#JJStyle: Tea With VNIKALI, 7 FAM, and Woobar

Last Sunday a friend of mine, stylist and fashion blogger Veronica Li of the Vnikali Blog, and I finally got together for a life update and a chat with friends, Priscilla and Angus. The tea/coffee get together amongst us was long overdue, and it didn’t hurt that cakes at Woobar in W Hong Kong was part of the equation.

The last time I saw Veronica was at the Black Fleece Flagship launch in town, and it was then that she and I decided that it was time to really schedule a meet up. 

Veronica has been working hard with her clients as well as religiously updating her wildly successful blog. Just two months ago, she flew to Vienna for her website’s coverage of the watch brand Omega. She had an opportunity to blog from the Garden Palace Liechtenstein while meeting up with actress, Nicole Kidman.

W Hong Kong pastry chef, Andrea Bonnafini, from Turin, served us an amazing Tea Set just for this month and in collaboration with Le French May, an annual citywide initiative by the Alliance Francaise to spread French culture in Hong Kong via art, entertainment, and F&B channels.

Andrea is like a kid in a candy shop… except his kitchen IS his candy shop, and he invents everything inside it.  If you’re lucky you can get dueling edible chocolate robots…

Or potted Tiramisu plants.

After tea, we all headed up to the Pool Wet Deck upstairs to check out the view and take a few shots for the denim brand 7 For All Mankind as part of their Spring/Summer 2013 Social Media campaign.

It was a tad bit cold and windy then… but everyone found a way to warm up. Like Priscilla and Angus below.

Thanks so much 7 For All Mankind and W Hong Kong for a great Sunday get together. I can’t wait until the summer when it gets sunny and hot and the hotel’s famous Sunday DJ pool sessions are in full effect.

WEAR 7 For All Mankind / EAT WOOBAR at W Hong Kong / CULTURE Le French May

JJ.

Contemporary Chic Cantonese, Goes With A View Too

It was a week night, but after a hard day’s work, nothing says “perfection” like an intimate boozy meal of delicious authentic Cantonese fare with a small group of friends.

But first… My Whisky and oily salted peanuts, just the way I like it.

Mandy from Hotel Icon invited a me, our Korean rockstar, Julie, with ChristingC and most importantly, HK Food Blogger extraordinaire, Dan of Hungry Hong Kong, for a chill feast at Above & Beyond, Level 28 at Hotel Icon. I got there first, but it was fine with me. If I had the time, I would spend sunset there all the time whenever I want to be surrounded by the comforts of its space, a room designed as a library by the ever so chic, Conran & Partners from London. (They also designed the other F+B destinations at the hotel like Market and GREEN.)

The venue is “way up there”. I mean that because of its location in the hotel, the quality of the food, and an unbeatable view of Hong Kong Island’s iconic urban panorama. Of course for  perfection would be jazz nights on top of the Park Hyatt in Tokyo, but the mood and atmosphere here closer to home, is just fine with me.

The menu is seasonal and excellently prepared each night by Executive Chef, Joseph Tse. Not only does Tse obviously honor tradition with his menu selection and authentic preparation, but he flies off in amazing directions with some special dishes to balance adventure with the classics.

A fatty starter.

Followed by what I have to say… is the richest, most natural tasting, and best Hot & Sour soups I’ve ever had. It makes every Hot & Sour soup I’ve had since taste so much like chemicals and added flavouring. This particular soup is the real deal. It’s all natural flavours with daily fresh ingredients.

In addition we tasted amazing Coral Crab with Glutinous Rice, which is this season’s favorite dish, the house crispy pigeon with Oolong Tea Leaves, and a selection of yummy authentic desserts.

Above & Beyond may very well be my most favorite Cantonese restaurant in Hong Kong for the higher end market, but for low end nothing can beat Ngau Kee on Gough Street in NOHO, (which is unfortunately being kicked out due to higher rent.)

They have a house sommelier that can suggest an excellent wine pairing with your meal.

Thanks so much Mandy for your hospitality and a great dinner.

Meanwhile, every time I pass by Patrick Blanc’s green wall downstairs in the lobby and at the restaurant, GREEN, I just stop and stare in awe… for a long time.

Green Walls are Cool.

EAT Above & Beyond, Level 28 Hotel Icon, No.17 Science Museum Road, TST East, Hong Kong

JJ.

