AsiaLIFE HCMC 32

AsiaLIFE volume 32

26 front

06 News & Events 14 Dispatches

style & design

22 Photo Essay: From the Camera's Eye The man behind bringing Leonard Cohen to Cambodia talks about the muiscal legend. We head down Dinh Tien Hoang and find cute little shops for kids and more. And in this month's photo essay, we find a tour through various terrain up north which is bound to tickle photographers, as it's geared for them.

on the cover

26 Styles that Go Together 28 Walk This Way 34 Spring's Runway Stars

56 Yumaki Toothbrushes 57 The Korean Wave

16 Q&A with Chris Minko 18 Street Smart: Dinh Tien Hoang

54 Behind the Design: District 8

AsiaLIFE talks to the designer duo behind the firm keen to preserve a piece of the city's heritage. We look at the utterly stylish--and good for you too--toothbrush wowing the world. Our Photo Editor plays Sartorialist on the streets of Korea and finds spunk everywhere.

back

62 The List 104 Spotlight 106 Street Guide 114 Pub Quiz

To sign off, we capture a glimpse of HCM City nightlife; preview what's new in film, music and literature; and challenge your brain power with the Pub Quiz.

In this year's style issue, our consultants pour over the Spring Summer 2011 runway trends--from Balenciaga to Gucci and Marc Jacobs to Givenchy--to choose the best, and most easily adaptable, fashions to suit your wardrobe in HCM City.

storyboard

38 From Vietnam with Love 42 Electric Youth 44 Rediscovering Asia's Pearl

A case of mistaken identity between an Australian veteran and a Vietnamese woman leads to something wonderful. We preview the highly anticipated film Saigon Electric which we believe will be the year's biggest hit. And we present the ultimate guide to Phnom Penh, a city no longer hostage to images of its past.

food

48 Bread Basket 50 Sterling's Saigon 51 IKI 52 Blue Salute 53 Pinocchio

Our editorial assistant Stephy Thai gives us the low down on where to buy great bread in the city. Plus, we check out Sushi at IKI, Italian at Pinocchio and tapas at Blue Salute.

Cover Art Direction 365 Days Creative Studio Photography Fred Wissink Models Eduard Kazanov Katya Sulimenko

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note from the editor

Muna Khan

When I started editing East&West in Hanoi in 2008, the theme of my first issue was fashion but the outlook was depressing as far as the luxury market was concerned— recessionistas, not fashionistas, ruled the runways. Fast forward to the present and I find myself in my new assignment with an issue on fashion but the mood is far more upbeat as brands from Chloe to Marc Jacobs expect favourable change in economic conditions. The optimism was in ample evidence in Spring Summer 2011 collections in Milan, London, New York and more recently Paris, matched by a truly decadent celebration of French Vogue’s 90th anniversary, which saw the biggest names

in fashion come out to party like it’s not 2009. As cyclical, and sometimes ridiculous, as fashion can get (two words: double denim, what were they thinking?)

I find myself returning to a quote

by Coco Chanel, which was tweaked and echoed by Yves Saint Laurent and features as our cover title: “Fashion fades, only style remains the same.”

We chose to channel that belief in our quest to make sense of 2011 Spring Summer trends and how best to adapt them into your wardrobes in HCM City. For that we are thankful to our consultants on all things stylish: Luis Antonio Torres who you know as our men’s style columnist and Soosie Lee, brand manager of highly covetable names in fash-

Luis Antonio Torres Luis Antonio Torres is Creative Director of Massimo Ferrari, an Italian lifestyle boutique.

He has spent over 15 years in the Italian luxury apparel business and managed retail houses such as Gucci Group USA and Giorgio Armani‘s “A Misura.” Antonio has lived in Vietnam for seven years and has managed an offshore apparel manufacturing company in which he has produced for Barneys New York, Takashimaya, Isetan, Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus to name a few.

ion and perhaps one of the most stylish women I’ve met in my short time here. We asked them to sift through the best from the runways and identify trends that will work here—which I think they did a fabulous job of. The trends are still timeless, and hopefully, effortless. Staying on the subject of fashion, our photographer Fred Wissink recently played Sartorialist in Korea, documenting what is described as the ‘Korean Wave,’ trends which will undoubtedly surface on our streets. And we even found you a stylist toothbrush to keep you in vogue. Essentially this issue defines what style is: a celebration of individuality matched with the confidence to carry it with aplomb.

Next time you're across the border, check out the latest issue of AsiaLIFE Cambodia or download it from www.asialifeguide.com.

112010 ISSUE47

Soosie Lee Soosie Lee was born and raised in Korea and majored in fashion design and marketing. In the last 15 years she has lived and worked in Melbourne, Kuala Lumpur and London before moving to Vietnam two years ago to work as marketing and PR manager for Global Link.

In her present capacity, her portfolio includes over 30 prestigious brands in fashion and home décor including Balenciaga, Chloé, Marc Jacobs, Lanvin, Givenchy and Fornasetti, along with eight fashion mono-brand stores and two multi-brand concept stores.

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Find AsiaLIFE articles on

Electrolux designers are inspired by your passions.

Electrolux Design Department

Pernilla Johansson

Your passion for making every meal a memorable occasion is what inspires us to design better ovens. We take the time to deeply understand our consumers’ homes and lifestyles before we begin, creating new appliances that win your trust, and win you compliments.

View our online catalogue at www.electrolux.co.th Founded in Sweden

volume 32

NEWS Exotissimo to Give Away Two Leonard Cohen Tickets

Qatar Airways Increases Vietnam Service

Anyone who purchases travel services from an Exotissimo travel agency before November 15 will go into the draw to win two free Leonard Cohen tickets to see the legend perform in Phnom Penh on November 27. The tickets are worth US $299.45 each.

Qatar Airways will increase capacity to and from HCM City by three extra flights per week.

The expansion will see the current capacity increase from four weekly flights to 11. The extra flights, as well as those from Hanoi to Doha, will operate via Bangkok. Visit www.qatarairways.com/vn.

Burlesque Dance Workshop at DanCenter

Cupcakes on Sale at L’Usine

On November 20 and 21, DanCenter will host a burlesque dance workshop from 5.30 to 7.30 pm. Participants will learn the fundamentals of burlesque dance—walking and dancing in sky-high heels, especially. iBasic will showcase their slinky lingerie at exceptional prices for the participants, too, and Bacchus Corner and DanCenter will offer sparkling wine at cheap prices in support of KOTO. The course costs US $25 for one session or $40 for both. To register, call 3840 6974, email info@dancentervn. com or visit www.dancentervn. com.

Lifestyle store L’Usine is now selling cupcakes. The tasty treats are made by local brand Sweet & Sour and come in many flavours (Red Velvet’s the current favourite at AsiaLIFE).

Email info@lusinespace.com for details or to order.

Ivy Saigon Opens

Vietnamese restaurant Ivy opened at 17A Ngo Van Nam in District 1. The menu takes diners on a culinary voyage across Vietnam with dishes that originate from the country’s northern, central and southern regions like Hoi An Chicken Salad to Stewed Rabbit in Red

Stylish Shoes Available at Heatwave

Singaporean women’s shoe brand Heatwave has opened a store at 88 Nguyen Trai, District 1. With 29 outlets across Asia, Heatwave stocks great quality footwear at reasonable prices. Their designs are taken from international fashion trends and each pair is crafted with attention to detail.

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Wine. To celebrate their grand opening, until November 23rd Ivy will give each table one free dish plus deduct 20 percent from each bill. Call 3829 1515, email info@ivysaigon.com or visit www.ivysaigon.com for details.

General Store Opens in Movenpick Hotel

From the team behind L’Usine and District 8, comes the General Store. The concept has been borrowed from general stores of olden times and stocks unique and eclectic gifts, sourced from Vietnam and its neighbouring countries. The General Store opens November 1 in the Movenpick Hotel.

New Air France Service Phnom Penh to France

Starting March 27, 2011, Air France will launch a new service from Phnom Penh to ParisCharles de Gaulle via Bangkok.

The service will run three times per week. Visit www.airfrance. com/VN.

Coldwell Banker Mega Office Opens

Coldwell Banker opened its mega office on the first floor of the Rosana Building at 60 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, District 1 in HCM City recently. Coldwell Banker’s

areas of expertise include commercial and residential real estate brokerage, consultancy, investment, facilities management, advertising, research, property valuation and marketing as well as sales, management and career training. Visit www.coldwellbankervn.com.

RENAISSANCE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SAIGON PRE-SCHOOL PRIMARY SECONDARY

Oasis Gourmet Shop Opens in HCM City

Oasis Gourmet Shop—a delicatessen originally from Hanoi—recently arrived in HCM City. The Oasis has two locations, in downtown Phu My Hung across the Saigon South International School and on the grounds of the Snap CafÊ in An Phu. A wide selection of affordable cheese and cold cuts are available, plus homemade Italian pasta, sauces, ravioli and lasagne.

Saigon Golf, Country Club and Residences Begins Construction

Construction has begun on the Saigon Golf Club and Residences. It will be the first development to offer a combination of golf, resort lifestyle and family entertainment in one location just minutes from the city centre. The project features an 18-hole championship golf

Anupa Honoured at London Fashion Week

www.rissaigon.edu.vn

IB scholarship 2010 – 2011 Scholarships offering up to 50% discount on school fees available to IB Diploma students satisfying the scholarship criteria.

'PS GVSUIFS EFUBJMT QMFBTF WJTJU PVS XFCTJUF www.rissaigon.edu.vn

Designer Anupa Horvil was honoured recently at Eco Luxe, an event that coincided with London Fashion Week. The organizers hand-selected a group of eco-conscious designers to showcase their collections. Horvil was one such eco-warrior and her line of high-quality leather products, each detailed with a unique tourmaline said to ward off evil spirits, was highly received.

Horvil, who’s British, also decided to officially launch Anupa UK at Eco Luxe—a dream that allows her to return to her roots.

What’s more, she displayed an antique men’s line at the event which also received rave reviews. Now HCM City men can accessorize with Anupa as she’s rolled out the entire range at her store, Villa Anupa at 17/27 Le Thanh Ton, District 1.

Renaissance International School Saigon (RISS) is one of the premier international schools in Ho Chi Minh City providing a high quality British/International education leading to the IB Diploma Programme.

Students are able to develop their full potential in a stimulating, challenging and supportive environment, capable of becoming leaders in the global community and experts in their chosen fields upon graduation. t #SJUJTI *OUFSOBUJPOBM $VSSJDVMVN UIBU FODPVSBHFT JOWFTUJHBUJWF MFBSOJOH BOE prepares students to become ‘life-long learners’ t %FEJDBUFE /BUJWF &OHMJTI 5FBDIFST GPS SFTQFDUJWF TVCKFDUT BOE BHF MFWFMT t .PEFSO 'BDJMJUJFT JO B MBSHF QVSQPTF CVJMU DBNQVT JO %JTUSJDU t &YUSB $VSSJDVMBS "DUJWJUJFT UISPVHIPVU UIF ZFBS t 2VBMJUZ DBUFSJOH TFSWJDF NFFUJOH UIF OFFET PG PVS JOUFSOBUJPOBM TUVEFOUT

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course designed by Greg Norman, residences, country club and a City Spa. It will also have fine dining restaurants, Olympicsized pools and tennis and squash courts. The golf course and residences are scheduled for completion at the end of 2012 and 2013 respectively.

For details, contact the Norfolk Group on 3825 7286 or sales. sgccr@norfolkgroup.com.vn.

Visit www.sgccr.com.vn.

Hotel Sofitel Dalat Palace and Mercure Dalat Hotel Du Parc Rebranded

Ticket Winners LEONARD COHEN LIVE

Two of Dalat’s leading hotels— Hotel Sofitel Dalat Palace and Mercure Dalat Hotel Du Parc— will be renamed Dalat Palace Hotel and Dalat Hotel Du Parc, respectively. With the rebranding, the hotels will expand their facilities and provide a broader range of food and beverage options.

Sony Music Thailand joins Mekong Sessions PR campaign

Congratulations to the following people who have each won a pair of tickets: Scatt Giles Adam Gerard John Sadler

Jan Alexander Elizabeth Luu

AsiaLIFE will be contacting all winners via email.

Special thanks to Rod Quinton of the Boat House.

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Sony Music Thailand, Leonard Cohen’s record label, has joined the Mekong Sessions publicity campaign with a special targeted programme in Thailand. The company will launch a comprehensive campaign, distributing posters and stickers throughout all their music outlets in Thailand. They are also working with three Thai radio stations to promote Leonard Cohen’s music and his Phnom Penh concert set for November 27.

Win VIP Dive Pass From Rainbow Divers VIP dive passes are now available at Rainbow Divers.

They are valid for 10 to 20

dives or unlimited diving over a 12-month period in Nha Trang, Phu Quoc or Whale Island.

To win a free VIP pass email Jeremy@divevietnam.com with the subject VIP FREE DRAW. The winner will be announced in the next month’s AsiaLIFE. Visit www.divesaigon.com.

Mekong Creations Launches Christmas Cross Stitch

Mekong Creations—a nonprofit organization that promotes community development in rural Vietnam and Cambodia—has launched a range of cross stitch Christmas tree ornaments and gift tags. The products are on sale at the Mekong Creations store at 141 Bui Vien, District 1. The ornaments costs 60,000 VND each and a pack of three tags goes for 55,000 VND. For details visit www.mekong-creations.org.

Vietnam Quilts Launches Christmas Range

Vietnam Quilts has launched a range for the festive season including quilted Christmas stockings, advent calendars, bread baskets, table runners and tree skirts. Gift vouchers are also available in any dong or dollar amount. The range is available in all Vietnam Quilt stores. Visit www.vietnam-quilts.org.

Rubba Duckies Classes Begin in Nha Be District Rubba Duckies classes for young swimmers will now be held at Hoang Anh Gia Lai 3 located at Nguyen Huu Tho in Nha Be District. The lessons will take place every Tuesday from 9.30 to 11 am. To enrol, email rubbaduckiesswim@ hotmail.com.

Chef Antoine Rodriguez Returns to Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers

From November 10 to 20, award-winning chef Antoine Rodriguez will return to Signature Restaurant on the 23rd floor of the Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers after visiting in September last year. One of the world’s leading chefs, Rodri-

guez won the Executive Chef of the Year title at the Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards in 2007.

For the duration of his stay, he will showcase his culinary skills (and particularly, his ability to work with the finest cuts of beef) and present a cooking demonstration. Call 3827 2828 or visit www.sheraton.com/ saigon.

Jimmy Choo Opens at the Vincom Towers

Jimmy Choo has opened its doors at the Vincom Towers. The luxury shoe brand was started by Jimmy Choo and Tamara Mellon, accessories editor of Vogue, in 1996 in London and in 2001 he sold his stake in the company. Today he designs exclusively for the couture brand and is said to be keen on starting a shoe-making institute in his country of birth, Malaysia. All this is great news for clients in Vietnam who will continue to be spoilt for choice in the high-end shoe boutique.

Renaissance International School Saigon Receives Award

You’ll be safe in our hands Private aerial ambulance on 24hr standby within Vietnam Evacuation and Emergency Assistance • Our own airplane on 24 hour standby within Vietnam • Medical evacuations back to your own country, Bangkok or Singapore • Ambulance pick-up • Strong domestic network throughout Vietnam • Affiliation with NUH Singapore

Renaissance International School Saigon (RISS) was recently awarded ‘International Advocate’ for the ASDAN award scheme. ASDAN is an internationally recognized award body based in the UK and RISS is the first school in the world to receive the honour.

RISS is also now an ‘Open Centre’ for the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT). This is a test taken by applicants to certain medicine, veterinary medicine and related courses at the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Imperial College London, University College of London and the Royal Veterinary College. RISS is currently the only BMAT centre in Vietnam and accepts external students for testing.

Family Medical Practice HCMC Diamond Plaza: 34 Le Duan Street, District 1, HCMC For appointments and emergency care 24 hours: (84 8) 3822 7848

www.vietnammedicalpractice.com

Your health. Our care.

• Emergency Medicine • Medical Evacuations • General Practice • Internal Medicine • Pediatrics • Obstetrics & Gynecology • Orthopedic & Trauma Surgery • Cardiology • ENT • Tropical Medicine • Radiology • Imaging • Ambulance Service • In-house Laboratory • Acupuncture • First Aid Training • Child Birth Education • Saigon International Mother Baby Association • Medical Check-ups

Phnom Penh Events & Openings Download the latest issue of AsiaLIFE Cambodia at www.asialifeguide.com.

Leonard Cohen Performs at the National Olympic Stadium On November 27 from 6 pm musical legend Leonard Cohen will perform at the National Olympic Stadium. The concert will mark the renowned poet turned singer songwriter’s first performance in the Kingdom of Wonder. The next day he will stage a free concert exclusively for Cambodians. Visit www. themekongsessions.com.

Pursat River Run

The Pursat River Run is set for November 14. The event promotes the oft-forgotten town and encourages youth to stay active.

Last year saw 495 runners took part in the 5km and 10km able-bodied races, as well as races for wheelchair users and

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amputees organized together with Pursat-based NGO Disability Development Services Pursat.

Participation costs US $1 for Khmers and US $15 for foreigners, with cash prizes for the first 15 to finish. Visit www. runpursat.info.

entry fee is US $600 per Angkor 10s team and US $400 for Old Boys’ teams. This includes refreshments during a Friday night Meet and Greet, as well as a Saturday night tournament dinner.

Return of the Rugga Buggas

On December 5, Siem Reap will host the 15th Annual Angkor Wat International Half Marathon.

The course winds through the UNESCO World Heritage site, past iconic temples and complexes like Bayon, Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat. Established in 1996 by Japanese non-profit organization Runners Aid, the two-day event generates funds for several organizations working to alleviate poverty and provide health and education services to the disad-

The ANZ Royal Angkor 10s rugby tournament is back in Phnom Penh over the weekend of November 5 to 6. The tenth anniversary edition of the event will be held at Old Stadium in Toul Kork, and comprises of two separate competitions: the Old Boys’ Veterans series, which is played as a 15 a-side with Golden Oldies rules, and the actual tournament which is open to only 12 teams. The

Angkor Wat Bike Race & Rally

vantaged. Those looking for a less strenuous way to take part and contribute can participate in 10K men’s and women’s races or a 3K family run on Saturday, December 4. Saturday will also see mobility-impaired athletes compete in a wheelchair marathon.

Hotel and tour packages are available to runners who want to experience the temples of Angkor at a more leisurely pace.

Visit www.angkormarathon.org.

Angkor Photo Festival VI

From November 20 to 27, the Sixth Annual Angkor Photo Festival will showcase works from international and Asian photographers. The festival’s mission is to highlight emerging Southeast Asian photographers. It will be held at the Angkor Photo Gallery at 331 River Side, Siem Reap.

EVENTS British International School Christmas Bazaar

The third annual BIS Christmas Bazaar will take place on December 4 from 9 am to 2 pm at the District 2 campus.

More than 50 vendors will be present and entertainment from the school’s choirs and various musical groups. Santa will also make an appearance. Entry is 25,000 VND per person.

Vietnam Swans and Saigon Shooters Host Indochina Cup

Aussie Rules Club Vietnam Swans and netball team Saigon Shooters will host the Indochina Cup on November 27 at RMIT. The Swannies will play the Cambodian Cobras, Lao Elephants and Thailand Tigers in a full day of fun, footy, food and drinks.

For details visit www.vietnamswans.com.

Piano Concert at HCMC Conservatory of Music

Russian pianist Igor Chystkletov will perform at the HCMC Conservatory of Music at 112 Nguyen Du, District 1, on November 19 from 8 pm. He will be joined by three talented Vietnamese pianists. Tickets are 250,000 to 300,000 VND. Call 0909 242 392 or 0913 902 024 to purchase.

Terry Fox Run in Phu My Hung

A Christmas Carol Comes to HCM City

The International Choir & Orchestra of HCMC and Liberty Insurance will present “A Christmas Carol” in early December.

The fully-staged musical is based on the Charles Dickens’ classic and tells the story of grouchy Ebenezer Scrooge and his hair-raising adventures with the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come.

Tickets will be 550,000 VND, 450,000 VND and 350,000 VND depending on seat location.

All proceeds will go towards Poussieres de Vie (Dust of Life), Loreto Vietnam Australia Program and Education for Development—all organizations that support disadvantaged youth. Two evening performances will be held from 8 pm on December 3 and 4 and two matinee productions will run from 2.30 pm on December 4 and 5. All performances will be held at the HCMC Drama Theatre located at 30 Tran Hung Dao, District 1. Email tickets@ hcmcchoir.com to book.

The 14th Annual Terry Fox Run will take place at the Crescent Plaza in Phu My Hung on Sunday, November 28. The 5 km non-competitive course begins at 8 am (though runners and walkers should arrive at 7 am).

Afterwards, The Ten Dollar Bill Band will play and there will be a picnic. All proceeds of the event will go towards cancer research. Last year, more than 7,500 people registered to participate in the run, raising 730 million VND. For details contact Mark Fenwick on 3761 2345 or terryfoxhcmc@gmail.com.

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Productive Thinking for Business Creativity and Innovation & Essential Management Skills Courses

The International Management Initiative for Vietnam (IMIV)—a non-profit educational initiative within the VinaCa-

Live Music at the Snap Café.

pital Foundation—will present two high-quality international programmes in November from the Singapore Institute of Management. The first, Productive Thinking for Business Creativity and Innovation, held on November 12 to 13, is a dynamic programme suitable for managers of all levels. Participants will learn new techniques to overcome performance barriers and enhance workplace problem solving, creativity and innovation.

The second, Essential Management Skills, from November 25 to 27, is a core skills course for emerging junior and middle managers. It will focus on the self-awareness, skills and tools required to manage self, teams and change. Email info@imiv.org or visit www.imiv.org for details.

Saigon South International School Annual Charity Bazaar

Every Saturday night, from 7 pm until 10 pm, the Snap Café will host Acoustic Sessions—a variety of local and international bands that often turns into an eclectic jam session. Booked from now through until late November are: Slang of Angels, Jazz to Jazz, Juram, and Curtis King.

Saigon South International School (SSIS) will hold its 8th Annual Charity Bazaar on Saturday, November 20 from 9 am to 3 pm. Last year, the Bazaar raised more than US $12,000 for Operation Smile, Anh Linh Love School and Heartbeat Vietnam. Proceeds from this year's Bazaar will continue to fund some of these charities as well as others where SSIS students volunteer on an active, long-term basis. This year’s Charity Bazaar will have twice the number of artisans, food

Bazaar at The Deck

On November 6 from 9 am to 4 pm, The Deck will host a Bazaar. Unique Christmas gifts will be available for purchase as will delicious food along with live music. Part of the proceeds will be donated to IMMF and Heartbeat Vietnam.

Call 3744 6632 for details.

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vendors, and activities for kids.

Many more prizes will be offered for a lucky draw as well as the tombola, too. For details contact Ms. Bich Mowrey at bichmowrey@ssis.edu.vn or Ms. Tina Haugbro at pta@ssis.edu.vn.

SSIS is located on Nguyen Van Linh Parkway, Phu My Hung.

Manager Effectiveness Workshop & Total Reward Survey Findings Seminar Autumn 2010

Towers Watson will offer an insight into current human resource trends and key findings on the labour market at their Manager Effectiveness Workshop & TRS Findings Seminar.

To register, call 3821 9488 ext.

128 or email contact.vietnam@ towerswatson.com.

Third Vietnam Hockey Festival

From 9 am to 4 pm on November 13 and 14, the Third Annual Vietnam Hockey Festival will take place. The event, which aims to promote hockey in Vietnam and allow the local players a chance to integrate with overseas enthusiasts, will see teams travel from Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia to compete. The six-a-side competition will take place at the Futsal Pitches on Pham Hung Street, District 8.

For details visit www.vietnamhockey.vn.

Rocket Yoga Retreat with Larry Schultz

From December 2 to 6, world-renowned yogi Larry Schultz will offer a four-day yoga retreat at Mango Bay Resort on Phu Quoc Island. Schultz will teach Rocket Yoga—a unique style that he developed to renew the body’s energy and vitality. Accessible for all ability levels, Rocket Yoga systematically works the entire body and clears the mind to leave those who practice it feeling refreshed, refocused and restored. Advanced students will study more difficult poses like handstands and inversions while beginners will learn the foundations of modern vinyasa yoga. Contact Michelle Lloyd on 0909 64 8193 or email michelle@michellelloyd.com for details.

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dispatches

Travel news from around the region and beyond

Singapore Celebrates Christmas in the Tropics If a white Christmas isn’t on the cards, you can still explore a winter wonderland by hopping on a plane to Singapore this holiday season.

From November 20 through January 2, the shopping district surrounding Orchard Road lights up for Christmas in the Tropics, Singapore’s annual yuletide festival. Throughout the month-long event, shopping centres like Tangs, Takashimaya, Wisma Atria, Orchard Central and ION deck out their premises to capture the Christmas spirit. The streets around Orchard Road are also abuzz with a festival atmosphere; acrobats, choirs, human statues, stilt walkers and other merrymakers are on hand to entertain families. Open-air fashion shows run throughout Christmas in the Tropics, giving the shopping legions a glimpse of winter fashions they’ll find around the city-state. For more information, visit www.yoursingapore.com.

Bangkok’s Centralworld Re-Opens Bigger and Better Bangkok’s largest shopping complex, the 550,000-square-metre Centralworld, recently reopened—and just in time for the holiday season. The renovations were completed four months after fire destroyed the building during protests earlier this year. Developers have made the most of the opportunity to revamp the retail mecca, redesigning the space to include more natural and organic elements and completely overhauling the food court, now known as Garden on Seven. The new Centralworld also features an expanded range of international and Thai designer brands and new facilities, including Thailand’s first openair ice-skating rink located in a shopping centre. At present 80 percent of retail space is open for business. The remainder will open in December, with renovations to Zen Department Store scheduled for re-opening next fall. Visit www. centralworld.co.th for more information.

Angkor Wat Half Marathon On December 5, Siem Reap hosts the 15th Annual Angkor Wat International Half Marathon. The race course winds through the UNESCO World Heritage site, past iconic temples and complexes like Bayon, Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat. Established in 1996 by Japanese nonprofit Runners Aid, the two-day event generates funds for several nonprofit organizations working to alleviate poverty and provide health and education services to the disadvantaged. Those looking for a less strenuous way to take part and contribute can participate in 10km men’s and women’s races or a 3km family run on Saturday, December 4. Saturday also sees differently-abled athletes compete in a wheelchair marathon. Hotel and tour packages are available to runners who want to experience the temples of Angkor at a more leisurely pace.

Visit www.angkormarathon.org for more information.

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Walking with Dinosaurs Asia Tour Following a record-breaking, three-year tour of the United States, the spectacular Walking with Dinosaurs arrives in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. Based on the award-winning BBC series, the 20 milliondollar production features 15 life-size dinosaurs brought to life by a team of world-renowned designers, technicians and actors. Highlights of the show include titanic duels between dinos, the terrifying roar of Tyrannosaurus rex and the towering 22-metre Brachiosaurus. The show is on in Bangkok from November 17 to 21 before heading to Singapore for an engagement from December 1 through 10. The tour wraps up in Hong Kong, running from December 22 through 27. Visit www.dinosaurlive.com for ticketing and information and to view footage from the show.

Bui Gallery Opens in Singapore On October 23, the Bui Gallery debuted its inaugural exhibition, Facing Deadlines, at its new location at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore. With a presence in both Paris and Hanoi, the Bui Gallery has established itself as a bridge between east and west, creating a dialogue by exhibiting the work of emerging Southeast Asian artists and established international practitioners. The Singapore branch seeks to extend the Bui Gallery’s mission to one of the region’s most important art-buying locations. Facing Deadlines features paintings by HCM City-based artist, graphic designer and DJ Bertrand Peret, one of the minds behind the artist initiatives Atelier Wonderful and Mogas Station, as well as the Jetlag art-meets-party events.

The show runs through December 12. Visit www.thebuigallery.com for more information.

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C H R I S M I N K O 16 asialife HCMC

operation. The partnership with the Bangkok Post in particular represents a historic development with businesses and media in Cambodia and Thailand cooperating to promote events in Phnom Penh.

The man behind bringing Leonard Cohen to Phnom Penh talks with AsiaLIFE’s Mark Bibby Jackson about the ground-breaking concert and clears the air on controversy surrounding the event. Photo by James Grant.

What made you choose Leonard Cohen for the inaugural Mekong Sessions concert? Or did Cohen choose you?

A little bit of both, actually. I personally approached Leonard Cohen after developing the concept of the Mekong Sessions not only because he is the acknowledged master of his genre but I also felt he would have an affinity with the country (being an ordained Buddhist monk), its struggles and its efforts to rejuvenate itself. However, the concert is only going ahead precisely because of Leonard Cohen’s exceptional generosity and vision.

It’s very important to understand that this is not just another concert; there’s a level of passion and commitment from all the parties involved, including our sponsors, to ensure that the event is seamlessly organized and an unforgettable experience for everyone, including the artist, the band and the crew.

Without these commitments and Leonard Cohen recognizing the potential of Cambodia, the concert wouldn’t be possible and I continue to be staggered and humbled by the privilege and the opportunity which his decision to perform here represents. We are all very lucky he is coming.

You have stated previously in AsiaLIFE Cambodia that the Cohen show is a landmark concert and will rejuvenate Phnom Penh. What makes you feel that

one concert can give the city such an uplift?

Leonard Cohen’s performance is a landmark event by virtue of being just the first in a long series of Mekong Sessions concerts. His concert is exclusive to Asia, the first time he has ever performed here, and will be the last live performance outside the U.S. These are enormous achievements for a city, which less than a decade ago had few paved streets. Establishing Phnom Penh as the Southeast Asian concert hub together with AEG Live is one of our primary aims, and Leonard Cohen agreeing to perform here has been a critical catalyst in building confidence that Cambodia not only has the potential to stand up as a recognized concert venue but can emerge as the most unique destination of choice for artists and fans alike.

This has significant economic implications for Phnom Penh and Cambodia. As well as Cambodian residents, our target market is the affluent locals and expats in the region—there are over 11 million expats in Southeast Asia alone. This brings considerable revenue into the country from visa costs to hotels, hospitality and visits to places like Angkor Wat. Our mature regional media partnerships with AsiaLIFE Phnom Penh/HCMC, the Bangkok Post, the Phnom Penh Post and F Magazine all contribute to promoting the region and fostering positive commercial co-

You have worked for 15 years in Cambodia with CNVLD, an NGO that develops sports programmes for disabled individuals. Can you explain how the disabled in Cambodia will benefit from the concert?

After 15 years, the CNVLD is still only touching the tip of the iceberg in terms of demographics. There are over 300,000 persons with a disability in Cambodia, all of whom could benefit from access to sport and recreation programmes.

With adequate resources we will be able to establish 20 or 30 new volleyball and wheelchair racing clubs overnight, which would allow massive opportunities not only for persons with a disability at an individual level but also on the international competition level. Thanks to the input from the Mekong Sessions, the CNVLD’s current programmes will be able to strengthen and we’ll have the

"Mekong Sessions is in the final stages of negotiation to see Bob Dylan perform here." capacity to expand the number of sports we offer. Just as importantly, the renovations to the Olympic Stadium will provide international standard facilities not only for athletes with a disability but all Cambodian and international athletes.

You have informed me of your plans for future Mekong Sessions involving the greats of the music scene. Have you any fresh news?

We are exceptionally proud of our relationship with AEG Live, who manage some of the very best artists in the world and have singled out Cambodia as a key location in their global strategy. The Mekong Sessions is immediately focused on bringing legendary artists to Phnom Penh but is also exploring bringing big name contemporary acts to perform in the outdoor arena, as well as organizing regional concerts by homegrown talent.

We are also working toward hosting large-scale cultural events. Fans can look forward to an anticipated three concerts a year here.

I can also reveal for the first time to AsiaLIFE that the Mekong Sessions is in the final stages of negotiation to see Bob Dylan perform here in the first half of 2011 in a concert absolutely exclusive to Asia. That will be historic, no doubt about it.

As you know there has been a fair amount of criticism over the pricing policy for the Cohen concert. What do you say to those who claim the tickets are too expensive?

To a large degree the size of the venue at just 3,500 seats— compared to other tour venues of 10 –15,000—has a considerable impact on ticket prices.

Thanks to the exceptional personal generosity of Mr. Cohen, together with Robert Kory Management and AEG Live, the artist fees have been reduced. If this weren’t the case, given the size of the venue and the costs required to produce an event to the quality required by an artist of such calibre, the cheapest tickets would be US $600.

Remember, this is a benefit concert with the specific aim of raising funds to assist persons with a disability in Cambodia, so all ticket buyers can be assured that their hard-earned money is not only providing them the opportunity to witness one of the world’s greatest performers in the most intimate venue, but is also making a significant contribution to support the aspirations of some of the most marginalized in Cambodian society.

For more information about the Mekong Sessions, visit www.themekongsessions.com online asialife HCMC 17

Dinh Tien Hoang extends from Ton Duc Thang, intersecting at Le Duan right in the city’s centre, before cutting through Binh Thanh—an area ripe with local flavour. Beth Young investigates with a little help from Stephy Thai. Photos by Miguel Lopez.

University of Social Sciences and Humanities 10-12 Dinh Tien Hoang www.vns.edu.vn This university marks the beginning of Dinh Tien Hoang.

It is also said to be the place to learn how to speak Vietnamese. The Faculty of Vietnamese Studies (the office is located just beyond the cafeteria) has a handful of helpful Englishspeaking staff that can suggest appropriate courses. Students can select from private or group lessons, and classes run throughout the day. The teachers speak great English and generally break their lessons into two components: pronunciation and vocabulary.

Che Nam Bo 1 2 Bis Dinh Tien Hoang www.chenambo.com More than 30 varieties of che (sweet soup) are available in this bare-bones quan. The 18 asialife HCMC

dessert can be served hot or cold and can contain anything from lentils and beans to jelly and lotus seeds. AsiaLIFE’s enthusiastic editorial assistant Stephy and I tried the che nhan nhuc (14,000 VND)—a syrupy specialty served with tasty longans and crushed ice. We also sampled the rau cau dua (17,000 VND)—coconut jelly. Both were delicious, light and refreshing.

The slightly more upmarket Che Nam Bo 2 is located just 50 metres down the road at 16/1A Dinh Tien Hoang.

I-Cute 21 Dinh Tien Hoang This small gift shop’s moniker sums it up to a tee. Everything within the store’s candy pink walls is imported from Japan, Korea and Thailand. Delicately embroidered bronze bookmarks (140,000 VND) and clutches (950,000 VND) sit beside stuffed patchwork cats, funky

pencil cases, costume jewellery and quirky wind chimes.

Women with excess facial hair are catered for, too. Nifty face shavers cost 500,000 VND. It’s not all kitsch though. I-Cute also stocks some very fashionable leather handbags, women’s shoes and dresses.

filled with ground pork and minced woodear mushrooms and rolled up nice and tight. It is eaten with cha lua (Vietnamese ham) and nuoc mam (fish sauce). Topped with crunchy fried shallots, fresh basil and bean sprouts, it’s a tasty, nofuss treat. Open 5 am to 9 pm.

Nuong Thit Cuoi 109 Dinh Tien Hoang Mainly a barbecue and hotpot joint, Nuong Thit Cuoi’s unique burners set it apart from the rest of the city’s Japanese restaurants. Made completely out of black volcanic rock sourced from Mount Fuji, the barbecues don’t let off any smoke and the stones don’t burn red. Also, because they are non-stick, no extra fat is required for cooking.

Their hotpots are healthier than most, too, thanks to a hearty dose of added collagen. Small steamboats are 210,000 VND while medium-sized servings are 290,000 VND.

Quan Thuy 94 aka Crab Shack 84 Dinh Tien Hoang Quan Thuy 94 is regarded by many—former AsiaLIFE staffer and Gas.tron.o.my blogger Cathy Danh included—as one of the best crab restaurants around. A must try is the nem cua be, crispy fried crab spring rolls with vermicelli, vegetables and fish sauce (65,000 VND).

Other options are mien xao cua (stir-fried crab with vermicelli, for 85,000 VND) and the fried soft-shell crabs, known as cua lot chien bot (120,000 VND for two people). Definitely don’t miss out on the steamed pincers with salt and tamarind (100,000 VND for four).

Banh Cuon Tay Ho 127 Dinh Tien Hoang Banh Cuon is a popular breakfast meal, and reportedly some of the best is served at this 50- plus year old institution. To make banh cuon, a thin layer of rice flour batter is poured onto a searing-hot griddle to create a super-thin savoury crepe. The pancake (22,000 VND) is then

DLS Paris 181 Dinh Tien Hoang DLS stands for Du Lundi au Samedi, which translates as From Monday to Saturday in French. The high-fashion clothing line caters for newborns to children up to 10. The garments are a little on the pricier side (200,000 to 700,000 VND), but asialife HCMC 19

Heo, seemingly with no qualms about the exposed private parts.

Hachi Hachi 127B-A5 Dinh Tien Hoang www.hachihachi.com.vn Hachi Hachi is the closest thing to a 99 cent store with most items selling for a mere 35,000 VND. Everything from hair baubles and kitchenware to rolling pot-plant stands and plastic dumbbells that fill with water can be found at the Japanese store. Be warned: it’s difficult to walk out of Hachi Hachi without buying something.

for the top-quality fabric and craftsmanship, it’s well worth spending the extra dong. DLS also stocks luxe toys, accessories and furniture and even baby perfume.

Kon Heo 32 Dinh Tien Hoang www.konheo.com Designer Huynh Minh Hoang sells colourful and innovative graphic T-shirts at Kon Heo (Vietnamese for piggy, and his

nickname). His creations (all 180,000 VND) are emblazoned with cheeky local puns and catchphrases and are a refreshing change from the nonsensical English versions. The cheekiness extends to the unisex changing room too: black and white male and female symbols are printed on the wall next to the space with genitalia on display. Ironically, Hoang’s mother who dresses conservatively in Vietnamese pyjamas runs Kon

Doner Kebab, Shish Kebab, Homemade Kofte, Homemade Turkish Pide & Pizza’s Set Lunch from $7.50 Our ingredients are imported.

call 08 629 136 77 25 Dong Du, D1, HCMC WWW.PASHA.COM.VN

Lang Ong Ba Chieu Corner Dinh Tien Hoang & Phan Dang Luu Le Van Duyet was a military strategist and government of-

ficer whose life spanned over two dynasties: Nguyen Anh and Minh Mang. Duyet and his first wife Do Thi Phan are buried at the pagoda, known best to Vietnamese as Lang Ong Ba Chieu. Born in the Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang province in 1764, Duyet died in 1832. He is regarded as one of the most important Vietnamese heroes and the hoards of locals who gather here to pray are testament to his legendary status. Inside, a stuffed tiger stands prominently on display, an ode to the Chinese lunar year he was born in and a massive bronze statue in his image takes centre stage. Elderly male volunteers man the pagoda and are on hand to offer guidance, too.

Dinh Tien Hoang, as he was referred to after his death, founded the Dinh Dynasty—the second Vietnamese empire. Hoang’s reign as emperor didn’t last long though. He and his eldest son, Dinh Lien, were murdered in their sleep in 979.

From The Camera's Eye

Imagine a band of brothers and sisters, all photographers, bound together with their love of the camera and driving through lush sceneries with the sole purpose of recording those images. It is now possible for photographers, amateur and aspiring alike, to discover and photograph terraced-rice fields, mountain vistas, lakes and waterfalls on tours organized

by VN Photo Tours and hosted

by Guy Gonyea, a professional Vietnam-based photographer with vast experience in skill and 22 asialife HCMC

technique as well as nine years of travelling and shooting the country. Gonyea is on hand as guide, as well as to assist travellers on photography-related queries, from simple technical tasks to more complex ones that require learning how/when to know to capture an image.

As the images on the pages showcase, it is now possible to take your passion for photography to a new level in comfortable surroundings and environs with peers who share the same passion and hold the same drive.

