From the Lens of Miki Shimada

Thanksgiving Huddle

Thordis makes her way through the Thanksgiving dessert buffet.

Digestifs after Thanksgiving Dinner are enjoyed by Christine & Kelly.

Thordis & David rejoice after hearing another bottle of vodka was located inside Cafe Drake.

The difficult business of carving the turkey.

Ready, Mr. DeMille!

Dainty and demure, Miki contemplates Jorge's appetizer spread.

Jorge surveys his annual antipasto platter.

Consulting the Japanese cookbook (a gift from Miki) for tips on perfect tempura.

Summer table setting at Cafe Drake.

At Monkeytown, Brooklyn.

Miki photographs David photographing the Birthday Boy.

Miki & Susan savor the sparkling red dessert wine.

Italian film stars, si?

Octavio & Christine celebrate Cafe Drake's 17th annual 21st birthday.

About to dive in to NYC's best tiramisu.

Clearly excited at birthday dinner at d.o.c. wine bar.

Flanked by lovely ladies.

The Two Jens.

Everyone seems in a good mood, perhaps knowing Miki's soft-focus technique can only flatter?

Having a ball at another of Jen Ruske's fabulous Summer Soirees.

Pre-Sloane Susan & Henry.

Oliver seems fixated by a handsome face. Intelligent puppy with good taste.

Natalie prepares to sample hubby David's tandoori chicken.

David and his son Julian dance before dining.

Always a good time at Cafe Miki.

Miki's student proves he's no stranger to pork.

Miki Shimada, lover of all creatures great and small.

We give your party Two Thumbs Up as well, Miki!

Quality time with Berry Shimada.

Recently Miki Shimada dropped by Cafe Drake for a casual weeknight dinner (noodles with dried chile sauce, salmon croquettes and sauteed brocolli) and downloaded pics from her memory disc into Cafe Drake's laptop. We're immensely grateful, so much so we devoted this large post to the craft of Miki's photography. More than just a superb trained eye, Ms. Shimada manages to capture all the right moments in the most casual of ways - in documenting a social life, she hones in on some of the things we treasure most: fellowship over fabulous food, the inherent merriment of cocktails, our many animal friends and diffused lighting. Many, many thanks to Miki for these time capsule treasures.