D-Brief Edition 26 - Hip Hang Outs

D-Brief

Edition 26

Hip Hang Outs

D-Brief Bangkok, 31 October 2012

Dear Partners, One of the biggest elements to enjoying a holiday and taking home great memories is, for most people, to get out and experience a city‟s nightlife.

Asia‟s vibrant cities are renowned for their unrivalled entertainment choices and in this edition of D-Brief we‟ve selected a few of the best drinking and bar hopping hot spots, nightclubs and bar-restaurants. Trends come and go. What might be described as a trendy restaurant in last year‟s travel guide, is probably considered “mainstream” by now, with the locals having long moved on to a new eatery.

This is your chance to discover what„s hip, hot and happening right now and to dance the night away in the most stylish and chic places.

The choices are endless, so get out there and discover your own favourites.

We hope you enjoy the nightlife as much as we all do!

Sincerely,

Your Diethelm Travel Team

Hip Hang Outs in 4 of Asia’s top cities

Bangkok

Singapore

There are so many faces of this city that in one night you can experience mind blowing contrasting scenes - from sophisticated wine bars serving premium wines by the glass and authentic tapas to grungy hip hop clubs and street vendors selling drinks and tasty local bites either walking or sitting on the pavement.

Singapore offers some of the most sophisticated dining and nightclub choices, not only in the region but the world. However, this vibrant city also hides some great trendy, relaxed roof top bars and affordable hip hang out options.

Siem Reap & Phnom Penh Rapidly becoming renowned for its fun, welcoming, trendy and stylish bars and restaurants, both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh have a range of exciting roof top bars, Chinese art lounges and romantic dining experiences just waiting to be enjoyed.

Hong Kong We have given our favourite dining experiences in D-Brief, but for the whole range of nightclubs, neighbourhood pubs and the hippist bars, check out the following website, as what‟s in and what‟s out changes almost daily in this frenetic city. http://www.hiphongkong.com/drink/bars/ nightclubs/pubs

Thailand - Hip Hang Outs

Bangkok - Party capital of Asia Trying to decide on a short list for one of the most vibrant entertainment capitals of the world was never going to be an easy task. Bangkok boasts an unrivalled variety of nightlife to suit all tastes and pockets.

Choose from the luxurious sky-bar options with their 360 degree views of the Thai capital, to underground industrial designed bars and clubs, to galleries and cosy wine bars. Bangkok has it all.

As Bangkok is home to Diethelm Travel Group‟s head office, we asked a number of our account and sales managers from different parts of the globe, of varying age ranges and with differing tastes, what their short list of Bangkok‟s „Hip Hang Outs‟ would be. We received an extensive list and the following recommendations are ones we have shortlisted as new, different or great existing venues catering to a wide audience looking to enjoy a city that never sleeps.

Q Bar - Sukhumvit Soi 11 Located just off the famous Sukhumvit road in a small street, Soi 11, Q Bar has become one of the hottest tickets on the Bangkok night scene. Designed for different tastes, there is an upstairs section with a lounge vibe to it, where one can relax, smoke a cigar and sip your drink of choice. Alternatively, downstairs, the dance-floor takes centre stage with a real party atmosphere that goes on until the early hours of the morning.

The interior reflects a futuristic look, boldly lit with neon florescent lights and soft furnishings and wild animal prints. A feast for the eyes! Q Bar has Bangkok‟s largest selection of spirits and cocktails and hosts international guest touring DJs.

Who does Q Bar suit? Those looking for a hip and happening night. Located in the heart of the party district of Sukhumvit, it‟s the kind of place you would not go to before 10 p.m. It‟s ideal for late night party seekers and very popular with expatriates living in Bangkok. Accessible by BTS to Nana and a short walk to Soi 11.

The Nest - Sukhumvit Soi 11 The Nest, located opposite Q Bar, on top of the Le Fenix Hotel is the ideal casual open rooftop location for pre-dinner or pre-party drinks. Packed every night of the week, it‟s popular with the Bangkok cool scene as well as tourists. Nest‟s relaxed style, where you can lounge back on a day-bed and drink your favourite aperitif or choose from the tasty menu offering Asian-European Fusion cuisine. The Nest also regularly plays host to international DJ‟s.

Special promotions and events happen on a weekly basis, including the very successful Barrio Latino party featuring plenty of Latino beats and styles with DJ Dinio, percussion maestro Claudio, and special guests.

On Thursday‟s, check out “LIVE with NEST MUSIC” presenting some awesome musicians and singers, such as Johnny O, Tara, The Bangkok Collective and many more. All of this is just a small selection of the varied entertainment on offer at The Nest from midweek onwards and every night from 9 pm.

