WUPP Mag #9 by Pierre Rabotin

#9 05 13

THE WUPP TEAM Ur Co-Founder & CEO Antony Hamon Ur Creative Director & Photographer Jeremie Montessuis Ur Editor In Chief Pierre Rabotin Ur Journalists Tom Stall Romi Grossberg Anna Mischke John Shakespear Web & Projects Development Timothy Young Sophany Ly Thanks to Clothilde Le Coz Cover model: E Riem Cover Photograph by Jeremie Montessuis at Q-studio. Special Thanks to Camille Plante

Dear Wuppers, Time flies. The ninth issue is already out, bringing with it a whole new batch of discounts, good deals and addresses to discover. Everybody came back from what we hope was an awesome Khmer New Year and started to fill in our streets and favorite places again. To make sure you’re off to a good start, grab this month WUPP Mag and discover the stunning yet affordable restaurants and bars we decided to tell you about. There’s a bit of everything, for all tastes, moods and size of wallet. So. In this issue we decided to introduce you to Em Riem, a talented and multi-faceted artist who’s also the face we chose for our cover this month. Take a look at our cover article to discover his universe. This will also be a musical issue, as May should make you want to shake your ass to the sound of Batuque 40°, a new percussion band in Phnom Penh, and to the new Daft Punk’s album released in a small town in Australia few days before the international launch. So don’t waste any more time, grab your magazine and your Wuppons, go to all the new exciting places Cambodia has to offer, smarten up and go out with your friends to enjoy the last days before the rainy season. Indeed you’ll have soon to adopt a cheaper look : the disposable rain coat. Cheers The Wupp Team

May

Ur Ride

The Mekong Postmen 17,000 km on a Tuk Tuk for a good cause Writer Antony

Hamon

Three volunteers from the NGO Enfants du Mékong will travel from Phnom Penh to Paris on... a Tuk Tuk. Between August and December this year, they will be carrying the letters from hundreds of Asian kids to their sponsors through 17 countries.

finally agreed that their commitment to the cause of Enfants du Mékong should be extended for a few more months. Helping the NGO to find new sponsors for the kids would be their new mission! What better weapon than a Tuk Tuk could they choose?

If the last time you spent one hour on a Tuk Tuk left you with a painful memory in the bottom, you may call these guys crazy and you would be right. What they are planning is riding at least seven hours every day onboard their three wheeled truck during four months !

Therefore on 20th of August, they will be departing from Phnom Penh with hundreds of letters collected by the 40 volunteers in 7 countries : Burma, Lao, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Philippines and Cambodia. Back in France, they will hand the letters directly to the sponsors.

It all started on a bus between Beanteay Chmar and Kompong Cham. Nine hours to link the two towns where the three of them are volunteering for one year. As Marine and Raphaël are in charge of an education centre near the Thai border, Thibaut is coordinating the sponsorship programs that the association runs in the North-east of Cambodia. Although their jobs are different, they have in common their wish to dedicate 12 months of their life to promoting the education of poor children.

Buzzing about their trip and the association every week on their way home through videos and articles, their challenge is for 340 new sponsors to help as many kids to go to school. With 17 000 km to go, that’s one for every 50 km!

As they were sitting on the bus, their conversation suddenly went from discussing their karaoke tastes to the way they were figuring their return to France. They

Info : Visit http://www.facteursdumekong.fr/sponsorship-Program.pdf if you are interested in a partnership with the Mekong Postmen. You can follow the Postmen of the Mékong and their adventures through their FB page : https://www.facebook.com/FacteursDuMekong

Ur Hotel

Heritage Suites Hotel The romantic getaway Writer Tom

Stall

The Heritage Suites Hotel is the only Relais & Châteaux property in Cambodia. Although it is only a short distance from Siem Reap’s excitements, this upscale boutique retreat manages to create a unique sanctuary atmosphere. The hotel is nested in tropical surroundings and offers a romantic and intimate setting. During your stay you will be able to enjoy exquisite dinners at the refined restaurant, relaxing afternoons at the in-house spa or delightful evenings listening to the Heritage’s famous weekly live Jazz sessions. Boasting both refinement and authenticity, Heritage Suites is a perfect base, whether you are looking for a peaceful week-end getaway or an adventure discovering the Angkor temples. Space seems to be the key word in the hotel’s open layout. Stepping into the property, you enter a grand and luxurious retreat where the staff offers high-end customized service. With only 26 suites and rooms, the Heritage is extremely Guest-centered and does everything in its power for you to never leave your cloud of serenity. It offers a wide range of accommodation, including classic rooms, large suites with Jacuzzis and a choice of 55 sqm Bungalow Suites. Its facilities have been tailored with the idea of authenticity and tradition, allied to modernity and high quality comfort. The rooms‘ décorations showcase a blend of Asian influences and Art deco themes. Among the perks of staying at the Heritage : private mini garden and steam room, outdoor shower, Jacuzzi, your own espresso machine, etc…

