john lindgren

CarSanook Magazine Testing Proton Exora 1.6

2010-08-30T20:48:00.000-07:00

Chef Ollikainen from Finland

2008-11-03T20:56:00.000-08:00

John LINDGREN

Keittiomestari Ollikainen Kuopio-Viking Line-Bangkok

Chef Janne Suomalianen keittiomestari Central World Convention & Centara Hotel’issa

Janne on kotoisin pohjois Karjalasta, itasuomen rajamailta siella missa yksi toinen Janne, Sibeliuksen Janne, ranskaksi Jean kirjoitti orkesteri mestari tyonsa Karelia sarja vuonna 1893.

Chef Janne Ollikainen saapui Thaiaan kuninkgas kunnan rannoille viime vuonna. Ensinmainen suomalianen kokki Bangkok’issa ja Thaimaan hotelli keittioissa missa keittiomestarit, kokit, leipurit, kakku leipurit ovat aina tulleet keski euroopasta Itavallasta, Ranskansta, Sveitsista, Saksasta jopa Australiiasta , Kiinasta, Vietnamista ja Taiwanista.

ThaimaanSuomalainen tapaa 35 vuotiaan Janne Ollikaisen hyvakuntoisen hymyilevan ilman korkeata valkoista kokki univormua ja kokki hattua Central World Hotel and Convention Centre upeassa jattilaismaisessa juhla huoneessa 29’essa kerrokksessa keskella Bangko’ia.

Ollikaisen Janne on Thai emannan, Thai International lento emannan kansssa naimisissa. Ja Suomalias-Siamilainen pariskunta osti hiljattain kerrostalon lahella Sukhumvit Onnut’in BTS “sky train’in paate pysakkia Sukhumvit ja Bagna Trad’in lahimailla.

“Nty olen Bangkok’ikkilainen ja minulla on vakituinen BTS kortti sanoo Janne ja nayttaa minulle kiiltavan “sky train kortinssa”. “Aikasemmeninm olin monta vuotta vakituinen asiakas AY’n Finskin Helsinki-Bangkok reitilla sanoo Ollikainen”.

“ Lapsena viihdyin aina keittiossa. Minulla on valokuva kun olin jotain viisi vuotta. Puetttuna kokkovaatteisiin ja valkoine kokki hattu paassa. Siina oli enne, sanoo Janne.

“ Aloitin kuorimall vihreita ja keltaisia sipulia kesalomilla kun olin viisitoista ”. Myohemmin Janne Ollikainen opiskeli Kuopion Hotelli ja Ravintola Opistiossa ja saavutti loppututkinnon 3 ½ vuoden jalkeen.

80 luvaulla kun Janne oli kuorimassa sipulia ja perunoita suomaliasen keittion maine kansainvalisesti oli iloton ja harmaa.

Raskas ja rasvanen ruoka taynna kolesteroolia suolaista tulevaa isojen miesten ruokaa. Sydan infarktiin johtava ravintoa. Suomalainen aamianen Anno Dazumal: Paulig’in kahvia, kermaa ja paljon valkoista sokeria. Voileipia paksusti voita, suolaista makkaraa, rasvaista juustoa. Ja lisaa punaista maitoa ja sitten viela kunnot Coltti savuke paalle.

Lounas; lihapullat perunaa ja suolainen kastike. Pimaa tai maitoa. Ja stressi “ressi” paalle. Ynna pitkan kylmat talvet jotka vaativat alkoholia, viinaa “kossua” jota juottin tupakkaa haisevissa kapakoissa. Kaikki polltivat. Tuhkikset taynna. Istuttiin iltaa. Ainakin kaksi askia tupakkaa ja makeita tuhteja vodka paukkuja “long-drink’ja” ja monta litraa olutta ja kuorallisia suolaisia pahkinoita, perunalastuja ja lisaa Lapin Kultaa janoon.

Ei ihme etta suomesta Suomi sai kultamitalin kansainvalisen WHO 45 + okasten miesten sydan kuolleisuus kilpailussa.

Ja sitten viela Ranskan presidentti Monsieur President Le de la France - Jacques Chirac joka kehtasi loukkata suomalista keittiota Helsingin vierailun jalkeen sanomalla “Englannin jalkeen Suomalainen ruoka on mailman huunoin.”

Ranskalaisen presidentin vaite oli tarkea suomalaisen ruuan, ravintola kultuurin vanhoillisen, perinnaisen ruokalistan vaihtamisessa. Muutos tuli jalkeen ja sydanja verenkulku sairaisauksien kuolleisuus rupesi merkittavast laskemaan.

Ja tanaan vonna 2007. Suomlaiset ovat terveemipa kuin ikina ja Suomessa on tanaa monta kuuluisaan kansainvalista Michelin tahti ravintolaa. Ja uusia tulee joka vuosi. Ja ruokalistoilla tuoreammat ja parhaat raaka aineet. Kokeista, keittiomestareista on tullut Chef’it joilla on kova media ja julkkis status ja jotka jopa kutsutaan Presidentin Linnan Suomen Itsenaisyyspaiva Vastaaotolle.

Satoja nuoria kokkeja niinkuin Janne Ollikainen nostavat suomalaisen ruoka kultuuriin la cuisine Finlandaise seuraavalle tasolle ympari maalimaa.

“Oppiarvoni saatua jalkeen tyoskentelin Klaus Kurki butiikki hotelli & ravintolassa Helsingissa, senjalkeen Saariselka Hiihtokeskuksessa myohemmin Helsingin Kansalais Oopperan keittiossa kertoo Janne Ollikainen.

“Sitten merille. Kuusi vuotta kovaa risteily kokemusta. Punasilla Viikingi laivoilla. Tukholma-Helsinki reitilla. Tyokentelin “chef-de-partie” tai kolmois kokkina. Meilla oli euroopan suurimmat kylma keittiot” keroo Janne. “Kymmenia tuhansia aterioita per vuorokausi”.

Jannella on 20 vuotta keittio kokemusta ynna keittio suunittelu, ruoka budgetit, henkilokunta koulutus ynna muuta. Chef Janne Ollikaisen uusi haste on juuri avattu Central World 5 tahden 5.000 henkilon hotelli & kongressi keskus.

“Meidan kapaciteeti: 3,000 istuma paikkaa and 7.000 seisovaa kokkari vierasta. Tulitera keittio huippu high-tech varusteineen. Mutta jaakapit ovat kumminkin pienempia kun Viking-Line’in kylma huoneen”.

Kongressi keskus avattiin kuukausi sitten. Keskella Bangkok’ia Chidlomin BST aseman vieressa. Central World jattilais kauppa keskus hirvio. Kongressi keskus sitjaitsee 29’ssa kerrekksessa.
Avajaisissa eras kutsuvieras sainoi: Tannehan mahtuu lentokone. Tai tuo pieni Boeing 737.

Vapaaika? Kysyn. “Ei todella paljon “relaks” aikaa. Mutta pelaan golfia” sanoo Janne. “11 ½ handickappi . Kohta tippuu yhteentoista. eleven! Mieluiten pelaan The Ramintra road’in armejan kentalla” , kertoo Ollikainen.

Ja mikas on lempi juoma? “Puna viini. Ranskalainen Bungundy Pinot Noir ja McAllan Speyside single malt whisky. Ja joskus paksu pitka Havana polkky – jos on aikaa ja oikea tilaisuus.”.

Ja minkaslainen ruoka maistuu keittiomestarille? Kala, yksinkertainen “seafood” , mutta myos Ruian pallas, Maine’in (USA’n itarannikon hummeri. Ja tietysti huhtasieni, musta koiso Morchella deliciosa tama on hyvin arvostettu sieni ranskalaiset gourmet kokkien parissa. Me suomalaiset olemme sieni aficionado’ja. sanoo Janne ja hymyilee.

Ja miten Thai ruoka? “ Pidan Lab Muu (sour salads containing meat, onions, chillies, roasted rice powder and garnished with mint) ja Gaeng Som (chili vihannes keitto). Tykkaan myos makeasta chilista ja keltaisesta ja makea hapan currysta.

“Olen aina tykannyt Thai ruuasta” lisaa Ollikainen.

“ Minun kokkaamisessa on itamaista, japanilaista sopusointoa ja myos elementtia klassillisesta ranskalaisesta keittiosta . Ravut ja lohi suomesta. Keitetty (poached) kala.

Janne sanoo: “raakaianeet ovat tarkeat, keittio kalusteen niinkuin “software” henkilokunta myos hyvin tarkea. Meidan joukkue: Thaimaan ehka parhaat 25 kokkia; Thai, Kiinalaiset ja Japanilaiset. – Unelma joukkue - “ the dream team”. Sanoo Janne Ollikainen Central World Hotel and Convention Centre’in keittiomestari.

Ensinmainen suomalinen mestari kokki Thaimaan paakaupungissa. Ja tiedan etta hanella on Nokian kannykka.

END TEXT

My name is Giovanni - Grappino Amari Watergate

2008-11-03T20:23:00.000-08:00

John LINDGREN November 2007

Grappino Amari Watergate - My name is Giovanni…

Do you remember the SIAM LODGE hotel group? A hundred years ago! Siam Lodge is what the the Amari Hotel Group was known as before it became Amari Hotel Group. The strategic, conceptual re branding by took place in 1996. And the flagship property of the group was named Amari Watergate Rong Raeem Amari Pratunam located between the old chronically crowded Prathunam whole & retail market and the towering, glowing Central World and Paragon mega mall lifestyle superstructures.

The ten year old Amari Grappino Italian restaurant is the only Italian high-end eatery in the eternally busy Prathunam district.

The Grappino shares the 5th floor with Amari Watergate's sophisticated Cantonese Restarant Heichinrou. Upon entering the recently re-designed Grappino we are greeted by a spacious dining room with large tables and open casual, minimalist decor in black and orange with the window tables offering a panoramic vista of Metropolitan Bangkok.

On the wall a collection of poster size black & white grainy Italian retro 50s and 60s photographs.

The name Grappino is taken from the the fiery grappa the Italian 'firewater', collection said to be one of the most extensive in the city.

Our chef for the evening is Giovanni. "My name is Giovanni" says the lanky Chef Ranaudo who hails from from the spa city of Term Catteri town in Toscany. After completing a 5 year culinary education Chef Giovanni sailed the seven seas on Princess Cruises for three and a half years. 'We prepared 12.000 meals a day ! High pressure, high volume non-stop cooking' .

The Holiday Time Christmas and New Year tasting (degustation) dinner starts with a zuppe , the ubiquitous Minestrone soup, so simple; veggies finely chopped, pesto and spinach hot and delectable. A minestrone for all seasons.

The vino to accompany is Italian, of course, a 100 % Chardonnay the Est Est Est !!! Monte Fiascona 2004. Dry, fruity and zesty.

The next dish on the Christmas Eve menu: Tiger Prawns with warm lentil salad, crispy potatoes with black squid ink and balsamic vinegar. The big juicy al dente prawns with the warm lentil salad and black shoestring thin crispy potatoes. Is this the new lean Italian cuisine?
Nuvella cuccina Italiano.

More of the new light Italian cuisine. Lobster Lasagna with zuccini, saffron sauce and caviar. The word Lasagna is first recorded in English in 1760. It derives from the Vulgar Latin lasania for a cooking pot, but the Italian etymologists prefer to find an origin in the classical Greek lagana, a type of unleavened flat bread not unlike pasta).

Chef Gianno's lasagna is di-vi-ne. Da ultimo ! Al dente-melt-in-the-mouth-culinary-experience. Phuk-kket lobster, caviar, and the saffron (the most precious and most expensive spice in the world extracted from the saffron flower,Crocus Sativus Linneaus ).

With Chef's recommendation we switched to red vino a Castaldo Chianti from Central Tuscany. In the glass dark orange-garnet red with a jammy aroma and dry tannins and a tad oak. It's a medium-bodied style with strawberry and plum fruit, hints of liquorice and tar and reasonable acidity. Made to go with pasta or lasagna rather than for drinking on its own.

"This is a modern lasagna – a modern seafood lasagna" says Chef Giovanni. I would say international Italian-Thai fusion.

The last main course on our deputation menu: The larded monkfish, medallions with spinach on green asparagus, complimented by a spicy tomato and garlic sauce. The presentation a beige paper parcel. When opened it sends a delectable aroma from the fish and the spices and all the herbs. The tad salty monk fish perfectly balanced the simple Italian ingredients; spinach, green asparagus, and the spicy imported Italian tomatoes and the garlic sauce, of course. Washed down with the medium-full bodied, mouth filling 13.5 percent Castaldo. It's good to the last bite and the last drop.

And the grande finale: the Dolce Degustationo on a long white plate with the classics side by side. Tiramisu, the Venetian Ti-ra-mi-su. In English pick-me-up. Served in a twisted bone white coffee cup. Perfect, dolce but not "make-loose-your-fillings-sweet" and the creamy vanilla ice-cream, the dark hot 'lava hot melted' chocolate mousse and the healthy yoghurt mousse with fresh berries. Followed by Illy freshly brewed potent Arabica with a Chardonnay Grappa in a miniature wine glass. "Fire in the hole" Grappa with looong after taste.

A perfect end to a 'Fantastico Italiano Gegustazione X-mas & New Years dinner. A smiling Chef Ra-naudo bids his farewells standing tall in his white toque. We say "Mille Grazia" He smiles "my name is Giovanni… Please come back".

END TEXT

Antonio Citterio Architect & Designer

2008-10-22T01:21:00.000-07:00

John K Lindgren

Antonio Citterio Architect & Designer

Mamma Mia those Italians! We know their passionate sense of style through Armani, Beretta, Bvlgari, (Bulgari), Cappucino, D&G, Espresso, Ferrari, Ferragamo, Gucci, Lamborghini, Lavazza, Prada and Zegna.

And Citterio? Antonio Citterio? ll maestro, the global architect & industrial designer Signore Citterio who recently visited Bangkok during of his Asia whirlwind tour.

Antonio Citterio’s Bangkok stopover coincided with him presiding at the grand opening of the Bangkok B&B Italia flagship high-end furniture store in Thonglor town and a sold out lecture at the Sukhothai hotel where we met him in the morning.

Dressed in a grey cool wool suit and polo shirt. There is an air of friendly curiosity about Citterio.

“I was born in Meda, near Milan my father was a cabinet maker, an artisan and I became an architect”. he says.
The 1950s, the post war era when Italian architecture, fashion, industrial design, ‘neo realism’ cinema, the pocket-sized Fiat Cinquecento 500 and the revolutionary Vespa scooter created a new powerful wave of the “Made in Italy” style.

Antonio Citterio graduated with a degree in architecture from Milan’s polytechnic university. In 1972 he started his architectural and interior design company.

“ Media made me a designer, a stylist. But I’m an architect, first and foremost,” Antonio Citterio clips as he orders Pellegrino, Italian mineral water, of course.

This is the man who prefers not be called a designer - yet he has designed/created everything from the ergonomic Finnish Iittala cutlery to the Antonio Citterio Technogym, the Grohe single lever basin mixer for the bathroom, furniture: B & B Italy, Maxalto and other brands enough to fill warehouses.

But, also apartment buildings, factories, private villas and a ueber chic boutique hotels around the world were created at his drawing board.
His chef-d'oeuvre hotel job is the Bvlgari property in Milano, a super exclusive inner city garden hotel. “This is where I like to taste my morning cappuccino and read the newspaper – on my way to my office” he says.

