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COOKING CUTE FOOD FOR CRAZY JAPANESE TV SHOW. SKULL SCARF, TOP HATS, COTTON CANDY FROM KENKA RESTAURANT ON ST MARKS PLACE.


pretty goth girl models, goths in hot weather, boxing fists clenched, COOKING CUTE FOOD FOR CRAZY JAPANESE TV SHOW. SKULL SCARF, TOP HATS, COTTON CANDY FROM KENKA RESTAURANT ON ST MARKS PLACE. NHK KAWAII BENTOS TV SHOW: INTERVIEW WITH LA CARMINA, BLOGGER & CUTE YUMMY TIME AUTHOR. filming japanese game show, charaben, CUTE CHARACTER BENTO, crazy FOOD COOKING SHOW, NHK JAPAN TV DOCUMENTARY SHOOT, NEW YORK WAVE, turquoise and black goth clothes

Day 3 of the NHK Japan TV shoot. Regi came to NYC to witness the cute cookery. We both happened to be wearing black and our favorite shade of blue. She refers to it as hyper-active or BAM turquoise; I call it 0099CC (since that’s its hex color for CSS and Photoshop).

My long-sleeve top with a face on it: Etnies, an action apparel brand. Random, eh? This TV segment called for “casual clothes” so I had to do my best!
Skull scarf worn as a skirt: A mall vending cart. Casual, cheap and random: check.
Black leggings: Mall vending cart again.
Blue fishnets worn on forearms: Socks from Barcelona that I wear on my arms.
Cute penguin bands worn below knees: These are actually bento box straps from Daiso, the Japanese dollar store. I’d say the overarching theme of this outfit is… random?

film camera quality versus digital, COOKING CUTE FOOD FOR CRAZY JAPANESE TV SHOW. SKULL SCARF, TOP HATS, COTTON CANDY FROM KENKA RESTAURANT ON ST MARKS PLACE. NHK KAWAII BENTOS TV SHOW: INTERVIEW WITH LA CARMINA, BLOGGER & CUTE YUMMY TIME AUTHOR. filming japanese game show, charaben, CUTE CHARACTER BENTO, crazy FOOD COOKING SHOW, NHK JAPAN TV DOCUMENTARY SHOOT, NEW YORK WAVE, turquoise and black goth clothes

Just like in Food Network competitions, I had to prep a large amount of food for the next day. Believe it or not, I was going to Harlem to teach nine-year-olds how to make cute bentos! Wait til you see the photos…

pretty goth girl models, posing for photos with v fingers, film versus digital quality, goths in hot weather, boxing fists clenched, COOKING CUTE FOOD FOR CRAZY JAPANESE TV SHOW. SKULL SCARF, TOP HATS, COTTON CANDY FROM KENKA RESTAURANT ON ST MARKS PLACE. NHK KAWAII BENTOS TV SHOW: INTERVIEW WITH LA CARMINA, BLOGGER & CUTE YUMMY TIME AUTHOR. filming japanese game show, charaben, CUTE CHARACTER BENTO, crazy FOOD COOKING SHOW, NHK JAPAN TV DOCUMENTARY SHOOT, NEW YORK WAVE, turquoise and black goth clothes

Since we’re in random mode today, I thought I’d go off on some thought tangents. Digital cameras versus film: this and the previous photo are from a vintage camera Shichi bought, and the difference is perceptible. I’m determined to tinker further with toy cameras — I think the results are worth the price of processing.

And I like Regi’s armbands. Practical and stylish. They add a Goth element and work with a variety of short-sleeved tops.

pretty goth girl models, egl elegant gothic aristocrat, boystyle, COOKING CUTE FOOD FOR CRAZY JAPANESE TV SHOW. SKULL SCARF, TOP HATS, COTTON CANDY FROM KENKA RESTAURANT ON ST MARKS PLACE. NHK KAWAII BENTOS TV SHOW: INTERVIEW WITH LA CARMINA, BLOGGER & CUTE YUMMY TIME AUTHOR. filming japanese game show, charaben, CUTE CHARACTER BENTO, crazy FOOD COOKING SHOW, NHK JAPAN TV DOCUMENTARY SHOOT, NEW YORK WAVE, turquoise and black goth clothes

Top-hatted Shichi took all the photos in this post (except the one he’s in, of course). People often ask if my hair is the result of extensions. Nope, it’s all me. For this style, I tied small bundles with black elastics to fluff up the natural volume.

