L'IDIOT RESTAURANT - Dine Like A Happy Idiot

L’IDIOT - Such a bold and crazy name was picked for a Continental style restaurant serving one of the best steaks in Taipei is rather idiotic yet the brains behind the brand want you to let go of all your troubles, be happy and carefree, laugh blithely in the characteristic space while indulging in its gastronomy for a fun filled time get together. mylifestylenews writes.

“L’IDIOT” means “Idiot” in French and it translates as a burro or donkey in Chinese for its restaurant title mainly for the animal carefree characters wanting its guests to have a great time the moment they step into the restaurant and of course to dine like a happy “Idiot”. Naturally we were intrigued by such a concept and just had to find out what this eponymous restaurant set within the very special design boutique Hotel Proverbs has to offer.

L’IDIOT Restaurant entrance is through the hotel main entrance and is situated off the lobby on the street level. The European baroque-ish influenced style bistronomique eatery occupies one end of the ground floor that is easily seen through the floor to ceiling windows from the street and has a very chic persona from the outside looking in. This is also verified when you enter off the main lobby past the temperature controlled meat room at the restaurant entrance and the open fire kitchen to the right, as the interiors are very striking: the use of a lot of mirrored tiles for the ceiling to give the impression of a vast space, multiple chandeliers hanging amidst these reflections, lightly brighten the deliberately dimmed ambience from its already overall dark tone setting especially when you choose to dine for dinner. So there is a sense of grandeur in the dining room with a class of its own.

The interior is interestingly a contradiction to the eight large size chandeliers hanging from atop of a soaring triplex ceiling creating a splendour of ostentation and extravagance embossed in a European castle-like dining ambience yet in a very friendly and casual manner. The tabletop settings are simple but nicely done and we never felt that anything was out of place and the luxury of space between tables are well allocated to ensure privacy and exclusivity, so you never felt hemmed in and with the large windows that has created even more space and provided a sense of grandeur beyond the chandeliers, this is an added bonus.

The sophisticated interior is well contrasted with the black cast iron tables, iron and wood partitions free standing along the window tables and then normal wooden table tops throughout the rest of the dining room reminiscent of a country cattle stable, all sitting on rustic mosaic tiles that reference the Mediterranean. Romantic yet playful and it may sound too much for Everything Everywhere All At Once but this eclectic style is a winner and makes you feel that you are in a special place.

Seasonal produce and ingredients are used in L’IDIOT Restaurant highlighting a support to the local farming business and supplemented by the carbon grill JOSPER oven baking technology to ensure the aroma of the char-grilled is completely sealed in the oven and fully brings out the flavour of the meat. The wood used for smoking is made of white oak barrel wood chips and is soaked in the well-known bourbon whiskey distillery "JACK DANIEL'S" before it is placed in the pressure oven. If meat and a steak night out is what you after, L’IDIOT Restaurant has its very own way to delight your palate.
 

<Garden Salad>
A light and refreshing palate to start off with the garden salad and it goes beyond the norm. The combination of fresh dragon fruit, avocado, beetroot, kiwi, tomato well mixed and tossed with macadamia and cashew nuts topped with shredded parmesan cheese was a real delight and well accompanied by the homemade soft brioche bread.
 

<Grilled Tomahawk Pork 26oz & Vegetables, Pesto Butter>
While the highlight of dining here is to enjoy their premium cut of meat, the large size of Tomahawk pork will definitely satisfy your hunger and came in a lovely flavor. Despite it was a little bit overcooked in the centre, it was enjoyable nonetheless with the light pesto butter to enhance the palate. It came with a generous amount of farm vegetables that was equally delicious and great value. This is well paired by a great bottle of 2020 Rhône by Roger Sabon from Côte du Rhône of its natural charming character of Grenache silky, elegant, savoury and a long and chewy finish is the best partner-in-crime with the supreme meat.
 

L’IDIOT Homemade Herb Rubbed U.S. Ribeye 16oz>

Being one of the house signature must-orders, this 16oz superb cut of meat was thick, juicy and tender. The steak is grilled in a 400-degree JOSPER oven with a little charcoal fire and the water vapor makes the wood's elegant fragrance more completely released with a bourbon whiskey aftertaste. The flavor and texture was just perfect and we couldn’t resist finishing every morsel.

