The French connection

Authentic and reasonably priced French pastries and baked products are now available at Lartizan, which opened its first restaurant in Serendra. This delicious find sums up French Baker owner Johnlu Koa’s efforts to bring in genuine French cuisine to the Filipino connoisseur.

 The origin of Lartizan Restaurant traces back to when Johnlu had Mickey’s Delicatessen in full operation a few years ago. The concept of Lartizan Boulangerie further introduced the development of French cuisine to the market, convincing Johnlu to launch two new branches in Rockwell and Glorietta in 2010. From this period in their evolution they have cultivated what they learned and made it into something truly distinguished and remarkable — a cultured, refined and urbane French dining experience.

Johnlu says, “It’s a recipe of our ambitions to build a spot where the crème de la crème of our products can be presented, ranging from the pastries, breads, sour dough and other culinary masterpieces. It couldn’t have come at a better time since we are also celebrating our 25th year. Given that kind of track record, we are ready to take this to the next level. We want the Filipino consumer to love French cuisine.”

 Not settling with the success he has had with French Baker, Johnlu decided to step it up a notch higher by giving his customers a genuine French connection with a place that offers not only the best French cuisine available, but also the overall feel and ambience of the dining experience he has experienced before.

Everything from furniture to utensils came from Europe and it isn’t difficult to imagine that you are in the middle of Paris when you dine and indulge in this place. Johnlu adds, “Asking myself on what I wanted Lartizan to be like, the basis would have to be what I experienced myself in my travels, the same treatment and class is what we try to show to our customers. And if I am satisfied with how it makes me feel, then I know our customers will like it as well.”

The place boasts of 36 tea variants of Mariage Frères, composed of several Earl Grey, black and white teas. Apart from its teas, Lartizan offers the perfect mixture of sour dough in pastries.  This art is made possible because of Johnlu’s wealth of experience in sour dough production since he started refining and perfecting his skills more than a decade ago.

He says, “Sour dough production is very distinctive from normal French baking, and that kind of product is not available in the market till now.”

Lartizan also offers a premium selection of flavored croissants, muffins, brioche and baguettes. The dishes served range from salads, pasta and soups to desserts such as the bestselling Strawberry shortcake and Pistachio Sans Rival. Considered as part of the French way of life, Lartizan offers a variety of wines and champagnes as well.

(Lartizan is located at Serendra, 26th corner McKinley Parkway, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. For reservations, call 511-7866.)

Sailing through the season of sun

The summer heat is in tune with the 25th year celebration of Regatta, the Filipino clothing brand known for its classic, casual and outdoor style. The brand’s silver anniversary celebration is highlighted by a series of sizzling events including a recent fashion show that unveiled the brand’s Summer Collection and the launch of its limited edition eau de toilette (EDT) scents.

Regatta’s team led by brand director Ronnie Celestial and associate brand manager Ira Sarmiento unveiled the summer collection of Summer Swimwear, Tropical Collection and Essentials. Each has that burst of bright hues and summer prints that depict fun, relaxed and outdoor style.

Regatta, in a program hosted by Gelli Victor, also presented its EDT scents for men and women that embody a fresh ocean scent with hints of lime and a mix of floral and citrus fruits. Also announced at the event were the brand’s upcoming activities, including the 14th Hobie Challenge in Cebu.

Celestial said, “Regatta continues to sail through the endless horizons by providing the ultimate leisure fashion as it offers a wide range to suit every activity from summer, tropical and essentials. This tradition will surely carry on in the next years to come.”

The brand has truly flourished throughout the years and is setting its sails across the ocean to the international borders of Middle East and Asia Pacific.

Wanderlust in style

For many, traveling is a great way to get that much-needed vacation, explore new places, or simply to follow their wanderlust.

Discover the wonders of the city from the ethnic enclave of Chinatown in Binondo to the historic Rizal Park and Intramuros and picturesque seaside along Roxas Boulevard in Manila; or take in the sights of the country’s beautiful islands dotted with beaches. Seek new adventures outside the country such as an exotic Asian tour or a European sojourn to get your fill of historic sites and experience new cultures.

But wherever you go, there’s a need to travel in utmost comfort, especially when it comes to your feet. Skechers GOwalk 2 is made specifically for travelers who need comfort and support in every stride.

Skechers GOwalk 2 enthusiasts have been raving about the walking shoes’ snug fit, with an insole that acts like a pillow for your feet and reportedly provides a “spring in every step.”

More than being a stylish walking shoe, the Skechers GOwalk 2 boasts of its innovative V-Stride technology. This special feature works by following your feet’s natural stride and carefree movement while walking. The added GO impulse sensors found underneath the shoe are optimized to complement the V-Stride technology feature of the shoe. These sensors are linked together and placed where the foot needs most cushioning and stability.

While you’re busy walking, the GOwalk 2 shoes are doing a work of their own, too. A lightweight Resalyte cushioning absorbs the impact of your steps so that you can walk with ease. It also has a roomier forefront section made of four-way stretch material, which reduces friction for added comfort. Another thing that makes this shoe special is its integrated OrthoLite anti-microbial sock liner that helps ward off unwanted odor.

The combined features make the GOwalk 2 the advanced walking shoe. It also comes in different styles that you can easily match with your travel wardrobe. Go out in style with chic ballet flats, relaxed slip-ons, trendy boat shoes and the sporty lace-ups.

(GOwalk 2 is available at Skechers stores in Glorietta 2, TriNoma, SM Mall of Asia, Robinsons Galleria, SM North EDSA — The Annex, Robinsons Place Manila, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Market! Market!, Festival Mall, SM Fairview, SM Dasmariñas, Marquee Mall, SM Pampanga, Ayala Center Cebu, SM City Cebu, Abreeza Mall Davao, Gaisano Mall of Davao, SM Davao, Centrio Mall Cagayan de Oro and LimKetKai Mall CDO.)

(Follow me on Instagram @pepperteehankee.)