Eloquence 2011 12

ELO QU ENCE international creators magazine

COVER LINUS HUI STARRING LY JUNK HOUSE PAUL Q DAVIS ANTEOK JEONGMEE YOON DERGHYUN WON

ISSUE CITY WITHIN THE CITY YOMS VISUAL LAB TOKYO DESIGN TIDE PHNOM PENH CHICK CHINA TOWN DRAWING POJANGMACHA PROJECT

DEC 2011

travel

Phnom Penh Chic

Pavilion boutique hotel

A more intimate option would be The Pavilion boutique hotel. The inconspicuous facade of white high walls captures the laidback, unpretentious vibe that resonates throughout the hotel. The swimming pool serves as the focal point of the lush courtyard that once belonged to the King’s mother. While private villas are discreetly tucked away, opt for the private pool room for complete privacy in R&R.

In this bustling city where tuk-tuks outnumber pedestrians and roadside markets are aplenty, the word “chic” doesn’t immediately come to mind.

Devastated by the Khmer Rouge, Phnom Penh has seen constant rebuilding and preservation attempts over the years. Once nicknamed the “Pearl of Asia”, the French had long influenced this charming city. Go for the genocide museum, the killing fields and explore the temples, but stay for a luxurious experience. Look beyond the gleaming gold roofs of temples and royal palaces and the grandeur historical buildings and you’ll find chic boutique hotels, must-visit shops, restaurants, bars and art galleries. Tucked behind unsuspicious colonial buildings and quiet lanes, these gems are waiting to be discovered.

Editor. Vincent Sung Photographer. Vincent Sung Writer. Desmond Lim Zhengs Production/Coordination

by Visual Sponge Production

WHERE TO STAY Raffles Le Royal Hotel

The enchanting Raffles Le Royal Hotel is the Foster child for French colonial buildings. This luxurious hotel survived the Khmer Rouge and the lazy charm of the pre-war days still lingers. Spend the afternoon lounging under the big frangipani trees in the courtyard or better yet, spend the night at the Jacqueline Kennedy suite, where the late former US first lady once stayed in 1967. Raffles 24-hours personalized butler service is the cherry on this 5 stars pie.

Raffles Le Royale 92 Rukhak Vithei Daun Penh, Sangkat Wat Phnom Phnom Penh, Cambodia Tel +855 (0)23 981 888 www.raffles.com

The Pavilion 227, Street 19, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Tel. +855 (0)23 222 280 www.thepavilion.asia

Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra’s

Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra’s signature MyBed is an attraction on its own. Coupled with the incredible views of the city and with over 200 rooms, Sofitel would be the best bet for high profile vacations. The popular weekly Sunday Champagne Brunch attracts the city’s elite where they converge for foie gras, caviar and some bubbly Taittinger.

Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra: 26 Old August Site, Sothearos Blvd, Sangkat Tonle Bassac, Khan Chamkamorn, Phnom Penh Tel. +855 (0)23 999 200 www.sofitel.com

WHERE TO STAY

Ambre

Housed in a colonial property, Ambre is a favorite spot for Cambodian ‘ladies-who-lunch’. This massive store is a one-stop shop chockfull of dresses, gowns, accessories, menswear and children’s wear. Organized by colors, these Couture-like pieces with ready to wear prices are made locally in the adjacent workshop. Designed by Khmer Romyda Keth, who was designing in Paris for years before settling down in Phnom Penh, the vibrant colors and combination of both eastern and western aesthetics are evident throughout the store.

WHERE TO STAY

37 Rue 178, Cambodge, Phnom Penh www.romydaketh.net

Tepui at Chinese House

Tepui at Chinese House is a must visit when in Phnom Penh. This Asianinfluenced restaurant and bar is housed in a former Cambodian Chinese warehouse. Located near the port and built in 1903, the warehouse’s many original fixtures are still intact, largely thanks to a former architect owner. Currently housing a bar with an Asian twist on the main floor and a Mediterranean and South American-infused restaurant on the second floor, the relaxed yet formal dining experience is enhanced with Tepui’s delicious aubergine-skinned red tuna with escalivada, sea salt and virgin olive oil and honey and rosemary roasted pork belly with apple tartelette and greens. Sunday brunch in the courtyard offers brunch food in the same accent or head to Street 29 where more conventional breakfast and brunch food is served.

