Monday, August 31, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
A street named Bui Vien & Birdy
a street named Bui Vien & Birdy
By Aly Abaquin
It was half past 11 when i and a friend decidely go to the backpackers area to
see the vast neon billboards, zooming in with our crazy cyclo driver cruising past the haute couture Dong Khoi St to the foreigner housed backpackers in Pham Ngu Lao. Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City -- Vietnam's largest and most exciting city. I told my friend as he was a first timer in this Paris of the orient.
That neon Crazy eyed Buffalo greeted as in Bui Vien... just infront of the equally bright rainbow colored NEON lighted GO Go disco tecnoh sounding bar with so many foreigners enjoying a cold drink of either with a 333 or tiger beer on hand.
Everything not sleepy here...how things have change as this district is more alive as its neighboring district who we've seen snorringly loudly in its dreamstate unaffected by this two streets in the heart of HCMC...
Great things to see in this night as it appears a lot of foreigners do their stuff. drink and be merry . Booze and be looze sort of thing here. For me it considered a tourist spot as well.....we see a lot of action .... if you are suffering insomia this is the best placed to be.... cause you can PARTEHHHH!!! no sleep walking allowed... the smell of pho being cooked in the side streets and the entreprenuerial vietnamese prepares their stall of banh mi heaven as the morning approaches ......scattered outside children with flowers and chewing gum selling to foreigners.....all this in a moments notice but beautifully adding character & color to this street called bui vien.
...as dawn is now just peeking to open its eyelids we are in the grocery store wandering what to drink to keep awake.... as we chance upon a BIRDY ca phe da...A CANNED coffee conccoction.....as we where about to purchase this quirkyly named drink..... An australian saw his buddy drinking it outside and told him HEY MATEYYYY!!! WHATTA YOU DRINKING.... the young bud answered my BIRDYYYYY!!!! the he shouted WHOAAA your birdy what hell matteyyyy a BLOW JOB IN CAN!!! then everybody laugh me too can't stop laughing...intrigue whatta hell we might as well try it for only 15.000 dong and BOOm BOOM included LOL..... Arggguelably the taste of the robusta coffee was not right and bitter at that.. just right for hang overs...i told myself ..so Mateyyy or not this abroginal just like plain water.... turns out to be simple thrist quencher.... but was still giggly in the way this birdy thing is about....so we decided to stay put in one of the watering holes, beside our birdy is all up anyways..... ;)
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Saigon Bar: Magnificently Vietnamese w/ a Samba Beat
Saigon Bar : Magnificently Vietnamese with a Samba Beat.
By: Aly Abaquin
Saigon Bar is one of the jewels of Old Saigon. It is located on the rooftop of this historic building of Caravelle Hotel which opened during 1959 and was the former home of the Australian Embassy & New Zealand Embassy, as well as the Saigon Bureaus of NBC, ABC & CBS. Journalist, Writers & Correspondents use this Bar as station to cover the end of the war. It is the centre of operations for international media back then.
Now with its five (5) star classification and the hotel offer rooms with magnificent view of vibrant, historic Opera House and the new shopping destination that is Dong Khoi St.
The site is all imbued with the charm of the historic building and beautifully appointed with contemporary style furnishings.
The cachet of the 60’s retro vibe, the warmth of the Retro black & white photos, the perfumes of history, every detail contributes to the refinement of the experience as you enter the enclaves of the Bar, in which you are invited to immerse yourself….
Saigon Saigon Bar promises you a memorable adventure in the heart of Saigon where the past meets the present. Come and see for your self as I did taste and seen .
Here’s my experience…..
Imagine….comfortable armchairs made of wood that invites you to settle in for that
lunch with friends or business executives for that informal business lunch…chopping away while discussing dollars & cents or just simple catching up with your loved ones is welcome treat in this Bar.
Happy people makes you at ease with their “Relaxed Conviviality” for an intimate talk and that contemporary décor within the enclaves of the historic rooftop makes you feel at ease.
The Place plays Latin Salsa Music and every Saturday & Sunday Hosts dancing classes of the Samba & Salsa…while the night Cuban songs are king here. Cuba is now in Saigon.
The cuisine is a fusion of Spanish & Mexican with a touch of Asian flavors as dishes of Tapas, Porklion wrap with Tacos, dip it in sauce of avocado guacamole,& finish it with deep fried meat rolls of Asian & its Vietnamese cousins are evident in the menu list.
The Lunch: I ordered the Prawn Mango salad & The Giant Meat Combo & the Peach Green Tea a smoothie..
The Taste :
The Prawn Salad: Prepared with savior-faire and showcasing the finest fresh regional products that is pleasing in the eye. The ceramic plate put a smile to your face as it evokes the sunny disposition of the bar. The yellow & blue colors of the plate did not distract your taste either as it compliments the dish.
As the chunky diced yellow ripe mangos goes well with the 4 different types of romaine lettuce and fresh cherry tomatoes drizzled with the mango cocktail sauce that melts in the mouth and that certain crunch of fresh lettuce makes that perfect Ummp that you get from every slice and bite.
