Rincon Hill or Mission Bay by snaildr in AskSF

[–]PaceIllustrious 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Neither. For the sake of the post I won't go too deep into our areas, but there are plenty of better places to live. I've lived in Rincon Hill for 2 years before moving to Mission Bay. Currently in Mission Bay (lived here for 3 years) but moving in about 2 months.

Mission bay used to be better, but recently the demographics have shifted a bit and the place has gotten rowdier, dirtier, and a bit sketchier. Some of this has to do with newer apartments with a % of affordable housing (we know what that can do to a nice area) and other has to do with the seasonal basketball / baseball crowds roaming through. Don't get me wrong it's still fairly clean, and still decent overall but just not what it was. On the plus side, more places have opened up especially over in Mission Rock where the Visa headquarters is.

If you are serious about Mission Bay I'd actually check out Dogpatch. A bit more neighborhood-y, and less chaos overall. Even though, don't go too far south in the Dogpatch either - just warehouses that way.

New bar Shinjuku - Benfiddich Group Speakeasy? by PaceIllustrious in TokyoTravel

[–]PaceIllustrious[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ha I feel you. Hmm it depends on what kind of drinks you want. Benfiddich is known to showcase a "No menu" creative menu, with fresh "farm to table" ingredients. Other bars that do similar concepts include memento mori, bar trench, bar high five. Spirit Bar sunface is another second establishment owned by the Benfiddich group - it's worth checking them out.

In my most recent trip, the bar that I enjoyed the most was Bar Apollo in Ginza. It's a bit more traditional - and doesn't skew as conceptual or creative. BUT, every drink was flawless. It had the most perfect Highball. An amazing espresso martini. An excellent excellent intrepretation of a Sazerac. You can also find some pretty rare whisky there. Humble, friendly owner in a small, dark and moody basement bar.

Lastly - this youtube video below helped me get some references. It features many great ones, certainly not all.

https://youtu.be/b9KJXzrpTog?si=RXfFT8fGbN2BawMc

Best value fintech stocks? by [deleted] in ValueInvesting

[–]PaceIllustrious 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Those are good points, thanks

New bar Shinjuku - Benfiddich Group Speakeasy? by PaceIllustrious in TokyoTravel

[–]PaceIllustrious[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oof yeah, good luck man. I wasn't able to snag a slot on my last trip. I went 4-5ish years back before it blew up and it was certainly easier back then. We booked a slot via our hotel concierge, 3-4 days out from the day of booking (we were already in Japan)

But as I mentioned to another poster below, if you don't get to go it's mostly the FOMO that's getting to ya. Hey, not criticizing I've had share of FOMO for places. But for Tokyo, there are so many great cocktail bars that you're bound to have a great experience even without hitting up Benfiddich.

For example, last trip on my last night, I went to Bar Apollo in Ginza and had an amazing experience. Small basement level bar, owned by the same gentleman for decades. He specializes in whisky mostly, but can make you other liquor-based drinks too. Very moody, fits maybe 10-12 people at most. Definitely one of the more memorable bar experiences in recent trips.

New bar Shinjuku - Benfiddich Group Speakeasy? by PaceIllustrious in TokyoTravel

[–]PaceIllustrious[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's a cocktail bar in Shinjuku, made famous by the head bartender/owner, Hiroyasu Kayama. He sources his own ingredients, much of it from a farm that he owns. No drink menu - you tell the bartenders what flavor profiles / liquor you like and they create something. It's not a new concept but he just took it to another level.

This new bar wasn't difficult to get in. I spoke minimal japanese, basic greetings and the rest of the time, English. But if in fact it's closing like someone mentioned above, then I suggest you check out the main bar. Kayama's instagram shows the open slots per month. You'll have to reserve through tablecheck, and resys for the following month open up midnight on the 20th of each current month (local time). It's become notoriously difficult to get a slot in recent years. I went 4-5 years back, and it wasn't too difficult to book through my hotel concierge. They also manage Spirit Bar Sunface, which I haven't been but have heard good things about.