pretty goth girl chef, goths in hot weather, tv film crew, COOKING CUTE FOOD FOR CRAZY JAPANESE TV SHOW. SKULL SCARF, TOP HATS, COTTON CANDY FROM KENKA RESTAURANT ON ST MARKS PLACE. NHK KAWAII BENTOS TV SHOW: INTERVIEW WITH LA CARMINA, BLOGGER & CUTE YUMMY TIME AUTHOR. filming japanese game show, charaben, CUTE CHARACTER BENTO, crazy FOOD COOKING SHOW, NHK JAPAN TV DOCUMENTARY SHOOT, NEW YORK WAVE, turquoise and black goth clothes

There was a major kitchen clean-up after the cameras left. On a scale of 1 to 10, how much of a clean freak are you? I’m probably around a 9…

girls doing fighting pose, boxing fists clenched, COOKING CUTE FOOD FOR CRAZY JAPANESE TV SHOW. SKULL SCARF, TOP HATS, COTTON CANDY FROM KENKA RESTAURANT ON ST MARKS PLACE. NHK KAWAII BENTOS TV SHOW: INTERVIEW WITH LA CARMINA, BLOGGER & CUTE YUMMY TIME AUTHOR. filming japanese game show, charaben, CUTE CHARACTER BENTO, crazy FOOD COOKING SHOW, NHK JAPAN TV DOCUMENTARY SHOOT, NEW YORK WAVE, turquoise and black goth clothes

Two random recommendations. Patti Smith’s new book, Just Kids, is impossible to put to down. It’s a memoir of her adventures with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe; 1960s NYC bohemia is a time that has always fascinated me. Pick up a copy and share it with your partners in crime.

Second, if you’re in New York City, go to Kenka. The Japanese word means fighting…

pretty goth girls, Kenka japan restaurant, izakayas, best japanese food east village new york, nyc st marks place, COOKING CUTE FOOD FOR CRAZY JAPANESE TV SHOW. SKULL SCARF, TOP HATS, COTTON CANDY FROM KENKA RESTAURANT ON ST MARKS PLACE. NHK KAWAII BENTOS TV SHOW: INTERVIEW WITH LA CARMINA, BLOGGER & CUTE YUMMY TIME AUTHOR. filming japanese game show, charaben, CUTE CHARACTER BENTO, crazy FOOD COOKING SHOW, NHK JAPAN TV DOCUMENTARY SHOOT, NEW YORK WAVE, turquoise and black goth clothes

… and it’s the name of a much-loved Japanese izakaya (bar-style restaurant) on St Mark’s Place. There’s always a lineup outside, so try to come at 6pm when the doors open. If you put down your name, don’t go away — the man in the turban skips over absentees!

Don’t order the soggy gyoza, but do get a bottle of sake and yuzu shochu. Gather a group of friends and sample the takoyaki, unagi (eel), grilled mackerel, cod roe onigiri (rice balls), miso tofu, egg and mushroom rice, okonomiyaki, yakitori… so so yummy. At the end, you get a little cup of magic to pour into the cotton candy machine outside. Then you grab a stick and swirl it around and… FAIL. (A Kanae manga for your amusement!)

My new CNNGo articles that I think you’ll like (do take a moment to peruse):
Asia’s BEST fabric markets unraveled. Crafters, sewers, DIY cosplayers – here’s where to shop.
5 unusual world records set in Asia. Why do you think we chose that photo for the world’s biggest orgy? Give me your best guess in the comments, and I’ll reveal the answer tomorrow.

Song of the Day #292: Malice Mizer – Hamon / Kyosokyoku (Gackt plays the piano oh so dramatique.)

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60 Comments

60 Comments

  1. AngryBroomstick
    Posted January 25, 2010 at 3:19 pm | Permalink

    I love your article on toy cameras. I’m interested in the Superheadz Fat Lens camera, but just to verify, it’s NOT digital at all, right? If so, I’d be screwed if I buy the camera. I don’t have a darkroom anywhere in my local area to develop the 35mm film :-/ oh well.

    • lacarmina
      Posted January 25, 2010 at 11:30 pm | Permalink

      Hi,
      You’re right — it’s not digital, it’s 35 mm film. I just got prints at the local pharmacy…

  2. AngryBroomstick
    Posted January 25, 2010 at 3:19 pm | Permalink

    I love your article on toy cameras. I'm interested in the Superheadz Fat Lens camera, but just to verify, it's NOT digital at all, right? If so, I'd be screwed if I buy the camera. I don't have a darkroom anywhere in my local area to develop the 35mm film :-/ oh well.