<Truffle Maple Pork Chop>
Sensational! This locally produced bone-in pork loin pork chop was tender. The juicy meat is served with the mix of truffle and subtle maple syrup, slowly pan-fried apples, mashed apple and mashed potato to balance the taste buds and is a perfect accompaniment.

 

Do we have room for dessert with that amount of très délicieux meats to enjoy? We had to politely decline the sweet offer in order to let us remember the delightful and satisfying roof of the mouth. The entire dining experience was extremely enjoyable and the service was spot on. Abby, our cheerful server was very engaging, professional and had a great presence and product knowledge of the menu and wine. It was a truly palatable dining experience and we left with some contented memories to share and as the saying goes : Be Happy and Dine like a happy “Idiot”.

Tried & Tested:
Location: 4.5/5
Design & Decor: 4/5
Food & Beverages: 4.5/5
Service: 5/5
Value For Money: 4.5/5
Experience: 4.5/5

L'IDIOT Restaurant

56, Sec 1, Da'a an Road,

Da'an District,

Taipei City, Taiwan

Tel: +886 903 393 008

Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated. 

EAST Hong Kong - Urban Staycation That Inspires

By choosing a boutique design hotel for an urban staycation is not only injecting so much joy and positive vibe to the entire experience but also creating an inspirational journey by putting a smile on your face with mesmerizing memories to bring home and share, EAST Hong Kong never fails to inspire. mylifestylenews writes.

EAST Hong Kong has earned its recognition for 12 years since the hotel opened in January 2010. This urban lifestyle business hotel dares to dream big and they think out of the box as well to go beyond the comfort zone, making this fun-filled hotel thoughtful and playful, spreading joy and inspirations, not forgetting the recently renovated sumptuous FEAST (Food by EAST) restaurant that gives you more than a tasty start to your day.

Finding the hotel is easy, EAST Hong Kong has a strategic and unique location that may not be at the top of everyone’s list situated in the residential and business hub of Tai Koo Shing - a re-known residential estate for then and now, but it is a relatively short MTR ride from Central Hong Kong - with the Airport Express train after you landed. It sits adjacent to a lifestyle shopping mall that offers an alternative exploration as well as to discover and to get a glimpse of the cultural neighbourhood and heritage that reflects that brand’s philosophy.

You will have that moment of anticipation once you arrive in the hotel lobby, as the playful art starts to unfold before your eyes and in a sense they have decluttered the lobby and made art the key focus - in a contemporary subtle elegant way. Designed by award-winning Hong Kong based architect and interior design studio CL3 Architects Ltd, EAST Hong Kong was created with every attention given to physical comfort with captivating design elements of an artistic touch.

 

The harmonious entrance at the foyer with a stairway is designed to let in light with an uplifting sense of space in stark contrast that not only illuminated the reception desk, but the striking <Bird Nest> draws your eyes upward with an enclosed glass staircase makes a bold statement, taking you from the ground level to another floor to explore further is the sign of coming home and welcome back that you won't miss, truly iconic, inspiring and uplifting your senses upon arrival.
 

Contemporary and large objects of art installation are found everywhere in the hotel and all artworks express nature, youth and vitality in line with the modernity of the surroundings including the <Leaping Fish> hanging feature that creates a great flow of qi in harmony.

<The Tree of Life> wall behind the front desk that is to admire and the use of the bamboo for the inspired <Bird Cage> architecture of buildings surrounding EAST Hong Kong by local artist Kum Chi Keung to create his thought-provoking Bamboo City installation.

What makes EAST Hong Kong stand out from the crowd is its focus on art that creates a playful touch in so many places throughout the hotel, so no space is boring and whether you are in the lift, lift lobbies, guest corridors, restaurant or bar, even not forgetting the adjacent passage ways to the shopping mall - you just need to spot the arty displays and elements with an open mind as the entire property is constantly being showered with artful touches that are pleasing to the eye and put a smile on your face.

