Vol. 3 No. 16 I March 6 - 11 , 2016
DELICIOUS FUSIONS
INDOMIE BURRITOS, RENDANG COOKIES–AND MORE.
WANDERLUST ECLIPSED IN PALEMBANG READY FOR YOUR CLOSEUP? SELFIE-STYLE FOUNDATIONs MARK MY WORDS THE MOMMY WARS
Editor's note
Check List
Clear skies Perplexed was how I felt this week after marching through shoe stores and not quite finding something that reached me heart and, ahem, sole. My inspiration was last week’s JPlus interview with Paul Andrew–or more specifically, the wine-red Oxford boots sported by the British-born shoe designer. “Men’s shoes are either very classy–overly so, in certain cases–or too tricky and too detailed,” Paul told me during our interview. “There’s not enough focus on the ‘real’ modern guy.” I went online for help and got a shock. The keywords “fashionable men’s casual shoes” turned up all the designs that I naively dismissed as too weird or age-inappropriate. Trends had left me by–and so I was
thankful to discover an article on shoes for the “modern guy”, written by Bloomberg and republished here for our A La Mode column (p11). We continue with the theme of adaptation and modernity for our cover story (p6-10), which focuses on some unique fusions of Western and traditional Indonesian dishes. On the menu are articles about burritos filled with Indomie instant noodles in Los Angeles, cookies infused with the essence of coconut-simmered rendang in Jakarta as well as a peak at various sambals that have gotten the modern makeover. Thanks to contributing writer Sondang
Sirait for some excellent sleuthing while compiling the stories. Finally, for our Wanderlust article (p12-13), contributor Swastika Nohara takes a look at how Palembang, South Sumatra, will be opening its doors for the total solar eclipse, slated for the morning of March 9. To inspire would-be astronomers and philatelists among our readers, I’ve included a picture I took of a stamp issued to mark the last total solar eclipse visible in Indonesiamore than 30 years ago. Let’s hope for clear skies on Wednesday!
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A la mode Go bag or go home
Chris Razukas jplus@thejakartapost.com
mark my words
How to win a mommy war Wage your own war and win WORDS Ika "keka" Krismantari
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Looking good Ready for your close up?
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
Enter the ever-expanding battlefields of the mommy wars. Brace yourself: This is going to be a rough and bumpy fight full of self-righteous, judgmental and narrow-minded individuals. Rest assured, moms, we will win. Before the battle starts, let's familiarize ourselves with the conflicting parties. First, there are the working moms who are in a never-ending duel with their stayat-home peers. These two groups debate about who best serves their children. Is it the stay-at-home moms, who sacrifice everything for their kids? Or the working moms, who juggle a career and childrearing? While I don’t know when this clash started, I remember when I found a blog post six years ago written by a stay-at-home mom, who denigrated working moms for choosing a career. The pompous writer said that her children were lucky to have a college graduate as a mom to take care of them. She took pity on the children whose welleducated mothers neglected their kids. A career woman myself, I found the post offensive–even though I hadn’t had a child at the time. I believe all mothers do their best for their kids, career or no, since sometimes women have to work to meet their families’ financial needs. The war of words between the camps continues today, amplified by social media.
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Next are hard-core evangelical breastfeeding moms versus everyone else. While I’m a breast-feeding mom, I’m not really comfortable with the fascists who accuse formula moms of selfishness, ignoring the fact that there are some who don’t breast-feed simply because they can’t, due to health issues. The list of combatants continues. Feuds start from the moment motherhood begins. Who is the best? Is it the mother who gave birth vaginally or via C-section? Is it the mother who carries her child or puts them in a stroller? Is it the mother who sends her children to school or who homeschools them? The list goes on. Now there’s the rise of the diplomat moms–the mediators in the mommy wars. They don’t take sides. Instead they call for a truce, demanding that each side respect the other for its choices, such as using factorymade diapers or cloth diapers. Respect is important but I don’t think that it is enough. There are still self-righteous moms, like the breast-feeding Nazis, who keep harassing other moms. With their presence on the scene, only a few will escape the battlefield alive. How do we deal with those smug moms and win the war? Just don’t play their game. Let’s think out of the box and get out from the narrow categorizations that have divided moms into only two opposing camps. You can’t see how good a mom is from the way she feeds her children or from her
profession only. That’s absurd. I, for example, am a career mother of two with unpredictable working hours trying to breast-feed my second born while taking care my first. I guess I don’t belong to either category in the mommy wars. Moms have to choose their own battles– and every woman’s is unique. There are work-at-home moms, juggling freelance work and baby sitting. There are single working moms who have to support the entire family. There are moms battling cancer and fighting single moms who were left behind by their husbands for study or work abroad. These moms are all heroines. Lest we forget, mothers are not alone. It takes a village to raise a child, Indonesians believe. This gives the Indonesian mom the advantage to secure help to raise her children, from husbands, moms, momsin-law, aunties, uncles, nannies and even neighbors. I believe that Indonesian moms are among the luckiest to have a supportive social infrastructure for child rearing. There is no excuse for any mom to lose the war. There’s no need to create arbitrary battles. Each woman needs to win–and be a hero–in her own war, no matter what, for the sake of our little ones. Mark My Words shifts focus between fashion, food, parenting, technology and travel each week.