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GUY GONYEA PhotoTours Viet Nam guy@phototoursvietnam.com www.phototoursvietnam.com 0908490622

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WOMEN A woman can feel daunted by the plethora of choices and trends that sashayed down Spring Summer 2011 runways in the west.

Sheer long skirts, maxi dresses, the punk goth look, Bohemian rhapsodies and colour palettes ranging from wild to nudes. Learn to trust your instinct as you hone in on your own style and take a leaf from our pages to unleash the fashionista in you.

MEN The best looks from Spring Summer 2011 runways were ones whose emphasis was on all things classic: In tailoring we saw it in the double breasted jacket and in colours we saw it in the muted tones and navys. Even military chic was presented in a classic manner. These examples, and more, are easy to emulate in HCM City, ensuring that every man looks distinguished.

Givenchy

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WALK THIS WAY The latest Spring Summer collections saw a vibrancy of colour, in a host of fabrics with attention to detail, matched with a return to decadence in style. Soosie Lee advises woman how to incorporate the best trends for HCM City.

“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.” So said Coco Chanel, the grand matriarch of women’s fashion, a designer who possessed a tome of wisdom on all that is style and who continues to influence the runways, decades after her passing.

Women covet a piece of Chanel—be it a tweed jacket, the chain belt purse or even the famed No 5 scent—as they believe that the item represents the ultimate in style. Karl Lagerfeld, showing his Spring Summer 2011 (SS 11) collection in Paris, has ensured that Chanel’s legacy stays alive; this year, the feather showed up in hints and accents, be it in a pair of jeans or in the signature tweed jacket or as a wisp across a chiffon dress.

But it is not just Chanel that women aspire to own; the list of designers creating timeless pieces fused with trends they hope catch on has grown exponentially. This is amply evidenced by the number of media outlets (print, online, TV and new media) devoted solely to fashion. That 14-year-old blogger Tavi Genison in the United States can share space at fashion weeks with Vogue editor Anna Wintour is an indication of the power of fashion—as much as it is a nod by the fashion industry to understanding

the influence of bloggers. After all, social media too has aided in transforming brands into uber brands. Thanks to the media, more and more young women are aware—and hanker after—Marc Jacobs, Chloe, Balenciaga, Givenchy, Prada to name a few.

But craving the latest sheer skirt by Balenciaga or wanting the wedge platform doesn’t necessarily translate into possessing style. Too often one comes across a person dressed head to toe in one brand.

He/She may think they are stylish because they have draped themselves in a brand but little do they realize what a mockery they make of themselves by doing so. Then there is the fear of ridicule that prevents so many from attempting to infuse new life into their wardrobe: myths continue to be perpetuated by women who think that after a certain age, a particular colour can’t figure in their wardrobe. There’s truth to the adage that “the number one rule in fashion is that there are no rules” but one must find balance in their choice of dressing.

How does one, thus, take in all the trends currently emerging out of Fashion Weeks in Milan, New York, London and Paris? Briefly it’s important to understand the purpose and asialife HCMC 29

Loewe

Chloe 30 asialife HCMC

BOLD, BRILLIANT, VIBRANT COLOURS SASHAYED DOWN ALL MAJOR RUNWAYS BUT I WANT TO SINGLE OUT LOEWE WHO WERE PARTICULARLY ADVENTUROUS IN THEIR USE OF HUES OF COLOUR. THIS TREND CAN WORK WELL HERE WHERE MANY VIETNAMESE, AND EVEN EXPATS, MAY NOT FEEL BRAVE ENOUGH TO DON AN ORANGE SHIRT PAIRED WITH JEANS.

rationale behind fashion weeks. Foremost, it is an opportunity for designers to present their latest collections to buyers, who choose inventory for their stores, and journalists, who also assess the mood, review the collection and identify the next big trend.

Is it possible for individuals to do the same without having access to a personal stylist or breaking their bank balance? Absolutely. A lot of it has to do with trusting your instinct: at 40, it is unlikely you can pull off an entire goth look as shown by Nicolas Bhesquiere of Balenciaga in Paris but you can certainly take elements from it—a tailored jacket with zips is sophisticated but still playful.

In the following pages, I have chosen what I believe are the best of the trends for Spring Summer 2011 which can be easily adapted in Vietnam, specifically Saigon given the weather.

Hue Said It Spring is always seen as celebratory and welcomed in the fashion world given that there are two collections a year (spring/ summer and fall/winter) and the best way to do this is with colour, nearly an explosion of it. SS11 was no exception. Bold, brilliant,

vibrant colours sashayed down all major runways but I want to single out Loewe who were particularly adventurous in their use of hues of colour. This trend can work well here where many Vietnamese, and even expats, may not feel brave enough to don an orange shirt paired with jeans. Hues of lavender, however, not only look stunning but is easier on the eye for women wanting to change the palette of their wardrobe; think of it as easing into colour if you tend to wear monotones.

Bold prints, leopard prints, stars and stripes, florals were big trends too and can easily be paired with solid colours—think print shirt matched with plain coloured trouser or skirt or vice versa. A bold printed shift dress too can look elegant in the day or evening and works well for Saigon.

For the more adventurous, however, embrace the boldness with joy as Marc Jacobs has done for his own label as well as for Louis Vuitton. The latter was especially a wonderful collection, a tribute to Shanghai Chic: vibrant colours in luxurious fabrics made the cheongsam stunning and Jacobs bought elegance to the pajama suit detailing it with tassles. In fact, Orientalism reared

its fashionable head at Kenzo with kimono prints, lots of oriental flowers at Dries Van Noten and kimono style pajamas at John Galliano.

Move To The Pleat It’s all in the details and pleats made their appearance in several collections, notably Chloe. They are an excellent detail to an otherwise monotone shirt, skirt or dress as they can enhance the figure very well. Be warned though that too many pleats can make a person appear bigger so go light on them. Stella McCartney showed a wonderful long dress, pleated with high slits, so as not to look overdone and that is a look that can be easily replicated here.

Plenty Of Fluids The fashion industry is confident that the worst of global economic woes are over and heralded a new era by splurging on fabrics, and lots of it—most evidenced by the hemline going long. This is great news for women in Saigon who want to cover up and be comfortable in long flowy dresses in a plethora of fabrics. Nothing says luxe and glam more than diaphanous chiffon draped asialife HCMC 31

Marc Jacobs

AS SEXY AS IT MAY APPEAR ON THE RUNWAY, LEATHER PANTS (OR JACKETS FOR THAT MATTER) CAN ONLY BE PULLED OFF AS EVENING WEAR IN SAIGON, AND THAT TOO AT COOL INDOOR TEMPERATURES. IF THAT IS POSSIBLE THEN INVEST IN A PAIR OF LEATHER PANTS AS THEY ARE ULTRA CHIC AND DON’T STAY WITHIN THE BLACK/TAN/WHITE PALETTE.

Balenciaga 32 asialife HCMC

Brioni

THERE’S TRUTH TO THE ADAGE THAT “THE NUMBER ONE RULE IN FASHION IS THAT THERE ARE NO RULES” BUT ONE MUST FIND BALANCE IN THEIR CHOICE OF DRESSING.

over your body. Think chiffon prints (or plains) accented with a few details (cut out sleeves which are a big trend for SS11 or pleats) as dresses for evening wear.

Long Is Back Fashion is cyclical and what is in one day is out the next—only to resurface a few years later. This spring and summer bid farewell to the mini and prepare for the midi or maxi skirt. We saw this at Chloe with sheer long skirts, veiled ones at Givenchy and ballerinaskirts at Alexander McQueen. Brioni too put up a fabulous collection featuring midis.

These can easily be worn with slightly more form fitting tops for the graceful bodied or slightly loose tops (but not too loose) for the more conservative amongst us. Those wanting to wear the sheer midi skirt can opt for a short slip inside and pair it with a more skin revealing top. To add more shape to the flowing skirt, wear a belt, big bulky ones are hot this coming season.

Romancing The Bohemian The Bohemian look never goes out of style— thankfully or not depending on which side of the divide you fall into but for Saigon, it’s a

relatively easy look to replicate. Think vintage and mix it up with more trendy hippie chic for a laid-back casual look. The midi or maxi dress in florals is a great example of how to go boho without looking like you tried too hard. Play with lace, a major SS11 trend on the runways, in either peasant tops or detailed in shirts—as we saw in Marc Jacobs’ collection.

Too Low To Get Under The flat shoe, a woman’s real best friend, is ideal spring summer footwear and will provide a respite from the sky-high heels one has stuffed their toes into. This is a wonderful opportunity to take a break and give your feet breathing room as the flat sole as well as the kitten heel are the big trends next season. Balenciaga had delicate sandals, Dolce & Gabbana had criss crossed sandals, and the ballet shoe (another classic) made its appearance on the runways. Saigon has a plethora of choices in bejeweled, delicate and fun flats and kitten heels.

Snake Charmer Strictly for the brave hearted, leather was a star fabric on the Parisian runways. Jean-

Paul Gaultier, closing his seven years at Hermes, showed skin tight leather pants, tight leather tops featured in Celine’s summer line, Balenciaga created fun leather jackets in blues and Burberry’s leatherstudded jacket gave off a sophisticated biker chic vibe on the runways. As sexy as it may appear on the runway, leather pants (or jackets for that matter) can only be pulled off as evening wear in Saigon, and that too at cool indoor temperatures. If that is possible then invest in a pair of leather pants as they are ultra chic and don’t stay within the black/ tan/white palette; be adventurous and fuse colours into one outfit to make a smashing appearance.

It is easy to get distracted by many things in our quest to look fashionable—especially when trying to replicate the latest collections, which have ditched previous minimalistic trends and are waking from their austerechic slumber. Instead of going all punk, goth, boho or Shanghai chic, choose elements, details that appeal to you and build on from there. Play with colours, fabrics, textures and lengths until you feel you’ve got a look that works for you, is comfortable and above all, looks luxurious. asialife HCMC 33

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SPRING’S RUNWAY STARS Luis Antonio Torres studies the latest collections in the west and advises men how to take the best from the runway and adapt it into their HCM City wardrobe. Photos by Fred Wissink.

Readers in Vietnam, or Southeast Asia for that matter, may enjoy following fashion trends on the runways but knowing how to apply them to their everyday wear is a subject that, I believe, is of greater interest. For expats, myself included and Southeast Asian men, who, while surfing through TV channels stop at FTV to catch glimpses of the latest collections of D&G, Roberto Cavalli and many others, we often wonder: "How do I apply cheetah skin spandex pants, goose feather lined coats and Gothic underground to my Vietnam wardrobe?" The answer is quite simple: You don’t.

Fashion tastes (and trends) can be a controversial subject matter. When looking at a particular image from a runway, my esteemed colleagues' opinions can range from "spot on" to "racy" or "this looks extra terrestrial." Against this backdrop, how does one ascertain what to take from the runways?

The good news is that there are a plethora of wonderful trends in Italy and the rest of Europe that most certainly can be emulated by the sophisticated gentleman, the young sartorialist and the fashionista right here at home. Fear not, they are sensible for Vietnam, nothing over the top, and most importantly, they do not break the bank but give a luxurious feel.

Let's start with some big trends for spring, especially in Italy. The return of the double breasted blazer in navy blue and in a plethora of colours and textiles is welcome news. This

is the piece that every man, young or old, must have in the closet. Keep in mind I’m not referring to the Armani 1980s shoulder padded version jacket that we so vaguely remember from the movie American Gigolo starring Richard Gere. Today's version is a soft shouldered, nice slim cut silhouette in through the waist, and a mid-chest length V gorge of the jacket. The absence of the neck tie for office wear is also prevalent, continuing from this fall into spring. The double breast jacket was spotted on the collections of Gucci, Balmain, Z Zegna, Ferragamo and many other houses for Spring 2011.

The neck tie has also been replaced with the scarf, cravat or an open collar shirt which exudes that subtle chic and sophisticated feel. On my most recent trip to Milan, I spotted many men just wearing basic chinos, great blazers and jackets, with casual sneakers in the day. Many of us might find the sneaker a bit daunting, but if you wear a sporty luxe white leather tennis shoe and pair it with an awesome white chino, a navy blazer you've just whipped up the perfect city chic look which works best for those on the move in the city. Rest assured, this look is totally in, totally sexy, and almost anyone can wear it.

Moving onto a more casual lifestyle trend, which I feel speaks to many of us and is a style that we can all relate to: the military cum safari chic. This is a hot Spring 2011 trend.

I personally have always loved the idea of asialife HCMC 35

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"HOW DO I APPLY CHEETAH SKIN SPANDEX PANTS, GOOSE FEATHER LINED COATS AND GOTHIC UNDERGROUND TO MY VIETNAM WARDROBE?" THE ANSWER IS QUITE SIMPLE: YOU DON’T.

a safari chic cargo shirt jacket, cargo chino shorts, a white voile shirt paired with a white canvas sneaker to tie the whole look in. This style bodes well for city dwellers in Vietnam: it is conservative in taste, however, there is just enough style to claim it as fashionable for 2011. Designers such as Ralph Lauren Blue Label, Woolen of Canterbury and Burberry are all selling these looks in various colours and fabrics for spring. These basic items can also be paired with denim jeans, and other basic tropical woolen trousers for more versatility. So, take the commando out of the military and simplify it. After all, less is always more.

I have also seen this trend transcend beyond ready to wear, into apparel lines, i.e. accessories like hand bags and footwear.

Milanese local trends are all about the messenger bag, and the soft leather satchels one can use for all occasions. The messenger by Orobianco Italy is a perfect example of what is happening in the market in regards to a man’s must have accessory.

Looking further down the runways, Hermes created a lovely spin on military chic this spring. I personally love the light weight suede military green pants, the silk printed shirt, and the silk scarf to tie the look together. Quite simply, the styles of each of the items are quite basic but a man can cherish these for many future seasons. An important point to remember about military style is that the colour palette must have the right amount

of subtleness and match your skin tone accordingly. Light tones work well with lighter skin and dark tones excellent with dark skin.

When wanting to wear military chic, stay away from trendy colourway camo prints in off beat colours. These are an example of the "here today, gone tomorrow" trend. However, tea green, brown, chocolate, and tobacco all work throughout the four seasons not to mention on the budget. These tones will work beautifully in our Southeast Asian climate and can be used season after season Let's talk about the night crawler crowd for whom everything seen on the runway is even more exciting than the military chic ensembles I have just discussed. This coming summer, there is an array of styles available in eveningwear. I personally lean towards the classic shawl collar one-button tuxedo jacket paired with lovely indigo denim jeans, a crisp white open collar shirt and a Black Berlutti loafer. This look, embodies uber taste, confidence and sophistication. Most men dare not attempt this look for fear of looking like a fish out of water, or, resembling the old guy who’s trying too hard to look young and trendy.

Frankly, whichever suits your tastes: a white double breasted dinner jacket, a shawl collar tux jacket or even a black on black seersucker summer tux—all these items were hits on all the major houses and independent lines.

The image of the double breasted tuxedo jacket by DSquared, a white poplin open shirt and black tapered trousers is refreshing,

young and something that works well with Saigon's climate.

What is of utmost importance when planning a look or contemplating a change in wardrobe, is that fashion and taste is what we make of it. I'm not suggesting you follow the look of a fashion photo down to the T; instead take your cue from it. I believe many men have a tuxedo in their closet but it's been relegated to black tie events, weddings or to be worn with a white tie. It is time to dust off that tux, wear it with a great pair of jeans, a white shirt and loafers—and take your wife out for a night on the town. I am confident this look will turn heads—and it's a double bonus that it is fresh off the spring runways.

Here's another example of what tasteful evening wear can look like: A great two-tone shirt with rounded club collar and collar bar, a classic navy blazer with brass buttons paired with classic indigo jeans. This is totally amazing and chic. This can easily be adapted for Saigon evening wear.

In conclusion, one should look at runway looks to ascertain what is most easy to emulate for themselves. All the examples I've quoted prove that you will have no problem pulling these looks off right here in Vietnam.

If you have any questions or are in need of expert wardrobe advice, please feel free to email me. I will address them in my column, Sartorial Conundrums. a.torres@massimoferrari.com.vn asialife HCMC 37

Vietnam veteran Stanley Walter Middleton wrote letters to Nguyen Thi Sinh for years during the American War without ever knowing she was his confidante. Now, they’re happily married, living in Australia and helping others reunite. Beth Young tells their story. Photos provided by Stan Middleton.

A recent Aussie rules football game at Melbourne’s iconic MCG was the backdrop for a reunion.

With the Sydney Swans vying for a win on the ground, a group of Australian Vietnam veterans converged to share battle stories and reminisce about the footy they played while serving at Vung Tau during the American War. For the duration of their stay, they ran a full-scale competition that saw the opposing units contend for bi-yearly premiership titles. A morale booster, the game also helped to forge strong bonds between the players, evident in the camaraderie on display at the gathering.

The man behind the gettogether is Stanley Walter Middleton, a digger himself, who’s been central to many a personal reunion. His own story is particularly poignant: upon

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his return from Vietnam, and several years of correspondence later, he met his now wife faceto-face for the first time in 2002.

Stan was just 20 when he was conscripted to the Australian Army. He completed his training, then on August 23, 1967 was sent to 2 Composite Ordnance Depot (later known as 2AOD) on the Back Beach at “Vungers,” where his unit issued supplies to all the other Australian units posted in Vietnam.

Stan also rode as a shotgun escort for convoys enroute to Nui Dat and Saigon—a role that was sometimes wrought with danger. Now and then, he and another digger would travel along the Saigon River from Vung Tau to HCM City and vice versa, taking the same route the hydrofoil now uses, to deliver supplies. Then, the journey could take up to eight hours and

they were often subject to sniper attack.

Scarier still, Stan was sometimes required to take shifts as a sentry, protecting the camp from raids. “We would be locked out of our barbed wire perimeter in the sand hills at night, propped behind a M60 machine gun, which wasn’t very pleasant,” he recalls.

Still, from his time in Vung Tau, Stan remembers with great fondness the football he and his fellow diggers played and the relationships he fostered with the locals he worked alongside.

“The friendships our diggers developed with those Vietnamese was very warm and reciprocal,” he says.

One such colleague was Pham Thi Thom, a young woman with whom Stan developed a close friendship. When he left Vung Tau on May 8, 1968 the pair became pen pals, writing to each

Aussie Rules Footy (Vung Tau) 1967

Sinh & Thom (Vung Tau) 1969

Stan Middleton 1966

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HMAS HMASSydney Sydney

Stan Middleton Saigon River 1967

other until 1973 when the Australians pulled out of Vietnam.

Unbeknownst to Stan, however, he was communicating with another woman—Nguyen Thi Sinh. “I didn’t even know she existed,” he says.

Thom, whose written English wasn’t very strong, had asked Sinh—who worked at the Badcoe Club in Vung Tau, where the Australians would go for R&R—to pen the letters to Stan and gave her free reign to write what she liked. So she did, always signing off as Thom, and never once mentioning herself.

Funnily, Sinh—who nearly 40 years later would marry Stan— always addressed the letters to him and Trish—his late wife.

It’s something that Stan’s three daughters, who lost their mum to cancer as children, relish.

“The girls can’t believe that she 40 asialife HCMC

used to write to their mother.

[They] think it’s amazing.”

However, Stan wouldn’t discovery the real identity of the letter writer until much later, in fact, until he tracked down Thom. He’d tried for a long time to find her but it wasn’t until 2002, when he convinced Telstra (an Australian phone company) to contact the Saigon Exchange in a bid to assist in his search that he made some progress. With only Thom’s name to guide him the exchange couldn’t promise much. Still, they produced a telephone number, which he called straightaway.

To his absolute surprise Thom answered and after quizzing her he was certain he had the right woman.

With Thom’s help, Stan managed to find more Viet-

namese who worked for the Australian Army and has since done his best to help them out financially. (Last year, he raised about AU $10,000 to be split between 16 of the former employees and their families.)

Soon after making contact with Thom, Stan and some mates put on a dinner in Vung Tau to honour the Vietnamese employees’ contribution. It was at this reunion that Sinh finally introduced herself—and revealed her identity. “When I met Sinh she knew all about me,” he laughs.

The pair were enamoured with each other, and Stan returned to Vietnam the following year, hailing the start of a love affair nearly four decades in the making. Married for five years now and living in Melbourne, Australia, the Middletons’ good luck has rubbed off on some of

their friends, too.

Thom has since married an Australian named Ritchard ‘Johnno’ Johnston—a digger who was in Stan’s unit and a star of 2AOD’s Aussie Rules premierships in 1968. According to Stan the couple were sweet on each other during the war and rekindled the spark after he put them back in touch. Now, they live in Perth and couldn’t be happier, Stan says.

Happiest of all though are the Middletons. Sinh (along with her youngest son Nguyen Thanh Luan, now 20) has escaped a lifetime of hardship and poverty and in doing so has created a new life with her husband and his extended family. And Stan has finally found love again after losing his first wife. “I’m a lucky old bugger,” he says lovingly. “I’m just very happy I met her.”

Stan & Sinh Middleton Halong Bay 2006

Follow the Leader

Johnny Park of Right Management gives Beth Young a tutorial on great leadership and explains how core philosophies can be applied to the workplace and everyday life.

In a recent study, Right Management—a career consultancy firm that operates under the Manpower umbrella—found only 40 percent of employees were engaged and working at full capacity. According to business development manager, Johnny Park it takes a great leader to raise the bar and motivate their team to increase productivity to its peak. The same principles can be applied to daily life, too, Park says, adding that as members of a family or community, inspiring leadership can elicit startling results.

To be an effective leader, Park suggests taking a cue from Dr. Stephen Covey, the author of Seven Habits for Highly Effective People. Covey believes there are four imperatives to leadership.

They are to inspire trust, clarify purpose, align systems and unleash talent. It’s not enough to practice just one element, though, Park says. For success, each step should be taken together. And, as Park points

out, they’re called imperatives for a reason. “It has to happen.

It’s absolutely critical.” Follow his advice below and steer whoever’s in your charge to success.

Inspire Trust

Excellent leaders inspire trust.

This is more complex than it first sounds. “It’s not just a matter of you trust them, they trust you… they have to have the competency,” Park says. To lead, you must be credible. Only then will your staff trust you fully. In turn, employees need to feel trusted. Let them know that you believe in them and their abilities. Also resist the urge to micromanage. This will lead to your team doubting your confidence in them and can result in underperformance.

Clarify Purpose

It is imperative to make sure your organization’s purpose is clear and compelling—a mission that your staff will aspire to achieve. Better yet, work

with your team to develop the company’s vision, values and goals. Making your team part of the process will give them a sense of ownership, increasing morale. What’s more, the entire staff will be on the same page—eliminating confusion and boosting productivity. “If your leaders can really tap into you and get you into the same mindset as them, that will help you unleash your best behaviours,” Parks says.

Align Systems

Create successful systems that support the purpose and goals of the organization, enable staff to perform to the best of their abilities and most importantly, work independently. “As you align proper systems, in time employees can operate on their own. You can leave a legacy, so to speak,” Park explains. Your team will also have more confidence in the company and its functions and will go above and beyond to see to its success.

Unleash Talent

This step can be looked at in various ways. One, by practising the previous concepts your employees’ individual talents will be unleashed. Or two, and as Park prefers, be proactive in uncovering your employees’ unique hidden talents. It can be anything, Park says—cooking, listening, dog walking, even. In a business spectrum, it’s about tapping into your team’s resources, identifying the extra skills they can contribute and adding these skills to their work functions. The same can be achieved on a dayto-day basis, as well. Help your children, friends, family or partner to unleash their talents. You’ll be helping to shape a well-rounded person who’s satisfied on all levels— heart, body, mind and spirit.

And when this whole-person paradigm is executed, you’ll really be on your way to success, Park says. asialife HCMC 41

Saigon Electric is highly anticipated for its depiction of coming of age issues faced by Vietnamese youth in a honest and touching way. By Chi Mai. Photos courtesy of Chang Phuong Films.

42 asialife HCMC

T

his December Vietnam’s theatres will welcome the release of Saigon Electric, one of the country’s first hip hop movies directed by the awardwinning Vietnamese American filmmaker Stephane Gauger.

Saigon Electric (Saigon Yo! in Vietnamese) is a new experiment by California-trained director, writer, producer Gauger, who in 2007, added more than a handful of international awards for his film Owl and the Sparrow into his existing collection of international acclaim and prizes.

“This is my most commercial movie so far,” he says.

The film is a coming of age story of Vietnamese youth set in the hip hop subculture of Saigon’s streets. The movie is a fresh attempt by Gauger to “give the teenagers a voice and present to an international audience a fresh new look at the dreams and struggles of Asian youth.”

The plot centres around Mai (Van Trang), a traditional ribbon dancer from the countryside, who comes to Saigon to pursue her dream of dance. Though she fails her audition to the national dance academy, Mai befriends Kim (Quynh Hoa), a dancer from the city’s underground hip hop scene who aspires to enter the international dance contest in South Korea with her crew.

On the path to their respective dreams, the two young girls from differing backgrounds and personalities become good friends as they learn to overcome hindrances associated with growing up: egos, self-doubt, jealousy, competition, social discrimination and romance.

Their winding roads see them meet with Do-Boy (Ha Pham Anh Hien), Saigon Fresh’s hiphop dance crew captain, and Hai (Khuong Ngoc), a young man born with a silver spoon

in his mouth who had a thing for the wild Kim; they also encounter other young fates representing the fresh seeds of the Vietnamese nation.

“Except for a few trained professionals, most of us were firsttime actors. Many are involved in the real-life hip hop scene in Saigon so somehow it felt really natural being together in this particular movie,” says Quynh Hoa, who herself is a 20-yearold hip hop dancer. Gauger notes that, “we were very happy with the amateur actors we got from the large number of dancers who came to audition.

They are just so natural for the movie.”

After a month of acting for the first time the student cum hip-hopper Hoa says she realized how successfully the movie captured a part of the underground world she and her peers had experienced. “Of course, in real life not all of us [hip

hop dancers] let loose in night clubs, seek escape in drugs or get wild and wasted,” she says.

“But at the end of the day, I was truly impressed that the movie captured a world that we are familiar with. Not just the dancing but all these issues that kids endure.”

There is much expectation that Saigon Electric will honestly reflect an underground culture and the vigorous spirit of a new generation of urban Vietnamese.

It is a topic that has yet to be given the due consideration it deserves.

Choreographed by American awarded choreographer Ricky Cole, Saigon Electric has all the ingredients of being a big hit and is already garnering buzz amongst the young.

Saigon Electric, produced by Chanh Phuong Films, will be released tentatively on December 17, 2010 in Vietnam and early 2011 in the United States and beyond. asialife HCMC 43

Set at the confluence of the Bassac, Sap and Mekong rivers, Phnom Penh’s riverfront has always been a major draw card. As the sun sets, the FCC’s balcony becomes congested with tourists trying to get the best seat to watch the glistening waters. However, for two years major works to the city’s drainage turned the riverfront into a worksite. Now completed, the construction plant has been replaced by green lawns and soft landscaping, allowing both locals and visitors to reclaim the communal space.

Landscaping is one thing that Cambodians excel in. Walking towards the three rivers from the Independence Monument, along Sihanouk and Sothearos Boulevards, you can meander in beautiful gardens en route to

44 asialife HCMC

the Royal Palace. Empty by day, they become full of Cambodians enjoying themselves in the early evening. The long stretch between Streets 106 and 108, once a parking lot for used car dealers has also undergone a facelift, helping to make Phnom Penh one of the greenest cities in Asia, at least in terms of flora.

The city’s bar and restaurant scene has also seen a renaissance this year. Hit harder by the global recession than neighbouring Vietnam, established restaurants have suffered from the declining tourist dollar. Filling the void, bijou bistros have taken advantage of the cheap rent and liberal planning laws.

Armand’s on Street 108 is as close to a Parisian bistro as you are likely to encounter outside of the French capital. Though

asialife HCMC 45

Yumi

Armands

46 asialife HCMC

182

space limits the number of customers to a select few, this ensures that the atmosphere is always intimate. Next door, Sonoma has transformed a space that erstwhile would have had scantily dressed women cooing for male customers into an upscale oyster bar with fresh produce from Vietnam.

Continuing the trend established by Pacharan, dining in Phnom Penh often comes in bite-sized portions. Metro was the first to give tapas an Asian twist. Now funky Yumi has given tapas a touch of Japanese pizzazz. Modelled on izakaya restaurants, where food is seen as an accompaniment to sake, Yumi serves up its dishes in bonsai portions allowing plenty of room for ample quantities of the national rice wine.

The city’s relative lack of development compared to other Asian capitals means that a number of old villas still remain in the city centre. Many

are in need of restoration, but this provides opportunities for restaurateurs to create unique spaces. Le Sauvignon is just one such example. This elegant wine bar suffers from the pretension of being a restaurant too, but don’t be fooled. Order a good bottle of wine or better still some champagne and discuss where you should go to dine afterwards.

One distinct change in the dining scene has been a decline in cultural apartheid. A couple of years back, it was most uncommon to see expats and Khmers dining in the same establishment. Metro has changed all that. Here, the fusion of east and west is not limited to the menu. You are as likely to find a table of middle class Khmers or wealthy Singaporeans sitting next to you as fellow expats.

And, the low duty on wine in Cambodia means that you can all afford to drink some good wine with your meal.

The bar scene has lagged behind that of restaurants in embracing the new age. The city is still dominated by holein-the-wall bars with more barmaids than customers, but here too times are a-changing.

Setting the standard is Studio 182. Located above upscale French diner Topaz, this jazz bar has live music played by French musicians Ritchy and Phil alongside singers imported from throughout the region.

Despite attaining the sophistication of Singapore or Bangkok, the prices remain Cambodian ensuring that this is the place to go for a nightcap.

Opened in October, Maos suggests that the city’s nightlife might be set to take off. Set in a former Chinese rice trader’s warehouse, this first floor bar has a large collection of prints of Chairman Mao, as well as sweeping views over the Tonle Sap. One of the few bars in town to create a sense of space, time

Le Sauvignon

will tell whether this will take over the more seedy Sharkys as the liveliest bar in town.

Just along the riverfront, Paddy Rice became the third Irish bar in town earlier this year. Whereas the other two, Green Vespa and Rory’s Bar, are compact, the newcomer opens out onto both Sisowath Quay and Street 136. Large enough to host live bands and screen large sports events, the bar was packed during the World Cup and is likely to be the place to watch the Ashes.

It’s not just restaurateurs that have benefited from the lack of development of local real estate. Phnom Penh is teaming with villas and 1960s building that have been converted into boutique hotels.

Billabong led the way in providing a pool with a room right in the heart of the city. The Pavilion chain of hotels now includes Kabiki (aimed at families) and Blue Lime (designed more for the flashpacker set) in addition to the original Pavilion. All three have pools set in spacious gardens. Indeed with Wat Langka and Scan Hotel

adopting the same format, and Circa On 51 due to open a time of going to press, it’s easy to avoid the heat of the dry season by taking a quick dip.

Those coming to Phnom Penh for business rather than pleasure now have Le Biz Hotel as well as Almond Hotel to vie for their attention. Both have stylish, well-equipped rooms at competitive prices, with good restaurants downstairs, ideal if you want to grab something in a hurry while checking up on your emails.

Images of its unsavoury past well and truly buried, Phnom Penh is set for a renaissance.

In many respects the years of neglect have allowed the city to preserve a charm that other Southeast Asian cities have lost.

For now the Cambodian capital has much to offer the discerning visitor from just across the border. However, if talk of direct flights to Europe starting next year is to be believed, time could be running out for people to discover Khmer charm.

There’s never been a better time to make the short trip across the border.

Bread Basket StephY Thai presents a guide

on what bakeries in town have to offer.

Photo by

Fred WissINk.

48 asialife HCMC

CRUMBS

SCHNEIDER’S FINEST

Crumbs has been operational for two years now and prides itself on using wheat germ in their already healthy products.

Wheat germ is a part of the wheat kernel, which is high in protein and contains lots of essential nutrients required to maintain energy levels and healthy muscles, organs, hair and skin. Wheat germ is also very helpful in preventing the body's aging process as well as heart disease.

Crumbs is owned by an Australian Viet Kieu who studied baking bread in Australia and realized that despite the Vietnamese consuming bread on a daily basis, there was a market for bread that was rich in fiber and able to prevent diseases related to digestive system.

What separates Crumbs from other bakeries, they claim, is that they don’t use Potassium Bromate, an ingredient banned for use in food products in many countries as it’s considered harmful and alleged to cause cancer. Crumbs' other distinction is that they bake bread sans dairy or any added sugar.

There are a variety of breads ranging from 3,000 to 35,000 VND: Champagne roll (5,000 VND), dark rye roll (4,000 VND), wheat baguette (12,000 VND), many kinds of cheese rolls and various loaves like cheese and olive roll (15,000 VND), cheese and bacon roll (25,000 VND), cheese olive loaf, cheese and garlic loaf, cheese and bacon loaf (48,000 VND a loaf). Besides, they also make meat pies (from 35,000 to 45,000 VND), various cakes (from 13,000 to 95,000 VND and muffins—blueberry, vanilla choco-chip, banana, chocolate, apple and cinnamon (15,000 VND).

The ingredients and mechanisms used for baking have all been imported from Australia.

All leftover baked goods are donated to charity.

54 Truong Dinh, D1 www.crumbs.com.vn

On the morning of September 9, 2009 (precisely at 9.09 am) Mr. and Mrs. Harmuth K. Langer and Vân Langer opened Schneider Finest, the first German bakery in HCM City.

There are more than 27 different types of breads baked fresh daily and prices range from 40,000 to 50,000 VND (for medium sized loaves) like the multigrain bread (52,000 VND), rustic German baguette (12,000 VND), traditional German Brezel (18,000 VND), hazelnut triangle (25,000 VND), poppy seed pastry (18,000 VND) and the Norlander bread (59,000 VND) which is made of rice flour, fiber and many different seeds. They also bake various German cakes ranging from 10,000 to 40,000 VND a piece like the Beesting Cake (15,000 VND), assorted German cupcakes (84,000 VND) and Tiramisu (25,000 VND). You can also find birthday cakes, pastries, croissants and the Berliner (17,000 VND a piece) which is best described as a German doughnut with strawberry jam inside seems to be a popular choice. Their special Yoghurt Bread (48,000 VND a loaf) and Yoghurt Fruit Cake (40,000 VND) is made of yoghurt flour rich in protein, non-fat so the bread is very fragrant but not sour.

27 Han Thuyen, D1 www.schneiders-finest.com

UNE JOURNÉE À PARIS Une Journée à Paris has been open for a-year-and-a-half. The bakery is owned by a French couple who pride themselves in specializing in breads and cakes made in authentic French style.

There are more than 14 different types of breads like black bread, brown bread, both of which are good for the digestive system. There are more than 10 ingredients inside breads like sesame, raisin, walnut whose average prices are 12,000 VND a loaf. The bakery also serves more than 30 types of French cakes and meat pies, the latter

of which are specially hand moulded. Items include the chouquettes (35,000 VND for 10), chocolate tart (45,000 VND), Ciabatta olives (40,000 VND), Mille Feuille (45,000 VND) and various cakes.

The bakery is liked for their Macarons (20,000 VND each) and Foudant Chocolate (40,000 VND a piece). The owner is proud of these two dishes because they are unique to Vietnam; the Macaron is hard to make as it requires the utmost care and attention that only highly qualified chefs understand—one false move and the Macaron can easily burn. The same is true for the Foudant Chocolate, which is unique for its rich flavours and textures.

Une Journée à Paris also serves a French breakfast set (70,000 VND) which includes a loaf of bread or croissant, jam and butter, a glass of fresh orange juice and a cup of hot coffee or cocoa.

234 Le Thanh Ton, D1 15 Ngô Quang Huy, Thao Dien, D2

HARVEST BAKING Harvest Baking has been operational for two-and-a-half years now in Tan Binh District and is owned by Lulu and Tim Ottaviania who have between them 15 years of experience as chefs in restaurants and hotels in America. In 2000, they moved to Vietnam to realize their dream of opening their own bakery. After running their business for a couple of years, they decided to realize another dream: training disadvantaged Vietnamese to bake in order for them to have gainful employment and a better shot at building a future.

Harvest Baking is most known for traditional New York style bagels (65,000 to 90,000 VND for a six-pack). The bakery has more than 80 different kinds of breads and is popular for its various cakes like the Chocolate fudge cake (275,000 VND) whose recipe has been handed down from generations as the cream is homemade.

Harvest Baking also sells their brand of healthy breads made with 12 different seeds and grains or a touch of honey or bits of toasted soy beans whose price ranges from 45,000 to 50,000 VND for 10. Another specialty is their Italian herb country loaf (50,000 VND for 10) which is a round loaf made with fresh Italian herbs grown

by Tim, the owner. The hand rolled tortillas (42,000 to 50,000 VND for 6) are popular, too.

30 Lam Son, Tan Binh

TOUS LES JOURS Tous Les Jours is a Korean bakery but translates to “everyday” in French. They pride themselves on serving fresh products and emphasize that fresh also means no leftovers. Anything that is left over is given to charity.

The bakery has an array of choices in baked goods: almond pastry (27,000 VND), sweet potato pastry (32,000 VND), choco-roll (20,000 VND), red bean pastry (10,000 VND) and toast pan (24,000 VND).

Tous Les Jours also serves many sandwiches but two popular choices are the bacon cheese sandwich (55,000 VND) and the tuna sandwich (40,000 VND). Some of the popular cakes on offer here are the chocolate cake (280,000 VND) with moist cream filling and the Tiramisu cake (250,000 VND).

Tous Les Jour s distinguishes itself with a coffee bar which serves various teas like Peppermint (35,000 VND) or English Breakfast (32,000 VND) as well as various styles of coffee like the Machiatto (23,000 VND), Cappuccino (40,000 VND). They also serve many flavours of ice cream like Chocolate (40,000 VND), Raisin (42,000 VND), and a variety of smoothies and juices from 38,000 to 47,000 VND. Tous Les Jours also has seating both inside and outside on a lovely terrace where all these goodies can be enjoyed.

180 Hai Ba Trung, D3/ 59 Tran Hung Dao, D1 asialife HCMC 49

HAIL, CAESAR! It's a good life we lead here as expats. “Palm trees grow, rents are low, and the feeling is laidback.” Being on the far side of the world, however, there are certain things we must do without. Although, I must say, the situation is improving. Back in the day it was impossible to find super premium gin. The best one could do then was a pint of Gordon's. That's a perfectly reasonable drop when gin and tonic is your goal. But it's cold comfort when in the rainy season you're dying to get out of your wet clothes and into a dry Martini. Then you've got to have Bombay or Tanqueray or such.

If you're without those, you do without the Martini. I'd rather drink warm beer than a bad Martini. Those dark days are behind us. While few bartenders, other than the ones I've trained, know how to make a proper Martini, I can always enjoy one at home where a bottle of Sapphire always awaits me.

Then there was the damnable practice of the short pour at the bar. The innkeeper would typically skimp on his watered down, counterfeit booze and pocket the difference. I was recently commiserating with Geoffrey Deetz of the Black Cat restaurant about this state of affairs. Geoff's joint gives not merely an honest pour, but a generous pour. And a double is the standard. A drink at Geoff's is worth as much as four at many of the lesser saloons of which you may be familiar.

Happily, we both agree that the egregious practice of the short pour may be alive, but not kicking. We anticipate its early demise.

But then there is still the problem of the dearth of Caesar Salad. I'm from San Francisco where we consider it one of the seven basic food groups. And anyone who has tasted a perfect Caesar Salad will agree that it's one of the most perfect balances of taste, texture, colour and 50 asialife HCMC

aroma; one of the brightest stars in the gastronomic firmament.

And the cruel irony is that we have no end of tattered menus and badly trained waiters and nefarious restaurateurs offering us something they dare to call Caesar Salad. They blaspheme.

They know nothing of the dish but its name.