The Iron Fairies - Sukhumvit Soi 55, Thonglor Wickedly atmospheric, Iron Fairies is named after its unique décor and ambiance, created by hundreds of small „iron fairies‟ made by its Australian owner which dot the bar. A combination of an antique factory, or rather blacksmith‟s workshop only adds to the ambience of this hugely popular wine bar and restaurant.

At 9 o‟clock, the jazz band starts up from its corner slot nestled between tables and the tiny spiral staircase. This place is definitely a must see but beware, you may miss it. This is a small and quaint bar easily mistaken for another run-of-the mill joint in Thonglor.

Reservations are not accepted, as it operates on a first come basis and the doors close once the capacity of 55 people is reached. After this, the host will take your name and telephone number, and will call once a table or seat becomes available.

Part of the same family, visit “Roast” at Seenspace, Thonglor Soi 13, for a delicious brunch or dinner.

Tuba - Ekkamai Soi 21 Tuba can be found deep in Ekkamai Soi 21 and is known for its bizarre concept with antique furniture showroom and unusual bar. It‟s a really cool spot to visit when you are looking to immerse yourself in the real Bangkok bar scene.

Very popular with the arty and hip local crowd, Tuba not only serves an excellent signature mojito, but delicious and very reasonably priced Thai food.

While sipping your cocktail, one can admire this Aladin‟s cave of furniture with retro pieces, focusing on the 50‟s-70‟s.

Who would Tuba suit? Those looking to get away from the usual tourist night spots and enjoy a relaxing atmosphere with unusual but interesting surroundings at very affordable prices. Its like going to a very cool friend‟s home for drinks.

Accessible by BTS to Ekkamai and a short taxi drive or walk.

Spasso Restaurant & Bar - Rajdamri Road Spasso Restaurant & Bar, located in the basement of the Grand Hyatt Erawan, is not just a restaurant (serving Italian cuisine) but also transforms itself into a bar/discotheque with live music.

With its contemporary and sophisticated setting, Spasso is an Italian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and relaxing vibe serving tasty dishes.

At around 10 pm it morphes into a night club with resident live band, which rotates every six months and comes from all corners of the world.

There is a separate area with a stage and dance floor. Music varies from classic disco hits to the latest R&B tracks.

Accessible by BTS to Chidlom and a short walk to the hotel.

Cambodia - Hip Hang Outs

Nest - Siem Reap Nest is a city center oasis, set back from the road in a pleasant patio garden setting with intimate, candle-lit daybeds under a canvas-tented roof tucked away in a lush tropical garden.

In this unique al fresco cocktail lounge, guests can choose from an extensive cocktail menu that claims to be one of the regionâ€&#x;s best, while sampling dishes that blend Mediterranean and Asian flavors and listening to DJ-spun tunes.

FCC Angkor - Siem Reap FCC Angkor is set in the tranquil Old French quarter, amongst mature trees alongside the Siem Reap River. The restaurant‟s interior with its high ceiling, overhead fans and open plan kitchen adds a modern feel to the building built in the 1960‟s and is in keeping with the casual ambiance that is the FCC. The walls are adorned with a range of 1960‟s photographs from Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

They offer an extensive menu of international, fusion and locally-inspired contemporary food. After a full day of sightseeing, this is the place to come to wind down and enjoy some happy hour cocktails!

Chow Rooftop - Phnom Penh Another rooftop option, Chow offers seating that overlooks the Tonle Sap as well as a tiny pool that customers are free to use while enjoying their cocktails.

This chic riverfront restaurant and bar offers an urban ambiance with clean modern decor and simple lines, a menu of Asian fusion and contemporary cuisine and a bar to be envied - top cocktails, a smart wine selection and a choice of fine spirits.

Great happy hour specials with spectacular sunset views.

Le Moon - Phnom Penh Sunset is one of the loveliest times of the day in Phnom Penh and at this time, there is no where better to be than at Le Moon, when the locals start their aerobics routines and the expats allow themselves the first cocktail of the day. For the most stunning views of the riverside, Le Moon, the new rooftop terrace of Amanyaja Pancam Hotel is the place to be! With an open railing, there is little obstruction to a 180-degree view across the river, along the esplanade and across to Wat Ounalom.

This bar/lounge terrace serves finger food and cold & warm desserts.

Singapore - Hip Hang Outs

Helipad Helipad is a roof top bar situated in the vicinity of Clarke Quay, the riverside party district of Singapore.

Its exact location is on top of the „Central Mall‟, and is accessed via the car park elevator.

Helipad is possibly one of the best spots in Clarke Quay, as here you can party to your heart‟s content without having to squeeze amongst the crowds. The bar is a spectacular venue for drinking while enjoying the cool breeze and night scenery of the river.

There is a dance floor on the lower level of Helipad which enlivens the whole night-out experience. The specialty drink is the Helipad Ice Tea, a concoction of Barcadi 151, Blue Curacao and lime juice. Guests are advised to dress smartly, and minimum cover charges are applicable.