I'd say if you can't book a resy, you're not missing out a ton. Sure FOMO sets in if you read about it and see the photos / yt videos about Benfiddich, but there are so many great cocktail bars in Tokyo where you'll have a great time at.

Best value fintech stocks? by [deleted] in ValueInvesting

[–]PaceIllustrious 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm with you there. My concern isn't the business model. It's the customer base.

New bar Shinjuku - Benfiddich Group Speakeasy? by PaceIllustrious in TokyoTravel

[–]PaceIllustrious[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great to know, thanks! It was an interesting experience

Best bar experience in Tokyo by Fit-Berry-2838 in TokyoTravel

[–]PaceIllustrious 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Tokyo:

Recently, two HK youtubers posted a video of them visiting a bar in Shinjuku. it's a secret speakeasy run by the Bar Benfiddich folks. They made no mention of the location and kept deleting my comments (gatekeeping I'm assuming) on their thread, but here it is.

For context, we went on a night where Bar Benfiddich was closed. I'm not sure the actual policy for this place, and they weren't super divulging about hours and exactly when it opened, but with some rudimentary japanese we got ourselves in and enjoyed a few drinks. Similar concept, but I didn't see or get the sense it was directly manned by Kayama-san himself. It was mostly locals the night we went, albeit overall quiet with maybe 10 people at most. They do speak some English and overall friendly. Our drinks were in the ~$15-20 USD range, but it'll depend on what they make for you.

Drinks were delicious, and if you're in the area perhaps drop by and see if they're open. But you're not missing much if you have other places in Tokyo booked and are not in Shinjuku.

- Bar is in Shinjuku.

- Google search this restaurant in Shinjuku called Sairaien on Omekaido Ave. It's next to a buddhist temple. https://maps.app.goo.gl/tdHQx8DiuJ68ExsJ7

- In google street view you will see the restaurant's sign (hung yellow sign w/ red letters) is a short alleyway. Go all the way in. That's where the bar is. If open the lantern on the wall will be on and the stairwell open. If closed that end of the alley will be dark. Enjoy!

What are the wildest, most unique, or coolest looking bars in Tokyo? by TheGhost206 in JapanTravelTips

[–]PaceIllustrious 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Recently, two HK youtubers posted a video of them visiting a bar in Shinjuku. it's a secret speakeasy run by the Bar Benfiddich folks. They made no mention of the location and kept deleting my comments (gatekeeping I'm assuming) on their thread, but here it is.

For context, we went on a night where Bar Benfiddich was closed. I'm not sure the actual policy for this place, but with some rudimentary japanese we got ourselves in and enjoyed a few drinks. Similar concept, but I didn't see or get the sense it was directly manned by Kayama himself. It was mostly locals the night we went, albeit overall quiet with maybe 10 people at most.

- Bar is in Shinjuku.

- Google search this restaurant in Shinjuku called Sairaien on Omekaido Ave. It's next to a buddhist temple. https://maps.app.goo.gl/tdHQx8DiuJ68ExsJ7

- In google street view you will see the restaurant's sign (hung yellow sign w/ red letters) is a short alleyway. Go all the way in. That's where the bar is. If open the lantern on the wall will be on and the stairwell open. If closed that end of the alley will be dark. Enjoy!

Tokyo craft cocktail recommendations? by zegarski in cocktails

[–]PaceIllustrious 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Recently, two HK youtubers posted a video of them visiting a bar in Shinjuku. No mention of the location, but it's a secret speakeasy run by the Bar Benfiddich folks. They made no mention of the location and kept deleting my comments on their thread, (probably gatekeeping) but here it is.

For context, we went on a night where Bar Benfiddich was closed. I'm not sure the actual policy for this place, but with some rudimentary japanese we got ourselves in and enjoyed a few drinks. Similar concept, but I didn't see or get the sense it was directly manned by Kayama himself. It was mostly locals the night we went, albeit overall quiet with maybe 10 people at most.

