Vol. 3 No. 6 I December 27 - January 2, 2015
artplus review bali's show of the year BLING, LUXE OR BOHEMIAN? FINDING YOUR HOLIDAY LOOK GOLDEN DREAMS 24-CARAT BEAUTY
magical MeXICO ON THE ROAD IN OAXACA
Editor's note
Check List
TIME AND TIME AGAIN It’s the last week of the month, which means that it’s time for JPlus’ regular travel cover story. This month, we take you to the Free and Sovereign State of Oaxaca in Mexico, courtesy of our writer Florence Nathania, a long-time denizen of Jakarta who has relocated temporarily to Mexico City. As 2015 wanes, we also have two special reports for you. In the first, contributing food writer Kevindra P. Soemantri reflects on the year that was in local cuisine. In the second, our
couture contributor Willy Wilson has some tips on what to wear as you ready yourself for end-of-year parties. Finally, we offer a heartfelt hail and farewell to Gurjit Singh, the outgoing ambassador from India. I remember interviewing him for an article on a film festival that the embassy was organizing. The ambassador, his staff told me beforehand, really, really, likes film. What an understatement. Ambassador Singh’s eyes lit up as he discussed – at length, with knowledge and obvious
enthusiasm - classic films like Mughal-eAzam and Sholay. As a film buff myself, it was a real treat to speak with him – as it was whenever we met at events in the city. We wish Ambassador Singh the best on his new assignment – and we wish all our readers a Happy New Year. Enjoy the weekend!
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Chris Razukas jplus@thejakartapost.com
mark my words
The Great Culinary Awakening of 2015 OUR CONTRIBUTING FOOD WRITER REFLECTS ON THE YEAR THAT WAS FOR CUISINE. WORDS Kevindra P. Soemantri
In less than a week, foodies and the gastronomically inclined will begin 2016, leaving behind an amazing year that was, with many openings and closings, as well as some bad dishes – and some (surprisingly) good food. One of the highlights of 2015 was the inaugural Ubud Food Festival, which brought culinary luminaries from throughout the nation and beyond together in one place. We shared our knowledge of food, we tasted one delicious flavor after another and 80-year-old Sri Owen received a richly deserved lifetime achievement award for her work to promote the nation’s cuisine. The year was also made special by the opening of world-class celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s restaurant in Indonesia, located near the beach in Kuta, Bali. Meanwhile, in Jakarta, a host of new destinations opened their doors to local gourmands. On the top of my list was 1945 Indonesian fine dining at the Fairmont Hotel in Senayan and Pao-Pao Dimsum and Bar in the Jl. Senopati foodie corridor. In what I thought was a fine capstone for the year, there were also the launches of VUE 46, along with its casual sister Socieaty, by the Singaporean-based Les Amis Group. While the year in local cuisine did not prove as energetic as 2014 or 2013, there was more balance in – and more thought put into – the restaurants that opened. Local diners are getting wiser about choosing good food, while local restaurateurs are more aware of the need to educate patrons about the nuances of cuisine and fine dining. There were also closings and re-
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brandings, such as Cassis. The restaurant, which is renowned for its fine French cuisine, was dragged down by the prospect of becoming a more casual and “youth friendly” establishment, leading to the launch of its new face, The Cassis Gourmand. Turning to 2016, there’s a sense that something great will happen, whether here or abroad. A large part of this can be attributed to the announcement that Michelin will publish a Red Guide covering Singapore in March. The launch reflects an intensifying battle for who will be deemed the leaders of global gourmet cuisine. Just look at France, the home of haute cuisine and birthplace of the Red Guide. Local officials announced recently that they would develop “La Liste” [The List] of the world’s best restaurants, to correct what they said was the inexcusable exclusion of French chefs from all-too-many other guides. It’s a direct challenge to San Pellegrino’s “World’s Best Restaurants List” in the UK, which has become one of the most widely appreciated benchmarks of foodies. In Indonesia, a Great Culinary Awakening is sweeping the nation. Big cities like Semarang, Surabaya and Bandung are also getting attention from Jakarta-based foodies. We’re not just talking about centuries-old street-food vendors, but new places with intriguing concepts. Consider as well, for example, how the omnipresence of food trucks have helped young people fall in love with dining out. On offer are traditional Indonesian dishes, like martabak, as well as foreign delicacies. Some of the items have been absurd and
awkward, but others have been done to perfection. Meanwhile, on a less salubrious note, food bloggers have made substantial inroads into the local culinary industry. Their postings, uneven in quality as they might be, are considered received wisdom by local foodies. There are even rumors that one five-star hotel is going to focus the lion’s share of its media budget on bloggers. On the other hand, the luminaries of Jakarta’s dining scene still shine bright. Consider KOI in Kemang, South Jakarta, which has been widely lauded. Noteworthy as well is Sriwijaya at The Dharmawangsa, under incoming executive chef Felix Budisetiawan, who has brought a fresh take to what others have called “the finest fine dining in Jakarta”. Another high point was the release of Indonesia’s finest food fiction novel, Aruna dan Lidahnya (Aruna and Her Tongue), penned by veteran critic Laksmi Pamuntjak. However, despite the progress, I’m still saddened by how some diners in the city fail to appreciate cuisine, confusing a full belly with fine dining. Developing the palate of potential patrons remains the critical mission of our local celebrity chefs and food writers. In any event, I can’t wait to see what will happen in the local food scene as the New Year begins. I’ve been pleased by the changes I’ve seen to date – and my appetite has been whet for more. Mark My Words shifts focus between food, fashion, parenting and travel each week.
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JPlus Team Editor Christian Razukas Art Director Budhi Hartono Graphic Designer Hengky Wijaya Marketing & Advertising Sales & Marketing Director Ady P. Pamungkas
ady.pamungkas@thejakartapost.com
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On the cover Dancers from San Pedro Ayutla throw fruits to spectators during a Guelaguetza celebration in Oaxaca. Photographer: Omar Torres, AFP
talk of the town INDIAN AMBASSADOR bids ri farewell
MULIA RESORT BALI GETS NOD oN 'ELLEN' SHOW
Embassy of India, South Jakarta
Nusa Dua, Bali
The outgoing ambassador of India to Indonesia and Timor Leste, Gurjit Singh, paid a farewell call to Vice President Jusuf Kalla on Dec. 18. The ambassador thanked Kalla for strengthening bilateral relations between India and Indonesia, while Kalla commended Singh for helping build harmony between the nations. Singh, who departed on Dec. 23 to take up his next post, as India’s ambassador to Germany, helped host a visit from the Indian vice president and masterminded a host of innovative events during his tenure, publishing a book (Masala Bumbu– Enhancing the India-Indonesia Partnership), hosting a festival to mark the centenary of Bollywood film and supporting an International Day of Yoga.
The Mulia Resort–Nusa Dua, Bali was recently given special attention by a world-famous American talk show. The Ellen DeGeneres Show welcomed the festive holiday season when the titular hostess presented gifts to audience members, with the final bonus as a luxurious holiday to the Mulia Resort–Nusa Dua, Bali. Ellen referred to The Mulia Resort as “one of the best hotels in the entire world” and said of the prize: “This may be our best giveaway ever.”