Why not start your night by the long stylish zinc bar for a unique cocktail on happy hour and work up your appetite before heading to the cosy air-conditioned Lobby Bistro and Mezzanine or romantic poolside dining. The chef, who likes to wander around the tables to share his good mood, cooks delicate dishes inspired by refined Khmer specialties as well as succulent international cuisine using organic products. And if you are in the mood for a quiet and romantic dinner, you can book the Heritage’s poolside gazebo, a secret candlelit hideaway where romance is the only mood allowed. And to top it all, the Heritage boasts an in-house spa with three gorgeous treatment rooms equipped with steam baths, rain showers and over-sized bathtubs. Much care has been given to this cocoon-like area with spacious single and double rooms and skilled therapists devoted to making you forget the strenuous day climbing the Angkor temples. This tour is indeed one of the many activities you can book ahead with in-house Heritage Adventures in order to enjoy Siem Reap in the best possible and private way. So…if you are looking for a romantic escape in an astounding retreat where everything revolves around your comfort you now definitely know where to go. Info : Wat Po Lanka, Slokram Village, Khum Slok Kram, Siem Reap | 063 969 100 ; 077 565 622 Dining | info@ heritagesuiteshotel.com | www.heritagesuiteshotel.com | facebook.com/heritagesuites

Ur restaurant

Le Wok Authentic French and Asian food Writer Pierre

Rabotin

Hungry for authentic and simple cuisine? Then Le Wok is definitely the place for you. This restaurant offering French and Asian food which opened in 2007 is a must try. It is located in a very central area close to the Royal Palace yet sheltered from the hustle and bustle of Riverside. Quality and word of mouth led the restaurant to its obvious success among both expats and tourists who enjoy this openair restaurant Le Wok restaurant, launched by French-Cambodian owner Julie Thaï, found an interesting niche offering authentic and simple French and Asian cuisine through a wide choice of delicacies, from starters to delicious desserts. Located on street 178, Le Wok owes its great vibe to the quiet atmosphere of the street and can be a perfect base before a walk on Riverside. Since Le Wok is a restaurant let’s talk about food. The menu is a modern French and Asian inspired range of dishes cooked with local fresh ingredients. The result is a delicate and pleasing cuisine with spotlights on fish and vegetables. Meat-eaters are not left out however and there are plenty of delicious dishes for them as well (the fact that Julie Thaï also owns the T-bone Steakhouse should be enough to convince you). Chef Sarun uses only seasonal products and cleverly reinvents some of the traditional French recipes. Le Wok’s philosophy is to show transparency in terms of price and to offer their customers

the best possible value. And all of that in style. The team comes up with new specials every two weeks in order to satisfy PhnomPenh’s appetites and taste for originality. (They even send their customers the specialties menu by text messages). Le Wok throws regular events like culinary weeks in order to share and discover delicious food from the best parts of Europe. Their 12$ Saveurs Menu is a tasty culinary journey made of an assortment of traditional local dishes (Fish Amok, stir-fried chicken with ginger, pineapple fried rice, wok stir fired vegetables and chicken & mango curry!) as well as with starters and desserts. Indeed Le Wok is also famous for its great and delicious dessert menu for which you should definitely save some space. Le Wok’s decor is simple and tasteful. Julie herself took care of all the design of this elegant openair restaurant, picking elements from Cambodian markets only and adopting warm tones in order to create this welcoming atmosphere. On dry and sunny days, the terrace is an ideal spot to enjoy your breakfast while reading the newspaper or to take a quiet lunch break before getting back to visiting the busting city. So give it a try, you’ll fall in love as well. Info : No. 33, Street 178 | 092 821 857 | Like Le Wok on Facebook | Open from 8am to 11pm | Lunch set menu with coffee: 10$ | Average price: 7 to 15$

