Bing Chillin’

Despite the possible double entendre, they’re known for their shaved ice, NOT ice cream.

Batmobile

Ok this one I definitely want to ride on the streets, and given the number plate, it’s definitely possible.

Israeli Lunch

Heard of this place from my barber, and it was one of the best mid-priced meals I’ve had. The warm hummus bowls topped with chicken and mushroom were the famous staples, but their take of chicken schnitzel combined with the slightly-sweet challah rolls and koftas pushed past my expectations, and they round things out perfectly with a cool Arak-spiked limonana.

At this point, I would tell you where you can find this gem and sample the fare yourself, but I sadly learnt recently that this restaurant has now closed. Given how unique this place is, I guess I’d have to tour the Middle East in the future to top this experience. My best wishes to chef Ehud Malka, formerly of The Left Handed Chef, at his future endeavors.

Itasha

I don’t see most of these cars getting much traction outside of an anime convention. I personally wouldn’t sticker wrap a bunch of anime girls to my car. I do have to give props towards the cars that instead go for anime realism rather than flash, in particular the (multiple) renditions of the Fujiwara Tofu Shop car from Initial D, complete with blinky lights. I’d ride those on a normal day.

Birria Nachos @ Sam’s

Flavorful, yet light due to the corn chips instead of fries. They also do burgers and good milkshakes.

Omurice @ SMASH! Maid Cafe

Whilst I’ve been to many anime conventions, I have yet to set foot in a maid cafe, even in Japan. It’s definitely something to consider doing with friends of certain tastes, but I would never go alone. This pop-up was only for one weekend a year (as it’s an annual convention), but it’s likely going to be a mainstay at large anime conventions around the world, and of course there’s plenty of these in Akihabara.

DJ Take

FLOW was in town, and we jammed to lots of anime music through the night.

Lebanese Lunch

Dinner @ Ton & Co.