Marketing Executive Faisal Ahmad
faisal@thejakartapost.com
@JPlusSunday
SundayJplus
thejakartapost.com/jplus
On the cover
An Indomie burrito exposed Photo courtesy of Komodo Food
oh, the places you'll go Design
Dine Scandinavian tapas at Montys
Norwegian chef Morten Tungesvik is flying to Jakarta to team up with chef Christer Foldnes of Monty’s European restaurant on Jl. Senopati to bring you the best of Scandinavian cooking from March 16 to 19. Tungesvik is the chef/owner of Bare Restaurant and Bare Vestland Restaurant in Bergen, Norway, both of which have been recognized by the Scandinavian White Guide. He’s has had experience in several Michelinstarred restaurants in New York, London and Oslo. Don’t miss this opportunity to taste his cuisine. When: March 16-19 at 11 a.m. Where: Monty’s, Jl. Senopati Raya No. 84
Furniture at IFEX 2016
Watch SOLAR ECLIPSE
The Jakarta Planetarium and Observatorium is going to conduct an open house during the total solar eclipse on March 9. Registration will be on the spot starting from 4:30 a.m. People can observe the eclipse for free and there will be souvenirs available for the first 600 visitors, who can use the planetarium’s filter glasses or telescopes to witness the rare natural phenomenon. When: March 9 Where: Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jl. Cikini Raya, Central Jakarta
Groove
Arts
“Hitman” David Foster, up close and personal
Java Jazz may be over, but you can’t stop the music: David Foster is sticking around for two nights of intimate performances at Motion Blue Jakarta, the local outpost of the famed Tokyo jazz club. Dubbed the “Hitman” for his multiple Grammys and for producing hits by Natalie Cole and Celine Dion (among many others), Foster will grace the stage with Eric Benet, Berger Lewis and the local songbird Lea Simanjuntak. Where: Motion Blue Jakarta, Fairmont Jakarta When: March 11 and 12 Info: motionbluejakarta.com
Indonesia Furniture Expo (IFEX) 2016, set to be held from March 11-14, aims to establish a new high standard in its role as Indonesia’s biggest exhibition for export-orientated furniture businesses. A major extension of the Jakarta International Expo exhibition hall, where the event will be held will allow IFEX to be even bigger and more vibrant than before, with more exhibitors and an even wider selection of products on display. The event offers the largest range of specialty furniture and craft products in Indonesia. It serves the nation’s biggest meeting place for buyers, manufacturers, traders and contract project purchasers, where you can buy directly from the source. When: March 11 to March 14 Where: Jakarta International Expo
Two shows at Art:1
Arts SPIRITUAL CALLIGRAPHY EXHIBITION
The Acehnese pioneer of Indonesian calligraphy art, A.D. Pirous is currently exhibiting 13 pieces created over the last 40 years, in the second tower of the World Trade Center until April 1. The show details the evolution of the painter’s works, from his 1970s paintings, featuring Arabic script exclusively, to more recent paintings, conveying messages in Chinese, Japanese and even Latin letters. Date: Until April 1 Location: The World Trade Center, Tower 2, Karet, Sudirman, Central Jakarta
Art:1 is showing off two new collections of Indonesian art. Both of these exhibits are set to run until April 30. The first, held at Art:1’s New Musuem 3, shows off a collection detailing the development of Indonesian art from the 20th to the 21st centuries. Participating artists at this event include Wakidi, Affandi, Fajar Sidik, Sidharta Soegijo and Hendra Gunawan. The other exhibit, at New Museum 2 and titled “Beyond The Mooi Indië”, features the works of artists like Antonio Blanco, Han Snel, Renato Christiano and W.G. Hofker, all of whose paintings at the exhibit express the beauty of colonial era Indonesia and its peoples. When: Until April 30 Where: Jl. Rajawali Selatan Raya No. 3
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friends
Prada goes handbag heavy to revive its flagging fortunes
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rada’s answer to stagnating sales was unveiled last week with a handbag-heavy Fall-Winter collection that the company’s executives hope will spark a revival in the fashion heavyweight’s flagging fortunes. Miuccia Prada’s latest offering had a post-War feel about it with sailor or nursestyle white caps abounding alongside cape-shaped coats and pencil skirts designed to emphasize the slender waists of more austere times. Leather coats and jackets, which came with fur trimmings, tweed overcoats, argyle-patterned tights and elbow-touching woolly gloves also harked back to a less centrally-heated era. Prada could do with this collection being a major hit after two consecutive years of stagnating sales and no sign of an end to the slowdown in China that is hitting it particularly hard. Against that backdrop, it was perhaps significant that almost every model who strutted down the catwalk at Prada’s Milan HQ was carrying, in a variety of ways, one of the company’s pricey handbags, the accessory which more than any other has powered its growth over the years. And in another telling sign of the times, two of those bags are to be made available to buy rather than being held back from release when
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the Fall/Winter collection goes on sale in four months’ time. The move may seem insignificant to the wider world but it is being hailed as big news by fashion insiders who have billed it as the company’s first tentative dip into “see now, buy now”. The trend has already been embraced by Burberry and Tom Ford. If it takes off, it is seen as having the potential to completely transform the way upmarket designer clothes are produced and marketed. Initial reaction to the Prada show was generally positive with Women’s Wear Daily calling it “spectacular and provocative.” But there was also a whiff of faint praise about some reviews, which sometimes can amount to coded criticism in the fashion world. The Daily Telegraph said the collection was “beautiful in many parts” while its British rival The Guardian noted that “compelling thought it is, this Prada message is not new.” Fendi’s furry friends Elsewhere on day two of Milan fashion week, Karl Lagerfeld produced a very fluid, wavy
Photo via AFP
WORDS Angus MACKINNON, AFP
collection for Fendi with star American model and TV star Kendall Jenner providing a touch of celebrity glamour. Thigh-high boots in an array of colors provided the eye-catching highlight and even they had a ruffled look about them. Furs abounded, as so often with Fendi. But here they were jazzed up with vibrant dashes of color. The collection also drew inspiration from Japan, generally in its fluidity and particularly in the form of the flowers on a baby doll dress that were modelled on an 18thcentury Japanese wallpaper print. But the nod to Japan which delighted Fendi fans the most was the presence
of Piro-chan and her male counterpart Bug-kun–mascots modelled on the furry handbag charms which have become cult items in Japan, a key market for the Rome-based house. Costume National designer Ennio Capasa meanwhile celebrated 30 years with the brand with a collection that featured much asymmetry and had a very deconstructed feel in keeping with two of the women who inspired it: Icelandic singer Bjork and Yoko Ono. And Massimo Giorgetti’s reinvention of the Emilio Pucci house style continued with another sporty collection for the LVMH-owned group. Zipped knitwear and leggings that could have passed for ski pants set the tone.
goodLiving
Move Your Apartment Past the Bachelor Pad Stage break free of the masculine, bare-bones apartment WORDS James Tarmy, Bloomberg
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decoration service that pairs interior designers with clients, say they regularly encounter apartments that are unmistakably (and deliberately) the domicile of single men: A bachelor pad is “a lot of heavy matching furniture,” said Guinevere Johnson, a decorator based in Chicago. “It’s a mix of black leather and chrome metals, just sort of heavy and cold,” said Will Saks, a decorator in New York. It’s “an apartment without
Lights Aren’t Just for Visibility “I see so many guys’ apartments with only overhead lighting,” said Johnson, the Chicago decorator. “That’s not great. You want to have layered lighting.” Consider the two options: A single overhead light has the dull glare of a school cafeteria, with atmosphere to match. Sub that out for a few table lamps and floor lamps (and if you’re feeling wild, a wall sconce) and all you’ve suddenly got ambience. When you bring someone home—if you ever do that—his or her face will be softly and flatteringly lit. Johnson recommends an Arco floor lamp from Design Within Reach (US$2,995) or, as a more budget-conscious option, the Arc floor lamp from RH Modern ($975).