Ur Ristorante

TERRAZZA A taste of Italian harmony Writer Tom

Stall

Yet unseen in Phnom Penh, the new Terrazza restaurant is rising Italian cuisine to finesse in Cambodia. Concocting recipes with goods directly imported from the finest supplier of the Mediterranean country, Terrazza opened its doors in April along with a delicate deli shop. Italian dishes will now stand in your kitchen. There, in the busy neighborhood of the Independence Monument, the atmosphere of resting and eating is erected to a philosophy. Late 2012, the architect of the successes of Emperors of China (WUPP Mag #8) and The Blue Pumpkin, Alain Dupuis, matched European luxury with the Venezian savoir-faire of Chef Fabrizio Sartor. Their goal was to shift the common place idea around Italian food. Meaning : Italian food isn’t only about pasta and pizza. In an open-air dining room defined by a groovy, arty and relaxed ambiance, you will rediscover Italian traditional and so-called “evergreen” food. But the Terrazza menus are also generously filled with more sophisticated courses, antipasti, first hand imported cheeses and cold cuts, pizza, fresh made pasta, finest beef, as well as colourful vegetarian plates. Food is not the only art cultivated around your plate. To serve your palate and your senses, Terrazza will sparkle up your evenings six days a week with live music from the chic and voguish duo Richie and Phil, as you enjoy sips of a last cocktail after dinner. Giving life to “The Groove” music lounge, Terrazza gives you the chance to experience a unique taste of harmony.

The two partners worked on creating not only a restaurant but also a living place where music and art mix with food in a delicate dance. As the concept was a success in Italy and Germany, no doubt that Phnom Penh is ready to welcome this new platform of food, culture and music.

The Deli Shop Terrazza is not just a restaurant. It aims to become a unique spot, where finest imported Italian delicatessen meets a delicate savoir-faire. The owners also opened a deli in the heart of the venture offering fresh and real Italian products, a unique Mediterranean taste is now available in town to satisfy your palate.

Ur Cafe Gallery

The Duck

Contemporary bistro

Writer Anna

Mischke

As Phnom Penh’s choice of interesting restaurants grows, there is one new establishment that stands out in particular to local gourmands: The Duck. The doors of The Duck opened on April 11th and since then the restaurant has garnered attention across the city with a handful of regulars already hooked on the fare. Deemed “contemporary bistro” by owner, Dah Lee, the restaurant offers a relaxed and casual ambience with whimsical artwork from Tilo Kaiser while managing to emanate a cool and classic aesthetic. The atmosphere has a timeless yet accessible quality to it, an ideal spot for a dinner date but just as enjoyable to bring the whole family for a delicious meal. Lee has a strong background as a restaurateur with fifteen establishments in New Zealand and when visiting Phnom Penh roughly a year and a half ago, saw a void in the dining industry in the realm of what he had achieved back home. He stepped up to the challenge and began to work on the concept of The Duck. Creating the menu with the help of world renown chefs was a relishable task and boasts imported meats from Australia and the United States along with dishes crafted from quality Cambodian ingredients. When constructing the menu, it was especially important to

Lee to offer a simple presentation of dishes he personally wants to eat, while serving perfectly executed fare. There are plenty of options on the menu for both the die-hard meat eater and the discerning vegetarian with starters like the Absolut Cured Salmon Gravalax, Crisp Capers, and Lime or the Slow Roasted Beets, Chevre, and Balsamic Reduction onto Entrees like Mushroom Risotto, Truffle Oil, and Parmaggiano and the Crusted Lamb Rack, Spinach, Slow Roasted Shallots, Duck Pesto, and Popped Capers. All can agree on the delights of Creme Brulee and Chocolate Mud Cake with Berry Compote. Mouthwatering plates are not only available during the dinner hour as The Duck will offer breakfasts and lunch weekly starting at 7am with additional brunch choices on weekends. As they are currently processing the excitement of a new establishment, the full daytime offerings will most likely be available at the end of May. Be sure to evade the gaggle of patrons sure to be fighting over seats and make a reservation for a guaranteed spot. Lee simply encapsulates the dining experience at The Duck, stating “its about good taste”, and we surely agree.

