Photos by Mr.T and me
On me: Sloppy Joe Zimmermann, Shorts Lover, Shoes Brian Atwood, Bag Valentino Garavani, Earrings BAUBLEBAR
Hi guys! A warm welcome back for me haha. Sorry, I've been MIA for a while...sometimes, we all need to take a bit of time out, a bit of me time, to keep ourselves sane. That's exactly what I did the past month. These picts were taken in early September, before my time out...I've almost forgotten about them.
Anyways, enough about my 'me time'... Remember my obsession with bomber jackets? Well, that obsession was actually borne out of my love for sweat shirts. It's my fail-safe, go-to, top of choice. Think about it, it's comfortable, versatile, great for those I-don't-feel-like-I'm-looking-my-best-to-glam-up days, and when worn with the right pieces, it transitions from day to night while maintaining that air of insouciance to the outfit.
I've been lucky enough that the sweat shirt has re-surfaced as a cult piece last season and continues to be this season. This has afforded me plenty of choices. When I saw this one by Zimmermann, it was love at first site. It's made of organza silk, giving the sloppy joe subtle structure (allowing it to show off the beautiful 'honour' crest design - central to Zimmermann's Spring / Summer 2013 collection - 'Class of 2013').
Oh, this was date night by the way. We decided to try Ding Dong, a newish project (at the time) of our favourite chef Ryan Clift. The concept is fusion South East Asian, and the result is a fabulous bright mix of texture and flavours; twists to classic South East Asian street food favourites with some of the dishes being a pure experimental delight. Choose from their a la carte menu or for newbies, I highly recommend the 'degustation menu' - compilation of their best sellers.
I must also mention, their cocktails are a must try - modern fusion twists to classics: Mojitos using palm sugar, sake mixed with yoghurt and espresso martinis using Vietnamese style coffee drips(pictured). All this talk (typing) is strongly eliciting my urge to re-visit this place.
By the way, I still have heaps of pictures from my last trip back home. I know it feels so long ago now and almost irrelevant, but it took me a while to sort them all out and it would be such a waste if I don't publish them. So I hope you won't mind too much if I put up the picts in my next few posts.
'Till then,
xOxo
Photos by Mr. T
On me: T Shirt Zoe Karssen, Shorts Zara, Hat local purchase, Espadrilles Chanel, Bag Chanel Boy, Glasses Maison Martin Margiela, Jewellery Vintage Cartier, What Women Want & Miansai
Nothing beats street food! The local flavours gives you the best sense of a place...although I didn't go full street food feast this time 'round (I was a bit unsure if my stomach could take it after a massive night out), the closest I got was the 'banh mi' (photo 1) from a cart sitting half inside a random shop; the first time I had to employ the 'close enough is good enough' philosophy. This Vietnamese style sub is meat filled with a dash of fresh cucumber, coriander, pickled carrots and the best part... thick pork pate was spread all over like butter (all food groups covered in one baguette). If you ever want to have your first taste of street food in Ho Chi Minh, I do recommend easing your stomach into it with the banh mi (and try the mixed ham one first before moving onto bigger and better things like grilled pork, bbq pork, marinated pork belly and grilled chicken). The one we were recommended to go to, is on 'Nguyen Hue' (street), next to a bookstore called Fahasa (District 1, opposite the Duxton Hotel). Sorry, I can't give you the name, I don't think they have one(even the local who recommended this one used the bookstore as a point of reference - that's when we knew we were onto something good) and it's not on any travel reviews either.
Ngon Restaurant (photos 5 - 8): it's the best place to sample classic Vietnamese dishes anytime time of the day. At first sight it appeared very touristy, however, when I saw just as many locals coming here during their lunch break - I knew it was a winner (in case you were wondering, yes, I came here everyday I was in Ho Chi Minh). It's set in a old but well-aired colonial building, with seatings on the courtyard and cute little food stations all around (photo 8) preparing different signature dishes. I have to say, my favourite dish was the papaya salad (photo 7), but I do highly recommend the crispy pancake as well. It's a yellow coloured crepe with fillings of bean sprouts, prawns and herbs, then drowned in Vietnamese styled vinegar (I think the vinegar is the key to Vietnamese dishes). The skin on the summer rolls were a little hard...but that wasn't enough to deter me. As I'm not a dessert person, I didn't have any so I can't make a recommendation. In place of dessert, I had iced coffee which just hit the spot. It's traditional Vietnamese drip coffee with condense milk and a heap of ice - it may not sound appealing, but trust me, it's quite addictive.
