“Three Things” is a behind-the-scenes series I am beginning here for a few reasons. First, because I love the people I work with on photoshoots. It doesn’t matter what the creative project is–there is always a story within the story. Second, because I am an advocate of small businesses. Jay Aquarious and I were walking down Main Street and around the corner (to E. Mohawk where Casa Di Pizza is located) and we found this really great spot to continue photographing. We spotted a set of stairs attached to the back of a building, which turned out to be the new and fabulous Misuta Chow’s. This bar/sushi bar/restaurant/exhibition space is a two-floor playhouse, Buffalo’s very own piece of Tokyo club and nightlife. We bumped into one of the owners, Christi, who was smoking a cig outside underneath the steps, and she told us about the famous “Hello Kitty Pink” staircase. Of course, Jay and I, curious and looking for an adventure, opened the back door and was blinded by a surge of bright lighting produced by the sheen of a glittery cake-pink staircase. MAGNIFIQUE. Jay thought so too. Here are three things he loved about being on-location at Misuta Chow’s:

The back staircase.

I love the color pink, and I love that everything in that area is pink! It helps bring an authentic look to the location, and helps them stand out, especially since it’s part glitter.

The vintage arcade.

I love that Misuta Chow’s is reshaping the bar experience for adults by adding in some arcade fun. Customers are usually expected to just sit, drink, talk, and probably enjoy a show. Not only do they serve food, but here you are encouraged to be more social with other guests! You can get up, mingle, and play with others who are on the second-floor bar. The pinball machines are vintage too, and they have two childhood classics, Pac-Man and Donkey Kong, for the Nintendo nerds in all of us.

The wall and ceiling designs. 

The staircase is already sickeningly gorgeous, but to find out that it connects to a resting room that’s pitch black with a huge pair of light-up neon lips, it just adds to the urban graffiti-like artwork on the ceiling above the arcade, and the lighting complements it. The atmosphere is pretty awesome there!

Now go visit Misuta Chow’s for happy hour, karaoke, and menu specials! 🍜