KOREA INVITES INDONESIANS TO SKI Central Jakarta The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) recently hosted a business-to-business meeting between local travel agents and three of their host country’s top ski resorts to promote tourism in South Korea. The Dec. 18 gathering was designed to introduce Indonesian tourism organizations to the South Korean province of Gangwon, which is home to three worldclass ski resorts: High 1 Resort, Yongpyong Resort and Daemyung Vivaldi Park. These resorts are all collaborating to give Indonesians the chance the try out their “Ski Korea Festival”, which runs until March.
AYANA BALI NAMED WORLD’S LEADING VILLA
The Villas at Ayana Resort & Spa Bali was among the big winners at the recent World Travel Awards (WTA) 2015, which were held in El Jadida, Morocco. The awards ceremony endowed the resort with the title of “World’s Leading Island Villa” for 2015. This marked the Ayana’s second consecutive time winning this recognition. Perched on limestone cliffs above Jimbaran Bay, the Ayana Resort is a 90-hectare property that enjoys majestic views across its 1.3-kilometer coastline. The World Travel Awards brand is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.
QATAR AIRWAYS MAKES FUN-FILLED SAFETY VIDEO
Safety comes first at Qatar Airways, as the airline has unveiled a fun and soccerfueled safety video to engage and entertain passengers as they travel. The unique four-minute video stars six of FC Barcelona’s La Liga players alongside fans and Qatar Airways crew members as they demonstrate important safety information. The airline has also recently announced a three-year partnership with Ooredoo, the fastest-growing telecommunications company in the world, to provide passengers with free WiFi.
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journey
to Oaxaca A PARADISE IN MEXICO’S SOUTHWEST Words Florence Nathania
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Photos: florence Nathania, AFP
he Aztecs called this land Huaxyacac, which means over the tip of the gourd, while the Spanish friar Francisco de Ajofrín wrote that it was where God put all the remaining hills and mountains after creating the world. In the Free and Sovereign State of Oaxaca in Mexico, you can find pre-Hispanic architectural magnificence and Spanish baroque architecture, as well as picturesque, rugged terrain and 533 kilometers of beaches along the Pacific. It’s also one of the culinary heavens of Mexico and an off-the-beat track destination for travelers.
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traders lined the street, offering traditional Oaxacan clothes, second-hand goods, Mexican handicrafts and local snacks. I was surprised when one hawker offered me rambutan – a surprising taste of home.
IN THE CAPITAL
I had a tiring trip from Mexico City to Oaxaca de Juárez, the capital of the state, taking the night bus and catching up on some sleep. Once in a while, I was awakened when the bus traversed a bumpy road. However, in general, the uphill-anddownhill ride did not bother my slumber. The bus itself was much more comfortable than those in Indonesia, especially given its larger leg room and cleanliness. I arrived at the bus terminal in the north of the city, close to the historic center – a well-preserved 16th-century Spanish colonial town that was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. I forgot that I was in Mexico as I walked down the Alcala Street tourist corridor: The cantera-paved streets, small alleys and baroque buildings reminded me of Spain. My first stop was Santo Domingo Church, which had plentiful gold-coated adornments inside and a cactus garden outside. Santo Domingo, which took more than 100 years to build, was commandeered by the army during the Mexican Reform War in the mid-19th century, although it was eventually returned to the Catholic Dominican clerics who ran the church. It took me around 15 minutes to walk to the main square, or zocalo in Spanish, at the end of the tourist corridor. Local traders lined the street, offering traditional Oaxacan clothes, second-hand goods, Mexican handicrafts and local snacks. I was surprised when one hawker offered me rambutan – a surprising taste of home. At night, the zocalo heats up, with even more food hawkers and street vendors appearing. There are also fancy restaurants with live music and patios , where it's more common to hear English spoken by tourists than Spanish. I passed by went to the food bazaar, where most of the locals were.
ON THE ROAD
The next day, I went on a guided tour, heading to destinations in the city’s southeast. We started by climbing the hill that’s home to the Mitla
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Oaxaca ABCs A Agave
Agave is an important plant for Mexicans and is recognized by UNESCO. Aside from being used to produce alcoholic drinks, the plant can produce fiber, fuel, sweeteners, medicine and soap. In Indonesia, agave is cultivated in South Malang, Jember, and South Blitar.
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Benito Juárez
Oaxaca de Juárez (the city’s full name) takes its moniker from Benito Juárez, the local son who became the first indigenous president of Mexico. He is known for fighting for democracy and for the human rights of Latin Americans.
Cochineal
The cochineal bug is an insect that produces carminic acid, which is still used by textile makers in Oaxaca to dye yarn red. Mixing cochineal with other compounds – such as lime juice, for example – can change its carmine-red color to purple, orange, grey or black. The insect is widely used as well in the cosmetic and food industries for its natural coloring function. +Florence Nathania
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archaeological site. Before entering the complex, our bilingual Spanish-English Mexican guide showed me a Catholic convent made of the stones taken from the preHispanic constructions. “Mitla” means resting place, and the local residents believe that the spirits of the dead come here to rest after their passage. The archaeological site was occupied by the Mixtecs, who took it over from the Zapotecs, the designers of the complex’s huge stone supports and intricate mosaics. Similar to Borobudur Temple in Central Java, Mitla was built by arranging stones without any adhesive material. It’s dominated by white cantera stones, with touches of carmine made from the bodies of the cochineal bug, a cactus parasite. I had to climb 50-cm-high steps to reach the top of the one ruin that was previously a palace – something that must have been a challenge for the original residents, given that the average height of a pre-Columbian Mesoamerican was only 1.5 meters. Our guide said that was intentional: The tall steps ensured that only community and religious leaders could enter the palace, which was a sacred place. Not far from the ruins was an astonishing site, the Hierve el Agua petrified waterfall. The name, which means “boiling water” refers to the temperature of the nearby streams. Boiling, though, is a misnomer: The water actually bubbles, due to mineral gases below ground that force the liquid to the surface. I was amazed by the waterfalls: One was 30 meters high; the other, 12. Both were formed several thousand years ago, when frozen running water with a high mineral content came into contact with air and instantly solidified. There are only two petrified waterfalls in the world, in
Mexico and Turkey, according to our guide. On the way to the bottom of the smaller waterfall, we stopped several times to get a look at its bigger sibling. At the base, we were showered by mineral-laden water that could wet you, but not precisely bathe you. Thankfully, there are plenty of small caves and nooks where you can shield yourself to take pictures.