Sal Curioso Is Food That Pops. Literally.

The nutty team who first brought you Madam Sixty Ate (M68), which I covered on the blog in 2011, have now found a second home one year later right in Central on the corner of Glenealy and Wyndham Streets near Lan Kwai Fong and the Fringe Club. The new dining concept is not a rehash of M68, but a completely new character in the name of Sal Curioso. Madam Sixty Ate’s menu, branding, and interior design, was constructed as a narrative in collaboration between Chef Director, Chris Woodyard, Founder Bronwyn Cheung, and Hong Kong design firm, Substance, led by Maxime Dautresme. The end-product is an easy introduction into Woodyard’s realm of travel food deconstructed via molecular gastronomy but for a mass audience who needed a softer transition. This same team is at it again with Sal Curioso.

Behind Buttermilk Chicken, begrudgingly a signature dish (and a standout one), Chef Woodyard hard at work.

Strategically, the Sal Curioso branding ventured towards the same route with a character driven approach, which may seem new and different from Madam Sixty Ate on the surface, but judging from the use of imagery on menus like “Squidpop” and the “21st Century Imperial Shaker”, all signs point to Sal as Madam’s lab rat twin brother. In Chef Woodyard’s case, if it aint broke, why come up with new DNA? 

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Beijing JJStyle 06: Streets of Style

It’s not a proper vacation to Beijing until you’ve experienced old and new world shopping unique only to this city. I’m talking about making time to visit the boutiques and cafes of Nanluoguxiang Hutong and the edgy and exciting retail experience found at Sanlitun Village.

Nanluoguxiang was built during the Yuan Dynasty in the 1700’s, and today is still home to many of Beijing’s residents. This hutong is also a popular venue for those who are looking for the quirky gift or unique fashion find that are design-oriented pieces original to the artists and craftsmen based in the city. Check out these cheeky porcelain figures.

… Or these funny postcards. Most of them are in “Engrish” (Chinese-English), but you get the general gist of the message.

Shops sell everything from authentic shoes worn by Beijing people for hundreds of years…

…To propaganda shirts which remix historic Chinese images to create new messages and designs that give their product that “contemporary art” edge.

Im speechless.

There were so many lanes which branched out of the main street. It would take a whole day to visit all of them.

With so much to see, it’s easy to get a bit tired. That’s why it’s always good to take a rest and to have a sip of some hot Chinese Tea or coffee at one of the many establishments in the Hutong made for visitors and tourists. These cafes have plenty of character and allows one to recharge before continuing their shopping journey.

For lunch we had some “Dan Dan Min (Hot and Spicy Noodles)” at another local eatery,  Red Ding Coffee.

They had a beautiful courtyard.

But for street food… you can opt for steamy yams.

Or Caramelized Fruits on a stick. This was divine.

This dessert is called Tanghulu and it’s a Beijing original. I had figs.

Other fashion finds for me include these original (read “real) Feiyue shoes for about 130RMB (18-20USD).

And this fashionable gentleman.

Across town it’s all about modern indoor-outdoor shopping experiences with Sanlitun Village.

Criss crossing glass planes, diagonal pathways, and a LED lights define this new shopping environment. 

Every corner is a different discovery.

From Home furnishings…

To current fashion trends… it’s all here.

Vying for your attention.

New or old…

… There’s something in Beijing for every stylish individual, like this gent I spotted at Sanlitun Village.

Or this gent at Nanluoxguxiang who was channeling a young Woody Allen.

Also spotted… Fashion Blogger, Vanessa Hong at Sanlitun Village. Love the quilted jacket and ripped jean denim.

We hung out with Vincent from VICE Magazine China.

I’ll miss all this. Thank you Hilton Hotels & Resorts for such a wonderful and memorable trip!

SHOP Nanluoguxiang Hutong / SHOP Sanlitun Village / EAT Red Ding Coffee 

This post was originally published on November 24, 2012 for CNN.com and Hilton Hotels and Resorts for the CNNGO Experience Asia Contest.

JJ.

Beijing JJStyle 02: The Perfect Peking Duck

Yes Beijing is mostly known as the center of China’s Political and Historical center… but another thing the city is known for is its cuisine… and most notably… the Peking Duck! The duck, originally named Shaoyazi, is the country’s National Dish, with roots going back to around the 1300’s and is a staple of Imperial Cuisine.