As a large part of their business is corporate (given the surrounding corporate office towers) this is an integral part in helping the guests to relax and soothe the senses even when working. Hence, the newly created DOMAIN offers a cafe style-like co-working space right at the entrance to FEAST which is in the thick of the playful art on show. What a clever approach this is and in itself has become Instagrammable!
 

Being a Swire Group hotel, a certain quality standard of amenities is adhered to facilitate the brand image from their most luxurious properties to this mid-tier boutique brand is relatable and yet it still feels luxurious in a less formal and a more approachable friendly way. There is quality everywhere you look and explore, interior and exterior are pretty well kept and adequately maintained for a premise that is more than a decade of living age infused with very warmth and welcoming hospitality.
 

Relaxation is the key and EAST Hong Kong really knows how to deliver this. Our welcome greeting was warm and the check-in process very quick and efficient. To our pleasant surprise, we were being upgraded to a corner Harbour View Suite on the 30^th floor. Evidently, with just six Suites on the same floor, the arty design elements just don't stop either and you may need a couple of seconds to figure out and get use to the handle free entrance door that is nearly being camouflaged with the entire hallway wall that is already a stand out from the usual suspect room arrival experience.

 Our blissful corner Harbour View Suite is diligently designed to eschew the usual room layout and gone for one big long open plan design that makes the suite feel a lot bigger than it is with their signature playful touch. Upon entering the 60sqm suites and this doesn’t get anymore playful as you’ll be immediately greeted by the charming “Made in China” punchy signature green Dino figure designed by acclaimed Chinese Sculptor Sui Jianguo, adding a sensible touch and humour to melt your heart with an immediate comforting smile of your face clearly shown, well juxtaposed with the minimalist chic interior and decor by adding a splash of playful pop culture and fun no less.
 

Adding further to the sleek design feature in this Harbour View Suite is the stylish hanging perspex designer bubble chair that is certainly wanting you to feel more at home by lounging around in your very preferred way to relax and chill alongside with a curved sofa and bright ottoman that enhances the entire living area. While the sizeable desk is placed to the back of the sofa, it allows you to take in and embrace the harbour view without much interruption.
 

The contents of the minibar are complimentary and can be refilled in a jiffy, including local beers and snacks for you to spend some real good times in this most sought-after spacious Harbour View Suite in no time.
 

The open plan bathroom sets the mood in blond wood tones and beige to gray marble stone and comes with wonderful upscale amenities as well as an “onsen” bath and rain shower that is window side for the purposes of not missing out on any view that comes alive in the morning. Despite the narrow standing gap, there is plenty of wardrobe space to unpack your entire luggage especially if you are checking in for a longer stay and sensibly having the luxurious soft king size bed centre so that you can look out to the harbour views without getting up with a gentle touch from the bedside control buttons.

If you want to stretch out and get some exercise, the Body by Beast gym and outdoor pool tick all the boxes with great options to sweat out after indulging too much at FEAST and the reasonably sized pool is wide enough to get a few laps in or just chill out on the capacious pool deck for further relaxation.

Hong Kong is renowned for its rooftop bar and dining scene in the evenings and Sugar is well recommended. Take time to head to the 32^nd floor rooftop bar  as the views are unsurpassed and it has a cozy feel on the outdoor terrace especially in early spring, with the gentle harbour breeze simply refreshing and inviting. 

Whether it is just the two of you or a group of friends, you won’t feel out of place and the casual vibe is a relief with groovy music spins while sipping some of the house signature cocktails as well as some really affordable premium selection of French wines and champagne at the same time soaking in the entire sunset harbour view.

Sugar is one of the most sought-after and chill rooftop bars in Hong Kong.
  

Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be had at FEAST which has become an institution for the local residents and foodies alike. FEAST serves a fantastic breakfast with both wonderful and flavoursome Asian and Western dishes that never fail to pique the taste buds - especially their Dim Sum selection by Chef’s choice that changes from time to time.

 

FEAST also went through a face lift for its new and stylistic interior and decor with a vivid imagined artwork featuring a cascade of butterflies that skirts along the eatery by Australian artist, Jayne Dyer which expresses that butterflies are in a constant state of flux, transition and migration - mimicking the movement and travel patterns of the visitors is an upward journey through the spaces.