The salad was just the beginning. The Prawns was not disappointing either that succulently pinkish fresh beheaded de-veined prawns was impeccably delicious as its
topped off with the cocktail mango sauce made it appear sweet and not tangy .
Each morsel is excitingly tasty. Second rounds please!!!!
The Great Meat Combo is an ensemble of:
Spicy Fried Buffalo Chicken wings, Barbeque Pork ribs & Tortilla Flour wraps w/
Peppered beef strips served with Tomato Salsa, Sour Cream & Avocado guacamole.
The BBQ pork ribs are tender & juicy topped of with sesame seeds and drizzled with
that divine barbecue sauce its marinate of course. While the Tortilla flour is topped with melted cheese and sprinkled with chopped green slick onions while inside it is embraced with green & red roasted pepper with julienne onions oozing with strips of beef.
The Buffalo wings is good with the sour cream and is crunchy to the bite.
The spicy corn tacos makes that the dish appealingly spicy with a twist once dip with avocado puree.
An original menu prepared by passionate artists, a warm atmosphere, perfectly fresh products and some of the most experienced artisan made this delectable dish.
Remember this is a laid back sort of lunch that will last till the late nights for cocktails
As this is originally a bar mind you as this eater outer foodie will socialize with other artist, writers, expat & foreigners who lived visited and liked Saigon.
Not your kind of Power lunch indeed but make me feel to relax with your newspaper in the shallow dream state as you admire the hustle & bustle that is HCMC. Or take a
Few of lesson of that Samba & Salsa dance as you can dance the night away.
Shrimp Bruschetta
Shrimp Bruschetta
By Aly Abaquin
This simple bruschetta is not as simple as it looks . I was inspired by this picture... Really ....Going to the market to get that fresh shrimps was a wake -up call.....choices choices choices.....make sure the shrimps are as fresh as the morning dew.. or else you get that smell.. foul smell of a day old shrimp trying to be fresh in that wet market.
But anyways i got the idea to do a sursprise bruschetta but hold and behold i was the one surprise.. as the shrimp needs to be de-viened & of course..... off with his head sort of thing... hayyyyyyy....labor intensive ....but i got help on this one so step one is easy.. i gotten the shrimp drunk by marinated it for at least an hour in beer & sprite for the quick sweet & spicy wheat flavored kick thing.
Placed them in the fridge and let them swim for at least an hour... then get your wok an work out... Flame those shrimps as they turn orangy with a little oil... get them out quickly.. remember you need them soft & chewy. a brush of olive oil will
also do....
The BREAD: The Banh mi... the sliced baquette i rubbed garlic & spread deliriously with butter ( low fat butter)... with some VOO in the side... presto pristine shrimp bruschetta an interlude to dinner.. good thing i got some chardonnay put in some flute glass... borrowed from the neighbors.. the glass not the drink...mind you...
okey did something spectacular today.. i need to cook more i told myself....
Soon .... i told myself okey need time to cook..... nahhhhhh better get dinner at a nearby resto..... may be next week i'll try my mom's bolognese ala abaquin....
Journey with stanley…
Journey with stanley…
By : Aly Abaquin
Meet Stanley folks a paper stenciled drawing of a character soon to be famous as Barney or Elmo of sesame street. Yeah dream on aly or a short film on animation I might add in this hip and becoming place that is HCMC….okey dreaming of a full a production house on kids animation /slash black & white cybershot wannabe documentary of a tour of the poked chopsticks that Stanley of mine.
I got a feeling that today it would be great to test run this character that bought to life by a kid in Chicago… my friend Shiela Luna… dotingly emailed me & FBed (facebooked) me to tour him for her daughter’s Justine’s 3rd grade project….WOW I smell A++ here… she owe me big time now….
Which I happily abide. So what the heck. This smiley of a upwardly mobile necktied bearing Stanley chubby and cute will bring in something….that saigonites might forgot to do in their daily lives….
So here goes Stanley”s Misadventures…..first shot with the street vendor selling tofu drinks as I pop the first click I was appealingly different to be picturing snapshots of everyday life / every day people from all walks of life with a paper character…Spirited I went for more…
Truly remarkable shots I may add as the eyes & smiles are genuine friendly not photo-shop - adobe in this cellulite world to bring in color no blemishing of sorts but true blue reactions from the people that you might ignore when you walk downtown.
But now you know them as seconds you talk to them even for a snap shot no explaining here…. Just waving and for them to hold this freelancing Stanley around and hopefully bring in candid shots of the people.and taste of SAIGON…. Ms Kim would be in envy mind you as we paraded with glee to the next shoot…. No song of sun & moon here echoing in the street corners….looks likes happy days are here again kindda groove… jiddy at that…
Stanley in the military, Stanley with tourist, in City hall, Opera house, if only Stanley knew he has been watched by curious people mingling with me ….. memoirs of what this stick figure represents well…. apolitical , a-religious he just represents a real human
Touring life as it is made to be experienced…in his own yellow brick road….with matching Toto me.. laughing out loud…..
