Back in the 1980s and 1990, Takashimaya had a department store on 5th Avenue in New York City. We used to go there in the basement level and had really nice gourmet lunch and purchased lots of high-end Japanese snacks (imported from Japan). Sadly, that store closed toward the end of 1990 into 2000. It is interesting that Japanese people have this notion of sophistication of New York city cafes (I guess from watching Sex and the City?). In reality from my experience, cafes and restaurants in Tokyo are actually much more refined sophisticated with better presented food for discriminating Japanese taste. Also, New Yorkers are not that nice or polite compared to Japanese! lol ps--only 1 exception. If you go to BLT Steaks in New York City, it is much cheaper than the one in Ginza Tokyo!
I didn't know that Takashimaya was in New York City. I'm very happy that you tell me about New York City. We Japanese have our own culture. We are good at arranging foreign food and sophistication into Japanese tastes. Of course, we are influenced by SATC and other cultures. I haven't been to New York City yet, but I really want to go to BLT Stake there. I will have a big steak in New York City!