Service is efficient and friendly, but as buffets goes, it is a pleasure to roam the many stations and help yourself to so many delicious things. The FEAST culinary team certainly know how to tackle your taste buds.

EAST Hong Kong is one of those hidden delights that will have you going back for more - business or pleasure, whenever you go to Hong Kong and even for the locals that live out in the territories looking for the perfect staycation. Considering the bustling life everywhere in the city, EAST Hong Kong is like a calm oasis that never fails to soothe the senses and the warm and friendly team always make you feel welcome! So when planning your next trip to this Asian metropolis, you may consider dropping Central or Kowloon locale for a (wise) change, think EAST!

 Tried & Tested:

Location: 4.5/5
Design & Decor: 5/5
Room Amenities: 4.5/5
Food & Beverages: 4.5/5
Housekeeping: 4.5/5
Service: 5/5
Value For Money: 4.5/5
Experience: 5/5

EAST Hotel Hong Hong
29, Taikoo Shing Road,
Taikoo Shing, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 3968 3968

Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated. 
 

Dior SS2023 Advertising Campaign

Dior SS2023 ready-to-wear line, Maria Grazia Chiuri explores the different facets of feminine power through a wardrobe imbued with sovereign grace, inspired by the figure of Catherine de Medici. A (Re)naissance of Dior style, brought to life in a series of shots by photographer Brigitte Niedermair, revealing a world tinged with mystery.

Between light and shade, in a minimalist decor illuminated by nuances of green, the looks relate the symbolic alliance of Dior fundamentals and stylistic icons such as the reinvented corset, which accentuates the silhouette with its graphic shapes. Crinoline skirts and dresses are reinterpreted in unprecedented proportions, with sportswear details enhancing this fascinating dialogue between past and present.

An ode to the virtuosity of needlework and ancestral savoir-faire, raffia coats are adorned with delicate flower and bird motifs, which also appear on the iconic Lady Dior.

The Dior Book Tote is unveiled in singular versions, by turns embellished with floral embroidery also deployed on skirts, shorts and pants or featuring the Plan de Paris sketch, which traces the contours of a new form of elegance. Instilled with retro influences, the timeless design of the new Dior Key bag punctuates outfits with yet more refinement. A captivating odyssey, suffused with the bewitching strangeness that inhabits the collection, celebrating the strength, fragility and beauty of femininity in perpetual motion.

MM6 Maison Margiela SS2023 Runway Collection

MM6 Maison Margiela SS2023 runway collection invites you into the sacred space of the rehearsal into the process behind the performance. Sat on its main stage, you see the Auditorium di Milano Fondazione Cariplo from the same vantage point as our dancers, limbering up for a run-through of Igor Stravinsky’s seismic ballet – an avant-garde masterpiece to this very day – The Rite of Spring. In the stalls, the 60-strong ensemble of the Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano, conducted by Wladimir Schall, makes its final tunings before the dress rehearsal begins.

Clothes are crafted with vigorous, balletic movement in mind. Off-shoulder jersey bodies in cream, blush and teal effortlessly shift with the wearer’s body; ribbed knit boleros in white cotton contour frame the décolleté, while bunched-up mohair cosies warm the joints. The sleeves of scoop-necked jumpers are attached in reverse, allowing for arms to be thrown skywards into the fifth position with ease.

Vests are scaled up and layered as airy minidresses, and MM6 Salomon Adv Skin 5 running vest, a product of this season’s continued collaboration with the French outdoor sports brand, first introduced for AW2022, feature throughout handy for whenever water breaks call. Elsewhere, the brand’s signature sole tooling is used for thigh-high boots with pointes uppers, available in blush and black.

A jaunty playfulness informs how pieces are constructed and worn – shrunken spaghetti-strap tops become cummerbunds that cinch the waists of boxy satin coats, and knitted camisole dresses are tugged and folded into svelte, high-waisted skirts. The five-zip jacket with sharply-slanted cap sleeves is reimagined as a ballet dancer’s leotard in polished black calfskin.