Pillows Aren’t Just for Sleeping So you own a massive leather couch. Congratulations, but you are the only person that’s impressed with that fact. Try spicing it up with some color, courtesy of throw pillows. “You can soften it by bringing in color with small elements,” suggested Saks, the New York decorator. “To me, what makes a place feel personal is where you go vintage with your accessories.” He recommends shopping for kilim pillow covers on Etsy, which rarely run more than $50.
Photo s via BLOOMBERG
he idea that in 2016 furniture can still be gendered (a “masculine” couch, a “feminine” chair) seems antiquated, an unpleasant flashback to the days when boys were obliged to like blue and girls, pink. Yet the concept of a bachelor pad—an entire apartment that is somehow imbued with manliness—remains. Multiple decorators from Homepolish, an interior
4. Couches Aren’t Supposed to Take Up the Whole Room Apparently, single men are under the impression that a sectional sofa should be crammed into an apartment at all costs. (Pro tip: That’s wrong.) “When a guy is buying furniture, his instinct is usually “I need a sectional, or the most comfortable couch imaginable,” said Weidenbaum, the L.A. designer. “So then I try to get him to think about the whole room: It can’t just be a sofa, coffee table, and TV.” Why not, exactly? “Imagine that you have people over, and you want to walk past the couch into the other room,” said Johnson. “It’s about circulation.”
There Is a Thing Called “Occasional Seating,” and It’s Worth Checking Out Chairs are for sitting in, but not all chairs need to be sat in all the time. Chairs that are nice to look at but are not essential are called, said Weidenbaum, “occasional seating.” “Guys are hesitant,” she said. “They’re like: ‘Well I don’t need a chair in the corner; no one will ever sit in it.’” That’s not the point. “It’s a statement for the room, and it gives the place a complete, finished look,” she said. Weidenbaum recommends the Safari Chair from Design Within Reach ($1,195-$2,520). For a cheaper option, get CB2’s version, the Expat Lounge Chair ($649.)
style, a minimal amount of furniture, where things are cheap and mish-mashed,” said Haley Weidenbaum, a decorator in Los Angeles. In other words, “bachelor pad” is a nice way of saying “house that is very comfortable and very ugly.” It’s also, according to these decorators, a place that can be spruced up (and de-gendered) with ease. Here are their rules of thumb.
Art Doesn’t Always Come in Poster Form “Art makes a huge difference” when it comes to making an apartment feel like a home, said Saks. “It can be textural, it can be colorful, it can be both.” Saks said he’s a fan of the salon-style hang, which is another way of saying he likes to cover a wall with frames and objects. “It can be curated and fun,” he said, “with different mediums and—dare I say— taxidermy?” The alternate approach is “one giant work,” said Johnson. “People go too small with their art; they need to go really big.” Prices range wildly, but you don’t need to spend thousands for an original artwork. Check out a prints and multiples sale in a city near you. Stymied Ambitions Can Be Turned into Wall Decorations You’ll never be a pro skateboarder. You haven’t seen a ski slope in eight years, let alone wowed the crowds at Sochi with your halfpipe skillz. You are not, and you will never be, good at darts. Bummer, right? There’s a silver lining: You can use the accessories from your failed childhood ambitions as artwork. “Another thing you can do to make a huge improvement is take the awesome elements you have lying around your house— an old skateboard, some skis, even pool cues,” said Johnson, “and mount them on the wall.”
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Mix
it Up
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ome in the world of gastronomy say that fusion is a dirty word, fearful of slapdash amalgamations that do a disservice to every culinary tradition involved. Others, however, savor the dishes of thoughtful chefs, made with a respect for unique flavors and an awareness of gustatory congruences that can cross borders–and tables–with surprising results. Here we present a few such creative chefs, along with some mash-up modernizations of traditional dishes. Please enjoy.
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Chef
Erwin Tjahyadi OLD CLASSICS, NEW FLAVORS
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WORDS Sondang Grace Sirait
Photo s via komodo
n Los Angeles, a melting pot where kung pao chicken tamales and kimchi burritos are becoming ever more quintessential in the daily lives of its people, hybrid food sold on wheels is a trend that is here to stay. It lives up to the purpose of honoring California’s heritage, where everyone loves the flavorful punch of Mexican food, but can’t live without their favorite Asian tastes. Enter Komodo. Established by Indonesian-born, American-raised, Cordon Bleu-trained chef Erwin Tjahyadi, the food truck/restaurant is making headway with its remarkable renditions of East-meets-West classic favorites. Gourmet Magazine has heaped praise on the black truck, calling it the “Next Great American Dream” and one of LA’s most
revered nouveau food trucks, while the Travel Channel includes Komodo on its list of one of the best food trucks in LA. Among Chef Erwin’s masterpieces (and best-sellers) are the Java taco, nasi goreng and his Indomie burrito–each bearing a unique interpretation of modern Indonesian cuisine. The Java taco, for example, boasts shredded pork that has been marinated with a combination of soy sauce, sesame oil and lemon grass, while his nasi goreng comes with a special mayonnaise sauce. Last but not
Having been exposed to so many spices and flavors helped me develop a more worldly perspective on things."
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Photo via BLOOMBERG
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least, the salty and spicy Indomie burrito—aptly named after the instant noodle brand—has been described by the Los Angeles Times as something “you’ll wish someone had introduced you to in college”. For a deeper look into his love for hybrid food, healthy lifestyle and more, JPlus interviewed the chef who started his professional career with an apprenticeship with the influential chef-restaurateur Wolfgang Puck.
