
This midtown brunch will let you and your besties live out your podcast dreams
Do you remember the days when you could head to the mall with your BFFs, record a music video and take it home on a VHS tape? If you do, I likely just gave you a blast from the past. (If this didn't ring any bells, I have to assume your birthday is after 1990.) While galivanting to the mall to record music videos are out, heading to a restaurant to record a podcast is apparently in. Yes, a Times Square restaurant is inviting you and your crew to shoot your own podcast each and every weekend. Even better, brunch is involved.
Hosted at Fushimi, the Japanese lounge and eatery invites you to dine and dish, literally. Held every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5pm, the restaurant is hosting the dual event: Bestie Brunch and Podcast and Dine. Naturally, the weekend event starts with brunch. Priced at $39 per person, the prix-fixe menu starts with a choice of appetizer: a seafood bisque or an avocado cucumber salad. As for the second course, guests can choose from the kitchen or the sushi bar. Kitchen entrees include Grilled Salmon, Ribeye Steak and a whole Branzino, while sushi and nigiri sets are available at the sushi bar, as are rolls with rock shrimp tempura and spicy tuna. Mimosas, Bellinis and Sangrias are priced at $8, or you can go unlimited for $40 more.
Once you and all of your crew are properly full and lightly buzzed, now is the time to record. Converting a portion of the bar and lounge into a podcast nook, up to four people can make the podcast of their dreams. Backed by professional-grade equipment, Fushimi's set up includes access to microphones, HD cameras and a RodeCast mixer. Completely new to the podcast game? An equipment manager will be onsite to guide up-and-coming personalities through the process. Each group will leave with a 10-minute edited video, plus video clips ready to be blasted on social media.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Herald Scotland
2 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
When time ran out for the Glasgow Apollo
The venue's peak came during the Seventies and for those of us who were there then, it, and the many gigs we saw there, remain among the defining images of that decade. Alongside, perhaps, the Old Grey Whistle Test, John Peel's cult radio shows, and enthusiastic reading of the music weeklies – Sounds, NME, Melody Maker for news of the latest vinyl and tour dates. Not to mention, of course, the music of the time, whether it was punk and new wave, the Eagles, the Stones, prog, glam, heavy metal or soul. The Apollo memories are imperishable. Many of the bands that played the venue are, like the Apollo itself, no more, having broken up for one reason or another: 'musical differences', frustration over a lack of success, a desire to follow individual dreams. But a gratifying number of groups are still thriving today: Neil Young, the Stones, the Cure, Status Quo, Rod Stewart, Iron Maiden, Deep Purple, Robert Plant, the Rezillos, Robin Trower, AC/DC, Rod Stewart, Alice Cooper, Eric Clapton, Hawkwind, Jethro Tull, Jackson Browne, Van Morrison. Santana, too. Led by Carlos Santana, who turns 78 next month, they entertained the OVO Hydro just a few nights ago, nearly half a century after their last appearance in Renfield Street. And then there's Paul Weller, of course; it was his old band, The Style Council, who brought the curtain down on the Apollo on Sunday, June 16, 1985. Time has been busy catching up with other Apollo acts. Black Sabbath are bowing out with a huge farewell gig at Birmingham's Villa Park on July 5. That same night, a few miles away elsewhere in the city, Jeff Lynne's ELO will play the first of five last-ever concerts – two in Birmingham, two in Manchester, and one in London's Hyde Park. Elkie Brooks, who experienced the Apollo on a handful of occasions in the latter years of its existence, is on a Long Farewell Tour. In August, The Who will embark on their North America Farewell Tour, To look through the comprehensive gig listings curated by the people behind the excellent Glasgow Apollo website is to be reminded the astonishing wealth of gigs that took place there, across so many genres. The names of some of the acts – Renaissance, Rare Bird, drummer Ginger Baker's group Baker-Gurvitz Army, the all-female US rockers Fanny, Gentle Giant, Kokomo, Glencoe, Golden ('Radar Love') Earring, the Groundhogs, Traffic, Japan's Sadistic Mika Group – are familiar to fans of a certain vintage today. Less familiar, possibly, are Tea, who supported Baker Gurvitz Army in 1975; Dave and the Mistakes, who opened for Elvis Costello and the Attractions in 1981; and Sandii & the Sunsetz, another Japanese group, who were the support act for (of course) Japan in 1982. It's interesting to look back at the music weeklies and see what they made of certain concerts. Here's a small selection: * 'Heat, dust, smoke, lasers and Genesis combined to turn the