Long term, intense client relationships are key to Citterio. This we can see clearly with his B & B Italy association. “Our marriage has lasted for 27 years”, says Cittario laughingly.

Regarding the future Citterio, says: “I would like to design buildings that aren’t corrupted by commercial interests, public spaces a church or a museum. When you design a house, it's no longer yours when the people move in. But with a museum or a church, the space still exists for you”.
And lastly on Asian architecture / design he explains, ” it is just the beginning it will grow when big industry decides it wants to create innovation and not just manufacture copies - but first it will need a change of spirit”.

If you want to look at Antonio Citterio’s limited edition furniture, sofas, arm chairs and other objects head for B & B Italy showroom (gallery) location: Sukhumvit Thonglor Soi Sip.

END TEXT

Timeless Luxury or Pre-Owned Swiss Horology

2008-10-22T01:18:00.000-07:00

John K Lindgren

Timeless Luxury or Pre-Owned Swiss Horology

Fed up with the el-cheapo Patpong ‘LOLEX’ replicas – can’t yet afford the real McCoy - try an authentic pre-owned Rolex of Geneva.

For many, buying a second-hand car, home or even an electric appliance is a common transaction. But when it comes to luxury items, the general assumption is that the brand new is the best. For aficionados in the know, however this couldn't be further from the truth, with a growing number of people setting their sights on used hand or pre-owned luxury wrist watches.

In our helter-skelter world on innovation and rapid change, more and more discerning customers want to own a timepiece that represents something more traditional and has lasting value.

" Some people buy them as an show-off investment", says Somsak Naranong, owner of three Swiss Ulysse Nardin chronographs, "but other people simply want to own a piece of history, something that lasts and has meaning".

For some, movie memories come with the watches for example when they see a heavy duty Rolex Submariner, which Dustin Hoffman traded for a yellow NYC cab fare in the 70s Hollywood thriller Marathon Man. maybe it's Cindy Crawford displaying an Omega Constellation Quadra on the pages of a thick glossy international lifestyle magazine. Or perhaps Bruce Willis wearing a TAG Heuer in the action ‘shoot-them-up’ blockbuster Die Hard 2

Surprisingly, these vintage time pieces are not that hard to find - and we're not talking about the fakes, the "replicas" that can be found on countless Bangkok street stalls. Right here in the city there's a second hand luxury watch shop that can hold its own against the best shops in Britain, France and the US.

It's called Leng Narikaa ( Narika means "watch" in Thai), and its housed in a non-descript two story shop house opposite Khao San Road, in Banglampoo “backpacker” Lonely Planet area.

"Leng narikaa" is home to a vast array of pre-owned, internationally recognized, coveted brands such as Chopard, Cartier, Breitling, IWC, Omega, Patek Philippe, Panerai and, of course, the leader of the pack, Rolex of Geneva - and most for less than half of their original purchasing price.

"Many Thais buy second hand watches like Rolex because they are cheaper than buying them new,: says Kasemsit Pathomsak, a Bangkok real estate and hotel owner. "But other purchase them for their investment value. Fine watches, especially mechanical watches always appreciate in value".

The Leng Watch Group (LWG), a family owned Sino-Thai company, was founded in 1976 by Mr S. Leng. Their Leng Narikaa showroom and service center area is startlingly bright with elegant teak wood floors.

It's almost like entering a golden palace. No music, just precious metals and alloys: white, pink, yellow, and rose gold and there's titanium, platinum and polished stainless steel. Glittering gems and diamonds embossed on solid watch cases sparkle. Display cabinets are filled with row after row of glimmering shiny Rolex wristwatches. Security is provided two fit and stern looking uniformed and armed guards plus close circuit TV cameras.

If you're interested in the golden age of Swiss luxury watch making try an Audemars Piquet in pink gold. Founded in 1875 by two Swiss engineers, Jules Louis Audermars and Edward August Piquet. The watch connoisseurs call it "AP" for short. The brand is known for their complicated calendar, repeat mechanisms, “tourbillions” and chronographs. Price range THB 400,000 up depending on the complications.

"The best selling time pieces here," says Namkaang, Leng Narikaa shop manager, "are still the solid gold Rolexes and the two-tone or 'half-gold' models. “The two-tone Rolex is popular among the Thai ladies as well as Breitling” explains Namkaang.

Rolexes comprise 80 percent of the displayed watches. But the shop also carries the great models that were linked to war and sport and are still in manufactured today - the classic square Cartier Tank originally from 1917, the legendary Omega Speed master, the over sized Italian navy Panerai Luminor, TAG Heur Carrera, named after the “Panamericana” South American road-race of the 50s. - IWC (International Watch Company) Second World War big pilot watch "Fliegerchronograph" and, of course, Rolex Submariner, the iconic "James Bond Rolex" robust, mechanical and still going strong.

Many of Leng Narika's watches are as "good as new" such as the entry level steel Rolex Steel Oyster Date just at THB 91. 000 with a 12 month warranty. And in case you want to trade your Steel Oyster in for a solid yellow gold Oyster Datejust, Leng will trade your steel Rolex for 90 percent of the purchased value and you hand over another THB 220.000 and you're the owner of heavy golden Rolex, the ultimate piece for the ethnic Chinese taokay - boss. A gold Rolex on the wrist and a grey Mercedes (not BMW!) in the garage.

The next step on the ladder is the diamond encrusted gold Rolex, a cool half a million THB.

Business is good, in spite of the economic downturn and political uncertainty.

Two years ago Leng opened its flagship store on Petchburi road next to Pantip Plaza computer wholesale centre. This elegant second-hand haute horology showroom-cum-boutique stands up to any of the Emporium, Gaysorn or Siam Paragon high end watch boutiques.

Some international and local movie stars are also customers. It has been rumored that Nicholas Cage was seen purchasing a vintage Vacheron Constantin while Thai soap opera stars “Marsha” Wattanapanich and “Sam” Yurarnan Pamornmontri are regular Leng customers.

And while you won't find any fakes here, when it comes to payment, Leng takes the same approach as its street-based counterparts. "We don't accept credit cards. Cash only", says Namkaang".

And on her wrist I see the metallic glimmer of a two-tone 'date just' lady Rolex chronograph.

END TEXT

Sofotel or Sofitel?

2008-10-22T01:12:00.000-07:00

John K Lindgren

A French 5-star resort, a Swedish GM and a US built 310” Sundancer

“Do you know “Sofotel”? A co-worker of mine asked me referring to the French hotel brand. “You mean “So-fi-tel” - I amended kindly.

Sofitel is Accor’s ‘creme-de-la-crème’ luxury product. Yours truly recently experienced the colonial, grande dame in Sofitel, Hua Hin and in 2007 Monsieur Lindgren checked-in at Sofitel La Cloche in Dijon, the French mustard city. I can only say: the Sofitel’s are so ‘fveeery’ French and très fan-tas-ti-que! And they have superb fromage (cheese), too!

And voila! Did you know? There is now a Sofitel in Krabi province by the warm Andaman sea which during the 80s was a sleepy Lonely Planet backpacker beach destination

In 2007 the five-star Sofitel Phokeethra “pokk-it-ra” Krabi Resort & Spa was inaugurated featuring 276 rooms laid out in two separate wings not higher than three storey’s each room providing views of the limestone islands and the sea. The resort is located on the private Klong Muang beach, only a short drive from Ao Nang shore and Krabi town.

The culinary ( the “F & B”) department boasts three restaurants, five bars including the al fresco Hemingway Bar stocked with Havana cigars, French cognac and Jamaican Rum. The pool is Krabi’s biggest’s freeform swimming bath measuring 7,000 square meter. And for your health (anti-aging) there is a fitness club and ‘Le Spa’ with aromatherapy and spiritual de-compression.

All important elements of resort indulgence are included - but where is the yacht? (Ernest Hemingway would have asked).
A fast and luxurious motor yacht. A must for ocean swimming & snorkeling, for sunset dinners, Andaman weddings and deep sea fishing, too.

But look again! There at anchor is a real American tut-tut 310 Sundancer yacht, a shining craft, styled in cutting edge modern maritime architecture with a solid targa arch on top of the bridge.
The Sundancer is a high-volume 10.16m (33ft) overall craft with a cruising speed of 38 knots per hour (for you land lubbers that’s 70 kph).
Looking speedy and powerful with fine lines and a deep bow designed to cleave the waves and cast the spray aside.
Down below there is a stateroom with solid-wood dining table and opposite to starboard a sofa that converts to a double bed.

The galley is well equipped, including a stove, an eye-level microwave oven, the important espresso machine and a refrigerator for the Dom Pérignon bubbly. On-board entertainment comes with a LCD flat screen 15” and a premium Bose audio surround sound system secured to the bulkhead.

According to the General Manager Mr. Ove Sandstrom, the 310 Sundancer will set a new standard of the luxury in five-star resort market in Thailand.

“The Phokeethra yacht will give us an opportunity to increase our high end market share as well as the wedding and honeymoon markets”, says Mr. Ove Sandstrom the Swedish born GM who almost looks like a real commander in his white officer's outfit. The Phokeethra yacht is ship shape and ready to sail to the surrounding islands; the Poda, the Hong, Chicken, and Tup and islands.
“ I recommend the four island charter cruise” explains GM Sandstrom.

“Our yacht offers various luxurious indulgency cruises which suit 4-5 persons for a half day and a full day program for two persons with overnight stay. Including the highlight the wedding cruise.” Sandstrom continues, “which comes with a captain, a butler and a hostess complete with a moonlight dinner on your own private beach”. And the music “My Heart Will Go On” (RMS Titanic song) “clips GM Ove Sandstrom who previously was at the helm of Sofitel Seminyak Bali – Indonesia.

Sofitel Phokeethra “pokk-it-ra” Krabi Resort & Spa has certainly given a new significance to the definition five star luxury resort; the 310 Sundancer yacht.

END TEXT

Italian design Mama Mia...

2008-10-12T00:42:00.000-07:00

Antonio Citterio Architect & Designer

Mamma Mia those Italians! We know their passionate sense of style through Armani, Beretta, Bvlgari, (Bulgari), Cappucino, D&G, Espresso, Ferrari, Ferragamo, Gucci, Lamborghini, Lavazza, Prada and Zegna.

And Citterio? Antonio Citterio? ll maestro, the global architect & industrial designer Signore Citterio who recently visited Bangkok during of his Asia whirlwind tour.
Antonio Citterio’s Bangkok stopover coincided with him presiding at the grand opening of the Bangkok B&B Italia flagship high-end furniture store in Thonglor town and a sold out lecture at the Sukhothai hotel where we met him in the morning.
Dressed in a grey cool wool suit and polo shirt. There is an air of friendly curiosity about Citterio.
“I was born in Meda, near Milan my father was a cabinet maker, an artisan and I became an architect”. he says.
The 1950s, the post war era when Italian architecture, fashion, industrial design, ‘neo realism’ cinema, the pocket-sized Fiat Cinquecento 500 and the revolutionary Vespa scooter created a new powerful wave of the “Made in Italy” style.
Antonio Citterio graduated with a degree in architecture from Milan’s polytechnic university. In 1972 he started his architectural and interior design company.
“ Media made me a designer, a stylist. But I’m an architect, first and foremost,” Antonio Citterio clips as he orders Pellegrino, Italian mineral water, of course.

This is the man who prefers not be called a designer - yet he has designed/created everything from the ergonomic Finnish Iittala cutlery to the Antonio Citterio Technogym, the Grohe single lever basin mixer for the bathroom, furniture: B & B Italy, Maxalto and other brands enough to fill warehouses.
But, also apartment buildings, factories, private villas and a ueber chic boutique hotels around the world were created at his drawing board.
His chef-d'oeuvre hotel job is the Bvlgari property in Milano, a super exclusive inner city garden hotel. “This is where I like to taste my morning cappuccino and read the newspaper – on my way to my office” he says.
Long term, intense client relationships are key to Citterio. This we can see clearly with his B & B Italy association. “Our marriage has lasted for 27 years”, says Cittario laughingly.

Regarding the future Citterio, says: “I would like to design buildings that aren’t corrupted by commercial interests, public spaces a church or a museum. When you design a house, it's no longer yours when the people move in. But with a museum or a church, the space still exists for you”.
And lastly on Asian architecture / design he explains, ” it is just the beginning it will grow when big industry decides it wants to create innovation and not just manufacture copies - but first it will need a change of spirit”.
If you want to look at Antonio Citterio’s limited edition furniture, sofas, arm chairs and other objects head for B & B Italy showroom (gallery) location: Sukhumvit Thonglor Soi Sip.

END TEXT

Kari Voutilainen Horology

2008-10-05T03:42:00.000-07:00

John K. Lindgren

VOUTILAINEN Watch Price: THB 2,5 million

feature

Kari Voutilainen. Say it again, please… Ka-ri Vou-ti-lai-nen. This Finn, hails from Lapland, the immense hinterland within the arctic circle in Finland. He is a double certified watchmaker and a member of the select Swiss Haute Horologie ('hoote horro-lo-schiee') guild with many esteemed old French/Swiss watchmakers such as: Audemars Piquet, Blancpain, Brequet, Chopard, Girard Perregaux, Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin.

This writer recently met Voutilainen on his first to Bangkok visit where three of his masterpieces were displayed at the exclusive Gaysorn "Art of Time" exhibition.
Voutilainen is a dedicated, independent horologer of the old school, making handcrafted, exceedingly expensive and complex mechanical watches that are a wonder to behold. Meeting him in the hotel lobby I am reminded of Peter Sellers.... but a more affable, modest and relaxed Sellers.
Voutilainen, 46, had a keen interest in mechanical things and moving parts, cogs and wheels as a young boy.

"We had a family friend who owned the only watch shop in town and I was quite often over there as my watch was always broken". And he adds "I also took apart some big pendulum chime wall clock's and sometimes I could not reassemble them again! And I managed to dismantle cars and motorbikes as well."
Later in his youth he realized he wanted to do two things: "I wanted to do something with my hands, and I wanted to be independent."
After receiving his high school diploma he completed his watchmaker's training at the famous Kelloseppäkoulu, the Finnish school of watchmaking near Helsinki.

In his 20s he worked in the Finnish-Swedish small border town Ylätornio repairing digital alarm clocks, wristwatches, grandfather and cuckoo clocks and in 89 Voutilainen's passion for complicated watches led him to the leading international watchmaking school in the world: the Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Program (WOSTEP) in Neuchâtel, Switzerland.

Here the precocious student was quickly spotted and hired by Parmigiani Mesure et Art du Temps, one of Switzerland's premier manufacturer's of Haute Horology. There he learned to master micro-mechanical engineering, and execute very demanding restoration jobs of some of the world's rarest time pieces, as well as the creation of new and original limited edition (piece unique) masterpieces. Alongside his professional work, Voutilainen devoted himself, through many long evenings alone in his basement, like the craftsmen of yore, to developing his own unique machines.

In 2002 Voutinainen went solo and opened his own atelier situated in the tranquil village of Môtiers at the foot of the Jura mountains near Switzerland's French border, the very heart of Swiss mechanical watchmaking. Here the Finn started a 'one-man' manufactory, of the old style, where the horologer does everything from A to Z, with painstaking precision, with the loupe glued to his eye. No place for robots and computers here!