So what exactly is Caesar Salad? It's the greatest case of culinary serendipity. A happy accident. It began late on the night of July 4, 1924, in Tijuana, Mexico. A gaggle of U.S. Navy aviators from a San Diego airfield staggered into Caesar Cardini's restaurant seeking sus-

I have found a Caesar Salad, in Saigon, that Cardini himself would approve of. tenance after a night of revels.

Caesar had done good business that long day and his larder was all but exhausted. He had but Romaine lettuce, olive oil, eggs, Parmesan cheese, bread and a few staples of the kitchen such as garlic, Worcestershire sauce and lemons. But in taking this all in, he had a vision. Perhaps not as powerful as Saint Paul on the road to Damascus but, dammit, a vision nonetheless!

He gathered up the goods and told his chef to take it to the table and toss it all together with the aplomb and show of a juggler's act. Voila! The world's most famous salad was born at 1059 Avenida Revolucion, at the corner of Calle Quinta (5th Street), Tijuana, BC, Mexico. In honour of his guests, Cardini called it “Aviator Salad.”

They came back for more.

They brought their friends.

They all called it “Caesar's Salad,” rather than the original

handle Cardini had given it.

Eventually, it began to appear on menus north of the border as “Caesar Salad.” A few tweaks were added by Caesar's brother Alex. He added anchovy paste by mashing whole anchovies in the salad bowl with the back of a spoon. He made bigger, crunchier croutons. And the two of them made history.

But is the salad made in this city? Every other hash house in this city offers it bursting with bacon instead of anchovies!

Bacon, dammit! Bacon! I got nothing against bacon. But not in my Caesar anymore than in my ice cream. And they've got no Parmesan, no Worcestershire, nothing you could call a crouton. Rather, they have little bits of banh mi, soggy from a bath in tropical oil and rice vinegar!

Does this sound like a rant? I could go on!

But I won't, because I have found the genuine article at long last. I have found a Caesar Salad, in Saigon, that Cardini himself would approve of. I found it at Bernie's Steakhouse, 19 Thai Van Lung, District 1.

At first I thought it was a freak occurrence. But I have had it now a dozen times, and each time I feel the presence of Maestro Cardini. I thought it might have been a trick of some kind, using a bottled dressing.

But the gracious Bernie took me into his temple of a kitchen and let me watch the preparation of the sacred dish. The ghost of Cardini hovered above, uttering his blessing.

Excited with my discovery, I told Deetz of the Cat about Bernie's Caesar Salad. “Yeah,” he says. “I know all about Bernie's Caesar.”

So you've been there and had it,” I ask?

“Well,” he says, “I actually taught him how to make it.”

So, two places for a true Caesar: BC and B's. See you there.

-Richard Sterling

IKI The Movenpick Hotel Saigon recently reopened after a five month, US $15 million renovation. Along with the impressive bling and purple sofas in the lobby are several dining options.

The Japanese restaurant IKI is a new addition to the lineup.

The restaurant is billed as a ‘decidedly non-traditional setting,’ and while it does have a more informal and relaxed feel to it than many Japanese restaurants, it is still unmistakably of its type. The interior is full of cool, blonde timber tones; clusters of tables and chairs are circled by comfortable booths along walls painted in neutral tones with splashes of green foliage patterns.

There is, however, a less traditional and more modern

A stylish Japanese restaurant that delivers on taste and value for money. By Brett Davis. Photos by Fred Wissink. aspect to the place as evidenced by the enthusiastic young wait staff in their brightly-coloured polo shirts.

While these touches set IKI on a slightly different path, what really sets it apart from not only Japanese restaurants but hotel restaurants in general is its value for money.

The signature IKI sashimi, a selection of fish including salmon, tuna, squid, scallops, sea bass and more, is served up on a small boat-shaped dish for only 99,000 VND. The standout Australian beef teriyaki would probably come in at around 200 grams, and is perfectly seared on the outside while remaining tender and richly red inside.

This is available for 79,000 VND on its own or 109,000 VND as

a set with the usual accoutrements. A salmon steak set is 99,000 VND. There is also the usual range of sushi and sashimi such as the ever-popular California rolls (49,000 VND) and salmon sashimi (59,000 VND).

The booth tables have a builtin heating plate for hotpots.

There are seafood (199,000 VND) and vegetable (119,000 VND) hotpots available in addition to an extensive list of other ingredients so you can put together your own combination.

On Wednesdays between 6 pm and 10 pm the restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat special from a selected menu (199,000 VND), including a scoop of green tea ice cream from the hotel’s adjacent Cay Da Café.

IKI’s head chef Kittiskud

Sujaritvetee learned his trade in numerous Japanese restaurants in his native Bangkok. He said his aim was to give the venue a warmer and more welcoming feeling than people normally associate with a hotel Japanese restaurant.

“My vision is for IKI to be the preferred Japanese restaurant, trendy because of both the atmosphere and the value, not just for hotel guests but for HCM City.”

IKI is only in its infancy, but its head chef’s vision looks to be well on track.

Movenpick Hotel, 253 Nguyen Van Troi St, Phu Nhuan Tel: 3844 9222 Open daily 11.30 to 2 pm for lunch, 6 to 10 pm for dinner. asialife HCMC 51

Blue Salute Tucked away on Ngo Van Nam, just off Le Thanh Ton in District 1, Blue Salute is surrounded by plenty of culinary competition.

Throwing its doors open seven months ago, the venue hosts live music and has also become a favourite among some of the city’s keener darts players.

Not to be outdone on the food front, Blue Salute offers an extensive and inventive range of tapas to satisfy patrons. Chef Thierry Faburel, formerly of The Underground, says while the Blue Salute is a bar and lounge the food is an important part of what the place offers.

“We have weekly specials and we will also be looking at having a new menu every two months or so,” he says.

52 asialife HCMC

“I don’t focus on doing very traditional Spanish Tapas, but more playing around with different influences.”

The menu contains a mix of more traditional tapas like the Serano ham platter served with toasted ciabatta and tapenade (75,000 VND), and Asianinfluenced numbers like the crispy duck rolls with Hoisin sauce (75,000 VND). The menu is broken down into categories featuring cold tapas, cheese tapas, wrap and roll tapas, fish, meat and special tapas.

On our visit we tried the flamenco rolled crepe (85,000 VND) which is filled with smoked ham, mushrooms and cheese, served topped with an egg yolk in shell. The generous

While ostensibly a bar and lounge, the food is nothing like one finds at such premises. By Brett Davis. Photos by Fred Wissink. proportions of this dish also make it a great choice for the budget conscious.

Next is a chicken quesadilla with salsa and sour cream dipping sauce (85,000 VND). The marinated lamb skewers (85,000 VND) are served on split red chilies and retain just a touch of their spicy heat. Finally, in another example of Blue Salute’s Asian-infused style, there is the crab meat and herb mayonnaise served on prawn crackers (85,000 VND).

For those wanting something more substantial than tapas, Chef Faburel can prepare formal dishes upon request.

The surrounds at the Blue Salute are a pleasant mix of the contemporary and traditional.

Funky red and white bar stools are dotted around the front room, while the black wroughtiron work and scored plaster walls give a distinctly Mediterranean feel. Beyond the front bar area with its two dart boards is a split level with a relaxed lounge upstairs and another more formal lounge and bar downstairs.

Relaxed, comfortable and with well-prepared and interesting food to accompany a cold beer or a glass of wine, Blue Salute is a pleasant place to enjoy tapas the customary way of standing and moving around, or perhaps even throwing a dart or two.

22 Ngo Van Nam Tel: 3829 1483 Open 4 pm to 2 am

Pinocchio Casanova Laurent grew up in the south of France, close to Italy. A region where Mediterranean flavours reign supreme, it provided the inspiration for Pinocchio, the Italian restaurant he and his business partners opened recently.

Tucked away in the basement beneath the Vincom Center, Pinocchio provides respite from HCM City’s frenetic pace with its plush suede lounges that skirt the walls, bright lollipop-coloured lighting and a decidedly casual air. And as it’s located at the food court’s rear, relatively hidden from view, Laurent says Pinocchio is a “secret” waiting to be discovered.

Laurent has other secrets

A casual restaurant in the Vincom Center serving affordable Italian and international fare.

By Beth Young. Photos by Miguel Lopez. to share too, especially with Vietnamese diners: How to enjoy international cuisine and especially, Italian favourites at reasonable prices. He says, Pinocchio is a compromise between great quality and value for money. He’s spot on, considering the most expensive meal on the menu is the Australian tenderloin served with mashed potatoes or French fries and green pepper sauce for 250,000 VND. Among the other international mains, pizza, pasta and Paninis on offer, a cheese platter (135,000 VND for one to two people and 240,000 VND for three to four people) is available, too. Again, the aim is to educate. The platter comes

with a selection of cheeses that graduate from mild Brie to stronger blue-veined varieties like Roquefort, allowing novices to test their palates a step at a time.

The beef tartare (180,000 VND) is perhaps the next step up for curious eaters. It is a mound of finely minced raw beef topped with an egg yolk and seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper and herbs. It is served with a tossed salad and French fries, as well as condiments to taste: olive oil, balsamic vinegar and tart yellow mustard.

Pinocchio has plenty of tried and tested favourites, too. Choose from deep-fried calamari rings with garlic but-

ter (70,000 VND), creamy Pasta Con Salmone (115,000 VND) and Frutti di Mare—crispybased seafood pizza topped with clam, squid shrimp, onion, capsicum and olives (180,000 VND).

When asked to suggest a must-try meal Laurent is stumped. With so much to choose from, he’s still making his way through the menu. He does have one piece of advice, though. “You should come and try everything.”

Vincom Center, B3, corner of Dong Khoi & Le Thanh Ton, District 1 Tel: 3993 9199 info@pinocchio.vn Open 9 am to 10 pm asialife HCMC 53

District

...........................

A design firm that values preservation. By Beth Young.

Photos by Fred Wissink.

When Darren Chew and Andrew Lieberman discovered the French colonial villa that would become their design firm District 8, it evoked little of the era it had been built in. Glossy salmon-coloured tiles lined the outside of what was once a dogmeat restaurant and spoke nothing of the period’s rich history while the natural brick walls inside lay beneath layers of render and paint. In less than two months the pair refurbished the space completely, stripping it back to its original glory. Here, they now create industrial-chic furniture and lighting using the same philosophy.

Strategically positioned just across the canal from Chinatown, District 8’s location allows Chew and Lieberman unadulterated access to the quarter’s metal markets, which they trawl through constantly searching for old-style Indochine machinery. Once salvaged, the pieces, including antique weaving looms and misplaced wheels, are transformed into functional yet styl54 asialife HCMC

ish fixtures. For the design duo, the equipment represents a slice of HCM City history—and one well worth preserving.

It’s a sentiment Vietnamese developers don’t necessarily share. “As the city develops it seems like there’s not as much concern for all the historical elements. Our goal is to try and preserve them,” Lieberman says. With the rampant construction that’s seized Saigon, it’s no easy feat. Frequently scoping out the streets, Chew and Lieberman stumble across countless beautiful structures that beg to be renovated.

Often only days later these same buildings are reduced to rubble. Their goal is to step in before it’s too late; before all the spaces and relics that whisper of Saigon’s past have disappeared.

In their workshop, they bring the recovered equipment they find at such demolition sites back to life—stripping away the grime that’s accumulated over time and renewing their sheen with a liberal coat of beeswax.

While some of the designs are

conceptualized first, more often than not a fixture is created specifically around an eclectic piece found on the “junk heap,” as Chew says.

It’s this fusion of design and build that makes District 8 unique. Rather than simply putting pen to paper, Chew and Lieberman are actively involved in the entire process.

“Essentially we’ll take a space

and we’ll build everything from scratch—the lighting, we’ll do the install, build the furniture, everything,” Chew says. And it will take this level of dedication to ensure what’s left of Saigon’s architectural and industrial heritage remains intact.

343-345 Binh Dong, District 8 Tel: 0122 579 9214 By appointment only

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YUMAKI TOOTHBRUSHES DESIGN-LED TOOTHBRUSHES THAT FUSE FORM AND FUNCTION.

BY BRETT DAVIS. PHOTOS BY FRED WISSINK. e have all seen countless television commercials extolling the virtues of a revolutionary toothbrush that will make your smile whiter and brighter. Angled heads, raised bristles, tongue scrapers and gum massagers. Yet despite all this engineering, the humble toothbrush never actually looks that attractive.

Now, a Swedish design house and a Japanese dental hygiene manufacturer have teamed up to produce the Yumaki range of toothbrushes with a sleek functional design and sharp colour combinations. The toothbrushes are manufactured in Vietnam using recyclable materials and the nylon bristles are imported from Japan. There are plans to release a new range of brushes twice a year.

So, they look cool, but do they do a good job of cleaning your teeth? Yumaki designer Jakob Lennartson said the aim was to create the simplest, most modern and eco-friendly ergonomic toothbrush that would do the job just as well as any other high-quality toothbrush.

“There has been some colour-

56 asialife HCMC

ful toothbrushes produced in the past, but they were not very ergonomic nor were the colours or colour combinations very nice.

“We made sure from the beginning to focus on what we thought was the most important parts—good grip in the palm of your hand and getting extremely high-quality bristles.”

The 18 models in the A101 range each have a name, and yes, there is even a Saigon (yellow handle with red bristles).

The ideas for the names and colour combinations come

from a range of sources, some straightforward and some a little more left-field.

“I took inspiration from all over the place, Asahi came from the Japanese flag, Army came from, well, the army, Graf came from a graffiti piece I saw online, Surf came from those bubbles waves make when they hit the beach, while Speed came from the graphics of a dirt-bike helmet.

“Each design was given a matching name to amplify the style and to communicate the personality for that particular

toothbrush,” he says.

Yumaki has started a recycling programme so even your toothbrush can do its bit for mother Earth. Only the handles and not the bristles are recycled. There are other benefits involved as for every three brushes returned for recycling you get one new toothbrush of your choice.

The Yumaki Model A101 can be bought individually, as gift certificates or yearly subscriptions via Yumaki.com. They are also available at L'Usine (151/1 Dong Khoi).

The Korean Wave Korean fashion has jumped leaps and bounds in the past decade, from very conservative styles that are still prevalent today to a much more funky approach to clothing. Most of it is driven by the media, TV and pop stars but there are some Koreans who take style into their own hands and the results are excellent. Text and photography by Fred Wissink.

Daegu Known as the fashion capital but considered almost a country town

by Seoulites, Daegu has its own style, conservative but funky.

This is an excellent fall outfit that is lightweight for day but warm enough for night.

The colour scheme is subtle and understated. Definitive Korean style.

Grown up school boy with dress shoes and no socks make this style unique. It's an updated, stylish version of the Angus Young look.

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Seoul Considered the end all and be all of everything in Korea, Seoulites are usually the trend makers of the country. Fashion starts here, as does everything else on the peninsula.

Almost a new punk look with some hipster style thrown in for good measure.

The pants and jacket make this a great style.

58 asialife HCMC

This is an evolution of the Japanese gyaru style, but much more subtle and conservative.

Whereas the original was colourful, the muted tones make this look almost classic.

This is a classic Korean outfit, with one exception: the miniskirt. A decade ago no woman would ever wear one, but now it is part of this girl's almost business look.

Dark grey faded knit shirt and the matching scarf with the Doc Martin boots and jacket.

It is a good conservative fall outfit and the addition of the boots gives it an edgier look.

asialife HCMC 59

HCM City to Siem Reap and Bangkok.

Check out Friday Fare Frenzy online promotion from 2 to 5 pm every Friday.

listings

Malaysia Airlines www.malaysiaairlines.com Offers daily flights from Hanoi and HCM City to Kuala Lumpur for about $200 round trip, with four economy class fare levels: low, basic, smart and flex.

hotel & travel

Philippine Airways 229 Dong Khoi, D3 Tel: 3822 2241 www.philippineairlines.com Operates daily service from HCM City to Manila, offering fare options through the PAL Econo Light Class.

AIRLINES Air Asia 254 De Tham, D1 Tel: 3838 9810 www.airasia.com Asia’s largest low-cost airline operates one daily flight between HCM CityHanoi, as well as international flights to Bangkok, Phuket, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur.

Air France 130 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3829 0981 ext. 82 Fax: 3822 0537 www.airfrance.com.vn An airline with a vast and effective global network. Now flies direct to Paris.

Cathay Pacific 72-74 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D3 Tel: 3822 3203 www.cathaypacific.com Hong Kong-based airline makes three flights daily to HCM City and two flights daily to Hong Kong’s international airport. Fares start at about $300.

Jetstar Pacific www.jetstar.com Budget branch of Australian Qantas flies into Can Tho, Danang, Hanoi, Hai Phong, HCM City, Hue, Nha Trang and Vinh and operates cheap flights from

escape

Royal Brunei Level 4, 129A Nguyen Hue, D1 Tel: 3914 6868 www.bruneiair.com Royal Brunei provides scheduled service across Asia, the Middle East, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

Thai Airways 65 Nguyen Du, Tel: 3829 2810 29 Le Duan, D1 www.thaiair.com Bangkok-based airline connects twice daily between the Thai capital and HCM City and Hanoi. Multiple daily flights are also operated from both to Phnom Penh and Phuket.

VASCO Vietnam Airlines office, 116 Nguyen Hue, D1 Tel: 3842 2790 www.vasco.com.vn Though it’s primary business is cargo shipment, Vietnam Air Service Company (VASCO) flies daily from HCM City to Con Dao and makes connections to lesser-known cities like Ca Mau, Tuy Hoa and Chu Lai. Buy tickets at the Vietnam Airlines office.

Vietnam Airlines Hanoi: 94 Tran Quoc Toan

Vedana Resort & Spa—located on a 27-hectare property between Hue and Hoi An and offering traditional and modern healing therapies like meditation, reiki, taichi and yoga—will open in January 2011. To celebrate, the resort will offer a two-night stay for the price of one and a three-night stay for the price of two, including a 60-minute body treatment per person. Valid from January 10 through September 30. Call 54 3819 398, email info@vedanlagoon.com or visit www. vedanlagoon.com.

Through October 31, 2011 Palm Garden Resort in Hoi An will offer various packages.

The Romantic Escape over three nights/two days is US $490 ++ per couple; the twoday/one-night Golf Discovery package is $155 ++ per person and the Family Holiday spanning over three days and two nights is $149 ++ per person. Call 51 03927 927 or email reservation@pgr.com.vn.

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CON DAO ATC Hotel 16B Ton Duc Thang Tel: 06 4830 666 Rustic little 4-room, family-run guesthouse in converted French administration building. Rooms are simple, with exposed rafters inside and balconies outside. Bungalow accommodation is also available.

Con Dao Resort 8 Nguyen Duc Thuan Tel: 06 4830 949 www.condaoresort.com Modern hotel with 45 rooms and seven villas set on 2km of private beach.

On-premise facilities include restaurant, bar, beach-view swimming pool, tennis court and volleyball. Organizes outdoor activities and tours.

Saigon Con Dao Resort 18-24 Ton Duc Thang Tel: 06 4830 155 www.saigoncondaoresort.com Opened in summer 2009, Saigon Tourist’s 82-room hotel has a restaurant, swimming pool, tennis court and health club with sauna. Another 30 villas are available in the adjacent sister hotel, a renovated colonial-era administration building. Tours organized by hotel.

DALAT Ana Mandara Villas Resort & Spa Le Lai, Ward 5, Dalat Tel: 063 3555 888 www.anamandara-resort.com Luxury 35-acre resort encompasses 17

restored early 20th-century villas and 65 rooms set in the rural highlands. La Cochinchine Spa offers wide range of treatments. Le Petite Dalat Restaurant serves Vietnamese and fusion cuisine.

Heated swimming pool, art gallery and cooking classes in organic garden.

Blue Moon Resort & Spa 4 Phan Boi Chau Tel: 06 3578 888 www.bluemoonhotel.com.vn An attractive 65-room, country-style resort with extensive gardens for strolling or al fresco dining, as well as restaurant serving local Dalat dishes. On-premise bike rental, fitness centre, sauna and indoor heated pool.

Dalat Hotel Du Parc 7 Tran Phu, Dalat Tel: 063 3825 777 www.hotelduparc.vn Built in 1932 as the Hotel Du Parc, this 140-room structure pairs French colonial architecture with modern amenities.

Café De La Poste serves French homestyle, international and Vietnamese cuisine. Facilities include tennis court and sauna.

Dalat Palace 12 Tran Phu, Dalat Tel: 063 3825 444 www.dalatpalace.vn The stately lakeside hotel was built in the 1920s and retains the period’s aesthetic. It encompasses 38 rooms and 5 suites, a gourmet restaurant, brasserie, piano bar and Larry’s Bar. Golf can be arranged, and there’s tennis, boules, snooker and billiards on premise.

activities Phat Tire Ventures 73 Truong Cong Dinh Tel: 63 3829 422 www.phattireventures.com Runs guided trips for hiking/trekking, mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking and canyoning in the highlands surrounding Dalat. Also operates mixed trip adventure packages and ropes

take flight with travel promotions around the region

Vedana Lagoon Resort & Spa

Palm Garden Resort

Tel: 942 0848 HCM City: 116 Nguyen Hue, D1 Tel: 3832 0320 www.vietnamair.com.vn The domestic route map is extensive, with several flights daily between major and less touristed cities throughout Vietnam. Flies internationally throughout Asia and to Paris, Frankfurt, Moscow, Sydney, Melboure, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Dalat Hotel Du Parc

Dalat Hotel Du Parc is offering a Christmas and New Year package from US $84 ++ per person. The deal includes two nights accommodation in a Standard Room, daily buffet breakfast and a gala dinner on Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve at Le Café De La Poste. The deal is available from December 23 to 25 and December 30 to January 1. Call 63 3825 777, email Duparc.Reservations@ DalatResorts.com or visit www.HotelDuparc.vn.

Nam Hai

From December 21 to 28, the Nam Hai is offering a seven-night stay for a family of four (two adults and two children) for US $890 ++ per villa per night, including breakfast and return airport transfers. A Grand Wine Dinner, including a five-course contemporary set menu with paired wines will cost $150 ++ per person. Call 0510 394 0000, email afomre@thenamhai.com or visit www.thenamhai.com.

Victoria Sapa Resorts & Spa

Through December 31, Victoria Sapa Resort and Spa will offer room rates starting from US $260 ++ per person.

The package includes a two-night stay in a Superior room with breakfast for two and round trip tickets on board the Victoria Express Train in a Superior cabin (four-berth, sharing with others). Valid only for departures on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday. Email resa.sapa@victoriahotels. asia.

Dalat Palace

The Dalat Palace is offering a Christmas and New Year Package from US $289 ++ per person. The deal includes two nights in a Superior Room, daily American breakfast and Christmas or New Year Gala Dinner in Le Rabelais Restaurant.

Available from December 23 to 25 and December 30 to January 1. Call 63 3825 444, email Palace.Reservations@ DalatResorts.com or visit www.DalatPalace.vn.

MENU

prices are for ordering for delivery or pick up.

• Whole roast turkey (traditional) with gravy 6.5-7 kilos, • Deep fried • ½ half roast turkey sliced • Honey glazed ham • Home made duck sausages • Whisky pork sausages • Chicken and cranberry • Corn bread stuffing • Giblet gravy extra • Mashed potatoes • Candied sweet potatoes • Beet salad with walnuts and ginger • Sesame carrots • Grease beans “green beans slow cooked with bacon” • Green salad • Cranberry sauce

1,400,000 1,500,000 750,000 250,000 per kilo 210,000 per kilo 190,000 per kilo 220,000 per kilo 25,000 per person 25,000 person 25,000 per person 20,000 per person 25,000 per person 19,000 per person 25,000 per person 20,000 per person 38,000 per person

• • • • •

Fresh buttered corn Cranberry beans Hot homemade dinner rolls Hot cross buns Macaroni and cheese (kids and adults)

16,000 per person 18,000 per person 5,000 per roll 8,000 per roll 25,000 per person

Pies and desserts • • • • • • •

Pecan pie Pumpkin pie Apple pie Fruit cobbler Cranberry pound cake Pineapple up side down cake Mincemeat pie (fruit and nuts)

350,000 190,000 260,000 195,000 250,000 180,000 290,000

*Oysters available at 20,000 each raw on the half shell *Baked Rockefeller (spinach with Pernot) 30,000 each

course set among pine forest with 100+ metre Flying Fox zip line.

Dalat Easy Rider Tours 70 Phan Dinh Phung dalateasyriders@yahoo.com www.dalat-easyrider.com Ride pillion with English-, French- or German-speaking tour guides on motorbike adventures that start in Dalat and snake through mountains, jungles and deltas, lasting anywhere from three to 21 days. Trips terminate in Nha Trang, Hoi An, Hanoi, Mui Ne or HCM City. All hotels and entrance fees included.

HANOI Intercontinental Westlake Hanoi 1A Nghi Tam, Tay Ho Tel: 04 6270 8888 www.intercontinental.com Located on the waterfront with contemporary Vietnamese design, restaurants, business services, fitness centre including exercise classes and pool.

Hanoi Hilton Opera 1 Le Thanh Tong, Hoan Kiem Tel: 04 3933 0500 www.hilton.com Housed in a colonial-style building that complements the adjacent Opera House, this luxury hotel features modern amenities, business services, outdoor pool and fitness centre. Vietnamese specialties are served at Ba Mien, and Chez Manon does Japanese and pan-Asian.

Melia Hanoi Hotel 44B Ly Thuong Kiet Tel: 04 3934 3343 www.meliahanoi.com Located in the city centre with 306 comfortable guestrooms elegantly decorated, complete with a host of modern amenities. Dining includes Asian cuisine at El Patio and El Oriental, snacks at Cava Lounge and tapas at Latino Bar.

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Mercure Hanoi La Gare 94 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem Tel: 04 3944 7766 www.accorhotels.com Situated in the Old Quarter with 102 bright, spacious and modern rooms, Brasserie Le Pavillion restaurant serves Vietnamese and international cuisine.

Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi 83A Ly Thuong Kiet Tel: 3822 2800 www.moevenpick-hotels.com Conveniently located in the heart of Hanoi’s business district, a 40-minute drive from Noi Bai International Airport and only 5 minutes from the city centre, Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi is the latest five-star hotel in town, tailored to meet the needs of discerning guests and especially corporate travellers.

Nikko Hotel 84 Tran Nhan Tong Tel: 04 3822 3535 www.hotelnikkohanoi.com.vn Luxury hotel offering spacious rooms, elegant furnishings, international fine dining from Europe, China and Japan.

Sheraton Hotel Hanoi K5 Nghi Tam, 11 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho Tel: 04 3719 9000 www.starwoodhotels.com “Resort within a city” boasts 299 spacious guest rooms with panoramic views, fitness centre, international restaurant and Hemisphere Vietnamese restaurant.

Sofitel Metropole 15 Ngo Quyen, Hoan Kiem Tel: 04 3826 6919 www.sofitel.com Located downtown. Colonial-style hotel with well-regarded restaurants/bars serving French & Vietnamese cuisine, plus Italian steak house.

HO CHI MINH CITY Caravelle Hotel 19 Lam Son Square, D1 Tel: 3823 4999 www.caravellehotel.com One of the city’s most prestigious venues. Features a casino, Reflections Restaurant and al fresco 9th-floor Saigon Saigon Bar. Duxton Hotel 63 Nguyen Hue D1 Tel: 3822 2999 www.duxtonhotels.com Located in downtown Saigon. Facilities include spa, beauty salon, Zanadu Health Club, gym, outdoor swimming and main restaurant, The Grill.

Equatorial 242 Tran Binh Trong D5 Tel: 3839 7777 www.equatorial.com/hcm On the intersect of 4 districts, with 333 rooms, Orientica Seafood restaurant and bar, Chit Chat cafe, pool (swim-up bar), gym.

InterContinental Asiana Saigon Corner of Hai Ba Trung & Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3520 9999 saigon@interconti.com www.intercontinental.com/saigon 305 rooms/suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, five restaurants/bars, meeting/ banquet facilities, spa/health club and lounge with panoramic view.

www.moevenpick-saigon.com Has 278 well-appointed rooms/suites, five restaurants/bars, meeting/banquet facilities and a shopping arcade as well as a popular e-gaming centre.

New World Hotel 76 Le Lai, D1 Tel: 3822 8888 www.newworldsaigon.com Located in the city centre, with gym, outdoor pool, tennis court, event space and Dynasty Chinese restaurant.

Park Hyatt 2 Lam Son Square, D1 Tel: 3824 1234 www.saigon.park.hyatt.com Luxury colonial-style hotel includes 21 suites, lobby lounge with live music, Xuan Spa, pool, gym, international dining at Square One. Renaissance Riverside 8-15 Ton Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3822 0033 www.renaissancehotels.com 349 rooms/suites with panoramic views over Saigon River. Conference/banquet facilities, rooftop pool, gym, two restaurants.

Sheraton 88 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3827 2828 www.sheraton.com/saigon Luxury downtown hotel with Level 23 bar, Mojo cafe, Li Bai Chinese restaurant, fine dining at The Signature on the 23rd floor.

Legend Hotel 2A-4A Ton Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3823 3333 www.legendsaigon.com Located by the river with fitness centre, outdoor pool, kids play centre, Crystal Jade Chinese restaurant and jazz bar.

Sofitel Saigon Plaza 17 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3824 1555 www.sofitel.com/2077 One of the city’s top hotels with in-room Wi-Fi, two restaurants with international cuisine, two bars, six conference rooms, outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre.

Möevenpick Hotel Saigon 253 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan Tel: 3844 9222

Villa Hotel at Thao Dien 195 Nguyen Van Huong, D2 Tel: 3744 2222

www.thaodienvillage.com Colonial-style boutique hotel and spa with fine dining on the banks of the Saigon River in expat enclave.

Windsor Plaza 18 An Duong Vuong, D5 Tel: 3833 6688 services@windsorplazahotel.com www.windsorplazahotel.com Located in a main shopping hub. Four restaurants, modern discotheque, conference centre, casino, health club, shopping centre, supermarket, Chinese restaurant.

activities Saigon Scooter Centre 25/7 Cuu Long, Tan Binh District Tel: 4848 7816 www.saigonscootercentre.com One-stop rental service with a wide selection of scooters/motorbikes available for around town travel or long trips Vietnam Vespa Adventures 169 De Tham, D1, Pham Ngu Lao Tel: 3920 3897 www.vietnamvespaadventures.com Headquaters located in Cafe Zoom.

Offers 3-day trips to Mui Ne, 8-days to Nha Trang or half-day tours of HCMC on classic Vespas.

HOI AN & DANANG Cua Dai Hotel 544 Cua Dai Tel: 0510 3862 231 www.cuadaihotel-hoian.com Open and airy rooms are tastefully decorated and overlook the garden and pool. Located roughly between Old Town and Cua Dai Beach. Bicycle rental arranged.

Green Field Hotel 423 Cua Dai, Hoi An Tel: 0510 863 484 www.greenfieldhotel.com Mid-range hotel with simple but spacious rooms overlooking the garden and pool. Rates start below US $20 per night. Located 400 metres from the Old Town.

Le Domaine de Tam Hai Resort Tel: 0510 3545105 www.domainedetamhai.com Occupying an island close to Hoi An, the resort features 12 villas, a private beach, and two restaurants serving French and Vietnamese cuisine.

Life Resort Hoi An 1 Pham Hong Thai, Hoi An Tel: 0510 3914 555 www.life-resorts.com Within walking distance of Hoi An. Rooms are chic and minimalist, offering all the mod cons. Two restaurants, two bars and an outdoor pool.

Nam Hai Tel: 0510 3940 000 www.ghmhotel.com Luxury resort accommodation from single villas to sumptuous five-room dwellings with private pools. Facilities include 8 private spa villas; 3 beachfront swimming pools; library; and tennis, basketball and badminton courts.

Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa Cua Dai Beach Tel: 0510 3927 040 www.victoriahotels-asia.com Set on its own stretch of beach with 105 rooms spread through a traditional fishing village design of small “streets” and ponds.

Vinh Hung Hotel 143 Tran Phu Tel: 0510 3910 393 www.vinhhunghotels.com.vn Evocative wood carving, antique furniture and Oriental rugs fill this intimate guesthouse just down the street from the Japanese Bridge. Construction dates back more than a century.

activities

Hoi An Motorbike Adventures Tel: 0918 230 653 www.motorbiketours-hoian.com Two-wheeled tours of the Central Highlands, Ho Chi Minh Trail, Monkey Mountain and more on a fleet of Minsk dirt bikes and fully and semi-automatic motorbikes. Customers can drive or be driven on half- to five-day trips.

Mango Cruise info@mangorooms.com Chef Duc from the celebrated Mango Rooms restaurant and his wife Ly offer a cruise down the Thu Bon River, complete with a meal from a menu created

by Duc himself.

Phat Tire Ventures 619 Hai Ba Trung Tel: 0510 391 1700 www.phattireventures.com Offers rappelling and rock climbing at Marble Mountains, as well as walking and mountain biking excursions, from two-hour countryside trips to two-day cycling trips to Hue. Also does cultural and historical tours and car trips to My Son Holy Land.

Vietnam Sailing 88 Nguyen Thai Hoc Tel: 0918 255 521 www.vietnamsailing.com Foreign-operated company operates chartered coach or private tours to Cham Islands aboard a Corsair Sprint 750 Trimaran. One-day cruises or twoday excursions with beach camping by campfire are available.

HUE Celadon Palace Hue 105A Hung Vuong Tel: 054 3936 666 www.celadonpalacehue.com Grand building inspired by Indochine Nobel House with panoramic views, international restaurant, lounge/bars, pool, ballroom and wedding planning.

Imperial Hue 57 Dang Dung Tel: 054 3522 478 www.imperial-hotel.com.vn Opulent high-rise hotel with panoramic views of the city and Ngu Binh Mountain.

Facilities include swimming pool, gym, Royal spa, Prince Club casino and business centre.

La Residence 5 Le Loi Tel: 054 3837 475 www.la-residence-hue.com Former governor’s residence on the banks of the Perfume River is now home to a boutique resort where art deco meets Indochine. La Parfum restaurant serves local and international dishes.

Facilitiesa include spa, saltwater pool, tennis court and fleet of bicycles.

Mercure Hue Gerbera 38 Le Loi Tel: 054 3946 688 www.mercure.com Overlooking the Perfume River, this centrally located hotel has 110 contemporary rooms. Local Hue cuisine and international fare served at Le Bordeaux, and drinks served up top at Sky Bar or in the ground-floor Lobby Bar. Pilgrimage Village Resort & Spa 130 Minh Mang Tel: 054 3885 461 www.pilgrimagevillage.com Boutique resort with hut, bungalow and villa accommodation draws on natural environment and local culture. Features Vedana spa, two restaurants serving Vietnamese & Western food and imported wines and three bar/lounges.

NHA TRANG Evason Hideaway at Ana Mandara Ninh Van Bay, Ninh Hoa, Khanh Hoa Tel: 058 3728 222 www.sixsenses.com/hideawayanamandara An island hideaway accessible only by boat, 58 private pool villas, international and local restaurants, wedding services, water sports and scuba diving.

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Evason Ana Mandara Nha Trang Beachside, Tran Phu, Nha Trang Tel: 058 3522 222 www.sixsenses.com/evasonanamandara Beachside resort set in 26,000 square metres of tropical garden, with 74 guest villas, three restaurants, Six Senses Spa.

Victoria Phan Thiet Resort and Spa Mui Ne Beach Tel: 84 62 3813 000 www.victoriahotels-asia.com Located on a private beach, 60 cosy bungalows, natural spa experiences among other great activities on offer at the resort.

Hon Tam Resort Representative Office Level 1, 68 Le Loi, D1 Tel: 3822 0632 sales@hontamresort.vn A boutique eco-resort set on Hon Tam Island, located off Nha Trang.

C2Sky Kitesurfing Sunny Beach, 64-66 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Tel: 0916655241 www.c2skykitecenter.com Operates two schools roughly 500m apart, staffed by IKO-certified instructors. Offers a half dozen course types, as well as instructor training. Equipment rental and repair.

Novotel Nha Trang 50 Tran Phu Tel: 058 625 6900 www.novotel-nhatrang.com Each of the 154 rooms has a terrace with seaviews in this modern hotel located in the city centre. The Square serves international cuisine in a dining room overlooking the bay.

Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa 26 - 28 Tran Phu, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Tel: 58 388 0000 www.sheraton.com/nhatrang Luxury hotel with 284 ocean view rooms, six restaurants and bars, club lounge, infinity edge swimming pool, spa, yoga studio, cooking school, Sheraton Adventure Club and (connected at) Link@Sheraton.

Sunrise Beach Resort 12-14 Tran Phu, Nha Trang Tel: 058 3820 999 www.sunrisehotelvietnam.com Private beach resort equipped with gym, fitness centre, outdoor pool and water sports.

activities

Forester Spa & Mini Golf 65 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Tel: 062 3743 447 www.forestrestaurant.com Terraced nine-hole miniature golf course with distinctly Vietnamese terrain: rice paddies, palm trees, stilt homes and a fish pond.

Jibes Beach Club 84-90 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Tel: 062 3847 008 www.windsurf-vietnam.com IKO-licensed kitesurfing centre offers highly structured kitesurfing classes taught by experienced watersportsmen.

Also offer windsurfing lessons and retails in watersports equipment (bodyboards, kayaks, surfboards, windsurfs).

PHAN THIET

Mui Ne Beach.net www.muinebeach.net Informative website run by local writer Adam Bray covering news, events, community/environmental issues and more in Mui Ne and Phan Thiet. Also issues safety advisories regarding crime and tour bus accidents.

Full Moon 98A Nguyen Dinh Chieu Tel: 062 3847 008 fullmoon@windsurf-vietnam.com Resort set in a private garden with lovingly decorated bedrooms and terracotta-tiled bathrooms. The grounds include a good Vietnamese restaurant, pool and kitesurfing school.

Mui Ne Cooking School Sunshine Beach Resort, 84 Tuyen Quang Tel: 062 383 0755 Al fresco classes begin with a trip to Rang Market and focus on the provincial cuisine of Binh Thuan, like banh xeo (crepes with beef or seafood) and goi hai san (seafood salad).

L’Anmien Beach Resort Mui Ne Beach, KM10, Ham Tien Ward Tel: 062 3741 888 www.lanmienresort.com Beachfront resort with 90 fully equipped rooms, business centre, spa, fitness centre and outdoor pool.

Surfpoint 217 Nguyen Dinh Chieu www.surfpoint-vietnam.com Offers private and group kiteboarding courses and equipment rental (from $40-50/hr). Also runs group and private surfing lessons, as well as kayaking trips to Song Quao Lake.

Princess D’Annam Resort and Spa Khu Hon Lan, Tan Thanh, Ham Thuan Nam, Binh Thuan Tel: 062 3682 222 www.princessannam.com Located on Ke Ga Bay with 57 exclusive villas, eight swimming pools, two restaurants and 1,800 square metres spa complex.

Romana Resort KM8, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet Tel: 062 3741 289 www.romanaresort.com.vn 10 beachfront villas and 18 hill villas with private pools and all the mod cons.

The Sailing Club 24 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet Tel: 062 3847 440 www.sailingclubvietnam.com Open bar overlooking the sea, spacious rooms, restaurant, swimming pool and day spa.

Shades Apartment Khu 1, Ham Tien Tel: 062 3743 237 www.shadesmuine.com Design-led boutique hotel that uses minimal materials and draws on natural textures to achieve a sense of timelessness. Serviced apartments are soundproof with blackout curtains. Pool and beachside veranda outside.

WindChimes School Saigon Mui Ne Resort, 56 Nguyen Dinh Chieu www.kiteboarding-vietnam.com Surf school situated on 235m of beach offers kiteboarding, windsurfing and surfing classes in multiple languages taught by IKO-certified instructors.

Equipment rented and trips organised.

Satellite school at Bamboo Village Resort.

PHU QUOC Chenla Resort & Spa Bai Xep, Ong Lang Beach Tel: 077 3995 895 www.chenla-resort.com sales-hcmc@chenla-resort.com Resort on a bay offers 36 luxury bungalows/villas with ocean views, swimming pool, water sports, diving centre, spa and Mediterannean restaurants.