THE PACIFIC SHORE
Leaving the highlands, I next explored the Pacific shores of Oaxaca, stopping in Puerto Escondido, about 10 hours from Oaxaca by bus. There are also direct flights from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido that are less expensive than traveling by ground. The reason behind my stopover was simple: I was pining to ride some waves. I rented a board at Punta Zicatela Beach, a bohemian part of the coast crowded with surf and food shacks. The surf at Punta Zicatela was perfect for a beginner like me, who does not expect big barrels. If you long for larger swells, though, go to nearby Zicatela Beach, where hardcore surfers ride waves topping six meters along the Mexican Pipeline. Zicatela also hosts swanky hotels, restaurants, bars and the best nightlife in the region. Meanwhile, for those who are only interested in swimming and lying on the sand, I vouch for the calm waters of Carrizalillo Beach. If Zicatela channels the spirit of Kuta for its long shoreline, Carrizalillo Beach could be
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Padang Padang. Carrizalillo is characterized by hills that surround the sea. I had to make an effort to walk down stone steps to reach the hidden beach Food shacks in the dunes were ready to satisfy my hunger as I sat under a palapa, or thatched palm-leaf roof. The real reason I was keen to visit Puerto Escondido was to witness the bioluminescence glow of Manialtepec Lagoon, located about 20 minutes from Puerto Escondido. We continued to the darkest part of the lagoon by boat on a night without any moon, since any light would hide the effect. Our boatman steered in circles so that the phytoplankton would reveal themselves, as they glow in response to movement as a defense mechanism. We dived into the water to say hello. As I started to move, my hands were glazed by small twinkling white stars. It was a dreamlike experience. “Three days ago I brought a group to that side. The plankton glowed green,” the boatman said. “We cannot really tell what the color of these sparks will be.”
36 BEACHES LATER
The next day, I took a two-hour bus ride to the touristy, laid-back city of Huatulco – a place famous for its nine bays of crystal water and 36 beaches. I reached the site late and had to let go of plans to visit all the bays by ship. Instead, I followed a suggestion from the local tourist office and took a tranvia (tourist bus) tour. The double-decker bus went around the town square on the way to Santa Cruz Bay, where we stopped at a nearby hill to admire the view. I decided to dine by the sea with fresh seafood that night. It was around 10 p.m., and the restaurants were barely serving clients, although there was a clamor from a soccer game featuring the Mexican national team on television. I chose the nearest restaurant, since I was starving, and was not disappointed by scrumptious seafood skewers and shrimp with cream sauce served inside a pineapple shell. Walking to Huatulco Café at Santa Cruz Square, I paused to listen to the coffee shop’s singer as he sang standards in English and Spanish. I savored the experience of drinking a cold cappuccino on a warm night listening to that singer’s beautiful voice.
LA GUELAGUETZA It’s worth visiting Oaxaca in July, when the city stages La Guelaguetza, one of the biggest festivals in Mexico. La Guelaguetza takes its name from the Zapotec word for “the present”, which in a broad sense represents an attitude of sharing with neighbors, nature and life. The pinnacle of the festival is the Lunes de Cerro, or Monday of the Hill, when there’s folk dancing, chanting and other rituals performed by people from throughout the state. I watched the festivities at the modern Guelaguetza Auditorium, located above Fortin Hill close to the city center. While the most expensive tickets cost 1050 Mexican pesos (US$65), it’s also possible to enjoy Lunes de Cerro in the free seats, if you don’t mind sitting a little far from the action and are willing to arrive at least two hours in advance. Most of the performances I saw were accompanied by chilena music, an Afro-Mexican fusion genre from coastal Oaxaca. Men and women danced in pairs. Following each act, performers and organizers threw presents into the crowd, such as handicrafts, tortilla crackers, sweets and coffee. Women dancers from the Tuxtepec region emerged carrying pineapples on their shoulders and dancing in line – and pitched bananas, oranges and pineapples into the crowd after the show. I was blown away by an Aztec-Mixtec’s feather dance act, where eight men, each with about 25 kilograms of plumes tied to their heads, jumped and danced. There was also magic, as a blindfolded woman danced across the stage in search of a needle given to one member of the 11,000-or-so people in the audience. Of course, she succeeded in finding it and danced her way back to the stage with her eyes still eyes covered. Women from Oaxaca city then emerged, dancing with huge flower baskets on their heads that held giant puppets inside, only to be joined by all the performers before the festivities ended with a fireworks party. The Guelaguetza also involves various activities throughout the month. In 2015, the local government invited native vendors to participate in street bazaars while museums conducted cultural workshops and exhibitions. +Florence Nathania
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Oaxaca Confidential WORDS JPLUS STAFF ILLUSTRATIONS Budhi Button
Have questions about what lies over the horizon? We’ve got some answers, advice and expertise. Send your travel questions to us at jplus@thejakartapost.com or connect with us on Twitter (@JPlusSunday) or Facebook (sundayjplus). Tag your questions #takemeawayJPlus. Here are our tips for Oaxaca – and get your questions ready for our upcoming travel cover stories, when we’ll visit Lampung, Bangkok and New Zealand.
EAT
See
Tamales and tlayudas One highlight of Mexican cuisine is the tamal, made from a starchy corn dough and filled with chili sauce and sometimes chicken or vegetables. One local version in Oaxaca is wrapped in banana leaves, giving it a more chewy texture. Another popular dish made using corn tortillas is the tlayuda (above): Imagine a pizza with thin crispy tortilla base topped with bean puree, lettuce, avocado, shredded chicken or beef, and, of course, quesillo cheese. Delicious!
Monte Albán The ruins of Monte Albán are the closest archeological complex to Oaxaca. The UNESCO site is easily accessible by taxi although a tour bus is much easier on the wallet and local buses are dirt cheap, if you don’t mind walking a bit. Monte Albán – site of one of the earliest Mesoamerican cities, dating to 500 BCE – offers commanding views of the countryside, since you can climb some of the monumental edifices, although entering tombs is forbidden.
Don’t miss your chance to try Oaxacan cheese, also called quesillo. Made from cow´s milk, quesillo offers a more savory take on mozzarella, with a string-like texture. It’s the sine qua non of the unofficial Mexican national snack, the quesadilla, a half-folded soft tortilla stuffed with cheese and cooked on a griddle. In Oaxaca, quesadillas are huge, about 20 centimeters in diameter.
Origen Oaxacan native Rodolfo Castellanos trained at the Mexican Culinary Institute before cooking in kitchens throughout Mexico, Montecarlo and San Francisco. At Origen, chef Rodolfo offers up delicious cuisine served humbly in a gorgeous Spanish-architecture environment (don’t be surprised if the chef offers to seat you himself ). The restaurant also offers a cooking class, taking travelers on a tour of the local markets and then letting you cook alongside top local chefs.
Day of the Dead While La Guelaguetza remains Oaxaca’s most famous festival, the annual observance of Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, is a celebration not to be missed. The holiday, which brings together families to pray for the souls of the departed, is surprisingly festive. Visit the Mercado de Abastos market to find the flowers and Oaxacan chocolate you’ll need to celebrate. Watch for the procession of souls that begins with children on Oct. 31.
Árbol del Tule Look for this huge ancient tree on the grounds of Santa María del Tule Church, about 9 kilometers from Oaxaca on the road to Mitla, in a town named after the church. The Montezuma cypress, once thought to be several trees intertwined, has a diameter of 9.38 meters, making it the world’s largest known trunk. According to Zapotec legend, it was planted by a priest of the Aztec wind god about 1,400 years ago, matching scientific estimates of its age.