The Duck No. 49, Sothearos Boulevard Phnom Penh Info : info@the-duck.net

Ur Bar

Miss Wong Bar Welcome to Old Shangai Writer Pierre

Rabotin

Take a step back from Pub Street’s, you will find yourself back in time in the Old Shangai themed Miss Wong Bar. Opened in 2008 by New Zealander, biologist and radio journalist (yes all of that!) Dean Williams, Miss Wong displays a chic and inspired design nested down a narrow lane. Embracing both old and new styles, Miss Wong infuses a delicate cocktail of 1930’s Chinese influence hand in hand with a jazzy mood. Fancy drinks, Chinese inspired dishes, intimate atmosphere; this bar is one of these treats you will ba able to savor away from the hectic beats, neon lights and 50 cent beer of Siem Reap. What is the idea behind the bar? I opened the bar for guests looking for good cocktails and with a unique décor, in a setting more stylish and quieter than Pub Street. The vibe we aim for is not to attract too much of a clique or to be too exclusive, we want expats and tourists alike to be able to enjoy a chilled atmosphere. Our patrons are quite varied, from budget travelers treating themselves to a special drink to guests staying in five star hotels such as the Armansara or the Raffles. What a dazzling bar… The idea was to create an almost cinematographic representation of 1930’s Old Shanghai. Miss Wong is richly decorated in Chinese period furniture with screened booth seating, its walls are painted Chinese

red and the ceilings are gilded. The main focus here is on the cocktails which are made with brand names spirits and liquors. Our bright, happy and engaging staff is on hand to offer consistent service, good products and a quiet environment where the music does not interfere with the buzz of the customers’ conversations. What kind of atmosphere shall we expect? My clientele is made up of 40% expatriates and 60% tourists. Located down a small pedestrian street with many clothing boutiques and small restaurants it makes our guests feel that they have stumbled upon a well-kept secret or found out a more exclusive venue . The music is mostly Jazz and Bossa covers of modern songs. My staff wears red and black Chinese inspired uniforms, they are very well trained and keen to engage in conversation with guests.

The Science of Cocktails “The cocktails are all based on classics, many with a Southeast Asian twist. I infuse a number of spirits with local products. The very popular Lemongrass Collins for instance is made with Absolute Vodka infused with lemongrass, Mango Maitai is made with rum from Martinique that has been left to infuse with fresh mango for six months, for the Mojitos, we have replaced cane sugar with Cambodian Palm Sugar to give them a less sweet yet more caramel-ey flavor and our Indochine martini is laced with a Cognac and ginger infusion.”

The Lane, Siem Reap | 092 428 332 | Misswongcocktailbar on Facebook Photography: samjam.com

Ur Resort

Rambutan Resort

Your new home in Phnom Penh

Writer Tom

Stall

Rambutan Resort, a new upmarket hotel, opened last month in PP. The place is the last addition to the Golden Banana family, the Siem Reap hotels we wrote about in WUPP mag #7. The ingredients that made the success of their previous hotel have been gathered in this new place: a homey and open atmosphere, well-trained staff, and exquisite decor. The owners could have stepped back and enjoyed the success of their Siem Reap hotels, but after numerous requests from their customers who were looking for a similar experience in Phnom Penh, they were motivated to open the Rambutan resort: a new intimate, funky and artsy place, nested in BKK1. The owners bought and renovated a 1990s villa built with a touch of the modern Khmer style from the â&#x20AC;&#x2122;60s, similar to those dotting the hillsides of Kep. They also expanded the premises to include a new wing, partially covering a salt water pool. At Rambutan Resort you will find options that suit your budget, from standard to the deluxe rooms with a view of the garden or pool, as well as the impressive penthouse suite with a private Jacuzzi and a spacious terrace. The gay-friendly hotel concept guarantees a diverse mix of guests, from families to young travelers. All will feel at home in this green oasis, surrounded by shady trees and with a feeling of privacy amidst the busy city. The owners jumped at the chance to work with Asma

architects for the project, renowned for their work on several hotels and restaurants in Siem Reap. They redid the faĂ§ade of the old villa, installing wooden shutters to compliment the old-time feel of the area, while funky features throughout the interior add a modern touch. The rooftop offers two private spa rooms, and a poolside bar and restaurant serve western and Asian dishes, making the place a perfect bubble of peaceful happiness. What makes a stay in Rambutan particularly memorable is the friendly and professional staff, who are service-oriented and have been trained by the Rambutan/Golden Banana team. As part of a deal, many also have the opportunity to attend university. Some of the experienced personnel from Siem Reap are also being brought in to the new resort. The kitchen team comes from the best training schools in Cambodia, including Friends International, Salabai and the Paul Dubrule school. Regulars at the Golden Banana family in Siem Reap will love the Rambutan Resort, and the rest will be most pleasantly surprised by the new discovery in the heart of Phnom Penh.