Glasgow Apollo into a replica of Dante's Inferno when the band descended on the city on Friday night' – Melody Maker, July 1976. * 'Rory G[allagher] made it however, and played an undeniably proficient over two-hour set to the most rapturous reception I've seen in ages. The audience was crazy, drunken, happy, and collectively about as intelligent as the average tree-stump: in short, all the jolly working-class virtues that made me leave Glasgow in the first place' – Sounds, April 1978. * 'Fred Turner [of Bachman Turner Overdrive] is a real sweathog of a bass player. Whether he's hungrily engulfing chip sandwiches in a Glasgow hotel under the lights of a documentary film crew, or bouncing all over the Apollo stage until the lighting towers begin to develop major instabilities, you gotta admit the dude is, like, heavy, man. He ought to do a seesaw act with Leslie West' – NME, May 1975. * 'As a unit [Lynyrd Skynyrd] peaked with 'Tuesday's Gone', which took on a church atmosphere – in Glasgow the audience even started the Terrace Sway.... In Glasgow, the entire audience sang 'Free Bird' in its entirety. That's freaky (good-freaky), 3,000 people singing homage to a guitarist [Duane Allman] they've never seen' – Sounds, February 1976. * 'Backstage at the Apollo the theatre photographer is taking a group shot of the Rolling Stones receiving their trophies earned by selling out the three shows there. 'More ANIMATION pleeeze,' Jagger shouts good naturedly to the nervous photographer. 'When the Faces played here they could only afford one trophy', Woody [Ron Wood] informs the gathering, 'so we gave it to Tetsu [Yamauchi] to make him feel wanted'. Tonight each band member gets their own special souvenir. Just another memory. Keith gives his to Marlon [his son]' – Sounds, April 1976. * 'For Scotland, the Pretender changed tactics. Wearing a tartan wool scarf, he concentrated on rock 'n' roll. It was such good rock that it made me think maybe the Eagles aren't the best American rock 'n' roll band. Maybe the best American rock 'n' roll band is Jackson Browne ... Browne's initial self-centred introspection gently fades away. The Glasgow Apollo was cold, and Jackson Browne wanted to warm the place up with some powerfully generated rock. I almost thought he'd do 'Whole Lotta Shakin'' – Sounds, December 1976. The Apollo was noted, then, for many things: for its unassailable place on the Scottish gig circuit, for the rampant fervour with which many groups were greeted, for the less-than-salubrious nature of its backstage facilities. It all added up to a brilliant, authentic venue. The Apollo was living on borrowed time 40 years ago, however. The outcry that had greeted an earlier closure date, in 1978, when the venue's operators were granted a licence to turn it into a bingo hall, was decidedly more muted in the run-up to the Style Council farewell in 1985. As to why, David Belcher, the Herald's music writer, had this to say: 'The answer on everyone's lips is the Scottish Exhibition Centre, which has been bruited as having the ability to stage five to 10 10,000-seater per year along with up to 40 annual 2,000-seater shows'. Belcher also noted that the Apollo was damp and crumbling and that its fabric had deteriorated alarmingly over the last five years – not surprisingly, perhaps, given that the place had opened, as Green's Playhouse, back in 1927. The Apollo's time was up, then. But who could possibly have guessed in 1985 that its absence would be mourned, four decades later? RUSSELL LEADBETTER


Metro
17 hours ago
- Metro
10 of London's best rooftop bars for summer
It sure is hot here in the UK and down south the heatwave is sizzling in London. But there's nothing quite like a tipple in the summer sun, so if you're in search of somewhere with stellar views and a light breeze, a rooftop bar is the way to go. Whether you want to gaze out toward The Shard, indulge in some delicious food, or have a boogie while the DJ plays – we think we've got something for everyone. So, if you're in need of some inspiration for your next night out, Metro has 10 picks of the city's best rooftop venues… When you're 11 floors up at this rooftop bar with views of the Gherkin and St Pauls, there are few views that rival it. The award-winning Florattica is known for its iconic flower ceiling, al fresco dining and a DJ that brings the coolest vibes – it's a spot you don't want to miss. Be sure to try some of its experimental cocktails, and line your stomach with a selection of small plates and fresh pasta. Location: Level 11, Canopy by Hilton London City, 11-15 Minories, EC3N 1AX Tube: Aldgate (Circle or Metropolitan lines) If you're a sucker for Italian-ish drinks, small dishes and stunning views then Forza Wine is another great find. Yes, there's wine, but the cocktail menu is another great selling point, with a rhubarb manhattan, apple tom collins and even a frozen cucumber margarita. There's two locations but Peckham really takes the cake. Location: The Rooftop, 133A Rye Lane, London, SE15 4BQ Train: Peckham Rye (connects to Jubilee and Northern Lines) You'll get some pretty unparalleled views of the skyline at this iconic venue, and although it's located mainly indoors it'll feel as though you're out in the open thanks to the surrounding greenery and huge picture windows. There are two bars to choose from – Sky Pod and City Garden – where you can sip your cocktail or G&T while watching the sunset, as well as three restaurants within the building. It's a must-visit, although be aware it doesn't come cheap – cocktails start at around £15, while the cheapest glass of wine will set you back a tenner. Location: Rooftop, Mercury House, 109-117 Waterloo Road London, SE1 8UL Tube: Waterloo (Northern, Bakerloo and Jubilee Lines) Moving further west, you can soak up the sunshine and the views at the Paddington-based Pergola – which has the feel of a beach venue with its rattan fixtures and fittings and palm trees dotted around. As well as cocktails you can also make the most of street food vendors serving up fried chicken, burgers and Japanese dishes (at time of writing: the menu changes from time to time). There's also a bottomless brunch on Sundays, and a DJ at weekends spinning timeless classics. You can book in advance if visiting in a group but there's space for walk-ins too. Location: 5 Kingdom St, London W2 6PY Tube: Paddington (Bakerloo, Hammersmith and City, Circle, District and Elizabeth Lines) Having opened in 2023, this rooftop gem has already made an impression, becoming very popular on TikTok. Offering stunning vistas of the iconic London skyline and lounge tables to get comfy on, it's the perfect place to unwind. Offering a unique blend of Japanese and Mexican food including sushi andtacos, you can indulge in delicious light but tasty bites. There's also Sunday sessions from 1pm to 9pm which offer DJ sets as you watch the sun go down. Location: 9th Floor, 100 Liverpool Street, London, EC2M 2AT Tube: Liverpool Street (Elizabeth, Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines) In the heart of Soho you can indulge in a Turkish-inspired menu and divine cocktails at Yasmin. You can use this as a go-to spot for date nights, a catch up with friends or even private dining, six floors up. The best bites on offer are the sumac duck, chicken shish and the whipped sheep's cheese and flatbread. Location: 1 Warwick St, London W1B 5LR Tube: Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly line and the Bakerloo line) For those who like the finer things in life, venture to Seabird which offers panoramic views at 14 floors up, and oysters. At the top of The Hoxton you can indulge in some sangria, which is perfect for the sorching summer, or even frozen mojitos. It even has a late-night residency with Ronnie Scott offering classic jazz and bespoke martinis. Location: 40 Blackfriars Road, London, United Kingdom SE1 8PB Tube: Southwark (Jubilee line) If you prefer to glance out at Tower Bridge then head 12 floors up to Savage Garden. Indulge in live music, good wine and very funky cocktails – but it is on the pricier side. Perched on top of the Double Tree by Hilton it's elegant and chic, but it gets very busy so you'll probably want to book in advance. Location: Savage Garden, 7, Pepys Street, EC3N 4AF Tube: Tower Hill (Circle and District lines) Now hear us out on this one because it's atop the John Lewis flagship store, but it's a true find. Offering a stunning rooftop escape with breathtaking city views, private greenhouses, and an elegant open-air terrace, it's great for a laid back afternoon with friends. The menu features fruit-forward brambles; Kumquat Old Fashioned; and a Calamansi Margarita with a spiced ancho chili rim. As the sun sets, live DJ sets on Friday and Saturday nights set the mood, making 1864 the ultimate spot for an elevated rooftop experience in the heart of London. Location: Sixth floor, 300 Oxford St, London W1C 1DX Tube: Oxford Circus and Bond Street (Bakerloo, Central, and Victoria lines and Jubilee and Elizabeth lines) Located on the 10th floor of the ME London hotel, Radio Rooftop not only offers a superb cocktail list, but also a 360-degree views that shows off the capital's skyline and the River Thames. More Trending It's a fabulous spot to chill out with a drink, as well as enjoy dishes from the seasonal menu – but be aware that it doesn't come cheap. A glass of champagne will set you back around £16, while a cocktail comes in at around £19. View More » Location: ME London, 336-337 Strand, London WC2R 1HA Tube: Covent Garden (Piccadilly line)/Temple (Circle and District line) Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: 'We need more spaces in London to nurture creativity' – how this venue is paving the way MORE: This is the best London neighbourhood to be LGBTQ+ in 2025 MORE: Widow fined more than £1,000 by parking wardens after council delays Blue Badge renewal Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.