The duck for the perfect Peking, is bred especially for the dish. Hilton Beijing Wangfujing gave me and my friends the opportunity to help the Hotel Chef make one for our dinner at Chynna, one of the city’s premier Chinese cuisine destinations located in the hotel.

Of course as part of the deal, we would be filmed making the Duck. I was just afraid I’d mess it up! But of course with the help of the Chef and my friend, Denise, it turned out to be a messy, yet fun learning experience.

I couldn’t quite get the duck to open up the right way in order to put in the right herbs and spices. The Chef had to help me struggle with it, which was pretty funny.

After the setup, and boiling and glazing the duck in a special soup… we were able to check out the roasting area.

This is where the Chef would line up the ducks that were ready for roasting after hanging to dry for 24 hours. The duck cooks for less than an hour… then it’s ready to serve!

Before dinner, my friends and I were treated to some wine and cheese as an appetizer in the Wine Room, which was cool.

Then it was on to Chynna for dinner to finally taste the duck. 

The interiors were pretty cool… a nice update of Chinese themes in a very modern and contemporary fashion. It was very very “Beijing Style” NOW.

Of course the chef was ready for us to have our feast… and boy we DID have an amazing feast there.

Just some of my favorite dishes… Fresh egg rolls.

Marinated jellyfish with aged vinegar

Sautéed assorted mushrooms with spinach and tofu

Beef with sautéed porcini mushrooms and black pepper! SO yum!

My friends loved this stewed pork rib dish in sweet and sour sauce

We also had tons of dessert… like this mango yogurt dish… and the Tiramisu in a cocktail glass. So good.

I’m full just looking at the pictures again. Thanks Hilton Hotels and Resorts for the amazing dining experience!

EAT Chynna 

This post was originally published on November 15, 2012 for CNN.com and Hilton Hotels and Resorts for the CNNGO Experience Asia Contest.

JJ.

Beijing JJStyle 01: Livin’ Large at Hilton

Hilton Hotels and Resorts gave my friends and I the amazing opportunity to witness creative and stylish Beijing via the Stay Hilton. Experience Asia Contest. I couldn’t wait to see Beijing, as it is now, post Olympics. The last time I went was a year before the 2008 Olympics, and already back then I knew that the city was going to be one of the my top favorite cities in the World, and surely #1 in China for me, mostly as a center of Political Power, and China’s historical and cultural center.

The good news is, the Stay Hilton. Experience Asia. trip made me realize, that Beijing today is way better than it was when I last visit all those years ago. It is still my #1 favorite city.

As soon as we landed at the Beijing Capital International Airport (BCIA), we were greeted to a surprising welcome at the gate. There was a lady with a sign. We felt like a celebrity, it was very cool. I felt at home right away.

The BCIA opened right before the 2008 Olympics, and its impressive design is based on the Dragon. It’s designed by Sir Norman Foster for Foster + Partners from the UK. The firm claims its the largest airport building in the world!

After a warm welcome at the airport, me and my pals, Denise and Jason were picked up in a nice Mercedes Benz where it was a relaxed and smooth ride all the way to the hotel. I was surprised how quickly it got to Hilton Beijing Wangfujing, especially because it’s centrally located within the first ring road, so I expected it to be far.

On the way we were in awe of Beijing’s urban landscape. As an architect, I really appreciate the right sensitive mix of new and old structures. I really feel that a city must make bold urban statements with design, but at the same time, be mindful of its past while preserving historic architecture. This is exactly why I was happy to visit Beijing all over again.

Steven Holl’s Hybrid Project on the way to the hotel.

We got there in style, and were greeted by signature Hilton hospitality at the front door of the hotel at Wangfujing District, Beijing’s main commercial and historical central business district (CBD).

Hilton Beijing Wangfujing turned out to have less of a business feel and while the hotel catered to that, the scale and design was completely like a boutique hotel and destination oriented, as Beijing is one of China’s top global tourist destinations.

After a smooth check in at front desk, we were led to our Premier Suite. It was breathtaking and pretty freakin’ cool.

The Premier Suite suite has one bedroom, two bathrooms, a dining room and kitchen to entertain, a living room, an office area, a fully stocked bar, two flat screen TVs, and a Nintendo Wii.

I wish I had a walk-in closet like this in Hong Kong, a city of tiny spaces and apartments. Everything in Beijing felt even more “Grand” with a room like this one.