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Ur Market

Well Made in Cambodia

Monthly community market in Siem Reap

The Shinta Mani Hotel Siem Reap (See WUPP Mag #8) has launched a new monthly market and street trade fair since the 2nd of March: Well Made in Cambodia. Located in front of the Boutique Hotel, the fair is held every first Saturday of the month from 3pm to 9pm, and gathers internationally recognized artisans and designers including Eric Raisina Haute Texture, Theamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House, Saarti Candles, Eric Stocker Laque & Textures, Saomao, Grace Gecko Creations and more. Public will discover at Well Made In Cambodia fair the finest quality handicrafts and luxury products made by a new generation of talented Cambodians as well as live entertainment, artist workshops and wholesome food among other shows. The greatest benefits contribute to skill development through the Shinta Mani Foundation and donation to Cambodian people. More than another boutique hotel in Cambodia, Shinta Mani is a foundation actively committed

in local communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s empowerment and capacity building through education, micro loan to small business, start ups and health care services supports. Created in 2009, the NGO was jointly founded by Sokoun Chanpreda and Ms Chitra Vincent with the purpose of fighting poverty by providing the tools to young Cambodian people to enhance their skills. Through the foundation and The Well Made in Cambodia fair trade exhibition, the event aims at promoting Cambodian handmade products and know-how as well as responsible tourism. INFO Shinta Mani | Junction of Oum Khun and 14th Street, Siem Reap | 063 761 998 | shintamani.com | facebook.com/ShintaManiHotel

Ur Ur shop Discovery

“HÔL LBOEUK” An odd name for one of the most famous Cambodian fabrics

The art of silk weaving is a tradition which have been introduced in Cambodia via the Silk Road that wandered through South-east Asia during the 13th century. It is still practiced today by the women living in rural villages. It is also an art that is revived by the weavers of Artisans Angkor’s workshops in Siem Reap province.

to tie-dye on weft fibers. Bindings, which resist dye penetration, are applied to the threads in the desired patterns, and then the threads are dyed. When all of the dyeing is finished, the bindings are removed and the threads are ready to be woven into cloth. That is all done by hand so try to guess how patient and meticulous the artisans working on this technique have to be!

One of the most refined and sophisticated Cambodian silk fabric which is usually worn during official ceremonies is called “Hôl Lboeuk.” This luxurious fabric is painstakingly handmade thanks to the Ikat technique.

The weaving process To obtain a genuine Hôl Lboeuk scarf, the weaver uses multiple frames on a traditional loom and puts the tie-dyed threads in the shuttle which goes through the warp threads in order to give birth to the motifs which are distinctive features of the popular Hôl Lboeuk scarf.

What’s the Ikat technique?

In simple words, it consists in dyeing the patterns into the threads before weaving the fabric. It involves dyeing each individual silk thread the exact shade it needs to be to complete the intended image or pattern, then weaving them one by one into the base color until the motif appears - a lengthy and time-consuming process in itself. More precisely, this meticulous technique employs a resist dyeing process, by means of bindings, similar

That’s why it takes a whole month to produce by hand one Hôl Lboeuk scarf only! That’s what we can call a true masterpiece in silk weaving! Artisans Angkor is well known for the high-quality of its silk fabrics, and particularly for its Hôl Lboeuk scarves. Do not hesitate to visit their boutique if you want to see them by yourselves!

12AEo, street 13 (in front of the Phnom Penh Post Office) www.artisansdangkor.com

Ur Cover

Em Riem From reality to abstraction

Writer Romi

Grossberg

Growing up in the province tending to his family’s cows and hunting for frogs, Em Riem a child survivor of the Khmer Rouge, never knew what art was. That all changed one Khmer New Year when he visited the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, riding past the strip of art galleries and stumbling across the Royal University of Fine Arts. Peering through the window at students painting rice paddies and Angkor Wat, he knew this was his calling. Having to pass the entrance exam was no easy feat as he says “I didn’t know how to draw”. With help from students and a whole lot of natural talent, he completes the tasks. Getting ready for his long bicycle ride home, a teacher asks him where he is from and then simply tells him “people from Kandal don’t pass this examination”. Needless to say he did pass, graduated and went on to get a scholarship that took him to Paris where he furthered his arts education at the Saint-Etienne Ecole des Beaux-arts and the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Arts Decoratifs. Fast-forward to 2013 and you would never guess Riem’s story. The walls in his gallery are filled with pieces from his latest exhibition ‘tenderness’ with