A case in point is his minute repeater watches with a miniscule set of hammer and gong, which according to Voutilainen " should ring loudly and have a crystal clear sound". He elaborates, "I don't like watching TV in my free time I rather spend it in my workshop". On the new generation of watchmakers he laments, " they know very well how to manipulate a computer mouse - but nothing at all about using a pivot file" .
As watchmakers are sometimes also collectors I ask him about his own private collection. "In the 90s in Finland I bought a Glashutte tourbillion, escarpment model for EUR 1.200 the masterpiece was broken and dilapidated I repaired it and today it is worth over EUR 24.000". Another restoration job was a Patek Philippe split chronograph wrist watch (circa 1945). It was transformed from a dead watch to mint condition vintage luxury item, ticking softly.

Voutilainens watch cogniscienti can be found in Finland, Japan, Spain, and Singapore. "My annual production is limited to a dozen pieces," says Voutilainen. On his wrist I see a Voutilainen Chronometer. A stunning, rectangular dress watch in white gold with steelly blue frosted finish sporting three dials. It screams elegance. In it, Voutilainen hosted a forgotten vintage movement the 'Caliber 27' a mechanism created solely for observatory trials and never commercialized. Looking at it through the transparent sapphire glass back I was mesmerized by the complicated and beautiful movement.

Last year Voutilainen's remarkable 'OBSERVATOIRE' chronometer won the coveted Grand Prix d'Horologie de Geneve 2007 in the men's watch category. You can hear the distinct clear chimes of the minute repeater just click-on to www.youtube.com type: `Kari Voutilainen' and listen.

END TEXT

Italian designer Antonio Cittario

2008-10-05T03:38:00.000-07:00

Antonio Citterio Architect & Designer

Mamma Mia those Italians! We know their passionate sense of style through Armani, Beretta, Bvlgari, (Bulgari), Cappucino, D&G, Espresso, Ferrari, Ferragamo, Gucci, Lamborghini, Lavazza, Prada and Zegna.

And Citterio? Antonio Citterio? ll maestro, the global architect & industrial designer Signore Citterio who recently visited Bangkok during of his Asia whirlwind tour.
Antonio Citterio’s Bangkok stopover coincided with him presiding at the grand opening of the Bangkok B&B Italia flagship high-end furniture store in Thonglor town and a sold out lecture at the Sukhothai hotel where we met him in the morning.
Dressed in a grey cool wool suit and polo shirt. There is an air of friendly curiosity about Citterio.
“I was born in Meda, near Milan my father was a cabinet maker, an artisan and I became an architect”. he says.
The 1950s, the post war era when Italian architecture, fashion, industrial design, ‘neo realism’ cinema, the pocket-sized Fiat Cinquecento 500 and the revolutionary Vespa scooter created a new powerful wave of the “Made in Italy” style.
Antonio Citterio graduated with a degree in architecture from Milan’s polytechnic university. In 1972 he started his architectural and interior design company.
“ Media made me a designer, a stylist. But I’m an architect, first and foremost,” Antonio Citterio clips as he orders Pellegrino, Italian mineral water, of course.

This is the man who prefers not be called a designer - yet he has designed/created everything from the ergonomic Finnish Iittala cutlery to the Antonio Citterio Technogym, the Grohe single lever basin mixer for the bathroom, furniture: B & B Italy, Maxalto and other brands enough to fill warehouses.
But, also apartment buildings, factories, private villas and a ueber chic boutique hotels around the world were created at his drawing board.
His chef-d'oeuvre hotel job is the Bvlgari property in Milano, a super exclusive inner city garden hotel. “This is where I like to taste my morning cappuccino and read the newspaper – on my way to my office” he says.
Long term, intense client relationships are key to Citterio. This we can see clearly with his B & B Italy association. “Our marriage has lasted for 27 years”, says Cittario laughingly.

Regarding the future Citterio, says: “I would like to design buildings that aren’t corrupted by commercial interests, public spaces a church or a museum. When you design a house, it's no longer yours when the people move in. But with a museum or a church, the space still exists for you”.
And lastly on Asian architecture / design he explains, ” it is just the beginning it will grow when big industry decides it wants to create innovation and not just manufacture copies - but first it will need a change of spirit”.
If you want to look at Antonio Citterio’s limited edition furniture, sofas, arm chairs and other objects head for B & B Italy showroom (gallery) location: Sukhumvit Thonglor Soi Sip.

END TEXT

HAM HAM HAMBURG

2008-06-27T02:38:00.000-07:00

The Hamburg Port Festival 2008 by John K. Lindgren

On my first visit to Hamburg in the early 70s, I had gazed at the majestic ocean liners with their towering, black smokestacks and smelled the salt air of the Elbe river that leads to sea and has carried all kinds of vessels to the Hanseatic port down the centuries. It was an awesome panorama, and for one in whom the sap was still rising, powerful enough to fill with lifelong deep wanderlust… I am now live in the Far East and revisiting Hamburg this summer was more than nostalgic. Flying from Bangkok "Turk Hava Yollari" IATA code name TK Turkish Airlines provides one of the fastest routes from Bangkok to Hamburg via Istanbul. Turkish Airlines, since April 2008 a proud member of Star Alliance flies daily to Turkey, Istanbul. Departure Bangkok BKK around midnight with early morning arrival at the Ataturk airport in Istanbul IST which is a modern new international airport boasting a Starbucks, two large bookstores and brand name boutiques galore. And sweet Turkish delight candy, of course. After a three hour pleasant day flight with a beautiful bird's eye view of Europe you arrive in HAM at noon. Hamburg is today Germany's second largest city with a population of 1.76 million, and over two million trees - and a Greenpeace office by the waterfront, just to protect the tree population and the air and the water. It was mid May – spring was gone and everything seemed bathed in summery sunshine. With city parks and gardens filled with birdsong and a youthful spring in the pedestrians' step. No matter where you turn in Hamburg, there seems to be water ......So it is no wonder that there are in all more bridges here than in Amsterdam, London and Venice - put together! Besides the great Elbe river there is the Inner and Outer Alster Hamburgs two manmade lakes almost in the middle of downtown and canals, all interconnected and crisscrossed by those bridges. To a lot of visitors it comes as a surprise to learn that this port is actually situated inland, located downriver almost 100 kilometers from the Elbe river's mouth on the North Sea, between Denmark and Holland. Strolling through the streets it was hard not to feel the excitement of the 819th "Hamburg Hafenfestival" or the Hamburg Port Festival that was to unfold within hours. The annual Hafenfestival" or the harbour birthday party" is a four-day tribute to Hamburg's long maritime past. The annual extravaganza celebrates with justifiable pomp, the port's glorious history and spirit. This prosperous Hanseatic city is commonly known as "HH" in German as "haa-haa" Hansestadt Hamburg. The locals are proud of their place in history and the city's contribution to Germany and Europe and the world. The football aficionados know that Hamburg hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2006. Their home team Rothosen ("Red Shorts") or Hamburger Sport-Verein e.V is currently in the fourth place in the Bundesliga. Today the maritime city not only has a state-of-the-art port container port, second largest in Europe after Rotterdam and Germany's media center, by far being the home to an astounding 13,000 on-line and off-line companies; among them the respected Der Spiegel publishing group, Deutsche Presse Agentur (dpa), and Axel Springer Group's "BILD" newspapers. All that aside, Hamburg was the birthplace of the iconic haute couture, uber fashion designer Karl "white ponytail" Lagerfeldt, the Joop and Jil Sander designer brands. While the Mont Blanc, high-end writing instruments and horology manufacturer is another world famous "Made in Hamburg" brand. And lastly, who does not know the blue iconic tins of Nivea cream? They were first manufactured in Hamburg by the Beiersdorf family to protect skins all over the planet. Among the historic buildings in Hamburg - and there are so many - is the neo-renaissance Kaiser Wilhelm "Emperor's Hauptbahnhof" (Main Railway Station) from 1906, the The Chilehaus (Chile House) is a ten-story 1920s office building of brick architecture with strong maritime elements another must-see, as is the infamous Reeperbahn, in the naughty St Pauli district. Walking along same at day's end, we were jostled along by tourists and locals alike. Once a seedy smorgasbord of hardcore dives catering mainly to sailors, sexy entertainment it is now a legend providing a vibrant, attractive nightlife scene with theatres and cabarets, galleries, discotheques, bars and clubs the all embellished with blue and red bright neon tubes. And who in the world could possibly walk on the Reeperbahn, and not remember the Fab Four from another historic European port Liverpool? Inevitably, one young female journalist clipped: "well, the Beatles were born here a 50 years ago – right?" Yes. John Lennon once said: "the Beatles did not become big in Liverpool but in Hamburg". Their last Hamburg gig was in 1961 at Star Club. But it is the Port of Hamburg, "die Hafen", the docks, the gigantic engine which propels the second largest container port in Europe smoothly operated by 14 giant computer controlled container gantry cranes and unmanned vehicles loading and discharging around 9,5 million standard TEU containers boxes per year. On Friday May 9th, the opening day of the festival Hamburgians were blessed with clear, deep azure skies, cumulus clouds and warm summer breeze full of promise. The auspicious event was welcomed with a long weekend as the following Monday was a bank holiday. So four days of festivities flowed like lager on tap..... The 2008 festival was inaugurated by Ole von Beust the First Mayor of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg and the guest of honour was the first lady President of Finland, Mrs. Tarja Halonen. The Finnish navy was present with their flagship, the sleek grey minelayer m/s Pohjanmaa flying a full set of multicoloured signal flags. The entire VIP entourage, including the local dignitaries, decorated naval officers and invited members of the press were raising their champagne flutes on the poop deck of the tall, sleek green and crimson red hulled three-masted windjammer, Rickmer Rickmeers. This magnificent Cape Horn class sailing vessel is now a museum and a symbol of Hamburg's significant past as the home of the tall, fast sailing ships; the legendary "Flying P-Liners" and the majestic Hapag-Lloyd ocean steamers outward bound for Buenos Aires, New York and Montevideo. The 2008 maritime festival attracted more than 1.6 million visitors and 300 vessels, ranging from a compact grey pocket submarine to pleasure boats of every size and configuration; and most striking of all, three handsome Dutch North Sea sailing schooners with hoisted main sails and topsails bellowing. They were a sight to behold! Ship ohoy! And the stars of the show the and Russian naval cadet windjammers, the Mir, the Sedov and the biggest of them all the black and white majestic four-masted bark Kruzensthern (built in 1926 in Bremen) ex Padua which was one of fastest the "Flying P-Liners" of Laeisz company. Carl Heinrich Laeisz also consigned a generous testamentary sum for the construction of"a dignified place for the exertion and enjoyment of noble and serious music" - the Laeiszhalle from 1908 in neo-baroque red brick architecture. The ubiquitous strong workhorses of the port, the harbour tugboats and the 6,000 horsepower ocean tugboats performed their much appreciated "schlepperballet" the tug boat ballet, a veritable heavyweight boat dance with 180 degree turns on the water accompanied by a crescendo of deep baritone klaxons over the sparkling waves. The airspace above the Elbe river was also alive, with planes and helicopters buzzing around in the afternoon sun. The fighter jets of the Hamburg squadron executing pure aeronautics, loops and swirls with seemingly effortless ease.And a supreme vintage passenger aircraft: the piston propeller triple engine Lufthansa Junkers 52 (model 1944) "Tante Ju"or "Auntie Ju" flew graciously and slowly back and forth across the Elbe river. After the sun went down, bathing the whole scene in pale orange glow it was time to go below deck of the s/s Rickmer Rickmers, where the Captain's dinner consisting of North Sea crustaceans, German fresh asparagus, veal, new summer potatoes and hind beer terrine for dessert and Schneider Weissburgunder white wine. Black-and-white clad waiters hurried with large trays with along long tables in a manner reminiscent of the glory days of luxury sea voyages..... The grand finale of the evening then unfolded in the sky. This was the "feuerwerk" show sponsored by the Hamburg's own Jever beer company. The display brought out aaahs and the oooohs from the crowds on the riverbank as the rain of glowing red, blue, green and purple fireworks with thunder lit up the air and shone on every ship at anchor on the Elbe. Seconds after the fireworks ended all the ships blared their horns in unison. The sound and the sights will live on in mind for many summers.

TRAVEL INFORMATION: Useful websites: Hamburg is an open, vibrant metropolis on the water that offers something for every taste. The port of Hamburg is located by the river Elbe – just like Klong Toey, the port of Bangkok is situated by the Chao Phraya river. http://www.marketing.hamburg.de/ http://www.hamburg-tourismus.de/ Getting There: Turkish Airlines operates seven days a week from Bangkok to Istanbul with two daily onward connections to Hamburg.For more information call tel: 02 231 0311 or visit http://www.thy.com/ Where to stay:Lindner Hotel Am Michel, Neanderstr. 2020549 Hamburg, GermanyTel +49 40 307067000, http://www.lindner.de/ A stylish new well equipped four star property. Member of the Lindner Hotels & Resorts. Built in typical Hanseatic style with a red-brick façade. Located in the historic centre of the city, only 200 metres from St Michael's church and walking distance from the Elbe river and the jetties.

Hotel Atlantic Kempinski HamburgAn der Alster 72-79 20099 Tel: +49 40 28880Hotel http://www.kempinski.atlantic.de/ The Kempinski Hotel Atlantic has been Hamburg's leading hotel since it first opened it's doors in 1909 as a grand hotel for ocean liners passengers. Guests include Emperor Haile Selassie, Edith Piaf and Sir Mick Jagger.

Where to Eat:Fischereihafen RestaurantGroße Elbstraße 143, Altona, Tel: +49 40 381816, http://www.fischereihafenrestaurant.de/Inconspicuously situated between two warehouses and close to the fish market. Both traditional and exotic fish and seafood dishes are available, as is a fine choice of wines. The window seats offer great views of the River ElbeWhere to shop:Stilwerk Hamburg Große Elbstrasse 68 , Tel: +49 40 306210, http://www.stilwerk.de/ Germany's first department store for design. The mecca for trendsetters in all matters of lifestyle.

Hanseviertel, Europapassage, Jungfernstieg, Mönckeberg and Spitalerstrasse are five high end shopping areas that magically attract all those who want to take back home with them more than just nice memories in digital form.

Bangkok Shakes - Hanoi Rocks

2008-04-16T22:13:00.000-07:00

John LINDGREN

Bangkok Spye

For donkey’s years or as the Swedes say “for donkey’s ears” Bangkok Spye has been bumping in to people on the sidewalks and the footpaths, on MTR & BTS platforms, in the supermarkets and on the pedestrian bridges of Krung Theep Mananakorn also known as Bangkok.

Not because I am dyslectic, dyspeptic nor is it the pre-Alzheimer’s. Is it that my navigation system, my GPS, works on a different frequency? When I turn left they turn left. Left right and left again. Brake. Thumm! Not to mention that I am a brisk walker. Walk the walk and talk the talk. I also talk too fast. And a tad, too loud.

Although I am mostly behind the wheel of my 1600cc Nassin Eon, that’s Nissan Neo backwards. So when I have a chance to walk in the city I want the maximum exercise out of it. And my speed walking results in bumping in to Bangkokians small and tall, young and old. Or they bump in to me. Sudden lane changes, unexpected u-turns. Citizens making stationary promotional DTAC cell phone calls in the middle of the busy sidewalk.

