The following
photograph filled
article
features the unique and distinctive culture of eating in Coney
Island in the summer of 2007 from the eyes and mind of Takeshi
Yamada. Yamada has been living in the Coney Island area of
Brooklyn, New York since 2002. All the photographs featured here
were taken by Yamada. This manuscript was produced by Dr. Eriko
N. Bond, noted art critic and author in New York City, as told
by Yamada.
Coney Island Summer of 2007
Eating in Coney Island
Article by Takeshi Yamada and Dr. Eriko N. Bond
Part 1
Eating out has long
been a form of entertainment in Coney Island area of Brooklyn,
New York, and is an integral part of the amusement park and
entertainment industry. Hot dogs and frozen custard (a form of
ice cream) were invented here in Coney Island to entertain
people between the attractions - one reason why these foods do
not require any utensils or seats to enjoy them – and one reason
why these foods continue to be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Clam was the king of
the seafood then, and is still one of the most popular sea foods
served in Coney Island. Even today most take-out restaurants
here still have the classic signs like “Clam” and “Clam Bar”.
There are still many
dozens of take-out places that represent the unique and
distinctive eating culture in Coney Island today (as of 2007).
Among them, the biggest and the most famous one would be
Nathan’s Famous, Inc. on the south- west corner of the Surf
Avenue and Stillwell Avenue (kitty corner to the Coney
Island-Stillwell subway station). It is only 4 minutes walking
distance from the house of Takeshi Yamada. One of its many small
branch stores is also on the corner of the Stillwell Avenue and
the boardwalk.
Nathan’s Famous,
Inc, right across from the Coney Island-Stillwell subway
station. The traditional colors and design were used for its
large exterior signs. This take-out place, despite its
reputation, has no accommodation for indoor seating whatsoever.
(August 24, 2007)
Note: Before moving
to New York City, Yamada lived in downtown Chicago for 13 years.
Chicago is famous for its “Chicago style” hot dog - a hot dog
with fresh diced onion topping. The word “Chicago” means “wild
onion” in Native American.
(Left) Outdoor
seating at Nathan’s. The hot dog was believed to have originated
in Coney Island. This mural expresses pride in this unique and
distinctive American born popular food and represents family
values, family foods, and the American flag in action. Yamada
considers the hot dog and its culture to be “very American”.
(August 24, 2007) (Right) Nathan’s giant billboard for the
annual Hot Dog Eating Contest – an ingenious promotional
campaign. (September 9, 2007)
A branch of Nathan’s
on the boardwalk. Nathan’s Famous, Inc has numerous branch
restaurants all across New York City. (August 18, 2007)
Even a souvenir shop
is equipped with an ice cream stand here on the boardwalk.
(August 18, 2007)
ChaCha’s on the
board walk has a spacious interior, and often features live
entertainment for the whole family. (August 18, 2007)
Grill House and
several shops stand side by side. The Grill House is another
popular place on the boardwalk near Stillwell Avenue and has
been upgrading its exterior signs periodically. The hand-painted
food signs were all replaced by photographic signs this year.
(August 18, 2007)
“Denny’s Ice Cream
Shop” on Surf Avenue facing the main entrance of the Coney
Island-Stillwell subway station. This is the last stop of F, Q,
N, D subway lines. (August 18, 2007)
Details of the ever
popular “Denny’s Ice Cream Shop” on Surf Avenue (September 2,
2007)
Takeshi Yamada,
Seara the Sea Rabbit, and a bikini clad mermaid at the Amusement
Park district. (September 2, 2007)
(Continue to Part 2)
Copyright by Takeshi
Yamada, Museum of World Wonders in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New
York, 2007. Revised in March 2008. All Rights Reserved.
E-mail: yamada108@aol.com
Special thanks to Dr. Eriko N. Bond, Lauren D. Travis, Maremi
Kakushina,
Also
special thanks to Theresa Baker (senior proofreader)
http://www.sideshowworld.com/SSA-15.html
http://www.roguetaxidermy.com/members_detail.php?id=528
http://www.horseshoecrab.org/poem/feature/takeshi.html
