Monday, August 30, 2010
Monday, November 3, 2008
Chef Ollikainen from Finland
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
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
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
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
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Antonio Citterio Architect & Designer
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
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
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
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?
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
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
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Italian design Mama Mia...
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
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
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