How did you start? I was working with friends at the Hotel Bel Air, but we were furloughed due to a union dispute within the organization. Driven by our passion and love of food, we decided to create a mobile food concept that delivered a gourmet menu to consumers on the go. Luckily, we developed this during the height of the recession, when used food trucks were easily accessible, and that became the platform of the business.
What’s the concept of Komodo Food? Komodo represents the best of L.A.’s melting pot of culinary inspirations. The menu is a mix of street food influences, my penchant for Cali-Mexican cuisine, and bold Southeast Asian flavors. Komodo delivers no nonsense, accessible gourmet food that appeals to the masses and foodies alike.
Why 'Komodo'? I am Indonesian and my father grew up near Komodo Island, where majority of the Komodo dragons still exist today. I wanted to pay homage to my heritage while encompassing the powerful flavors that the brand represents, similar to the Komodo dragon’s powerful sense of taste.
about the Indomie burrito Growing up as an immigrant far from home and having two busy working parents, Indomie mie goreng was my “go-to” comfort food: Easy to make, accessible– and delicious. This past winter, I wanted to create another iconic Komodo mashup but something that brought me closer to my roots. I started to play with different flavors and ingredients to elevate traditional Indomie. After I perfected the flavor profiles, we wrapped it up in a warm burrito and the rest was history! About your 'nasi goreng'? We stir fry using Indonesian spices and technique, however we use brown rice instead of the traditional jasmine white rice to keep it California light and healthier. Additionally, we use our own blend of garlic aioli to top off our nasi goreng. read more page 9
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“Unconventionally delightful” Savory cookies with a distinctly Indonesian taste WORDS Sondang Grace Sirait
sweetness of the chocolate chip that melts in your mouth. After coming back to Jakarta, there were a lot of bread stores that opened up, but the options for cookies were very limited. I wanted to share the delicious cookies that I enjoyed growing up in the States and bring them back home for everyone here to enjoy.
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orn into the family that owns cookie-and-biscuit giant Khong Guan, Kataline Darmono has always had a penchant for sweet treats. One day, when helping her brother prepare souvenirs for his wedding, she came up with an idea to package premium cookies in a decorated box. The gift turned out to be hit. Lo and behold, Kataline soon started her own line of cookies called Infinite Delight, with products that range from classic chocolate chip to those with savory, authentic Indonesian flavors. Here she shares the story behind her cookie company with JPlus.
what are the favorites? Komodo 2.0 tacos are our top seller but a true favorite of mine. The meat is marinated with our special blend of Asian/ Latin spices and topped with our famous jalapeño aioli and fresh southwest corn Salad. It’s a perfect marriage of my love for great flavor with California ingredients. How does being an Indonesian affect your work as a chef? Indonesian food is unlike any other cuisine out there. It’s unapologetically flavorful, full of heart and lots of spice. Being Indonesian and growing up with my mother’s cooking helped me develop a strong palate for great combinations of flavors and ingredients. Indonesians are not afraid to mix sweet and salty, sour
Why cookies? I’ve always loved cookies. When I was in the States, whenever I went to the mall with my grandparents, I would ask them to buy me two chocolate chip cookies—one to eat instantly and the other for later. I love the chewy texture and how the
What are your best sellers? We currently have 41 different flavors and our top 10 best sellers are chocolate chip, double choco chip, oatmeal raisin, choco mint, cream cheese, red velvet, crunchy, matcha, little leg and the savory collection. We launched the very first savory cookie collection in Indonesia a few years ago and called it Indonesia Banget (Very Indonesian). We currently have nasi uduk (rice cooked in coconut milk), soto ambengan (chicken noodle soup cooked with lemon grass, shallots and turmeric), sambal terasi (chilies blended with shrimp paste), rawon (black beef soup), rendang (braised beef in coconut milk), and ubi ungu
Your savory cookies are quite nonmainstream. What’s the story here? I was traveling with my husband to Singapore and we came across a store that sold nasi lemak-flavored cookies. We were impressed, but we also realized that nasi lemak is originally from Malaysia, not Singapore. Indonesia with its vast variety of spices has so much more to offer to the world. When I was studying abroad, people were still very unfamiliar with Indonesia and its cuisine. The CNN World’s 50 Best Foods survey a few years ago ranked rendang at No. 11 among all the cuisines from around the world. This only proves that we need to introduce more of Indonesia cuisine. We also realize that whenever people go traveling abroad, they would bring kopi luwak or kerupuk from Indonesia. Why not bring cookies as souvenirs?
Infinite Delight Telp: 021-95231778 idcookies @infinitedelight Gd. Wirausaha, Ground Floor Jl.H.R Rasuna Said, Jakarta.
Photo via Infinite delight
What's been the response in L.A.? Our nasi goreng, Java taco and Indomie burrito are some of the all-stars on the menu. Our goal was to highlight traditional Indonesian flavors with a modern twist that would appeal to the majority of our customers and resonate with the evolving L.A. culinary scene.
Did you train to be a baker? I studied finance and marketing as an undergraduate. My baking background started in the kitchen flipping through cookbooks and experimenting for the family. I have friends from culinary schools and we’d end up sharing pointers. So, the passion started from there. I’ve also worked together with well-known chefs from the Philippines and Australia to come up with new creations and recipes.
(sweet potatoes). As of now, we are focusing on those flavors so that the public will be more familiar with them. Some customers, though, have already asked for a wider selection. We are constantly improving and innovating to come up with new flavors. If the demand is high, we will definitely give it a try.