  3. Regi
    Posted January 25, 2010 at 9:35 pm | Permalink

    Haha, thank you! They are actually leg warmers from Tutuana. I have about 10 in different colors and styles, from fuzzy green to the plain black you see here. ^^

  4. Seiran
    Posted January 25, 2010 at 9:55 pm | Permalink

    Lmao cottoncandymakingfail.exe _> But Duuude you always wear the coolest shit haha *omnnoms that sammich in the last pic*

    • lacarmina
      Posted January 25, 2010 at 11:29 pm | Permalink

      Cute cute new profile pic!

      • Seiran
        Posted January 26, 2010 at 6:10 am | Permalink

        Why thank you, dollie ;D
        I have 6 pics set up on my deviant art account – still-prince.deviantart.com Check it out when you have the time~
        Peace&SMiLE~

  5. Laura
    Posted January 25, 2010 at 10:15 pm | Permalink

    =O Patti Smith! gotta love her. She’s just too amazing!

    • lacarmina
      Posted January 25, 2010 at 11:29 pm | Permalink

      It’s very inspiring to read about how art was sacred for her… how committed she was to pushing further.

      • Laura
        Posted January 25, 2010 at 11:39 pm | Permalink

        oh yes! and her music! first time i read about her was in “Please Kill Me. The oral History of Punk” (an amazing book, I STRONGLY recomend it. it blew my mind away), and instantly i fell in love with her. just, too goddamn amazing.

  6. Jo
    Posted January 25, 2010 at 10:39 pm | Permalink

    So going to try the restaurant you mentioned! I was planning my first excursion to st. marks this weekend, so what a perfect coincidence that this was mentioned! =^-^=

    • lacarmina
      Posted January 25, 2010 at 11:30 pm | Permalink

      Ohhh that’s perfect! Also go shopping at Search and Destroy above the restaurant, and Trash + Vaudeville nearby (both floors!). And there’s Tokyo Toys around the corner

  7. Thomas
    Posted January 25, 2010 at 11:08 pm | Permalink

    You both had great outfits, I think I’d combine Regi’s top with your scarf/skirt look though (like in your sharing clothes entry lol).
    Still waiting for the Harlem shots! Sure I’m in my typical work clothes in them, but regardless! If only you had been able to make it to Pyramid/Defcon (well make it IN there lol), I had my green and black cyberlocks which looked amazing under black lights! (was my first itme wearing them to a place with black lights, I’ms o excited about how they looked and THAT THEY WORKED! lol).
    Ahh amazing top hat! The boys you know have the best hats. I’ve got some good ones despite my serious plus size skull problem (although my mini lolita tophat looks even more tiny and adorable XD).

    • lacarmina
      Posted January 25, 2010 at 11:31 pm | Permalink

      Oooookay I will post a giant feel-good slideshow video of all the Harlem photos tomorrow! And then I’ll put up my favorites on my blog. :)

      How awesome that the dreads worked out! Victory! ^___^

  8. lacarmina
    Posted January 26, 2010 at 12:38 am | Permalink

    Oh interesting — my World’s biggest orgy record in the CNNGo article was removed. hahah. I guess it wasn’t family friendly!

  9. Regi
    Posted January 25, 2010 at 9:35 pm | Permalink

    Haha, thank you! They are actually leg warmers from Tutuana. I have about 10 in different colors and styles, from fuzzy green to the plain black you see here. ^^

  10. Edwin Reyes
    Posted January 26, 2010 at 2:44 am | Permalink

    Kenka rocks! I eat there with my homies all the time. If you love TakoYaki I say go to Otafuku on 9th street. My good friend works there. Also try Decibel for Sake, also have a buddy working there hehe.

  11. Seiran
    Posted January 25, 2010 at 9:55 pm | Permalink

    Lmao cottoncandymakingfail.exe <–yes
    I'm only about a 5 or 6 on the clean freak scale (at least when it comes to actually cleaning my room). I should raise it up to a 9 or 10 though >_> But Duuude you always wear the coolest shit haha *omnnoms that sammich in the last pic*

  12. Edwin
    Posted January 26, 2010 at 3:05 am | Permalink

    haha I love that you mentioned kenka. I often go there with my buddies. Usually after midnight for eats and Sake!