Just like Bangkok traffic. Organized confusion or confusion organized. The worst is the right hand turn and all the street vendors, food stalls, the blind and the lame sitting on the footbridges. And the occasional obese three-legged brown mutt.

What’s the remedy? To keep walking far left. And slower speed from 5th to 3rd gear. Thailand drives on the left like the rest of Asia, India and Australia except China. So Bangkok Spye keeps walking adamantly far left close to buildings, shops and railings. Keep far left hand and nobody will cut in front you. If you see someone walking very close to walls building and building sites and footbridges – it’s Bangkok Spye walking the walk on the footpaths of Bangkok.

In 2006 the Bangkokians learned a new French percent word: coup d’etat. Its not revolution it’s “Kuu De Taa”. Germans call it putsch, Bangkok Spye prefers coup d’etat. Sounds more civilized. Other civilized French words: Champagne, Fois Gras (Goose Liver) pity the geese – but it’s damn tasty, Camembert and of course, comme ci – comme ca. “So – so”. I know a Frenchman Monsieur Yves Democrat. Cool name! He is a fine saxophone player and plays regularly at the Grand Hyatt lobby bar from nine pm onwards. Democrat, but in Thai-English democracy is one of those difficult words. Usually pronounced: “demo-crazy!” Just like electricity is always referred to as “electric-city!”

Another cool name these days is Sonthi or Sondhi. Not any of ex Prime Minister, ex Caretaker Prime Minister Doctor Taxin Shinawatra’s favorite Thai names. The two Sonthis. Sonthi I and Sondhi II. Sonthi I “newspaper Walla” Limthongkul did the groundwork in the park with in front of huge crowds shouting “Get Out! Orrk Pai!” Firing up the masses according to the textbook “Elementary Demagogy”.
Then came the Thailand’s first Muslin army-commander-in-chief a four-star General Sonthi Boonyaratglin and executed the second part taking over the radio, TV stations rolling out the tanks and the Humvees in the dead of the night for additional effect and to avoid traffic jam. And next day BIG headlines in the English language dailies Bangkok Post: COUP D’ETAT and the Nation COUP! And Bangkok on the map of world media for a day.
Now everything is post Coup and post grand opening of Suwanna poom. The last on craft to land on the old tarmac was a Kuwaiti Airbus and the first to plane land on the new runway was a German “Luftwaffe” LH Boeing 747 cargo. Who cares about the second and the third flight. Suwanna poom is now on-line and the old Don Muang off-line. But Bangkok aeronautically is still BKK – Bangkok Shakes and Hanoi Rocks as a pre-Nokia Finland punk band used to sing.

Tempus Fugit

2008-04-13T03:07:00.000-07:00

Published in International Herald Tribune/ThaiDay June 2006

TIMELESS LUXURY - Tempus Fugit

When it comes to watches, the second time
around is often better than the first time.

For many, buying a used car, home or even an electric appliance is a common transaction. But when it comes to luxury items, the general assumption is that the brand new is the best. For aficionados in the know, however this couldn't be further from the truth, with a growing number of people setting their sights on used or pre-owned luxury wrist watches.

In our helter-skelter world on innovation and rapid change, more and more discerning customers want to own a timepiece that represents something more traditional and has lasting value.

"Some people buy them as an investment", says Somsak Naranong, owner of three Swiss hand made Frank Muller “Master of Complication” chronographs, "but other people simply want to own a piece of history, something that lasts and has meaning".

For some, movie memories come with the watches for example when they see a Rolex Submariner, which Dustin Hoffman traded for a cab fare in the Hollywood thriller Marathon Man. Maybe it's Cindy Crawford showing off an Omega Constellation Quadra on the pages of a glossy international lifestyle magazine. Or Bruce Willis wearing a TAG Heuer in the action blockbuster Die Hard 2 directed by Renny Harlin.

Surprisingly, these vintage time pieces are not that hard to find - and we're not talking about the fakes, the "replicas" that can be found on countless Bangkok and Pattaya street stalls. Right here in the city there's a second hand luxury watch shop that can hold its own against the best shops in Britain, France and the US.

It's called Leng Narikaa (Narikaa means "watch" in Thai), and its housed in a non-descript two story shop house near Khao San Road, in Banglampoo district.

Leng narikaa is home to a vast array of pre-owned, internationally recognized brands such as Chopard, Cartier, Breitling, IWC, Omega, Longines, Patek Philippe, Panerai, TAG Heuer and, of course, the leader of the pack, Rolex of Geneva - and most for less than half of their original purchasing price.

" Many hais buy second watches like Rolex because they are cheaper than buying them new,: says Kasemsit Pathomsak, a Bangkok real estate and hotel owner. "But other purchase them for their investment value. Fine watches, especially mechanical, complicated watches always appreciate in value".

The leng Watch Group (LWG), a family owned Sin-Thai company, was founded in 1976 by Sittichai Leng. Their Leng Narikaa showroom and service center area small is startlingly bright with elegant teak wood floors.

It's almost like entering a golden palace. No music, just precious metals and alloys: white, pink, yellow, and rose gold and there's titanium, platinum and polished stainless steel. Glittering gems and diamonds embossed on solid watch cases sparkle. Display cabinets are filled with row after row of glimmering shiny Rolex wristwatches. Security is provided armed, fit and stern looking uniformed guard. Close circuit TV cameras cover the showroom.

If you're interested in the golden age of Swiss luxury watch making or horology try an Audemars Piquet. Founded in 1875 by two Swiss engineers, Jules Louis Audermars and Edward August Piquet. The watch connoisseurs call it "AP" for short. The brand is known for their complicated calendar, repeat mechanisms and chronographs. Price range 600,000 baht up.

"The best selling pieces here," says Namkaang, Leng Narikaa shop manager, "are still the solid gold Rolexes and the two-tone or 'half-gold' models. “Asians still like Rolex” “Rolex and Mercedes Benz,” adds Namkaang.

Rolexes comprise 80 percent of the displayed watches. But the shop also carries the great models that were linked to war and sport and are still in production today - the classic square Cartier Tank originally from 1917, the legendary Omega Speedmaster, the over sized Italian Navy divers watch Pamerai Luminor, TAG Heur Carrera, named after La Carrera Panamerica, the Panamerica road-race of the 50s. IWC (International Watch Company) World War II big pilot watch "Fliegerchronograph" and, of course, Rolex Submariner, the iconic "James Bond Rolex" robust, mechanical and still ticking.

Many of Leng Narika's watches are as "good as new" such as the entry level steel Rolex Steel Oyster Datejust at 91,000 baht with a 12 month warranty. And in case you want to trade your Steel Oyster in for a solid yellow gold Oyster Datejust, Leng will trade your steel Rolex for 90 percent of the purchased value and you hand over another 220,000 baht and you're the owner of solid golden Rolex, the ultimate piece for the ethnic Chinese taokay - boss. The next step on the ladder is the diamond encrusted gold Rolex, a cool half a million baht.

Business is good. Recently Leng opened its flagship store on Petchaburi road next to Pantip Plaza computer center. This elegant second-hand haute horology showroom-cum-boutique stands up to any of the Gaysorn or Siam Paragon high-end watch boutiques. And service perhaps less arrogant.

Some international and local movie stars are also customers. It has been rumored that Nicholas Cage was seen purchasing a vintage Vacheron Constantin Tourbillion while Thai soap opera stars Marsha Wattanapanich and Sam Yurarnan Pamornmontri are regular Leng customers.

And while you won't find any fakes here, when it comes to payment, Leng takes the same approach as its street-based counterparts. "We don't accept credit cards. Cash only and trade-in", says Namkaang ".

END TEXT

Triton - Macho 4x4 by Mitsubishi

2008-04-09T02:04:00.000-07:00

John LINDGREN

Mitsu’s “Mann Maak” Triton Plus 4x4

The Mitsubishi Triton (Triton according to ancient Greek was a sea god, son of Poseidon portrayed as having the trunk of a man and the tail of a fish) is a commercial vehicle cutting a totally new design language among all the other ‘pick-ups’ rolling on Thai tarmac

The big front almost looks like a fist. This vehicle especially the 4x4 version has an aggressive stance with bulging wheel arches, rounded, smooth, muscular flowing lines; big triangular brake lights all carry the new curvaceous styling concept. Aerodynamically, too the Triton has a low 0.32 drag coefficient, less drag - less fuel (more money in the bank) and good looks included.

Step inside and be impressed - LCD deep blue ‘racing’ instrument dials, compass, altimeter and on-board computer showing the estimated driving range.

The Pattaya Coast demo unit came with a spacious steel grey cab and a firm fabric upholstery. Adding a CD and MP3 to the usual AM/FM radio in a float-bed pick-up truck is unexpected luxury. Mitsu’s new Triton Plus represents the new generation of one tonne pick-up trucks with passenger car ‘de-luxe’ interiors - plus high tech, high torque common rail kick-ass Diesel engines.

Our Triton Plus was the four wheel drive (4x4) Double Cab 2.5 GLS version with manual transmission (stick-shift), carrying a sticker price of TBH 754.000.

After firing up the 2.5 litre, 140 horse power engine and stepping on it I felt a slight tickling sensation down the spine when the turbocharger kicked in. Fuel consumption without too much ‘kick-down’ is 10-11 kilometer per litre. Highway 13-14 km/lt.

The view from the cockpit is high and commanding with 205 mm ground clearance. So overtaking, passing with this monster is a piece of cake.

On the Bagna Trat elevated express way and on the bumpy 10-wheel container truck chock-a-block Chonburi motorway (by-pass) the passengers were happy including mother in – law who usually enjoys test drives in luxury Teutonic imported sedans.

Beyond Trat near the Cambodian frontier a bit of low gear mud crawling and off-road exercises at a big water reservoir, construction site with steep slopes and swollen 4WD tracks.

The metallic grey Triton 4x4 passed test with flying colours. Mother-in-law did not join the off-road experience.

Factory owners, industrial estate operators here is an option if you want to up-grade your old fleet of pick-ups or just you want to switch from you dinky saloon and look macho in a macho 4x4 truck named Triton by MITSUBISHI.

END TEXT

Stavic Supersized - Korean with Mercedes Wunder Kraft -

2008-04-09T01:45:00.000-07:00

John LINDGREN

Stavic Supersized - Korean with Mercedes Wunder Kraft -

Remember the Korean cars in Bangkok pre-’97 Asian economic “Tomm Yam Kung” crisis – the Daewoos, the Hyundais, the KIA’s and the Ssanyong’s? The new Koreans were affordable and compact city cars, including a monster SUV, one of the first Sport Utility Vehicles in Thailand: Ssanyong Musso.

After the economic bubble burst Daewoo vanished from the Thai shores, and today three Korean brands are available: KIA, the Hyundai making a strong comeback and Ssangyong. The name Ssangyong means “twin dragons”; the initial S was doubled to correspond to the duality of the name. Currently, the Ssangyong model line-up in Thailand consists of the Actyon, the Kyron, the Rexton, and the Stavic all imported vehicles or CBU’s (completely built up in motoring babble). Ssangyong (Thailand) Co., Ltd boasts three showrooms, service centers in Bangkok, Chonburi and Phuket.
The demo unit provided for Pattaya Coast was the (metallic space black) Ssangyong Stavic, a premium MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle), which is not only as a passenger car, but also as a super-sized MPV( Multi Purpose Vehicle) measuring an impressive 5.1 meters and powered by a German silky smooth Mercedes Benz six cylinder motor 3.2 liter engine.
The looks, or the body design of Stavic, maybe unorthodox and funky to some people but unique and stylish to others. Ssangyong, Korea’s fourth largest automaker, calls it Neo-Fusion design! The vehicle was designed by Ken Greenley, former head of the automotive design course at the Royal College of Art in London.

Stavic’s interior reveals an impressive passenger carrying capacity. Laid out like a miniature tour bus. There are four rows, three options: 7-, 9- or 11-passenger seating can be made available depending on the folding.

For longer journeys the 7-seater is the best option, as it offers room for luggage as well.

The cabin is luxuriously appointed in with porous high grade beige or grey leather, plush carpets, a mix of wood and alloy panels plus the essential ingredients: CD cases, sunglasses holder, one-touch pop-out cup holders, power out lets front and rear and grab handles. And a 180 degrees swivel seat in the second row. To cool you down there are separate air vents with individual controls for the second and third row passengers.

On-board entertainment consists Ssangyong premium audio video package with a one-touch CD/DVD Player, MP3 Tuner, with front and rear monitors (which automatically cuts as soon as the car starts moving). The DVD screen is also connected to a reverse parking camera. Handy when backing up into tight spaces.

All audio and video controls are steering-wheel mounted. Other cool features include a power sun roof or “moon-roof“ as we prefer to call it in here the tropical Thailand. And a fuel saving cruise control feature – for those long highway trips.

Under the bonnet, lurks a grey, black matte, state-of-the-art quiet and powerful Mercedes Benz 3,2 six-banger motor pumping out 220 horse power and mated to a silky smooth a 5-speed Mercedes Benz automatic box with a T-tronic (manual shift option, the same as in a Porsche ).

The engine performance was confirmed during a brief high-speed test when we managed to touch the 195 km/hour mark on the speedometer. Overtaking cars on the highway was safe and effortless, thanks to the powerful German engine. Stavic’s thirst for fuel was approximately 8-9 kilometer per liter during our test drive, normal for a V-6 petrol engine.

Our demo wagon came with the whole safety package: drivers and passenger airbags and front electronic brake force distribution (EDB), ABS and traction control system (TCS). Plus double wishbone suspension in front.

Since the Stavic carries up to 11 passengers, the import tax is only 40 percent while other 7-seater MPVs face 80 percent import duty plus excise duty. That’s why the Benz and the Volk vans are priced over three million TBH but the Stavic sells at TBT 1.9 and the Diesel version at TBH 1.7.

Our road test was conducted along the Bangkok - Chiang Mai north bound trunk road, also known as Asia Highway # 2.

Stavic’s independent 4-wheel suspension and the smooth V-6 propulsion worked wonders. And the kids: “no more “are we there yet”! The DVD player played on without any interruptions. No jumps. Crystal clear picture and stereo sound as we watched Disney’s Ratatouille and Surf’s Up. Driver and passengers were all happy campers on arrival at the green hills of Kong Lan National Park in Kampheng Pet Province.
Slavic is a shining star powered by another star the Stuttgart three-pointed Mercedes silky-six Wonder Motor. A five-star- 7-seater for the extended family traveling long distance, or a perfect fleet van for luxury (boutique) hotels.

END TEXT

Save Energy Save Gas - More TBH

2008-03-30T21:06:00.000-07:00

John LINDGREN

With gas or petrol, benzene, diesel fuel prices going through the roof, here are some advice that can help you to save your hard earned TBH, and extend the time before your next pit-stop, "top-up" at the Jet-Jiffy, the PTT or the Caltex pump.

I. Avoid High Speed Driving!

The faster you go the more wind resistance you'll encounter and the more fuel your vehicle will consume. As your acceleration and speed increases, your aerodynamic drag also increases in an exponential mode. Driving 100 km/h versus 120 km/h will reduce fuel consumption by about 15 percent. Also higher RPMs (revolutions per minute 'engine speed') the engine, the cylinders work harder and need more fuel supply. That's why the red hot F-1 Ferrari's need pit stops - for refueling (tire changing) up to five times during one race.

