Lost In Translation

God knows I love and miss Japan. After living there for 3 years then moving back home to Houston I miss it. The sights, sounds, the smell of delicious food around every corner. (salivating).... food.

Ramen and I are like this son! (crossing fingers) I thought I had tried real ramen before I arrived in Japan. Then I got addicted to a tiny ramen shop named Arashi! If you're ever in Okinawa it should be the very first place you stop to et. After exchanging $ for ¥ of course.

Now I am constantly on the hunt for Houston's best ramen. During my search I came across Ninja Ramen.

A while back I did a shoot in a shoot in restaurant for a now defunct magazine. While looking through some archives for #waybackweds post I came across the images. This will be a great way to say thanks to the owner of this awesome restaurant considering he never saw his images published in the intended magazine.

The restaurant is awesome! The food great, the atmosphere.... just yes! For all my anime fans Naruto is always playing on the screens there. ALWAYS! and I love it! The drinks are innovative, creative and just plain old wierd just like I would expect.

Check out the pics below, better yet. Go visit the resturaunt and say hey the the guys behind the bar. Tell him John from blacksmithphoto sent you.

Ninja Ramen

4219 Washington Ave

Houston, TX 77007

United States

Catwalks&Classrooms

Magpies & Peacocks presented the culmination of their innovative new design competition – "Catwalks & Classrooms", Twenty Five students were selected across the greater Houston area high school and college fashion courses and candidates from both categories got the chance to present their creatively upcycled looks at this stellar Showcase Event.
The winning students were announced during the evening and awarded prize packages that include scholarships, goods and services. Thanks to all who joined us at the JW Marriott Downtown Houston.

“ We are super excited about this year's 'Catwalks & Classrooms' student design showcase event at JW Marriott Houston Downton. I wanted Magpies & Peacocks to create a unique platform competition as an opportunity for our fashion design students – a kind of Project Runway meets Chopped concept – not only to challenge and showcase the local talent we have here in Houston, but to promote sustainable practices within the industry which is of course at the heart of our organization and our city as a whole.” ~Sarah-Jayne Smith, Founder of Magpies & Peacocks

Congratulations to all the contestants for exceptional work.

Sept. 12th the non-profit Magpies & Peacocks hosted their kickoff party for "Catwalks & Classrooms", at the an awe inspiring Esperson Gallery . Along with the design students in the competition and international artist Michael Savoie who's work has been featured on the hit TV series Empire. Other artist DONKEEBOY, and Jumper Maybach were both in the house.