MUST-DOs
Mole This thick chili sauce is the quintessence of cuisine in Oaxaca – there are reportedly more than 150 variations in the state. Look for black and spicy red moles, which differ in how their chilies are roasted; as well as green and yellow moles, which use chilies of different colors, as well as pepper leaf, cumin and epazote. Meanwhile, coloradito mole uses the jalapeño pepper, chichilo mole gets its signature taste from avocado and manchamanteles uses apples, pears and pineapples.
Mercado 20 de Noviembre This traditional Mexican market, located within easy walking distance of Oaxaca’s zocalo (main square), is where to go if you’re looking for foodie delights such as tlayudas or tacos. Don’t be put off by the maze-like appearance and make sure to look for the smoke: There are a host of butchers, ready to serve you ripe meat off the bone ready for grilling at their stalls. Mezcal Mezcal – Oaxaca’s signature spirit – is traditionally made in thousands of home distilleries throughout the state. It uses the agave plant, which is scorched in an underground furnace, covered in soil and later ground by a donkey turned mill. While recently distilled mezcal is white and strong, older versions take on a whisky color and have a smoother taste. Look for the worm at the bottom of your bottle: Custom has it that whoever is poured the worm will have good luck.
BONUS Casa Oaxaca To get a sense of why Oaxaca is one of Mexico’s food capitals, make your way to Café Casa Oaxaca, run by Alejandro Ruiz, who the Los Angeles Times has called the father of farmto-table cuisine in the city. On the menu are crickets, called chapulines and considered a delicacy, as well as simple, locally sourced enchiladas in coloradito mole and not-to-be-missed champurrado - a chocolate atole, or corn-based, drink. Ruiz also runs the Casa Oaxaca Hotel, where he offers cooking classes.
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The ruins of Yagul If you think that the archeological complexes at Mitla and Monte Albán are a little too crowded, why not head for the site at Yagul, about 36 kilometers from Oaxaca city. Excavated in 1974, Yagul, an old Zapotec city, holds huge patios surrounded by monumental architecture, such as a ball court, the labyrinthine Palace of the Six Patios as well as a council chamber.
a la Mode
Festive Frocks WHETHER YOU’RE THROWING A YEAR-END PARTY OR GOING ON WINTER VACATION, HERE’S HOW TO DRESS TO IMPRESS (FOR MUCH LESS) THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. Words Willy Wilson
(and most discounted) outfits from the hottest fashion houses, keeping in mind the luxe/bohemian theme that ruled the 2015 Fall/Winter runways. Now turn on your laptop and open net-a-porter.com, lyst.com and luisaviaroma.com and let’s get to work.
Shoes: Go High or Go Home The mistake that tropical girls tend to make when it comes to boots is that they overdo it with pointy, zipped-up, stilettos with giant clasps on both sides of the calf. With the right outfit and styling, such an eccentric pair of boots can be done right. However, the thing about boots is that you want them to be understated but sexy, so the emphasis isn’t on the accessories, but rather the materials, comfort, cut and color. The sexiest boots this season? The Calvin Klein Collection’s "Miles" leather boots. Skimming the thigh, this pair is crafted with stretch and internal gumming at the top, ensuring that the slim silhouette stays in place. The contrasting tortoise-shell panel lends just the right amount of drama, while glossy patent-leather highlights rich chocolate and dark-brown shades.
Coats: The Adele Factor We weren’t very sure about the fringe-and-flower-print coats on the Burberry Prorsum runway until we saw Adele donning the dress version of it on her recent Saturday Night Live performance. The songstress also nailed a Burberry Prorsum wrap, with busy flower print, during an interview with Good Morning America. The printed wrap set the tone for the label’s bohemian collection. It’s crafted from a smooth cotton and silkblend, lightly padded for structure and finished with swinging suede fringing. Slip this reversible style on over classic separates. Admittedly, the coat isn’t easy to pull off, but Adele
worked it. Her flawless make-up, rich red lipstick and sleek, back-combed hair neutralized the granny-chic aesthetic of the prints and colors of the coats. Don’t even think about messy-onpurpose hair and makeup if you want to wear these coats – Burberry Prorsum’s runway presentation saw models with that exact look and they didn’t look nearly as good. If Burberry is too hoitytoity for you, try Baja East. The LA-based brand’s folksy aesthetic has been making the rounds in Hollywood’s inner circle. We’re coveting the black-and-white striped poncho from the brand’s 2015 Fall Winter collection. It’s woven from a cashmere and wool-blend with a high neck and an asymmetric hem, and detailed with kangaroo pockets, black whipstitched edges, and fringed trims. Layer it over a black staples for a cozy look.
Photos courtesy of brands
F
rom buttoned-up company parties to New Year’s Eve soirees in colder climates, the holiday party season is underway. So why not dress the part? We combed three online stores for the perfect
Dresses: Bling & Patchwork Our very own Biyan has two frocks – Iyeoka and Levia – that seem like a better match with the season’s luxe/bohemian theme. The former is a floor-length gown with a black tulle bodice intricately embroidered with cornflower-blue, antiquerose and eggplant flowers. The swaying floralprint skirt is crafted from satin for a languid drape, while the bling comprises hand-embellished crystals, beads and palliates. The latter is a trapeze-style minidress made out of delicate midnight-blue lace. The embroidery is mosaic satin, georgette floral appliqués and crystal cuts. This romantic dress comes with a bead-embellished neckline. Lanvin’s bohemianinspired maxi-dress is a stand-out piece, not the least because this could very well be your last Lanvin with Alber Elbaz's design signature. In case you haven’t heard, the designer exited Lanvin in October – but that’s a different story. Back to the holiday frocks, this dress is crafted in France from a patchwork of crepe and silk-blend chiffon. It has a nipped-in grosgrain waist for a dramatic silhouette. Adding
a feminine touch is a tasseled tie around the collar. Speaking of patchwork, Victoria Beckham has a midi-turtleneck dress, richly textured with an array of fabrics: Lustrous velvet, plissé georgette, soft corduroy and fluid duchesse silk-satin. As Ms. Beckham would tell you, the proportion and cut of the dress are meant to lengthen the female body. A belt at the waist gives shape to the draped silhouette. You might also want to check out Burberry Prorsum’s dresses. Its 2015 Fall Winter collection, after all, is called “Patchwork, Pattern and Prints.” The silk midi-dresses have flattering cotton cutouts and silk-blend tops lined in silk. Another version has an embroidered bodice detailed with black piping that flatters your waist. Layers of organza and chiffon make the skirts swishy, light and yes, beautiful.