They never seen a paper like object touring the sights mind you.. Uniquely different or I was out of my mind as people did not ask nor question what he is for???? So Lets have fun with Stanley … He was well received by folks in the streets as well as tourist who can relate….and Kodak moments …that special moment caught on camera mind you…
HmmmmmmmmmH great as I continued to have fun myself.. as street vendors see that I was also enjoying the walk and meeting people is my thing… Just my up bringing mind you or is it my training as a Ads person /PR… . days really.
Or being in the hospitality biz…. Made it easier for me to navigate the touristy spots….
Getting the hang of it so after a half day with Stanley… you ponder people really welcome this sort of thing, never mind what its for but if you smiled and laugh with them along the way. It was no hustle really enjoyed a walk with Stanley that Saturday morning… so hope this project of Justine would grow into and ad campaign of sorts…. BUBBLE THOUGHT a Smile Ad- as it brought fun and laughter to me as well as it recipients. …..
People do have fun as I did. Oh well time to email shenglots & Justine
Of this journey….. As her project nears a deadline.. hoping she will get an A+ or a B- not bad though as it brought smiles that a grade point that a teacher would give does not even matter at all….:)
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Espressamente Illy.. touch the senses
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Espressamente Illy...... touches the senses
By Aly Abaquin
Espressamente illy , the illy cafe chain of italian style coffee bar has been in HCMC for almost two years now.
The coffee bar is not just a place for consumption, but for entertainment, involving of the senses and the stimulus for reflection and creativity. The Chain has a global presence in over 30 countries with more than 230 retail presence...in Korea,Japan, London, Italy, China, US, Philippines and now in Vietnam
Its aim is to assure a total and excellent experience in every cup of coffee, illy has perfected a series of elements and instruments that contribute to a perfect taste: from systems for preparing coffee and coffee machines to coffee bars thru ESPRESSAMENTE ILLY.
"To delight people all over the world who value the quality of life by offering the best possible coffee nature can provide" A tall order but once tasted you fall in love with the illy bean and its aroma and taste can keep you coming back for more.
Its 100% ARABICA by the way.... luxuriously different from any coffee there is....
As i did and been loyal to it since....Each cup is an authentic Italian experience... trance like you be able to say Bueno Fino. Magnifico & Grazie....
talking italian.....maybe but every sip immerses you to the culture that is illy.
In Today's coffee market, espresso is the mainstream product but the "Kem CAFE"
or the AFFOGATO have some HELL of a KICK.. a concoction of Coffee & Ice Crream with shave chocolates on top of the finest whipped cream... Yummmyyyyyy...
It touch the senses so to speak. The sight the finish product,the smell its aroma, its taste impeccably perfect not too sweet but just right....and touch its inside a unique ILLY glass.. a drink all its own unique quality. Consumers can undergo a sensational experience relating to art and italian culture.
Thats Espressamente Illy and what its product is all about... differently superb...
so what are you waiting for call the troops and head on to the nearest Espressamente illy in HCMC located in 111-A Pastuer cor Nguyen Thi Ming Khai, Dist1 & Grand View Bldg Shop A1-1 , Nguyen Duc Canh BLVD,Dist.7 or commonly known as Phu My Hung all in HCMC.
Espressamente Illy is here to stay and to change the coffee drinking habits of SAIGONITES....definitely touching their senses ITALIAN style....
GoT My GrOOvE back...meet the new me....
Got my groove back…meet the new me…..;)
By : Aly Abaquin
Its been quite a while since I’ve written in this blog due to a hectic work and being new in a country that was awesomely different … .. occupying my senses…. I took me a almost two years to finally keep myself sane and drastically rode a roller coaters ride of sort in the equally intriguing PARIS of the orient thing…..
But kept my journal and been doing it is seems that its proper to write in on line again .. so be it…....
After all I got my groove up and about… seeing HCMC with a different lens this time Lomography wise. …LOL… SAIGON here I go….. a part writer eater outer foodie writer in me awakes and soon to blog again look out… I write for food.. or is it I work for food thing.. hahahahahah… I will blog about the city’s eat scenenario… the ugly truth or be it International cuisine or the FUSION cuisine of sorts… lets see where my feet can bring me…..
The Cheap eater went LUXE bohemian foodie of sorts.. go figure…. I’m not an expert in Food though just have a passion for eating: ala …. JULIA CHILD … she did it good in the cooking scene…. Mastering and becoming a chef extraordinaire….so did inspired Julie + Aly .. my life would be easy so as it would imagine it as I know how to balance things.. I was in this crazy phase of partying all night…. done that, ….went religiously close and found Buddha…….check…. Yoga and the sense of balance…. I mastered that as well…..check.. and done …. dabbling into the coffee scene… another check…. Finding one place so to speak…..check…. so what else to do in HCMC but to re-create oneself to be the delectable & sumptuously person I am…. I am as you may call a chameleon of sorts…. Yummy from head to toe as I enter another chapter in my book of life…. Happy and progressively balancing my life in this hip & becoming cosmopolitan HCMC.. as I ride the tide of the emerging market……
At last I call HCMC my home… I’m back…….. and meet the new me…. ;)
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