We were greeted with cute little things… like this Teddy.

This plate of Macaroons which took a few days to eat.

And this amazing dessert plate.

Downstairs we had a welcome buffet lunch at Vasco’s.

The design of Vasco’s was quite chic and classic at the same time. There was plenty of sunlight into the space. But most of all the food selection was great. There was a mix of Eastern, Western, and Regional Chinese Dishes. For breakfast we all had press coffee. It was divine.

As if the dessert plate in the room wasn’t enough… we had to get more at Vasco’s.

Later after lunch we all checked out the amazing rooftop pool. I could spend hours here. Great for quiet reflection especially at sunset.

Anyway, i’ve checked out the bar in the room which came with an espresso machine.

And with the Wi-Fi and a nice corner desk, my blogging was ready to go!

The other guys were making themselves feel right at home.

I cant wait to write more of my Beijing experience. But first… I need to make myself coffee at the Executive Lunch. (The best coffee in Beijing haha)

STAY Beijing Hilton Wangfujing / EAT Vasco’s / ARCHITECTURE Linked Hybrid / ARCHITECTURE Beijing Capital International Airport

This post was originally published on November 13, 2012 for CNN.com and Hilton Hotels and Resorts for the CNNGO Experience Asia Contest.

JJ.

Living It and Loving It; A Christmas To Be Thankful For

Christmas 2012 has come and gone, and all I can say is that i’m thankful… thankful that the so-called “End of the World” never really happened and thankful that instead of that, this year closes with friends, family, and most importantly, Peace. Tomorrow I’ll be off to Thailand to celebrate the wedding of dear friends from University and celebrate the incoming year on some beach somewhere. 

That said, if you’re reading my blog, that means you’re plugged in, and you must know that the news of the last few weeks leading up to Christmas has not been a good one for many. There’s been plenty of pain and grief from the families of Children who were killed by a shooter in Connecticut and on the same day… a stabber in China. In addition there’s continuous strife in the Middle East, in the weeks leading to Christmas there’s been terrible fighting in Gaza, flooding in New York City, and a rocket launched in North Korea. I’m writing all this not because I want to be a downer, but more importantly to highlight that a supposed “End of the World” is generally what the masses anticipate because consciously or subconsciously, people are willing to see a different reality, a different world from the one that bombards us everyday in the media. And hopefully when the morning of December 22 came around… turning into the same day as it was the day before, rather than be depressed that Armageddon didn’t arrive, I know a few people, me included, were actually happy that the world still existed the way it had always been… and  more cognizant of the fact that endings and beginnings actually start from heart and mind.

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For Hong Kong’s Latest Spanish Offerings, The Magic Comes in 3’s

When I first moved to Hong Kong many years ago I felt immediately that there was something missing in the cuisine. For Japanese, Regional Asian, Chinese, and Italian fare, Hong Kong had it in spades, but as someone who grew up in Texas where Mexican food is king and the Philippines where the post-colonial country still embraced its Spanish roots… what was missing for me was Hong Kong’s “Latin Flavor”.

Thankfully in this past year alone, we’ve witnessed a new trend of new modern Latin establishments which began with the opening of Heirloom (Mexican) in Sheung Wan and Comilonas (Spanish) in Sai Ying Pun. Since then, Latin restaurants have begun to make their definitive mark in the city’s culinary landscape, each special and different in their own way, offering unique menus and atmosphere catering to a variety tastes and occasions.

Mexican (Socialito, Brickhouse, Taco Chaca) and South American (Chicha) choices aside, I wanted to focus this post specifically on the city’s Spanish offerings because it just so happens that three of my most memorable dining experiences within the last few months just all so happened to be Spanish.. and beyond taco variations, there was just more amongst the three Spanish restos to write about in terms of differences in menu offerings, approaches, and ambiance.

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+ E-clectic / No Frills, Homestyle Spanish Dining Experience

A close  friend of mine, Chef Juan Martinez Gregorio, recently opened up his private kitchen, E-clectic centrally located on the edge of Sheung Wan, off Queens Road Central, located within walking distance to the MTR. The set up is no-frills with a vibe that is homey and domestic, a perfect backdrop for chef Juan’s dishes, a reflection of his hometown, Cartegena, in Southern Spain. Juan’s dream has always been to establish a Kitchen of his own in the city, serving dishes underrepresented in most Spanish restaurants.