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Don’t box me in Conceptual photographer Willis Turner Henry explores questions of belonging in a transnational world Words Sebastian Partogi
A woman is seen lying face down on a rooftop with a Red-and-White Indonesian flag tucked inside the back her shirt. This is just one piece of an exhibition titled Cimed by Willis Turner Henry. The name is an acronym for cina medan, referring to Chinese-Indonesians in Medan, North Sumatra. The collection, comprising 21 images, features the 26-year-old photographer as the only model. “Through the photographs, I want to convey the sense of not belonging to any social group,” Willis said. “That’s why it’s titled Cimed, because it’s a personal story derived from my own experiences as a Chinese-Indonesian growing up in Medan.” Her parents, born in Indonesia as the children of migrants from China, never considered themselves Indonesians, just residents of the country, she says. “I’m fascinated about a sense of belonging, because I’ve been to China once and I didn’t feel comfortable there. But in Indonesia, I don’t feel like an Indonesian either. So where do I belong?” Willis, who earned a BA in photography and digital imaging at Singapore’s Nanyang
Technological University (NTU) in 2011, said that Cimed was her final project for school. “I had to prepare it meticulously. I wanted to play with symbolism and metaphors so that my message could be understood universally,” she says. “I developed this project by reading books everyday, particularly ones by Haruki Murakami [and] sketched and drew mind-maps to
find keywords that were important for the development of the photographs.” Conceptual photography involves extensive preparation, she adds. “When you’re a painter, you can just use your brush to draw a cup, but as a photographer you can’t go to a mini-market and buy a cup when the studio’s ready for a shooting session.” Willis said she was the sole model for the series since it was her personal story. “I couldn’t take the pictures myself, because I was also posing as a model. So I set things up and briefed my parents or friends on how to shoot”. Cimed has been exhibited at the Palais de Seoul in South Korea; at the A-La Photography Festival in Zhejiang, China; and at the Light Edition Gallery in Singapore. Willis has also had two shows in Yogyakarta: Cimed, presented at Art Jog 2012; and Handmade Memories, created by Willis and Terry Wee, presented at Sangkring Art Space. For Handmade Memories, Willis created a makeshift house with walls woven out of photographs. “I’ve always associated Yogyakarta with Indonesia. I feel like I could only call myself Indonesian after building a house there, so I was so happy to exhibit Handmade Memories,” she said. Willis said she got the idea for the project when seeing that many homes in Yogyakarta had wall tapestries. “I let my photos intertwine with those of local people in the tapestries to make me feel that I was a part of them.”
In one of Willis’ latest works, New Native, which has been exhibited in Singapore and the Philippines, she created parody packages of established brands. “I play with products because in some ways they are just like people,” Willis said. “Milo is a very popular drink in Malaysia and Singapore, but it’s an European brand made in New Zealand [….] I think people are just like that. Humans migrate a lot nowadays. There’s no such thing as a single identity. Instead, we have lots of identities. The fact that everyone speaks English blurs identity lines further.” One piece turns the label of a popular Vitamin C drink into a description of a woman named Catherine Kwan. “She studies in Singapore, so I write manufactured in Singapore. Product of China, because she has Chinese parents. Made in Medan, because she was born in Medan. Exported to Malaysia, because she had to flee there when Indonesia was rocked by the 1998 riots. Designed for Indonesia because she told me she planned to settle in Indonesia,” Willis said. Willis, who previously worked as a visual artist and lighting designer in Singapore, has since returned to Jakarta, where she plans to settle. “I’m currently busy on my latest work, which I consider to be quite ambitious, with Singaporean context to it,” Willis said. “The theme is still about sense of belonging. I hope to exhibit it in Indonesia next year.” For more information, visit willisturnerhenry.com. ARTplus is published every fourth Sunday.
NEWS FOR YOU
OPPOSITES ATTRACT AT ARTOTEL ART SHOW Thamrin, Central Jakarta Rotation Artspace at Artotel Thamrin Jakarta is currently hosting an art show featuring the works of two of the country's most well-known artists, Andy Dewantoro and Akiq AW. The exhibit, titled "Opposite Attract", has the both of them showing off their works in photography, but with a twist, as the artists will be doing things they've never done before. Andy, a painter who usually works with color, will be working in black and white, while professional photographer Akiq, known for his black-and-white photos, will be expressing himself with colors. Visitors can enjoy this exhibit up until Jan. 14 at the Artotel Thamrin Jakarta’s Mezzanine Level.
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ANUSAPATI, DEDY SUFRIADI ART EXPO AT VERANDA HOTEl Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta Redbase Contemporary Art Jakarta is working with Veranda Hotel in South Jakarta to host an art exhibition featuring two renowned Indonesian artists: Anusapati and Dedy Sufriadi. Anusapati's works are designed to combine natural and man-made elements. They represent both the unity and contradictions between nature and culture in human life. Meanwhile, Dedy Sufriadi uses images and figures to paint themes and ideas based on daily experiences. His works build upon the power of intuition and logic. This exhibit will run until Jan. 31 at the hotel's V-Gallery.
Photos courtesy of Willis Turner Henry
S E E I N G
f o cus
Tatang BSP, “Menulis Riwayat Hidup”
IB Putra Adnayana, "Kijang Kencana"
Unusual, Inconvenient &Disturbing THE TONY RAKA ART GALLERY CLOSED THE YEAR WITH ONE OF the year’S MOST IMPORTANT EXHIBITIONS.
V
Gede Sayur, "Last Defence #2"
WORDS and photos Richard Horstman
iolence is one of the most significant issues of the modern era — and one that each nation must collectively address and solve. Recently some of Bali’s most important artists came together to explore the subject for the exhibition “Violent Bali – Bali Art Intervention #1” at the Tony Raka Art Gallery in Mas, Ubud. The exhibition, which closed earlier this month, featured paintings, installations, sculptures, photography and videos by 60 Indonesian and Balinese artists and one foreigner. “Violent Bali” raises issues surrounding identity, gender and cultural conflicts, the New Order regime and the mass killings of 1965-66, violence against sex workers, the environment, Bali’s modern development and the loss of traditional culture, and the plight of socially marginalized people, among other things. Perhaps the most alarming form of violence is that inflicted upon innocent children. Three painters who poured their emotions into the topic were Aricadia, Dewa Gede Ratayoga and Achmad Pandi. “Punch Fun Punch” by Aricadia, in which the painting’s fractured surface emphasizes the impact of violent blows upon a child, is a chilling sight, and an exhibition highlight. Citra Sasmita, one of only three exhibiting women, is
Citra Sasmita, "Torment"