Freedomland Ong Long Beach Tel: 077 3994 891 freedomlandphuquoc.com Secluded lodging in six different bungalow types built from natural materials sourced from the island. Private or shared bathrooms, no air-conditioning or hot water. Boat trips and scooter tours.

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La Veranda Ward 1, Duong Dong Beach Tel: 077 3982 888 www.laverandaresort.com Set amid tropical gardens along a beach.

Features a highly-rated spa, beach grill, Vietnamese, Asian and European cuisine.

Mango Bay Ong Lang Beach, Phu Quoc Tel: 0903 382 207 www.mangobayphuquoc.com Low-cost seaside resort with ecological outlook promotes nature activities, forest walks, snorkelling, open-air seafood restaurant. No TV or telephone.

SAPA Chau Long Hotel 24 Dong Loi Tel: 020 3871 245 www.chaulonghotel.com Mid-range hotel with wraparound construction offering panoramic views.

Rooms in the newer wing are more attractive, with dark wood furnishings and polished hardwood floors.

Topas Eco Lodge 24 Muong Hoa Tel: 020 3871 331 www.topasecolodge.com Overlooking the Hoang Lien Mountains, Topas is comprised of 25 white granite and golden hardwood lodges powered by solar energy. Premises include restaurant in traditional Tay stilt house, and Topas offers a range of outdoor activities, including mountain biking and trekking.

Victoria Sapa Resort Sapa District, Lao Cai Province Tel: 020 0871 522 www.victoriahotels-asia.com Mountain chalet perched over the village wth cosy but modern guestrooms overlooking the lawn and garden. Ta Van restaurant overlooks Mount Fansipan and Ta Fin bar has a stone hearth

fireplace. Connection from Hanoi by private train.

SCUBA DIVING Note: AsiaLIFE only lists dive centres recognized by international dive training programs, such as the Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI) and Scuba Schools International (SSI).

We strongly advise against diving with unaccredited dive centres in Vietnam.

Rainbow Divers 55 Nguyen Giai Dang, An Phu, D2 Tel: 3744 6825 www.divevietnam.com Diving tours and career/instructor development offered by Vietnam’s first PADI centre. established in the mid-90s. All courses can be started at the state-ofthe-art dive centre in An Phu, from beginner pool work and theory to divemaster and instructor certification. Operates dive centres in Nha Trang, Whale Island, Hoi An and Phu Quoc.

Octopus Diving 62 Tran Phu, Nha Trang 058 826 528 www.divenhatrang.com PADI/SSI dive centre based in Nha Trang and affiliated with the Sailing Club Co., with additional centres in Mui Ne and Hoi An. Offers a range of services, including children’s Bubblemaker classes, courses in specialised techniques and divemaster certification.

VUNG TAU The Imperial Hotel 159-163 Thuy Van Tel: 06 4362 8888 www.imperialhotelvietnam.com Victorian-style hotel with 152 rooms, outdoor pool, shopping mall and fully serviced gym.

Ho Tram Beach Resort & Spa Ho Tram Village, Xuyen Moc Tel: 06 4378 1525 www.hotramresort.com Located about 45km from Vung Tau in the Phuoc Buu Reserve Forest, Ho Tram Beach Resort & Spa boasts uniquely designed bungalows and villas.

TRAVEL AGENTS

Indochina Ventures 40 Truong Quyen, D3 Tel: 3820 2563/3820 2564 Fax: 3829 2565 info@indochina-ventures.com Tour operator that specializes in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Can tailor packages to suit customers’ time frames and interests.

Budget Car Rentals 198 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D3 Tel: 3930 2929 Tan Son Nhat Airport Tel: 3930 2929 International rental agency offers chauffeur-driven cars to destinations throughout Vietnam. Drivers are proficient in English and trained in defensive driving. Airport/resort transfers, daily rentals and corporate fleets available.

iTravel 175/22 Pham Ngu Lao, D1 Tel: 0836 4876 www.itravel-online.com trung@itravel-online.com Operated out of Le Pub (Hanoi/HCMC) offering a wide range of tour and accomodation options throughout Vietnam, as well as custom-made tours tailored to customer specifications.

Buffalo Tours Suite 601, Satra House, 58 Dong Khoi D1 Tel: 3827 9170 www.buffalotours.com Tailor-made itineraries, communitybased tourism, cultural tours, adventure trips, golfing and premium trips offered by locally run and well-respected travel agent.

iViVu www.ivivu.com Offering the traditional services of a travel agent – airline tickets, tours, packages and hotels - as well as tips and up-to-date travel news on Vietnam.

Exotissimo HCMC: 20 Hai Ba Trung St, D1 Tel: 3827 2911 infosgn@exotissimo.com SD5-2 Grand View, Nguyen Duc Canh, Phu My Hung, D7 Tel: 5412 2761/62 pmh@exotissimo.com HANOI: 26 Tran Nhat Duat St, Hoan Kiem Tel: 04 3828 2150 infohanoi@exotissimo.com www.exotissimo.com French-owned agency specializing in flight bookings, package holidays and a range of well-run cultural and historical tours of Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

Terraverde 91/10 Tran Quoc Hoan, Tan Binh Tel: 3948 4754/56 info@terraverdetravel.com www.terraverdetravel.com German-owned travel agency specializing in tailor-made tours combining nature experiences; site visits; cultural encounters; biking, boating and trekking expeditions. Mixes cultural experience with light adventure tourism.

Trails of Indochina 10/8 Phan Dinh Giot, Tan Binh Tel: 3844 1005 www.trailsofindochina.com Specialists in custom-made tours offering cultural and adventurous experiences throughout the region. Exclusive resources and locations.

listings

food & drink BAR RESTAURANTS Ala Mezon 10 Chu Manh Trinh, D1 Tel: 6291 0447 www.alamezon.vn Colourful four-storey venue serves fusion French-Japanese cuisine, as well as cocktails and wine by the glass. Space spans a restaurant, lounge and main bar and spacious, airy rooftop. Open 5 pm to late.

Bread & Butter 40/26 Bui Vien, D1 Tel: 3836 8452 Lunch menu of American classics (California burritos, po boy sandwiches), Brit pub dinner (bangers & mash, fish & chips) and Sunday evening roast.

Serves Huda Beer from Hue. Closed 2:30 pm to 5 pm and Mondays.

Bernie's Bar & Grill 19 Thai Van Lung, D1 Tel: 3822 2684 Serves a solid menu of certified Angus and imported Aussie steaks, fresh pasta, thin crust pizza, sandwiches and mains in an old school steak house setting. Drink menu includes smoothies, cocktails, premium wines and spirits and Saigon's largest martini. 

Buddha Bar 7 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 2080 An Phu institution serves up tasty meals and good drinks in a friendly, chilled environment. Plenty of room to relax inside or out, plus a pool table on premise.  Cafe Latin 17 Dong Du, D1 In its third location, this expat favourite continues to deliver good food, an extensive drink list and a comfortable atmosphere. Two levels to watch sport on or simply unwind. Said to serve the best chicken parmigiana in Vietnam.

Corso Steakhouse & Bar Norfolk Hotel, 117 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Located in the chic Norfolk Hotel Corso Steakhouse & Bar is well known for its steak imported from the US and Australia. Good destination for both lunch and dinner.

K Cafe 28 Do Quang Dau, D1 Tel: 3913 4673 www.kcafevietnam.com This down-to-earth bistro-bar is a haven for French-speaking emigrés looking for an alternative in the backpackers’ area.

Prop up the bar with a beer or Ricard, or tuck into the tasty Gallic fare. Good atmosphere for conversation.  La Habana 6 Cao Ba Quat, D1 Tel: 3829 5180 www.lahabana-saigon.com This charming little place has seating indoors and outdoors, upstairs and downstairs to fit your dining pleasure.Relaxed environment with frequent live music.

Offers Spanish and Cuban fare including paella and a tapas fiesta comprising three plates. Open late daily.

Le Pub 175/ 22 Pham Ngu Lao, D1 www.lepub.org One of Pham Ngu Lao’s favourite watering holes, Le Pub also has a good menu of well-executed pub grub and international favourites. Hearty breakfast is available all day and specials are offered daily.

Phatty’s 46-48 Ton That Thiep, D1 Tel: 3821 0705 www.phattysbar.com Jaspa’s Steve Hardy and Ben Winspear’s sports bar has five widescreen TVs, a large drop-down screen and lots of pub grub and beer for fans looking to take in a game or two.

Mogambos 50 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3825 1311 This restaurant has been around since the mid-1990s, which offers an insight into its enduring quality. Specializes in American grain-fed steaks, hamburgers and salads served in a pleasant atmosphere. 

Qing 110 Pasteur, D1 www.qing.com.vn Sophisticated downtown bar just off Le Loi specializes in Asian tapas, Asian/ South American fusion dishes and a few delectable deserts. Variety of good wines by the glass or bottle.

O’Brien’s 74/A2 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3829 3198 A large Celtic-style pub popular with media types that has an interior done in brickwork and wood, and an upstairs dining area. Draught beer is happy hour between 3 pm and 7 pm. Great pizzas.

Sheridan’s Irish House 17/13 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3823 0793 www.sheridansbarvn.com Cosy Irish pub with authentic Irish decor, a pleasant atmosphere and regular live music. Wide range of classic pub grub, East Asian dishes and a fantastic breakfast fry-up available from 8 am.

Pasha Bar & Restaurant 25 Dong Du, D1 Tel: 08 629 136 77 www.pasha.com.vn Turkish–Mediterranean restaurant located in heart of HCMC serves halal and high quality food with ingredients imported from Turkey, Spain, Singapore, Egypt, New Zealand, Japan and France.

Long happy hour half price by glass.

Various shisha flavours.

Peaches: The Curry Pub Sky Garden 2, S57-1, Phu My Hung, D7 Tel: 5410 0999 Serves up dishes from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, China, Japan, Singapore and Indonesia with a focus on healthy preparation and fresh produce.

Storm P Bar & Restaurant 5B Nguyen Sieu, D1 Tel: 3827 4738 www.stormp.vn This friendly hangout is a favourite with both the Scandinavian community and English-speaking expats. Offers Danish cuisine to go with the drinks.  The Tavern R2/24 Hung Gia 3, Bui Bang Doan, D7 Tel: 5410 3900 Boasts good international food, a pool table, dartboards and sports coverage on large screens. Outdoor seating on mutiple levels. Second floor sports lounge hosts DJs at the weekends. 

Another Quality Development By

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Vasco’s Bar 74/7D Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3824 2888 Chic bar decked in deep reds that gets packed to capacity on weekends. Open Monday to Saturday with live music on Fridays. Food menu by chef with over 10 years experience at La Camargue. Also does excellent pizza.  ZanZBar 41 Dong Du, D1 Funky, modern interiors and varied international breakfast, lunch and dinner cuisine. Imported beers, cocktails, gourmet espresso coffee, and happy hours make ZanZBar a great after-work spot. Open late.

CAFES Annam Cafe 16-18 Hai Ba Trung Cosy corner cafe with free Wi-Fi overlooking Hai Ba Trung. Serves a slate of gourmet sandwiches, coffee and wine.

Bobby Brewer’s 45 Bui Vien, D1 Tel: 3920 4090 70 Nguyen Cong Tru, D1 Tel: 3821 8100 86 Pham Ngoc Thach, D3 Tel: 6299 1990 www.bobbybrewers.com This is an attractive fast-food style coffee shop with friendly staff and good lattes.

All the coffee is roasted on the premises and there are comfortable couches and travellers aplenty making it a chilled place to hang out.  Bull’s Cafe 113C Bui Vien Street, D1 Tel: 3836 1925 www.bullcafe.com.vn MotoGP-themed lounge serving up coffee, smoothies and cafe house special, fruit cocktail.

feast

Cafe Terrace Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1 This funky café is frequented by trendy types attracted by the leather lounges, outdoor terrace and 52 non-alcoholic fruit concotions.

Cay Da Cafe Ground floor, Moevenpick Hotel Saigon 253 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan Tel: 3844 9222 ext. 118 www.moevenpick-saigon.com Stocks the Moevenpick’s chef’s most delicious cakes, pastries, ice cream and sandwiches.

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf 12-14 Thai Van Lung, D1 94 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D3 Nowzone, 235 Nguyen Van Cu, D5 Metropolitan Bldng, 235 Dong Khoi, D1 International café chain with a wide variety of coffees and teas, as well as light snacks and food. Also sells freshroasted coffee beans and tins of whole leaf tea.  Illy Café 111A Pasteur, D1 Tel: 2220 2388 Fax: 2220 2389 Grand View Shop SA1-1, SB2-1 Nguyen Duc Canh, D7 Tel: 5412 3292 Fax: 5412 3293 An Italian-style coffee bar that serves Illy—a world-renowned espresso blend.

Makes classic coffees like the cappuccino as well as innovative alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails. Also serve light Italian cuisine and desserts.

Jubarcalypse 35 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3827 7930 Jubarcalypse has an interesting underground design. Playing jazz music, it’s the perfect place to re-energize with a refreshing selection of juices and snacks.

Mojo 88 Dong Khoi, D1 www.sheratonsaigon.com A top-end cafe with an attractive interior, outdoor terrace at street level and comfortable lounges upstairs. Good business coffee or lunch venue.

Nirvana 14Bis Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D1 Tel: 3910 0745 Pleasant retro-styled cafe with outdoor water features and welcome modern touches like free Wi-Fi. Live music at night.

Paris Deli 35 Dong Khoi, D1 Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1 Tel: 3821 6127 Grand View Building, Nguyen Duc Canh, Phu My Hung, D7 Tel: 412 2179 Petite boulangerie/cafe decked out with French-style furnishings. Offering tasty French and international dishes with a range of lunchtime specials at reasonable prices.

Une Journee A Paris 234 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3827 7723 15B Ngo Quang Huy, An Phu, D2 Tel: 0128 608 9551 A Parisian-style café that serve French cuisine, coffee and pastries like fondant chocolat, baba au rhum and tropezienne. Free Wi-Fi. Open Monday to Saturday from 7 am to 7 pm.

X Cafe 58 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3914 2142 212 A2 Nguyen Trai, D1 Tel: 3925 9307 Bright, spacious foreign-run cafe decorated in the style of an Alpine chalet.

Popular with local makers and shakers, has a great open-plan upstairs area and two outdoor terraces. Regular live music and homemade ice cream. Nguyen Trai location includes children’s playground.

Catering available.

Zenta 41 Mac Dinh Chi, D3 A large, extravagant, kitsch cafe with several rooms resembling airport departure lounges. Customers, though, tend to gravitate to the more attractive outdoor terrace with its pond and waterfall-style water features.

CHINESE Chop Chop Chinese Delivery Tel: 3826 9135 SMS: 09 3836 3030 www.chopchopvietnam.com American-style Chinese delivery service brings classics like General Tso's chicken, moo shu pork and beef with broccoli to your door. Open seven days, 11 am to 10 pm.  Dragon Court 11-13 Lam Son Square, D1 Tel: 3827 2566 Open until 2am, this vast, no-frills eatery gets packed with hungry locals who savour generous portions of tasty dim sum. All the Chinese staples are here.

Expect a good feed for under 100,000 VND per person.

Dynasty Restaurant New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai, D1 Tel: 3822 8888

broaden your palate with promotions around town

Café Rivoli

Each Thursday the Sofitel Plaza’s Café Rivoli offers an Asian Buffet. For 790,000 VND ++ for adults and 395,000 VND ++ for children aged 5 to 11, diners can select from Asian delicacies like tom yum, sushi, lamb curry and roasted Peking duck. It includes Vietnamese desserts and seasonal fruit plus free flow of house wines, beers and soft drinks. Call 3824 1555 or email fb@sofitelsaigon.com.vn.

Shang Palace Restaurant

Starting November 1, the Norfolk Mansion’s Shang Palace will introduce its new dim sum menu. For US $2.40 ++ per serving, patrons can choose from several dumpling varieties including steamed spicy seafood, shrimp or pork and prawns. Call 3823 222, email reservation@shangpalace. com.vn or visit www.shangpalace.com.vn.

Restaurant Nineteen

The Caravelle Hotel’s Restaurant 19 will host a buffet dinner to celebrate American Thanksgiving on November 25. The buffet, which costs 930,000 VND ++ per person, includes seafood, caviar and fish roe sta-

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Loaves and Fishes 5 Street 11, Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3547 0577 Coffee house on a side street near Riverside Apartments serves up drinks and serves the full line of Western-style baked goods from Harvest Baking.

tions and of course, roast turkey. Other appetizers, soups, cheese and desserts will be available, too. Call 3823 4999 or visit www.caravellehotel.com.

Cham Charm

Indulge in a seafood buffet at Cham Charm’s Sunday Brunch from 10.30 am to 3 pm for 585,000 VND ++ per person. Call 5410 9999 or visit www.khaisilkcorp.com.

Cafe Central An Dong

Through November the Windsor Plaza Hotel’s Café Central An Dong will serve up traditional Swedish cuisine like pickled pork and poultry, steamed salmon with dill and premium rib-eye steak with mustard crust. The buffet runs from 6 to 10 pm daily and costs 310,000 VND ++ on weekdays and 340,000 VND on weekends and holidays. Children 10 years and under eat for half price. Call 3833 6688, email services@windsorplazahotel.com or visit windsorplazahotel.com.

Amigo

This month, Amigo will prepare OP ribs—a 800g cut stuffed with garlic and slow

roasted—to share between two. The dish is served with gravy, herb sauce, steamed broccoli and spicy potato wedges for 999,000 VND ++ for two people. Call 3824 1248 or email amigo@vtpinvestment.com.

Orientica

This month, Hotel Equatorial’s Orientica restaurant will host award-winning chef Yong Bin Ngen. He will showcase his skills at two wine dinners (the first, on November 19 for 1,450,000 VND ++ per person and the second on November 23 for 1,300,000 VND ++ per person). He will prepare signature dishes like crisp wasabi prawn and chilled sake infused crabmeat salad and double-boiled shark’s fin with sea treasures and Japanese mushroom. Call 3839 7777 ext. 8333 or email dine@hcm. equatorial.com.

IKI

On Wednesdays, the Moevenpick’s new Japanese restaurant IKI will offer all you can eat on selected sushi and maki for 199,000 VND ++ per person. Call 3844 9222 or email hotel.saigon.fb@moevenpick.com.

Fine Chinese dining in an opulent restaurant reminiscent of the Middle Kingdom’s imperial days. Delicacies clock in at 500,000 VND, but most dishes fall between 80,000 to 180,000 VND. Huy Long Vien 99 Nguyen Du, D1 Tel: 3823 7799 www.huylongvien.com A magnificent Chinese restaurant with a leafy slate-tiled courtyard, Chinese lanterns and a labyrinth of water works.

Lunchtime dim sum is 120,000 VND, while the a la carte menu runs higher with Chinese specialties such as Peking duck for 400,000 VND. Kabin Renaissance Riverside Hotel, 8-15 Ton Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3822 0033 Elegant dining space with beautiful decor and great views over the river offers extensive lunch and dinner menus featuring authentic gourmet Cantonese and Szechuan dishes and an assortment of dim sum at lunchtime.

Li Bai Sheraton Hotel, 88 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3827 2828 Imperial-styled restaurant named after a famous Chinese poet. Excellent lunch time dim sum buffet for USD $17.00.

Nightly à la carte menu with dishes going from 100,000 VND. Lotus Court 1st floor, Moevenpick Hotel Saigon 253 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan Tel: 3844 9222 ext. 168 www.moevenpick-saigon.com Dim Sum and exciting Cantonese cuisine in a unique and elegant setting.

Ming Dynasty 23 Nguyen Khac Vien, Phu My Hung Tel: 5411 5555 Decorated in Ming Dynasty-style; offers 100 dim sum varieties and 300 dishes prepared by a chef from Hong Kong.

The restaurant’s Imperial Buffet costs USD $39 per person and includes free flow of wine.

Ngan Dinh Chinese Restaurant Windsor Plaza Hotel, 18 An Duong Vuong, D5 Tel: 3833 6688 Beautiful wood paneling, colourful hanging lanterns and a sparkling mineral gallery make for a relaxing dining experience at the Windsor. Feast on roasted Pi Pa duck, giant grouper and steamed king prawns. Be sure to check out monthly specials.

Ocean Palace 2 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3911 8822 Both traditional and trendy Chinese dishes are prepared by chef from Hong Kong and served in an opulent 280-seat dining room in this restaurant opposite the zoo. Intimate private rooms and larger party rooms available for booking.

Shang Palace Restaurant Norfolk Mansion, 17-19-21 Ly Tu Trong, D1 Tel: 3823 2221 www.shangpalace.com.vn An upscale Chinese restaurant with a spacious and welcoming atmosphere.

The menu boasts a wide range of Hong Kong Cantonese cuisine, including both dim sum, a la carte and set menus, regularly changed by the creative chefs.

Thao Li Restaurant Grand View C, Nguyen Duc Canh, Phu My Hung Tel: 5412 5999 Daily Dim Sum Buffet costs USD $9.90 per person, starting from 11 am. The daily A La Carte Dinner Buffet costs $14.90 per person; includes more than 55 dishes.

Truyen Ky 261B Dao Duy Tu, D10 Small homestyle Chinese restaurant specializing in the salty Hakka cuisine of

southeastern China, including tofu and chilis stuffed with fish paste.

Yu Chu InterContinental Asiana Saigon, corner of Hai Ba Trung and Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3520 9099 dine@icasianasaigon.com Specializing in authentic Cantonese and Peking cuisine. Award-winning chef prepares dishes including handmade noodles, dim sum and wok-fried items.

Wide selection of live seafood. Five interactive kitchens.

DESSERT PARLOURS Bo Gia (The Godfather) 29 Ngo Duc Ke, D1 20 Ho Huan Nghiep, D1 299 Nguyen Van Troi, Tan Binh Does brisk lunchtime trade with its selection of more than 25 ice cream favours and Vietnamese noodle and rice dishes.

Ciao Cafe 40 Ngo Duc Ke, D1 With a number of branches downtown (21 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai and 26 Tran Cao Van, among others), this popular cafe offers a mixture of food, drinks and books. Boasts about 20 ice cream specials and serves crepes, sodas and shakes.

Fanny Ice Cream 29-31 Ton That Thiep, D1 Tel: 3821 1633 Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 www.fanny.com.vn Tranquil open-terraced heaven for icecream lovers. Menu contains fresh fruit, ice cream, sherbets and sorbets (coconut, caramel and Bailey’s ice-cream and mango sorbet are standouts). All you can eat first Friday of the month.  Ministry of Food 30 Le Loi, D1 Tel: 3827 7898 Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Two-floor dessert house specializing in Italian and Japanese treats serving a wide array of ice cream flavours using milk from Japan’s dairy capital. Also serves sandwiches and bento boxes.

New Zealand Natural 3rd Floor, Parkson Department Store 39-45 Le Thanh Ton, D1 4th Floor, Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan 1st Floor, Saigon Superbowl, 843 Truong Son, Tan Binh www.newzealandnatural.com Serves flavours ranging from chocolate ecstasy, fruits of the forest and boysenberry dream by the scoop.

Yogen Fruz 118 Pasteur, D1 106 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1 Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Panorama Apartments, Ton Dat Tien, Phu My Hung, D7 www.yogenfruz.com Frozen yoghurt parlour is decked in mod-meets-IKEA decor and serves no-fat, and low-fat fro-yo blended with fresh fruits, as well as soft serve and smoothies.

FRENCH Annamite French Restaurant 21 Tu Xuong, Ward 7 D3 Tel: 6277 8332 annamite-restaurant.com The new VN restaurant area of D3 opens a classic French dinning option, led by ex Caprice chef. Snug atmosphere with a classic touch . French favourites such as escargot in garlic butter, Pan fried goose froie gras, duck in port wine, poached river sole with saffron sauce and classic flambé crepes.

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imbibe

street gourmet

Alsatian Adulation

By Beth Young Alsace—a region located at France’s most northeastern point, on the fringe of Germany—may only stretch across a modest 45,000 acres, but it churns out a vast selection of wines to tempt all palates.

From sweet Gewürztraminer, to golden-hued Pinot Gris and fresh Riesling, wines made in the area are just “magic,” says oenologist Thierry Fritsch from the Alsace Wine Trade Council.

Though Fritsch says each Alsatian wine has its own character, they share some traits. First, Alsatian wines are named after the grape they are produced from, rather than the village where the vine was grown. And as few Alsatian wines are blended, the grape variety printed on the label is what will be found inside, making it easier for beginners to make an informed choice.

Second, Alsatian drops are mostly white and are, as such, fresh, fruity, aromatic and easy to drink.

Fritsch suggests starting with Gewürztraminer, which sells at The Warehouse for 428,000 VND. Packed with tropical flavours like lychee, mango and passion fruit plus a hint of cinnamon and even roses, Fritsch is only half joking when he says it could pass as a perfume. Creamy and smooth, it complements spicy food, especially curries. “A deep red [with Indian cuisine] would be a fight, not a match.

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Che Buoi With Gewürztraminer there is more fusion. It’s much more pleasant.”

Next, he recommends the Pinot Gris (386,000 VND at The Warehouse), a wine he’s dubbed a “red-white,” for its smoky flavours. Deep yellow, Fritsch says it’s exuberant with notes of honey and dried fruit.

Though it’s complex, it’s also completely well balanced with enough body and freshness to compete with rich duck, foie gras, cheese, veal and mushroom-based dishes. For best results, Fritsch points out, Pinot Gris, should be decanted at least half an hour before indulging and should be served at a just-right 10 degrees.

After Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris it’s time to graduate to Fritsch’s favourite, Riesling. The most affordable of the trio at 356,000 VND, it has an elegant nose and a long, crisp aftertaste. Fritsch says a mouthful tastes like a thousand different flowers all at once, accentuated with tangy citrus. It pairs best with seafood, especially crab and fish. And as it’s so fresh, it easily cuts through the fattiness of smoked salmon, for example.

Fritsch believes Alsace’s greatest strength is its ability to produce food-friendly wines. If in doubt, though, he recommends the Pinot Gris every time, especially with Asian food. “It goes with everything.

It just works,” he says.

Che buoi is traditional Vietnamese sweet soup with pomelo. Instead of using the flesh of the fruit though, tart rind is added to the concoction made from tapioca flour and peeled green beans. Around the

Au Manoir de Khai 251 Dien Bien Phu, Q3 Tel: 3930 3394 This top-end contemporary French restaurant is set in a picturesque colonial villa with a lush courtyard and a lavish interior. Full of private rooms and opulent lounge areas, this unique eatery is the brainchild of Vietnamese fashion guru Hoang Khai of Khai Silk fame. Offers up dishes such as lobster consomme, panfried duck liver, salmon medallions with Moet and escalope de foie gras.

Le Sud 4 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 4722 Located in a beautiful French villa with a swimming pool and spa open to diners, Le Sud specializes in high-end French cuisine. Hip setting provides a mishmash of colourful glass plates, chairs and massive paintings.

La Bordeaux F7-F8, D2 Road, P25, Binh Thanh Tel: 3899 9831 www.restaurant-lebordeaux.com.vn French fine dining in an elegant, intimate loft space with dark wood and linendraped tables. Expect simple, classic dishes prepared to perfection. Rotating seasonal menu.

La Brasserie 61 Hung Gia 2, Phu My Hung, D7 Tel: 5410 4317 www.labrasserie-hcmc.com Contemporary French restaurant and wine bar with outdoor seating and wine cellar stocked with more than 650 wines. Features classic French fare like sliced raw beef Carpaccio with Parmesan cheese and grilled beef fillet served with French fries and vegetable gratin.

La Camargue 191 Hai Ba Trung, D3 Tel: 3520 4888 Boasts a reputation for excellence in fine

outside lies a moat of white coconut cream. Served cold, it’s a refreshing antidote to those hot HCM City days. Che buoi is a mostly Southern delicacy and a portion goes for about 5,000 VND.

dining for more than 10 years. Modern French and Italian cuisine is served in a colonial-style alfresco dining space.

An extensive wine list allows diners to choose the perfect pairing.

La Fourchette 9 Ngo Duc Ke, D1 Tel: 3829 8143 Rustic downtown restaurant, with a good longstanding reputation for serving good traditional French fare at reasonable prices. Open 12 am to 2 pm and from 7 pm to 10 pm.

La Nicoise 42 Ngo Duc Ke, D1 Tel: 3822 8613 Small French-style bistro, with pretty mosaic tiled bar and tables. Offers a good range of teas, coffees and espresso-based drinks. Lunch menu changes daily, but always encompasses traditional French food. Open until 10 pm.

Le Jardin 31 Thai Van Lung, D1 Tel: 3825 8465 This delightful restaurant in a picturesque garden setting is open for lunch and dinner and serves excellent French food at reasonable prices. Main courses cost about 60,000 VND and a carafe of house wine costs 50,000 VND. L’en Tête 139 Nguyen Thai Binh, D1 Tel: 3821 4049, 0903 188 091 This stylish bistro and gallery serves up a large selection of French fare representing an excellent selection of classic French fish and meat dishes, as well as international cuisine. Live music on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays starting at 8 pm.

Olivier Restaurant Level 2, Sofitel Saigon Plaza, 17 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3824 1555 Imaginative French cuisine cooked up in a blend of classic and contempo-

rary. Executive Chef Martin Becquart prepares a solid but creative selection of French favourites with an extensive range of fish and meat dishes.

Sesame 153 Xo Viet Nghe Tinh, Binh Thanh Tel: 0989 765 472 A self-styled hospitality school for disadvantaged children, Sesame gives practical experience to its students through its operational restaurant. Serving a mixture of French and Vietnamese cuisine.

Ty Coz 178/4 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3822 2457 Homely and attractive venue specializes in classic French cuisine. Does excellent three-course business set meals for and sells carefully selected seafood.

INDIAN

Au Lac Do Brazil 238 Pasteur, D3 Tel: 3820 7157 36/19-21 Pham Van Nghi-Bac, D7 Tel: 5410 5566 www.aulacdobrazil.com A Brazilian barbecue restaurant that takes meat seriously. The mixed grills and rodizio are fantastic and served in generous portions. No meat-eater should miss the churrasco: 12 cuts of meat carved at your table, plus unlimited salad.

Au Parc 23 Han Thuyen, D1 Tel: 3829 2772 Lavishly decorated brasserie borrowing from Moroccan and French styles and popular during lunchtime with expats.

Specializes in Middle Eastern and North African food. The salad menu is a favourite, and a great range of lush smoothies and juices are on offer. 

Ashoka 17/10 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3823 1372 33 Tong Huu Dinh, D2 Tel: 744 4144 S9-1 lo R13 - KP Hung Vuong 2, D7 Tel: 5410 1989 Ashoka is one of the city’s most popular and enduring Indian restaurants with a reputation for good food and service at a reasonable price.

Black Cat 13 Phan Van Dat, D1 Tel: 3829 2055 Tiny but popular District 1 restaurant serving up an excellent selection of Western and Vietnamese fare and an extensive range of sandwiches and burgers. The District 2 location also features a slate of sushi and Mexican food, and the District 7 outpost has a full barbecue menu. 

Ganesh 15 - B4 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3822 3017 Casual dining with takeaway available, Ganesh serves up both North and South Indian culinary traditions. Very reasonably priced, with vegetarian curries from 40,000 VND and chicken dishes from 64,000 VND. 

BoatHouse 40 Lily Road, APSC Compound, 36 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 6790 Riverside restaurant with umbrella-shaded tables spread across outdoor deck and small indoor dining room. Serves remarkably fresh and inspired dishes made with choice local and imported ingredients—favourites include the sirloin burger and pan-fried fish and chips.

Mumtaz 226 Bui Vien, D1 Tel: 3837 1767 Reasonably priced north and south Indian fare in a clean, light and spacious setting. Vegetarian curries go for around 30,000 VND while meat dishes cost between 45,000 VND and 55,000 VND each. Excellent kebabs. 

BoatHouse Cafe 37 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 6281 9182 BoatHouse’s sister eatery for take-away and delivery service. Offers coffee, breakfast sandwiches, juices, smoothies, pre-packaged salads, sandwiches, burgers and fish and chips. 

Saigon Indian 73 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 Tel: 3824 5671 Popular venue with an enormous menu.

Serves both southern and northern Indian dishes like tandoori, biryani, dosa and idly snacks, plus a wide range of vegetarian dishes. Offers a set lunch menu. Cater service is available. 

Byblos Restaurant & Shisha Lounge 11 Ngo Duc Khe, D1 Tel: 3825 7781 www.byblos.com.vn Downtown restaurant serves a menu of Lebanese starters, salads and mains served in a casual dining room. Catering available. Events and weekly belly dance show hosted. 

Tandoor 74/6 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3930 4839 www.tandoorvietnam.com Part of a chain of restaurants covering Hanoi and Saigon, Tandoor features a large selection of standard northern Indian dishes, including a good vegetarian selection. Excellent cheap set lunches and reasonable prices all around. Will organize catering for events. 

Cafe Evita 230 Nguyen Van Huong, An Phu, D2 Tel: 3512 3888 Academic-themed menu at this outlet near the British International School includes meals like The Principal, a triple-decker club with fries and salad and burgers that range from First to Fourth Grade. Also has a wood-fired pizza oven. 

INTERNATIONAL

Cafe Saigon Ground floor, Moevenpick Hotel Saigon 253 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan Tel: 3844 9222 ext. 234 www.moevenpick-saigon.com An international buffet with unique food concepts that is perfect for gathering family and friends.

Al Fresco’s 21 Mac Dinh Chi D1 Tel: 3823 8427 27 Dong Du, D1 Tel: 3822 7317 D1-23 My Toan 3, D7 Tel: 5410 1093 400 Nguyen Trai, D5 Tel: 3838 3840 www.alfrescosgroup.com Theme restaurant boasting a range of Tex-Mex, Italian and Australian-style BBQ dishes. Huge portions and tasty Australian ribs coupled with a good atmosphere and helpful staff. Good lunch menu.  Amigo Grill 55 Nguyen Hue, D1 Tel: 3829 0437 Outstanding steaks made with Australian, U.S. and Argentine beef, served in a cosy, family-friendly environment with large tables and banquette seating.

Dishes like leg of lamb and seafood are also on the menu. Open 11 am to 11 pm.

Casablanca 58/9 Thanh Thai, D10 Tel: 3862 8859 Moroccan cuisine from merguez to pastilla served in an intimate, attractive dining room. Owner/chef trained at Morocco's finest hotels and caters to guests' every need. Reservations required.

Cepage Lancaster Building 22 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3823 8321, 3823 8733

asialife HCMC 71

www.cepage.biz One of the city’s premier venues, Cepage delivers an up-market bar, wine lounge and restaurant in one sleek package. Sells several wines by the glass with several hundred bottles to choose from. Mixes some of the city’s best cocktails.

recipes Seafood Paella serves 6–8 | prep time: 30 minutes

Think of it as Spanish fried rice and so much more.

Cooking the rice in a fragrant broth ensures that the seafood remains tender and succulent.

1 tbs butter 5 cloves garlic, crushed 3 cups basmati rice 3 1⁄2 cups chicken stock 1 onion, chopped 2 red peppers, julienned 1 cup peas A pinch of saffron Assorted seafood: 15 each of prawns, squid pieces and mussels Seasonings: 1⁄2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp oregano ONE Heat up chicken stock. Once boiled, add in saffron. Put aside.

TWO On a low fire in a paella pan or flat pan, heat oil and butter and cook prawns for 2 mins. Lift prawns and put aside.

THREE Fry onions, garlic and peppers until translucent–about 5 mins. Add seasonings.

FOUR Add rice and coat it with oil and seasonings. Add stock and let it simmer for 20–25 mins. Make sure to add stock one tablespoon at a time to keep it moist.

FIVE When rice is almost cooked, add in squid and mussels.

SIX Lightly fluff a fork through rice to check that it doesn’t burn in the middle.

SEVEN When mussels and squid are cooked, add in peas and prawns, cook for a further 5 mins. Garnish with chopped parsley.

TIPS Don’t stir too hard or else the rice will break and turn mushy.

Cover it with foil or a lid halfway so that the paella will cook with steam.

Use saffron sparingly. Too much and it will be bitter. pantry If you can’t find saffron, use ½ tsp yellow food colouring for similar colour. However you will not get the aromatic fragrance of a true paella.

For more information contact Elizabeth Png-Reade at elizabeth.png-reade@electrolux.com

Recipes provided by

72 asialife HCMC

Cham Charm 3 Phan Van Chuong, Phu My Hung Tel: 5410 9999 The highlight of this upscale, beautifully decorated Asian restaurant is a special seafood buffet that includes Portuguese oysters, Alaskan crab, lobsters, sushi, sashimi, Japanese-style seafood, Langoustine prawns, American Angus beef and much more. Errazuriz wines are also included in the buffet. Part of the Khai Silk chain.

The Deck 38 Nguyen U Di, D2 Tel: 3744 6632 Serves upmarket takes on regional specialties made with fresh local and imported products. Well-designed, minimalist dining space and bar on the river are a serious draw.

The Elbow Room 52 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3821 4327 elbowroom52@yahoo.com American-style bistro offering a wide range of appetisers, soups, salads, sandwiches, mains and desserts, plus an extensive wine menu. Open daily 7.30 am to 11 pm. Breakfast served all day.

Gartenstadt 34 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3822 3623 Opened in 1992, it’s the first venue in town to offer German food with specialities such as pork knuckle and authentic German sausages prepared fresh each day. Also offers imported German draught beer.

Gia Dining Room 5A Nguyen Sieu, D1 Tel: 3827 9399 www.giadiningroom.com Serves a mid-range slate of mainly grilled Western mains, single-entree Asian dishes and wide range of soups, salads, appetisers. Three intimate dining spaces pair modern design with Indochina-era sophistication. Extensive list of Old and New World wines.

Good Eats NTFQ2, 34 Nguyen Dang Giai Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 6672 Easteran and Western dishes are low in saturated fat and made from all-natural ingredients. Organic vegetables, herbs and spices accompany meals. Even the French fries are healthy.  Halal@Saigon 31 Dong Du, D1 Tel: 3824 5823 www.halalsaigon.com Serving up a range of Vietnamese and Malaysian dishes prepared according to halal guidelines including ban xeo, pho and roti chennai and seafood favourites such as shrimp, squid and mussels.

of tasty European-style food. Dine al fresco in the charming courtyard.  Jaspa’s 33 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3822 9926 www.alfrescosgroup.com Unpretentious brasserie-style restaurant specializes in Australian-influenced international fusion cuisine. Full range of drinks including Australian and French wines and good cocktails. Hosts monthly Spam Cham networking event.  Juice 49 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 Tel: 3829 6900 Bright and stylish deli-style restaurant serving salads, sandwiches, quiches and meat pies with French fries and potato salad. Also has daily lunch and dinner menu. Excellent smoothies and juices, as well as novelty drinks like wheatgrass shooter and Cannonball cocktail.  Juice Bar 86 Ngo Duc Ke, D1 Tel: 3914 0631 or 3915 3603 www.juicebar.vn Serves healthy smoothies made with yoghurt, fresh fruit and vegetable juices and wholesome sandwiches. Also sells vitamins and supplements.

Kita Coffee House 39 Nguyen Hue, D1, Tel: 3821 5300 Four-level restaurant serving a wide menu of mains, pastas, salads, sandwiches, soups and appetizers for lunch and dinner, as well as a variety of coffee and fresh fruit juices. Includes a bright ground floor cafe, sophisticated Old World second floor bar and rooftop dining. Also in Vincom Center.  Market 39 InterContinental Asiana Saigon Ground Floor, Corner Hai Ba Trung and Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3520 9099 dine@icasianasaigon.com Seven interactive live kitchens offering French, Vietnamese and Southeast Asian cuisines, including a bakery, French patisseries, pancakes, tossed salads, grilled steak, seafood, wok-fried items, noodles and pasta dishes.