I imagine patrons come here for the personal touch, with just enough space to mingle. For example our party of about 16 guests sat in the living room area for pre-drinks (no corkage) and tapas.

The dining area is prepared like a Chef’s Table, and is located in the center of the room next to the open kitchen where you can see Juan cook up a storm. You feel like this is really an extension of his own home.

Each day’s set menu is determined by the ingredients Juan is able to obtain on a daily basis. Usually all meals begin with sangria and a selection of basic tapas, such as the Manchego Semicurado Cheese and Sausage below.

Memorable staples stand out, like the house signature dish, the Empanada de Frito, a filo pastry stuffed with a tomato base sauce of olives, onions, and zucchini.

And the Spanish Piquillo Pepper Stuffed with Boiled Fish and Crispy Shrimps. It was absolutely divine.

I also enjoyed this cold soup, the Salmorejo de Cordoba… a cold tomato soup which complemented the hot dishes very well.

E-clectic is place to go if you want your dining experience completely private and up-close-and personal with the Chef. If you want the authentic Hong Kong style Private Kitchen, you’ll want to come here.

+ 22 Ships / Michelin Inventions Accessible Within Streetside Digs

You didn’t have to read my blog to know that 22 Ships is Hong Kong’s hottest new dining destination… yes… destination. Im sure you’ve already seen it all over Open Rice and Facebook. That said we were recently invited to have a taste at 22 Ships, Michelin Star Chef Jason Atherton’s first signature restaurant in Hong Kong, located in a refreshingly non-frou-frou street side locale on Wanchai’s Ship Street.

22 Ships is the brainchild of Yenn Wong, the entrepreneur behind the Phillipe Starck designed, JIA Boutique Hotel and 208 Duecento Otto Italian Restaurant in Sheung Wan designed by Turkish Design Firm, Autoban. For the restaurant’s cozy 35 seater venue, Wong hired award-winning Shanghai design firm, Neri & Hu Design Research Office (NHDRO), to formulate a concept that reflects the street’s historic and industrial vibe. What they came up with is a rustic yet urban atmosphere perfect for neighborhood drinks and al fresco tapas.

Perhaps the most impressive bit is how close and personal you are exactly to the chefs which run the joint. Adjacent to the drinks bar is the heart-of-house food prep area. You can witness your dishes plated and presented right in front of if you sit in the right seats at the bar towards the back. Since it’s a no-reservation system (much like all the newest venues in Hong Kong these days), you can’t request seats, but if you’re lucky enough to have one, like we did, it certainly adds to an unforgettable dining experience.

Some of my favorite dishes include the Spanish Breakfast, a creamy wallop of soft boiled egg, chopped chorizo, and potatoes.

A cool dish you have try is the Tuna Tartar “DIY”. The do-it-yourself dish consists of finely diced tuna with a selection of chives, shallots, sesame seeds, sea salt, olive oil, and sauce to sprinkle and flavour. There’s no such thing as over-sprinkling the dish… I sprinkled everything on and it all tasted great.

The Suckling Pig with Roasted Apple and Piquillo Pepper Jus had meat literally falling off the bone. It was served from the pan just right, not too hot. The best thing about it is that it was completely juicy, the skin just the right amount of crispness.

We ended the night with the sweet and salty PBJ, Peanut Ice Cream with Blue Fruit Sorbet, Raspberry, Blueberry, and Salted Peanut Caramel. So delicious.

Some hyped dishes like the Iberico Ham Infused Foie Gras Burgers and Scallop Ceviche were good, but for the steep price, there are better deals in the menu… ie. the quantity of food for the price of the dish. I can say this because there’s just so much selection to choose from. But definitely the price is warranted if you wanted higher-end modern Spanish plates via tasting menu portions, served in a non-pretentious environment. The down side, it’s a tiny venue with a no Reservation policy. So you cant pre plan big dinners here… which brings us to the next new Restaurant…

+ BOQUERIA / Authetic Barcelona Cuisine in Cool Family-Style Setting

BOQUERIA in Hong Kong serves up authentic Barcelona food, and is the sister branch of the original in New York City’s Flatiron district, a popular tapas destinations which the New York Times gave a 2-star rating.