one wall showcasing his street art style and the other walls with portrait style black acrylic on burlap (rice bag). Both genres are devoted to the memory of the victims of the Khmer Rouge, a common theme for him. Riem explains how he loves to experiment with new techniques, and now does everything from realism, abstract, and figurative, to street art and ‘art brut’. He paints, draws, sculpts, does interior design, and supports twenty artisans around Phnom Penh. Riem knows he is lucky to have had the opportunity to study art both in Cambodia and in France. He explains to me how well the two different education systems complement each other for an all-round education in art. In Cambodia he learnt traditional art, Angkorian style and Khmer history, terming it more of an ‘academic art’. With these skills he went to Paris where he was encouraged to express his creative side and his eyes light up when he describes the grand art libraries he had access to. It is easy to see that Riem today, standing in his studio in denim shorts, ankle-high black leather boots and chunky jewellery has come a long way since sleeping on the floor of his art classroom and selling his painted post cards for $1 to eat.

X-EM design Gallery

For the past six years, local Cambodian artist Em Riem has had a gallery in the heart of Phnom Penh, under the name of X-EM design Gallery. Opened in March 2008, he showcases his own artwork through exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, ceramic and furniture, which he aims to rotate every three to four months. When visiting his gallery, his exhibition ‘tenderness’ was hanging on his walls in the form of ‘street art’ and black acrylic on burlap depicting victims of the Khmer Rouge, a theme he has frequently been working with since 2003. Although Riem exhibits at the White Mansion and Le Royal also, his gallery is his priority and he is particularly proud that is not part café, bar or hotel, but pure gallery. He admits the biggest struggle of owning a gallery is trying to find the balance between the freedom to create and the business side, which he seems to have found. He also welcomes other Cambodian and International artists to use his gallery and exhibit their work. Info: X-EM design Gallery : #13D, street 178 near Sisowath High School

Infinity Abstract gives me “freedom not to think”. Riem’s exhibition ‘infinity’ sees his return to abstract painting, with his strong use of bold yellow, orange, green and deep blue. Riem explains this style by referencing Picasso’s explanation of painters; those who transform the sun into a yellow spot and those who transform a yellow spot into the sun. According to Riem, he is both. You can find his exhibition at X-EM design Gallery, White Mansion and Raffles Hotel. Photos: Em Riem’s own, Nick Sells/Kampuchea Party Republic, Jeremie Montessuis/Film Noir Studio

Ur model

your wupp model:

Kate Sutherland

Thanks to Le Marais Boutique Photos Jeremie Montessuis/Film Noir Studio Model: Kate Sutherland. Makeup: Syna Stylin 45

Ur Brand

Perrier Sparkle up

With May’s heat growing stronger everyday, there is nothing like a cold glass of Perrier. This subtle and upscale French beverage is a natural product originating from a carbonated spring and one of the most widely-distributed sparkling mineral waters in the world. Why should I be choosing it over a can of soda water though? Good question. Over the years Perrier has built a strong artsy, bold and offbeat image using a glamorous and elegant touch and creating a complete urban experience. Its famous Indian club shaped green bottle can’t be mistaken with any other brand and the company developed a wide offer of different sensations to match its dynamic and trendy customer’s needs. Perrier is ideal, whatever the moment of your day : whether it is for dinner, as a rehydrating drink after a hard workout or as a key ingredient for a fresh, fizzy and flavored cocktail to start a night out with style. What makes it so different is the subtle fizz, the minute bubbles that make for a strong yet delicate experience

for your palate. The water originally comes from a spring located in the south of France where the rainwater falling to earth and into the ground is mineralized through the contact with different rock strata. The Perrier spring is linked to different historical figures such as Julius Caesar who had the spring transformed in thermal baths in 58 BC. According to the legend, Hannibal himself paused at the spring with his troops as his soldiers found this naturally carbonated water so refreshing. Several centuries later, a French doctor decided to sell the water as we know it today, he was followed in this venture by British lords and finally by the Nestlé company who owns it today. Nowadays Perrier quenches people’s thirst all around the globe in 150 different countries. Declared of Public interest in 1933, Perrier built a strong reputation of quality and fun over the last century. It has been linked to great names in art and rewarded for the quality of its advertising. It is thus worth spending a little bit more and make your drink a fashionable choice.