Mekong Merchant 23 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 4713 Set in a courtyard, this rustic Australianstyle brasserie has brought modern international cuisine to suburban An Phu. Popular for weekend brunches.

Weekly specials and seafood flown in from Phu Quoc.  New York Dessert Cafe (nydc) Restaurant and Cafe NOWZONE 235 Nguyen Van Cu, D1 Metropolitan 235 Dong Khoi, D1 Parkson Flemington 184 Le Dai Hanh, D11 Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 The Crescent. Phu My Hung, 107 Ton Dat Tien, D7 New York themed menu offering a wide selection of Western dishes and desserts, including a variety of cheesecakes.

Hard Rock Cafe InterContinental Asiana Saigon, corner of Hai Ba Trung and Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3520 9099 www.hardrockcafe.vn Popular theme restaurant/live music venue serves large portions of pub fare including salads, fajitas and burgers.

Rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia adorns the walls in classic Hard Rock-style and the rock shop sells themed shot glasses, T-shirts and jewellery. 

New York Steakhouse & Winery 25-27 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D1 Tel: 3823 7373 New-york@steakhouse.com.vn www.steakhouse.com.vn Chic dining venue designed in a classic New York City Art Deco. Open every day until late. Specializes in certified U.S. Black Angus steak, and features a fully stocked wine cellar. Guests are invited to bring their own wine on BYOB Mondays.

Hideaway Cafe 41/1 Pham Ngoc Thach, D3 Tel: 3822 4222 www.hideawaycafe-saigon.com Stylishly decorated and relaxing restaurant and cafe serving an eclectic range

Orientica Hotel Equatorial, 242 Tran Binh Trong, D5 Tel: 3839 7777 www.equatorial.com/hcm Top-end seafood and grill restaurant boasting modern decor. Good service and excellent food presentation make

this a pleasant alternative to the downtown scene.

Pacharan Tapas and Bodega 97 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3825 6024 This tapas restaurant and bar serves up superb Spanish fare crafted from authentic imported ingredients. The exclusively Spanish wine list is extensive and Sangria is half price during happy hour from 5 pm to 7 pm and all day Wednesday.

Pinocchio Restaurant Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3993 9199 Email: info@pinocchio.vn A quiet place in the Vincom Center to indulge in pizza, pasta, salad and international and Vietnamese mains for a reasonable price.

The Refinery 74/7C Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3823 0509 Authentic bistro with cane furniture outside, informal indoor restaurant section and a bar area. Cuisine is light, modern European. The menu spans a price range to suit most budgets.

Reflections Caravelle Hotel, 19 Lam Son Square, D1 Tel: 3823 4999 Contemporary fine dining that combines Asian flavors with classic Mediterranean cuisine in an ambiance of understated elegance and European style. Special culinary events include guest chefs from Michelin-star establishments around the world. Private rooms are available.

Riverside Cafe Renaissance Riverside, 8-15 Ton Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3822 0033 International venue opening onto the bustling river sidewalk, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and particularly noted for its sumptuous buffet selection which combines Asian, Western and Vietnamese cuisine.

Sandals 93 Hai Ba Trung, D1 www.sailingclubvietnam.com Casual dining in evocative 3-floor space with blonde wood accents and cosy seating throughout. Kitchen turns out elegant and inspired fare at surprising value for money: meal-sized salads; filling burgers, wraps and sandwiches.

Signature Restaurant Level 23, Sheraton Hotel, 88 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3827 2828 Fine dining with panoramic views over central HCM City. Food is stunningly presented, top-end European cuisine with Asian influences cooked by German chef Andreas Schimanski. A la carte or five-course set menu available.

Skewers 9A Thai Van Lung, D1 Tel: 3822 4798 www.skewers-restaurant.com Rustic Mediterranean restaurant where subtle colours and exposed brickwork combine with jazzy tunes. Serves tabouleh, falafel, couscous and kebab. Highly rated for its grilled meats, bread and dip combos, soups and pastas.  Square One Park Hyatt Saigon, 2 Lam Son Square, D1 Tel: 3520 2359 Specializing in high-end Western and Vietnamese cuisine, Square One serves charcoal-grilled meats and seafood, as well as steamed and wok-cooked Vietnamese fare.

Texas BarBQ 15/1 Le Thanh Ton, D1 The flavour and feel of the Wild Wild West is evoked by both the food and décor at this perennially popular eatery.

Quarter rack ribs are a mainstay. . 

VillaFB 79 Suong Nguyet Anh, D1 Tel: 3823 3822 www.villafb.com Refurbished villa with a spacious designled indoor dining room and an elegant enclosed courtyard. Serves bun noodle dishes for breakfast and lunch before switching to a menu of Eastern and Western fine dining for dinner.

Warda 71/7 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 Tel: 3823 3822 Chic, middle-eastern themed eatery swathed in oranges and reds serving Lebanese cuisine prepared by Damascan chef, Nouman. Mezze and tapas are the main draw, but you can also puff on hookas post-meal.

Xu Saigon 71-75 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3824 8468 www.xusaigon.com Inspired restaurant with an F&B director with a passion for mixing Vietnamese cooking with flavours and styles from around the world. Sleek but sparsely designed, the restaurant serves nouveau takes on Vietnamese cuisine.

ITALIAN Baby Spoon Cafe & Restaurant Head Office: 47 Phan Chu Trinh, D1 Tel: 3822 3356 Fax: 3822 3357 SB 2-1 Parkview, Phu My Hung, D7 Tel: 5412 0145 Level 3, Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, D1 While Baby Spoon is primarily Italian, a vast selection of international cuisine is served in this Japanese-inspired restaurant.

Basilico InterContinental Asiana Saigon, Ground Floor, Corner Nguyen Du and Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3520 9099 dine@icasianasaigon.com Contemporary and casual trattoria-style restaurant specializing in authentic Italian dishes and homemade desserts. Woodfired pizza oven and a wide selection of Italian wines.

Centro Caffe & Ristorante 11-13 Lam Son Square, D1 31 Ngo Duc Ke, D1 6 Thai Van Lung, D1 This is home of Illy coffee in Vietnam.

Offers modern and traditional Italian cuisine in three central locations with lunchtime set menus and regular wine tasting evenings. Good spot for business coffee meetings.

Da Vinci’s Pizza 001B Hoang Dieu, H1, D4 Tel: 3943 4982 Wide variety of brick oven pizza, calzones, spaghetti, subs and sandwiches.

Pizzas come in medium and large sizes and pay homage to Italy with names like Verrochio, Pompeii and Assisi.  Good Morning Vietnam 197 De Tham, D1 Tel: 3837 1894 Popular authentic Italian restaurant with additional outlets around the country.

Specializes in thin-crust pizza, pasta and a range of Italian dishes. Good selection of Italian wines.  La Hostaria 17B Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3823 1080 Rustic eatery specializing in top-end traditional cuisine from various regions in Italy. Main courses from 130,000 VND with daily specials on offer. Serves excellent pizza.  Opera Ground floor Park Hyatt Hotel, 2 Lam Son Square, D1 Tel: 3824 1234 Slick, contemporary eatery with exposed brick and glass. The space revolves around an island kitchen from which chefs produce gourmet Italian fare. In-

ternationally trained chefs work with the freshest and finest ingredients around to produce some superb dishes.

Pendalasco 87 Nguyen Hue, D1, Tel: 3821 8181 One of the city’s oldest Western restaurants, Pendalaso serves a wide range if Italian favourites, as well as remarkably authentic crispy, thin-crust pizza. 

47 Phan Chu Trinh St. Ben Thanh Ward D1 HCM City w w w. b a b y s p o o n v n . c o m

Pepperoni’s 111 Bui Vien, D1 Tel: 3920 4989 Attractive pizza and pasta restaurant from the same chain as Al Fresco’s.

Good cheap buffet lunches on weekdays and all-round large and tasty portions.  Pomodoro 79 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3823 8998 A family-oriented Italian restaurant serving traditional fare are surprisingly reasonable prices. Offers daily lunchtime specials and has an extensive wine list.

Sarpino’s 125 Ho Tung Mau, D1 Tel: 3821 7788 Tasty American-style pan pizza in a pleasant and fresh Italian-themed environment. Four sizes available, from personal to extra large, with a large range of toppings. Also serves pasta, soups, wings and salads.  Scoozi 6 Thai Van Lung, D1 Tel: 3823 5795 Italian pizza restaurant affiliated with Centro Caffe serving tasty gourmet pizzas prepared in a wood-fired oven. The delicious creations restore one’s faith in HCM City’s ability to turn out a quality pie.  Villa Romaine Thao Dien Village, 195 Nguyen Van Huong, D2 Tel. 3744 2222 This high-end restaurant with a riverside garden, bar and lounge serves authentic Italian and Mediterranean dishes prepared by an Italian chef. Boasts an extensive wine collection.

JAPANESE Dragon Hot Pot 122-124 Ho Tung Mau, D1 Tel: 3915 1001 info@dragonhotpot.vn Japanese hot pot restaurant serving motsu nabe, Japanese barbeque and lots of sake and shoju.

Iki Ground floor, Moevenpick Hotel Saigon 253 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan Tel: 3844 9222 ext. 127 www.moevenpick-saigon.com A Japanese restaurant that turns the notion of the common hotel sushi eatery on its head thanks to an affordable menu and a fun atmosphere.

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K Cafe 74 A4 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3824 5355 Small, cosy and cheery, this café is noteworthy for its cracking hand rolls.

Salmon skin rolls are also a treat. The assorted sushi and sashimi, tasty and beautifully presented, costs around USD $8. Leave some room for homemade yoghurt.

Kuru Kuru Sushi 129 Nguyen Du, D1 Tel: 3824 3566 Sushi restaurant with colour-coded menu and items served from a rotating conveyor belt. Helpful place mats in both English and Vietnamese break down prices and explain how to choose your food. Very affordable prices.

MOF – Japanese Sweets & Coffee Level B3-17A, Vincom Centre, 70-72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 30 Le Loi, D1 Refined Japanese café specializing in unique desserts and food. Focusing on use of organic products, this casual eatery has a comprehensive Japanese dining menu along with a wonderful selection of sweets and offers possibly the most divine and delectable gelato in HCM City.

Nishimura Mövenpick Hotel Saigon, 253 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan Tel: 3844 9222 Exquisitely prepared sushi and sashimi from a globetrotting chef with three decades’ experience. A wide range of cooked dishes and monthly meal promotions are also available. Set lunches cost about USD $15.

Okinawa Yamaneko 13/1 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3823 8433 www.yamaneko-vn.com Part restaurant, part Japanese pub serving up a variety of Okinawa favourites like sashimi with sea grapes, namakari and goya champuru plus sushi and soba.

Sakae Sushi Nowzone @ Royal Centre, Level 4 235 Nguyen Van Cu, D1 Tel: 3504 0054 Healthy, affordable and quick service kaiten (conveyor belt) sushi makes for a fun dining experience. Extensive menu also includes beef, chicken and vegetarian options.

The Sushi Bar 2 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3823 8042 3A Ton Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3911 8618 This brightly lit Japanese-style restaurant serves over 40 varieties of sushi at reasonable prices. Sit at the sushi bar or in private rooms upstairs. Open until 11.30 pm, delivery available on request.

Popular with expats and locals alike. 

street gourmet

new york steakhouse & winery

saigon

Bi Cuon Bi cuon is a variant to the common spring roll.

Filled with fresh, crunchy vegetables, shredded pork skin (which looks like floss) and a little meat that is

Zen 20 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3825 0782 Located amid the sea of Japanese restaurants on Le Thanh Ton Street, Zen offers a wide range of Japanese dishes.

The yakitori station grills up fantastic steak and quail’s eggs, and the chilled udon noodles are also a standout.

KOREAN 25 Si 8A/6D Thai Van Lung, D1 Tel: 3824 6921 Traditional Yasik-style drinking restaurant. Winter and summer scene murals fill the walls of this dual level eatery. Large menu with favs like budae jjigae, a mix of chilli paste, Spam, hot dog and tofu, as well as super spicy duruchigi.

Hana 8 Cao Ba Quat, D1 Tel: 3829 5588 Japanese-Korean fusion in the heart of District 1. Contemporary decor with a private, yet open feel. Broad menu including cooked and raw fish and traditional hot pot with fish eggs, rice and vegetables.

Kim Bab Chun Gook R4 42 Hung Phuoc 2, Phu My Hung Tel: 6296 9057 Korean boonshik/snack food eatery serving up a wide variety of light but substantial foods including dumplings, rameyon and fish cakes.

then wrapped tightly in rice paper it’s a savoury and cheap treat at just 3,000 VND per roll. For best results, dip in nuoc mam (fish sauce).

Lac Thai 71/2 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 Tel: 3823 7506 An elegant restaurant tucked in an alleyway and decorated with art-deco furniture. Authentic Thai cuisine prepared by two Thai chefs. Food is tasty but less spicy than you’d find in Thailand.  Little Manila S2-1 Hung Vuong 2, Phu My Hung, D7 Tel: 5410 0812 Small, no -frills eatery with outdoor and indoor seating located on a quiet street. Serves a range of dishes from the Philippines (pictured on menu for those unfamiliar) and draught San Miguel.

Open till late 25-27 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Dist. 1 HCMC www.steakhouse.com.vn 38 23 73 73

Best in Italian Cuisine.

Extensive Wine Collection.

Thai Village Sharksfin Restaurant 38 Ly Tu Trong, D1 Tel: 3825 6706 Restaurant serving authentic Thai-Theochew cuisine including their specialty: whole braised shark’s fin in clay pot.

The Red Dot 21 Tu Xuong, D3 Tel: 3932 5123 Aptly titled, this Singaporean restaurant serves decent chicken rice, char kway teow, chili crab, and a handful of Malaysian specialties.  Satay House 35 Mac Dinh Chi, D1 Tel: 3822 1727 Bright and rustic, this Malaysian-run place specializes in Halal food. Chicken and asam fish curries are must-tries. Its famous satays are equally delicious. 

Kumdo 6A Pham Ngoc Thach, D3 Tel: 3824 3253 Korean beef barbecue served in small, welcoming dining rooms with barbecues built into tables. Large selection of raw meat specialties.

Thai Express 8A Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 6299 1338 www.thaiexpress.com.vn Modern restaurant with a massive menu of Thai specialties served in moderate proportions. The menu inludes chef’s recommendations and background on Thai cuisine. Warning: some dishes will test your tongue’s threshold.

SOUTHEAST ASIAN

VEGETARIAN

79 Hai Ba Trung D1 Te l : 0 8 - 3 8 2 3 8 9 9 8 w w w. p o m o d o r o - v i e t n a m . c o m

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Explore a better life and enjoy a better place

An Lac Chay 175/4 Pham Ngu Lao, D1 Tel: 3837 0760 Apropos of the backpacker district, this little restaurant offers no frills and a vast menu. Though meat dishes are available, it specializes in vegetarian Vietnamese and quirky “backpacker favourites.”  Hoa Dang 38 Huynh Khuong Ninh, D1 Swish vegetarian restaurant on a quiet street that serves up nutritious dishes, including meatless versions of bun bo, pho and steamboat. Cosy bar serving non-alcoholic drinks, fruits and other sweets.

Saigon Vegan 378/3 Vo Van Tan, D3 Tel: 3834 4473 Rustic vegan restaurant with extensive menu of healthy food at moderate prices. Lots of tofu dishes and soya chicken/beef, soups, banh bao and more. Also has a kids menu.

19 Thai Van Lung, District 1. Tel: 3822 1720

where are you going tonight?

41 Dong Du, D1, Tel 3822 7375

76 asialife HCMC

plated, this is Vietnamese cuisine at its best.

Hoi An 11 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3823 7694 Fine dining Vietnamese-style courtesy of two sumptuously decorated colonial villas, a bamboo-clad walled courtyard and a menu spanning the three main regions of Vietnam. Specialities include abalone soup and a raw fish salad. Four VIP rooms.

Lang Nuong Nam Bo 285/C145 Cach Mang Thang Tam, D10 Tel: 3862 2569 Warehouse-sized quan well-regarded among locals serves everything from beef, chicken and fish to porcupine, weasel and field mouse. Great destination for intrepid gastronomes. Has standard hot pot, rice and noodle dishes too.

Tib Chay 11 Tran Nhat Duat, D1 Tel: 3843 6460 Intimate spot with a big menu of Vietnamese vegetarian appetisers, salads, soups, rice/noodle mains and desserts

Mandarine Restaurant 11A Ngo Van Nam, D1 Tel: 3822 9783 Fine dining Vietnamese-style courtesy of two sumptuously decorated colonial villas, an antique wooden stair and a menu spanning all regions of Vietnam.

Traditional music performances are available for dinner.

Viet Chay 339 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D3 Tel: 3526 5862 Upscale vegetarian restaurant specializes in fake meat dishes. The attractive dining room is suffused with natural light.

Located within the walls of Vinh Nghiem Pagoda.

Marina 172 Nguyen Dinh Chieu tel: 3930 2379 www.ngocsuong.com.vn Swish seafood restaurant with al fresco and indoor seating and a vast menu of up-market Vietnamese dishes. Features 10 set menus at varying price scales.

VIETNAMESE Cha Ca La Vong 3 Ho Xuan Hung, D3 Tel: 3930 5674 36 Ton That Thiep, D1 Tel: 3915 3343 Two HCM City ouposts of the legendary Hanoi original serve only one dish: the eponymous and delicious cha ca la vong, fish pan-fried at the table with turmeric and dill and served with cold noodles and peanuts.

Nam Phan 34 Vo Van Tan, Q3 Tel: 3933 3636 Well known at its previous corner location on Le Thanh Ton, Nam Phan continues to serve modern Asian cuisine including asparagus and crab meat soup, stewed bellyfish in pineapple and grilled duck breast in orange sauce. Set in a restored colonial villa, the interior is alive with reproductions of Cham-era bas-reliefs and is inspired by Euro-Zen.

Com Nieu 19 Tu Xuong, D3 Tel: 3932 6288 The house specialty, com nieu (smashed rice), comes with a shattered-crockery and flying-rice show at this well-known restaurant, prominently featured in Anthony Bourdain’s A Cook’s Tour. An extensive and tasty selection of southern Vietnamese cuisine rounds out the menu.

Nghi Xuan 5/9 Nguyen Sieu, D1 Tel: 3823 0699 Located down an alley just past Hai Ba Trung, featuring an attractive open first-floor and upstairs dining rooms with dark wood furniture and carved woodwork. Serving Hue staples, crab and prawn spreads and an impressive array of wines and cocktails.

Hoa Tuc 74 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3825 1676 This comfortable high-end restaurant serves traditional Vietnamese fare with a contemporary, classy twist. Expect to find your local favourites as you’ve never experienced them before. Beautifully

Papaya 68 Pham Viet Cham, Binh Thanh Tel: 6258 1508 www.chi-nghia.com Hanoian classics mingle with new interpretations created by Chi Nghia, whose experience and dedication to clean,

Pinocchio Pg 53 Photo By Miguel Lopez

fresh ingredients set Papaya's menu apart. 10 am to 11 pm, 7 days.

Ngon Restaurant 160 Pasteur, D1 The long lunchtime queues tell the story: good food at low prices. More a food court than a restaurant, this has become a major favourite for its airy decor combined with cheap and tasty noodle, rice and other standard dishes.

Quan Nuong 3T Barbecue 29-31 Ton That Thiep, D1 A favourite with both locals and expats, this rooftop restaurant above the Temple Club offers an extensive menu of meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes. Try the beef wrapped around tasty melting cheese or deliciously fresh skewered prawns.

Son Ha Garden 147A Hai Ba Trung, D1 281B Hai Ba Trung, D3 Spacious and airy restaurant sculpted from bamboo with an open kitchen.

Serves a range of affordable local favourites family style, as well as Vietnamese desserts including homemade yoghurt.

Temple Club 29 – 31 Ton That Thiep, D1 Tel: 3829 9244 This high-end restaurant attached to an elegant lounge bar is a must-try for its art deco atmosphere as much as for its food. Mains go from around VND80,000 to VND150,000.

Tib 187 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3829 7242 100 Nguyen Luong Bang, Phu My Hung, D7 Tel: 5413 6868 www.tibrestaurant.com.vn Popular up-market dining spot serving Hue cuisine in an attactive dining room that draws on traditional architecture.

Call for reservations.

Tib Express 162 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D3 Tel: 3822 5038 Serves a large selection of Tib’s Huefood menu in a more casual dining rooom and at significantly lower prices.

Specializes in bun bo Hue.  Wrap & Roll 62 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3823 4030 SA1–1, My Khanh 1, Nguyen Van Linh, D7 Attractive downtown venue that brings street-style food into air-conditioned and uncluttered comfort. Choose prewrapped appetisers such as the cha gio (spring rolls) or roll-it-yourself mains with ingredients like pickled shrimps, beef on sugar cane, fish, grilled eel and pork. 

nightlife BARS & LOUNGES See bar restaurant listings for more popular watering holes.

Acoustic Bar 6E1 Ngo Thoi Nhiem, D3 Tel: 3930 2239 A Volkswagen Bug tries to scale the wall outside this well-priced music venue popular with college-age Vietnamese and the occasional expat.

Amber Room 59 Dong Du, D1 Tel: 6291 3686 info@theamberoom.com A true London meets New York lounge, with chilled out tunes during the day and more funky vibes at night. A pleasant meeting place for drinks and a bite to eat.

Boston Sports Bar 28/4 Bui Vien, D1 Tel: 6656 6338/6656 6328 Sports bar featuring North American food. Satellite TV, free pool and darts.

Catering services and private room available for parties. Takeout and free delivery. Open 24 hours.  Ciao Lounge 2nd Floor, 74-76 Nguyen Hue, D1 Trendy and attractive lounge bar with a mixture of retro and modern decor and a pleasant atmosphere to boot. A great escape from central Saigon but quite touristy.

Cranberry Café & Pub 45 Ton That Thiep, D1 Tel: 3914 0991 Upmarket,quiet lounge great for private parties. Brickwork and cranberry-red chairs speak to the bar’s name, with a cocktail range and Tigers in blissfully frosted mugs.

Level 23 23rd Floor, Sheraton Hotel 88 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3827 2828 One of the best views of the city from this upmarket terrace bar and lounge.

Excellent cocktails don’t come cheap but the atmosphere is great with live music throughout the week and a live DJ every Monday.

The Library InterContinental Asiana Saigon, corner of Hai Ba Trung and Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3520 9099 dine@icasianasaigon.com Unwind with a glass of wine or a cup of tea. The Library provides a welcoming atmosphere for those in search of calm, comfort and personalized service.

M52 Bar 52 Ton That Thiep, D1 Tel: 3821 6726 Sparsely-appointed venue with reasonably priced drinks noted for packing a punch. Owners Annie and Ms. Van are never too busy to check on their patrons, and the busy bartenders are quick with a smile.

Wine Discovery Month

Number Five Bar 44 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3825 6300 Number Five Bar is older than it looks, having formerly been located at 5 Ly Tu Trong. The bar attracts a regular clientele of established expats.

Park Lounge Park Hyatt Hotel 2 Lam Son Square, D1 Tel: 3824 1234 Elegant lounge bar, with classic songs played every night by international musicians. The salubrious surroundings are matched by the range of the drinks, with vintage wines from USD $6 to $10 per glass. Tiger is $4.50 a bottle.

Purple Jade InterContinental Asiana Saigon, corner of Hai Ba Trung and Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3520 9099 Chic lounge blends the stylistic influences of contemporary design and opium dens. Hosts live music and serves special drinks, including Shaoxing and Maotai rice wines and an exclusive selection of luxury spirits.

Q Bar Opera House, 7 Lam Son Square, D1 With low ceilings, intimate cubbyholes, colonial arches, gold paint, ultraviolet lighting and clubhouse beats, this is a bar that has a reputation for being a place to be seen. Great outdoor terrace and late-night indoor opening.

QD Bar & Lounge 138 Ton That Dam, D1, Tel: 3821 5338 Sophisticated lounge with New and Old World wines served by the bottle or glass, modern decor and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Ton That Thiep.

Sample 3 wines for the price of 1.

7 combinations available.

To find us, walk through the arch at 74 Hai Ba Trung and discover our beautiful secluded courtyard.

Telephone 3823 0509 Open 7 Days

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Saigon Saigon Bar 9th floor, Caravelle Hotel, 19 Lam Son Square, D1 Tel: 3823 4999 Popular bar usually packed out with tourists and business travellers searching for some delicious cocktails and a great view of the city skyline. Cuban band Warapo plays every night except Monday from 8.30 pm until late.

Hoa Vien 28bis Mac Dinh Chi, D1 Tel: 3829 0585 www.hoavien.vn Expansive beer hall serves up pilsner beer crafted from malt, hops and yeast from the Czech Republic. There’s also a large food menu and imported Pilsner Urquell.

Samsara Club 131 Dong Khoi, D1 A laid-back cosmopolitan drinking and dance venue with comfy lounge chairs around low-lying tables and an island bar bedecked in extravagant whitefeather decorations. Pink neon gives the joint a contemporary edge.

Lion Brewery 11C Lam Son Square, D1 Tel: 3823 8514 Microbrewery featuring traditional German brew technology and German fare like pork knuckle and wurst. Good spot to meet friends and enjoy a hearty meal and a whole lot of beer.

T&R Tavern 57 Do Quang Dau, D1 Classic expat dive bar with pool table, darts and comfortable yet simple decor.

Daily happy hour and sportsfans can catch games on the big screen.

NIGHTCLUBS

Vibe Billiards & Lounge 102 Suong Nguyet Anh, D1 Tel: 3925 2599 Sleek bi-level lounge with Scandinavian design, Bansky-esque murals and top-notch billiards and snooker tables, paid for by the hour. Hosts league play, half-price Mondays, ladies’ nights and DJ events.

Voodoo Lounge 92 Ho Tung Mau, D1 Voodoo paintings adorn the white walls at this small, attractive bar south of Sunwah Tower. A daily happy hour, plenty of stool space and a pair of dartboards make it a good place to grab a drink.

Yoko 22A Nguyen Thi Dieu, D3 Tel: 3825 1901 Compact and popular joint with nightly live music boasts a refreshingly eclectic range of Western styles, with most songs sung in English.

BREWHOUSES Alderbrau 98 Nguyen Du, D1 Small brewhouse decorated with antique brewing miscellanea, with an enclosed garden for outdoor swilling the small range of house brews and bottled imports. The kitchen dishes up sausages, German fare, and Vietnamese dishes.

Gammer Czech Beer 107 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3824 8619 www.biatuoitiepvn.com Attractive, multi-story Czech beer hall furnished with heavy wood and outfitted with a few flat screen TVs tuned in to sports. Dark and blonde beers are available, as well as a full menu of Vietnamese food from mussels to rabbit.

Fuse Bar 3A Ton Duc Thang, D1 A popular bar that plays primarily hiphop music. Every Tuesday Fuse hosts a ladies night where women drink for free and two bottles of wine can be purchased for 2 million VND. Lush 2 Ly Tu Trong, D1 Tel: 3824 2496 A large and lavishly decorated bar and club popular on weekends. Good DJs playing the latest in beat-based music and the city’s beautiful people add to the sights and sounds. It’s on-par with Western clubs in both ambience and drinks prices.

Velvet Bar 26 Ho Huan Nghiep, D1 Hip-hop and Viet trance club with both bottle service and bottle beer that isn’t prohibitively expensive. Circular center bar is ringed with tables, and VIP areas and sofa seating line the walls.

at home BAKERIES Crumbs 54 Truong Dinh, D1 Tel: 3825 7199 www.crumbs.com.vn info@crumbs.com.vn Eat-in bakery offering a wide range of muffins, whole-grain breads and pastries. Many of the breads are dairy-free, baked fresh daily with unbleached white flower, no added sugar.

Harvest Baking 30 Lam Son, Tan Binh Tel: 3547 0577 harvestbaking@yahoo.com This authentic bakery offers a range of specialty baked goods for delivery.

Offering bagels, scones, breads, desserts,cakes, tarts and more.

LOUISIANE BREWHOUSE Beachside Nha Trang Asian & Western Cuisine Swimming Pool & Private Beach www.louisianebrewhouse.com.vn

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Chocolate fudge cake and cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing highly recommended.

different kinds of breads, rolls and baguettes and a wide range of danishes, pastries and cakes. Catering available.

baked good from sugary treats like pain au chocolat to superior quality baguettes and loafs.

Pat A Chou 65 Hai Ba Trung, D1 25 Thao Dien, D2 The home of the long and crusty baguette. Supplies many restaurants but also sells wholesale. The miniature patisseries such as crème brulée and cheesecake are worth a taste. Opens at 6.30 am.

Sesame Bakery 153 Xo Viet Nghe Tinh, Binh Thanh Tel: 3518 0897 Located in the premise of the Hospitality School of HCMC, Sesame Bakery provides practical experience to its students. Wide variety of French pastries, loaves, baguettes, cookies at very competitive prices. Special order & delivery available.

Voelker 17 A7 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 7303 8799 39 Thao Dien, An Phu, D2 Tel: 6296 0066 Small bakery turns out sweet and salted pies and mousses in addition to baguettes and a range of Western sweets.

Tous Les Jours 180 Hai Ba Trung, D3 Part of the Korean bakery chain, Tous Le Jours stocks a superb range of freshly

Au Parc Catering Services 23 Han Thuyen, D1 Tel: 3829 2772 Catering services available every day of the year for birthday cakes, dinner parties, wine tastings and corporate events.

For a custom-made quotation e-mail auparc@hcm.vnn.vn or call Quynh on 0908 196261.

Schneider’s Finest 27 Han Thuyen, D1 Tel: 3829 1998 www.schneiders-finest.com Traditional German bakery bakes 45

CATERING

Saigon Catering 84 Xuan Thuy, D2 Tel: 6281 8388 Provide services of catering, banquets, event planning, BBQ’s, daily deliveries and cocktail parties. For a custom-made quotation e-mail SaigonGG@gmail.com or call Huong on 0913 981128.

The Caterers 46D Vuon Lai, Tan Phu Tel: 3816 2901 sales@thecaterersvietnam.com.vn www.thecaterersvietnam.com.vn Catering company offering extensive services from location sourcing, décor designing and food catering. All functions can be catered for, from low-key barbeques at home to full-blown weddings and parties.

Blue Salute Pg 52 Photo By Fred Wissink

Xu Catering 71-75 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3824 8468 www.xusaigon.com From the brains behind Xu Restaurant

and Lounge comes this new catering service, promising the highest standards in service. Everything from the menu to the comprehensive bar service and the staff is tailor-made to your specifications.

COOKERY CLASSES Caravelle Hotel Cooking Classes Caravelle Hotel, 19 Lam Son Square, D1 Tel: 3823 4999 Full-day Vietnamese cooking classes for groups of up to 20 people. The classes include a visit to the market with the sous chef. Costs USD $45++ each for a minimum 10 people.

Saigon Cooking Class by Hoa Tuc The Courtyard, 74/7 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3825 8485 i.briosca@saigoncookingclass.com contact@saigoncookingclass.com Cooking classes available from Tuesday to Sunday 10 am-1 pm/2 pm-5 pm. Students make an entire meal that includes traditional dishes like pho and cha gio, as well as more creative fare. Conducted

by Vietnamese chef in English, Japanese or French on request. Cost is $45. Market visit with the chef on request.

Vietnam Cookery Centre 362/8 Ung Van Khiem, Binh Thanh Tel: 3512 1491 Well-known Vietnamese cooking classes with half-day and more in-depth eight-day courses. Students work in a comfortable kitchen area with their own stove and workspace. Eight-day course costs USD $160.

GROCERIES Annam Gourmet Market 16-18 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3822 9332 41A Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 2630 SB2-1 My Khanh 4, Nguyen Duc Canh, D7 Tel: 5412 3263 / 64 www.annam-gourmet.com

We are pleased to introduce the taste of ILLY caffe. Finally the best Italian coffee comes to Vietnam.

Enjoy!

111A Pasteur, D.1, HCMC Tel: (08) 22 202 388 Fax: (08) 22 202 389 Grand View, Shop SA1-1, SB2-1 Nguyen Duc Canh Blvd, D.7, HCMC. Tel: (08) 54 123 292 Fax: (08) 54 123 293

A u t h e n t i c

I t a l i a n

C o f f e e asialife HCMC 79

OPEN 24/7

Where the game’s always on!

NFL, College Football, NHL, Football, Rugby and More.

Takeout and Free Delivery.

28/4 Bui Vien Str. Pham Ngu Lao Ward, Dist 1.

Phone: (08) 665 663 38 - (08) 665 663 28

Boutique grocer with wide selection of foreign foods; Annam-brand coffee, tea and spices; and household products.

Wine and premium beer, full deli counter, produce, dairy-frozen and baked goods on second floor. Cosy café serves coffee, drinks and sandwiches.

Au Parc 23 Han Thuyen, D1 Tel: 3829 2772 A fine deli counter displaying a wide selection of cheeses, roasted vegetables, dips and some tempting sweets. The shelves along the side wall also showcase a solid selection of dried goods and some imported condiments.

Bellany Gelato & Sorbet Tel: 0122 774 3132 New Italian gelato and sorbet brand made entirely from local fresh fruit and adapted to contain minimal fat and sugar. Delivers to Thao Dien, An Phu residents from 4 pm to 9 pm in just 30 minutes. 125 ml, 450 ml and 2.8 litre packages are available and there are 15 flavours to choose from.

Gastro Home Delicatessen 100 Xuan Thuy, Thao Dien Ward, D2 Tel: 6281 9830 Deli filled with fresh French-inspired delights ranging from salads to fish and vegetarian, meat and poultry dishes.

Open 7 days from 9.30 am to 9 pm.

Grand-Place Chocolate 1A Me Linh Square, Room C4, D1 Tel: 3823 4068 www.grandplacechocolate.com delivery@grandplacechocolate.com Belgian chocolate manufacturer offering high quality chocolate for professionals and chocolate lovers. Chocolate available in 1kg blocks or 2.5kg buttons.

Free delivery.

Kim Hai Butchery 41 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D1 Tel: 3821 6057 or 3914 4376 Excellent chilled imported beef, lamb, veal and other meats sold at reasonable prices.

Le Cochon D’Or 32 Dong Du, D1 Tel: 3829 3856 French-style charcuterie selling quality cold cuts, smoked sausage and a range of cheeses at very reasonable prices.

Metro An Phu, D2 Tel: 3740 6677 www.metro.com.vn Warehouse wholesaler located just off the Hanoi Highway in D2 between the Saigon Bridge and the tollbooths. Sells bulk food, fresh fruit and vegetables and meat, as well as paper products, cleaning supplies, housewares--basically everything.

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Organik 11A Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 090 273 3841 arlene@organikvn.com www.organikvn.com Online grocer based out of Dalat selling a range of organic vegetables and groceries, as well as imported all-natural products such as cereal, soymilk and tea. Operates a retail shop in An Phu. Phuong Ha 58 Ham Nghi, D1 Tel: 3914 1318 A mini-supermarket that sells an extensive assortment of imported packaged food, cheese, meat, fresh fruit, vegetables and fine wines.

Veggy’s 29A Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3823 8526 Sky Garden Pham Van Nghi, Bac Khu Pho, D7 Riverside Apartments 53 Vo Truong Toan, Thao Dien, D2 Popular expat market with a huge walk-in fridge area stocked with fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy products and a range of meats. Imported canned and dried foods, wines, beers, soft drinks, spirits and snacks also available.

LIQUOR & WINE Bacchus Corner 158D Pasteur, D1 Reliable wine and liquor store owned

by Tan Khoa Wines with a good range of spirits, whiskies, wines and more all at decent prices. English-speaking staff can help with selections.

Connoisseur 7 Lam Son Square, D1 Tel: 224 6324 A decent range of wines from both old and new world vineyards lines the walls in this intimate store. Monthly offers on new arrivals are often a good deal. The staff are helpful, but little English.

Red Apron 22 Chu Manh Trinh, D1 Tel: 3823 0021 Large wine and spirits wholesaler, with 90,000 bottles stored in its five locations around the country. Sells wine from all around the world, particularly France, Chile, Italy and Australia. Exclusive distributor of such fine brands as Taittinger Champagne.

The Warehouse 178 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3825 8826 924 Tran Hung Dao, D5 Tel: 6261 1525 www.warehouse-asia.com One of the city’s premier wine distributors, The Warehouse is an aptly named, stylish wine store that stocks a full range of both New and Old World wines, sparkling wines, Champagne, spirits, imported beers and accessories. Provides advice and delivery service.

listings

culture CLASSES AngelsBrush by Vin Tel: 0983377710 Shyevin@mac.com Oil painting course gives learners the opportunity to work from the different objects; explore different mediums, materials and techniques; and interpret line, tone and colour. Instructor works with students on individual basis.

Creative Writing Classes Tel: 090 448 2957 kate_orson@hotmail.com Writer Kate Orson teaches creative writing courses for fiction, non-fiction and travel writing. Beginners and experienced writers are welcome.

Helen Kling Oil Painting 189/C1 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 0903 955 780 hk.painter@gmail.com/helenkling@ yahoo.com www.helenkling.com Helene is a French painter who teaches beginners (children and adults) various techniques and the art of working with different mediums. She is also a fantastic tool for advanced artists who are looking to increase their creativity. Both day and night courses are available. Helene has a permanent exhibition at FLOW, located 88 Ho Tung Mau, D1.

Printmaking alphagallery@bluemail.ch Classes are held at Alpha Gallery taught by the gallery owner Bernadette Gruber, who offers the chance to learn monotype, intaglio and etching techniques.

CINEMAS Bobby Brewer’s Movie Lounge 45 Bui Vien, D1 Tel: 3610 2220 86 Pham Ngoc Thach info@bobbybrewers.com Popular top-floor home cinema showing movies five times a day on a large screen. Email for the latest schedule.

Cinebox 212 Ly Chinh Thang, D3 Tel: 3935 0610 240 3 Thang 2, D10 Tel: 3862 2425 Cinebox cinemas show both original language films with Vietnamese subtitles and the dubbed versions.

Future Shorts futureshortsvietnam@gmail.com www.futureshorts.com/vn Vietnam branch of the international network screens foreign and local short films around town. Events often incorporate other media and elements, including live music, performances, installations and discussion. Submissions accepted.

Galaxy Cinema 116 Nguyen Du, D1 Tel: 3822 8533 230 Nguyen Trai, D1 Tel: 3920 6688 www.galaxycine.vn Large, modern cinema that shows the latest foreign releases in English (with Vietnamese subtitles).

IDECAF 31 Thai Van Lung, D1 Tel: 3829 5451 French cultural centre and cinema

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theatre. Showcases French movies with English and Vietnamese subtitles. Also hosts movies and documentaries from a number of overseas film festivals.

Lotte Cinema Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3822 7897 LotteMart, 469 Nguyen Huu Tho, D7 Tel: 3775 2520 www.lottecinemavn.com Modern cinema with four-way sound system. D7 location houses luxury theatre Charlotte with 32 seats and eight sofas. me phim HCM City-based film initiative that provides support to local filmmakers and hosts regular film screenings/discussions. Email dduukk@gmail.com for information or join the Facebook group.

Megastar Hung Vuong Plaza, 126 Hung Vuong, D5 Tel: 08 2222 0388 CT Plaza, 60A Truong Son, Tan Binh Tel: 6297 1981 www.megastarmedia.net State-of-the-art cinema complex screening the lastest blockbusters with plush, reclining seats. All movies shown in original language with Vietnamese subtitles.

GALLERIES a little blah blah OUT-2 STUDIO, L6 FAFILM Annex 6 Thai Van Lung, D1 albbsaigon-2010.blogspot.com Operates as an engine for contemporary art by organizing projects, exhibitions, screenings and talks. Runs one major art project each year and a reading room with more than 1,000 texts on art, design and creative culture. Free for everyone and open Tue to Sat 10 am to 6 pm.

Blue Space Contemporary Arts Center 97A Pho Duc Chinh, D1 Tel: 3821 3695 bluespaceart@hcm.jpt.vn www.bluespacegallery.com Busy, working gallery with easels propped up outside situated in the grounds of the beautiful Fine Arts Museum. Holds regular exhibitions by local artists.