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Tradition with a twist Deep down inside, Indonesians remain rooted to a culture rich in values and traditions-especially culinary traditions. However, adapting the nation’s gastronomic riches to the demands of contemporary society has resulted in a few quirky missteps–and some delicious additions to the menu. Here are a select few traditional Indonesian snacks, foods or condiments that have made the transition to the mass market, in their own unique ways. +Kevindra P. Soemantri
Deep-Fried Balinese Sambal in a Jar
The Island of the Gods has been blessed with an abundance of good food and culture. It’s haven that Jakartans typically escape to several times a year. But what if we don’t have the time to indulge our taste buds with Balinese food? I discovered this Balinese sambal mbe in a jar just a few weeks ago. It gives any dish the taste of the nasi campur found in Ubud or any other corner of the island. Deep fried shallots; bird eye chillies; savory, spicy and slighty nuttyit’s a perfect companion for everything from nasi Bali to instant noodles, bubur ayam, ayam goreng, stir fry vegetables. @thesambalcompany
Gudeg…in a can
Established in 1925, Gudeg Bu Tjitro brilliantly satisfies your craving for this iconic Central Javanese dish of boiled unripe jackfruit, no matter where you are. From Jakarta to Bali, Bu Tjitro is famous for the finest gudeg–and as a pioneer in canning the delicacy that’s well known in Yogyakarta and Surakarta. Bu Tjitro’s canned gudeg, which is good for more than six months, can be found in markets in big cities throughout the archipelago. It's flavor evokes traditionally served gudeg and is prepared without chemical additives. Reheat by slightly stir frying or steaming.
Manadonese Grab-n-Go
your fave comfort food items? Sate babi, mie pangsit, lapis Surabaya. What’s next? Expanding the Komodo brand further in more locations, working on a cookbook, new food concepts outside of tacos and other creative food collaborations. Tell us more! Our cookbook we’re working on is written for everyday people from the perspective of a street food artist with a fine dining eye/training. We wanted to use accessible ingredients and easy to follow techniques to spice up any meal. Make the ordinary dinner into a spectacular fusion experiment that takes you places. We wanted to incorporate inspirations from our travels, our favorite easy to find ingredients while combining unique dishes together to
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create a hybrid dish that tasted like nothing you’ve experienced before. What do you do when you’re not working? I love to stay active and explore. Eating, tasting and cooking is a livelihood and I want to live long to enjoy more of it, so being physically healthy and making good decisions about my daily activities is important to me. As an avid fitness fan, what’s your diet like? High protein, lean meats and lots of carbs during heavy training days. I also love to juice and eat steamed vegetables. However, I don’t discount myself from eating good Indonesian food once in a while. It’s the best cheat meal for me.
Komodo Food @komodofood komodofood.com
There is something special about Manadonese cuisine, making it one of the nation’s favorite comfort foods. Maybe it’s the combination of spicy food with fragrant herbs that makes the dishes so addictive. Now you can satisfy your cravings anytime and anywhere, thanks to Pampis Manado. Their iconic pampis (shredded tuna) sambal roa and ayam buluh (spicy herbs chicken cooked in a bamboo) are exquisite. The brand’s Manadonese owners cook with passion that you can taste until the last bite. Pampis, which counts several celebrities as its fans, sells more than 100 jars a day online. Put a jar of ayam buluh in your bag or your fridge and savor the taste of Manado at your leisure. @pampismanado
Tempe with a crunch
American have potato chips, Mexicans have nachos and Indonesians have long enjoyed fried cassava chips as a signature snack. Now, there’s a new kid on the block: Tempe, one of the nation’s most basic foods, has been adapted for on-the-go snacking in the form of chips. Actually, tempe chips have been on the market since the early 2000s, typically made by mom-and-pop shops and sold as oleh-oleh souvenirs in Java. Recently, however, Qtela, one of the first brands to focus on the mass production of cassava chips, took on tempe, offering chips in original and spicy kaffir lime leaf flavors. Now you can enjoy tempe anytime, while watching television or reading your favorite book. Available in markets everywhere.
Photo via brands
and umami—we’re notorious for using every aspect of our ingredients and honoring their true essence. Having been exposed to so many spices and flavors helped me develop a more worldly perspective on things; I have a bigger library of reference to play with when creating menus and recipes.
a la MODE
Men, Here’s How to Get Noticed for Your Shoes The founder of To Boot New York shares tips on how to build and maintain a great closet full of shoes—and also why you should
unfinished cedar wood absorbs moisture and adds a fresh smell. Rotate. “Don’t wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row if you can help it,” advises Derrick. He says shoes should be rotated to let them completely dry out between wearings. “This more than anything prolongs the life of your shoes,” he says. “Another benefit to having a wardrobe of shoes.”
WORDS Nic Screws, Bloomberg
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Photo via bloomberg
he right shoe speaks volumes about how you view yourself and your approach to dressing,” says Adam Derrick, founder of one of the best men’s shoe brands you’ve maybe never heard of— To Boot New York. Derrick is passionate (and right, of course) about shoes. More and more, he argues, men are now getting dressed from their feet up. “A great shoe will elevate a blah casual look and will be the right accent to the most curated outfit,” he explains. Derrick started his footwear empire in New York City’s Upper West Side as a cowboy boot outpost in 1979 and has since quietly built one of the bestselling footwear collections in better men’s stores,
such as Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue. His secret is satisfied, loyal customers who spread the To Boot gospel, rather than celebrity endorsements and overpriced advertising campaigns. In this season of shoe-destroying conditions, we turned to Derrick for advice on how to maintain a great leather shoe– and how to build a collection of impressive, memorable pairs. Shop for Quality Over Quantity (and Shop Italian) According to Derrick, the average American man owns somewhere close to 12 pairs of shoes. But he doesn’t necessarily think most men need that many if they are being smart about their purchases. “I may be biased, but I think it’s a mistake for men to not buy quality footwear,” says Derrick. “Unlike with a shirt or a jacket, your shoes have a big job to do. They have to regularly support your entire body weight while being comfortable and encouraging you to stay active and stand tall, and look great all at the same time.” Derrick suggests two things: First, look for a stitched sole. A stitched sole, like To Boot’s “Blake” construction, is sturdier and more practical than a glued or bonded sole. Also, he suggests buying footwear made in Italy, period. “In general, footwear made in Italy denotes a pro-
duction level that is of the highest quality, with more time and attention to the details of construction and comfort.” He notes that most Italian footwear will prominently display the country of origin on the label because it’s an immense, notable measure of quality. Maintenance Is Key Wipe, then wear. Derrick suggests wiping down your shoes with a soft cloth or paper towel before putting them on. “Dust can collect in the creases and will act as sandpaper on the leather as you walk,” he says. You could also try a allnatural product such as Shoe Rescue to keep your kicks extra refreshed. Spray suede. “Lightly mist, not saturate, your suede shoes with a water and stain protector spray,” suggests Derrick. “And when they’re dirty, brush up the nap with a suede brush.” Protect the color. “A good neutral cream polish will suffice for cleaning and moisturizing white leather,” says Derrick. “Only if you scuff the leather should you match the color. For polishing a burnished leather—think a shoe that has two tones rather than just being solid—he suggests using the color of the “body” of the shoe, rather than the darker burnished toe. Always use a cedar shoe tree. “The shoe tree irons out creases and maintains the original contours,” says Derrick. “The
Modernize Your Options “Even though there are more options than ever—which is great—I think it has become a lot more challenging for men to dress well today,” says Derrick. “The 'casualization' of the workplace has got men thinking, ‘How can I still look pulled together and successful when casual Friday has become the new everyday uniform?’” Derrick suggests getting creative with bolder choices, like a streamlined sneaker, as well as circling back and modernizing the classics. “The classic tassel loafer is having a bit of a ‘moment’ again,” says Derrick. “But today’s tassel loafer has a higher vamp— the front and center part of a shoe that covers the top of the foot—so when you’re trying on a pair of loafers, look down at your feet. If you see a lot of sock showing, your vamp is too short.” But he stresses, “Know your audience, too. For instance, a trial lawyer appearing in court in a suit and tie does not need to be experimenting with a clean sneaker. Instead, wear a classic, straight-tip cap toe or wingtip and look the part.”