Ur nightlife

Tabu VIP club Cocktail of atmospheres

Looking for an upscale dining and lounge atmosphere? Tabu VIP club is for you. Whether you’re craving for Japanese food, western delights or Khmer favorites, Tabu came up with a subtle cocktail of influences at a reasonable price. And to top it all, extensive cocktail menu, good wine selection and happy hour specials to the sound of their awesome Filipino band playing live every night. And for the ones out to rock their body, Dj’s will hit up the dancefloor on Hip Hop, House or Electro beats making the Tabu VIP club the perfect spot for a dazzling night out. FOOD The restaurant offers different seating areas to get the perfect spot whether you’re with friends or on a date. To guaranty the best experience, Tabu works with skillful and friendly staff eager to serve you in the best possible way. Japanese food : Tabu’s menu is quite extensive and at standard price. Quality and choice seem to be the main key words : sushi, sashimi, teppanyaki, ramen, tempura, rice dishes, robata yaki and other over 100 varieties of

Japanese dishes. And cherry on the cake, everything is prepared fresh when you order. Every Monday Promotion 50% off on Sushi and Sashimi. The Chef cooks a delicious and hot taste western food to savor with a glass of Wine. As Phnom Penh offer grows a bit more every day, Tabu sticks to it by serving White, red, sparkling and rosé wines. Don’t worry, you won’t be thirsty. MUSIC Always a pleasure to listen to Phnom Penh’s Premier Filipino band playing an energetic blend of smoky, soulful vocals and guitar-driven acoustic rock. From 7pm until 10 pm, they’ll play rock’n’roll classics as well as other standards. And for the ones willing to free their minds to the sound of hot beats released by trendy djs, Tabu VIP club features an open dancefloor to shake up til the end of the night.

Photos: Nick Sells/Kampuchea Republic & Jeremie Montessuis/Film Noir Studio

Ur wine

WUPP shop new kids on the block Writer Wupp Cambodia and more particularly Phnom Penh has a burgeoning and developing wine market. Driving down the street, it seems new wine shops are popping up every day with new and interesting wines. Couldn’t make us happier. That being said, it’s easy to get lost and it’s tough to navigate this brave new world. That’s why we’ve picked two of our favorites, locally run and owned of course, so you can stop wandering around town on a quest for the perfect bottle of tipple.

Vintage Wines Vintage Wine Cellars opened on Jan 29th 2011, it specializes in Old World Wine: Austrian, German, Spanish, Italian, and French. The owner and founder, Sopheap, possesses an excellent knowledge of wine. We sat down to have a little chat with him:

Do you have a favorite wine? That’s not an easy question. Of course it depends on the quality and price. A lot of the higher end wine is priced out of the market, I can’t afford it myself. I’ve been drinking a lot of New World wine recently: Argentina and Chile. And I’ve been trying to bring some new wine in as well. Anything special about your shop? We taste and try everything before we sell it. It’s about the customer: good wine at an affordable price. And we listen to our customer, that’s part of why we’re importing new wines from South America. We try to select and import our wines carefully! Visit Vintage @ No. 404 Monivong, you just might be in for a surprise tasting!

When did you open Vintage Wine Cellars?

Booloom Booloom

I have a lot of experience in wine as I’ve been working in it for over 15 years. I have a passion that I want to share and when I had the opportunity to start my own shop, I jumped at the chance. The rest is history.

Booloom Booloom opened its doors with the aim to offer high quality premium wines and to showcase the greater wine world to the Cambodian market. Bopha Tun, the owner, carefully chooses what she offers in her shop striking a balance between the classics and the new. Her excellent selection of wines from the Rhone Valley, for example, boasts some of France’s worst kept secrets – Chateauneuf du Pape and Gigondas, as well as a delightful rosé (great in the heat and not so easy to find in the city) from Tavel. These are round full wines with heady spices and deep fruit intensity – every sip, delightful and great!

What do you think about the Cambodian Market? It’s developing day to day, week to week, month to month, and year to year! In the early 1990s, Cambodians drank beer and whisky, almost no one drank wine. Today, it’s completely different. People are exploring and it’s a very exciting time to be in the business.