a young talent on the rise. Her 2015 is an enormous double panel diptych “Torment” is an intelligent revealing excellent technique and concept. painting, minimalist in One of Indonesia’s foremost social-realist composition, addressing the painters, Agung Mangu Putra, exhibited psychological and physical “Botol Arak” featuring a broken bottle of abuse of women in Bali’s arak liquor, and a blood red stained canvas patriarchal society. highlighting the problems of alcohol and Renowned international violence in Bali. contemporary artist Made Tatang BSP’s poetic and surreal Made Bayak, “Memory, Hidden Wianta constantly explores new composition “Menulis Riwayat Hidup” tells of History & Legacy of and unusual media with which to the “disconnect” between modern life and tradition the New Order" Order” express his ideas. and the loss of Balinese identity. This is a beautifully His “Dry Rain” 2012 is an enormous canvas, suspended atmospheric work, utilizing an economy of forms floating not vertically, but at an angle from the ceiling, featuring in a brilliant blue landscape. thousands of needles hanging by threads that appear to fall Dodit Artawan is a talented hyper-realism painter from the sky. who set aside his usual highly technical mode and adopted An observer cannot help but be drawn to the work for a freer expressive style resulting in a playful and lightcloser inspection. It is aesthetically beautiful, yet with an hearted composition. “Another Violence from the Racial overwhelming sense of danger. Land” is, however underlined by conflict and tension. Photographic works by DP Arsa, Totok Parwata and Made Bayak is a socially and environmentally inspired Rudi Waisnawa, along with Yan Palapa’s “Foto Seri, arts activist who is constantly engaging the community, Visum of Kus”, explore violence and female sex workers especially children, with his art projects. and are all memorable, as is IB Putra Adnayana’s “Kijang Bayak’s mixed media installation, which draws its Kencana” a black-and-white composition of duality, content from many elements, investigates events of the tension and impending danger. first arrival of Dutch ships in Bali and Soeharto’s New “In the analog era, photographers processed their Order. images in the darkroom, now in the digital age they “Violent Bali” is the most important collective showing utilize the computer with photography software,” said in Bali during 2015 and all participants, including the Adnyana. “Using Photoshop, I used many layers to create gallery and curator Arif B. Prasetyo must be commended. 3-dimensionality. The challenge was to arrange the “The exhibition’s theme is unusual, inconvenient, even composite technique to enhance the direction of light.” disturbing. It is a self-critique of Bali, yet is challenging Balinese artist Gede Sayur is driven by his social because it deals with a sensitive issue that confronts the conscious. His installation “Last Defence #2” is popular image of Bali,” Arif said. outstanding. Focusing on the loss of Bali’s traditional Critically and openly questioning violence, “Violent agrarian culture, his symbolic three-meter-high chess Bali” is a cultural intervention that raised awareness of piece was a commanding presence within the gallery. violence and contributed ideas in making a better and Bambang Adi Pronomo’s two sculptures were brighter Bali. diverse and engaging, reflecting the strength of the artist’s creativity. Tony Raka Art Gallery Jl. Raya Mas No. 86 Mas, Ubud, Bali Wayan Wirawan’s installation “Everyday” 2015, Open daily: 10am – 6pm featuring a car’s front windshield and functioning wipers Tel: +62 361 7816785 cleaning away blood is highly imaginative and stood out tonyrakaartgallery.com for its originality, while Agus Cahaya’s “Density I & II”
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looking good
Photos courtesy of guerlain
Going for TheGold IT’S NO SURPRISE THAT WE AT JPLUS LOVE OUR BLING. Word Fedina S. Sundaryani
Excitement was a bit of an understatement to describe how I felt when I got my hands on two recently relaunched Guerlain products infused with 24-carat gold: Guelrian L’Or Radiance Concentrate with Pure Gold and Guerlain Parure Gold Radiance Powder Foundation. The products were definitely luxe — what else would you expect from one of the oldest perfume houses in the world? — but were they worth it? Here’s a report.
Guerlain L’Or Radiance Concentrate with Pure Gold (Rp. 910,000) While the name is a little confusing, it was definitely love at first sight when I first set eyes on this makeup primer. The beautiful gold capped rectangular bottle encases a clear fluid with little bits of — dare we say it? — 24-carat gold flakes. Guerlain boasts that “the precious flakes were crafted into ultra-sparkling reflective particles, then dispersed in a hydrating smoothing gel. The complexion is beautified. It glows with divine and unfailing radiance.” The primer, which is supposed to be worn under foundation and powder, is intended to create a smoother base and to make makeup last longer. Like other Guerlain products, the primer has a slightly floral scent as it includes peach, rose, and white musk notes, among others. Although the scent is pleasant; some may want to stay away, since it might irritate those with sensitive skin. The primer is designed to be applied by hand. One pump is definitely enough for your whole face. The primer itself is both cooling and hydrating and the gold flakes dissipate almost immediately on the skin to give a natural-looking luminosity. It’s not J.Lo, but it definitely makes your skin look a lot brighter. However, once foundation is applied over the top of it, the results are a little mediocre. While there is some sheen peeking through, it’s not enough to justify the price tag. Some of the glow may be boosted if you wear a dewy foundation on top of it, but it won’t really translate if you decide on wearing your emergency full-coverage matte foundation on days your skin is misbehaving. That being said, this primer did make foundation glide on better and last much longer than if you used foundation without it, which is useful when you live in a country with humid temperatures.
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Guerlain Parure Gold Radiance Powder (Rp. 1,160,000) Powder foundations, commonly known as two-way cake in Indonesia, can be tricky to wear sometimes: Put on too little and you can barely see it. Put on too much and face the wrath of cake-face. However, Guerlain Parure Gold Radiance Powder is worth your dough, because it wears beautifully as both a setting powder and a foundation. The packaging is the epitome of luxe: A sleek black compact that opens to reveal a gold-plated case, a large mirror and a smart mechanism that enables you to pack in a tiny sponge for touch-ups. The powder foundation itself is incredibly silky to the touch, with almost a creamy texture, which is probably why it performs so well. Apply this using a large fluffy brush, to set your foundation with lighter coverage; or a sponge for a quick and easy application, which would result in heavier coverage, so that you don’t need to wear any foundation. You can also use a buffing brush, which would result in medium but natural coverage. It lasts around five hours before you need to touch up, depending on your skin type. The downside is that the product does not react well to oil, so if you oilyskinned gals want to touch up your powder, you must blot first to get rid of most of the oil on your face. Otherwise the powder will apply in clumps and looks unnatural. Verdict
If you’re looking for luxe makeup products that work well, then these two products are for you. Although not quite living up to all their claims, they work incredibly well to give you perfect skin without much effort.
The three minute face with… Laurent Noel
looking GOOD
Words Fedina S. Sundaryani
Photos courtesy guerlain
Women in Jakarta are busy. Whether it’s going to the job or to the cocktail party afterwards, gals in the city are always on the move. Thankfully, international makeup artist Laurént Noel from Guerlain knows that a woman doesn’t have time to primp for a full two hours – wouldn’t that be a dream, though? Sometimes we have less than five minutes to come up with a face that says “I woke up like this”. Here, Noel reveals how you can spend less time on your face – so that you can spend more time having fun. 3 Minutes Left Spend most of your time on base Noel recommends that if you only have a limited amount of time to look your best, spend most of it on your base and always start with primer. He recommends Guerlain’s L’Or Radiance Concentrate with Pure Gold. “It will not only make your foundation last longer, but it will also reflect luminosity, thanks to the gold particles in the formula; [they’re] 24 carats”. Then apply the Guerlain Parure Gold Rejuvenating Gold Radiance Foundation mixed with a little Guerlain Meteorites Baby Glow using your fingers or a fluffy brush. Finally, brush on some of the Guerlain Parure Gold Radiance Powder Foundation to set your face.