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March 6, 2016 11
wander lust
from dawn to
dusk
WELCOMING THE TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE IN PALEMBANG WORDS Swastika Nohara
A
Eat
One popular spot located in a market under the humongous bridge is Warung Nasi Terapung Mbok Har or (Mbok Har’s floating food stall). It’s famous for its nasi pindang patin, a rice dish served with a bowl of thick, fleshy fish in hot and spicy clear soup. Their sup tulang, or bone soup, is equally good, with generous chunks of meat served with spicy clear soup. The bone is not always there, depending on which cut of meat you get. Serving delicious food in very affordable price, the stall is particularly busy at lunch. In general, though, nasi pindang patin is a famous dish throughout
Palembang, found everywhere, from simple food stalls to upscale restaurants, although the taste and quality of soup broths vary. Another quintessential dish from Palembang, is, of course, pempek–the region’s famous fish cake served with a black sour sauce called cuko. For the initiated, even hearing the word cuko is enough to trigger mouth-watering recollection of its sweet-andsour taste. The dish is found throughout Indonesia, typically served in individual portions that are soaked in the black sauce. However, in Palembang, pempek are served and enjoyed in differently–in huge portions with the sauce coming in a teapot with several tiny bowls. People pour the sauce into individual bowls, grab a pempek with their hands and bite into it. The sauce is sipped directly from your bowl, preferably with a slurping noise that indicates how much you enjoy this dish.
Photo via BLOOMBERG
rare total eclipse of the sun is coming to Indonesia on March 9. Why not view it from Palembang, South Sumatra? It’s a once-in-a-generation experience: The last time a total solar eclipse was visible in Indonesia was in the 1980s. If that’s not reason for you to pack your bags for the clearer skies of Palembang, then how about enjoying the festive cultural events that the South Sumatran capital has planned for this astronomical event? Palembang will close its iconic Ampera Bridge starting at dawn on March 9, converting it into public space and a stage for, among other things, Barongsai lion dancers, who will perform a number where they eat the sun. Of course, the main attraction will be the eclipse, expected to reach totality at 7:20 a.m., local time. While the eclipse is expected to end at 8:31 a.m., Ampera Bridge will be closed to traffic until midday, if all goes according to plan. They’ll be plenty of time for visitors to enjoy walking on this landmark, admiring the banks of the river and enjoying local delicacies. Here’s what’s not to be missed.
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wander lust
Balaputra Dewa Museum
Balaputra Dewa is the place if you’re fixing to brush up your historical knowledge about Palembang. Upon entering, you will be greeted by huge wall carvings depicting Ampera Bridge, traditional long boats and songket, the Palembang traditional woven cloth, among other things. Guides are available as you explore the collection, which features pieces dating to the Sriwijaya Kingdom and the 15th and 16th centuries. In the museum’s rear are two traditional limas, the traditional royal palaces of Palembang that grace the Rp 10,000 banknote. The limas here are over 200 years old and are well preserved.
Kemaro Island
Chinese culture has had a great influence in Palembang, such as in Kemaro, a small island in the middle of the Musi River. The word kemaro means “dry”. It’s a moniker the island lives up to, despite the river. A famous Chinese temple, Hok Tjing Rio, is located here. Thousands of Buddhist come
to worship Kuan Im since its establishment in 1962. Walking further inland and you’ll find a nine-story pagoda welcoming worshipers and visitors. It’s the most iconic edifice in Palembang after Ampera Bridge, although its doors are shut save during holidays such as the Lunar New Year or Cap Go Meh.
'Munggahan'
Arab influences run deep in Palembang, especially in the village of Al Munawar, where strolling down its gangs and looking at the humble architecture will bring to mind images of the town’s glorious old days. To experience life in this “Arab village” to the fullest, try the local specialty called munggahan, which comprises a savory nasi minyak, lamb curry, chicken gulai, fresh salad along with pickled cucumbers and pineapple. The dishes are laid out on a squareshaped cloth the floor, with two people sitting on either side. Eating is done with your fingers and the food is delicious. A shot of hot coffee, served Arab style, with a hint of sugar and spice offers a pleasant final touch. With its historical, cultural and culinary experiences, Palembang is certainly a place worth visiting.
Jet–set–go ST REGIS BALI WINS BIG AT AWARDS SHOW
The St. Regis Bali Resort recently added to its accomplishments by winning four award categories at the 2016 International Hotel Awards. Winners for the prestigious event were announced at a gala dinner in London, where The St. Regis Bali Resort was awarded Best International Resort Hotel, Best Resort Hotel Asia Pacific, Best Large Hotel Indonesia and Best Resort Hotel Indonesia. The International Hotel Awards is a global competition that determines the finest hotels and hospitality companies in the world.