The Hong Kong branch is much much larger than the New York one, and what it has going for it is the Open show Kitchen in the back where the Iberico meats and other ingredients are located, as well as the Island Bar in the middle. The very roomy location is great for big parties and gatherings, and a great place to meet up with plenty of friends and just hang out without people pressuring you to leave. For Architect Hernan Zanghellini, the focus was to reflect on community and the essence of the market. Large round and rectangular sharing tables define the open dining areas, and blackboards and textured walls reflect variety.

Chef David Izguierdo, ex Uno Mas (my favorite tapas spot in Wanchai back in the day) crafted the menus for both Hong Kong and New York which reflects his love for Catalonia tapas. Unlike 22 Ships and E-clectic where dishes are crafted in smaller plates, everything in Boqueria is big and meaty, appropos for real family style fare.

Below, Pella de Mariscos (Bomba rice, monkfish, sepia, squid, shrimp, clams, mussels, safron and salsa verde), and an order of Carne a la Plancha (Hanger steak, fingerling potatoes, shishito peppers, and mojo verde.)

The offering for Embutidos here is impressive. BOQUERIA serves up everything from Jamon Iberico below to other choices like the Chorizo Vela, a spicy pork sausage, and the Sobrasada, a soft pork sausage from Mallorca. You will not find a more complete collection of Jamon and Quesos in Hong Kong like this place.

Just a few fun snapshots from all the dinners…my girl Denise and Food Blogger Dan at BOQUERIA.

Bloggers Dan, ChristingC, and KWu at 22 Ships.

The Chefs proudly keeping up the fort at 22 Ships.

Fashion Editor Jing, Marika, and bag designer Michelle at E-clectic.

Our photo with Gierdre and Alex at E-Clectic.

Overly helpful fashion designer, Yuen-Man, with Chef Juan.

What are you waiting for? Go have a taste!

EAT E-clectic / EAT 22 Ships / EAT BOQUERIA

Thanks to photographer Andre Eichman for lending us the opening photo of BOQUERIA on this post!

JJ.

Block Partying With Aaron Levine at The Men’s Shop

The influence of Aaron Levine, Club Monaco’s new VP of Men’s Design, is evident when walking into The Men’s Shop on St. Francis Street. Fresh off his stint as Head Designer at Jack Spade (he spotted my own JS Green Anchor wallet as I was rummaging for my business card), Levine has so far steered the brand’s menswear signature look towards a more rugged urbanism, and away from the ultra-clean European mod “yacht club” look which has defined Club Monaco for the last few years.

While our interview was mostly done by email, I was able to meet him in person when he was here in town at the Men’s Shop launch, and overall I found him to be a really cool, chill, and all-American “Dude”. I didn’t know what to expect, but it was refreshing that Aaron was designing fashionable clothes for men like him… those who are looking to raise the bar of their wardrobe a few notches without looking down right silly doing it. 

His look? I would call it “Urban Cool”, and his on-going collaboration with buddy blogger, Michael Williams, of A Continuous Lean, helps steer the directive of Club Monaco’s new Menswear collection, while at the same time supporting and utilizing local American textile industries via the Made in USA label.

In regards to working with Michael Williams, and incorporating theWanderlister+ for the HK launch of the Men’s Shop, I asked him about his thoughts on Style Bloggers in general. “The great thing about bloggers is their ability to provide a unique perspective and voice to individuals of varying interests, and each with their own style.” Phew, that’s a good answer from Levine, “The immediacy of what bloggers do is really great; the quick feedback and awareness that they generate helps give fashion a good energy.” That said, I then asked Williams who his dream collaboration would be with.  His answer? “Caroll Shelby”, an American automotive designer and race car driver. Nice one.

The other questions I asked were pretty straightforward. Favorite City? “New York.” Best Advice for Men in terms of personal Style? “Be Yourself.” The one most important item in every men’s wardrobe? “A decent watch.”

Going back to Michael Williams, it’s evident this relationship has really helped define the menswear portion of the brand towards clearly a more “Americana” look, which is something Club Monaco is banking on would be a draw, especially in Asia, where consumers are always looking out for new styles and looks different than what is offered here. “We wanted to create iconic staples like button-down shirts and suits and ties.” Says Levine, “This season we added in denim and we will continue to layer products in. It’s been a cool process and we are really proud of all the small communities in which we have helped support through this Made in USA collection.”