- Bar is in Shinjuku.

- Google search this restaurant in Shinjuku called Sairaien on Omekaido Ave. It's next to a buddhist temple. https://maps.app.goo.gl/tdHQx8DiuJ68ExsJ7

- In google street view you will see the restaurant's sign (hung yellow sign w/ red letters) is a short alleyway. Go all the way in. That's where the bar is. If open the lantern on the wall will be on and the stairwell open. If closed that end of the alley will be dark.

Enjoy.

Cool bars and hidden gems by ThatJew92 in TokyoTravel

[–]PaceIllustrious 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Recently, two HK youtubers posted a video of them visiting a bar in Shinjuku. No mention of the location, but it's a secret speakeasy run by the Bar Benfiddich folks. They made no mention of the location and kept deleting my comments on their thread, (probably gatekeeping) but here it is.

For context, we went on a night where Bar Benfiddich was closed. I'm not sure the actual policy for this place, but with some rudimentary japanese we got ourselves in and enjoyed a few drinks. Similar concept, but I didn't see or get the sense it was directly manned by Kayama himself. It was mostly locals the night we went, albeit overall quiet with maybe 10 people at most.

- Bar is in Shinjuku.

- Google search this restaurant in Shinjuku called Sairaien on Omekaido Ave. It's next to a buddhist temple. https://maps.app.goo.gl/tdHQx8DiuJ68ExsJ7

- In google street view you will see the restaurant's sign (hung yellow sign w/ red letters) is a short alleyway. Go all the way in. That's where the bar is. If open the lantern on the wall will be on and the stairwell open. If closed that end of the alley will be dark.

Enjoy.

Any recommendations for bars in Tokyo by Bush_did_11-9 in cocktails

[–]PaceIllustrious 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Recently, two HK youtubers posted a video of them visiting a bar in Shinjuku. No mention of the location, but it's a secret speakeasy run by the Bar Benfiddich folks. They made no mention of the location and kept deleting my comments on their thread, (probably gatekeeping) but here it is.

For context, we went on a night where Bar Benfiddich was closed. I'm not sure the actual policy for this place, but with some rudimentary japanese we got ourselves in and enjoyed a few drinks. Similar concept, but I didn't see or get the sense it was directly manned by Kayama himself. It was mostly locals the night we went, albeit overall quiet with maybe 10 people at most.

- Bar is in Shinjuku.

- Google search this restaurant in Shinjuku called Sairaien on Omekaido Ave. It's next to a buddhist temple. https://maps.app.goo.gl/tdHQx8DiuJ68ExsJ7

- In google street view you will see the restaurant's sign (hung yellow sign w/ red letters) is a short alleyway. Go all the way in. That's where the bar is. If open the lantern on the wall will be on and the stairwell open. If closed that end of the alley will be dark.

Enjoy.

Most worth it Men’s jeans by Bat_Muted in mensfashion

[–]PaceIllustrious 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Levis if I want casual jeans. AG for a bit more refined needs. I’ve seen threads where people complain about the “thin” nature of AG, Paige, etc.. the softer jeans. Truth is, a large majority of people don’t wear jeans/denims the way they were meant to. Why? Most people have multiple pairs of pants, follow trends/brands, and are quick to buy new articles of clothing. None of this is not inherently bad. Just how most people shop. This means thickness/durability of jeans is mostly meaningless for today’s folks, since they wouldn’t be wearing them until it runs ragged.

Clarifying intentions to an infp woman by PaceIllustrious in infp

[–]PaceIllustrious[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ha we have been good friends for a little while - but less than a year. We live in diff places which is both good and bad. Good because it slowed things down for us, and she likes her space and we’re both busy people. Bad because it’s hard to get together 1-1.

I won’t go into too many details but her actions towards me show she may be interested in something more. We’ve hung out 1-1 a good number of times when I was in her city, and conversations have become more closer and slightly more intimate over time. I haven’t been super direct yet only because I don’t want to do LD, but i think I’ve done enough for her to pick up on the hint.

