L-atitude New York Trunk Show

March 18, 2011

Brilliant curation and worldly sophistication were the buzz words at L-atitude's trunk show on Tuesday evening on Manhattan's UWS. Hosted by Ashley Wick, Natalie Decleve, Sarika Rastogi at the stunningly appointed home of Natalie Schwartz, the evening featured bright and beautiful city girls with roving eyes. Brilliant curation and worldly sophistication were the buzz words at L-atitude's trunk show on Tuesday evening on Manhattan's UWS.  Hosted by Ashley Wick, Natalie...

Color me Red

February 07, 2011

Florists stock up on red roses and bakeries display their freshest cakes, cookies and chocolates. All over, Mumbai restaurants set the mood for cozy candle light dinners. However cliche as it might sound, love is in the air. Florists stock up on red roses and bakeries display their freshest cakes, cookies and chocolates. All over, Mumbai restaurants set the mood for cozy candle light dinners.  However cliche as it might...

Chinese New Year

January 31, 2011

To welcome in the New Year, the streets of Hong Kong transform into Chinese New Year buzz, full of red, gold, and orange to signify happiness and wealth. Red and pink ceramic rabbits pop up in the shop windows to toast 2011 as the year of the rabbit, bright signs stating ?Gung hay fat choy? (meaning ?May you become prosperous? in Cantonese) are painted on billboards, pink and gold lanterns...

New York: Ping Pong Hits New York

January 26, 2011

When it comes to the kind of games you?ll find in bars, the most common offenders are probably pool, darts and maybe an arcade game or two. These pub favorites have come to be a fixture in bars throughout the country for decades. But New York has never been a city to settle for whatever it is that everyone has. Every now and then, the ante for a night at the bar needs to be upped ? past sipping a craft beer or specialty cocktail to actually having something to do in the process. A few years ago, it was bowling, as sleek bar-and-alley hybrids like Lucky Strike sprang up. Inevitably though, there?s a new kid in town?ping pong, thanks mostly to one very popular spot called SPiN.

Maybe in part because of backing by Susan Sarandon, and her frequent presence, SPiN quickly grabbed the spotlight as a new must-hit lounge. Now, the bar that looks a lot like a gym draws a dense crowd of scenesters, tastemakers and overall fun-seekers every night. For $10 to $20 per half hour, depending on time of day, you and your friends can take over one of the vibrantly hued tables and sip cocktails typically unaffiliated with table tennis. You can even nosh on food provided by Ducks Eatery, with a menu of mouthwatering sandwiches and salads to fill you up without weighing you down come game time.

If you still need more ping pong after you check out SPiN, head to the West Village for Fat Cat, likened to a cool basement or rec room for adults that features tons of games, live music (jazz) and, of course, drinks. For a $3 cover, you?ll enter a cave-like setting jammed with ping pong and other bar staples like pool and foosball ? plus board games like Scrabble. You?ll definitely lose track of time as Fat Cat whisks you back to childhood ? except that this time, you can drink.

While SPiN and Fat Cat are major destinations for ping pong, now, the trend is just beginning to break out. Keep an eye out for more and more bars breaking out the ping pong tables to keep up with the competition and keep you entertained.

SPiN is located at 48 East 23^rd street at Park Avenue South.

Fat Cat is located at 75 Christopher Street at Seventh Avenue South.

Hong Kong: City Sweets

January 24, 2011

There are numerous sweet shops scattered throughout the city that carry a plethora of savory and sweet treats, most dating back to the 1930s-1950s.  Nougat, plum, orange and ginger candied prunes, and sesame/almond varieties are perhaps the most common ingredients and flavors.  Not only are these candies nostalgic, as most locals have fond memories of eating the sweets as children, but their packaging and design is quite extraordinary. 

Orange Jelly sticks (which are made of a jelly substance, soft and sweet, yet despite the name do not have much orange taste) and Smith Nougat (peanuts, egg white, sugar) are still made locally in Kwun Tong, Kowloon. White Rabbit may have the most fascinating history, with its routes from mainland China.  Originally positioned as a healthy sweet (7 nougat candies = one cup of milk), the original packaging had a drawing of Mickey Mouse on the label.  In the 1950s, the packaging was seemed as a symbol for worshipping foreign countries, so the current art deco design was developed. Is still the top selling sweet in China and the packaging has become synonymous worldwide. 

