Like I'm living a vintage dream
The city is in the middle of turning points and tipping points. If the traffic is any indication, then the holidazed and confused countdown to Christmas is saying a big “hello!” to all of us — so let’s wave back and embrace the season. So what if I’m so excited about this time of the year that I’ve put up my Christmas tree months in advance? Like birthdays, it only comes once a year.
Speaking of which, it was a double celebration for Jonathan Crespi and Stephanie Zubiri last week. It was Steph’s birthday two weeks back and so she converted their new home into a vintage Mad Men-inspired loft, complete with flapper chicks, big band sounds and roaringly game guests. Dapper dudes came in suspenders matched with their bow ties, a salute to old world gentry that is oh-so-Jonathan Crespi. Stephy, the consummate hostess, went around to entertain the ladies, who came in pouf skirts and donned even poufier (or poutier) red lips. Other guests came as Jackie O, Greta Garbo and Audrey Hepburn while Vicky Zubiri came as...Vicky Zubiri.
House parties are really charming. They provide perfect “calm-before-the storm” moments. What’s more, it gives you a chance to be in control of everything (since it’s your home) and so you can really get into the nitty-gritty of it all — yes, God is in the details. And when the “God” is played by the modern epicurean, things are surely five notches more interesting and fun!
To Stephy, belated happy birthday and may more of your dreams (vintage or teenage, take your pick) come true!
New Beginnings
Manila is on a roll. New spots are popping out and about, just in time for the influx of everyone for the holiday season. Across A. Venue on Makati Avenue, what was once a real estate showroom is now a hot, new club called KYSS. Scene staple Mahesh Mirpuri teams up with Styles sensation Jon Herrera to elevate this space with their passion for nightlife with two levels of entertainment spaces — a restaurant downstairs and a dance bar upstairs. KYSS serves progressive Asian food with hints of Filipino, Thai and Indian — a must try!
If you’re wondering what the white gates are doing on the exterior of the space formerly known as Wasabi, well it is now called Robot. Robot stands for “Robatayaki,” as in the nouveau Japanese fusion cuisine, inspired by those found in LA like Katana and Katsuya, Busie Suzie in Hong Kong or Nobu in New York. The space is decidedly white, with shifting colors of light. Chef Nino Laus of Ninyo’s — that famous date and dining spot on Katipunan is behind this open-show-kitchen — ”The better to see you with, my dear.” Last Thursday Thanksgiving day, an exclusive set of celebrities sampled Chef Nino’s Robot eight-course degustation — to-die-for! They are now open for a soft run before the grand opening in December.
And another milestone is reached by this city’s nightlife with the opening of yet another masterpiece, Opus. Located right beside Republiq Cafe at Resorts World Manila, this is the lounge of all lounges. Opus’ resto side has Chef Carlo Miguel (of Biggest Loser: Asia fame) at the helm. I was one of the lucky Ocean’s 11 pack who sampled his cuisine last Tuesday and every bite transported me to heaven. Yes, he’s that good. And the interiors, masterfully designed and executed by Erik Cua, deserve a standing ovation.
Oh, did I tell you that our Supreme to the Extreme Awards night is going to be held at Opus this coming December 13? Now, that one you cannot miss. It only comes once in two years. Cheers to the LOL-idays, Supremos!
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Yes, to the new and now, follow me at twitter.com/iamtimyap.