Metro
18 hours ago
- Metro
The 'best horror film of 2025' has arrived on Amazon Prime's Shudder
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video A Japanese horror film dubbed 'unnerving' and 'sinister' is now available to stream on the scariest streaming service out there. Best Wishes to All, directed by Yûta Shimotsu, follows a nursing student (Kotone Furukawa) who visits her grandparents (Masashi Arifuku and Yoshiko Inuyama) in their rural Japanese town. She appears distressed to learn her parents' arrival at the home is delayed, leaving her alone with her elderly relatives. As the visit winds on, the young woman uncovers dark secrets that seem to point to a mysterious presence lurking in the house. Best Wishes to All boasts a 75% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and you can witness the eerie spectacle for yourself from the, uh, relative comfort of your own home. The film is now streaming on Shudder via Amazon Prime Video, which specialises in horror films from across the globe, both big releases and indie gems. Rolling Stone had high praise for the film in their review, writing: 'It is, hands down, the best Japanese horror movie in decades, and quite possibly the single best horror movie you'll see this year, period.' IGN Movies said: 'Brimming with misanthropy and feel-bad vibes, the social commentary doesn't sustain the film for its full runtime. Director Yûta Shimotsu's command of uncanny atmospherics only takes him so far — even if it is, admittedly, pretty far.' Variety added: 'The thinly veiled commentary on aspects of modern Japanese society may fly over offshore viewers' heads streaming on Shudder, but genre fans will appreciate the bizarre story's sinister, twisty progress.' 'The type of unsettling, high-concept horror film that knows exactly what it wants to be and executes it with unforgiving verve,' concluded. There are two ways you can kickstart your Shudder subscription – either directly through Shudder or Amazon Prime Video. With the latter, it means Shudder is added as a channel to your Amazon Prime Video account, and you can access its content through there. To do this, you need to have an active Amazon Prime membership and search for the channel on there. Whether you subscribe directly or through Amazon Prime Video, you can enjoy a seven-day free trial of the service. After this, Shudder costs £4.99 per month and can be cancelled at any time. You can also subscribe to Shudder annually, which costs £47.88. This works out at £3.99 per month, saving you £12 a year overall. Best Wishes to All is the feature debut of director Shimotsu, who explained the themes and enduring popularity of Japanese horror films in an interview with Asian Movie Pulse. 'Well, in Ju-on or Ring it is more about ghosts, whereas US horror films, for example, rely more on jump scares,' he said. 'Japanese horror is much more subtle and works with atmosphere, with the actual 'scare' often happening in the background even. 'The audience gets the feeling there is some kind of presence, but you cannot figure out where the danger might be coming from. This is real dread, and what makes J-horror so unique in my opinion.' He shared that Ju-On director Takashi Shimizu had offered him some advice when making Best Wishes to All, adding: 'When he saw the film for the first time, he remarked I should explain things a bit more or at least give the audience some subtle hints, for example, through editing or music.' Best Wishes to All is streaming now on Shudder via Prime Video . Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Escape this weekend's heatwave to binge all 8 episodes of 'tear-jerking' Amazon Prime thriller MORE: 28 Years Later director reveals 'nightmare' of shooting naked zombie scenes MORE: 'I beat the system and proved I didn't need a TV licence'