Visit Booloom Booloom @ No. 209, Street 63!

selection

Ur sport

Oty Inn, the onl

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2.4 3p m

e followed Oty Inn, a young French-Cambodian boxer who had his first fight t month. The first and the last as the young man from the South of France d to go back to his family. It was intense, exciting and a nail biting fight as Oty ught for five long rounds before knocking out his opponent.

he wait lasts forever, you’re supposed to focus but there’s so many things going on in your ad at the moment. I shivered as I crossed the ropes. It’s the moment, the real one. I was so oud dancing the archer’s kun kru before the fight, the dance my trainer used to do.

otos Jeremie Montessuis/Film Noir Studio CTN Arena

“

Ur band

Batuque 40° Brazilian rhythms Writer John

Shakespear

Those of you who were at 88 for the last WUPP First Friday may remember pounding Brazilian rhythms echoing off the walls and the irresistible desire to move your body. These reverberations came from Batuque 40˚, a percussion group that serves up a fresh cocktail of Brazil’s varied rhythms here in Phnom Penh. The name joins a style of percussion that came to Brazil from Cape Verde with the 40 degree heat that characterizes both the group’s music and Cambodia on a bad day. In France, where the genre is popular, it’s known as batucada, but band leader Luis Arambarri explains that the term isn’t common in his native Brazil: “we would just call it a bateria”- a percussion band. During Carnaval festivities, Baterias often have thirty or forty drummers, and in each region of Brazil the rhythm is different. Phnom Penh’s very own bateria makes a bold sound with just six full-time members. With talented percussionists, says Arambarri, who has played in baterias all over Brazil, in France, and at the 2012 Olympics in South Africa: “you can do the same things, you can show all the different rhythms.” Batuque 40˚ focuses on combining these distinct regional styles. Arambarri believes that in music, like in cooking, the secret lies in mixing things in fresh ways. “I like fusion,” he explains, “in Brazil, it’s normal to mix, in music and in everything.” True to this spirit, the group’s six members hail

from six countries. The current group has been playing around Phnom Penh since February. “We’ve played some interesting shows,” says Greg Lavender, who plays the large surdo drum“at our first gig all together, we played inside a cage at a soccer tournament.” Since then, the band has played for motorcycle enthusiasts on Koh Pich, business leaders at a convention, and WUPPers at the 88. Next up, they will be playing at Sofitel on the evening of May 4th. At the end of our talk, Arrumbari takes out a massive book of CDs from every corner of the world and plays a few for me, pointing out different rhythms as they appear and showing me each beat with some precise air drumming. I try to follow along as his hands beat through the maracatou rhythm from northeastern Brazil, different styles of samba that range from party-starting to laid back-“there must be 80-something styles of samba,” he says-the rural northeastern style of baião, and samba-reggae. Arambarri says that these last two styles aren’t traditionally part of the genre known as batucada, but Batuque 40˚ throws them into the blender too. I began to get a sense of the whole world of rhythmic options that the group plays with. In the future, Arambarri hopes to collaborate with Khmer percussionists and dancers as well: “I just hope I can develop this music here, and see what comes out of new collaborations.”

Episode #2

Batukada

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Ur music

French electronic band Daft Punk has chosen Australia to launch their new album. Melbourne? Sydney ? Nope… Wee Waa. Never heard of it? Understandable. The 1690 inhabitants village, located 8 hours away from Sydney, will host the two French DJs for the launch of their new album, Random Access Memories. One of the most expected albums of the year will indeed be launched at Wee Waa’s agricultural fair, the “Wee Waa Show”. Quite hard to believe. Daft Punk will actually present their new album just next to the Farmer Challenge and the Mouse Racing Competition four days before the album’s world release, planned on the 17th may. The only question we could ask ourselves is “ Why ? “. Well, it seems we have a reason. An Australian music website revealed that Guy-Manuel de Homen-Christo and Thomas Bangalter wanted to visit the CSIRO Australian Telescope, 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Wee Waa. For Random Access Memories, Daft Punk stepped away from samples and drum machines and enlisted top-notch studio musicians, as well as collaborators Nile Rodgers, Pharrell, Giorgio Moroder and Animal Collective’s Panda Bear and Julian Casablancas from The Strokes. Check the website to discover all the exclusive videos: randomaccessmemories.com/.

Track list 1) “Give Life Back to Music” 2) “The Game of Love” 3) “Giorgio by Moroder” 4) “Within” 5) “Instant Crush” 6) “Lose Yourself to Dance” 7) “Touch” 8) “Get Lucky” 9) “Beyond” 10) “Motherboard” 11) “Fragments of Time” 12) “Doin’ It Right” 13) “Contact”

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Heritage: Wat Polangka Siem Reap 063 969100 Wok: 33, Street 178, Phnom Penh 092 821 857 Terrazza: 1c Street 282 Phnom Penh Nova: 19 Street 214 Phnom Penh 097 716 5000 The Duck: 49 Sothearos Boulevard Phnom Penh Miss Wong Bar: The Lane Siem Reap 092 428 332

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