Chinese House, 45 Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh www.tepui.asia

Kashaya Silk

Waterlilly

Miro restaurant & lounge

Le Bouchon

55 Eo, Street 240, Chey Chumneas, Daun Penh, Phnom Penh kashayasilk@gmail.com

37 Street 240, Chey Chumneas, Daun Penh, Phnom Penh waterlily.creationpph@yahoo.com

43 Sihanouk Blvd, Phnom Penh

#3 Street 246, Phnom Penh

Leave Central Market or the Russian Market to the Hawaiian shirtwearing tourists, a shopping trip to 240 Street will be even more worthwhile. Fast becoming a little shopping haven, 240 Street is home to many local designers and chic boutiques.

Kashaya Silk is the perfect store for colorful, high quality silk products.

These beautiful scarves, shawls, home décor, accessories and a small but well-designed clothing line are all housed in a welcoming space. Not a traditional Cambodian silk shop, Kashaya’s luxurious and rich silks are all weaved and designed in Kashaya’s own weaving center outside of Phnom Penh. Using traditional techniques on modern weaving designs, owner Catherine Theron and her twenty plus teams churn out colorful tie-dye, stripes and ikat patterns regularly.

Located on the same street, Waterlily’s designer Christine Gaultier’s eclectic sense is evident in her designs. Accessories made from nonconventional materials such as plastic spoons, bobbins and plastic planes are found in her bright and colorful store. Egg dress, frying pan bag, colorful button necklaces and shirt backpacks are proof that no material or creativity goes to waste.

One of the top designer restaurants in Phnom Penh is Miro. The building’s magnificent spiral staircase is reminiscence of the grand Parisian salons. But the similarity ends there. Miro’s modern nouveau gothic décor with mirrored furniture and church inspired fixtures are fine examples of contemporary chic. Chef Samira Lopez serves French fine dining with a touch of lounge food. The lobster and prawn bisque spent 72 hours in emulsion to produce the perfect fine flavor. Also serving a light 45 minute lunch, afternoon tea and tapas in the evening, there seem to be no excuse why this is not the place to be!

To feel like being transported to Paris, Le Bouchon Wine Bar does the trick. The entrance might have you fooled for thinking that you’re in a Parisian café. The exposed brick and the “U” shaped bar is a mixture of bistro and industrial influences. Family recipes like cheese plates, smoked meat plate and French desserts are the perfect companions to the excellent range of French wines handpicked by the owners and imported directly from France. This two month old casual wine bar aims to attract anyone who enjoys a glass of wine or two!

WHERE TO GET PAMPERED

Bodia Spa

With over 16 years of combined experience, the team at Bodia Spa offers its self-developed spa techniques. Using their own Bodia Nature products, this eco, chic spa is also featured in Conde Nast Traveller’s Hot List Spa 2011. The lotus pond and Cambodian cocoon-like rooms offer a tranquil retreat from the bustling streets while therapists offer numerous treatments such as body massages, wraps, waxing, mani-pedis and even couple champagne spa packages.

Corner of Sothearos Blvd and street 178, Phnom Penh www.bodia-spa.com

WHERE TO STIMULATE YOUR SENSE

La Galerie X EM Design

La Galerie, the only contemporary gallery in Cambodia houses artist EM Ream’s modern and contemporary paintings, furniture and sculptures.

Previously based in Paris for 7 years, the Cambodian artist finds inspiration in the history of his native land. Working with polystyrene, ceramic and rattan, his current work portrays victims of the Khmer Rouge. His impressive works had been exhibited in France, Switzerland and London. Located across the street from a high school to inspire students and expose them to contemporary art, this gallery also hosts exhibitions from around the world.

13, street 178, Phnom Penh xemdesign@yahoo.com

Phonm Penh is one undiscovered gem that is fast surpassing many of her regional sister cities. The capital city of Cambodia has the je ne sais quoi to be the next chic Southeast Asian city to visit!