FREE INTERNET FOR QANTAS FLIGHTS
Qantas is launching free inflight Internet access later this year ahead of a planned rollout across its domestic Boeing 737 and Airbus A330 fleet. The satellite-based service will deliver true “broadband above the clouds”, the airline claims, and be capable of streaming “movies, TV shows, news bulletins and live sports” to passengers’ smartphones, tablets and laptops. “This doesn’t just mean being able to check emails and Facebook,” Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said in a statement. “It means streaming your favorite TV show or movie from Sydney to Perth, or watching an entire cricket or rugby or football game in real time. It will be that fast.”
DUBAI AIRPORT GETS NEW UPGRADE
Dubai International Airport recently increased its capacity from 75 million to 90 million per year with the opening of its new Concourse D. The concourse is linked to the recently renovated Terminal 1 by a dedicated airport train that can transport 300 passengers a trip. It offers short walks to open gates, which will allow travelers to board directly from the waiting area, giving them more freedom and time to enjoy the full array of exciting food and beverage outlets. This project is the result of a US$1.2 billion investment to enhance service and boost capacity for the more than 70 international airlines that will now call it home.
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March 6, 2016 13
looking good
Words Fedina S. Sundaryani
There are days when your skin is not looking great and you dread anyone coming close to you with a camera–and it doesn’t help that many cameras these days are high-definition (a.k.a. HD). Make Up For Ever, however, claims that it has the answer to all your woes with its recently launched Ultra HD Foundation. For those loyal to the Parisian brand, you have probably already guessed that this is a reformulation of the original and iconic Make Up For Ever HD Foundation launched in 2008. Lia Amelia, the brand general manager for Make Up For Ever Indonesia said that Ultra HD Foundation was made with everdeveloping camera technology in mind. The foundation, launched in Indonesia in January, claims to smooth over pores to create a flawless base-even if you’re photographed with a 4K Ultra HD camera, which delivers four times as much
detail as a 1080p Full HD camera. “This means that this foundation can cover your pores perfectly with just one layer and still look natural, as if you aren’t wearing any makeup,” Lia said, adding that the foundation helped blur imperfections on screen. It also comes in a whopping 30 colors, with color codes starting with either “R” or “Y” to indicate either red or yellow undertones in your skin–something that helps make choosing the perfect foundation easy as pie. “We understand that Indonesian women have different skin tones and that several still have difficulty finding their foundation color and are forced to mix two colors,” Lia said. “We hope that by providing 30 colors, women can find a perfect match to their skin.” So, this foundation, which retails for Rp. 650,000 per 30ml bottle, sounds impressive, right? But does it really hold
up to all our high expectations? Here’s our report. Application The packaging features a pump top, which helps make it easier to gauge how much foundation you need depending on your day’s activities. For those with clear, unblemished skin, one pump is enough to help you get camera ready. However, those with acneprone skin or dark marks may want to try using two to three pumps for optimum cover for your first layer. Your application method can garner different results. You’ll be rewarded with dewy, fresh-looking skin if you apply the foundation with a damp sponge, while a buffing brush will help you achieve a satin finish. Using your hands will give the most natural finish as the warmth of your hands help melt it into your skin. The formula is
The One Crucial Spot When it comes to anti-aging, we’ve got the chin to the forehead covered. Sunscreen, eye cream, night cream, repeat. (Don’t forget to drink.) Meanwhile, the neck, which takes a similar beating from age and the elements, is left out to dry. Literally. The good news is that you don’t need a neck-lift to make a dramatic change, thanks to a slew of new creams and noninvasive treatments that tighten and tone all shapes of gobblers. And if your neck still looks taut and smooth now, there are a few key preventative tips to keep it that way.
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Protect Your Neck Wear SPF: No surprise here— sunscreen is the most effective method for warding off wrinkles, sagging, and spots. (Instead of swiping leftover face SPF onto your neck, try placing three dots on your neck and blending them first for even coverage, says NYCbased dermatologist Ellen Marmur. Keep Posture in Mind Yikes—we’ve entered the age of “tech neck.” “When you bend your neck down all the time to look at your phone, horizontal lines can develop,” says Marmur. They can also form if you
sleep in the fetal position with your neck tucked under. Try holding your phone up closer to your eyes during the day, and an ergonomic pillow can keep your neck from dropping down at night. Manage Light Repairs: Exfoliating a few days a week will nix dead skin cells so moisturizers and preventative neck creams can sink in better. (Try Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic + Retinol Fortifying Neck Emulsion to strengthen the neck skin barrier.) Get Rid of Wrinkles When skin laxity breaks down,
Look Though you might feel so-so when looking at your reflection in real life, you will definitely give yourself a pat on the back for buying this foundation once you look at a picture of yourself. This foundation smooths imperfections on screen without looking like you overdosed on the Gaussian Blur feature in Photoshop. Verdict If you love taking selfies all day or are looking for the perfect foundation to wear for special occasions, Ultra HD Foundation is for you. However, mediocre wear-time can be a hassle for women always on the go.
Photo via brand
MAKE UP FOR EVER ULTRA HD FOUNDATION
Wear and Feel The foundation is incredibly light. It’s easy to forget that you’re wearing any makeup at all. Further, the hyaluronic acid in the formula helps keep the skin moisturized throughout the day. Without a primer or setting spray, the foundation lasts a good six to seven hours, even in Jakarta’s weather. However, it can start to settle into fine lines and look patchy afterwards, especially if you have oily skin, which can be a problem for women who don’t have time to touch up their makeup during the day.
shriveled, crepey skin or “tree ring” lines can develop. (It’s more common in women, since men tend to have thicker skin.) Such creams as Clark’s Botanicals Age-Defying Neck Cream can fill in more subtle lines, but for more dramatic smoothing, an in-office resurfacing laser (such as the Fraxel) is your best friend, says Bowe. Stop the Sagging The worst part about loose jowls or a double chin is that it’s often genetic, so even if you boast a six-pack, the pouch stays. A topical lifting cream such as StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream can help tone and tighten, but if you need the big guns, ask for Kybella, a new FDA- approved injectable acid that dissolves pockets of fat to create a more chiseled neck and chin. Two to four treatments are usually needed (at $1200 a pop), but the effects last for good. +Kristen Dold, Bloomberg
Photos via bloomberg
Get selfie ready
moisturizing enough that it doesn’t look too matte if set with powder. Though the foundation boasts medium coverage, it can be built up without looking cakey. However, those who prefer full coverage foundations may want to step back as the Ultra HD Foundation still lets your skin peek through even when you pack it on.