It‟s best to arrive earlier on weekdays before 9 pm for Helipad‟s Happy Hours!

The Still Bar The Still Bar is one of the newest bars in Singapore having opened in March 2012. The bar is located at 22 Dempsey, alongside other gourmet restaurants and is surrounded by greenery and away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The indoor setting features a U-shaped bar with modern furnishings.

Featuring a a stage for local musicians and band‟ performances, guests can relax and enjoy the music while sipping cocktails. Still Bar‟s signature cocktail is the cocktail-float resembling an alcoholic ice cream soda, and one of the recommended is Wish List; this is a concoction of whisky, crème brulee with Baileys and root beer ice cream! For those who do not have a sweet tooth, you can indulge in the unique blend of martinis.

Choose the outdoor seating to fully enjoy the cool evening breeze, plugged-in music and twinkling lights on the trees, while reclining on the large sofa chairs.

Casual attire is sufficient and no cover charge is required.

Catalunya Catalunya is a contemporary Spanish restaurant situated in The Fullerton Pavilion and perched high above the waters of Marina Bay. Looking out from inside the glass-encased dome are awesome 360 degree views across Singaporeâ€&#x;s glittering nightscene.

Executive chef Alain Devahive Tolosa supervises the culinary direction of the restaurant, so donâ€&#x;t expect anything less than the finest gourmet dishes to be served from this Michelin star chef.

Catalunya serves a wide range of Spanish cuisine, focusing mainly on tapas and true to its name, Catalunyan cuisine. The tapas theme makes it ideal for families or a group of friends wishing to share dishes.

One of its signature dishes is the Segovian style suckling pig, carved at the table to prove the crispness and softness of the meat.

For those of us who live in Asia, there is no need now to fly all the way to Spain, as you can get the same authentic experience in Singapore!

Pollen At Pollen, you can experience fine dining in a garden setting, as the restaurant is located in the flower conservatory dome at Gardens by the Bay, currently the newest attraction in Singapore. This unique location, with temperatures hovering around 20 degrees Celsius, makes for a perfect place for diners to escape from the local heat and humidity. If the walk from the main attraction entrance doesnâ€&#x;t appeal, then the restaurant provides a buggy service.

Pollen takes its inspiration from the Pollen Street Social in London, opened by Michelin star Jason Atherton. It serves Mediterranean-inspired modern European cuisine. There are two levels in the restaurant; the first floor is the main dining hall while the upper level features a long wine bar. The must try dishes include the slow cooked eggs (starter), marinated lamb cutlets and completed with the peanut butter with cherry yuzu sorbet (better known as PB&J).

Reservations are highly recommended.

Avalon The renowned nightclub brand Avalon is situated in the Crystal Pavilion of Marina Bay Sands along with Pangaea, another international nightclub chain.

Avalon comes the more highly recommended of the two as party-goers gain a great local experience of the Singaporean nightclub scene. Avalon has an amazing futuristic décor as well as state-of-the-art sound and light systems.

The 12,000 square feet club features two dance floors with ample space for clubbers to flaunt their dance moves. The crowd consists mainly of the professional locals and expats. On regular nights, the resident DJ‟s spin house and trance music. There are numerous guest DJ‟s appearances so check out the website for the line-ups.

There is a cover charge of SGD 35 and standard drinks range from SGD 15 onwards.

Attica There are many nightclubs in the party district at Clarke Quay, and amongst these, the most strongly recommended is Attica. This nightclub caters to the trendy and fun-loving party goers, with drinks at reasonable prices. The best part about Attica is that it is open until 6 am on weekends; it‟s the only club in Singapore which keeps its doors open so late.

The location is very easy to find beside the shopping mall „Liang Court‟, adjacent to the Singapore River.

The club consists of Attica as well as Attica Two, and both parts offer a sense of vibrancy combined with a bold and chic architectural design setting.

Coupled with contemporary music ranging from Latino to House, craze-filled clubbers are bound to have a wild and fun-filled night.

Attica is definitely a hot club venue in Singapore with just the right vibe for all clubbers.

Hong Kong - Hip Hang Outs

Hong Kong is a dynamic city of sizzling woks, tinkling wine glasses, boisterous celebrations, cozy bars, restaurants, and hip hang outs until late. Everywhere you turn there is the temptation to indulge.

Resistance is futile!

With more than 11,000 eateries, Hong Kong could be described as a dining district in itself. The more popular wine & dine districts are located in Lan Kwai Fong and SoHo in Central on Hong Kong Island and Knutsford Terrace in Tsimshatsui on Kowloon, where bars, clubs and nightlife come alive after the sun sets!

And donâ€&#x;t forget the celebrated seafood districts at Lei Yue Mun in Kowloon East, Sai Kung in the New Territories and on Lamma Island, where visitors have a good selection of restaurants to choose from and often a great sea view as well as a lively alfresco dining ambience.