The mottled scuffs of worn-in ballet shoes inform the abrasions that constitute this season’s keystone graphic motif. Speckled across bleached denim maxi skirts, roomy mohair knits and stretch jersey tops, they have a dual function – they simultaneously serve as tattered embellishments while offering ventilation in stifling summer heat.

The ivory duchesse satin used for notch-lapel coats and wide-leg jeans is dirt-washed, dulling its sheen, and the dye treatments of sky blue and rose jersey slips are marbled and streaked, a homage to pieces from one of the Maison’s most emblematic collections.

Silhouettes are anchored by a footwear range that expectedly takes the ballet shoe as its point of departure. Its square-toed silhouette translates to mules in blush satin and black calfskin; the ‘6’ heel ankle boot in tan leather; open-toed, thigh-high sock boots in aquamarine, fuchsia and taupe jersey; and even a crossbody mini-bag that mimics a folded-over pump.

A full range of Japanese bags including the classic origami-inspired form, the oval-bottomed mini-tote, the long-handled accordion silhouette and a new shoulder bag  return in the season’s primary palette, and this season’s jewellery draws inspiration from hand-knotted and studded pieces discovered in the archive.

As ever with MM6 Maison Margiela, this is a collection that reiterates the brand’s core philosophy rather than impose how they should be worn, these are clothes to be lived in as you please. Whether for running, dancing or lounging, these garments are not ready to wear – they are ready when worn.

Mugler x H&M 2023 Collaboration

 
H&M announced Mugler as its next designer collaboration! Mugler has always offered an open invitation to a broad range of characters and beauty types, and now, with this partnership, it is throwing open the door even wider. The collection by Mugler’s creative director Casey Cadwallader includes both womenswear, menswear and accessories will launch in select stores and online on 11 May 2023. The collaboration encapsulates the very essence of Mugler. The house of Mugler has always been a trailblazer, a rule-breaker: a champion of freedom of expression, high glamour and daringly irrepressible style. Founded by the French designer Manfred Thierry Mugler in 1973, Mugler pre-empted the themes of body positivity, gender fluidity, transformation and confidence that dominate fashion now. American designer Casey Cadwallader joined the house in 2018 and has rejuvenated the house’s look and legacy, producing an astounding run of instantly recognisable garments. The story of Mugler is one of avant-garde runway shows and boundary-breaking haute couture; of visionary takes on beauty that transcend limits, embracing the otherworldly, the non-binary and the technological. Every piece in the collection is a moment of fashion history – a chance for a global community of fans to own a piece of the brand’s legacy. Whilst the collection includes both menswear and womenswear and, the fluid transformational cross-gender styling that has always underpinned the Mugler ethos is central.

 

Discussions for this collaboration began before Manfred Thierry Mugler’s passing in January 2022. The collection unites the house’s history with its present and future, offering various Mugler classics and signatures. The collection is a dynamic showcase of the Mugler world today, and the intriguing ways that Cadwallader has twisted and reinvented the House to make it fresh and relevant for a new generation. “We are proud to celebrate the legacy of Manfred Thierry Mugler with this collection. We were all honoured to get to know Manfred, and it feels very special that he was involved at the initial stages together with Casey and the house of Mugler. Casey has done such an incredible job at paying homage to history, and to the archive, while making the collection totally contemporary. Under him, Mugler has become one of the most innovative and exciting houses on today’s fashion landscape.” - Ann-Sofie Johansson, creative advisor at H&M. “It is truly an honour to collaborate with H&M. The collection is a celebration of everything that defines Mugler as a house and each piece is authentic Mugler, from the bodysuits, which have become a signature of ours, to the sharp tailoring and worked denims. It is a showcase of our icons.” – Casey Cadwallader, creative director at Mugler The silhouette of the collection is the recognisable Mugler fit of today; strong, big shoulders, a tight focus on the waist, an ode to the curves and lines of the body, a tribute to confidence. And yet, to nod to the vision of the House’s founder, alongside the contemporary designs, are a series of very special, limited edition archive remakes, selected by Cadwallader for their contemporary resonance and their testimony to Mugler’s central role in the glory years of 80s and 90s catwalk drama.