90 Seconds Left Back to basics with eyeshadow “If you’re in a rush, stick to brown [eyeshadows] because they’re easy to apply,” Noel said, adding that you shouldn’t use more than two colors with this strict time limit. Blend the edges with your ring finger, as it exerts the lightest pressure, to make sure there are no harsh lines. 50 Seconds Left Lengthen those lashes Mascara is a must in Noel’s book, whether you have all the time in the world or no time at all. Layer on one or two coats for a natural but lush look. 20 Seconds Left Perfect that pout You might literally only have 20 seconds left but don’t you dare skip lipstick. Noel said that this makeup product is an essential. “Without lipstick, women do not live[….]It is the woman’s soul. You cannot live without lipstick. For women, it is a secret weapon, a seductive weapon”. The color women should not be without? “Red. It is the classic,” Noel said.
Bonus tip! Noel understands that after a long day your makeup might look sloppy and fatigue might be showing. Not to worry though, as Noel claims that with just three products — Guerlain Precious Light Rejuvenating Illuminator, Guerlain Abeille Royale Gold Eyetech Eye Sculpt Serum and Guerlain Cils D’enfer Maxi Lash mascara — you can look refreshed and wide awake. “If you combine Precious Light Rejuvenating Illuminator, which is an anti-dark circle [concealer] and combine it with the Abeille Royale Gold Eyetech Eye Sculpt Serum, a skin care product, it will make a great mixture to hide what you hate, which is the tiredness of your skin. In addition, you will emphasize your wide eyes,” he said, adding that the concealer and eye serum should be combined under the eyes and blended in with fingers for a natural finish. According to Noel, the addition of the serum, which contains Guerlain Royal Jelly and Ouessant Black Bee Pure Honey, will help cool down the skin so that you feel physically refreshed as well. “Et voilà, a touch of mascara and that’s it!”
Simple, classic hairstyles TWO NOT-TOO-COMPLEX LOOKS FOR OVER THE HOLIDAYS
Photos: AFP
WORDS Melissa Heng, Straits Times (ANN) Besides the mental and emotional preparation for the inevitable reminiscing and the making of resolutions that these events will spark, there is also the all- important decision of what to do with your hair. With all the other party preparations competing for time, it is important to be able to achieve a glamorously elegant look that is fuss-free and long-lasting. Here are two simple yet classic styles that you can easily create and wear for the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations.
SLICKED BACK HIGH PONYTAIL WITH CURLS British actress Kate Beckinsale showed off her sharp features with this sophisticated look on the red carpet of the British Fashion Awards 2015 in London last month. The style is not only polished but also helps to keep hair neat and out of the way as you dance through the festivities.
TOUSLED LONG BOB The bob was all the rage this season, with celebrities such as actress Sarah Hyland and model Kiko Mizuhara pulling off stunning variations at red-carpet events. Actress Jennifer Lawrence, who has worn her blonde locks at shoulder length for a while now, was seen at the Los Angeles premiere of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 last month with this refreshing take on the short style. “Curls always give a look a bit more glamour and this style is also very easy to achieve,” says Gary Chew, 42, cofounder and director of Salon Vim.
How to get the look Apply a volumizing mousse to damp, clean hair, working it through the hair from the roots to the tips. Semi-dry the hair. Part the hair into two parts – one at the crown of the head and the other below. The top half shoauld be set with rollers to achieve more volume while the bottom half should be curled with a curling iron. For the top half around the crown, use five or six large velcro rollers. Rollers should be rolled backwards, away from the face, from the ends to the roots. Blow-dry the hair until it is completely dry, leaving the rollers in. Use a medium-sized curling iron to curl the bottom half. Remove the rollers. Tease the set hair at the top of the head for added height, using hairspray at the roots for hold. Tie the hair into a ponytail. Finish the look with hairspray to hold the curls.
How to get the look Wash and towel dry hair. Apply a volumizing mousse to the hair from the roots to the tips. This will add texture and lift to the hair. Allow the hair to dry naturally or blow-dry the hair for added lift If the hair is very dry, apply a frizz serum or oil to the ends to help moisturize the hair. Divide the hair into sections of about 5cm wide. Plait each section from the roots until about 2cm above the ends. Tie off each section with a small hair tie. Use a flat iron to heat each braid from the top to the hair tie. This will create the waves needed for the look. Remove the hair ties and run a wide-toothed comb once or twice through the hair. Combing the hair too much will make it look messy. Apply hair spray to the waves to set the style.
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in the Spirit
Top 10 Wines 7 of 2015 WORDS Elin McCoy, Bloomberg
I
n 2015, I sampled about 3,500 wines from every continent but Antarctica in my never-ending search for the recommendable. My 10 most memorable bottles range from a great vintage of a rare riesling, to a pet-nat bargain from the Hamptons, to California’s über-classic cabernet. Taken as a whole, they
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2012 Kiralyudvar Tokaji Furmint Sec (US$20) Over lunch at Gramercy Tavern, I fell in love with this spicy, fullbodied Hungarian white that was on the by-the-glass list. Made from the furmint grape, it has chardonnay-like richness and riesling-like zing and minerality. Wines like this are why dry furmint is having its moment. For centuries the grape went only into the country’s expensive sweet aszu wines; this elegant dry version proves you don’t have to spend big bucks to drink great wine.
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2015 Channing Daughters Pet-Nat Rosato ($27) Frothy pink, this slightly sweet pétillant naturel fizz from a Long Island winery in the Hamptons is all gulp-menow pleasure. The growing popularity of pet-nat wines inspired the everexperimental winemaker Christopher Tracy at Channing Daughters to jump on the trend. Last year was his first vintage, but I think he hit his stride in 2015 with an all-merlot rosé that’s fresh, fun, and irresistible.
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2012 Ben Haines Malakoff Vineyard Syrah ($50) I was blown away by this pure, lavender-scented Australian syrah, made in the country’s cool-climate Pyrenees region, when I tasted it in New York with winemaker Ben Haines. Haines is a vineyard hunter, tracking down top spots for his own eponymous label (he also has another winemaking day job). This single vineyard syrah recalls a deep earthy-spicy northern Rhône wine and is a brilliant reminder of how young winemakers are reshaping the image of Australian wine.
JPlus December 27, 2015
communicate what’s important in the world of wine today (the rise of traditional wine making styles and unfamiliar grapes, the new appeal of old champagne) and what might happen next (more hot young things out of Australia, among others). Arranged by price, my top picks of 2015:
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1999 Williams Selyem Sonoma County Pinot Noir ($60) A big part of what makes a wine memorable is savoring it at the right time, in the right place, with the right people. This regional pinot from a famously cool vintage surprised me: It’s still juicy, but its mellow cherry, earth, and savory flavors and smooth, silky texture show how well California pinots can age.
1961 Cuvée de la Commanderie du Bontemps Bordeaux Rouge ($135) This highly unusual Bordeaux one-off was made by blending barrels of wine from one of the 20th century’s greatest vintages, contributed by famous Medoc chateaux belonging to the Commanderie du Bontemps trade association. It was poured at a dinner in the vat room at Château Lafite Rothschild. Its aromas of truffles and licorice, cassis and spice flavors delivered a taste of history.