    • lacarmina
      Posted January 26, 2010 at 3:56 am | Permalink

      Aughh now I’m craving Kenka food… it lives up to its reputation!

  13. Anonymous
    Posted January 26, 2010 at 3:11 am | Permalink

    hey woman! are you still roaming around NYC? I’m there 4 times a week and was in St. Marks today for class actually. i wonder if i can still catch you somehow..hmmm

  14. Anonymous
    Posted January 26, 2010 at 3:15 am | Permalink

    ooo and have you drank coffee at Panya? its delicious!! (its around 9th st and 3rd ave)

    • lacarmina
      Posted January 26, 2010 at 3:55 am | Permalink

      Heyyy I emailed you before I headed to NYC but never heard back!! >< Now I'm off to LA (with Lemon and Wes)!!

      • Anonymous
        Posted January 26, 2010 at 11:02 pm | Permalink

        argh CRAP!!!!!! sorry i’ve been so busy..:(. and also i don’t know how to check emails on here lol. damn lemon i’m so jealous of that jerk. i will harrass him for your gmail so i don’t miss a chance to meet you in nyc again. blaaaaaaaaaaaaaah im depressed now

        • lacarmina
          Posted January 27, 2010 at 2:58 am | Permalink

          All my contact info is on my website — write me any time!

  15. Laura
    Posted January 25, 2010 at 10:15 pm | Permalink

    =O Patti Smith! gotta love her. She's just too amazing!

  16. Jo
    Posted January 25, 2010 at 10:39 pm | Permalink

    So going to try the restaurant you mentioned! I was planning my first excursion to st. marks this weekend, so what a perfect coincidence that this was mentioned! =^-^=

  17. Moon Maiden 90
    Posted January 26, 2010 at 3:55 am | Permalink

    random but cute. I like all the pics of Basil Farrow in your kitchen. lol

  18. Thomas
    Posted January 25, 2010 at 11:08 pm | Permalink

    You both had great outfits, I think I'd combine Regi's top with your scarf/skirt look though (like in your sharing clothes entry lol).
    Still waiting for the Harlem shots! Sure I'm in my typical work clothes in them, but regardless! If only you had been able to make it to Pyramid/Defcon (well make it IN there lol), I had my green and black cyberlocks which looked amazing under black lights! (was my first itme wearing them to a place with black lights, I'ms o excited about how they looked and THAT THEY WORKED! lol).
    Ahh amazing top hat! The boys you know have the best hats. I've got some good ones despite my serious plus size skull problem (although my mini lolita tophat looks even more tiny and adorable XD).

  19. lacarmina
    Posted January 25, 2010 at 11:29 pm | Permalink

    Cute cute new profile pic!

  20. lacarmina
    Posted January 25, 2010 at 11:29 pm | Permalink

    It's very inspiring to read about how art was sacred for her… how committed she was to pushing further.

  21. lacarmina
    Posted January 25, 2010 at 11:30 pm | Permalink

    Ohhh that's perfect! Also go shopping at Search and Destroy above the restaurant, and Trash + Vaudeville nearby (both floors!). And there's Tokyo Toys around the corner

  22. lacarmina
    Posted January 25, 2010 at 11:30 pm | Permalink

    Hi,
    You're right — it's not digital, it's 35 mm film. I just got prints at the local pharmacy…

  23. lacarmina
    Posted January 25, 2010 at 11:31 pm | Permalink

    Oooookay I will post a giant feel-good slideshow video of all the Harlem photos tomorrow! And then I'll put up my favorites on my blog. :)

    How awesome that the dreads worked out! Victory! ^___^

  24. Laura
    Posted January 25, 2010 at 11:39 pm | Permalink

    oh yes! and her music! first time i read about her was in “Please Kill Me. The oral History of Punk” (an amazing book, I STRONGLY recomend it. it blew my mind away), and instantly i fell in love with her. just, too goddamn amazing.

  25. lacarmina
    Posted January 26, 2010 at 12:38 am | Permalink

    Oh interesting — my World's biggest orgy record in the CNNGo article was removed. hahah. I guess it wasn't family friendly!

  26. Edwin Reyes
    Posted January 26, 2010 at 2:44 am | Permalink

    Kenka rocks! I eat there with my homies all the time. If you love TakoYaki I say go to Otafuku on 9th street. My good friend works there. Also try Decibel for Sake, also have a buddy working there hehe.

