can ONLY be found in the Atmos NYC location! For the rest of the watches, you're gonna have to make the trip to Japan. Gotta love going to look at some kicks and being there when their shipment arrived by luck.

No. 728/1000

Atmos store locations in NYC and Tokyo

NYC location:
203 w. 125th st. New York, NY 10027

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Tokyo location:
〒150-0001
東京都渋谷区神宮前4-32-8
tel：03-5772-1655
12:00～20:00

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4-32-8 JINGUMAE SHIBUYA-KU TOKYO JAPAN 150-0001
TEL 81-(0)3-5772-1655

Crack Pie from Momofuku Milk Bar

Tanaka Report — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 05:21:00 GMT

Momofuku
- momo, n 桃 peach
- fuku, n. 福　good luck; fortune

Food and Wine - "Best new asian restaurants"

Food and Wine - "Best new chefs 2006"

New York Gagazine - "Best cheap eats" (noodle bar)

GQ - "Chef of the year"

New York Times - "Best new restaurant 2007"

Food and Wine- "Best dishes 2007"

Bon Appetit - "Chef of the year 2007"

Food and Wine - "Best restaurant dish 2008" (frozen foie gras)

Momofuku Milk Bar

The Crack Pie from Momofuku Milk Bar is exactly what the name says. "CRACK!" Although I believe the name was derived from the cracked buttery oatmeal cookie crusty surface of the pie, in my opinion it's more of a double meaning because it's more addictive then crack! I had one bite and was hooked on phonics. Momofuku has been blowing up like mofo. Getting write ups and appearing in everything! Since 2004 Momofuku has been featured in Today Show, Martha Stewart, Jimmy Falon, Nightline, Charlie Rose, Regis and Kelly, New York Magazine, Time Out, New York Times, Food and Wine, GQ, Time, Wall Street Journal, Michelin Guide and Bon Appétit.

Crack Pie from Momofuku Milk Bar Momofuku Milk Bar East Village Location

With the success of Momofuku, owner David Chang decided to open up a dessert spot. He noticed the talent of one time employee of Ssäm Bar, 28 year old Christina Tosi, and decided to give her the opportunity to run Momofuku Milk Bar. You gotta try the Crack Pie! But some other Milk Bar originals that you should check out are the Compost Cookie (Potato chips, pretzels, coffee grounds, chocolate chips, graham crumbs, butterscotch chips) and Cereal Milk! They also do wedding cakes!

Now with two location in the city. You can enjoy Milk Bar in the East Village and Midtown. You can even place a order online for pickup or shipping. If you're interested in Milk Bar, sign up for their newsletter . For those of you that can't make it up to NYC, you can try to make the delicious crack pie yourself with the recipe! Although I doubt it's going to come out anything like the real deal!

Current menu for cake flavors

East Village:

207 2nd Ave, New York, NY

Every day 9am - 12am

(212) 254-3500

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Midtown:

15 w. 56th St, New York, NY

Every day 8am - 12am

(212) 757-5878

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Limited Edition Dee and Ricky G-Shock GA110DR-1A

Tanaka Report — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 08:33:00 GMT

Dee and Ricky at their G-Shock launch party in NYC         Limited Edition Dee and Ricky G-Shock GA110DR-1A

The hottest LImited Edition G-shock this year was by Staten Island twins Demetris (Dee) and Ricardo (Ricky) Jackson (simply known as Dee and Ricky). These 23 year old fashion hipsters are new to the scene but jumped in head first. People such Kanye West, Rihanna and one of my fav artist Takashi Murakami have been seen wearing their lego designs. Even fashion king Marc Jacobs used their designs in his 2008 spring runway show. Now they have taken their logo designs to inspire the latest collabo with G-Shock to create my favorite G-Shock this year.



These things are selling like hotcakes! I was on the mad search for it this summer. Stussy NYC store received 20 on one Saturday and sold out in 2hours! Macy's, the largest retailer of G-Shock in the U.S, only got 2 per store. I searched every Macy's in NY and NJ and only found 4! (of course I snatched them all) I did find one at Reed Space in NYC with a inflated price tag. Hell... these bad boys are now running $400 on ebay. I still have one more Dee and Ricky left and will be on sale soon. 'After' you can't find them anywhere that is...... hit me up. But be sure that you will be paying a premium.


Kanye West wearing Dee and Ricky heart brooch     Takashi Murakami wearing Dee and Ricky bow-tie    Marc Jacobs 2008 spring runway

Check out Dee and Ricky's website to purchase their lego designs. You can also add them on Facebook as well as follow them on Twitter. They even have a blog on my favorite trend site Hypebeast.com.