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2012 Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello ($180) Comparing three vintages—1992, 2002, and 2012— of America’s greatest cabernetbased blends over lunch with winemaker Paul Draper was a huge treat. All three reds showed the kind of powerful structure, layered earth and fruit flavors, and elegant balance that Draper has pursued for decades at the rustic winery in the Santa Cruz mountains.
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1990 Trimbach Clos Ste. Hune Riesling ($450–$600) One of the world’s great white wines, this Alsace riesling comes from a tiny 3-acre walled vineyard that has belonged to the Trimbach family for more than two centuries. It looks like warm gold and has such intense, layered flavors of apricots, smoke, and stones that they linger in your mouth for what seems like minutes.
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Sandeman Very Old Tawny, Cask 33 ($600) Heady aromas of allspice, toasted almonds, and sandalwood are only half the appeal of this amber-colored tawny port made from a single 50-year old cask. Unlike vintage port, tawnies mellow for decades in oak “pipes” before being bottled. Very old tawnies are now a thing, and this one was launched this year to celebrate Sandeman’s 225-year history.
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1966 Dom Pérignon P3 Champagne magnum ($8,540 at auction) At the Dom Pérignon Collectors Dinner at the Modern, held during this year’s Fête du Champagne in New York, I sucked down every drop in my glass of this rare 1966 DP. Deep, complex, toasty, and almost smoky, it was one of the evening’s 12 stellar vintages. The 1966 stood out as the most perfect Dom Pérignon I’ve ever drunk.
Photos via bloomberg
WINE CRITIC ELIN MCCOY TASTED ALMOST 10 WINES A DAY THIS PAST YEAR. HERE ARE THE BOTTLES SHE’D UNCORK ALL OVER AGAIN.
1996 Château Pichon Lalande ($240) At my first dinner at London’s posh, paneled Vintner’s Hall, rebuilt in 1668, I drank this delicious, silky-textured Bordeaux while sitting at a long table under a sparkly chandelier and eating Stilton Welsh Rarebit. The wine had developed all the cedary and tobacco notes you find in a perfectly aged example of what the British wine trade, well represented in black tie, still call claret.
tasteBUD
A New Year’s
Brunch
Ricotta Hotcakes, an easy recipe for the morning after Words and photos Theodora Hurustiati
I
t’s New Year’s Eve in a few days and many of us will be out all night, waking up the next day when the sun is already high. As open your refrigerator, your first thought of 2016 will undoubtedly be whether to have breakfast or lunch straight away. Well, how about having both and preparing some brunch? These ricotta hotcakes fit the occasion and should satisfy every member of the family. Their soft pillowy texture – given by the ricotta cheese and whipped egg whites – are a neutral base, allowing them to soak up whatever accompaniments you prefer, whether sweet or savory. I like mine with maple syrup and some fresh fruit; while my husband, inspired by an English-style breakfast, prefers his with scrambled eggs. The possibilities don’t end there, though. Get creative with the toppings and let your imagination (or what’s in your kitchen cupboards) guide you!
Serves 4 to 5 (±15 pieces) 250g ricotta cheese 150ml milk 2 eggs, separated 125g self-raising flour (or allpurpose flour plus 1 teaspoon baking powder) A pinch of salt 25g butter Sweet version Maple syrup Crème fraîche Fruit jam Fresh fruits Savory version Scrambled or poached eggs Variety of cheeses Smoked salmon Soft butter
• Insert flour and salt in a large bowl. • Whisk to combine ricotta cheese, milk and egg yolks. • Pour onto the flour gradually and beat to obtain a smooth mixture without lumps. • In another bowl, beat egg whites until foamy but not too stiff. Fold delicately into the batter. • Place a non-stick pan over medium-low heat and melt a knob of butter. Wipe off excess oil with kitchen paper. • Once pan is hot, drop 2 heaping tablespoons of batter per hotcake.
• Spread the batter a little using the back of your spoon to make it as round as possible. You should be able to fit 3 to 4 pieces at a time, depending on the size of your pan. • Cook for about 2 minutes and flip when the undersides of the hotcakes are golden and bubbles start to form on the surface. Cook the other side for about one minute or until golden and cooked through. • Continue with the rest of the batter. Make sure to grease the pan with butter between each batch. • Serve warm with accompanied with any topping you fancy, sweet or savory.
Jakarta-born chef Theodora Hurustiati, a 13-year resident of Udine, Italy, was the runner-up in the TV cooking program La Scuola – Cucina di Classe (The School: Classy Cooking).
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trendDIAL Star Wars Wear for Women
Box office records aren’t the only thing getting broken with the release of the new Star Wars movies. So are glass ceilings – specifically, for women’s fashion in the franchise. Women’s apparel company Her Universe and shoe brand Irregular Choice are among some of those giving women the chance to enjoy Star Wars-inspired goods to wear. Darth Vader dresses, lightsaber skirts, franchiseinspired pumps and ballet slippers are on offer, while high-end designers, such as Rodarte, Preen and Bobby Abley have also joined in - as have has charitable initiatives like Force 4 Fashion in New York. -Prasiddha Gustanto
Breitling Exospace B55
On the surface, the Exospace B55, Breitling’s first foray into the smartwatch market, looks like your typical analog watch. Observe more carefully, though, and you’ll see the digital side of things with its pair of embedded LCD screens. The 46 mm, pilot-style titanium timepiece, rendered in all black, connects to your smartphone. You can use it to manipulate the watch, pass data from watch to phone and receive data from your phone on the watch. It charges through a proprietary USB cable that lands you 1-2 months of use. -Bloomberg
IS NOW Luxury, love and sci-fi inspirations
Scents for Him and Her
Missed out on some of the best scents of the year? Fear not, for good scents aren’t bound to seasons and have a timeless quality to them. The Odin New York 12 Lacha for men seems, on first whiff, to be all Lacha saffron, black pepper, and warm nutmeg, but then a leathery base of patchouli and suede sneaks in to round things out. For ladies, the Tom Ford Noir Pour Femme is for those sweet and seductive types who want to try out a feminine riff on Tom Ford’s Noir for Men. Notes include mandarin oil, ginger, vanilla, jasmine and amber. -Bloomberg
Tory Burch for Valentine’s
Zaha Hadid Design Chess Set
Chess may have been around since the 6th century, but rarely has its presentation been as stylish as famed architect Zaha Hadid’s take on it. Her new “Field of Towers” chess set represents the intense research and evolutionary process of her architectural work. The set is made from weighty black-and-white resin and is housed in a handsome presentation case that makes for good conversation material or gift. £5,000. -Prasiddha Gustanto
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Christmas is gone, but it’s never too early to think of what to give your significant other come Valentine’s Day. Tory Burch, the American lifestyle brand known for its ready-to-wear, shoes, handbags and general women’s wear, has prepped of accessories for that special person to adore. Its Embellished Zip Continental Wallet has multiple pockets and a long shape that fits all full-length bills without folding and keeps essentials well organized. Meanwhile, the Bird Coin Case Key Fob keeps coins and other loose ends organized and finished with an easy-to-attach clip, perfect for adding to any handbag. -Prasiddha Gustanto