Club Monaco is doing something new, I’ve realized. They’re now starting to bring their designers front-and-center, to differentiate their brand from another by introducing the team behind what we purchase, which as a creative myself, I think is a good thing. So I asked him how he feels about getting to where he is at now from where he’s been. “It’s good to be in a position to dress so many people all over the world,” he says, “There’s a plaque on the platform of a train station in Milan that says: Every step I have taken in my life has led me here, now. That’s how I feel.”

So in the end of the day, what is the true secret to Happiness according to Aaron Levine? “I truly feel that honesty and balance are the true secrets to happiness. Balance at home, fulfillment at work, and down time with people close to you all lead to a harmonious lifestyle.” We couldn’t agree more. Thanks Aaron for visiting us in Hong Kong and interviewing with theWanderlister+ 

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The Men’s Shop by Club Monaco launched in HK via a “New York” style block party on St. Francis Street, worthy of the Lower East Side. The party was complete with two fashion shows (Street and Casual looks), a Taco Stand, and an NYC Yellow Cab with bottles of beer and brown bags in the trunk for all guests. 

On Deck were the Sandstroms, Anthony and Jocelyn Luko, all clad in CM. They say Hi!

First guests to arrive is LOCALIIZ and DIY Blogger, Vanessa Lawson, with Sassy Hong Kong’s Party Gal, photographer, Sabrina Sikora, channeling Menswear homage.

Vanessa and Sabrina shows us their latest accessories.

Speaking of stylish peeps, I spotted party guest, Alastair from New Zealand looking very dapper.

He was wearing a very cool pocket square from Crane Brothers, a New Zealand tailor with shops in Auckland and Wellington, specializing in high quality made to measure and bespoke suits. The lapel pin is a silver fern, one of New Zealands national emblems. It was purchased in a vintage shop in Wellington.

HKHQ.tv’s Boris says hi as well.

Inside we spotted STYLECAB’s Charlotte Felix O’Connor.

The dynamic duo, Francis and DJ Eve Speciall, who celebrated her birthday this past week. Nice stache, Eve.

The gayest gay boy in Asia, James Gannaban snapping away for The Hyperactive Gay Boy blog.

The gents of MOUSTACHE and Salon No.10, Alex and Ellis.

Next door at KAPOK, we found Baptiste hanging around, channeling the 90’s.

Taco Stand.

Hello JASON!

Beer in the trunk.

Mister Jun Kung, a Club Monaco Tastemaker this fall.

We REALLY loved that the were making free personalized leather luggage tags for guests in the store.

The whole setup was complete. I wish they did this everyday.

Thanks for feeding me.

Jason, Denise, and her sister Sha and I finished the night at Simply Life next door at LAB with burgers. It must have been the whole American thing. I needed more American food. I had a Chicken Burger with a slice of Brie on top with cajun fries.

Time to model. My blogger friends call this “Outfit Posting”.

Although I really JUST cant take it seriously.

Haha. This is a football stance. I was in an “American” mood. 

Bag from Cambridge Satchel. Shirt, Navy Blue w/ White Polkadot Jacket, and Striped Pocket square from Club Monaco this Fall 2012. Jeans from Moustache. Shoes from Cole Haan.

SHOP The Men’s Shop, Shop 4B, Upper GF, Bo Fung Mansions, No. 1-4 St. Francis Yard, Wanchai / EAT Simply Life

CLUB MONACO is a BRAND PARTNER of theWanderlister+ and BrewandPost.

JJ.

Manila, Design, NOW

Above, me and Manila-based designer, Ito Kish.

This past October, our creative friends in Manila were able to celebrate the Fall 2012 Manila FAME Show, an industry oriented trade show focused mainly on Philippine made design items, from furnitures, gifts, and other home accessories. A friend, designer Ito Kish (founder of Kish), was lucky enough to help Directors, Budji Layug, Kenneth Cobonpue, and Josie Natori, put together this year’s Fall show. The opportunity to help formulate visuals for the fair was awarded to him fresh off his Katha Award win from last Spring’s Manila FAME  with his new Balustre line of furniture specifically The Gregoria Chair (below).

That said, I just thought to myself that between Ito, Cobonpue, and Layug, the reputation for original design and craftsmanship coming out of the Philippines is quite solid. International designers and coolhunters tend to go to Manila or Cebu to see the latest creative locally-made handcrafted contemporary furnitures, generally marked by natural materials with uses for domestic and hospitality environments.