Galerie Quynh 65 De Tham, D1 Tel: 3836 8019 www.galeriequynh.com The city’s only international standard gallery, housed in a modern, two-floor space. Organizes regular exhibitions featuring established, emerging local/ international contemporary artists, publishes original catalogs in both English and Vietnamese.

Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum 97A Pho Duc Chinh, D1 Tel: 3829 4441 btmthcm@hotmail.com Institution housing contemporary/traditional works by Vietnamese and foreign artists. Pieces date from as early as the 7th century. Includes Vietnamese antiques, art crafted by the Cham and Funan peoples.

San Art Independent Artist Space 3 Me Linh, Binh Thanh Tel: 3840 0898 hoa@san-art.org www.san-art.org Artist-run, non-profit exhibition space featuring contemporary work by young Vietnamese artists. San Art hosts guest lecturers and curators. A reading room of art books and magazines is open to the public.

TuDo Gallery 53 Ho Tung Mau, D1 Tel: 3821 0966 www.tudogallery.com Hosting permanent exhibitions of works by the city’s artists, Tu Do deals in oils, silk paintings and lacquerware. More than 1,000 pieces on show.

listings

sports & leisure Sport Street Huyen Tran Cong Chua, D1 between Nguyen Du and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Services include mending and restringing broken tennis rackets. Products range from badminton birdies and rackets to basketball hoops, free weights, roller blades, scooters, soccer jerseys and all manner of balls.

Trophies & Custom Signage Street Le Lai, D1 between Truong Dinh and Nguyen Thai Hoc Offers custom engraving on trophies and plaques made of plastic, wood, metal and glass.

CRICKET Saigon Cricket Assocation Social cricket league plays 25 overs a side matches Sunday mornings at RMIT’s District 7 pitch. Season runs November through May, with friendly games throughout the pre-season. Practice on Saturdays and Sunday afternoons.

Australian Cricket Club Terry Gordon terrygordoninasia@yahoo.com.au saigonaustraliancricketclub@yahoo.com www.saigoncricket.com English Cricket Club Richard Carrington Richard.carrington@pivotalvietnam.com info@eccsaigon.com www.eccsaigon.com Indian Cricket Club Manish Sogani, manish@ambrij.com United Cricket Club Mr. Asif Ali, asif@promo-tex.net keshav.dayalani@rmit.edu.vn

DANCING DanCenter 46/2 Nguyen Cuu Van, Binh Thanh Tel: 3840 6974 www.dancentervn.com Modern, centrally located studio with foreign trained dance instructors. Classes for kids age 5+ in jazz, ballet, hip hop and tap dance. Classes for adults in yoga, jazz, hip hop, salsa, belly, tap and capoeira.

Salsa Dancing at La Fenetre Soleil 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D1 Tel: 0909 365 525 Every Thursday from 8 pm with Urko and Fred, with a total beginners workshop starting at 8.30pm (minimum 10 people required; 50,000 VND with a cocktail).

Followed by social dancing until midnight.

Salsa Dancing at La Habana 6 Cao Ba Quat, D1 www.salsaigon.com salsaigon@gmail.com Six-week salsa package at 350,000 VND for single persons and 550,000 for a couple, run by Urko. Lessons every Tuesday (beginners L.A. style at 7.30 pm; intermediate L.A style at 8.30 pm).

Registration required.

FITNESS & YOGA AIS Sports Centre 36 Thao Dien, An Phu, D2

Tel: 3744 6960, ext 126 sportscentre@aisvietnam.com www.aissportscentre.com Features six-lane, 25-metre pool, basketball and netball courts, astroturf hockey/football area and outdoor gym equipment. Available for party hire, with BBQ included on request. Membership packages available. Kids swim club and adult masters programmes. Rainbow Divers offers scuba diving courses for children and adults. Free morning yoga.

California WOW Xperience Parkson Plaza, 126 Hung Vuong, D5 28/30-32 Le Loi, D1 Tel: 6291 5999 The world’s biggest fitness centre chain is one of Saigon’s most modern places to get your sweat on. Located in Hung Vuong Plaza, CWX offers a huge workout area and all kinds of classes including spinning, KickFit, yoga and more.

Caravelle Club Spa 19 Lam Son Square, D1 Tel: 3823 4999 Modern and stylish gym with lots of cardiovascular machines and free weights.

The swimming pool is a great place for a dip, and the massage parlour, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi are there for winding down.

Christophe Guillemin Tel: 0909 365525 azia_shop@yahoo.fr www.azia-shop.com French fitness instructor offers his training assistance both at home or in your gym to help with everything from weight loss to muscle building. Also does cardio training sessions at An Phu swimming pool on Saturday at 11 am.

Curves 15 Trinh Van Can, D1 Tel: 3821 0319 www.curvesvietnam.com Curves is a women’s only fitness franchise with over 10,000 locations and four million members. The centre offers a famous 30-minute total body workout that they say will burn up to 500 calories.

Features training on ‘double positive’ resistance equipment.

Mekong Creations specialises in unique locally produced household and gift items, including papier mache, silk, bamboo, and water hyacinth products. Mekong Creations also produces items for luxury French brand Terre d’Oc and has permission to sell these designs locally.

Mekong Creations is a project of parent NGO Mekong Plus, that supports community development programmes in remote villiages in Vietnam and Cambodia. The key objective is to generate employment for women. All profits from products sold are returned to the villages. Mekong Creations focus is to provide rewarding employment, increase family incomes and improve conditions for children in these remote communities.

Our producers are trained in production techniques for their field and supported in design and marketing by Mekong Plus. All products are made in the villages allowing more time to be spent with families.

Daphne Chua Tel: 012 6662 6467 yogadaphne@gmail.com www.daphnechua.com Classes taught by a Yoga Alliance certified teacher from Singapore that focus on breathing and body awareness, combined with fluid movements to perfectly balance body and mind. Hatha, Restorative and Vinyasa classes are offered in group and private sessions.

Diamond Plaza 34 Le Duan, D1 The city’s largest department store has a well-equipped gym with steam room, jacuzzi, massage parlour and swimming pool. The gym costs from USD $90 per month.

Diamond Way Buddhism Meditation Group Tel: 093 804 3753 Email: SaigonGompa@gmail.com www.diamondway-teachings.org Meditation group using methods of Tibetan Buddhism. Diamond Way or Vajrayana Buddhism guides practitioners to experience the nature of their own mind to reach Enlightenment.

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Equinox Fitness & Leisure Centre Equatorial Hotel, 242 Tran Binh Trong, D5 Tel: 3839 7777 Decent-sized 3rd-floor gym with modern cardio and weights machines, sauna, steambath, jacuzzi, and large 4th floor pool great for swimming laps.

Hollywood Fitness World H3 Building, 384 Hoang Dieu, D4 Tel: 3826 4639 One of the latest & best workout environ-

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ments in the city, suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Personal training is offered.

Erick Tony Varin, Fitness and Swimming Instructor Tel: 0939 026 540 Erickforcearca@hotmail.com French instructor offers individual adapted programmes at home or at your gym, including weight loss, muscle gain, athletic training and post-traumatic treatment.

Swimming and aqua aerobics classes for groups or individuals are also offered.

K1 Fitness and Fight Factory 346 Ben Van Don, D4 Tel: 0918 337 111 www.teamminetti.com Fitness centre teaching English and Thai boxing, karate, Vietnamese martial arts, judo, fencing, grappling, and mixed martial arts with classes for both adults and children. All training conducted by a professional foreign instructor.

L’Apothiquaire Fitness Centre 64A Truong Dinh, D3 Tel: 3932 5181 www.lapothiquaire.com Internationally-certified teachers offer daily classes in Sivananda, Iyengar, Power, Yoga, Abdo-Pilates, Taebo and AquaAerobics. Peaceful swimming pool, sauna and steam room.

La Cochinchine Rex Hotel, 146 Pastuer, D1 Tel: 3825 1812 (ext 7477) New and affordable fitness centre located in the heart of the city. This gym has a wide range of weight machines, as well as many cardio machines, including treadmills, cross-trainers and bikes. A good variety of classes are available, including yoga and aerobic dance.

Legend Hotel Fitness Centre 2A-4A Ton Duc Thang, D1 One of the best hotel fitness centres. Very well-equipped gym with cardiovascular and weight machines, along with a circular swimming pool and massage parlour.

A three-month membership costs USD $400++.

Michelle Lloyd Yoga Tel: 0909 64 8193 michelleglloyd@gmail.com www.michellelloyd.com E-RYT200 certified yoga instructor offering Vinyasa yoga classes at various locations around the city. Private and corporate yoga programs available. Contact Michelle for more information on her current schedule and special events.

Nutrifort 2B1 Chu Manh Trinh, D1 Tel: 3825 8560 news@nutrifort.com/www.nutrifort.com Comprehensive health and fitness centre offering customized exercise, nutritional counseling to members. Specializing in weight loss programs, core/body alignment training with Pilates equipment.

Healthy snacks available.

NTFQ2 Spa 34 Nguyen Dang Giai, D2 Tel: 3744 6672 Therapeutic massage with a focus on sports massage to increase circulation, remove lactic acid build-up, restore flexibility and relieve back pain.

Park Hyatt Fitness Centre 2 Lam Son Square, D1 Tel: 3824 1234 Luxury health centre with the full range of facilities including swimming pool, steam room, jacuzzi and fitness centre. Threemonth peak membership costs USD $810++ and off-peak is $450++.

Patricia Romero, ERYT200 Phu My Hung, An Phu Tel: 090 387 2832 saigonease@yahoo.com Alignment-based yoga classes that infuse elements from the Ashtanga and Iyengar traditions. Group and private classes. Also

specialising in therapeutics and restorative yoga. Patricia has been teaching yoga in Saigon since 2002.

Renaissance Hotel Health Club 8-15 Ton Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3822 0033 Stylish health club with gym, swimming pool, steam room, massage parlour, pool-side bar and an outstanding view of the city. Costs USD $140 a month, or $10 a day.

Saigon Fitness Club New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai, D1 Tel: 3822 8888 The modern Nautilus-equipped gym is staffed by highly-qualified instructors to cater for your fitness needs. Features a swimming pool, floodlit tennis court, golf driving range, jogging track, sauna, and massage rooms.

Sheraton Fitness Level 5, Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers, 88 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3827 2828 sheraton.saigon@sheraton.com www.sheraton.com/saigon Sheraton Fitness features a team of trained professionals and new Technogym equipment. Members have full use of leisure facilities and receive discounts at hotel bars and restaurants and Aqua Day Spa. Star Fitness Gym Manor Apartments, 91 Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh Thanh Tel: 3514 0255 This 1,600sqm gym is apparently the biggest in Vietnam. Has a good range of machines for any type of workout.

Membership involves one time entry fee plus monthly subscriptions and gives free access to regular fitness classes.

Sofitel Saigon Plaza Fitness Centre 17 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3824 1555 Small but well-equipped gym with helpful staff and quality equipment. Membership costs USD $700++ for six months and $1,300++ for a year. Also runs a number of fitness classes including yoga.

Yoga & Meditation Centre 335 Dien Bien Phu, D3 Tel: 3929 1706 www.ymc.org Professional team of Western and local teachers show you how to practice a combination of yoga and meditation with a range of classes such as Hatha, Yin, Vikram, Ashtanga yoga and Pilates.

FOOTBALL & RUGBY Australian Rules Football Tel: 093 768 3230 www.vietnamswans.com vietnamswans@gmail.com The Vietnam Swans play regular international footy matches around Asia.

Training sessions are held weekly in HCM City (2.30 pm Saturday, RMIT D7) and Hanoi (midday, Saturday, UN International School, Ciputra). All skill levels and codes welcome.

Les Gaulois de Saigon www.gauloisdesaigon.com info@gauloisdesaigon.com A new team of French footballers, the side invites players and their families to come and join in their friendly training sessions, where everyone can get together and enjoy the sport while making new friends.

Contact Sebastien on 0919 691785 or Romain on 0908 060139.

RMIT Vietnam sports.recreation@rmit.edu.vn A new player on the SIFL scene with a team made up of students from the University. They have their own football ground on-site consisting of two brand new pitches. Contact Landon Carnie.

Saigon Raiders jon.hoff@saigonraiders.com Sociable football side who are always on

the lookout for new talent for their weekly matches and training sessions. The team participates in the Saigon International Football League and also has regular fixtures against local teams in the outlying provinces and also participates in international tournaments.

Saigon Rugby Club Tel: 0903 735 799 www.saigonrfc.org saigonrugbyfootballclub@yahoo.com Social, mixed touch rugby played every Saturday afternoon for adults at RMIT from 4 pm until 6 pm. Regularly welcomes visiting teams and tours the region for men’s contact and women’s touch rugby tournaments. Beginners welcome.

Saigon Saints chris@saigonsaints.com www.saigonsaints.com Expat football club of all ages, which has been running since 1995 and plays in the SIFL. Regularly venture on international tours especially to Bangkok and Manila and play in other local and international tournaments. The players train weekly, and new players are encouraged to join.

GOLF Dalat Palace Golf Club Phu Dong Thien Vuong, Dalat Tel: 063 3821 101 dpgc@vietnamgolfresorts.com The most beautiful course in Vietnam, combining the crisp mountain air with an environment of stately pine trees.

Overlooking Xuan Huong lake, the 7,009yard course is an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all levels.

Dong Nai Golf Resort Trang Bom Town, Trang Bom Tel: 061 3866 288 / 3677 590 www.dongnaigolf.com.vn Large golf resort with 27 holes, plus a villa complex, bar, sauna. jacuzzi and billiards.

The resort sits on 160 hectares of land in Dong Nai Province, about 50 kilometres from the city. Membership starts at USD $2,000 a year.

Ocean Dunes Golf Club 1 Ton Duc Thang, Phan Thiet Tel: 062 3821 995 odgc@vietnamgolfresorts.com Designed by Nick Faldo, the 6,746-yard par-72 course winds through seaside dunes, with the variable coastal breezes changing its character each day. An enjoyable and eminently playable course and has become a favourite venue for expatriate tournaments.

Saigon South Golf Nguyen Van Linh, Tan Phu, D7 Tel: 5411 2001 sgs.golf@yahoo.com.vn Nine-hole mini golf course and driving range set amongst attractive gardens just behind FV Hospital. Membership starts from USD $700 for 6 months. Visitors’ greens fees for a round of golf are around USD $16 before 5 pm and $19 after.

Club, shoe and umbrella hire is also available.

SaigonSports Academy League Tel: 093 215 3502 greg@saigonsportsacademy.com www.saigonsportsacademy.com 12-week, 5 a side community football league with Adult, U18, U14, U10 and U7 divisions. Matches held at Thao Dan Stadium in District 1. Corporate, local and expat teams compete in adult division with cash prize for champions.

Song Be Golf Resort 77 Binh Duong Blvd, Thuan An Tel: 0650 3756 660 info@songbegolf.com www.songbegolf.com Located 22 kilometres from the city centre, the premier golf course in the area features an 18-hole, 6,384-metre course.

Also has tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a gymnasium.

Vietnam Golf and Country Club Long Thanh My Village, D9 www.vietnamgolfcc.com This facility consists of two courses of 18 holes each, one of which is designed in a more traditional Asian style, and the other in international style. Has other attractions such as boating, tennis and a restaurant area.

LEISURE

Phun Runners www.phun-run.com info@phun-run.com Running group that meets Sundays at 7 am for a scenic run around Saigon before breakfast. Great way to explore the city, meet fellow runners and get fit for future events. Check website for rendezvous points.

Saigon International Dart League www.thesidl.com A highly popular group in town, the darts club runs a competitive year-long league for 16 pub-based teams. There are some excellent players in this sociable and international group. See website for details of how to join and latest 180 scores.

Saigon International Softball League sisl@saigonsoftball.info www.saigonsoftball.info The league plays slo-pitch softball every Sunday (usually at the Taiwanese School in Phu My Hung) and always welcomes newcomers.

Saigon Pony Club Lane 42, Le Van Thinh, D2 Tel: 0913 733 360 A standout facility offering pony rides, riding lessons, horse clinics and pony rentals. Also hosts events and birthdays.

Senior Expat ChitChat Weekly “Coffee Talk” meetings among seniors at the Palace Hotel Café (56 – 66 Nguyen Hue, D1) each Tuesday from 10 to 11.30 am. The informal group is for local expatriates and English-speaking foreign travellers who meet to share experiences and make new friends. Call club organizer Sheldon Pruss at 0932 031 837.

Squash The Landmark, 5B Ton Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3822 2098 ext 176 www.thelandmarkvietnam.com One of three squash courts in town.

Membership is open to non-Landmark residents and drop-in players. Lessons and racquets are available for additional fees. Balls are provided. Book in advance or phone for further information.

Ultimate Frisbee RMIT, 702 Nguyen Van Linh, D7 www.saigon-ultimate.com Join in this exciting popular sport every Sunday afternoon from 3pm to 5pm in Saigon South. Pan-Asian competitions also organised for the more experienced.

Contact David Jensen at 0909458890 Vietwings Paragliding info@vietwings-hpg.com Promoted by a local advertising executive turned test pilot, paragliding, hang-gliding, trike plane can be performed in several locations across southern Vietnam including Dalat, Phan Thiet, Tay Ninh. Call Loco on 0903 825607 for more information.

X-Rock Climbing Phan Dinh Phung Sport Centre 75 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D3 Tel: 6278 5794 503A Nguyen Duy Trinh, D2 Tel: 2210 9192 www.xrockclimbing.com Offering safe and professional climbing for anyone aged 4 and up. Featuring mountain climbing routes rated from beginner to advanced, climbing and belay-safety courses and training, birthday parties, corporate team building. Excellent facilities for children and annual membership for kids.

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listings

health & beauty ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE American Chiropractic Clinic 8 Truong Dinh, D3 Tel: 3930 6667 www.vietnamchiropractic.com A chiropractic, physiotherapy, foot care clinic staffed by American-trained chiropractors speaking French, English, Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean. Treats back pain, neck pain, knee pain, also specializing in sports injuries, manufacture of medical grade foot orthotics.

Ciro Gargiulo CARE1 Executive Health Care Center The Manor, 91 Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh Thanh Tel: 3514 0757 care1_reception@vietnammedicalpractice.com www.care1.com.vn A holistic approach is used by this acupuncturist and traditional medicine practitioner to rebalance the body’s energy fields. A wide range of ailments are treated including back pain, allergies and insomnia.

Institute of Traditional Medicine 273-275 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan Dr. Le Hung is the man to see at this well-established traditional hospital & training centre. He speaks good English and provides excellent treatments in a clean environment. The Institute also provides acupuncture lessons at USD $30 per day.

COSMETIC TREATMENT FV Hospital Cosmetic Surgery 45 Vo Thi Sau, D1 Tel: 6290 6167 6 Nguyen Luong Bang, D7 Tel: 5411 3366 www.fvhospital.com International-standard cosmetic procedures from simple dermabrasion and chemical peels to collagen injections, nose and eye shaping, liposuction, and breast enhancement. Procedures carried out by French and Vietnamese doctors using the latest equipment.

Parkway Shenton International Clinic Suite 213-214, 37 Ton Duc Thang, D1 Owned by the Singapore-based healthcare giant Parkway Holdings, this aesthetics clinic offers a range of both surgical and non-surgical treatments including dental reconstruction.

DENTAL European Dental Clinic 127 Dien Bien Phu, Dakao, D1 Tel: 3823 8680 Expat English and French-speaking dentist. Performs full range of dental treatment including whitening, aesthetic fillings, porcelain crowns, full ceramics, veneer and orthodontic treatment. 24hour emergency line: 0909 551 916 or 0918 749 204.

Westcoast International Dental Clinic 27 Nguyen Trung Truc, D1 Tel: 3825 6999 71-79 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3825 6777 info@westcoastinternational.com www.westcoastinternational.com Canadian-run dental clinic staffed by French, Japanese, English and Vietnamese speaking dental professionals.

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See Medical listings for hospitals with dental services.

HAIR & SALON Anthony George for London Hair & Beauty FIDECO Riverview Building 14 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 6475 www.aglondonsalon.com.vn Top British stylist George brings his unique flair to hair in District 2. The modern, stylish and professional salon is host to a staff of professionally trained beauty therapists. Uses Dermalogica, Schwarzkopf and L’Oreal products. Shampoo, cut and blow-dry starts at USD $26; mini facials from $12.

questions for the coiffeur

Jasmine 45 Ton That Thiep, D1 Tel: 3827 2737 jasminespa@hcm.vnn.vn Friendly and efficient staff offers haircuts and a wide range of services including waxing, manicures, pedicures and other beauty treatments. Skin renewal facial, salt or rice body scrub & deep tissue massage costs USD $98 Lloyd Morgan International Hair Studio 234 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 090 8422 007 International stylist Lloyd Morgan is one of the best in town. He’s been in the business for over 30 years and brings his expertise to this established, top-notch salon.

Qi Spa 151 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan Tel: 3844 1719 Caravelle Hotel Tel: 3824 7150 Mövenpick Hotel Saigon, Tel: 3997 5437 High-end salon and spa offers the standard range of services in a calming atmosphere with good service. Waxing, nail services, hair dressing as well as luxurious facial and massage treatments on offer.

Souche 2nd Floor, Saigon Trade Centre 37 Ton Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3910 0372 A top-end beauty salon using the Dermatologica line of skincare products.

Specialises in personalized facial care treatments from USD $30 and medicated acne treatments from $40. Waxing and other aesthetic services are also available in a pleasant atmosphere with excellent service.

Sunji Matsuo Hair Studio Saigon Paragon, 3 Nguyen Luong Bang, D7 Tel: 5416 0378 Celebrity hairstylist Sunji Matsuo’s Singapore-based hair salon has a variety of hair services including scalp treatments, rebonding and hair extensions.

The Salon 21-23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1 Tel: 3822 9660 65 Le Loi, D1 Tel: 3821 6394 Reliable haircuts from well-trained stylists at this local salon with multiple locations.

A haircut starts at USD $28 for women and $22 for men.

MEDICAL CARE1 Executive Health Care Center The Manor, 91 Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh Thanh Tel: 3514 0757 care1_reception@vietnammedicalpractice.com www.care1.com.vn Sister clinic of Family Medical Practice, CARE1 is an executive health care centre offering comprehensive preventative-care checkups in a modern and professional setting. State-of-the-art technology provides fast and accurate diagnoses.

Centre Medical International (CMI) 1 Han Thuyen, D1 Tel: 3827 2366 www.cmi-vietnam.com Located downtown next to the cathedral,

Help Your Stylist Help You

By Lloyd Morgan Q: I went blonde but now want to return to my medium brown hair colour. How do you advise I proceed?

A: First, you must be absolutely certain you want to do this. My experience has taught me that those who change from light to dark always want to revert to the former. Keep in mind that as we age, our skin tone changes and you may think you’re ready to return to your natural roots whereas in reality, a horror could await when you unravel your new locks. If you are sure, then the process will largely depend on how many white hairs you have versus how long you have been lightening your hair. The problem is that synthetic hair colour cannot give the look of natural colour.

If you’re a dark brown, you may like that look, but the colour will be one tonal and not have any natural light to it as it’ll be smothered by the colour—coupled with the fact that your skin tone too would have changed over the years.

Before taking any drastic action, head to a wig shop and try on wigs in colours you want to change to. This will give you a good indication of whether the process is worth it.

Q: I am a man and my medium brown hair is going grey. How can I hide the grey without looking like it has been coloured?

A: First, you need to go to a very experienced colourist. In order to hide the white hair without it looking like it is coloured, the stylist has to put a medium brown colour with the correct peroxide used to cover the white hair and then they have to apply the colour very quickly and process for a limited time. Most colours process in 30 minutes at which time the oxidation process is complete and the colour stops working. The desired effect requires staining the white hair, which produces what we call slate grey. This turns the white hair into a nicer tone, which tends to look very natural.

Sometimes the colour can be applied for 10 minutes and then rinsed immediately. The hair is then quickly dried, and then depending on how the tone looks, more colour is applied very quickly, this time for five more minutes or until the client is happy with the effect.

In so doing, in most cases, the client needs to come back more frequently as the colour tends to wash out quicker than normal. But, it's better than your mates giving you a hard time for colouring your obviously darkened hair and it fades out slowly. So, not many people notice the difference.

Lloyd Morgan runs the Lloyd Morgan International Hair Studio at 234 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien, D2. Contact him at 0908 422 007 or lloydskate@ hotmail.com.

the centre provides a high standard of medical care from qualified French and Vietnamese physicians. Its range of services include general and tropical medicine, cardiology, gynaecology, osteopathy, pediatrics, psychiatry, speech therapy and traditional Eastern medicine.

Family Medical Practice HCMC Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3822 7848 www.vietnammedicalpractice.com Leading international primary healthcare provider, with a 24-hour state-of-the-art medical centre and highly-qualified multilingual foreign doctors. Extensive experience in worldwide medical evacuations with car and air ambulance on standby.

Also in Hanoi and Danang.

FV Hospital 6 Nguyen Luong Bang, D7 Tel: 5411 3333 www.fvhospital.com A foreign-owned international-standard hospital with a mixture of French and Vietnamese physicians. Offers quality services, comprehensive patient care and is particularly well regarded for its maternity care. Full array of dental services from examination, cleaning and whitening to fillings, cosmetic procedures and implants.

International SOS 167A Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D3 Tel: 3829 8424 www.internationalsos.com Globally-renowned provider of medical assistance and international healthcare.

Specializes in offering medical transport and evacuation both within and outside of Vietnam for urgent medical cases.

Foreign and Vietnamese dentists. Has multilingual staff.

Victoria Healthcare International Clinic 135A Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan Tel: 3997 4545 79 Dien Bien Phu, D1 Tel: 39104545 Well-regarded clinic offering general examinations and specializing in pediatrics, digestive diseases, cardiology and women's health. Offers a membership program and cooperates with most insurance companies in Vietnam and abroad. Open with doctors on call 24/7.

NAILS Nghia Beauty 20 Phan Boi Chau, D1 Tel: 3829 2688 Located next to the Ben Thanh Market, clean efficient and friendly staff service your hands and feet with a range of treatments while you relax in a comfortable atmosphere.

Nail P.KH 51 Nguyen Huu Cau, D1 A well-known local place with a number of manicure stations and an extensive range of services.

OPI 253 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D3 International brand of nail care offering a variety of treatments from standard manicures at 50,000 VND to the whole host nail services such as acrylics, powder gell, cuticle treatments and French polishing.

Quang Qui’s Nails 146 Le Thanh Ton, D1 242 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Locally popular spots with low prices and good service, offering anything you could possibly want for your nails.

SKINCARE Avon 186A Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D3 Tel: 3930 4018 www.vn.avon.com HCMC branch of the world’s largest direct seller of cosmetics occupies the ground floor of District 3 villa, selling brand names like Anew, Skin-So-Soft and Avon Natural.

AZIAL and Natural Rendez-vous 38 Thach Thi Thanh, D1 Tel: 3820 7646 www.azial.com www.naturalrdv.com All-natural skin and body care products free from synthetic ingredients. Made with freshly extracted Aloe Vera gel and enhanced with therapeutic-grade essential oils. Found in many of the bestknown spas in Vietnam.

The Body Shop 87 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 Tel: 3823 3683 31 Nguyen Trai, D1 www.thebodyshop.com Internatioanl cosmetics retailer with strong commitment to environment sources natural ingredients from small communities for its line of more than 600 products.

Dermalogica Saigon Trade Center, 37 Ton Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3910 0372 www.dermalogica.com U.S. brand of cleansers popular among skin care professionals. The line of toners, exfoliants, moisturizers and masques are engineered by skin therapists to be free of common irritants, and the company is categorically opposed to animal testing.

L’Apothiquaire 100 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 Parkson Saigon Tourist Plaza Parkson Hung Vuong Plaza The Crescent, 103 Ton Dat Tien, D7 64A Truong Dinh, D3 07 Han Thuyen, D1 Tel: 3932 5181/3932 5082 www.lapothiquaire.com info@lapothiquaire.com French-made natural products for all types of skin. Also offers exclusive natural Italian skin, body and hair care from Erbario Toscano. Available at all L’Apothiquaire outlets.

L’Occitane en Provence New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai, D1 French cosmetics company with a 30year history offering a range of bath and massage oils, essential oils, body and hand care products are especially well known. Also has outlets in all the major downtown shopping malls.

Sian Skincare Laser Clinic 71–77 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel:3827 6999 info@sianclinic.com www.sianclinic.com Skincare laser clinic offering the latest in non-surgical esthetic treatments including Botox, laser, acne treatments, hair loss regrowth, hair removal, skin rejuvenation and anti-aging treatments.

Led by Dr. Tran Ngoc Si, a leading esthetic dermatologist from the hospital of Dermatology of HCMC.

SPAS Aqua Day Spa Sheraton Saigon, 88 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3827 2828 Recently revamped luxury eight-room spa with a holistic approach to treatment, using natural Harnn products plus hot stone therapy and seaweed treatments.

La Maison de L’Apothiquaire 64A Truong Dinh, D3 Tel: 3932 5181/3932 5082 info@lapothiquaire.com www.lapothiquaire.com Traditional French day spa in colonial villa with professional therapists and state-ofthe-art treatments. Complimentary use of swimming pool, sauna and steam bath.

Also offers exclusive natural Italian skin, body and hair care from ErbarioToscano.

Xuan Spa Park Hyatt, 2 Lam Son Square, D1 Tel: 3824 1234 Beautiful spa with highly rated Swedish massage and water therapy including the unique 60 minutes Vichy shower to soften and smooth skin or the Indian Shirodhara with special oil for 45 minutes.

Spa packages aimed at rejuvenation, calming, and hydrating are also available.

listings

family ACTIVITIES Alpha Gallery 10 Chu Manh Trinh, D1 Printmaking classes for both adults and children run by Swiss artist Bernadette Gruber. Six-week courses start with the basics and swiftly move students towards producing proofs and final prints from copper plates they have created. Freedom of expression is encouraged and other mediums are also explored.

Conservatory of Music 112 Nguyen Du, D1 The established training centre for professional musicians offers private piano and violin lessons to foreigners in the evenings.

Helene Kling Painting helene_kling@yahoo.com Offers classes in oil painting to both children and adults for 150,000 VND and 300,000 VND respectively. Classes are paced to suit each student.

Rubba Duckies Swim School rubbaduckiesswim@hotmail.com Parent and infant water familiarisation classes in a group environment from six to 48 months. Classes take place at Somerset Apts., D1; Riverside, D2; APSC, D2 or AI D2 and D3. Email for schedule.

Saigon Movement An Phu Tel: 098 702 7722 saigonmovement@gmail.com Sports and creative movement classes for kids 2 to 11. Classes improve children’s total body awareness through a variety of games and sports-based activities. Phu My Hung schedule starts in September.

Saigon Pony Club Lane 42, Le Van Thinh, D2 Tel: 0913 733 360 Close to X-rock climbing centre, kids from three and upwards can ride one of the stable’s 16 ponies. Lessons with foriegn teachers last 45 minutes and cost 350,000 VND for kids from age six.

SaigonSports Academy An Phu and Phu My Hung Tel: 0862 819 790 info@saigonsportsacademy.com Sports academy founded by pro tennis coach currently offering tennis, football, basketball and swimming training to kids 4 to 18. Professional coaches integrate international concepts and systems to draw out athletes’ natural abilities. Also operates a youth football league.

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school three times a week by the friendly Mr. Phuc. Anyone over the age of five is welcome to join in the course, which costs USD $50 for 12 classes/month with a $25 fee for non-members. Contact Mr. Phuc directly on 0903 918 149.

BABY EQUIPMENT Baby 66B Cach Mang Thang Tam, D10 A large store stocking a good range of baby needs, including toys, buggies, cots and bottles. Prices are reasonable.

Babyland Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1 Quality products including car seats, buggies, prams and travel cots and a good selection of baby toys. Carries Avent bottles and sterilizer sets, and a small range of educational books. Prices are higher than the other places, but so is the quality.

Maman Bebe Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3825 8724 www.mamanbebe.com.vn Stocks an assortment of modern strollers and car seats. Also sells various utensils and practical baby products. Small selection of clothing for ages newborn to 14 years.

Me & Be 230 Vo Thi Sau, D3 40 Ton That Tung, D1 141D Phan Dang Luu, Phu Nhuan 246 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D3 101-103 Khanh Hoi, D4 287A Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan The closest thing to Mothercare the city has to offer. Stocks a substantial range of apparel for babies including bottles and sterilizers, cots (including travel cots), clothing, toys, safety equipment and more, all at reasonable prices.

Me Oi 1B Ton That Tung, D1 A small shop adjacent to the maternity hospital bursting at the seams with everything you need for your baby. Clothing, footwear, bottles, nappies, nappy bags and toys all at reasonable prices.

New Parent Street Nguyen Thong Street, D3 between Ly Chinh Thang and Ky Dong Street.

An interesting array of baby formula and hard liquor. A one stop shopping cluster for first time parents.

CLOTHING Children Planet 90 Vo Thi Sau, D1 Mid to high-range prices for quality apparel, imported material from Singapore.

Offering from the age of 5 to 14 years old boys and girls.

Dabs Kids Fashion 222 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D3 A good selection of both casual and formal clothing for kids aged five to ten.

Party dresses, simple T-shirts, trousers and more are all good quality and very reasonably priced. Backpacks and other accessories are also on sale.

The Performing Arts Academy 19A Ngo Quang Huy, D2 Tel: 090 339 0675 info@paa.com.vn www.paa.com.vn Enrolling aspiring learners 6 and up for instruction in guitar, singing, piano, flute, clarinet, saxophone and drums. ABRSM qualified. Group dance and drama session also available. Offering Tiny Tots music enrichment & dance program for ages 3-5.

DLS Paris 17/5 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, D1 Parkson Plaza, 39-45 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1 Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 A superb range of unique and beautiful clothing for young children (from newborns to pre-school age) at high to midrange prices. The quality compensates for the price. Bedding, baby equipment and furniture and organic and natural supplies also kept in stock.

Tae Kwondo BP Compound, 720 Thao Dien, D2 and Riverside Villa Compound, Vo Truong Toan, D2 phucteacherkd@yahoo.com Private and group classes are run after

Little Anh – Em 41 Thao Dien, D2 A French brand made in Vietnam offering a wide selection of colourful, simply packaged and thoughtfully collated

“sets” of garments for girls and boys from newborn to 10 years old. Lifestyle pieces also available include sleeping bags, bedroom accessories and bags.

Ninh Khuong 44 Le Loi, D1 Tel: 3824 7456 83 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3827 9079 220 De Tham, D1 Tel: 3920 3224 222 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D3 Tel: 3930 9183 www.ninhkhuong.vn Well-known hand-embroidered children’s clothing brand using 100% cotton. Newborn to 10 years old (girl) and fourteen years old (boy). Also stocking home linens. Prices are reasonable.

Peekaboo 173 Ly Tu Trong, D1 Tel: 3612 8329 263 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D1 Locally designed apparel for girls, ages 1 to 10. Materials include cotton, wool and satin. High to mid-range prices.

REVE Villa Anupa, 17/27 Le Thanh Ton, District 1, Tel: 3825 7307 High-end cashmere, lace, and cotton clothes designed by a French mother/ daughter team. All pieces are handmade and tailored for infants to kids 2 years of age.

Small is Beautiful 227 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 38 23 87 54 contact@smallisb.com www.smallisb.com This newly opened boutique aims to be the chic shop for kids in the city. There is a selection of brand name clothing, accessories and creative toys. Clothing comes from international designers such as Baby Dior, Sonia Rykiel and DKNY. Tuti Bella Vincom Center, 70 - 72 Le Thanh Ton,

District 1 75 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 49A Nguyen Trai, D1 Tel: 3993 9088 www.tutibella.net Self-described as a “chic and trendy children boutique.” Carries high-end causal clothes, formal wear, shoes and accessories for ages 1 to 12 years.

SSIS: An Education That Opens Doors To The Future.

EDUCATION ABC International School 2,1E street, KDC Trung Son, Binh Hung, Binh Chanh Tel: 5431 1833 abcintschoolss@vnn.vn www.theabcis.com UK standards-based curriculum awards diploma with IGCSE’s & A Levels certified

by Cambridge Universit examinations board. From playgroup to pre-university matriculation. Served by 80+ British teachers. Good facilities and extra-curricular activities.

ACG International School East West Highway, An Phu, D2 Tel: 3747 1234 www.acgedu.com Part of the Academic Colleges Group’s international network of schools, ACG offers comprehensive education from kindergarten to senior high school and a range of extracurricular activities. International curricula (IB PYP and Cambridge International Examinations).

The Australian International School Saigon Cherry Blossom 1 & Lotus 1, APSC Compound, 36 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 6960 Middle & Senior Campus 21 Pham Ngoc Thach, D3 Tel: 3822 4992 enrolment@aisvietnam.com www.aisvietnam.com An international curricula and PYP/MYP candidate school. Senior students follow IGCSE and Cambridge A levels. Only

SAIGON SOUTH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Nguyen Van Linh Parkway, Tan Phong Ward, District 7, HCMC, Vietnam Telephone: (84-8) 5413-0901 - Fax: (84-8) 5413-0902 Email: info@ssis.edu.vn - www.ssis.edu.vn

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ask auntie emily

Happy Toy Soldiers

By Emily Huckson Dear Auntie Em: I am a nanny for a family with a three-yearold girl and five-year-old boy.

They are two great kids and I do love them, but ‘tidy up’ time is a BIG problem. The parents are very strict about them taking responsibility and have given me some ideas on how to get the children to do that, but I find myself struggling with the tidy up chore.

When I ask them to help me tidy up the toys, the usual answer is, “I’m too tired.”

Help Clean UP! Dear Help Clean Up: Right away, I see a wording problem with your request. They are NOT your toys! They belong to the children. Asking them to help YOU tidy up their own belongings means that it is YOUR job and not theirs.

Making instructions clear, concise and consistent allows the child to know that it is their responsibility and not yours.

“Please pick up all your toys now and put them away” is a better instruction. You might also add, “I am willing to help you, if you need me, but I think you are old enough to do it yourselves.”

You can make a game out of it, using a familiar song, or make one up together. Again,

it is important that when this song is played, the children know it is time to put their toys away.

Another strategy is to give them options. Let them know the consequences of their decision and let them choose.

For example, “If you don’t pick up the toys, then I will do it.

Then I will put them away in my room/cupboard/space, because then they will become MY toys. You won’t be able to play with them until I decide, because I was the one who put them away.” Or, “If you don’t put your toys away, they might get broken or lost. Your mom and dad will be upset about broken and lost toys that they bought for you. I better leave a note to your mom and dad and let them know that you don’t really want these toys.” Write it down and leave the note for the parents, letting them know that you tried to get the child to take responsibility, but failed.

It helps to let parents know when/where you are having difficulties as they might have strategies to share with you.

Communication (with both children and parents) is key.

Email your questions about childhood development to auntie-em@asialifehcmc.com

` TRÀM HÔ

BEACH

RESORT & SPA

school in Vietnam authorized to deliver University of New South Wales Foundation Studies grade 12 curriculum. Wellresourced classrooms, highly trained and experienced expatriate teachers, outfitted for academic, sport, creative activities.

British International School Primary Campus 43 - 45 Tu Xuong, D3 225 Nguyen Van Huong, D2 Secondary Campus 246 Nguyen Van Huong, D2 Tel: 3744 2335 www.bisvietnam.com With campuses all over the city and expansion underway, BIS offers a mixture of both English and International curricula-based education alongside excellent facilities and extra-curricular activities.

Senior students follow the IGCSE and IB programmes.

Canadian International School SC 39, Panorama Building, Nguyen Duc Canh, Phu My Hung, D7 Tel: 5412 1549 Residential Quarter 13C, Nguyen Van Linh, Phong Phu Commune, Binh Chanh www.cis.edu.vn cis@cis.edu.vn The first Canadian international school in Vietnam offers classes from kindergarten to grade 9 for local and foreign students.