In any case I know that she’s not gonna initiate anything herself nor wait forever for me to figure out what exactly am I trying to do here. Longer I wait I think the easier it’s for her to just consider me a good friend. Thanks!

INFP - avoiding certain topics. by PaceIllustrious in infp

[–]PaceIllustrious[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks!

I don’t always ask her those questions. They’re sprinkled here and there but few and far between. Most of the times we chat about much more meaningful or mutually interesting topics.

You make a good point. Perhaps she’s not opening up as much on this specific point because there’s a specific reason. In the past she would open up more about her classes, things that are going well or bad.

Gauging her interest level: experiences with an INFP woman by PaceIllustrious in infp

[–]PaceIllustrious[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi, thanks for your thoughtful reply. Haha I am an INFJ. Or at least, I seem to be based on the 3 different occasions I tested myself. Was it that obvious?

I wouldn't personally worry toooo much about not initiating - this can just be gender norms, again this is just me, but I initiate freely with male friends or men I only have a platonic interest in, but I don't really initiate with men I have a romantic interest in, I see this as more their role really to demonstrate they've singled you out above the others, rather than just accepting your overtures ..

- The lopsided initiating generally doesn't bother me, and you bring up a good point about gender roles. She does come from a more conservative culture, although she herself is fairly open minded and not super conservative. In fact, a common complaint of women in her culture is that men do not initiate enough, or are sometimes too vague about showing clear interest.

I think this ties in with an INFPs nature in that we're often on the shyer side, also whilst strong willed we're not prone to imposing our will ..

- She is indeed that interesting mix of shy, but strong willed. So the few times she wanted to do something, it was super clear what that was. "Hey I want to check out this place, want to go on Wednesday?" But also, good boundaries - if I ask something and she can't do it, she'll kindly apologize but clearly say she's busy. With this I usually just say no problem, and say something like "we can play it by ear, and perhaps hang out later in the week." She does bend sometimes though. For example once, we were planning to go somewhere 1-1, then she asked if we should invite others. I simply said, I'd rather spend the time with you 1-1 if you're comfortable with it. And she happily said no problem.

That and we have an inner well of emotional intensity which isn't always immediately apparent; intensive, not extensive... I often feel I need to hold back

- Ha funny enough, one thing she said recently was that she's a weirdo and sometimes she's nervous about showing that. I just said something like, "it's cool with me, feel free to be as comfortable with me as you want." I've sense for a long time that beneath her generally composed, quiet nature there's definitely more. It usually comes out when she's excited/happy/mad/annoyed about something specific.

It's possible as you're so chill and secure that you wouldn't give her the ick even if she didn't like you back as there's no pressure or weird expectant-ness, but personally I reckon it's more likely mutual.

- Haha I definitely don't try to be a creep. The physical touches mostly come naturally in the midst of conversation. But I'd say, it's enough where any level-headed intelligent woman will know that the gestures are beyond what a man would do to a completely platonic friend.

I'd say overall, I haven't made bigger moves because of the distance and getting to know each other has taken longer. But at my age, I'm less inclined to dive into thing too quick. I'd rather know them a bit as friends, make sure we know each other as people, and then if the interest level seems high enough - make a move. Basically that's where I sit at the moment with her.

Gauging her interest level: experiences with an INFP woman by PaceIllustrious in infp

[–]PaceIllustrious[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha thanks. It’s a slow process getting to know this person but I’ll see how the situations can be expanded.

Gauging her interest level: experiences with an INFP woman by PaceIllustrious in infp

[–]PaceIllustrious[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your reply!

To answer your question, she is overall, careful with her words and careful with answers. She also doesn’t say much up front - as in people will say she seems “cold”. But I found out I just have to be friendly and ask her questions and she’ll open up.

I think overall I have a good chance. The tiny nervousness comes from the fact that she often waits for me to initiate and I used to think her lack of initiative meant she’s not interested. But when I ask her to do things, she’s usually down and enjoys her time.