Chan Yee Jai, originating 70 years ago, is perhaps the most famous sweet shop in Hong Kong.  Located between Sheung Wan and Central, in addition to carrying the above sweets, it also includes lemon dried ginger, almond cookies and other sumptuous treats.

Chan Yee Jai located at 176 Queen?s Road Central, Central

Hong Kong: Star Street Style

January 24, 2011

In the land of shopping malls and outdoor markets, there?s a unique shopping experience in the Wan Chai area of Hong Kong entitled ?Star Street?.  Sitting on a hillside, the area is still quite undiscovered, but is quickly is becoming the area for architects, designers and entrepreneurs to set up studios as well as host top dining, galleries, and unique shopping.

The streets, Sun, Star and Moon are named after the ?Three Luminaries? a Three-Character Chinese classic verse.  With compelling architecture (these are the oldest streets in Wan Chai), quaint streets and a feel of community, many say it is their favorite area in Hong Kong to spend their free time.   

Some of the highlights include O La La, perhaps one of the best Shanghai noodle restaurants in Shanghai, Classified, a European style bistro with artisanal cheese and boutique wines, and Spoil Caf?, where you can enjoy al fresco outdoor dining, but perhaps best known for their desserts such as four-layer carrot cake.

One of the most beloved shops in HK is Kapok. The clothing store and design shop showcases younger international designers with a focus on craftsmanship.  Monocle recently moved into the area with both a shop and an editorial office, and Sonjia, is a local lifestyle store that carries clothing, accessories, shoes and jewelry.  Top off your experience by visiting the Agnes b art gallery, showcasing local artists and exhibitions.

Istanbul: Ikat

January 24, 2011

Back in my childhood it was impossible to find a house without an ikat rug. Handmade rugs are very common in Anatolian culture, and in Turkey nearly every house had these types of rugs covering the floor. Back in my childhood it was impossible to find a house without an ikat rug. Handmade rugs are very common in Anatolian culture, and in Turkey nearly every house had these types of...

Istanbul: Bazaar Basics

January 21, 2011

The Bazaar to end all Bazaars, the Grand Bazaar is in Sultanahmet, the old town region of Istanbul.  But in a massive labyrinth with over 1,200 shops and 250,000 visitors per day, where to start? Here are a few must-visit destinations on every Istanbullite?s list.

Mavi Kose:This treasure chest of a shop has been around for half a century and has been visited by countless heads of state, members of royalty, Hollywood stars as well as style icon Grace Kelly herself. Don?t let the shoebox size of the shop deceive you, for here you will find vintage art deco diamond encrusted watches,traditional Kurdish gold dowry necklaces, ottoman cufflinks, silver cigarrette cases and one of a kind pieces galore.

Next head over to Sivasli Istanbul Yazmacisifor amazing textiles. Everyone from Rifat Ozbek to Hussein Chalayan, Arzu Kaprol and Dice Kayek all rely on the Sivasli Istanbul  shop both for inspiration and as a key source for raw material. If you want to have a go at making your own Rifat Ozbek style pillows, then a visit to Murat?s shop is a must.

No trip to the Grand Bazaar is complete without a stop at either AbdullaorDervis, where both foreigners and locals head to stock up on ultra-thin, quick drying towels called Peshtemals, which are traditionally used in Turkish Baths. If you want a more authentic experience, go straight to the source and pick up your patented peshtemals from Egin Textiles. For one -of ?a- kind Turkish Tiles, Iznik Art is the perfect place to buy a unique wedding gift for the friend who has everything, or a timeless statement piece for your hard to please mother-in-law. The owner of the shop is a renowned Turkish tile scholar and artist who is the only master of matte finish Iznik tiles in Turkey.

Last but not least, if you are looking for a modern yet warm rug to decorate your apartment or office floor, then head over to Ethnicon and Dhoku. Founded at the turn of the 21st century, Ethnicon and Dhoku specialize in making patchwork rugs out of recycled pieces of ?kilims? or ?halis?.  Especially popular are the vintage monochrome carpets which are then dyed to create an all new, washed out showstopping tapestry.