Interview with Dee and Ricky for G-Shock

Film Director and Video Artist Kenzo Digital releases his latest short film starring designers Dee & Ricky featuring their latest G-Shock

Atmos NYC and Tokyo

Tanaka Report — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 05:26:00 GMT

Atmos, NYC - 203 W. 125th St. New York, NY 10027

Atmos NYC is my second favorite sneaker store in NYC behind Alife Rivington. Sure you have to adventure uptown to Harlem but that's half the fun. It makes for a great excuse to get up there and throw back some good ol Spanish or Soul food. They first opened their doors 10 years ago in Harajuku, Japan and expanded to Harlem, NYC only 5 years ago. If you can't make it to NYC or Tokyo they do accept phone and email orders. Check out some of their recent collabos such as their 10th anniversary items with New Era and G-Shock.

Atmos was ranked No. 16 - Top 50 Sneaker Stores in the World by Dime magazine. Earlier this year in August 2010, Fabolous and Jadakiss showed up for the Jordan brand launch party during the World Basketball Festival which they completely converted the store all Jordoned out. Atmos Tokyo is where it all began and is located in Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo Japan. Check out some of the other press that Atmos has received. You can also find articles about them on practically every hipster blog out there.

Atmos on Twitter

203 W. 125th St.
New York, NY 10027
(p) 212.666.2242
(f) 212.666.1796
info@atmosnyc.com
mon - sat: 11-8
sun: 12-7

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Sabre Heartbreaker Sunglasses

Tanaka Report — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 08:09:00 GMT

Just recently happen to stubble upon Sabre sunglasses while checkin out Karmaloop.com . This Australian based company is spreading far and wide from America, South America, Europe and Japan. They have been pickin up press like a STD's in Cancun.

Dig the wide range of styles and colors. Also their attention to details like the Heartbreaker logo on the inside of the frame. A complete bonus for their reasonable prices. Their off beat ad sense and appreciation for hip culture such as snowboarding, skateboarding and surfing is exactly up my ally!

Sabre Facebook

Surf video starring sabre team rider chippa wilson

Now, An Analog Moving Picture Project from Analog Clothing on Vimeo.

Kabab Cafe, Astoria Queens

Tanaka Report — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 03:31:00 GMT

Kabab Cafe, Astoria Queens

What an amazingly ridiculous experience! Thank goodness for Anthony Bourdain and Andrew Zimmern for suggesting this place! After watching this episode, I had to make the trip!

Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations NYC

We got there right as they were opening and were waiting for chef Ali El Sayed to arrive. So we walked down the street to kill time, meanwhile trying to convince the person I was with NOT to give in to the temptation of the other spots around the hood.


Sweet Breads                                                                                       Lamb Cheek cooked for over 48hours

So when we returned, this random guy from the shisha spot across the street was waving for me to come in. I pointed to myself for reassurance and questioned if he was even speaking to me at all. As I approached, I completely did a "oh shit" and noticed that it was chef Ali. With the most relaxed vibe and soothing charm, he was puffin on some shisha and told us that he would be another 20min! Boy o boy did I have to calm my boy down from not flippin out and picking some other random spot, let alone from killing him for making us wait even longer. Luckily I can convince a blind man to buy reading glasses.

Lamb Brain                                                                                          Rocky Mountain Oysters aka Lamb Testicles

For over 20 years in the same location, Ali's passion for cuisine completely shines through his amazing dishes and incredible personality. The Northern Alexandria style Egyptian was the greatest display of the worlds food that I have ever experienced. Just meeting him was well worth the wait and trip to Queens. As he explained each dish, you can hear the passion in his voice and taste the magic. This place is damn delicious and a must for any foodie! Absolutely incredible.

Kabab Cafe (by chef Ali El Sayed) 
25-12 Steinway st Queens, NY 11103
Open Tue-Sun 1pm-5pm, 6pm-10pm
(718) 728-9858 

Directions

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Limited Edition Stussy XXX DW-6900 G-Shock (30th Anniversary)

Tanaka Report — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 08:39:00 GMT

Dope box for Stussy XXX XXX label on the band

Yet another dope collabo from Stussy and Casio G-Shock for their XXX collection or otherwise own as their 30th Anniversary. For those of you have have not seen the XXX Collection should check it out. Stussy have teamed up with such brands and Eastpack, Clarks, Bluetribe, Daylife, Porter and Ricoh.