tasteBUD
Crema Catalana CARAMELIZED CUSTARD BY ANY OTHER NAME Words and photos Theodora Hurustiati
Serves 6 600 ml milk 4 egg yolks 80 g caster sugar 30 g cornstarch Zest of ½ organic orange Zest of ½ organic lemon 3 cm cinnamon stick 6 teaspoons brown sugar
O
ranges, clementines, mandarins and grapefruits are in season in the Mediterranean and I'm delighted. Sure, I can find citrus fruit all year long in the store, but there are fewer varieties to choose from in the summer, when they’ll be expensive imports from the southern part of the globe. For me, nothing beats the aroma and succulence of oranges just picked just hours before arriving at the supermarkets–with their leaves still attached as proof. I often prepare this crema catalana (caramelized custard) from the Catalonia region of Spain. It’s a relatively simple and quick dessert, perfect for when hosting a stress-free dinner party with friends. Usually crema catalana is flavored only with cinnamon and lemon or orange peels. I’ve had both versions, but I can’t decide which I prefer, so I use both types of citrus when I make my own. Traditionally the custard is served in cazuela earthenware pots and the sugar crust is burned using a scorching hot iron stamp-round or coiled-called a ferro per cremar. The modern pastry torch is less dangerous, easier to clean and more practical. By the way, crema catalana has many other names: Crema cremada–burnt cream in Catalan– or crema de Sant Josep, since it was originally made for Saint Joseph’s Day on March 19th, celebrated as Father’s Day in many Catholic countries. At a glance, crema catalana resembles the French crème brûlée–which also means burnt
cream. In fact there’s a unsettled debate between the Spanish and the French on the paternity of the caramelized custard, although each version has its differences. The French counterpart uses fresh cream instead of milk, vanilla for aroma and is usually cooked au bain marie–baked delicately in the oven with a touch of water at the bottom of the tray.
• Place egg yolks, sugar and corn starch in a bowl. Whisk until mixture is pale and creamy. • Combine milk, cinnamon and grated zest of lemon and orange in saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat until about to boil. • Remove from heat and cool for 10 to 15 minutes. This should also help the citrus and cinnamon flavor to infuse. • Pour milk into egg mixture while passing through a fine sieve to discard zest and cinnamon sticks. Whisk rigorously and transfer to bigger saucepan. • Bring to boil over low heat while whisking continuously. Custard is ready as soon as it thickens and a few big bubbles appear. • Divide into the cazuelas (about 10 to12 cm in diameter) and tap bottom gently with the palm of your hand to level the cream. • Cool to room temperature and refrigerate for at least a couple of hours before serving. • Sprinkle each crema catalana’s surface with a generous even layer of brown sugar and caramelize using a pastry torch. Serve immediately or the sugar crust will melt and loose its crunch effect.
Jakarta-born chef Theodora Hurustiati, a 13year 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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trend DIAL Prada Bags, from the runway
Versace Fall 2016 Ready-To-Wear
Prada debuted two bags during its Fall 2016 runway show (see p4 for more info)! After a long debate on the “See now/Buy now” method, it’s official that Prada’s latest collection, the Pionniere and the Cahier series, will be available in London, Milan, New York Paris and online. The first series features a rounded shape with brass details while the latter offers bronze metals and durable and easy to clean Saffiano leather. Prada is amongst other labels joining the in-season trend, along with Tom Ford, Burberry, and Tommy Hilfiger. The Pionniere will retail for US$1,940 and the Cahier for $2,660 on prada.com.
Sexiness is back with a cool women’s-empowerment theme for Versace’s ready-to-wear collection. “It’s about a woman’s power–for every kind of woman!” Donatella Versace said. Offering a greater variety of shapes for a greater range of ages, the daywear series ranges from black leather-trimmed suits with biker-jacketed tailoring to big chunky sweaters in abstracted alpine patterns. Prints offer baroque curlicues designed by Gianni Versace. For the patterns and colors, Versace now uses “stretched” lines, drawing the eye and emphasizing blacks and blues as well as some bright colors, from neon greens to soft-and-shocking pinks.
McQueen Parfum
Just a few days after his triumph at London Fashion Week, Alexander McQueen is debuting a fragrance house. McQueen’s tyro scent uses night flowers, such as sambac, jasmine, tuberose and ylang-ylang with top notes of cloves, black pepper and vetiver. Creative director Sarah Burton said that while the scent is not for everyone, it offers a strength of personality with sensual connotations due to the notes. Enclosed in a handcrafted goldand-black flacon giving a mysterious feel, McQueen Parfum is inspired by the Gothic and the love of dark beauty. At harrods.com or alexandermcqueen.com for US$385 this March.
see now buy now why wait? It's time to buy!
INOX Cybertool Smartwatch
After Breitling’s B55 and Tag Heuer’s Connected timepieces, Swiss Army is launching its own smartwatch, the INOX Cybertool. Developed by Acer, this new Victorinox Inox watch provides a classic analog-dial look with a parasitic ring that offers features such as multiple time zone displays, activity monitoring, GPS coordinates and is pairable with an iPhone or Android phone to deliver call and message notifications. With accessories, the Inox becomes a veritable Swiss Army knife for the wrist, especially with a paracord bracelet and compass bumper. The watch is designed to be easily put on and taken off, so you can slap it on when you do sporty activities. Pricing is expected to range between $150 and $225.
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Nervana Nerve-Stimulating Headphones
Calling futuristic headphones seekers! Nervana getting set to release dopamine–the feel-good neurotransmitter–through sound. The tech company’s secret weapon works by sending an electrical signal through the phones to your ears to stimulate a dopamine release in the brain when paired with the right music. Users who have tried Nervana said that they experience happy feelings afterward. These high-tech buds won’t come cheaply, however, and are expected to tout a price tag of $299 this spring. Diehard listeners of rock, pop, or hip-hop; be ready to get high! +Banyubening Prieta