Still on Tokyo time…

2 September 2010

In the air and on the way into Tokyo…

It’s good to come back to an old friend, the Okura. Still frozen in time from the 60′s…

Original graphic tapestry on the elevator doors, still beautifully maintained…

In contrast, the backside of the massive front door at Wonderwall…

Some interesting ‘future nouveau’ details in Omotesando…

The crew meet up at Lighthouse Records in Shibuya… You’ll find good stuff here…

Serious craftsmen at work in Daikanyama…

The bathroom at an old favourite, Combine in Naka-Meguro… always solid.

Support the homeys, Dj Kent (The Backwoods/Force of Nature) and Chida (Ene Records), hold it down poolside at mega club Ageha…

Vendor‘s new location in Naka-Meguro is really great…

… with quite the A/V control center.

On the way to highly recommended vintage shop Jantique, hit up mid-century-modern filled Prata Cafe in Meguro… I hadn’t been here for ages…

A great shop full of carefully curated vintage housewares, furniture, prints etc, mixed in with newer stuff. An amazing space as well, Quico is just off Omotesando…

… they had a Wegner Swivel Chair in mint condition, casually in a corner.

Apparently a relatively new spot, Warito makes some amazing Tsukemen. A must try…

Transit Tokyo

30 August 2010

Picked up this really great guidebook to Tokyo eateries, published by TRANSIT magazine. It focuses on not only the famous and established, but also the underground and hard to find. The pocket sized book thoroughly covers everything from izakayas to the best pizza. Best of all, most of the text is translated into English…. get it here.

FACE x August

18 August 2010

Our FACE graphics are all handled by a talented duo that call themselves “NOTICE”. These flyers keep getting better and better every month… great work. If you’re in SF Friday, August 27th we’re having another party. This one will focus on “Friends of Face”, and will feature guests such as Pickpocket from the awesome DONUTS parties, Damon Way (who most intel readers are familiar with…), J.Montag (FACE), myself and a few other notable degenerates. Basically gonna be a great house party/club house hang… all set to a soundtrack of no wave, italo, dark disco, edits, cosmic rock and garage…

Public Release x Blackjoy

12 August 2010

Look out for Public Release‘s “Private Release” series Vol. 3 dropping this autumn. We’re finally working with old friend Jerome, a.k.a “Blackjoy”. This 12″ will be a broad mix of not only edits, but original tracks as well. More info to come soon…

Handcrafted Modern

29 July 2010

Old friend and photographer Leslie Williamson is coming out with a great new book this fall, “Handcrafted Modern”. It takes a special peek into the homes of some of the worlds most interesting designers & architects. Many of these dwellings have been shot for the very first time. Look out for it on Rizzoli.

Tools of the Trade.

21 July 2010

Recently, I was given these nice AIAIAI TMA-1 headphones to test out. They’ll be out in the coming months, and so far they seem durable and smartly done. For a Dj, headphones are very personal and everyone has their own preference. Some people go through many over the years, others simply stick w/ one. The four loyal companions below, are the last ones standing after many years of thrashing…

AIAIAI TMA-1: So far so good…

Senheiser HD25-1 II: The de facto standard. Good sound, comfort and adjustability. Looks more fragile than it really is…

SoundDiscovery Lollipop Stick (Sony MDR Mod): Rock solid and simple. It is what it is. The white LED meter is a nice touch…

Pioneer HDJ-1000: Reasonably priced and decent, but the faux metal, painted plastic will eventually break apart on you every time. I went through 2 pairs before moving on and retiring them…

FACE. Jacques Renault.

15 July 2010

Next Friday, July 23rd we welcome back old friend Jacques Renault (DFA/Runaway/OnTheProwl/NYC). Producer extraordinaire, worthy drinking partner and a great DJ. We also just recently put out a record together…

Anthem did a great little video on his recent LA escapades:

Cafe Gitane at the Jane – half a year later…

8 July 2010

Half a year into it, and we’ve installed our sign of permanence. Now a favourite of the west village, and winner of “Best Brunch from New York Magazine (2010)”. If you haven’t already been, please pop by for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a drink…

Harvey crazy…

1 July 2010

Our FACE party this month, with the infamous Dj Harvey was great. We’re hoping for a round 2 later this year… Thanks to everyone and especially Mr. Harvey!

photos c/o F.Garcia

Omakase HK

24 June 2010

After traveling 13 hours to Hong Kong, there’s not much that beats having a good friend prepare dinner for you. Not having to think about what to order, and having him take care of it ‘omakase’ style is even better. Our bro Matt Abergel is currently executive chef at Zuma in HK, and paid dues before that at the infamous Masa in New York. He started me off with this Hokkaido Uni on Squid Ink Toast…

Hit him up next time you’re in HK…