Jake Davis Blog

Jake Davis #ScreenTests: Eddie Huang

 

You haven't eaten till you've had a meal with my buddy Eddie Huang. Up until now there hasn't been a chef personality that truly represented my generation. Whether you enjoy his show, book, or restaurant; Eddie gives you something of himself in all arenas. The way A$AP Rocky defines this generation in style and music, Eddie has a similar presence in food. It's in your face, eye grabbing excitement. 

His style of cuisine is about entertainment... Part hip-hop, part heritage, all street. So of course I had to give you guys his Warholesque #ScreenTest eating his classic Chairman Bao™. And if you have a problem with his Star of David pinky ring you can take it up with Emile. Hahaha. Eddie's book Fresh Off the Boat: A Memoir comes out drops tomorrow, January 29th. Shout to Chris Black for inspiring this one for the Tumblrs. For your daily inspiration Mr. Eddie Huang...

Premiere: Life Is Bear Pond Espresso

For my second film in a four part series for K-Swiss Japan on classic style, we visited Katsuyuki Tanaka. Katsu is a world renowned barista and owner of arguably the best espresso shop in the world, Bear Pond. His philosophies about life and their relationship to espresso are fascinating. An ad guy turned artisan his passion for his craft is truly inspiring.

This was a great departure for me from commercials, music videos, and fashion campaigns. Instead the focus is on the concept of classic, traditional style and how that applies to something that seems as simple or maybe complex as preparing a cup of espresso. Even though we're not talking about music or fashion what remains the same is the thematics of classic and why certain things stand the test of time. For your daily inspiration Life Is Bear Pond Espresso. Enjoy...

1968 vs. 2008

 

"I’ve always been obsessed with the look of music and the sound of fashion.” 

- Malcolm McLaren

This one might need context. On the left is The Band circa late '60s in my hometown of Woodstock, New York photographed by Elliot Landy. On the right is break out band of the year Fleet Foxes circa today. Now to give context to context these aren't just random photographs. Imagery and iconography are not just coincidence. Your stylish narrator is not just speaking on a whim. The photograph on the left was featured prominantly at lunch and subsequently dinner last night at David Chang's *Momofuku.

*Sidebar for the noodle bar... Mr. Chang's ramen will literally leave you at your local grocer or bodega at 2am purchasing 99 cent packets trying to figure it all out, fending for yourself, thinking some how some way there might be a shot at this... just do it, impossible is nothing, right? Wrong... That greek goddess and Mr. Dassler don't know shit about pork fat. Save the time, dissapointment, and monosodium glutamate. It's going to cost you twelve dollars, the trip to first avenue and 11th st., and the ensuing rinse repeat mantra bellowing in your head for days.

The Fleet Foxes imagery was pasted on a nearby street wall. The juxtaposition of imagery is pretty interesting. Style is cyclical, sub-conscious and conscious... just ask Mr. ACL or H(Y)R if you don't believe me...

Smith & Mills

I'm usually late when it comes to food and drink... Smith & Mills is the truth...

Smith & Mills link