When I moved to NYC in the summer of 2009, my wife Hannah and I went straight to Central Park and the Belvedere Castle. It was the first time I fully grasped that I lived in New York and it felt euphoric standing on that hill. For me this place is still a romantic symbol and reminder of the spirit and essence of the city and the reasons I live here.

This park holds a special place in my heart because it has been like a backyard for me over the years. It is also named after the Secretary of State who negotiated the purchase of Alaska. There is even a Togo sculpture that reminds me of home. The bench strip doubles as a downtown runway.

The best freshly pulled noodles. My favorite is braised pork with noodles in broth, celery and cilantro add a delicious freshness. Perfect for a cold day.

My exhibition from Dec1 2017- Feb1 2018. gallery space on the picture. Usagi NY is secret cool creative place in Dumbo area. The space is designed by Sou Fujimoto. You can find rare archtecture book from Japan and Moma Book store. There are nice Japanese design products that difficult to find in NY. Its great for gift, or special object for your home. My recommendation is Matcha latte (usagi have very hi-quarity real Japanes Matcha from Ippodo Kyoto)  - 

Unlike a lot of neighborhoods the sidewalks in this area are often still paved in the original slate slabs. You can see “extra” pieces sometimes chained up outside like this…. Why pour concrete?