Stussy logo displayed on backlight

This is one of my favorite G-shocks. I guess I would be bias since I am a huge fan of both brands since the 80's. Gotta love how Stussy has kept it real and has not sold out like some of the other companies from its time like Billabong or Quicksilver. They are still coming out with hip style and definitely thinking outside the box instead of the bottom line.

Stussy XXX SW-6900

Best cakes from New York to Tokyo: Lady M Confections and Paper Moon

Tanaka Report — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:21:00 GMT

Paper Moon, Tokyo, Japan (both Lady M Confections and Paper Moon use the same counter top)

I discovered Lady M Confections around 2005 when I was watching the good ol Food Network one day and there was a segment on desserts in NYC. This place in particular caught my eye with their signature Mille Crêpes cake. This delicious master piece is put together with no less then 20 paper thin hand-made crepes layered with ethereally light and creamy custard. The top crépes is caramelized similar to creme brulee yet your fork still slices through the layers like a hot knife through butter. Lady M was the pioneer of the Mille Crêpes over 30 years ago and has spawned numerous copycats since then but non can compare to the real deal.

Mille Crêpes

When I walked in, I was stoked to see all these crazy tasty cakes lined up for devouring! The place is a bit pricey but well worth every penny! You're paying for the pure quality and hand made cakes, fresh (not frozen) without the use of food additives or preservatives. If you are not in NYC to visit this Upper East Side gem, then they do ship throughout the United States via FedEx with a 48-hour notice. You can also tastes the magic at several of New York's finest restaurants, such as their green tea Mille Crépes at Megu.

Lady M Confections, Upper East Side, NYC Paper Moon, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan

So fast forward to 2009 in Tokyo, Japan. A friend and I went out for some grub and was going to grab a lil after dinner, coffee and dessert. He took me to this spot called Paper Moon and I took one look at the cakes on display only to see all the same cakes as Lady M Confections. I was totally in a flashback of confusion! I said out loud, "This place totally bit off of Lady M Confections in NYC!" So I made a bet with my boy that there was definitely some sort of relation between the two places. So I called over the manager to ask him if he knew anything about the matter. I then found out that Paper Moon and Lady M's were not only connected but both owned by the same Japanese owner. Which made sense because Lady M's does have a Japanese cake appeal with their not so sugary approach, high end quality and regular portion sizes. (aka not fat ass size) Apparently they did operate under the Lady M's name in Japan for a little while but chose to go with Paper Moon, while NYC still goes by the name Lady M Confections. Probably because Paper Moon is much easy to say then Lady M Confections for the Japanese! I must say that the atmosphere is a hundred times better in Tokyo. Paper Moon is a great date spot in Tokyo as you will see it's packed with gorgeous couples! (check out the Charge corner and VIP corner) As they say, "The way to someone's heart is through their stomach!"

Lady M Confections, Upper East Side, NYC Paper Moon, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Lady M Confections: Upper East Side, NYC

         Lady M® Cake Boutique
          41 East 78th Street  (Between Madison Avenue and Park Avenue)
          New York, NY 10075 
         Phone: 212.452.2222  
         Hours: Monday through Friday: 10am-7pm 
         Saturday: 11am-7pm 
         Sunday: 11am-6pm

Directions

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    •    For orders that will to be picked up at our boutique or delivered by courier to a Manhattan address, please contact:
 
         Lady M® Cake Boutique 
         Phone: 212.452.2222 
         Monday through Saturday: 10am-7pm 
         Sunday: 11am-6pm  

         Manhattan weekday delivery $28.00. 
         Manhattan weekday rush $30.00. 
         Manhattan weekday above 99th St. $31.00. 
         Manhattan weekend delivery $45.00.
          Each additional cake $5.00. 
         Prices are subject to change.  

         Orders must be placed by 3:00pm the prior business day

    •    For out-of-state shipments please contact:

          Lady M® Confections Co., Ltd. 
         Phone: 718.937.8877 
         Monday through Friday: 10am to 6pm  
         Shipping: Cost of FedEx Standard Overnight service plus $20 per cake for packing and materials

         Orders must be placed 48 hours in advance

    •    Wholesale Inquiries and Orders: 
         Phone: 718.937.8877

Frequently Asked Questions “Shipping Lady M® Cakes...”