Hip watering holes For some of the hip watering holes do try: The Ozone. The highest bar in the world located on the 118th floor of the Ritz Carlton Hotel in the International Commerce Centre with an ambience of futuristic décor with comfortable sofa areas, pulsating music and a stunning view of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island - if it‟s a clear day or evening! To accompany the extensive variety of cocktails, wines and champagne try their specialties - caviar, Asian style taps and even mini waygu beef burgers!

The Dragon-I with its stylish settings for fashionable people makes this the perfect place to see and to be seen. Located in the upper ground floor of the Centrium at 60 Wyndham Street in the Lan Kwai Fong area, Dragon-I has been described as the ultimate experience when clubbing in Hong Kong - always jam-packed with hardcore clubbers and celebrities with internationally renowned D.J.‟s from around the world.

Western dining experience Treat yourself to a great dining experience: For Western food Felix - Located on the 28th floor of the celebrated Peninsula Hotel, Hong Kong‟s “Grande Dame”, Felix is an evocative and strikingly avant-garde restaurant designed by Philippe Starck, which exudes modern chic and offers a spectacular view of Hong Kong and Kowloon. The venue serves a great selection of contemporary European dishes as well as an extensive wine and cocktail list in its trendy bar.

The Pawn - located in one of Hong Kong‟s few remaining tenement housings in the historical Wanchai District on Hong Kong Island, it was previously the infamous Woo Cheong Pawnshop dating back to the 1880‟s and now converted into a hub of hip dining. In a city where being the newest, the biggest and the fastest has always come first, The Pawn became a welcome breather from overdevelopment. It shows how old buildings with a sense of history and character can be converted to remain relevant and offer great enjoyment today.

Chinese dining experience For Chinese Food Established in 1926, the Lin Heung ("Fragrant Lotus") Tea House is one of the oldest restaurants in Hong Kong, where unpretentious diners contest for shabby seats at this historical tea house and share tables as ceiling fans whirl and an ancient wall clock keeps time.

Located at 160-164 Wellington Street in Hong Kong's Central District, this eatery makes no concessions to modernity or to English speakers, so be prepared for pantomime or go with a Cantonese-speaking friend!

But the celebrated restaurant offers a tasty and a slice of Old Hong Kong.

Seafood dinning experience Established in 1984, Rainbow Seafood Restaurant is located at Sok Kwu Wan on Lamma Island, and is affiliated with the largest fish farm in Hong Kong. It started out as a family-type restaurant with a capacity of only 40 seats, and today is now the largest open-air restaurant on Lamma Islandâ€&#x;s waterfront with a seating capacity of 800.

So what should you order? Pick your catch from the glass aquariums. Why not try the fresh chili crab, garlic prawns, deep fried squid and steamed fish with ginger and spring onions? Feeling bold? How about cuttlefish or razor clams in Szechuan sauce?

The restaurant offers free ferry service to and from Central Ferry Pier No. 9 in Central and Tsim Sha Tsui's public pier, with less frequent service from Aberdeen; reservations are required (check the schedule on the restaurant's website).

Coconut Ice Cream "Creamy ice cream with a rich coconut flavor. A sweet treat that any coconut lover would enjoy.“ Ingredients • • • •

1 cup milk 1 (14 ounce) can cream of coconut 1 1/2 cups heavy cream 1 1/2 cups sweetened flaked coconut (optional)

Preparation Method 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Combine the milk and cream of coconut in the container of a food processor or blender.

Mix thoroughly.

Stir in cream and flaked coconut.

Pour into the container of an ice cream maker.

Freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Footnotes Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes Original Recipe yield: 8 servings

Recipe source: http://allrecipes.com

Do not confuse sweetened cream of coconut, used in this recipe, with unsweetened coconut milk or cream. The sweetness in this recipe comes from the cream of coconut.

Recipe

Coming Up: Ghe Ngo Boat Race Festival, Soc Trang Mekong Delta Coming up in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam on 27th – 28th November 2012 is the Khmer New Years Day festival. The festival is a religious service to worship the moon god of the Kho Me minority group. People thank the moon god who brings about good crops, provides abundant fish in the rivers, and maintains the health of human beings. Khmer people in the Mekong Delta, mainly in Soc Trang, celebrate this event with ceremonies, feasts and Ngo boat races.

The long and slim boats are often made from the hollowed-out trunk of a Sao tree and are able to hold about 50 men each. Prior to the race, people place incense and candles on the boats and, accompanied by a traditional orchestra of gongs, perform various ceremonies to choose the boats' captain and crew.

One man is chosen to sit on the prow, where he will pray to the gods and entertain the rowers.

The races themselves are thrilling, as the rowers push themselves to the limit, encouraged by the jubilant cheers of the crowd. In the evening, an “armada” of floating lights will be put onto the water.

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