II. Progressive, Smooth Driving

Fuel efficiency is all about smoothness, and keeping calm is absolutely crucial to achieve fuel economy. By anticipating the traffic, controlling your breathing, applying slow and steady acceleration and smooth braking, fuel economy may increase by as much as 20 percent. Plus your passengers will feel significantly better and in case you’re hauling pets; the dogs and the cats will not get car sick.

IV. Keep the Pressure, the Tire Pressure

Keep the tire air pressure at the level recommended by your car manufacturer. It's marked on a sticker on the doorjamb of the driver-side door, or in the owner's manual (if you can find it). A single tire under inflated by 2 PSI, increases fuel consumption by 1-2 percent. Check your tire pressure every two weeks.

V. The Air Conditioner a Necessary Cooling Device

If you don't want to sweat your butt off you must use the air conditioner. But the A/C compressor puts extra load on the engine and burns up to 20 percent more fuel. Do drive al-fresco, sans A/C sometimes. The late afternoon in the sunset by the sea is recommended. Open the windows, (if you have a moon-roof open it) and activate your olfactory senses.

VI. Service Your Car Regularly

Take your car to the service center: whether it is the Mercedes Benz authorized garage or Somsak's un-authorized "Auto-Fixx" behind the "Aroy" noodle shop. Poor fuel economy can be related to simple items such as dirty air filters, old spark plugs or low lubrication oil levels. This applies specially to second hand (pre-owned) cars.

VII Use your " Tom Cruise Control"

Today's modern saloon cars, especially the coveted European sedans have a feature called the cruise control this gizmo will maintain a constant speed over long distances saving liters fuel and letting you take your foot off the accelerator (gas pedal).

VIII. Avoid Unnecessary Loads
Remove the golf bag, all the shoes, the camping equipment, the skateboard and old the newspapers and magazines you carry in your trunk (boot) or in the rear seat. A lighter car consumes less fuel. And the trunk, the back seat looks nice and orderly.

IX No Excess Idling

If you anticipate being stopped for more than one minute (60 seconds), turn off the engine! In the ueber environmentally correct, zero tolerance Sweden drivers will get a 6-12 months prison sentence if the car is idling more than 60 seconds. And if caught idling outside a kindergarten, primary school most likely death penalty. And remember re-starting the car uses less fuel than letting the engine idle.

X Buy a Fuel Efficient Vehicle

If you buy a new car don't get carried away by the cool styling, the free tires, the new car leather scent or the crispy PVC smell, the cruise control, the CD, the DVD, the MP3 features, the moon roof and the ultra smooth and sweet talking sales consultant. Check at the fuel consumption! Simple: How many kilometers per litre! How many? A manual transmission (stick shift) will give 20 percent more mileage. That’s why all the pick-up trucks and all commercial vehicles have stick shift. The bigger the engine the more it consumes. Super cars drink enormously. A "Lambo" Lamborghini Murcielago less than 6 kilometers per litre. The little Honda Jazz can get about up 13 kilometer per liter.

DRIVE & RIDE Safely: Take a Deep Breath! Buckle up! Wear Helmet! Do Not Drink and Drive! (Drink Yogurt- Low Fat)

The Egg - The Republic of Fritz Hansen

2008-03-30T05:55:00.000-07:00

John LINDGREN

Embassy of the REPUBLIC OF Fritz Hansen opens in Bangkok

Have you ever heard about REPUBLIC OF Fritz Hansen? Fritz who? A furniture company! The organization behind the Ant, the Egg, and the Swan, an exclusive, Danish, design driven minimalist furniture company.

To investigate this intriguing republic, Prestige Magazine meets one of the Ambassadors of this republic a fit, slim and youngish, impeccably suited and booted Vee Pee. His ROFH business card reads: Frederick Moller Vice President International Sales, Asia -Pacific Region. Singapore.

Fredrick Moller recently flew into Bangkok for the ribbon cutting of the first republic of Fritz Hansen /AVIVA showroom in Bangkok located at the All Season massive grey M-Tower.

Moller explains: “Our the company employs 215 people and our turnover is approximately 400 million (DKK) Danish Kronor. Around 70 percent of our production is exported, and we have designer showrooms in Amsterdam London, Milan, New York, Oslo Stockholm, Tokyo and now in Bangkok, voila! We are expanding”, says Moller.

“At University I read liberal arts; English, French, German and also marketing. After graduating Fritz Hansen was my very first job. I started in the customer service department. After that I was sent to Japan. We are big in Japan”, says Moller. “Today we’ got twelve dealers and a flagship a store in Tokyo. And my wife is Japanese so my son is half Samurai and half Viking. And, I am also a warrior – a road warrior with 200 days per year on the road – working for the republic.”

Thailand’s first contact with Fritz Hansen was in the 60s when HM King Bhumipol visited the small furniture factory situated thirty minutes north of Copenhagen, the Danish capital. From that visit there is a black and white photograph dated 1961 of a young Nai Luang sitting, relaxing in the Egg chair.

Could it be the same unit he received as a gift from Arne Jacobsen the designer of the Egg, the Ant and the Swan. Look for the photo it’s on the wall in the showroom.

Fritz Hansen was a master cabinet maker who established the company bearing his name in 1872 in Copenhagen.

In 1915 the first Danish chair in steam bentwood manufacturing technique was launched at Fritz Hansen's new factory. But, it was the laminated light weight, stacking chair, the Ant rolled out in 1952 that became the biggest global hit in Danish furniture history. The Egg and the Swan also by Jacobsen were launched in 1958.

“Today, our key focus is still beautiful and original design and supreme quality. We highly respect our heritage and history” Moller explains. “But also branding. We have thirty persons working in the branding department, also looking after our website www. fritzhansen.com site”, says Moller.

“You’ll find our furniture on “youtube”, MoMA Museum of Modern Art, New York as well as in government institutions such as the Danish embassies round the world, they all have the Ant, the Egg and the Swan chairs and also Bang & Olufsen audiophile equipment and Louis Poulsen designer lighting. The Royal Danish embassies are our government run showrooms” explains Moller”

“And Brad Pitt is an Egg owner! Pitt has a steady taste”, says Muller. “He bought his Egg at the Sotheby’s auction and Jennifer Lopez, ‘Jay Lo’ is also a citizen of the Republic of FRITZ HANSEN.

Frederick Moller’s interview is over and his Bangkok business agenda is almost complete. In few hours he will be bound for S’pore - his residence and regional office.

And in Bangkok there is now a new Embassy on Wireless Road, beside the Vietnamese and opposite the Dutch diplomatic corps - the REPUBLIC of Fritz Hansen. Open every day from 10.00 to 20.00 hours. 2nd floor All Seasons Place.

END TEXT

Sin to Hel by Finnair

2008-03-24T09:01:00.000-07:00

Finnair’s Silk Road from Helsinki to the Far East

By John Lindgren

Kuala Lumpur will in May 2007 be added to Finnair’s Asian destinations. Vietnam may soon get on the list of destinations too! And there will be more flights on the existing Bangkok and Singapore route. “Starting December 4th we will increase our flights to Singapore via Bangkok from 7 flights a week to 13 flights a week due to high demand from both leisure and business travelers,” says Markku Oravainen, Finnair’s Sales Director South East Asia & Australia. By he end of this year Finnair will also introduce the new fuel efficient Airbus 340 to replace our current MD-11’s on this sector, he adds. Finnairs Asia expansion started with scheduled Helsinki-Bangkok flights some twenty years ago followed by Singapore, which resulted in a rather unique advertising campaign: From Sin to Hel fly Finnair. “We are negotiating landing rights in Seoul, Korea and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in Vietnam. Finnish companies have a strong presence in Vietnam since the last twenty years,” Mr. Markku Remes, Finnair Product Manager, Intercontinental routes, explains to ScandAsia. “Flights to Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, via Bangkok will start in May 2007 with three flights a week. This will bring the total number of Finnair flights to Asia from eight flights to ten,” he elaborates. Today, Finnair ranks third in terms of passenger numbers between Europe and Asia, exceeded only by the big players Lufthansa and Air France/KLM. “In 2005 Finnair flew totally 708 000 passengers to Asia and 70 percent of our passengers are non Finnish nationals,” Christer Haglund, Senior Vice President Corporate Communications Finnair told ScandAsia during a recent interview in Helsinki. “Our Asia market share has grown with 30 percent last two years. Our balance sheet is strong and we are one of the few debt-free airline companies with over 9,000 employees. Our passenger load factor was 73 percent last year,” Mr. Haglund elaborates. “A key part of Finnair’s Asia strategy is Helsinki’s geophysical position; closer to the North Pole than the Equator. Closer to Asia than Europe. Helsinki is unique as a link between East and West Europe,” says Christer Haglund. “Another factor is our super short transfer times - approximately 35 minutes from gate to gate – from intercontinental to inter European flights. This is what makes Helsinki International Airport Vantaa and Finnair the fastest and most direct connection between Europe and Asia.”

Dijon Burgundy

2008-03-21T06:21:00.000-07:00

John LINDGREN

A Gastronomic Heaven in the Heart of Europe - Bangkok to Dijon

"Final call for Mr "Linngleenn " AF 169 destination Paris – Final call…" “Final call for…”

I heard my name announced and left the ultra modern and luxurious new Air France business class lounge after my second glass of Champagne Duval Leroy Fleur de Champagne, non vintage, and headed swiftly for Gate E65, Suwarnabhumi International Airport. Air France 169 the “night flight” is the daily service to Paris departure at 23.05 hours.

As soon as we reached cruising altitude of 10.000 meters, the food trolleys rolled out of the galley loaded with a choice selection of gourmet meals. Impeccable service by a cabin crew smartly dressed in Christian Lacroix haute couture uniforms. The in-flight menu and wines are absolument, veryy French! Hors d'Oeuvre: Duck foie gras terrine with gingerbread and marinated dried fruit. To match the goose liver I chose Nicolas Fuillante Blancs de Blancs, Champagne.
Main Course: Lamb noisette accompanied by bean puree and snow peas with olive oil the tender lamb was washed down with a red Bordeaux Haut-Medoc Chateau de Villambis 2005 Cru Bourgeois. And for dessert: Selection des Fromage, of course; Camembert, Comte and Saint Maure with a glass of Port Tawny 10 years old. The Illy coffee and XO cognac was tempting but I decided to have another glass of the Nicolas Feuillante Champagne, nv produced entirely from the vitis vinifera Chardonnay grape.

Approximately 10 hours later Captain Jean-Paul Bouchard smoothly lands the white tricolor liveried Airbus 340-300 with a full payload at "CDG" Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport, the ever expanding hub and HQ of Air France/KLM one of world's largest air carriers since the merger with the Dutch airline Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij, in 2004. Paris ground temperature: 7 degrees Celcius or 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Bonjour Paris!

Off the plane and on to the train. But, first a steaming hot shower at the AF arrival lounge "Salon de Arrivee " at Charles de Gaulle hall-B. A comfortable, secluded business class area with wood paneled changing rooms, high tech shower facilities cubicles, big fluffy white towels and delicious RogeR&Gallet bathroom accoutrements.

The lounge snack/breakfast counter shelves filled with freshly baked chocolate croissants, fruit and hot coffee, muesli, yoghurt, juices, and a plethora of glossy French, international magazines and newspapers and complimentary a high-speed internet access. I think to myself "arrive in better shape” the old Cathay Pacific (CX) slogan as I bounce out of the arrival lounge showered, shaved, booted and suited.

The underground train station is situated next to the CDG arrival hall. A 35 minute train ride to the legendary Gare de Lyon and hop on the TGV "Train de Grande Vitesse" the original French version of what the Japanese call the bullet train "Shinkansen". The British may have invented the locomotive but it was the French who smashed the 300 kph barrier for passengers trains. The TGV high tech network now serves all corners of France. For the wine aficionados and gourmets there are 2-3 hour high-speed train connections from Paris to the coveted vineyards of Bordeaux, Strasbourg (Alsace) and Dijon (Burgundy). From my window seat, 1er classe on the TGV Dijon-Lausanne (Switzerland) I notice as we as we shoot down the tracks running parallel with the auto route motorway that the cars driving in slow motion at 120 kph and we overtake like a wind in speeds 250 to 300 kilometers per hour.

As I step down from the train at Dijon station (La Gare) I see my man from Burgundy Tourist promotion Board. Monsieur Claude on the platform with his sign held high. Mr LINDGREN, correctly spelled in upper case. " Bonjour Monsieur, he exclaims, surprised that I speak the language of Moliere and Rabelais. “Monsieur. No! English, please!” I refuse to communicate in English, when I am in France. “Francais s’il vous plait, Monsieur ”!

My first impression, emerging from the grey, nondescript railway station, was of another dreary, congested bleak modern city. But alas, I was wrong. Dijon (Dee-sho-onn ) the ancient capital of Burgundy was a city of a hundred Gothic churches, palatial splendor, medieval timbered villas and cobble stoned narrow alleys and also the seat of power for one of the mightiest states in Europe.
Led by the Valois dukes les ducs, these lands stretched through present day Belgium and the Netherlands. The guide book tells me and Monsieur Claude adds "the dominance of the Valois dukes lasted for 113 years and through the Hundred Years’ War and ended when finally falling to France in 1477."Five hundred-thirty years ago. But more than 600 of the Romanesque castles, thousands of churches and chapels have miraculously survived the urban development”.

He adds: "And look how well we have preserved the old Dijon!” No high rise office towers, no condominiums, no mega-Cineplex shopping malls – and no Starbucks - yet”! "Today our peaceful and still provincial Burgundy is one of the most prosperous regions in France, historically, gastronomically and culturally. Our logo is the escargot, the snail (Helix pomatia) he says. "The logo of Burgundy Regional Tourist Board (CRT) www.bourgogne-tourisme.com " It's here on my business card. Voila! - Escargot!" After being delivered by Mr Claude to my hotel, Sofitel La Cloche. I write in my notebook: "Another vintage four star Sofitel property. La Cloche dates from 1885. A "Grand Hotel" par excellence with flags flying from the balcony, grey stone, fin-de-siecle conservative elegance, complete with high ceilings, pink-and-gray marble floors, Oriental carpets, comfortable and elegant rooms and a guest list as impressive as Sofitel Hanoi including King of Belgium Albert the I st, Ferdinand de Lesseps (Monsieur Le Suez canal), Joan Baez (60s folk singer), the Sultan of Morocco and Grace Kelly, the iconic movie star who became the Queen of Monaco).

The hotel décor was favored by Napoleon III who checked in on the 1st June 1856". I checked in on 19th of September 2007 and my guest room is certainly smaller than the emperors – but has a balcony overlooking Place Darcy, a park and a bus-stop.

For a first time visitor, a Burgundian dinner should commence with a with a kir because Dijon is the birthplace of Canon Felix Kir, a priest who was both mayor of Dijon and a resistance fighter during the German occupation of France.