Address Book:

Mavi K??e:

Cevahir Bedesten Sherifaga sok no: 8, Kapalicarsi, Istanbul/Turkey

Tel: (0212) 519 06 86

Sivasli Istanbul Yazmacisi, Necdet Danis & B. Murat Hashas.

No. 57, Yaglikcilar, Kapalicarsi, Istanbul/ Turkey

+90 212 526 7748

Dervis:

Keseciler Cad. No.33-35, Kapalicarsi/Istanbul, +90 212 514 45 25

Abdulla:

Hal?c?lar cad. no. 62, kapal??ar?? istanbul 34440

Egin Textiles

Ya?l?k??lar Cad. No :1 ( ?r?c?ler Kap?s? giri?i )

Kapal??ar?? - Beyaz?t

istanbul

T?rkiye

3440

?znik Art

Orta Kazaslar St. No:64 P.K. 34440, Kapalicarsi/Istanbul

Ethnicon

 Kapalicarsi Takkeciler Sok. No. 58-60

34126, Emin?n?, Istanbul

Mumbai City Secrets- Bombay Underground

January 18, 2011

Six years ago, a collective of Mumbai?s creatives  ? writers, theater actors, photographers, tattoo artists, musicians ? went underground. During this time, they wrote and published their own works, traveled the world collecting rare books and magazines; worked with underprivileged communities; and tracked down Mumbai?s illegal booksellers who?d been wiped out from pavements and bought their stock.

The result: Bombay Underground-- part bookstore and part lending library newly started up in a grungy garage, with an eclectic range of novels, comic books, magazines and concert DVDs that ?will only keep expanding.?Here, the probability of finding a coffee table book on post-modern Japanese architecture is as high as finding that ubiquitous Marquez or Orwell bible. Other intriguing titles include Playground Jokes for Kids, A Book of Russian Stories, TheChe Handbookand independently published graphic novel, The Smile.

The magazine and newspaper racks are stacked with everything from The London Review of Books to Sight and Sound film magazine. Music fans can rent uncut versions of Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan DVDs.

If you?re visiting the city, Bombay Underground is a fun place to hang out post-6 pm and get a sense of Mumbai?s creative scene. The evening slot will soon be dedicated to book readings, film screenings, art exhibits and jam sessions.

Bombay Underground, garage no 5, Luisa Apartments, next to Domino?s, St. John Baptist Road, Bandra (W), call +91 9821209085 / +91 9833452170, prices start at USD 1.50, open daily from 11 am to 8.30 pm.

Vacation Spots: Palawan Islands, Philippines

January 14, 2011

Unless you live in Australia or other parts of East Asia, it is unlikely that you have heard of the Palawan Islands.  Situated west of Manila, there are approximately 1768 islands, total extreme length about 650 kilometers from north to south.

For the past two Christmas? I have traveled to these islands, predominately for the fact that they are one of Asia?s last ecological frontier.  Most islands have beautiful white sand beaches, clear waters and immense rain forests.  As an avid swimmer, snorkeler and scuba diver, there are unlimited choices of coral reefs (11,000 square feet) along with a plethora of fish.  Some of the top hotels are on their own private island, so you have the exclusivity and privacy rarely offered in resort settings.

The fact that most people need to traverse the globe also makes it less of a tourist destination  (although in high season many local families choose these islands as a holiday of choice).  The journey takes you to Manila, where according to your arrival time, you most likely need to spend the evening.  Most flights take off in the morning to Palawan with a two hotels offering direct flights to their island, including the Amanpulo (of the Oman resorts) or the El Nido.  As with any Oman resort, the Amanpulo is a breathtaking and luxurious experience, but you will pay the price, hovering about $700 USD/night in the high season.  For a lesser-pricier experience, I have also stayed at the El NIdo.  It?s less exclusive and includes buffet style dining and perhaps a more child-friendly environment. 

Instead of the typical beach holiday in Thailand, I would recommend the Philippines.  It?s off the beaten track and the pristine beaches make it a destination unlike anything else experienced.