Paper Moon: Minato-ku, Tokyo

         Paper Moon (décor)
         4-12-26 Minami-Azabu
         Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0047
         Phone: 03-3448-1610
         Open: 10am - 2am

Directions

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Footballers and Fashion in Tokyo at PRINCIPE prive

Tanaka Report — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 06:38:00 GMT

PRINCIPE prive, Tokyo

I found PRINCIPE prive by complete luck through a friend of mine and it is definitely one of my favorite hidden hot spots to shop in Tokyo

PRINCIPE prive, Tokyo

I discovered this place from one of my boys who lived in NYC that moved back to Tokyo in 2007. When I was visiting him in 2009, he came to pick me up from the train station and I could not believe what he was wearing. Baci & Abbracci! When I was playing soccer in Italy in 2006, I was searching for this particular brand all over Italy with no success. So, I was completely shocked to see him wearing it in Tokyo! The owners of Baci & Abbracci are one of Italy's and Internazionale's (plus 10 other huge teams!) most famed soccer stars Christian Vieri's and hottie model Alena Šeredová (wife of Gianluigi Buffon) so you would think that I would find it when I was in Italy!

Baci & Abbracci track jacket Rare Italian import Nike's

The owner of Principe and former professional footballer in Italy personally goes to Italy to pick up the hottest stuff and brings it back to Tokyo. He carries such lines as, Baci & Abbracci, Never Wtihout You, Fred Mello, ZU Elements, Corona's, Child Q and Jonk. He also brings back some of the rarest and most hard to find sneakers in all of Tokyo!

Fabio Cannavaro and "Zu+Element" Francesco Totti and "Never Without You"

Luca Toni and Fred Mello

PRINCIPE prive, Tokyo
http://www.principe-prive.net/
Tel: 03-5772-6045（12：00～20：00）

Tokyo, Shibuya Ku Jingumae 3-7-4, 2F
(Station before Tokyo metro outer garden: From Berukomonzu
東京都渋谷区神宮前3-7-4, 2F (東京メトロ外苑前駅 : ベルコモンズより徒歩5分)

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"));

Best Breakfast in NYC at Clinton Street Bakery!

Tanaka Report — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 02:13:00 GMT

Clinton Street Bakery

    Voted:    "Best Pancakes" New York Magazine, 2008 and 2005
                   "Best Breakfast / Brunch" Time Out NY, 2007
                   "Best Breakfast" Travel and Leisure 2009
                   "Top 10 Brunches" The New York Observer 2008

Clinton Street Bakery line on a Saturday morning at 10:00am (over 1hr wait) During the week is a "little" bit better.

Clinton Street Bakery is NYC's mecca for breakfast! Located in the LES since 2001, Clinton Street Bakery is the place to go to kick start your day right. Everything is delicious in here but they are mostly known for their crazy tasty blueberry pancakes with maple butter and their buttermilk biscuit sandwich! Their pancakes are so soft and fluffy that when you cut into them with a fork, it slices right through them like a hot knife through butter! Does not jack them up and knock them over or anything.

Wild Maine Blueberry Pancakes (foreground) Buttermilk Biscuit Sandwich (background)

Clinton St. was a local hot spot but now has become a destination spot for people from all over the world. They have won several awards and has been written up in numerous magazines and is even in guide books. They have been featured in shows like "The Martha Stewart Show", the History Channel "Hanukkah Foods: Latkes" and they somehow lost (which I don't believe) in the blueberry pankcake throwdown on "Throwdown with Bobby Flay." (other press)

There is no best time to go because even if you get there before they open, there is already a line so be prepared to wait! I have waited over an hour for this breakfast hotspot! That's more then I will wait for most restaurants but when you have a craving that has to be filled you can not substitute this place with any other spot! They even hook you with some pancake samples while you wait in line. A ton of people just go inside and grab some coffee and some of their muffins to endure the wait.

Menu

4 Clinton Street (btw. East Houston & Stanton)
New York, NY 10002

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Hours of Operation
breakfast: 8am - 11:30am, Monday thru Friday,  lunch: 11:30am - 4pm , dinner: 6:00pm - 11pm (closed sunday night) weekend brunch: 9am - 4pm, Saturday and Sunday

*The restaurant is closed Monday thru Saturday between 5 and 6pm

Reservations
We do not take reservations. At brunch we can only seat parties of 6 or less.

Delivery
Lunch: 11:30 am to 4pm, Monday thru Friday , Dinner: 6pm to 10:30 pm, Monday thu Friday
Saturday dinner delivery coming soon.
No brunch delivery.
$10 minimum

Take-Away
Take away is always available during business hours. Call 646-602-6263 to pre-order.