  27. Edwin
    Posted January 26, 2010 at 3:05 am | Permalink

    haha I love that you mentioned kenka. I often go there with my buddies. Usually after midnight for eats and Sake!

  28. lizz_x3
    Posted January 26, 2010 at 3:11 am | Permalink

    hey woman! are you still roaming around NYC? I'm there 4 times a week and was in St. Marks today for class actually. i wonder if i can still catch you somehow..hmmm

  29. lizz_x3
    Posted January 26, 2010 at 3:15 am | Permalink

    ooo and have you drank coffee at Panya? its delicious!! (its around 9th st and 3rd ave)

  30. Moon Maiden 90
    Posted January 26, 2010 at 3:55 am | Permalink

    random but cute. I like all the pics of Basil Farrow in your kitchen. lol

  31. lacarmina
    Posted January 26, 2010 at 3:55 am | Permalink

    Heyyy I emailed you before I headed to NYC but never heard back!! >< Now I'm off to LA (with Lemon and Wes)!!

  32. lacarmina
    Posted January 26, 2010 at 3:56 am | Permalink

    Aughh now I'm craving Kenka food… it lives up to its reputation!

  33. lacarmina
    Posted January 26, 2010 at 3:57 am | Permalink

    Basil Farrow is everywhere! :) I even made a sandwich that looks like him for the TV shoot…

  34. Seiran
    Posted January 26, 2010 at 6:10 am | Permalink

    Why thank you, dollie ;D
    I have 6 pics set up on my deviant art account – still-prince.deviantart.com Check it out when you have the time~
    Peace&SMiLE~

  35. Heidi Blue Girl
    Posted January 26, 2010 at 7:49 pm | Permalink

    Those seafood pancake things!! YUM!! Both times I went I was with my ex and he made me cotton candy afterwards. Jerk…

  36. Edwin
    Posted January 26, 2010 at 7:49 pm | Permalink

    Has to be the Cotton Candy! Tough to choose whats my fav eats there. Curry rice, Okonomiyaki, TakoYaki, Yakisoba, its all good!

  37. Heidi Blue Girl
    Posted January 26, 2010 at 7:49 pm | Permalink

    Those seafood pancake things!! YUM!! Both times I went I was with my ex and he made me cotton candy afterwards. Jerk…

  38. Edwin
    Posted January 26, 2010 at 7:49 pm | Permalink

    Has to be the Cotton Candy! Tough to choose whats my fav eats there. Curry rice, Okonomiyaki, TakoYaki, Yakisoba, its all good!

  39. All Women Stalker
    Posted January 27, 2010 at 1:12 am | Permalink

    I love the randomness of your outfit. So cute!

  40. lizz_x3
    Posted January 26, 2010 at 11:02 pm | Permalink

    argh CRAP!!!!!! sorry i've been so busy..:(. and also i don't know how to check emails on here lol. damn lemon i'm so jealous of that jerk. i will harrass him for your gmail so i don't miss a chance to meet you in nyc again. blaaaaaaaaaaaaaah im depressed now

  41. All Women Stalker
    Posted January 27, 2010 at 1:12 am | Permalink

    I love the randomness of your outfit. So cute!

  42. lacarmina
    Posted January 27, 2010 at 2:58 am | Permalink

    All my contact info is on my website — write me any time!

  43. Digital Kitchen Scale
    Posted April 9, 2010 at 10:25 am | Permalink

    I agree with you. Cute food girls.

  44. food pyramid
    Posted April 15, 2010 at 4:46 am | Permalink

    Aw, this was a really quality post. In theory I’d like to write like this also – taking time and real effort to make a good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and never seem to get anything done… Regards

  45. food pyramid
    Posted April 15, 2010 at 4:46 am | Permalink

    Aw, this was a really quality post. In theory I’d like to write like this also – taking time and real effort to make a good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and never seem to get anything done… Regards

  46. click down
    Posted May 29, 2010 at 12:13 am | Permalink

    The range of digital Kitchen Scales is impressive, and there is a model out there to suit every kitchen. You can also use the scales for everyday things such as weighing parcels and letters so you can plan out how much something will cost to send out.
    Digital Kitchen Scale

  47. click down
    Posted May 29, 2010 at 12:13 am | Permalink

    The range of digital Kitchen Scales is impressive, and there is a model out there to suit every kitchen. You can also use the scales for everyday things such as weighing parcels and letters so you can plan out how much something will cost to send out.
    Digital Kitchen Scale

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