Xu Restaurant Lounge (photo 9): We didn't get a chance to do the cocktail lounge, but went straight for the degustation menu (ground level boasts the funky cocktail lounge with a DJ and the whole shabang, level 2 is a proper restaurant). The menu is modern Vietnamese, and you can choose from a la carte or degustation. We, of course went for the degustation paired with wine. Although, we went there on our last night and suffering from food overload, the food was still amazing and a must do.
Oh, if you ever go, you need to ask for the 'special rice cubes in dry ice' (it's not on the menu) - little tiny cubes of puffed glutinous rice, dipped in dry ice; the waiter then gives this to you in your hands, tells your to juggle it between both your hands pop it straight into your mouth. Bite into it and see the smoke come out of your face haha (make sure you have your video camera handy, it's quite a spectacle). Be warned, the flavour of the cubes are durian (the extremely smelly yellow mushy fruit with a spiky husk) - but lucky for me, it was quite subtle (yes, I'm a durian virgin 'till now) and the novelty of the ice distracted me long enough for me eat it then realise what the flavour was.
Renaissance Riverside Hotel (photos 10 - 11)
Location : It's conveniently located in District 1, with a good view of the Saigon River. It's walking distance to all the main buildings, bars and clubs.
Rooms: The room are well lit (although, lighting is not great for doing your makeup) clean and spacious. Tip: best lighting for doing makeup in the room is to use the mirror at the entrance / hallway.
Amenities: Cafe / restaurant at ground level; if you have lounge access, I recommend coming here for breakfast rather than the lounge (you can even have made to order pho for breakfast - note: apparently for breakky, you are not supposed to have all the herbs with the noodle); there is also a small gift shop near the check in desk, 'Diva Silk'. You can actually have tailoring done here. I got some trousers made and a pair of shorts (will show you next time). I would recommend you have one item made first, then, once you are happy with it, have the rest of your wishlist made. It takes about 2 - 3 days, including fittings (they will always promise you one day, but day one is really the fitting only). Tip: even though your measurements are taken, tailors (across the board) will try and scringe on fabric, so make sure you emphasise that you want a generous fit. When you try on your items, take your time, walk around in it, sit down in it, and, if you have a shirt made, even try hugging yourself (you will definitely look weird, but trust me, there's nothing more unattractive than seam seepage).
Till next time, xOxo
Photos by Mr. T and Me
On me: Shirt Honore, Shorts Zara, Shoes Chanel Espadrilles, Bag Chanel Boy, Glasses Maison Martin Margiela, Jewellery Vintage Cartier What Woment Want & Miansai
This was my very first trip to Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City definitely exceeded my every expectation. Although I stayed and explored mostly around District 1, due to time constraints, I had so much fun. The streets were clean and not as crazy busy as I thought - everyone warned me about crossing the road, and although the first few times were scary, once you get use to it... it was a piece of cake! Note: hold your breath and keep crossing calmly - the cars and motorbikes will know how to avoid you; but sudden running across and or stopping - will be a mistake. If you're still afraid, the 'Tourist Security' officers in dark green uniforms will happily help you cross the road (or do what I did a few times and tailgate a local crossing the road).
We did all the must-see: The Opera House (photos 7 & 8), Notre Dame Cathedral (next blog: EXPLORING HO CHI MINH PART II), Saigon Central Post Office and City Hall(all reachable by foot if you don't mind the heat). The architecture were amazing, retaining all their colonial charm with local touches. People were also uber friendly, you could stop and ask, and anyone will be more than happy to give you directions or suggest places worth visiting.
Now, the important bit of a trip: food. Vietnamese food is AMAZEBALLZ! The summer rolls (photo 12) were definitely my favourite! Bit of prawn, bit of pork, heaps of herbs and vermicelli noodles all wrapped in rice paper goodness and dipped in a beautiful vinegar sauce...I definitely will have to visit again very soon.
On me: Before I forget, my outfit - these shorts by Zara and this shirt by Honore, along with my Chanel Espadrilles, have to be the best buys of my recent times (in fact, I love this outfit and the combination of the print on the shirt and shorts so much, I wore it again - photo 5). They match (or purposely clash) with anything, super comfy, and weigh next to nothing when packing for short trips, definitely pieces to last me a lifetime.
xOxo
