maid in culver city

by rameniac | 16 Apr 2008

Okay, this isn’t precisely ramen-related, but I figured it would appeal to a fair segment of the rameniac readership. After all, ramen, anime, and cosplay go together like beans, eggs, and blood pudding in an English breakfast. So last Saturday, I had the good fortune to attend the opening of Royal T in Culver City, Los Angeles. Touted as America’s first-ever “maid cafe,” Royal T featured an exhibit of superflat artwork from the likes of Takashi Murakami and Yoshitomo Nara and cosplay French maids making like it was Akihabara Electric Town during a Yodobashi Camera fire sale. 

escaping to new york

by rameniac | 20 Mar 2008

Gridskipper scoops rameniac! Just kidding, those guys are alright by me. But alas, I couldn't make it out to New York City this past Tuesday, so you'll just have to take their word for it: Ippudo's sneak preview opening party was a star-studded affair featuring founder Shigemi "the Ramen King" Kawahara and appearances by the trademark akamaru and shiromaru tonkotsu ramen that we've all come to know and lust after. I bet these bowls simply rolled right out of limos trailed by paparazzi, kind of like the M&M dudes. Oh wait, you mean they're not real? Ah, but Ippudo is, and the restaurant will be soft-opening over the next week and a half. Chopsticks at the ready. On your mark, get set... go!