Teaches core Ontario curriculum and awards Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), recognized by universities worldwide. Vietnamese programme taught by local teachers.

International School HCMC 28 Vo Truong Toan, D2 Tel: 3898 9100 www.ishcmc.com One of 136 schools around the world to be accredited as an IB World School. Offers all three of the IB programmes from primary through to grade 12. The school is fully accredited by CIS and NEASC and has a strong focus on community spirit and fosters an awareness of other languages and cultures.

… a breeze of serenity Lying on an 8 hectares land, Ho Tram Beach Resort & Spa showcase authentic Vietnamese architecture with a backdrop of blue seas , clear skies and rich garden landscapes.

The resort is an ideal venue for both couples and families wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

International School Saigon Pearl 92 Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh Thanh Dist.

Tel: 2222 7788/99 www.issp.edu.vn Opening in August, 2011, the single purpose-built campus will cater for nursery through grade five. In the second year, sixth grade will be added. ISSP’s longterm strategic plan includes complete middle and high schools. In the spring of 2010 ISSP will host the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (the largest American accreditation agency in Asia). Accreditation will allow children to easily transfer to schools abroad.

The Little Genius International Kindergarten 102 My Kim, Phu My Hung, D7 Tel: 5421 1052 Kindergarten with U.S.-accredited curriculum, modern facilities and attractive school grounds.

Montessori International School International Program 42/1 Ngo Quang Huy, D2 Tel: 3744 2639 Bilingual Program 28 Street 19, KP 5, An Phu, D2 Tel: 6281 7675 www.montessori.edu.vn Montessori utilizes an internationally recognized educational method which focuses on fostering the child’s natural desire to learn. The aim is to create an encouraging environment conducive to learning by developing a sense of self and individuality. A wide array of curriculum/extra-curricular activities are on offer including Bilingual programs.

Ho Tram, Phuoc Thuan, Xuyen Moc, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Viet Nam Tel: (84)-(0)64-3781 525 - Fax: (84)-(0)64-3781 433 Email: info@hotramresort.com - Website: www.hotramresort.com

Ho Chi Minh Office 656 Cach Mang Thang Tam st, Ward 11, Dist 3, HCMC Tel: (08) 3844 0951 - Fax: (08) 3993 4481

Renaissance International School 74 Nguyen Thi Thap, D7 Tel: 3773 3171 www.rissaigon.edu.vn IB World school, one of Vietnam’s international schools operating within the

framework of the British system. RISS provide a high quality English medium education in a stimulating, challenging and supportive environment. The purpose built, modern campus has excellent facilities.

RMIT 702 Nguyen Van Linh, D7 Tel: 3776 1369 Australian university located in District 7, offers a highly regarded MBA and undergraduate courses in various fields.

Saigon Kids Centre 104A Tran Quoc Toan, D3 Tel: 3932 5579 saigonkidscentre@yahoo.com An international childcare centre for children aged between two and six years old. Offers a homely and warm environment for children to play and learn.

Saigon Language School 02 Truong Dinh, D3 Tel: 3933 0773 / 4 www.saigonlanguage.com A professional language school that teaches Japanese and Vietnamese language courses. Vietnamese group lessons begin monthly.

Saigon South International School Nguyen Van Linh Parkway, D7 Tel: 5413 0901 www.ssis.edu.vn An International school environment offering an American/international program in a large, spacious campus, to children from age 3 to grade 12. Great facilities, extra-curricular activities and internationally trained teachers giving unique opportunities to learn.

Saigon Star International School Residential Area No. 5, Thanh My Loi Ward, D2 Tel: 3742 STAR Fax: 3742 3222 enroll@saigonstarschool.edu.vn www.saigonstarschool.edu.vn Offers a British primary curriculum approved by Cambridge University and integrated Montessori programme for nursery and kindergarten. Qualified, experienced teachers and small class sizes cater to individual needs and abilities.

Singapore International School (SIS) No.29, Road No.3, Trung Son Residential Area, Hamlet 4, Binh Hung Ward, Binh Chanh District Tel: 5431 7477 44 Truong Dinh, D3 Tel: 3932 2807 Ground floor, Somerset Chancellor Court, 21 - 23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1. Tel: 3827 2464 The Manor, 91 Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh Thanh. Tel: 3514 3036 www.kinderworld.net Students play and learn in an environment where the best of Western and Eastern cultures amalgamate to prepare KinderWorld’s students for today’s challenging world drawn from both the Singapore and Australian curriculum. The school offers International Certifications such as the iPSLE, IGCSE and GAC. SmartKids 1172 Thao Dien Compound, D2 Tel: 3744 6076 26 Street 10, D2 Tel: 3898 9816 www.smartkidsinfo.com An international childcare centre that provides kindergarten and pre-school education for children aged between 18 months and 6 years. A fun and friendly environment, the school focuses on learning through play.

Stamford Grammar 214 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D3 Tel: 3930 7343 4Bis Phung Khac Khoan, D1 Tel: 3822 3339 www.stamfordgrammar.com enquiry@stamfordgrammar.com International kindergarten following a Singapore curriculum for children from 18 months to 6 years of age. Taught by Vietnamese and native English-speaking

teachers. Outdoor play areas, swimming pool, music and art & craft rooms where students can play and learn in a safe environment.

The American School 172 - 180 Nguyen Van Huong, D2 Tel: 3519 2223 info@tasvietnam.edu.vn An independent and private collage preparatory school with a highly individualized and personalized program, The American School of Vietnam offers a strong, US based curriculum for Kindergarten through Grade 12.

ENTERTAINMENT Diamond Plaza 34 Le Duan, D1 The top floor arcade and bowling alley is bound to keep your little ones entertained for hours with an impressive array of video games. Some child-friendly dining options too, with Pizza Hut on hand, a KFC and a New Zealand Natural ice cream concession.

Gymboree Play & Music Somerset Chancellor Court 21-23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1 Tel: 3827 7008 www.gymboreeclasses.com.vn The Gymboree Play & Music offers children from newborn to 5 years old the opportunity to explore, learn and play in an innovative parent-child programmes.

Parkson Plaza 39-45 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Arcade game after arcade game line the top floor here with a bowling alley and a decent food court thrown in on the floor below. A good place to take the kids after trawling through Parkson’s numerous concession stands.

Vincom Center 72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3936 9999 A six-storey shopping centre that houses

the world’s most famous luxury brands plus more than 250 fashion retailers and various restaurants. Each level has a coffee corner to help weary shoppers recoup while looking over the city. Open daily from 9 am to 10 pm.

Vinpearl Games Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Features fun and games for a wide range of ages. Air hockey, sports games and traditional arcade video games and a small children’s play place.

PARTIES A2 196 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D3 Well-known toy shop that also does a substantial line in fancy dress costumes and partywear. Also has a concession at An Phu Supermarket.

Beatrice’s Party Shop 235 Le Thanh Ton, D1 A lovely little shop selling everything you need to throw your little ones a good party. A catalogue of entertainers showcases a number of party favourites such as magicians, circuses and more.

Nguyen Ngoc Diem Phuong 131C Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1 A curious shop stocking a range of handmade fancy dress costumes such as masks, superman outfits and much more.

The stock changes seasonally, so this is a good place to stock up on Halloween, Christmas and other holiday-specific party costumes. Prices are also on the cheap.

The Balloon Man Tel: 3990 3560 Does exactly as his name suggests – balloons. Great service has earned this chap a reputation around town for turning up almost instantly with a superb selection of balloons. Also provides helium balloons.

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finance

listings

living BUSINESS GROUPS AmCham New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai, D1 Business Centre, Room 323 Tel: 3824 3562 www.amchamvietnam.com AusCham TV Building, Suite 1A, 31A Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D1 Tel: 3911 0272 / 73 / 74 www.auschamvn.org British Business Group of Vietnam 25 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3829 8430 execmgr@bbgv.org www.bbgv.org

The End Of Little White Cards?

By Paul McLardie You’re an expat living in Vietnam and you receive all, or some, of your salary in cash.

This may soon be coming to an end. At present you are able to deposit up to US $7,000 dollars per customs declaration card (that’s the little white form that you fill out when you land back into the country).

Well, these are being scrapped. People arriving into the country at certain airports, ports and border crossings will no longer have to fill out the exit-entry declaration forms courtesy the go ahead given by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung to the Ministry of Public Security and the Immigration Department. The idea is to expedite and simplify administration.

How does this affect those who get paid in foreign exchange? The $7,000 cash rule is still in place and the banks need to be able to show that their customers are not depositing more than they legally can. This means that people will still need to request a customs declaration card every time they enter the country.

Perhaps the easiest way of getting round this is by asking your employer to pay you by bank transfer. This can be either here in Vietnam

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or abroad. There is no legal restriction on how much can be transferred bank to bank.

Once the foreign currency is already in the banking system, it is understood as having been declared.

If you choose to be paid abroad, however, this does not take away from your income tax obligations in Vietnam. You and your employer have a responsibility under Vietnamese law to make appropriate income tax and social tax payments for your declared earnings that is set out in your employment contract. Normally, this is taken care of by your employer, but if it is your responsibility, you should start to look into it as soon as possible.

Personal Income Tax in Vietnam is supposed to be on your worldwide earnings whilst you are a resident in Vietnam. At present, the Vietnamese tax authorities are in a near impossible position of monitoring and implementing tax collection on a worldwide scale. However, this will change. As I have said before, there are two things in life that are certain: death and taxes.

Paul McLardie is a partner at Total Wealth Management. Contact him at Paul. mclardie@t-wm.com

CanCham New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai, D1 Business Centre, Room 305 Tel: 3824 3754 www.canchamvietnam.org Eurocham 257 Hoang Van Thu, Tan Binh Tel: 3845 5528 www.eurochamvn.org German Business Group 21-23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1 www.gba-vietnam.org Singapore Business Group Unit 1B2, 21-23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1 Tel: 3823 3046 www.sbghcmc.org Swiss Business Association 42 Giang Van Minh, Anh Phu, D2 Tel: 3744 6996 Fax: 3744 6990 Email: sba@hcm.vnn.vn www.swissvietnam.com Hong Kong Business Association New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai, D1 Business Centre, Room 322 Tel: 3824 3757 / 3822 8888 www.hkbav.com NordCham Bitexco Building, 19-25 Nguyen Hue, D1 Tel: 3821 5423 www.nordcham.com

CAMERAS Hung Hai 75 Huynh Thuc Khang, D1 A good place to purchase hard-to-find gear and some rare equipment, mainly auto focus lenses.

Le Duc 5B Huynh Tinh Cua, D3 A shop for all your professional accessory needs. From lighting equipment to tripods and reflectors, the shop offers the best equipment and service in HCM City.

Pham The 11 Le Cong Kieu, D1 An authorized service centre for Nikon camera that also specializes in repairing all camera makes. Measurement equipment and spare parts also available.

Shop 46 46 Nguyen Hue, D1 Small shop run by photographer and collector. The owner’s more collectible pieces are pricey, but entry-level manual

focus SLRs from the 70s and 80s are affordable.

COMPUTERS Computer Street Luong Huu Khanh, D1 between Nguyen Thi Minh Khai and Nguyen Trai This stretch of District 1 is literally wall to wall with small shops selling computers, printers, monitors and everything computer related, more so toward the NTMK end of the drag. iCenter 142A Vo Thi Sau, D3 Tel: 3820 3918 Professional, polished Apple retailer and repair centre with an attractive showroom featuring some of the latest in accessories and audio. English-speakers on staff.

Honours Apple service plans.

Future World 240 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D3 Authorized reseller of Apple computers and products, as well as some off-brand items like headphones. Excellent service and English-speaking staff. Accepts credit cards.

Phong Vu Computer 264C Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1 Tel: 3933 0762 www.vitinhphongvu.com The biggest and busiest of the PC stores in town. Known for good, efficient service, in-house maintenance and aftersales repair on the second floor.

CONSULTING Concetti 33 Dinh Tien Hoang, D1 Tel: 3911 1480 www.concetti-vn.com Consulting and research company for technology transfer and investment.

Embers-Asia Ltd. Level 9, Nam Giao Building, 80-8 Phan Xich Long, Phu Nhuan Tel: 3995 9163 www.embers-asia.com With a focus on experiential learning, Embers-Asia has been creating and delivering high-performance training and development solutions for corporations, embassies, international schools and NGOs throughout Southeast Asia since 2002.

Ernst & Young Saigon Riverside Office Center, 2A-4A Ton Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3824 5252 www.ey.com Professional service firm specializing in advisory, assurance, tax, transactions and strategic growth markets.

Grant Thornton Saigon Trade Centre, 37 Ton Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3910 9100 www.gt.com.vn International business advisors specializing in auditing, management consulting, corporate finance, risk management and information technology.

IF Consulting IBC Building, 3rd Floor 1A Me Linh Square, D1 4th Floor, 5 Ba Trieu Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi Tel: 3827 7362 Fax: 3827 7361 Email: pascal@insuranceinvietnam.com Private insurance and finance.

Indochine Councel Han Nam Building, 65 Nguyen Du, D1 Tel: 3823 9640 www.indochinecounsel.com Business law firm specializing in legal services to corporate clients in relation to their business and investment in Vietnam.

Inspired Image 42/2A Ho Hao Hon, D1 Tel: 091 635 2573 www.inspiredimage.co.uk Image consultant and personal stylist.

Previous clients include business leaders, TV presenters and busy professionals.

International Management Initiative for Vietnam (IMIV) info@imiv.org www.imiv.org The International Management Initiative for Vietnam (IMIV), a non-profit initiative within VinaCapital Foundation that promotes excellence in business leadership and management by bringing to Vietnam proven international executive education and professional development programmes.

Phuong Nguyen Consulting TPC Business Center, 92-96 Nguyen Hue, D1 Tel: 3829 2391 www.pnp-consulting.com Specializing in business facilitation, conferences, education counselling, market-entry research and IT/business consulting.

Prism Information Technology Services Level 4, YOCO Building, 41 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1 Tel: 3829 6416 info@prism.com.vn A foreign-owned information and communications technology company that offers value-added IT solutions. Enables local businesses to attain and maintain international IT standards to be more competitive in the marketplace.

Rouse & Co. International Abacus Tower, 58 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D1 Tel: 3823 6770 www.iprights.com Global intellectual property firm providing a full range of IP services including patent and trade mark agency services.

Star Management Limited 92-96 Nguyen Hue, D1 Tel: 3897 2765 www.starlimited.com Business advisory services for companies investing in Vietnam, business project advancement and a range of business development services.

TMF Vietnam Company Limited Unit 501, 5th Floor, Saigon Trade Center 37 Ton Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3910 2262 ext. 113 Fax: 3910 0590 www.tmf-group.com With headquarters in Amsterdam and Rotterdam, TMF Vietnam specializes in accounting outsourcing and consulting.

Total Wealth Management 66/11 Pham Ngoc Thach, D3 Tel: 3820 0623 www.t-wm.com Specialists in selecting and arranging tax-efficient savings and pension plans for expatriates. Offers councel on private banking services, wealth protection in offshore jurisdictions, currency risks and hedging strategies.

Towers Watson Vietnam (formerly Watson Wyatt and SMART HR) Sun Wah Tower, 115 Nguyen Hue, Suite 808, D1 Tel: 3821 9488 Global HR consulting firm specializing in executive compensation, talent management, employee rewards and surveys, HR effectiveness and technology, data services and total rewards surveys.

DECOR Anupa Boutique 84 Pho Duc Chinh, D1 Tel: 3915 1473 Retails in unique and affordable range of console and coffee tables, trays, mirrors and lamps in a range of different textures such as leather resin, bamboo and walnut.

Aquarium Street Nguyen Thong Street, D3 between Vo Thi Sau and Ly Chinh Thang Dedicated street has everything one needs to display fish: tanks, decor, feed, filters and the fish themselves.

Budget Housewares Street Corner of Pasteur and Nguyen Dinh Chieu Stock up on shower heads, kitchen supplies (juicer, spatula, grater, etc.), coat racks, clothes hangers, pots, pans, champagne flutes, bowls, coolers, trash bins, ironing boards, magazine racks and the like.

Chau Loan 213 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3825 7991 Gallery based in a colonial shophouse stocking mainly Vietnamese-themed oil paintings and images of Buddha. Also deals in better-known reproductions.

Decosy 112 Xuan Thuy, D2 Tel: 6281 9917 Producer of a large selection of European styled furniture and interior fittings, specializing in wrought iron and patine (distressed) wood finishes. Also stocks a wide-range of decorative accessories, crockery and fixtures. Custom design services available upon request.

OUT-2 STUDIO L6 Fafilm annex 6 Thai Van Lung, D1 Tel: 3825 6056 STUDIO@OUT-2.com www.out-2.com Studio space for independent designers to showcas their wares, sell their work and meet with clients. Open Monday t Saturday 10 am to 6 pm.

Phuong Mai 213C Dong Khoi www.phuongmai-gallery.com Gallery specializing in original oils by Vietnamese artists. The works here are a mish-mash of styles but do contain some standouts, particularly well-known local artists La Hon, Quy Tam and Pham Trinh.

Vietnam Quilts 64 Ngo Duc Ke, D1 Tel: 3914 2119 www.mekong-quilts.org NGO enterprise specializes in quilts and sells a range of appealing handmade products created by underprivileged women in Binh Thuan Province.

ELECTRONICS Hi End Audio 84 Ho Tung Mau, D1 A standout that stocks the very latest and greatest in home entertainment.

Retails in everything from giant plasmascreen TVs to audio equipment. Most top brands are available. iDEAS Shopping Centre 133-141AB Cach Mang Thang Tam, D3 The largest of the electonics stores along the street, the three-storey iDEAS sells every type of electronic and home appliance imaginable. Offers proper warranties. Staff speaks some English.

Nguyen Kim Shopping Centre 63-65 Tran Hung Dao, D1 Tel: 3821 1211 www.nguyenkim.com Stocks DVD/CD players, cameras, TVs, hi-fis and more from Sony, Sanyo, Panasonic, Philips and other major manufacturers. Also a good place to pick up electronic kitchen supplies like coffee makers and rice cookers, as well as large and small appliances, from hot water heaters to regrigerators.

Savico 117 Ho Tung Mau, D1 Tel: 3821 7993 One-stop electronics and home appliance superstore. All products have a one to three-year warranty.

Tech Street Huyen Thuc Khang Street between Ton That Dam and Nguyen Hue, D1 Sells compact discs, DVDs, electronic money counters, video games and systems, Discmans, mp3 players and portable DVD players.

FURNITURE Appeal 41 Ton That Thiep, D1 Tel: 3821 5258 A small, upscale shop that offers modern accents for the sleek dining room. The colours of the over-sized vases and fruit bowls are either glistening red or lacquered black.

AustinHome 20 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3519 0023 Outstanding quality and style for your home. The shop says its products are hand-picked by an American furniture expert from the best factories in Vietnam.

Upholstery, accessories, antiques and more.

Catherine Denoual 15C Thi Sach, D1 Tel: 3823 9394 Beautiful showroom with clean lines and a sumptuous array of bedroom products including bedside lamps, linens, pillowcases and duvet covers.

Decosy 112 Xuan Thuy, D2 Tel: 6281 9917 Producer of a large selection of European styled furniture and interior fittings, specializing in wrought iron and patine (distressed) wood finishes. Also stocks a wide-range of decorative accessories, crockery and fixtures. Custom design services available upon request.

Esthetic 2B Ngo Van Nam, D1 Tel: 3910 1996/7 Design and manufacture as order with a mixture of antique and modern furniture.

Friendly staff speak excellent English.

Furniture Outlet 2C Nguyen Thanh Y, D1 Tel: 2243 7955/3911 0104 Wide selection of well-crafted and carefully constructed pine wood pieces at good prices, aimed at customers craving a taste of Europe.

Furniture Street Ngo Gia Tu, D10 between Ly Thai To and Nguyen Chi Thanh Very affordable furniture can be found on this stretch: couches, mattresses, desks, chairs, etc. It often takes some looking to find a gem. A connected sidestreet, Ba Hat, features woodworkers’ shops.

Gaya 1 Nguyen Van Trang, D1 Tel: 3925 1495 www.gayavietnam.com Four-floor store featuring the work of foreign designers: home accessories and outdoor furniture by Lawson Johnston, linens by Corinne Leveilley-Dadda, furniture and lighting by Quasar Khanh, laquerware decor by Michele De Albert and furniture and decor by vivekkevin.

Linh’s White 37 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 6281 9863 Furniture shop that focuses on solid

96 asialife HCMC

wood furniture and decorative items ranging from pillows and lamps to bedding. Also offers kids’ furniture and custom pieces.

Remix Deco 222 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D3 Tel: 3930 4190 www.remixdeco.com Boutique furniture store in sprawling white with modern furniture including sofas, tables and seating from around the world. Featured designers include Le Corbusier, Ray & Charles Eames, Philippe Starck and Ludwig Mies Van der Rhode.

The Furniture Warehouse 3B Ton Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 6657 0788 namtran121@yahoo.com, ttpnam@ webtnl.com Offers a range of reasonably priced Italian, European and French colonial sofas, indoor/outdoor wooden furniture, lighting and interior décor, as well as custom designs based on clients’ specifications. All at international quality export.

Tran Duc Homes 33 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D1 Tel: 7300 0777 Level 5, Wonderbuy Center, 27b Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D1 Tel: 6291 8485 B2-25, Vincom Center, 70-72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3993 9700 Wood solutions partner for high-end residential and resort projects. Experienced in manufacturing and installing wooden modular housing, interior fittings and contemporary indoor and outdoor furniture.

LEGAL Allens Arthur Robinson Saigon Tower, 29 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3822 1717 www.vietnamlaws.com Australian law firm for law translation services and legal advice on foreign investment and business in Vietnam.

Baker & McKenzie Saigon Tower, 29 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3829 5585 www.bakernet.com International law firm providing on-theground liaison and support services to clients interested in investigating, negotiating and implementing projects in Vietnam.

Frasers International Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1 Tel: 3824 2733 www.frasersvn.com Full service commercial law firm providing international and Vietnamese legal advice to both foreign and local clients specializing in transactions in Vietnam.

Indochine Counsel Han Nam Building, 65 Nguyen Du, D1 Tel: 3823 9640 www.indochinecounsel.com Business law practitioners specializing in mergers & acquistions, inward investment, and securities & capital markets.

Limcharoen, Hughes and Glanville Havana Tower, 132 Ham Nghi, D1 Tel: 6291 7000 www.limcharoen.com Full service international law firm with head office in Thailand. Main focus on real estate in Asia.

Lucy Wayne & Associates 17 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3824 4395 www.lwavietnam.com Law firm providing legal services across the board from entertainment and environmental law to health care and real estate.

Phillips Fox Saigon Tower, 29 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3822 1717 Full service law firm providing legal services in healthcare, education, crime, banking and hospitality among others.

Pricewaterhousecoopers Legal Saigon Tower, 29 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3823 0796 www.pwc.com/vn Part of a network of international legal and financial advisors, PWC gives both specialist and general legal advice with a focus on mutli-territory projects.

RĂśdl & Partner Somerset Chancellor Court 21-23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1 Tel: 3824 4225 www.roedl.com European legal firm assisting foreign investors with structuring/establishing companies, investment projects, and mergers & acquistions.

LIGHTING

Light House 92 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D1 Tel: 3914 2662 Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Small retail shop is packed with ceiling and wall light fixtures, and a good selection of desk and ceiling lamps. Most of the stock is decidedlly modern and sleak.

Luxury Light 1483 My Toan 1, Nguyen Van Linh, Phu My Hung, D7

For those who really want to bring a touch of luxury to their homes, this place deals with Italian imported lighting from the ultra-modern to the traditional Murano style chandeliers. Extremely expensive reflecting the quality of the design and workmanship.

Mosaique 98 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 One of the best and most diverse selections of lamps in town with everything from the ordinary decorative lotus silk lamp to more inventive and original designs in lacquer and silk.

School. Affords a great view over the Saigon River. Many facilities available including a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and gym.

CB Richard Ellis Me Linh Point Tower, 2 Ngo Duc Ke, D1 Tel: 3824 6125 www.cbre.com International property consultants and developers with both commercial and private properties for sale, lease and rent.

InterContinental Asiana Saigon Residences Corner of Hai Ba Trung & Nguyen Du, D1 Tel: 3520 8888 saigon@interconti.com www.intercontinental.com/saigonres Contemporary residential space in the heart of the major business and cultural area in District 1. There are 260 one, two or three-bedroom units plus health club and outdoor swimming pool.

Namhouse Corporation 24 Xuan Thuy, Thao Dien, D2

Treasure Light 18A Bis Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1 Tel: 3822 4315 www.treasure-light.com High-end lighting shop specialising in fine lacquered lamps. Designs are sophisticated and minimilast. Wide selection of table lamps, wall lamps, floor lamps and ceiling lamps.

MOTORBIKES Automotive Street Ly Thai To Street, D10 starting at Dien Bien Phu and running southeast Services include mending motorbike seats and sound system installation.

Products range from zebra print motorbike seat covers to car and motorbike tyres, hubcaps, rims, subwoofers and sound systems by Xplode.

Bike City 480D Nguyen Thi Thap, D7 Luxury motorcycle shop carries a range of accessories, including apparel. Sells Vemar helmets, a brand that passes rigorous European Union standards.

Protec Helmets 18bis/3A Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1 248C Phan Dinh Phung, Phu Nhuan 417B Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D3 American nonprofit manufacturer makes helmets with densely compressed polystyrene shell with ABS, PVC or fiberglass exterior, available with polycarbonate shatter-proof shield. Lots of options for kids.

REAL ESTATE Ava Residence 40/10 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 6281 8440 www.avaresidence.com Modern serviced apartments located 5 minutes from the British International School and Australian International

Established since 2001 Design, Interior/External Decorations of High Quality Wood Products Manufacturing for Export, Construction Projects, Retails,...

Copy-Antique Productions, Modern Designs and Made to order More than 10 years experience Devoted premium services/after sales services, every time, every where

2B Ngo Van Nam, Dist.1, HCMC (Near the Mandarine restaurant) Tel: (84 8) 3910 1996 / 97 – Fax: (84 8) 3910 1995 Hot line: Ms. Nhat Thu Director - 0903 849 232 Email: esthetic@vnn.vn Website: www.estheticfurnishing.com

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people matter

Tel: 0989 007 700, 0989 115 511 www.namhouse.com.vn Provides rental properties, construction services and interior decorating.

Supports professional services and after-sales.

Thao Dien Village 195 Nguyen Van Huong, D2 Tel. 3744 2222 A riverside complex of international-standard hospitality and F&B outlets with a boutique hotel, four restaurants featuring Italian, Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese cuisine, an event house, meeting rooms and a day spa with well-equipped health-club.

The Nest Tel: 090 319 8901 (Laurence) Tel: 090 793 3000 (Thuong) laurence@thenest-vietnam.com thuong@thenest-vietnam.com www.thenest-vietnam.com Real estate agent maintains a well-organized and frequently updated website listing apartments, villas, townhouses condos and offices. Renters/buyers can receive regular updates via email.

Making the Most of Interviews

By Gary Woollacott It is a quandary many of us have faced when looking to change jobs: We know we’ll be good at the job and will quickly exceed expectations but we don’t have all the experience that is required of us. This comes up more often than one might think, and is by no means exclusive to Vietnam; it happens all over the world. I'm often asked: In the case where you’re certainly qualified for a position in some respects, but recognize your weaknesses in other areas, how do you effectively “sell” yourself?

The first step would be to write a list of the must-have skills the employer wants, and then list the skills that they would like to have. These can be hard (education, training, experience) or soft skills (empathy, drive, initiative); each job has different demands.

Try not to list more than four or five, and edit it down if you do. Assess yourself rigorously against that list: don't be too generous—the employer won't be when your resume reaches him/her, or if you are lucky enough to be invited for an interview.

Let’s face it: most candidates are average (they have to be, according to a normal distribution of talent). You should try to stand out from the crowd. Think about the

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skills that are must-haves, and the nice-to-haves and then prepare accordingly. Take the time to address your strengths and don't hide the weaker areas. Equally, don't beat yourself up over them: we all have to approach our work with confidence and if that’s lacking in the interview, how strongly would you project yourself if they hired you?

Make it clear that you know there is plenty to learn and that you are the best person to do that—and back it up with reasons. We’ve all heard many unsupported statements, and that is all they are: utterances in the heat of the moment that have no basis in fact and can be easily dismissed as idle chatter. Don't be that candidate! Show your next potential employer that by hiring you they will have a fabulous resource in their hands, someone who can take the organization forward, not just occupy a chair.

As usual, let me know if you have any particular topic you would like me to cover.

Gary Woollacott is the Chief Representative for Opus Executive Search in Vietnam and Thailand. He can be reached at +84 8 3827 8209 or gary@ opusasia.net. Opus is an associate of Horton International.

Platinum1 Star Building, 33 Mac Dinh Chi, D1 Tel: 3911 8193 www.platinum1corp.com Your one-stop agency for housing and office space in the city with pre-viewing selection before the visit and full support throughout your lease.

Riverside Apartments 53 Vo Truong Toan, D2 Tel: 3744 4111 www.riverside-apartments.com One of the first luxury serviced apartments in town located next to the Saigon River set in lush tropical gardens.

Saigon Properties Ground floor, 15-1A Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3823 7502 or 0903 946 517 www.saigonproperties.com Real estate company with 15 years of experience. Provides various services including leasing and sales, property management, interior design and specializes in investment properties.

Saigon Village 523 To Hien Thanh, D10 Tel: 3865 7249 www.saigonvillage.vnn.vn Fully furnished villas and apartments in a tranquil, leafy complex cordonned off from the pressures of HCMC. Savills Viet Nam Level 18, Fideco Tower, 81-85 Ham Nghi, D1 Tel: 823 9205 www.savills.com.vn Savills Viet Nam is a property service provider that has been established in Vietnam since 1995 offering research, advisory services, residential sales, commercial leasing, asset management, retail advisory, valuation, investment advisory and more.

Sherwood Residence 127 Pasteur St., D3 Tel: 3823 2288 Fax: 3823 9880 Hotline: 0917470058 leasing@sherwoodresidence.com www.sherwoodresidencecom Sherwood Residence is a luxury serviced apartment property and the first property certified by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. Modern living spaces meet prime location, comfort and class with 5-star facilities and service.

Snap Tel: 0989 816 676 www.snap.com.vn Online Real Estate service providing information on rental properties exclusively in District 2. Full listings online.

RECRUITMENT

First Alliances #609, Saigon Trade Center 37 Ton Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3910 2080 Fax: 3910 2079 www.firstalliances.net cv@firstalliances.net As Vietnam’s most established recruitment consultancy, First Alliances operates across all major industry sectors and at all levels of seniority. Also providing HR outsourcing solutions for staffing and payroll,overseas employment and education services.

HR2B / Talent Recruitment JSC Thien Son Building, 5 Nguyen Gia Thieu, D3 Tel: 3930 8800 www.hr2b.com HR consulting advises businesses on how to improve employee productivity.

The search team specializes in matching senior level Vietnamese professionals and managers to top level opportunities in both major cities.

Opus Vietnam 2A Rolanno Offices, 128 Nguyen Phi Khanh, D1 Tel: 3827 8209 www.opusasia.net Established in HCMC in 2005, Opus services local and multinational companies seeking to recruit high quality personnel. An Associate of Horton International, one of the world’s leading search groups with over 30 offices worldwide. For more info contact info@ opusasia.net.

TMF Vietnam Saigon Trade Center, Unit 2811, 37 Ton Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3910 9229 / 9222 hang.bui@tmf-group.com www.tmf-group.com With more than 3,300 professionals working out of 86 offices in 65 countries, TMF provides independent accounting and corporate secretarial services to companies worldwide.

Vietnamworks.com 130 Suong Nguyet Anh, D1 Tel: 5404 1373 www.vietnamworks.com Excellent section on advice for jobseekers focusing on topics such as resume writing, cover letters, interview technique and more.

RELOCATION AGENTS Allied Pickfords Satra Building, Room 202, 58 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 0122 5141 848 aurelien.jouve@alliedpickfords.com.vn http://vn.alliedpickfords.com Moving and relocating services company specializing in business and office moves. Overseas and specialist movers also available.

Asian Tigers Transpo International Room 201 and 202, 216 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D3 Tel: 3930 9484 Tel: 3945 0891 matt.king@asiantigers-vietnam.com www.asiantigersgroup.com International moving agency, homesearch, orientation, settling in programs and work permit assistance.

Crown Worldwide Movers 48A Huynh Man Dat, Binh Thanh Tel: 3823 4127 www.crownrelo.com International moving company serving diplomats and private customers, employees and expats, providing domestic and iternational transportation of household, office and industrial goods.

Santa Fe Relocation Services Thien Son Building, 5 Nguyen Gia Thieu, D3 Tel: 3933 0065 www.santaferelo.com Provides a range of services including home/school search, language/cultural training, tenancy management and immigration/visa support.

listings

fashion ACCESSORIES

info@cincinati.vn Vietnamese brand of genuine leather bags, shoes, accessories and personal goods for men and women such as notebooks for a classic vagabond look.

Quality leather from crocodile, horse, snake and fish made with excellent local craftsmanship.

Cleo-Pearls 30 Nguyen Dang Giai, An Phu, D2 Tel: 091 3587 690 Jewellery designer Birgit Maier operates Cleo-Pearls from her home, specializing in necklaces, bracelets, earrings, key holders and bag accessories. All pieces created with gemstones, fresh water pearls and beads.

Accessorize 48 Dong Du, D1, Tel: 3822 1081 Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 www.monsoon.co.uk/icat/accessorize Fashion-forward accessories including necklaces, handbags, wallets, flip-flops, sunglasses, hair accessories, belts and more.

Coconut 100 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 Bags of all shapes and sizes rule the roost in this small shop. Made of silk and embroidered to the brim, these unique bags start at about USD $30, and many are suitable for both day and night.

Alfred Dunhill Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, D1 A timeless style in male luxury providing formal and casual mens accesories tailored for the discerning man. Also stocking handcrafted leather goods.

Creation 105 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3829 5429 A two-storey shop selling scarves, intricate handbags (from USD $30), tailor-made silk dresses and tops. Has a wide range of materials on the second floor. Prices start from $65 for an ao dai with simple embroidery.

Anupa Boutique 17/27 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3825 7307 anupaboutiquevietnam@anupa.net The ever-changing boutique retails in the elegant design of anupa accessories made from high-quality leather. Collections available range from men, women, executive, travel, spa, yoga, board games, boxes and semi-precious stone jewellery. Collection changes on weekly basis. Also carries childrens wear, toys, furniture and homewares.

Bally Rex Hotel, 141 Nguyen Hue, D1 Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, D1 www.experience.bally.com Flagship store in the Rex Hotel providing luxury Italian-made accessories for men.

Among these are shoes, belts, wallets and a collection of male jewellery.

Banana 128 Ly Tu Trong, D1 Women’s accessories and more, from bags, clutches and belts to clothes and jewellery, all at reasonable prices.

Cartier Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan This well-known designer brand displays a wide range of accessories for men. Famous for its watches, Cartier also stocks pens, key rings, belts and sunglasses.

Cincinati 177P Dong Khoi, D1 www.cincinati.vn

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Updated daily.

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Deanh Jewellery Eden Mall, 106 Nguyen Hue, D1 Tel: 3827 6039 Gorgeous selection of gold accessories imported from Turkey and Italy. Also has a selection of simple ring designs to set your precious stones in.

Gallery Vivekkevin FAFILM Building, 6 Thai Van Lung, D1 Tel: 6291 3709 info@vivekkevin.com www.galeryvivekkevin.com Handcrafted pendants, necklaces, rings and bracelets. The gallery’s focus is on design, craftsmanship and finish, as well as educating clients on the intricacies of each piece.

Gucci 88 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3827 6688 Located on the main shopping street in HCMC, this flagship store brings Florentine fashion to an array of luxury leather goods such as briefcases, luggage and a selection of men’s shoes for office or more casual occasions.

Ipa-Nima 85 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3824 3652 New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai Well-known Hanoi-based fashion brand.

Founder Christina Yu is a former lawyer turned designer who produces eclectic and eye-catching handbags. Also stocks costume jewellery and shoes.

Saigon Trade Centre / R1901 37. Ton Duc Thang District 1 Ho Chi Minh City -Vietnam Mobile: +84 (0) 918 99 88 56 Phone: +84 (0) 822 202 193 Fax: +84 (0) 822 202 194 Email: info.legillian gmail.com Web: www.le-gillian.com

112 Xuan Thuy Ward Thao Dien District 2 Ho Chi Minh City Tel/Fax. (+84) 8 62.819.917 shop-hcm@decosy.biz

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J. Silver 803 Nguyen Van Linh Parkway, D7 Tel: 5411 1188 Make a statement without being ostentatious with handcrafted silver jewellery from the boutique store. Expect big, interesting pieces that are simple yet glamorous.

Laura V Signature 11 Dong Du, D1 Tel: 7304 4126 www.laurav.net Vintage designs aplenty with everything from jewellery and hair accessories to funky styled sunglasses, umbrellas and colourful maxi dresses.

Louis Vuitton Opera View, corner of Dong Khoi and Le Loi Tel: 3827 6318 Designer brand name housing traditional craftsmanship of luxury leather goods for men and women. An array of bags, wallets, cuff links and watches are available.

Mai O Mai 4C Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3829 4007 A superb little place with beautiful jewellery and accessories to suit all budgets.

Silver necklaces, bracelets, rings and more in both classic and imaginative designs, as well as gorgeous handembroidered bags.

Mont Blanc Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan Notable for fine writing instruments, Mont Blanc also houses cuff links and other male accessories Scorpion Vincom Center B1, 70 - 72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3993 9889 www.scorpionbag.com Selling high-end leather products for both men and women, including shoes, handbags, belts and other accessories.

Features a variety of leather in bright colors and styles.

Tic Tac Watch Shop 72 Dong Khoi Tel: 0838 293519 www.tictacwatch.com Elegant show room displaying some of the world’s most recognized Swiss brands such as Rolex, Tag Huer, Baume & Marcer, Omega and Hirsch. On-site watch repair service and complementary watch evaluation available. Also carries a small collection of vintage Rolexes.

Tombo 145 Dong Khoi, D1 Of all the embroidered and sequined bags, shoes and tidbits (or “Zakka” shops) that can be found in Dong Khoi, this shop’s has products that are prettier than most. Shoes can be custom-made and the sales staff is friendly.

Umbrella 35 Ly Tu Trong, D1 and 4 Le Loi, D1 Tel: 6276 2730 www.umbrella-fashion.com Sophisticated boutique showcasing a diverse range of imported women’s accessories. Also houses women’s garments from office wear to cocktail and party creations.

ACTIVE WEAR China Beach Surf Club Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, D1 Stocks famous surf and surf-inspired brands like Reef, Rip Curl and men’s wear from Volcom. It has everything you’d need for a visit to the beach and more. There are string bikinis, tees, board shorts, caps and thongs, just to name a few.

Pinko Rex Hotel, 146-148-150 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3827 2240

Spacious and simple store displaying women’s sportswear imported from Hong Kong and China. Body lotion and perfume imported from America.

Roxy and Quiksilver Parkson Plaza, 39-45 Le Thanh Ton, D1 The original active living and extreme sports brands, Roxy and Quiksilver products combine form and function. Choose from outdoor gear to cool indoor clothes.

TBS Sports Centre 102 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan This store stocks a range of good sports clothes and equipment from big name brands such as Puma, Adidas, Ecco, Nike and Converse.

Volcom Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, D1 Chic and funky ladies’ apparel brand from America. Lots of tank tops, minis and shorts for day tripping with girlfriends or lazing on the beach.

READY TO WEAR unisex 2bling 246 Huynh Van Banh, Phu Nhuan Specializes in urban streetwear, with a range of t-shirts, sneakers, baseball caps, hoodies and more. Tees are both imported from around Asia and designed in-house.

