Good-bye, Royal/T Cafe

Above, the "Utsutsu" press and kick-off party at Royal/T Cafe.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Royal/T Cafe in Culver City has closed its doors for good.

I've only been there once (for the press and kick-off party for "Utsutsu"), but found the food and ambiance to be refreshing.  The staff couldn't be friendlier.

According to the Huffington Post:

Cosplay cuties, Japanophiles and pop art fans all over Los Angeles shed a tear this week when Royal/T Cafe -- a combination art space, shop and cafe -- closed its doors for the last time. 

For five years, the Culver City gem welcomed thousands of people for high tea, art exhibits and premiere parties. The playful combination of saucy waitress costumes, bold, colorful art and adorable objects for sale made for an overwhelming sense of kawaii -- the Japanese word for cute -- that will likely not be replicated soon. 

Actress, Japanese language instructor and model (for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan) Yuu Asakura invited me to attend the press and kick-off party that was being held for "Utsutsu" back in November 2010.  She also worked at Royal/T Cafe.

Above, swordplay demonstration at "Utsutsu" party at Royal/T.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

According to the Huffington article, Royal/T isn't dead:

Royal/T isn't dead; the concept is just taking on another, more fluid identity. The defunct cafe's site lists brand/art collaborations, pop ups, museum consulting and art trips as part of Royal/T's next life. 

This'll be interesting to see.  It should be interesting.  Best of luck to owner Susan Hancock.

To read the full article, go here.