The famous aperitif which would later carry his name kir consists of two parts dry white wine, traditionally aligoté, a lesser Burgundy varietal and splash of crème de cassis, a sweet liqueur made from the local blackcurrants (Ribes nigrum) that grow on the Burgundian hillsides. His favorite drink was a mix of white Burgundy wine and cassis. The dinner venue is the elegant dining room of Sofitel La Cloche overlooking the a small garden with a pond ans a statue. My aperitif, kir is accompanied by a selection of amuse bouche; foie gras, canapés and Burgundy's picnic classic, jambon persillé. jellied ham with parsley which is or ham cooked in a terrine with fresh parsley and served cold. A short walk in the garden and the hors d'ouvre: 12 escargots or edible snails , swimming in butter garlic and parsley on a hot, black heavy cast iron pan. A chilled bone dry Chablis 1er cru Vaucoupin, 2005 Domaine Alain et Cyril Gautheron to wash down the mollusks and the main course Beef Bourguignon ( "bour-gunn-gjonn") sounds complicated but it's simply a stew with a bit of red wine thrown in. You can't beat a good, hearty, rustic meal which is as French as La Baguette, Le Peugeot and the Eifel Tower. To match the slow cooked beef a Pinot Noir, of course. Our maitre d’hotel chose Moray-Saint Denis, 2005 Domaine Alain Jenanniard. Burgundy in the glass and on the plate. Gastronomic heaven: Vive La Cuisine Bourguignonne!

Since I am in the land of cheese Fromage I reminiscence Charles De Gaulle who said “How can you govern a country which has 246 varieties of cheese?” So a cheese platter for dessert, a must. There is the Époisse, the grand cru of Burgundy cheeses with an overwhelmingly strong smell and 'melt-in-the-mouth', velvet texture.

Emperor Napolen Bonaparte was a particular fan of Époisses and the legendary epicure Brillat-Savarin classed it as the "king of all cheeses". Another classic stinker is the semi-soft cheese Citeaux produced by the monks at the Abbaye de Cîteaux. Annual production 70 metric tons. Also a raw cows milk cheese but with milder aroma than it’s cousin Epoisse.
So the adage "Bonne appetite et large soif " fits perfectly for Burgundy. A tad lost in translation it means: "Good eating and good drinking". Hence, when in Dijon, you should do as the Dijonnais are said to do - eat & drink. Burgundy, Dijon has the ambiance, the food and the wine. Trust me .

The wines some of the finest in the world – such as Romanee Conti, La Tache, Richebourg, Le Musigny and Le Montrachet. One bottle of the ‘78 vintage of this Grand Cru “super Chardonnay” was sold at a Sotheby's New York auction in 2002 for whopping 23. 929 dollars.

Even Bob Dylan mentions Burgundy wines in his 60s Tom Thumb’s Blues: “I started out on Burgundy but soon I hit the harder stuff”.
Today, Burgundy has 3.000 estates (or domains) 113 vine merchants (or negociants) and produced 1.5 million hectoliters or 200 million bottles with 63 percent white wine and 37 percent red wine. But only two grapes. Chardonnay for the white and Pinot Noir for the red. The wines being divided into four quality/price levels: Regional Appelations, Communal Appelations, Premier Crus and the super star Grand Crus accounting only 2 percent of the total production.
One of the Grand Cru labels is Chateau Romanee Conti or Domaine Romanee Conti (DRC) a legendary Burgundy red wine; 100 percent Pinot Noire produced in small quantities, 7.000 bottles per year creating a huge worldwide demand.

That is why a bottle (75 cl) of Chateau Romanée Conti will set you back USD 3,000 and even more. A well stored bottle of the DRC 1978 vintage was sold at USD 25. 000 in at an wine auction also in New York.
Last, but not least the Dijon mustard Le moutarde de Dijon, the "condiment of kings". Dijon has reigned as France's mustard capital since Gallo-Roman times. Burgundy still produces about 70 percent of France's premium mustards.

Today, Dijon mustard comes in many different flavors including walnut, blue cheese, raspberry, cognac, tarragon and colors such as yellow, blue, green red and a super strong lime green tarragon blend which will immediately make your legs tremble, your scalp and throat itch and your eyes water. The most sought after brands are Grey-Poupon and Maille.

My favorite since my student days in France is “GP” Honey Mustard made with white wine. Its fat free, low carb loaded with a powerful mustard seed flavor. Delicious on hotdogs and turkey or ham sandwiches. Not every one would appreciate this strong flavor but it is certainly worth a try if you like the true, natural unadulterated mustard seed flavor.

Make no mistake; Dijon the capital of Burgundy is a charming pedestrian and bicycle friendly town with filled with landmarks of Romanesque architecture the perfect ambiance be a gourmand, a hedonist and wine bibber at a fraction of Paris restaurant dining and wining prices. After my dinner I retired to my room and started digesting my first day impressions of Dijon, Burgundy, France.
I closed my notebook, capped my ball pen and fell asleep on the heavenly featherbed with duvet and four pillows in room 101 Sofitel la Cloche.
RESOURCES:

AIR FRANCE KLM
www.airfrance.co.th
www.airfrance.com

Sofitel La Cloche
14 Place Dijon
2100 Dijon
www.hotel-lacloche.com

Maison de la France
French Tourist Office South East Asia
541 Orchard Road # 11-02
Liat Towers Singapore 238881
www.franceguide.com/sg

END TEXT

Haute Horology

2008-03-21T06:08:00.000-07:00

Bruno Grande of Wyler-Genève - the Watch that fell from the Eiffel Tower

In the rare, fine stratosphere of Haute Horology filled with matte platinum limited editions, COSC chronographs,
grand complications, double tourbillions, timepieces selling at astronomical retail prices there is a lesser known yet exclusive star by the name of Wyler, established in 1896 by a Swiss master watch maker and the 'Inca flex" inventor Monsieur Paul Wyler.

In 1954 two Wyler Incaflex wrist watches were dropped from the top of the Eiffel tower in Paris, a 300m vertical plunge. The time pieces survived the highest wrist watch free- fall in the world putting the Wyler Incaflex balance wheel concept firmly in the horology history chronicles.

Today, Wyler-Geneva is a prestigious Swiss watch marque still manufacturing the most robust, complicated, mechanical and shock-resistant timepieces.

Prestige Magazine recently interviewed Bruno Grande, Deputy-CEO of Wyler-Geneva. Mr Grande is an Italian married with two kids who has been living and working across the border in Switzerland for seven years.

Extracts from the Prestige interview:

Do you remember your first wrist watch? "I remember receiving my first watch from my godmother - but unfortunately I cannot remember which brand it was”.

What is your latest watch purchase? Bruno Grande says "since I started working with Wyler-Genève I am not buying any watches. I am constantly experimenting by wearing different prototype Wyler-Genève models, changing the dials and the bracelets in order to gauge opinions among my friends and business partners."

All watch professionals are inveterate collectors and Mr Bruno Grande has his private horological acquisition of 250 pieces.

About this year's BASEL WORLD THE WATCH & JEWELRY SHOW April 3-10 what about the trends in sport & dress watches?

Bruno Grande explains, "in the run-up to the BASEL WORLD watch fair, all of the world's major watch brands like to play their cards very close to their chest. As such, the trends only become apparent after the fair and it is difficult to predict them. However, I think there will be a continuation of the trend towards "tone-on-tone" models, which maintain a consistency of colour tone in all aspects of the watch; case, dial, hour markers and hands, bracelet etc."

Regarding the materials; gold, steel and platinum Wyler-Genève Deputy CEO explains "my favorite material is titanium, for it's light weight, it’s robustness and anti-corrosion properties. I also particularly like its "self-healing" property".

Any highlights at the coming 2008 BASEL SHOW?

"For the reasons I have already mentioned, it's difficult to predict the highlights at the Basel Show, because all the brands will be competing against each other to set themselves apart. But, Wyler-Genève will be presenting an interesting world-first-in-the industry that will be difficult to match".

We all know the big automobile exhibitions of the world: the Detroit, the Geneva, the Frankfurt and the Tokyo motor shows. What about the watch fairs do you attend except Basel?

"Aside from Basel, we are also present at the JCK Show in Las Vegas, the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition in Qatar and the Antalya Jewelry, Silver & Watch Fair in Turkey, says Grande.

Prestige Magazine being an Asian based magazine asked Bruno Grande how important is Asia and the Thailand Wyler-Geneve?

"Both Asia and Thailand are very important markets for us. The keen interest in the W-G brand after our Asian launch in Beijing last year which coincided with the 100th anniversary of the 1907 Wyler-Geneve, Paris-Beijing car race, for which we were the official timekeeper. And our recent Singapore launch in resulted in significant number of regional orders, including Thailand.

How many percent of your business is in Asia? "The Asian markets account for 20 percent of our business" explains Bruno Grande.

Tell us about the Wyler-Genève collection? "This collection is based on a unique three-piece shock-absorbing case that houses the movement in a titanium container. All the models in the current collection use this case: a limited-edition of 3,999 self-winding chronographs featuring the inimitable Incaflex balance wheel invented by Paul Wyler in 1927, which is available in 18-carat red gold, titanium and stainless steel; a manual-winding Tourbillon with manufacture movement available in 18-carat red gold and titanium with a limited edition of 24 pieces, including 8 special Paris-Beijing units and also the limited edition of 25 Wyler-Zagato watches, featuring a dial designed in co-operation with the famous Italian super car designer company Zagato.

The watch uses a new manual-winding movement with an 8-day power reserve". With "F" for full and "E" for empty (tank). Just like the fuel gage of a red Ferrari 250 GTZ.

"I'm very proud of the Wyler-Zagato watch. We signed the partnership with the automotive design consultancy Zagato, known for the design of the Spyker C12 at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2007. The first watch was launched in October at the Atelier Zagato in Milan”. From super cars back to watches. “Your favorite watchmakers”? Bruno Grande answers "I like Patek Philippe, Omega, Hublot and Jacquet-Droz".

“You have not yet visited Thailand but you say you like the Thai cuisine – which are your favorites dishes”?

"My favourite Thai dishes are Pad Thai and Panaeng Muu" explains Monsieur Grande.

And finally what would be your business philosophy - your motto?

Personally I like the adage: "the best strategy for the future is to ensure that there is a future" this motto has meanings on different levels, for example that we should always be looking ahead long term, but we should consider the future of our planet, mother earth in a wider context.

This is why W-G became the first Carbo Neutral watch company in the world. And Wyler-Genève will continue to carefully consider the environmental impact of all its actions with proactive reductions of all carbon dioxide emissions".

END TEXT

Vee Rubber Steel Radials

2008-03-21T05:57:00.000-07:00

John LINDGREN

Vee Rubber Steel Radials 15’

Test Drive Report

The mileage on my midnight black Nissan Sunny Neo reads 150.000 km. The new car smell has long disappeared. Driving my Sunny is no longer as exciting as it used to be, even after the weekly TGIF double Macciaho Espresso from the new Nawamin Starbucks.

Now, how to get the “the new car feeling” back? Simple, new tires! Four new pneumatic tires (tyres), front and back. That’s all it takes. Trust me on this one.

End of Feb 2008 at the B-Quik service center beside the TESCO LOTUS Rama IV Khun Paiboon outlet manager showed me my Nissan Sunny Neo 1600 shod with four shining, brand new Veee Rubber Steel Radial 15 inch tires. The wheels electronically aligned. Ready to rock and roll.

I pushed the shifter to D (drive). Tap on the accelerator. Wow! As soon as I hit the tarmac on the Rama IV it was like driving a new a Nissan Sunny Neo! First of all the traction and the grip. What a major difference. Now, it was fun to drive again with maximum control and tight traction. And less noisy, too. Up on the Raminthra Express Way, Khlong Toey tollgate: BHT 40. Acceleration, speeding up to 90 kph. Wow! Overtaking confidently. Less lateral roll. “ I’ve max got grip, I’ve got brand new tires”! I say to myself and step on it.

Near, the new suburban ‘hi-so’ life-style center Crystal Park on Kaset-Nawamin road a rusty, semi broken down Isuzu appears from a dirt road and drives on to K-N four lane main road – without looking. Without stopping. I slam on the brakes. The grip again this time with stopping power! And easily I steer away from the pick-up avoiding an accident. Breaking with new tires – can be lifesaving.

Verdict: The Vee Rubber tires passed the driving test with flying colours. All departments: 10/10.

END TEXT.

Thai slang L' argot Thai - Thai slagia & Thai Slang...

2008-03-13T09:15:00.000-07:00

Thai Slang A-B-C &&& A B C…

Everyday Thai – Thai Tammada

Thai Chao Baan, Thai Baan Nookk,

Thai Wai Runn, Thai Borann,

Thai Aray go-dai

This is the outline for the script:

Usuful Thai words and Thai Slang – Colloquial the modern man and the modern woman.

From A-Z … ay 2 zedd…

Start with AAAAA

“Arai wah!!!” Arai? Arai? Arai? In English What, what the ….?

“Anakott” THE FUTURE Sanskrit

One of the few words in know in Cambodia:
“Anakott” and Pol Pott or Paul Poutt, Monsieur Paul Pout

“Anakott – arai wah”!

Antarai – is the antarai? DANGEROUS.

“Aii Jaah”. Thai Chinese expression

ngat: to bring some long-kept thing out

Nawtlut: to lose one’s temper

Chae, poetpoong: to reveal or to divulge a secret

“Diew, diew”: to cut in when a friend is speaking

Ma: policemen
Puan-sanitt. Puan mai japp puan

“Khun Pan”: Kind of the Thai equivalent of Don Juan, this term for a ladies man comes from a work of literature by Thailand’s most famous writer, Sunthorn Pu. Most Thai men will take it as a compliment.

“Mao sut”: drunk as a skunk Literally, drunk animal, it is used to describe a state of extreme intoxication. Definitely don’t try this one out on the parents of your Thai girlfriend or boyfriend.

“M 16” Some Thai dog owners have named their after the assault rifle: M16 howabout “aka” Kalashnikov AK 47

Dek Theep

Dek Pum Namaan

Dek RCA

Mia Noi and KIK

Korea number one shipbuilder in the world and now making good cars, too

2008-03-13T09:06:00.000-07:00

John LINDGREN

Hyundai SONATA 2.4

Korea. South Korea or the Republic of Korea is on everybody’s lips these days. There are Korean soap operas (la koon) galore on government television, Korean made IT & home entertainment products at the Mall and Emporiums, Korean restaurants serving kimchi and Rain the Korean mega star, singer and dancer with a huge Thai fan base and last but not least the new Hyundai, the Korean car!

I recall, when I was in Korea years ago there was not one single Japanese car, nor a Japanese truck neither Japanese bus in the capital Seoul. No Toyota’s Nissan’s, Honda’s or Hino’s! Only Korean made vehicles.

Here in Thailand Hyundai made a come back after leaving Thailand ten years ago in the aftermath of the painful economic meltdown in ’97.
The largest Korean auto maker is back in the showrooms and on the Thai tarmac with a new importer/distributor Hyundai Motor (Thailand) Co., Ltd with a comprehensive line-up consisting of the Sonata 4-door sedan, the 2-door Sonata sport Coupe, the SUV Diesel powered Santa Fe, and the H1 the 8-seater “the Mobile Living Room” van.

The Sonata four-door saloon was the pick for the TTO Motoring February 2008.

Our demo Sonata parked in the Q-house Convent road car park was immediately spotted with it’s gleaming “sleek silver metallic” paint job and red “new car” number plates.

The 5th generation Hyundai Sonata might not win the Grand Prix de Concourse d’ Elegance contest.

But it has clean lines and uncluttered surfaces. It looks like a modern styled executive cruiser and a tad expensive, too.