BAM Skate Shop 174 Bui Vien, D1 Tel: 0903 641 826 In addition to a range of decks, wheels and trucks, this small shop is stocked with bookbags, skate sneakers, track jackets and t-shirts emblazoned with your skateboard company of choice.

Bo Sua Local Streetwear Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3993 9599

www.bosua.vn An offshoot of the Boo street-style skater fashion brand made popular in Hanoi, this brand translated as “Cow Milk” features fun colourful t-shirts, women’s casual wear and sneakers that celebrate the quirky street life of Vietnam. “ello 263 Huynh Van Banh, Phu Nhuan This tiny little shop on Phu Nhuan’s hipster fashion strip is stocked with some of the coolest trend items in HCMC. Carries a frequently refreshed selection of T-shirts, skinny pants and women’s tops.

FCUK 127 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, D1 Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1 Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3914 7740 www.frenchconnection.com Trendy UK brand with a selection of fashion-forward dresses for women and smart workwear and funky casual wear for men, all at middle-market prices.

Konheo 32 Dinh Tien Hoang, Binh Thanh Tel: 6653 4187 info@konheo.com www.konheo.com Founded and run by a group of local Vietnamese guys, this T-shirt store flaunts simple-cut T-shirts with playful prints and humorous printed texts. Also does custom made t-shirts for 160,000 VND. Levi’s Flagship Store 19–21 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3500 1501 The 320-square-metre retail space spread over three levels offers the city’s largest and most exclusive collection of Levi’s bottoms, tops and accessories.

L’Usine 151/1 Dong Khoi, D1

Lifestyle store and cafe housed in a period building restored to evoke the aesthetic of an early 20th-century garment factory. Carries an exclusive, frequently refreshed line of imported men’s and women’s fashion, including T-shirts and footwear, and a range of unique accessories. Entrance via the street-level Art Arcade.

Lu.Xu.Bu 320 Huynh Van Banh, Phu Nhuan Well known among the HCMC hipsterati, this trendy shop is mostly given over to T-shirts (many by young, Bangkok-based designers), but also carries jeans, button shirts and more.

Orange 238 Pasteur, D3 Funky little boutique carries unique accessory pieces a good selection of T-shirts with quirky, unique graphics for very reasonable prices. A smaller outpost is located at the corner of Pasteur and Le Thanh Ton in District 1.

Rok Factory 382 Huynh Van Banh, Phu Nhuan www.rokexchange.com Small shop founded by local artist/ photographer carries streetwear for the rock-oriented lifestyle, including T-shirts, hoodies, socks and accessories.

Replay Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 116 Nguyen Trai, D1 187 Hai Ba Trung, D3 Tel: 3925 0252 Wide variety of shoes, clothing, denim for teens and university-age men and women. Carries boots, sandals, pumps and sneakers at mid-range prices.

Runway Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3993 9988 runway.sg@global-fashion.vn Massive and minimalist design-led interior lets ultra high-end designer garments stand out. Carries men's, women's and children’s clothing, swimwear, shoes, accessories along with home décor. Brands include Chloe, Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga, Sergio Rossi and Eres.

See By Harajuku 130 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D3 Tel: 090 986 8622 Small, friendly store stocking both men’s and women’s streetwear, channelling Japanese and Korean fashion trends.

Bright and funky T-shirts and maxi dresses, as well as accessories and footwear. New stock every month.

Versace 26 Dong Khoi Designer brand in men’s formal wear.

Houses suit jackets and trousers, shirts as well as an array of men’s accessories.

Also stocks womens clothing and shoes.

VOV Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1 403 Huynh Van Banh, Phu Nhuan www.vovietchung.com Retail base for Vo Viet Chung, one of Vietnam’s best-known designers. VOV is known for blending traditional form with contemporary cuts, colours and textures.

men Lucas 69A Ly Tu Trong, D1 Tel: 3827 9670 Fashion store housing contemporary designs in casual, office and evening wear imported from Hong Kong.

Massimo Ferrari 42-A1 Tran Quoc Thao, D3 Tel: 3930 6212 Bespoke menswear shop also boasts its own brand of contemporary preppy attire tailored for the tropics. Carries a line of European-quality shoes, bags and accessories designed in-house, as well

as exclusive Orobianco unisex bags, designer fragrances and eyewear.

Mattre 19 Nguyen Trai, D1 Tel: 3925 3412 This local men’s clothes shop has some funky tops and jeans for more fashionforward males. Apparel in sizes that fit the typical Western man’s frame are often available. Another store is located on Hai Ba Trung and Ly Tu Trong Milano Sheraton Hotel, 88 Dong Khoi www.milanogoods.com A conjoining shop with D&G offering a selection of men’s shoes and accessories with a sideline in women’s clothing.

D&G provides a collection of menswear, from casual jeans and T-shirts to uniquely designed suit jackets.

Mizada 150 Ly Tu Trong, D1 Tel: 3822 2508 mizada07@yahoo.com An A-to-Z collection of men’s clothing with an influx of new fashion arriving on the racks regularly. Carries smart, casual shirts, trousers, jeans and jackets, as well as bags and scarves.

New Urban Male 226 Ly Tu Trong, D1 Tel: 3824 4416 www.newurbanmale.com Caters to a wide range of consumer tastes from beach duds to streetwear.

The goods include international men’s brands such as Havaianas, C-IN2, Jabs Waterboys, Rebel Jeans and aussieBum. Also carries men’s grooming products.

Timberland Parkson Plaza, 39-45 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Sells everything the brand is known for, from heavy-duty boots to tops and trousers that are both smart and casual.

The emphasis is on muted tones and unobtrusive logos for men who don’t like to show off.

women Axara Vincom Center B1, 70 - 72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1 21 Nguyen Trai, D1 Tel: 3993 9399 www.axara.com Carries women’s clothing suitable for work, weekends or evening. Luxurious fabrics and simple cuts and styles all at reasonable prices. Also carries handbags and accessories.

Balenciaga Rex Hotel, 155 Nguyen Hue Tel: 6291 3572 Sporting modern shapes and elegant items crafted from natural, raw and artificial materials.

BCBGMAXAZRIA Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 American brand sells women’s day dresses and tops, evening gowns and wear-to-work attire in many prints and colours. Also carries a small selection of accessories, sunglasses and watches.

Bebe Saigon Center, 65 Le Loi, D1 Tel: 3914 4011 www.bebe.com An international brand that specializes in contemporary, modern tees and sexy, elegant dresse, tops and party attire.

Bon Mua Boutique Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3993 9888 www.itamoda.com.vn Luxury women’s clothing store with racks organized by designer. Carries small collection of unique pieces from designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Alberta Ferretti, Blumarine, Valentino, Philosophy and Brunello Cucinelli.

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femme fashion

Caro Zen Plaza, 54-56 Nguyen Trai, D1 Local designs and tailoring of elegant tops and dresses with a distinctly Eastern influence. Provides a range of attire for both the office and a night out. The friendly staff is eager to help find an outfit for any occassion.

Chloe Rex Hotel, 155 Nguyen Hue, D1 Tel: 6291 3582 Parisian-influenced fashion house specializes in simple, traditional designs with a feminine and fashionable twist.

Jeans, satin dresses and a wide array of accessories are on display.

Contraband Parkson Plaza, 39-45 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Ready-to-wear brand for hip, modern women. Range includes office wear to evening wear. The collection is updated each month with new international trends.

Let’s Go Local

By Adrian Nguyen Lots of people seem to forget that HCM City has amazing local designers and stores.

Take a walk this weekend with my column in hand and you’ll be amazed by how many fabulous things you can find. Consider this piece as my very own mini guide to unleashing the fashionista in you.

DMC: One of my favourite stores in town, Do Manh Cuong is one of the best Vietnamese designers out there and his new line, DMC, is more affordable than previous collections. You can find pretty chiffon tops and silk skirts here along with some cardigans, just in time for fall.

The store itself is worth the trip down there. 213 Ly Tu Trong, D1.

Kelly Bui: If you’re a fan of Dolce & Gabbana, you will find many covetable items at Kelly Bui. The brand is new to HCM City but has been around for years in Hanoi.

They are experts in silk and many of their fabrics are exclusively designed. Choose from an array of skirts and shirts and compile an incredible office wardrobe. Vincom Center, D1.

Song: I love how their boutiques always smell so good—coupled with the fact that their relaxed, resort-life clothing line is as good as it is.

So popular is the brand that Cameron Diaz wanted to wear it for a Vogue cover and Anna Wintour readily agreed.

And that is a BIG deal in the fashion world. I also love their Fedora and some of the canvas/leather bags that are perfect for a weekend trip down to the beach. 76D Le Thanh Ton and Saigon Centre, D1.

L’Usine: My new favourite lunch and shopping spot.

They are an international clothing and luxe lifestyle store, and I tell you, their sandwiches are really nice on the taste buds. I can come here every day just for a bite to eat and stroll around the sales floor.

You can find some Tylho pieces here and I love his free spirit floral silk shorts and tops. 151 Dong Khoi, D1.

Valenciani: It’s easy to talk about yourself! You can find everything you need at my boutique. We have an upto-date selection of silk and chiffon tops, floaty skirts, and structured dresses made in beautiful imported fabrics.

We also do custom orders for special events. Our collections have graced the pages of Travel + Leisure and DestinAsian. Find us at Saigon Centre and 66-68 Nguyen Trai, D1 As usual, I’m out of space.

But don’t worry, there’s plenty in store for the future. And for those of you who can’t wait for more local fashion hot spots, drop me an email.

Adrian Nguyen is a designer and the owner of the Valenciani brand. Email your fashion questions to Adrian.ngn@ gmail.com

Dieu Thanh Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 140 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3824 5851 www.dieuthanh.com Experienced tailor shop also carries its own line of clothing. Once specialized in swimwear and cotton clothing but has expanded to sell business suits, evening dresses, luxury fabrics and accessories.

ER-Couture Boutique 43 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 2411 www. er-couture.com erolskov@er-couture.com Exclusive Scandinavian brand offering designer garments. Versatile fashion for women in European sizes 34-44. Each style is released in limited quantities and can be tailored to individual taste.

Esprit 58 Dong Khoi, D1 Outpost for the international brand of colourful, preppy men’s and women’s casual wear.

Etam 188 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Famous all over the world for their French style. There’s a large range of shirts, T-shirts, dresses and more. Also available in Zen Plaza and Diamond Plaza.

Gaya 1 Nguyen Van Trang, D1 Tel: 3925 1495 Carries a range of couture and pret-aporter garments and silk and organza dresses in vibrant colours created by Cambodia-based designer Romyda Keth.

Geisha Boutique 43 Ton That Thiep, D1 Tel: 3821 8272 enquiry@geishaclothing.com Facebook: Geisha Boutique Australian fashion label offering a contemporary range of casual and evening wear with an Asian influence. Printed tees, singlets, shorts, skirts, jeans, summer scarves, dresses, silk camisoles and satin maxi dresses.

Tracey Kociuruba Fashion Gallery 2nd floor, 43 Ton That Thiep, D1 Australian designer Tracey Kociuruba creates intricately embellished statement pieces in her Easten-European inspired shop slash studio.

Kiwi 74/1 Hai Ba Trung Tel: 3822 1191 Small and intimate shop with a modern collection of fashion items geared towards the young and active urban female. The showroom has a wide collection, from casual clothing to office wear.

Kookai Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi

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French brand stocking classic, feminine, styles with a twist. Gypsy day dresses and classic little black dresses at mid- to high-range prices are perfect for twentyand thirty-something women.

La Senza 47B–47C Nguyen Trai, D1 Tel: 3925 1700 65 Le Loi, Saigon Centre, D1 Tel: 3914 4328 www.lasenza.com Boutique carrying a wide range of bras, panties, pyjamas, accessories and lounge wear.

Labella 85-87 Pasteur, D1 This three-storey shop will take care of all your wardrobe needs: affordable clothes, shoes, bags and lingerie, all well made and fashionable.

Le Samedi 21 Nguyen Trai, D1 Tel: 3925 5013 Boutique retailing in clothes imported mainly from Italy and France, from cocktail dresses to chiffon skirts.

Lulu Lacy www.lululacy.com Boutique label featuring retro designs in high-quality fabrics. Website frequently refreshed with latest offerings, including maxi-dresses, tailored blouses and shorts. Shop online or request a party at your house.

Mango 96 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 Tel: 3824 6624 Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1 Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 A favourite with fashion-conscious women, this mid-range store stocks clothes from simple tees and jeans to evening wear.

Marc Jacobs Rex Hotel, 155 Nguyen Hue , D1 Tel: 6291 3580 This spacious shop with high-ceilings carries up-market clothes, shoes and accessories from the internationally recognized designer brand.

Minh Hanh 24 Dong Khoi, D1 and 114B Nguyen Hue Tel: 3824 5774 www.mhminhhanh.com Hand- and machine-embroidered fashion made from natural fabrics and materials wed traditional Vietnamese elements with modern trends. Local celebrities frequent this shop.

Muse Boutique Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1 Boutique store carries well-known international brands like Miss Sixty, BCBG, Rock Republic, True Religion, Tbags and Killah.

Nang Boutique 181 Dong Khoi, Room 209, D1 iheartnang@gmail.com Houses an assortment of mix-andmatch skirts, floral dresses, chiffon lace-trimmed gowns and accessories, such as hats, shoes, bags, scarves and jewellery.

Nino Max 189B Hai Ba Trung, D1 A local popular brand of active-casualwear t-shirts, jeans and khakis. Local pricing. You can also find their other outlets in Zen Plaza and Diamond Plaza.

Peacock 35 Ton That Thiep Tel: 3829 7045 Moulin Rouge-themed boutique housing an interesting selection of women’s clothes designed and produced in Vietnam, including dresses, shirts and t-shirts, as well as jewellery.

Rana Abodeely Villa Anupa, 17/27 Le Thanh Ton,

District 1, Tel:3825 7307 Luxury resort wear in soft, feminine styles. Made with 100% Vietnamese silk with signature glass bead detailing.

Comfort, ease and elegance are the main forms of the collection.

Signature Boutique 154 Dong Khoi, D1 Houses some of the world’s most recognized luxury fashion brands: Roberto Cavalli, Versace, D&G and Missoni.

Song Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1 76D Le Thanh Ton Offers women’s fashion designs by Valerie Gregori McKenzie, including evening dress, tops and hats.

Tracey Kociuruba Fashion Gallery 43 Ton That Thiep in District 1, 2nd fl.

Tel: 3915 3242 www.traceykociuruba,com Eastern European-inspired fashion boutique with eclectic yet elegant designs with intricate hand-spun details—50sstyle jumpsuits with bustier necklines, silk kaftans and high-waisted shorts and skirts.

Valenciani Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1 Tel: 3821 2788 66-68 Nguyen Trai, D1 Tel: 7302 4688 valenciani.sg@gmail.com www.valenciani.com Homegrown luxury boutique carries silk dresses, velvet corsets, chiffon shawls and a range of accessories, all designed in-house.

SHOES Aldo 157 Dong Khoi, D1 Offering a wide selection of affordable footwear from mid- to high-range prices.

Carries office-appropriate and partyready heels and flats, as well as a range of accessories and bags.

Catwalk 80 Pham Hong Thai Tel: 3829 6819 www.catwalkshoes.com Carries a unique range of Spanish shoes and bags.

Charles & Keith 10 Mac Thi Buoy, 18-20 Nguyen Trai Tel: 3925 1132 Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 www.charleskeith.com Singapore brand housing youthful and trendy shoes of a contemporary, high fashion design.

Converse 186 Hai Ba Trung, D1 148 Nguyen Trai, D1 122 Ba Thang Hai, D10 Tel: 3827 5584 www.converse.com.vn

Sells iconic Chuck Taylor, Jack Purcell and All-Star sneakers and Converse brand clothing and accessories. Also at department stores around HCMC. Dr. Marten’s 173 Hai Ba Trung, D3 Tel: 3822 4710 Air Wair sandals and shoes here feature the classic yellow stitching and chunky rubber soles. Also stocked with clothes and accessories by Replay and Kappa tracksuit tops.

Footwear Street Ho Xuan Huong Street, D3 between Cach Mang Thang Tam and Ba Huyen Thanh Quan Le Thi Hong Gam in D1 between Pho Duc Chinh and Calmette Selection ranges from leather loafers to plastic thongs and everything in between.

Dzung 221 Le Thanh Ton, D1 One of the most reliable and respected men’s tailors in town with prices and production time to reflect the quality of the workmanship. Shirts start from US $30.

Fabric Street Hai Ba Trung, D1 across the street from Tan Dinh Market.

Spools upon spools of fabric manufatured locally and abroad, with more than ample variety of textures, colours and materials to choose from.

Massimo Ferrari 42-A1 Tran Quoc Thao, D3 Tel: 3930 6212 Traditional Italian sartorial techniques are employed to offer a full wardrobing service and custom tailoring for men.

Stocked with imported fabrics primarily from Italy. In-office and workplace fittings available.

Thuy Nga Design 7 Lam Son Square, D1 Conveniently located at the Opera House, this local boutique is a one-stop shop for both men and women. The range includes clothes, men’s and women’s accessories and costume jewellery.

Uyen 13 Nguyen Thiep, D1 An excellent option with English-speaking staff and a good selection of fabrics (although the price takes a dip if you bring your own) and some off-the-rack staples to copy. Reasonable prices.

Heat Wave 88 Nguyen Trai, D1 Tel: 6290 9588 Singaporean shoe brand that stocks affordable yet fashionable women's footwear. Styles are taken from the runway and attention to detail reigns supreme.

Jimmy Choo Ground floor, Vincom Center, 72 Le Thanh Ton, 47 Ly Tu Trong, D1 Stocks a luxurious range of products from the extensive Jimmy Choo range.

Synonymous with style, Jimmy Choo is the last word in women's footwear.

Nine West Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1 Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Stocks an extensive range of designer footwear for women. Handpicked by a global community of independent trendsetters and stylists.

Sergio Rossi 146AB Pasteur, D1 Rex Hotel, 141 Nguyen Hue, D1 World-renowned Italian brand stocks a diverse European-style collection of upmarket shoes and bags made of quality materials, from crocodile and python skin laterals to garnishings of Swarovski crystals and colourful beads.

Star Polo 97B Nguyen Trai, D1 Mix of imported shoes and locally made footwear crafted from Australian leather for men and women as well as imported ones. Sizes from 38 to 42 for men, and from 34 to 40 for women.

TAILORS

Dieu Thanh 140 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3824 5851 www.dieuthanh.com Experienced tailor shop specializes in swimwear and cotton clothing, as well as business suits, evening dresses, luxury fabrics and accessories.

LINH‘S WHITE PLEASANT LIVING MINIMALISM 37 THAO DIEN (OPPOSITE AN PHU SUPERMARKET) 67 XUAN THUY - DISTRICT 2 PHONE: (84) - 62819863 - 62818488 E : linhnguyen@hbdecor.com.vn

- www.linhfurniture.com

asialife HCMC 103

AsiaLIFE Cambodia Launch Tammy Nguyen Opening at L'Usine Wasted Youth of a Nation at Tadao Bar

Photos by Fred Wissink, James Grant and Miguel Lopez.

104 asialife HCMC

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DISTRICT 4

boxoffice

Red

Paranormal Activity 2 Nov 5 to 18 Megastar Cinema, Galaxy Cinema

Nov 19 to Dec 2 Galaxy Cinema

Detective Dee

Skyline

With such a stellar cast—Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malcovich, Mary-Louise Parker, Helen Mirren—what could go wrong? Well, not a whole lot but this doesn’t mean that everything goes right either. Willis plays a retired CIA assassin who falls in love with Parker. He finds himself the recipient of an assassination attempt and realizes that Parker too is in danger so he assembles his old team to fight back. Old team consists of some great characters on varying degrees of being nutjobs that provide hilarity and a good way to spend a Sunday.

You’d think making a sequel to Paranormal Activity would be pretty darn hard but the second installment is good and at times even funny—and made a record $41.5 million on opening in the U.S. Part two goes down the same promenade as its predecessor but its effects are stronger, and the actors put up a convincing performance, including the dog. Brian Bolden and Sprague Grayden play a couple who move into an old house with their children and well, things go bump in the night and you know the rest. Prepare to still be spooked.

Filmmaker Hark Tsui has created what will inevitably be a crowd pleaser as his last films lacked the punch and frankly fun that Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom is full of. Kung Fu fighter Andy Lau plays Detective Dee, jailed for opposing the Empress, who in a twist of fate, has no choice but to avail his services to solve a case threatening her reign. The sworn enemies are forced to join hands and fight evil. Detective Dee is pitted against an army of talking deer and other intriguing characters in an adventure that elicits much laughter too.

A sci-fi thriller, Skyline centres around an alien group that emit a light onto Los Angeles which seems to swallow people up once they look at it. This strange blue light results in people vanishing, literally, into thin air, creating panic in the US as the government and military struggle to understand what is going on.

A group of friends played by Eric Balfour and Donald Faison to name two, are desperate to escape from the giant vacuum but how can they survive while their leaders try to figure out how to nuke the spaceship that is swallowing people whole.

Oct 29 to Nov 11 Galaxy Cinema, Thang Long Cinema

Nov 26 to unspecified Thang Long Cinema

Opening Dates CINEMAS C: Cinebox

Megamind (Nov 19) Skyline (Nov 26)

G: Galaxy

Detective Dee (Nov 19) Cyrano Agency (Nov 5)

L: Lottecinema

Reign of Assassins (Nov 12) Eat Pray Love (Nov 19)

M: Megastar

Synopsis (Nov 12) Megamind (Nov 12)

T: Thang Long

Paranormal Activity 2 (Nov 12) Skyline (Nov 26)

www.cinebox212.com.vn www.galaxycine.vn www.lottecinemavn.com www.megastarmedia.net www.giaitrithanglong.com/cinema

108 asialife HCMC

The information on this page was correct at the time of printing. Check cinema websites for screenings.

bookshelf

Luka and the Fire of Life

Inheritance

Salman Rushdie Johnathan Cape

Tara Palmer-Tomkinson Pan McMillan

From the literary superstar Salman Rushdie comes a book for teenagers: Luka and the Fire of Life. Written much as a companion to his earlier book for children, Haroun and the Sea of Stories, Luka is a tribute to Rushdie's son, Milan, much like Haroun was a tribute 20 years ago to his elder son, Zafar. This book is about a journey the young Luka embarks on in a bid to save his storytelling father who has slipped into a coma; Luka's journey into the magical realm features incredible characters and unexpected twists and turns. Both books have this in common too: the child protagonist saves the parent. Luka is, amongst many things, more worldly than Haroun, as it features gods and goddesses from all over the globe.

You won't be blamed for doing a double take when you read that the author of Inheritance is Tara Palmer-Tomkinson. How did London's one time most famed It Girl turn into a Lit Girl—and should we just scoff it off as, at best, an airport read? Given that the reviews haven't been all that dismal, there may be more to Inheritance than meets the eye. Unsurprisingly the book is inspired by the author's real life events—our heroine, Lyric Charlton, emerges from rehab (sound familiar already?) to discover a family secret (shock, horror). Sure it's one big homage to oneself but if you're up for a laugh and enjoy celebrity-written memoirs posing as literature, or just love chick lit, this might not make you want to immediately vomit.

Even Silence Has An End

Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk

Ingrid Betancourt Penguin Press

David Sedaris Little Brown and Co

It was one of modern times most horrific hostage stories yet a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The story of Ingrid Betancourt, a young aspiring candidate for Colombia's presidential election in 2002, kidnapped by the feared FARC group and held hostage for six-and-a-half years, captivated audiences when she was eventually released a few years ago. How she endured those years in captivity, physically and psychologically deprived, is narrated with a quiet dignity that is inspiring. Her attempted escapes, her being dealt unimaginable punishments, her resilience throughout, not to mention her relationship with her captors, make this a gripping read. The memoir is as much a story of survival as it is of self-discovery but above all it is a journey towards forgiveness.

Think Aesop Fables re-written by America's leading humorist David Sedaris and you have in your hands Squirrel Meets Chipmunk, A Modest Bestiary. Of the 16 animal stories, some indeed are fables while others are not; suffice it to say they are all very funny, some heartbreaking, too. Imagine everyday human scenarios— standing in a line complaining about bureaucracy—acted out by animals. Sedaris deftly handles morality in a world where political correctness sometimes trumps common sense with hilarious results. That he can do with such panache and get you thinking too—should the storks tell the chicks the facts of life or lie and say they were brought to their parents by mice?—proves why Sedaris can tackle any subject with an inimitable style.

asialife HCMC 109

soundfix

by John Thornton

album review

KINGS OF LEON

MAGNETIC MAN

GRINDERMAN

COME AROUND SUNDOWN

MAGNETIC MAN

GRINDERMAN 2

Following the gargantuan success of 2008’s Only By The Night, the Tennessee-bred quartet had a decision to make.

They could either continue to distance themselves from fans of their first three albums by churning out more radio-friendly pop hits a la "Sex On Fire" and "Use Somebody" or put their collective middle finger up to the mainstream and return to the ramshackle charm of old.

Intriguingly, on Come Around Sundown the Followills don’t commit to either. Instead, they’ve conjured an album that maintains the widescreen stadium-driven atmospherics of their previous LP but scales back the ambition with altogether subtler songs that, although not as immediately catchy (with the exception of "Radioactive"), are much more considered and thoughtful. "The End," "Pyro" and "The Face" are sparse, wistful gems teeming with reflective and melancholic qualities whilst "Back Down South" is a violin-flecked bluegrass lament to their southern roots. This is the sound of KOL taking a conscious step back from the precipice.

When you live in a country such as Vietnam it’s sometimes easy to miss or feel disconnected from cultural happenings occurring elsewhere in the world. Dubstep, the minimalist underground dance subgenre born from a two-step garage in Croydon record shops at the beginning of the noughties, is one such example. This musical phenomenon has been slaying dancefloors from London to LA for the past several years, growing in popularity and stature exponentially. Comprising dubstep’s originators Skream, Benga and Artwork, Magnetic Man sees dubstep enter the pop arena with Top 40 heavyweights Ms Dynamite and John Legend enlisted to help smooth the transition. Musos will hate this album. Then again, it was never aimed at them in the first place. The undulating “wub wub wub” basslines, 80s keyboard synths and seductive vocals of Katy B are obviously targeted at those with their ears trained to FM radio stations and university students looking to splurge away their loans in overpriced and trendy superclubs.

110 asialife HCMC

BELLE & SEBASTIAN WRITE ABOUT LOVE

Showing no signs of growing old gracefully (or quietly, for that matter), Nick Cave allows the troublemaking noise merchant side of his personality to rise to surface once again on Grinderman 2. Teaming up with fellow Bad Seeds members Martyn Casey on bass, Warren Ellis on violin and guitar and Jim Sclavunos on drums, the album is just as psychedelic, experimental and emotionally furious as its predecessor. The majority of sounds on display (dense layers of feedback, horror-movie organ chords, scuzzy guitars and coiled basslines) initially make for an impenetrable listening experience.

The word ‘cacophony’ instantly springs to mind. However, given repeated listens, Grinderman 2 opens up to become a thrilling record with elements of punk, blues and good old-fashioned rock n’ roll colliding in reckless abandon ("Bellringer Blues, Kitchenette").

The greatest moment, however, is reserved for "Palaces Of Montezuma," a wonderfully melodic track driven by Cave’s witticisms and completed by the infectious ‘woooo-woooo’ backing vocals and uplifting rhythm section.

The eighth album from the seven-piece Glaswegian band sees Stuart Murdoch and Co. consolidating their strengths rather than expanding into new territory. Swinging 60s pop and intimate folk are arranged smartly and intricately by producer Tony Hoffer as the group’s pretty melodies glide delicately through the album’s crisp, clean and full bodied sound. Standout tracks include the exhilarating "I Want The World To Stop" with its arms-aloft chorus and "Little Lou, Ugly Jack, Prophet John," which transforms Norah Jones’ usually flat and monotonous croon into sultry and honeyed tones. The retro cheeriness of "I’m Not Living In The Real World" comes over like early Blur and The Polyphonic Spree and the horn-driven "The Ghost Of Rock School" shimmers with a Mo-town thumbclicking rhythm. Lyrically, Murdoch remains as whimsical and surreal as ever, with many abstract and veiled references to the mechanics of relationships dotted throughout. Belle & Sebastian aren’t reinventing the wheel but why fix something when it’s not broken?

xoneFM top ten

endorsed

Official xoneFM Vietnam Top 10 this last

week week 1 2 3 4

4 2 9 10

5

NEW

6 7 8 9 10

6 NEW NEW 3 NEW

title

artist

Doi Thay Suy Nghi Trong Anh Bat Song Cam Xuc Nguoi La Noi Cuoi Con Duong Hanh Phuc Thoang Qua Den Bao Gio Vet Nang Cuoi Troi Ho Guom Sang Som Nang Theo Chan Em Ki Uc Anh Va Em

Noo Phuoc Thinh Duy Khoa Wanbi Tuan Anh LK feat. Jay Tea

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artist Far*East Movement Featuring Cataracs & Dev Bruno Mars Nelly Rihanna Usher Featuring Pitbull

Noo Phuoc Thinh Tran Trung Duc Minh Vuong Hoang Hai Phuong Vy V Music Band

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Best Behaviour

Nobody's Perfect

By Mark Jackson The small motorboat is sailing off into the horizon. Marilyn Monroe and Tony Curtis are kissing in the back seat while out front Joe E Brown is whisking Jack Lemmon off to his luxury yacht. Still in drag Lemmon lists the reasons why he cannot marry Brown—he smokes, he’s not a real blonde, he has lived for years with a saxophone player. Throughout Brown maintains a resolute “I don’t mind.” Eventually Lemmon tears off his wig announcing that he is a man. In probably the most famous closing line in cinematographic history, Brown responds: “Nobody’s Perfect.”

To many Some Like It Hot (1959) is director Billy Wilder’s perfect movie. Judged the best comedy in American cinema by the American Film Institute, it is also ranked 14th in the organization’s top 100 films of the twentieth century.

Wilder’s genius lies in taking a routine plot and giving it a twist: two musicians oversee a mob killing in Chicago and hide themselves in a travelling band.

This is hardly groundbreaking stuff but by choosing to make the band all female, Wilder crosses transgender boundaries. Macho, womanizing Curtis has to hide in furs and tights in order to save his neck.

The tension behind the twist turns a farcical comedy into a masterpiece.

Although now widely acclaimed as one, if not the, funniest film of all time, Some Like It Hot was not as great a critical success at the time as his follow-up film, The Apartment.

Also starring Lemmon, but this time teamed up with a youthful Shirley MacLaine, Wilder

scooped Oscars for Best Film, Best Director and Best Screenplay for The Apartment.

Again the master director’s focus is not as others would like. By choosing to cast Lemmon as a man who lets out his apartment to work colleagues for personal advancement in the office, Wilder chose a weak central character that is not instantly likeable. However, the making of the man is the making of the film, with Lemmon winning both the audience and MacLaine in the final sequences.

What made Wilder stand out as a director was his ability to play against type—evidence Curtis in drag and wholesome Fred MacMurray as a skunk in both The Apartment and Double Indemnity. He also made stars perform. Monroe is a revelation in Some Like It Hot, proving she was more than a blonde bombshell.

Never afraid to explore the darker side of humanity, Wilder’s classic film noir Sunset Boulevard is almost too painful to watch. Starting with William Holden’s drowned body floating in a pool, the whole film is played in flashback from the view of the dead man as he becomes ensnared by faded movie star Gloria Swanson.

One of the strongest indictments of Hollywood’s star system, Sunset Boulevard is consistently voted as one of the best films of all time.

After The Apartment Wilder’s career went into a decline.

While his subsequent films fail to match up to his earlier work, this just goes to prove, as written on Wilder’s headstone, that nobody’s perfect.

asialife HCMC 111

radar Cooking for Engineers

Dulce de Leche

www.cookingforengineers.com When it comes to cooking, some people are alchemists in the kitchen, able to cook on the fly with whatever’s on hand. For those less savvy behind the stove, there’s Cooking for Engineers, a website operated by tech professional and foodie Michael Chu. Mr. Chu takes an analytical approach to the culinary arts, tucking little lessons into his recipes that explain the rhyme and reason for using certain ingredients and techniques over others. For example, he makes a macaroni bake with American, Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar because they contribute to stabilization, creaminess and taste, respectively. In another case, he surmises that his gazpacho takes on a “fluffy” texture due to the introduction of air during automatic blending. Also helpful: Each step in Chu’s recipes is illustrated, so you know how the dish should be taking shape. The only thing that could make Cooking for Engineers more user-friendly is if Chu offered delivery service. Tom DiChristopher

Go Fug Yourself www.gofugyourself.celebuzz.com For those obsessed with celebrity and their fashion sense (or lack thereof), the long-standing and award winning folks at the blog Go Fug Yourself continue to amuse with their verdicts on red carpet hits and misses. For a topic that seems so trite, the blog will surprise you because it is just so darn well written: clever, witty, sometimes downright laugh out loud funny. It is almost worth reading just for the titles to each post, for they always make some play on the subject they're going after or the few they manage to praise. Sometimes, there's also fictional dialogue between a couple posing at a red carpet event, usually a movie premiere, which can also elicit enough amusement to get you through until lunch. And if you don’t feel like napping during lunch, you can browse through the archives for more hilarity. M. Khan

Posterous www.posterous.com Have you always fancied yourself as a blogger but found the process of setting up a site too complicated? Does the idea of writing lengthy updates to your family and friends back home and then uploading it on a webpage sound appealing, albeit too daunting a task to do on a regular basis? If so, the website Posterous may be a God-send. Here’s why: send in your content (writings, images) and within a short time frame, your content is up on the web.

This is ideal for personal and collaborative blogs and for the more tech-savvy, it is also a rich bookmarking tool, better than Delicious as it allows you to easily upload, store and tag text, audio and video files. Posterous also hosts images (and is faster than Flickr) and video too—and can even plug your file to YouTube should you choose that option. It can do all this and more in steps as easy as 1-2-3. M. Khan

112 asialife HCMC

With September came a flood of birthdays among people I know.

My wife, a brother and many friends all celebrated the milestone last month. This should probably not be surprising given it is the ninth month after the Christmas and New Year holiday season, which would indeed appear to be a merry old time.

All this birthday cheer had me thinking about this annual ritual. Why do we feel the need to celebrate making it through another year, and why do we usually do this by gathering with family and friends and eating and drinking far more than is good for us? Certainly, if anything makes the passage of time clear it is that the hangovers from these occasions grow more painful and take longer to recover from.

The birthday is a straightforward proposition when you are a kid. It’s all about the presents, end of story. However, with a birth date falling only a few

days after Christmas, I was constantly lobbying my parents to allow me to move my birthday to June in order to more evenly spread present-receiving occasions throughout the year. No luck with that one.

Then of course it is about reaching the age when you can do the fun, adult things you

with a bang, or let it slide by with barely a murmur? Each person’s answer will really come down to how he or she feels about getting older. I am pretty happy these days my parents never gave in to my childish pleas to change my birthday. Sandwiched in between Christmas and New Year

have been waiting for, like getting a driver’s license or going to a bar. Before long, usually while you are sitting in a traffic jam on the way to work or paying for over-priced drinks in a deafeningly loud nightclub, you realize the novelty of these things has a very short shelf life.

As the numbers start to stack up, you are faced with a question: Do I mark each birthday

it is very easy to fly under the radar while everyone is busily enjoying the holidays.

I’m not for a moment suggesting I would like to turn back the clock a decade or two. Who in their right mind would want to revisit the spotty uncertainty of their teenage years? I’m also not sure the relative impoverishment and bad fashion choices of my twenties (think grunge-era

flannel shirts, big boots and long hair) is something I would be rushing to have a second go at.

All things considered, my life now is as good as it has ever been. It is more that recently I have started to notice those little signals my body sends to my brain to let it know I’m not 21 anymore. I think what I would really like to do is just hit the pause button for a while to stop those birthdays, which seem to arrive with greater and greater haste.

Unfortunately, due to lacking the ability to bend time to my will I have to think about it a different way. Dylan Thomas wrote about raging against the dying of the light. He also drank an awful lot of whisky. Perhaps a birthday brings out a little of the Dylan Thomas in us, and gives us a chance to raise a glass to life and shout into the face of time that we will not go gentle into that good night. That’s as good a reason for a party that I can think of. asialife HCMC 113

pub quiz

grand masters 26)

bars 6) Where did Sam, Diane and Carla work?

7) What links Clark Gable, Grace Kelly, Ava Gardner and a bar in HCMC? 8) Who runs a “Café Américain” in Morocco?

9) Who would you find behind the bar in the Ten Forward?

10) What is the name of Walford’s best known pub?

and mrs 16) Who did Robin Williams portray in a 1993 film?

17) Which Simon and Garfunkel hit single featured in the 1967 film The Graduate?

18) Which Virginia Wolf character has the first name Clarissa?

19) How is Bessie Wallis Warfield better known?

20) Who wrote a Book of Household Management and died aged 28?

saved by the bell!

21) Who played the title role in the 2002 film Billy Elliot?

22) The Liberty Bell designed

by Charles Fay in 1889 was the name of the world’s first what?

114 asialife HCMC

Chòu traùch nhieäm xuaát baûn: Nguyeãn Thò Thanh Höông Bieân taäp: Nguyeãn Vónh Trung Söûa baûn in: Löu Thuûy Trình baøy: Coâng ty TNHH QC TM DV Ba traêm saùu möôi laêm ngaøy Bìa: Coâng ty TNHH QC TM DV Ba traêm saùu möôi laêm ngaøy Nhaø XuaáT baûn toång hôïp TP. Hoà Chí MINH 62 Nguyeãn Thò Minh Khai, Q1 ÑT: 38225340 – 38296764 – 38220405 – 38296713 – 38223637 Fax: 84.8.38222726 Email: tonghop@nxtphcm.com.vn Website:www.nxthcm.com.vn - www.fiditour.com Thöïc hieän lieân keát xuaát baûn: Coâng ty TNHH QC TM DV Ba traêm saùu möôi laêm ngaøy In laàn thöù nhaát, soá löôïng 4000 cuoán, khoå 20,5cm x 27,0cm GPXB soá: 728-10/CXB/84-65/THTPHCM Ngaøy 23/07/2010 In taïi Coâng ty ITAXA, ñòa chæ 126 Nguyeãn Thò Minh Khai, Q.3.

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mr 11) Which Dickens character was continually 'waiting for something to turn up'?

12) Which book characters were created by Roger Hargreaves?

13) Who is the owner of Springfield Nuclear Power Plant?

14) Which actor played both B. A. Baracus and Clubber Lang?

15) Whose parents are Sarek and Amanda Grayson?

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Pub Quiz Answers

1) What was the nickname given to the 1969 Dodge Charger in Dukes Of Hazard?

2) To what speed does the car in Back To The Future have to reach to travel in time?

3) What make of car does TV`s Mr Bean drive?

4) Which 1984 movie starred Dan Akroyd, Bill Murray and a 1959 Cadillac Miller Meteor Ambulance?

5) Which car had the Racing number 53?

23) Andy Bell is the lead singer for which group?

24) Who recorded the best selling album Tubular Bells?

25) Rupert Everett and Colin Firth starred in two recent films set in an English girls school. What was the name of the first film in this series, made in 1954?

1) The General Lee 2) 88 miles per hour 3) Mini (British Leyland Mini 1000) 4) Ghostbusters 5) Herbie (The Love Bug) 6) Cheers 7) Mogambo 8) Rick (Blaine) 9) Guinan (Whoopi Goldberg) 10) The Queen Vic(toria) 11) Mr Micawber 12) Mr Men 13) Mr Burns 14) Mr T 15) Mr Spock 16) Mrs Doubtfire 17) Mrs Robinson 18) Mrs Dalloway 19) Mrs Simpson 20) Mrs Beeton 21) Jamie Bell 22) Fruit/Slot Machine (pokie) 23) Erasure 24) Mike Oldfield 25) The Belles of St Trinians 26) Cate Blanchett 27) Dustin Hoffman 28) Jennifer Lopez 29) Vladimir Putin 30) Willie Nelson

cars