In my last trip back to Manila, I was able to do a bit of “site”seeing between visiting family and having a bit of R&R time, important especially when visiting a service-oriented city such as this one. We’re talking great dining, great nightlife, and great shopping at a great price that doesnt break the bank… unless of course you want to splurge a bit at Kish for top notch Filipino designed furniture famous the world round.

The photos posted are shots from my first and latest visit to Ito’s showroom, Kish. I’ve been going to his showroom for almost a decade… and while he still keeps stock of iconic modern pieces (the first in Manila to sell a Gehry Cardboard chair for example), he’s also pushing more original works by local designers under the radar now that there are so many mature works to choose from.

This trip was mid-summer so I’m sure his showroom looks way different know. But he was holding one of those rare annual mega-sales which attracted higher end Sunday crowds from socialites to politicians. I was watching people as much as I was “oooohing” furniture.

Ito is less an interior designer, more a spatial designer and master visual merchandiser.

He creates scenes, situations, spatial “events” from his collection of objects.

Love it.

Thanks Ito for the tour!

As well as my John Robshaw business card holder in red (lower left). I love it.

For the rest of the trip when I wasn’t running around doing errands I hung out mostly at The Fort Bonifacio High Street, a retail corridor with plenty of green space, which feels like small town. Most of the green spaces I love, and was actually designed by a Landscape Designer friend of mine.

Does this look like a shopping mall to you?

We dont have grand outdoor spaces like this in Hong Kong, so I had fun hanging out here. Interesting when Private Developers have to take it upon themselves to work out projects that have a purpose from a town planning perspective.

I always make sure to have dinner at Cerveseria. I think one of the best Spanish places in the city. While Spanish places are the new-IT trend in Singapore and Hong Kong, Spanish food has been around in Manila… well ever since it was Colonized by the Spanish. The place is hip, cool, and has a bit of that haunted mansion vibe which works really well for the romance factor. The chef, Nobu-trained Chef Gilbert Pangilinan, keeps selections straightforward, and tastes uber robust for the Filipino Palette. Trust me, you will leave this place stuffed. (Image via @theWanderlister Instagram)

On Sundays, you can check out the scene and the sun at Greenbelt. Most everyone will probably be focusing on services at the open air Greenbelt Chapel designed by Architect Willie Fernandez in the early 80s. The bold dome shaped architecture represents a generation of architects in the Philippines who at the time were focused mostly on attempting to liberate the concrete form to a more iconographic level as the Marcos regime was continuing the formation of a national identity via its edifice projects. (Image via @theWanderlister Instagram)

After a walk around you can people watch at the central plaza via brunch at Cafe Breton for the best crepes in town. (Image via @theWanderlister Instagram)

I shopped a bit at Bleach Catastrophe, and checked out the latest goods from Heather Miss Grey, a collaborative line with friend and Blogger, Cecile van Straten of CHUVANESS.

I went to check out Adora for the complete selection of TOMS (this was pre-Lane Crawford/Pedder launching it in HK.) (Image via @theWanderlister Instagram)

It was great to meet up with my gal pal, Janina “Jenny” Dizon, who runs a jewelry line called Janina for Jul Dizon. Check out the her latest stingray fashions on her blog. She gifted me with her own version of a stingray bracelet for men, which J.Crew Creative Director Jenna Lyons saw and absolutely loved. (Image via @theWanderlister Instagram)

This is a cool new building in Manila with ceramic frit on the glass, creating forest-like streaks on the exterior facade. It’s called Zuellig Pharma Building, designed by SOM.

There’s not many choices to stay in cool places for the price in Manila, unlike Bangkok where there’s a glut of boutique hotels at great prices. That said, Manila IS playing catch up. They did pretty well with The Picasso Serviced Boutique Apartments. I’ll definitely be staying here from now on. The suites are huge and the prices more than reasonable.

It’s supposed to be this Minimalist Chic Art Hotel vibe. Anyway, I loved the rooms.

If you’re in Manila, tweet me. I’d like to know what your experience is like.

STAY The Picasso / EAT Cerveseria / EAT Cafe Breton / SHOP Bleach Catastrophe / SHOP Janina for Jul Dizon / DESIGN Ito Kish for Kish / DESIGN Manila FAME / ARCHITECTURE The Greenbelt Chapel / ARCHITECTURE Fort Bonifacio High Street / ARCHITECTURE The Zuellig Building 

JJ.