The Hyundai slogan says “Drive your way”… Our way was the Bagna-Expressway destination Chonburi province, the Eastern Seabord.
As we leave the tollgate the 2.4 litre DOCH 16 valve, smooth four cylinder, four-speed 161 horse power engine was engaged - flat out! And in fifteen seconds: 180 kph on speedometer and my navigator says “do we have to go 200 again?”
“What about the Police? And the fuel consumption? ”

“About 10 kilometers per litre around town and up to 14 kilometers on a longer run of mixed motoring – but not at 180 kph” I answer.

Even at this speed the ride is steady and cabin is amazingly silent.A nice place to be. The big, soft leather seats are comfortable and supportive with a power for the driver. There are acres of space cup holders galore, and a user friendly two-tone instrument panel with a good looking green compact LCD touch screen in the middle connected to the in-car entertainment system.

This is year 2008 no more fiddling with tape cassettes! This Sonata comes with the DVD, the CD, the MP3 and the good ol’ AM/FM stereo with six speakers.
When are we going to have high speed internet in our cars? On-line internet and with you tube and facebook for the passengers – hopefully not for the driver! The fax machine in the car never took off, anyhow.

Apart from audio the new Korean Hyundai Sonata is loaded with a multitude of features and systems: the Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a Traction Control System (TCS), ABS with EBD, four-wheel disc brakes, six standard airbags, active front head restraints and 16-inch alloy wheels with those fine Michelin MXV tires – the silent tires with amazing gripping power.

In French “Mich-e-lengg.” The brand is also a respected French restaurant guide. Did I forget to mention the oh-so-nice-to hold high quality firm and cool grey leather wrapped steering wheel. A wheel made for long distance highway cruising as well as rush-hour Bangkok zigzagging and u-turning.
As we descend from the long and straight elevated Bagna-Trat express way it’s suddenly down to the urban stop-and-go lane shifting and occasional honking mode driving.

Welcome to Chonburi province.

With a length of 4.8 meters, 1.8m width and a turning radius of 5.46 meters the Sonata is easy to drive even in the busy commercial hustle and bustle of South Pattaya. The fully independent and well balanced suspension a comfortable ride.

Parking and reversing piece of cake thanks to the audio parking sensor the. Like a u-boot sonar: “bip, biip, biiipp’. Most of the minor and major dents on rear bumpers are results of parking sans parking sensors. Often alcohol is involved.

Late in the afternoon it’s time to time to top-up before the return drive to “Krungtheep” or Metropolitan Bangkok.

This Hyundai uses 91 or 95 octane, fossil fuel. No Diesel model available yet. At the Caltex pump it is thumbs up from the attendants “dek-pumm na-mann”. And a pick-up driver in a red ball cap asks “is this a Honda Accord?”
As I fire up the engine I answer “no! this is not a Japanese car – this a Hyundai Sonata” a Korean car! Hi asks “Sonn-ata - Tao raii?” How much?”

I answer “1.285 million TBH” as I grab the wheel with both hands and step on the accelerator. And the sleek silver metallic Hyundai Sonata disappears into the balmy Pattaya twilight heading for the Chonburi-Bangkok motorway.

END TEXT

Glass, glass and Stephen Gormley

2008-03-13T09:03:00.000-07:00

John LINDGREN

Pattaya’s Glass Meister: Stephen Gormley

In the verdant, semi-residential Soi 16 area of Na Klua, far from the hustle and bustle of South Pattaya, sits a quiet two storey house with tall bamboo fencing and a discreet glass sign, which reads, “Stephen Gormley & Associates.“ This is the workshop and home of a talented and successful glass sculptor whose trademark laminated and often massive, tall glass sculptures are renowned and sought after throughout Asia. My first meeting with Stephen Gormley was in 1997 at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Bangkok. In the old Siam Havana Cigar shop beside the narrow lobby bar, he handed me his embossed business card: Stephen Gormley – Glass Artworks for Architectural & Interior Design, and bought an entire cedar box, 24 sticks of ultra premium fat Cohiba Robustos bundled in a yellow silk ribbon. Ten years later his designer cigar glass ashtrays have become collector’s items with more demand than he can supply. “I wish I had more time to design and produce these types of personal glass works,” says Gormley, who today is an ex-cigar aficionado and enjoys the greens and fairways more than the posh cigar lounges.
Apart from the cigars, I remember the new BMW’s. He once said, “I like the engineering – it’s so precise.” He now commutes between Pattaya and Bangkok in a grey compact soft-top Porsche Boxster. Gormley was born in New York and studied art in California, U.S.A. “As a young man, I always wanted to be a craftsman, to work with my hands.” The materials he favored while he was in school were metal, wood and glass. Glass in all forms became his focus because of its endless potential. “I was so interested in my glass projects that I stopped attending classes at the university,” explains Gormley. From California he went to the mountains of Vermont in 1971. He became a freelance glass designer and made stained glass windows in his studio next to a river, in the middle of the sleepy ski resort town of Londonderry. “In Vermont I lived in a cabin up the mountain with no road access in the winter. I put large glass windows in the cabin facing south, looking down the whole valley and across the private 30 acre lake. Mornings were spectacular and I would finish up my designs after breakfast, stick them in my back pack, put on the cross country skis, and ski down the hill, across the lake and up the hill to the van.” After a pleasant long day at work in town, finishing usually at 2:00 a.m., I would drive to the end of the road and ski back home through the magnificent frozen stillness of the forest, zooming out onto and half way across the lake, if I didn’t wipe out on the downhill. I remember the stars would seem to hang on strings and you could almost touch them. Ah, those days. Romantic Vermont memories. To this day I still get most of my inspiration for design, from nature”
“Ten years in Vermont, and 40 below zero on the cold nights, finally got to me, and I moved to Hawaii. The cold weather was gone forever”, he adds.
Knocking on some doors in Honolulu, I met some busy international designers, and was commissioned to produce some large decorative glass ceilings for the American-Hawaii cruise ship lines, of which their S.S. Constitution was being re-fitted in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. After completing the glass ceiling works in my Hawaiian studio on the Big Island, I traveled to the east and completed two weeks of glass installations in Taiwan.
“It didn’t take that much for the fascination of the East to impress me. After a two week holiday stop in Thailand in 1981, on my way back to New York, I became completely intrigued with Thai culture. My next stop was Singapore, where I found a city booming with hotel development, extremely friendly international interior designers, and no one making glass to fulfill their many concepts. With their urgent need for a glass designer I was persuaded to stay in the region, and found myself back in Thailand two weeks later, setting up my glass workshop.
“Although it was a bit difficult to get to Chonburi in those days, I did not like the City of Angels, so I chose Pattaya. It was more relaxed, clean air by the sea, and closer to nature. This is where I set up my home, and workshop”
Most of his work in the last 25 years has been with the largest and most renown interior designers and architects in Asia.Today, Gormley’s glass installations can be seen in the lobbies, dining rooms and bars of the world’s most luxurious hotels such as the Grand Hyatt’s, Ritz-Carlton’s, Peninsula’s, and Sheraton Grande Hotel’s. From Istanbul to Bangkok, to Beijing, Shanghai, and Tokyo.

Recent installations include the huge 4 glass column sculpture in the main lobby of the 800-room Kunlun Hotel in Beijing. The eight-meter tall sculpture, weighing six metric tons, cost fifteen million TBH. Most recently, Gormley and his team of Thai workers completed an eight-day glass installation in the lobby of the new Le Meridien Hotel in New Delhi. Another important element in Gormley’s life is his family. A busy entrepreneur-cum-designer, he still finds time for his three sons, two of whom attend college in the US. His company is also very much en famille since most of his 15 workers and staff have been with him for more than 15 years. Like an extended family, most of the workers live on the workshop compound. And, after 25 years, he still lives in the same house in Na Klua. But, recently, he bought a 12-rai piece of land on the other side of Pattaya near the hills. Gormley’s current project, Glass Artwork Village, is in the planning stages with a new residence, swimming pool, expanded workshop and housing for his workers. Next time you are in the lobby or dining room or stylish bar of a five-star hotel and you see an impressive turquoise green glass sculpture towering above you, you’ll recognize the special talent of the singular glass designer Stephen Gormley.
END TEXT

John LINDGREN

Pattaya’s Glass Meister: Stephen Gormley,
In the verdant, semi-residential Soi 16 area of Na Klua, far from the hustle and bustle of South Pattaya, sits a quiet two storey house with tall bamboo fencing and a discreet glass sign, which reads, “Stephen Gormley & Associates.“ This is the workshop and home of a talented and successful glass sculptor whose trademark laminated and often massive, tall glass sculptures are renowned and sought after throughout Asia. My first meeting with Stephen Gormley was in 1997 at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Bangkok. In the old Siam Havana Cigar shop beside the narrow lobby bar, he handed me his embossed business card: Stephen Gormley – Glass Artworks for Architectural & Interior Design, and bought an entire cedar box, 24 sticks of ultra premium fat Cohiba Robustos bundled in a yellow silk ribbon. Ten years later his designer cigar glass ashtrays have become collector’s items with more demand than he can supply. “I wish I had more time to design and produce these types of personal glass works,” says Gormley, who today is an ex-cigar aficionado and enjoys the greens and fairways more than the posh cigar lounges.
Apart from the cigars, I remember the new BMW’s. He once said, “I like the engineering – it’s so precise.” He now commutes between Pattaya and Bangkok in a grey compact soft-top Porsche Boxster. Gormley was born in New York and studied art in California, U.S.A. “As a young man, I always wanted to be a craftsman, to work with my hands.” The materials he favored while he was in school were metal, wood and glass. Glass in all forms became his focus because of its endless potential. “I was so interested in my glass projects that I stopped attending classes at the university,” explains Gormley. From California he went to the mountains of Vermont in 1971. He became a freelance glass designer and made stained glass windows in his studio next to a river, in the middle of the sleepy ski resort town of Londonderry. “In Vermont I lived in a cabin up the mountain with no road access in the winter. I put large glass windows in the cabin facing south, looking down the whole valley and across the private 30 acre lake. Mornings were spectacular and I would finish up my designs after breakfast, stick them in my back pack, put on the cross country skis, and ski down the hill, across the lake and up the hill to the van.” After a pleasant long day at work in town, finishing usually at 2:00 a.m., I would drive to the end of the road and ski back home through the magnificent frozen stillness of the forest, zooming out onto and half way across the lake, if I didn’t wipe out on the downhill. I remember the stars would seem to hang on strings and you could almost touch them. Ah, those days. Romantic Vermont memories. To this day I still get most of my inspiration for design, from nature”
“Ten years in Vermont, and 40 below zero on the cold nights, finally got to me, and I moved to Hawaii. The cold weather was gone forever”, he adds.
Knocking on some doors in Honolulu, I met some busy international designers, and was commissioned to produce some large decorative glass ceilings for the American-Hawaii cruise ship lines, of which their S.S. Constitution was being re-fitted in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. After completing the glass ceiling works in my Hawaiian studio on the Big Island, I traveled to the east and completed two weeks of glass installations in Taiwan.
“It didn’t take that much for the fascination of the East to impress me. After a two week holiday stop in Thailand in 1981, on my way back to New York, I became completely intrigued with Thai culture. My next stop was Singapore, where I found a city booming with hotel development, extremely friendly international interior designers, and no one making glass to fulfill their many concepts. With their urgent need for a glass designer I was persuaded to stay in the region, and found myself back in Thailand two weeks later, setting up my glass workshop.
“Although it was a bit difficult to get to Chonburi in those days, I did not like the City of Angels, so I chose Pattaya. It was more relaxed, clean air by the sea, and closer to nature. This is where I set up my home, and workshop”
Most of his work in the last 25 years has been with the largest and most renown interior designers and architects in Asia.Today, Gormley’s glass installations can be seen in the lobbies, dining rooms and bars of the world’s most luxurious hotels such as the Grand Hyatt’s, Ritz-Carlton’s, Peninsula’s, and Sheraton Grande Hotel’s. From Istanbul to Bangkok, to Beijing, Shanghai, and Tokyo.

Recent installations include the huge 4 glass column sculpture in the main lobby of the 800-room Kunlun Hotel in Beijing. The eight-meter tall sculpture, weighing six metric tons, cost fifteen million TBH. Most recently, Gormley and his team of Thai workers completed an eight-day glass installation in the lobby of the new Le Meridien Hotel in New Delhi. Another important element in Gormley’s life is his family. A busy entrepreneur-cum-designer, he still finds time for his three sons, two of whom attend college in the US. His company is also very much en famille since most of his 15 workers and staff have been with him for more than 15 years. Like an extended family, most of the workers live on the workshop compound. And, after 25 years, he still lives in the same house in Na Klua. But, recently, he bought a 12-rai piece of land on the other side of Pattaya near the hills. Gormley’s current project, Glass Artwork Village, is in the planning stages with a new residence, swimming pool, expanded workshop and housing for his workers. Next time you are in the lobby or dining room or stylish bar of a five-star hotel and you see an impressive turquoise green glass sculpture towering above you, you’ll recognize the special talent of the singular glass designer Stephen Gormley.

END TEXT

Horrorlogy - Horology

2008-03-13T08:53:00.000-07:00

John LINDGREN

Bruno Grande of Wyler-Genève: the Watch that fell from the Eiffel Tower

In the rare stratosphere of Haute Horology filled with platinum matte limited editions, chronographs, grand complications, double tourbillions amazing timepieces selling at astronomical retail prices there is a lesser known, yet unique star named Wyler established in 1896 by a Swiss watch maker Paul Wyler the 'Inca flex" inventor.

In 1954 two Wyler Incaflex wrist watches were dropped from the top of the Eiffel tower in Paris, a 300m vertical plunge. The time pieces survived the highest wrist watch free- fall in the world putting the Wyler Incaflex balance wheel concept firmly in the horology history chronicles.

Today, Wyler-Genève is a prestigious Swiss watch marque still manufacturing the most robust, mechanical and shock-resistant timepieces, including the titanium and gold Tourbillions.

Prestige Magazine recently interviewed Bruno Grande, Deputy-CEO of Wyler-Genève. Mr Grande is an Italian who has been living and working across the border in Switzerland for seven years previously with the giant Swiss watch group Swatch. Extracts from the Prestige interview:

Do you remember your first watch? "I remember receiving my first watch from my godmother - but unfortunately I cannot remember which brand it was”.

What is your latest wrist watch purchase?

Bruno Grande says: "Since I started working with Wyler-Genève I am not buying any more watches! I am constantly experimenting by wearing different prototype Wyler-Genève models, changing the dials and the bracelets in order to gauge opinions among my friends and business partners."

As all watch professionals are inveterate collectors also Mr Bruno Grande has his private horological acquisition of 250 pieces. And his favorite watchmakers are Hublot, Jacquet-Droz, Omega, and Patek Philippe.

Regarding this year's coming BASEL WORLD THE WATCH & JEWELRY SHOW from April 3-10 what about the trends in sport & dress watches?

Bruno Grande elaborates: "In the run-up to the BASEL WORLD watch fair, all of the world's major watch brands like to play their cards very close to their chest. The trends only become apparent after the fair and it is difficult to predict them. However, I think there will be a continuation of the trend towards "tone-on-tone" models, which maintain a consistency of colour tone in all aspects of the watch; case, dial, hour markers and hands, bracelet etc."

Regarding the materials; gold, steel and platinum Wyler-Genève Deputy CEO explains "my favorite material is titanium, for it's light weight, it’s robustness and anti-corrosion properties. I also particularly like its "self-healing" property".

Any highlights at the coming 2008 BASEL SHOW?

"For the reasons I have already mentioned, it's hard to predict the highlights at the Basel Show, because all the brands will be competing against each other to set themselves apart. But, Wyler-Genève will launch an interesting world-first-in-the industry that will be difficult to match".

What about the watch fairs W-G attends except Basel?

"Aside from Basel, we are also present at the JCK Show in Las Vegas, the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition in Qatar and the Antalya Jewelry, Silver & Watch Fair in Turkey, says Grande.

How important is Asia and Thailand Wyler-Genève for?

"Both Asia and Thailand are very important markets for us. The keen interest in the W-G brand after our Asian launch in Beijing last year which coincided with the 100th anniversary of the 1907 Wyler-Geneve, Paris-Beijing long distance car race, for which we were the official timekeeper. And our recent Singapore launch in resulted in a significant number of regional orders.

And how much of your trade is in Asia? "the Asian markets account for 20 percent of our business" explains Bruno Grande.

Tell us about the Wyler-Genève 2007/2008 collection.

"This collection is based on a unique three-piece shock-absorbing case that houses the movement in a ultra-strong titanium container. All the models in the current collection use this unique case: a limited-edition of 3,999 self-winding chronographs featuring the inimitable Incaflex balance wheel invented by Paul Wyler in 1927, which is available in 18-carat red gold, titanium and stainless steel; a manual-winding Tourbillon with manufacture movement available in 18-carat red gold and titanium with a limited edition of 24 pieces, including 8 special Paris-Beijing units and also the limited edition of 25 Wyler-Zagato watches, featuring a dial designed in co-operation with the Italian super car designer company Zagato. The Wyler-Zagato watch uses a new manual-winding movement with an 8-day power reserve. With "F" for full and "E" for empty (tank). Just like the fuel gage of a red Ferrari 250 GTZ – Zagato designed! The Wyler-Zagato was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2007. "I'm very proud of the watch with partnership with Zagato

“You have not yet visited Thailand but you say you like the Thai cuisine, which are your favorites dishes”?

"My favourite Thai dishes are Pad Thai and Panaeng Muu" explains Bruno Grande.

And finally what is your business philosophy - your motto?

Personally I like the adage: "the best strategy for the future is to ensure that there is a future" this motto has meanings on different levels, for example that we should always be looking ahead long term, but we should consider the future of our planet, mother earth in a wider context.

This is why W-G became the first Carbo Neutral watch company in the world. And Wyler-Genève will continue to carefully to consider the environmental impact of all its actions with possible reductions of all carbon dioxide emissions".

END TEXT

Chef from Hell. Helsinki Finland Janne Ollikainen

2008-03-13T08:49:00.000-07:00

John LINDGREN

Chef Janne - A Finn in the Central World Convention Kitchen

Janne Ollikainen hails from North Karelia, eastern Finland, the vast, lake-dotted, dens forest hinterland bordering to Russia where maestro Jean Sibelius composed his orchestral masterpieces the Karelia Suite and Finlandia in 1899 - long before NOKIA polyphonic, camera-video-mobile phones and Finlandia vodka.

Chef Ollikainen moved to the Kingdom of Thailand 2007 to settle down. Khun Janne is the first Finnish and second Nordic chef in Bangkok among all the imported cooks; chefs, sous-chefs and patisserie & boulangerie chefs from Central Europe; Austria, France, Germany, Switzerland and the UK. Including Australia, China, India, Singapore Vietnam, Malaysia and Taiwan.

The Daily Express meets the 35 years old slim and fit looking Finn dressed sans his toque blance (the tall, round, pleated, starched white hat worn by chefs in his white chef uniform at the spick and span high-tech Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld. Located at right opposite the Erawan shrine and Police hospital.

Ollikainen is married to a Thai International (TG) flight attendant and the Finn-Thai couple recently bought a townhouse near the Onnut sky-train, BTS-terminus. “I used to commute Helsinki-Bangkok-Helsinki (HEL-BKK-HEL) for nine years. I became a very frequent flyer or the “Flying –Finn from Hell”!

Now, I am a Bangkok resident with a BTS-card says Janne Ollikainen.

His cooking career started beside the family gas stove. He says he always liked to be in the kitchen. “There is a photograph of me when I am five years old in a white, tall, polyester chef’s hat. That must have been a sign” he clips. “I started green and yellow opinions during my summer holidays when I was fifteen”. Later Ollikainen enrolled at the Hotel & Restaurant School at Kuopio, university in eastern Finland and after 3 ½ years he received his diploma.

When Janne Ollikainen was still peeling onions and potatoes the reputation of Finnish cuisine was bleak. Unglamorous eats loaded with cholesterol, clarified butter (ghee), salty, heavy, artery blocking, and heart attack inducing fare. Breakfast: sandwiches thickly buttered (extra salted) and slabs of cheese, red sausage, fat milk, gallons of coffee and tons of sugar.

Luncheons consisting of large fried meat balls, mashed potatoes with heavy salty brown sauce, blood sausage. Desert: ultra sweet fruit soups with milk, cream and more fat milk – to quench the thirst.

The sub artic circle winter darkness required de-stress, de-compression soirees at a smoke filled pubs with a minimum of two packs of full flavored high tar cigarettes, many stiff, sugary Vodka cocktails and cases of ‘strong’ beer to go with the salty potato chips and oily peanuts. All this, not surprisingly resulted in one of the highest heart attacks mortality rates in the world. WHO cardiac arrest top ranking!

And additional insult to injury with Monsieur President Le Jacques Chirac who after visiting Helsinki, the capital said “Followed by Finland, Britain is the country with the worst food”.

The French Presidents statement was important in changing the restaurant scene of Finland. And there has been a remarkable decline in mortality from coronary heart disease and lung cancer, as well.

Enter year 2007. The Finns are healthier than ever and the country is now boasting several expensive Michelin star restaurants winning more coveted stars every year. And the menus offering season’s best and freshest fare. The cooks are called “chefs” and have TV-celebrity status and are invited to the Independence Day reception at the Presidential Palace. “The Independence Party” the one an only for the Finns ranking number two after the Hollywood Oscars Gala.

The hundreds of young chefs like Janne Ollikainen with extensive culinary training covering all cooking, food hygiene and nutrition aspects reaching a molecular level are now taking la cuisine Finlandaise to the next level.

“After my graduation I worked in Klaus Kurki restaurant a prestigious Helsinki boutique hotel, Saariselka Lapland ski-resort hotel and the Alvar Aalto designed Helsinki National Opera House Restaurant” says Janne Ollikainen.

“Thereafter I joined the merchant navy. Six years back-to-back cruise line experience most recently on the red Viking-Line luxury 12 deck floating hotels cum car ferries plying between Helsinki and Stockholm equipped with five star dining rooms, cavernous temperature controlled duty-free wine cellars, VIP Saunas, spa & fitness lounges. Plus the biggest and best equipped hot and cold kitchens in Europe. And the cleanest”.

Janne Ollikainen was the chef-de-partie “the boss of the party”, also known as a "station chef" or "line cook" in restaurant parlance. In large kitchens, like cruise ships each station chef might have several cooks working under him. But I prefer chef-de-partie. To me it sounds better that “station chef” or “line cook” adds Janne. Whose favorite movie is of course “Ratatouille”.

With twenty years experience in cooking operations, kitchen, food cost control, staff training Chef Janne Ollikainen will be in charge the new Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld monster convention centre boasting 6.000 seats theatre-style, and 3.000 sit down diners and 7.000 cocktails guests capacity.

The Convention Centre opened in July 2007. The first event was booked by Hallo Kitty. The pink “naa-rakk” Japanese “King of Cute” merchandise giant.

And when does Ollikainen have time to relax?

Relax? “Not much time to relax, really. But I do play golf: 11 ½ handicap Yes, 11 ½ Soon eleven. Later seven! The Ramintra Army Club is one of my favorite courses”, adds Ollikainen.

And what is chef’s favorite tipple? “Red wine. The Burgundy Pinot Noir and Macallan Speyside single malt whisky. And a fat, long hecho a mano Cuban Cohiba if the right occasion arises”.

What is your preferred food? “Fish, simple seafood, but also the Halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus), and the North Atlantic crustacean, Maine lobster says Ollikainen. Chef Janne likes the Morchella deliciosa, commonly known simply “morel” a highly porous cup fungi is priced by gourmet cooks, particularly the French cuisine. The Finns are known mushroom aficionados. Every autumn is mushroom picking season, de rigueur. The amount of edible fungus growing in Finnish woodlands can reach around a million metric tons – every year. Free food for all in the forest” says, Janne.

And Thai food? “ I have a fondness for Lab Muu (sour salads containing meat, onions, red and green chillies, roasted rice powder and garnished with mint) and Gaeng Som (chili vegetable soup). And sweet and sour yellow curry. I have always been fond of the Thai cuisine” adds Ollikainen.

“In my cooking I like to blend Oriental, Japanese harmony with elements of classic French cooking. Crayfish and salmon from Finland and poached seafood. Raw materials are important so is kitchen equipment and the software; the human resources. Here have the best 25 young chefs, Thai, Chinese, and Japanese. A ambitious team. We have a great team – the kitchen dream team.”

After Kristoffer Luzcak, the first Swedish Executive Chef in Thailand at Peninsula Bangkok now in Macau came Janne Ollikainen. A chef from Suomi- Finland. And I can assure you he is using a Nokia phone.

END TEXT

Tired ? Get new tires!

2008-03-13T08:45:00.000-07:00

Tires. Are you tired? You need new tires! Or tyres, which ever way you prefer.

Vee Rubber Steel Radials 15’

Test Drive Report

The mileage on my midnight black Nissan Sunny Neo reads 150.000 km. The new car smell has long disappeared. Driving my Sunny is no longer as exciting as it used to be, even after a the weekly TGIF double espresso from the new Nawamin Starbucks.

Now, how to get the “the new car feeling” back? Simple, new tires! Four new pneumatic tires (tyres), front and back. That’s all it takes. Trust me.

End of Feb 2008 at the B-Quik service center beside the TESCO LOTUS Rama IV Khun Paiboon outlet manager showed me my Nissan Sunny Neo 1600 shod with four shining, brand new Veee Rubber Steel Radial 15 inch tires. The wheels electronically aligned. Ready to rock and roll.

I pushed the shifter to D (drive). Tap on the accelerator. Wow! As soon as I hit the tarmac on the Rama IV it was like driving a new a Nissan Sunny Neo! First of all the traction, the grip. What a major difference. Now, it was fun to drive again with maximum grip and tight traction. And less noisy. Up on the Raminthra Express Way, Khlong Toey tollgate. Acceleration, speeding up to 90 kph. Wow! Overtaking confidently. “ I’ve max got grip, I’ve got brand new tires”! I say to myself and step on the accelerator.

Near, the new suburban ‘hi-so’ life-style center Crystal Park on Kaset-Nawamin road a rusty, semi broken down Isuzu appears from a dirt road and drives on to K-N four lane main road – without stopping. Without stopping. I slam on the brakes. The grip again this time with stopping power! And easily I steer away from the pick-up avoiding. Breaking with new tires – can be lifesaving.

Verdict: The Vee Rubber tires passed the driving test with flying colours. All departments 10/10.

END TEXT.

Bee Emm double you Diesel.

2008-03-09T21:57:00.000-07:00

Wheels on Fire...

John LINDGREN

A Diesel BMW! Are You Kidding Me?

Roughly 40 percent of all the BMWs sold globally last year were diesel’s. Even the Euro-skeptical automobile loving North Americans are now buying the German luxury ueber diesels. No more rattling, or smoking oil burners. Today’s diesels sedans are clean, quiet, frugal, and powerful high-tech common rail machines.

Phuket Post recently tested the first Bavarian Motor Works diesel, the BMW 520d. As the metallic badge on the trunk indicates: 5 is the model: the 5-series; 20d is the engine size: 2.000 cc and the stands d for diesel, (the engine version named after the German inventor Doktor Rudolf Diesel).

Our demo unit was collected from the BMW head quarters at All Season's M-tower opposite the US ambassador’s residence on Wireless road. First impression is the lean, cool styling, the design definitely not Teutonic but more Californian; muscular fit and trimmed. The Bayerische Motoren Werke - BMW brand image is instantly recognizable: the aggressive front with the aerodynamic rounded white glass headlights, the iconic chrome lined BMW twin kidney grille. There is a touch of the predator look which is further accentuated by the short, shark fin shaped antenna on the roof.

The body is aerodynamically sculpted; a high flowing waistline and the bulging wheel arches housing the large, no-nonsense 17-inch aluminium wheels. The 520d is a full size executive saloon positioned in the BMW line-up between the compact entry level junior executive 3-series and the long, luxury, CEO cum president limousine 7-series.

Driving impressions: In the cockpit I instantly became a pilot! Not just a driver, perfectly fitted into the deliciously scented premium leather upholstery. Surrounded by dials, meters, gauges and a BMW badge in the centre of the firm and perfect multifunction steering wheel. A fine marriage of form and function. And the often joked about idrive info-tainment center was a piece of cake to operate and user friendly like an Ipod. Just click-press-turn and you everything on the 6.5-inch screen located on the centre console: FM radio, CD-tracks and pertinent driving / engine information and the best FM radio dial, by far. Our music selection during the test drive: “Disco Sucks CD Collection” ABBA; "Dancing Queen", Boney M; "Rasputin" and "Hot Stuff" plus Mary Poppins, Pokahontas and the Lion King for our daughter.

On the grey tarmac to the green hinterlands of Khampeng Phet province in the North West along the new smooth four-lane high speed Nakhon Sawan Autobahn the 520d was flying like a racing machine. Glorious raw torque power. This engine is a blast. A tap on the accelerator. Swooosshhh! A deep spine tingling sensation and the crimson speedometer going 100... 150... 180... 200 kilometers per hour. Accompanied by the BMW unmistakable high pitched mechanical engine note.

This turbocharged, inter-cooler powered German wunderwerk with 163 horse power on tap is connected to a seamless, chocolate latte smooth six-speed automatic gearbox. Passing the slow, medium slow and dead slow vehicles was a pure exhilaration until my skateboarding daughter said: Daddy, you're going too fast (185 kph) - again! Approaching the distant traffic lights. The brakes. A light tap. Yes! Supremely accurate, razor sharp and reassuring. The 520d is a safe car as the alphabet soup indicates: ABS, DBC, DST, DTC and of course EDB Electronic Brake Force Distribution system including stability, traction and anti-lock brake systems. The works.

And now the the truly amazing fuel consumption: 14.5 kilometer per litre! Only half tank 35 litres to reach Khampeng Phet, Khasikorn Thai Bank intersection opposite Siriporns ”Aroy Noodleshop” 410 kilometers from Krungtheep Mahanakhorn (Bangkok). Full tank (70 liters) will take you all the way to the North, Chiang Mai ( Sawadee – Chaoo”). No refueling!

Verdict: BMW 520d is the “ultimate (Diesel) driving machine” currently available in Thailand. And the best looking luxury diesel saloon, too. Sticker price? A cool TBH 3,6 million.

END TEXT

john lindgren

2008-03-07T05:20:00.000-08:00

Ranta Rei & Rilluma Rei

Laissez faire, laisser passer - No interference, and complete freedom of movement

Quesnay, Francois 1694-1774