For the first time in New York City, explore a unique side of East Asian history through the Silla: Korea’s Golden Kingdom exhibit at the MET.
Tag Archives: Asian
Check Out Penthouse 808 For Great Views Of Manhattan And Great Food!
Penthouse 808 is an Asian Bistro/Lounge that opened in 2009 with a heavy focus on fresh food, sushi and a raw bar. They wanted to be one of the first “in” places in the growing neighborhood of Long Island City. People come over from midtown Manhattan and enjoy the amazing view of Manhattan from the rooftop.
Penthouse 808 brought in some of the best sushi chefs for the discriminating tastes of New Yorkers. It rivals some of the best sushi restaurants in Manhattan.
There is a more relaxed feeling at Penthouse 808. It sits atop the 63 room, luxury boutique Hotel Ravel – almost a vacation a minute or two away from midtown Manhattan. Visit penthouse808rooftop.com for more information.
“Legends, Myths, And Truths,” At The Millennium Park Boeing Gallery
As a pioneer in the field of monumental ceramic sculpture, Jun Kaneko has played with scale and proportion. Visitors to Millennium Park will be able to see his work displayed in the Boeing Galleries, beginning April 12 through November 3.
The installation Kaneko has created for Millennium Park’s Boeing Galleries is representative of his past and present artistic practices. Works presented in the South Boeing Galleries feature Kaneko’s signature Dangos (meaning “rounded form” or “dumpling” in Japanese). These ceramic steles, covered in a variety of vibrant shapes and patterns, allow viewers to examine their environment and focus on a sense of scale and place.
The Dango form links Kaneko’s work to minimalist sculptors who played with simple and large forms, while at the same time, the pattern overlays show formal aspects – in repeating geometric shapes – similar to those of minimalist painters.
The North Boeing Gallery features a new body of work by Kaneko, drawing upon the myths and legends of the Tanuki figure. From ancient times, the Japanese have expressed the Tanuki in a variety of ways, for it is considered to be a trickster who causes trouble and mayhem in both the human and supernatural worlds. In our modern era, however, the figure is most commonly portrayed as a large, stout badger. The Tanuki is not only a creature found in mythology, but a small, nocturnal mammal native to East Asia. Click here for more information.
Finding Asia at the The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery is the Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of Asian Arts. It features intricate Japanese screens with cranes, colorful cloisonné, and Chinese calligraphies. Other than these historical beauties, the true star of the permanent collection is the breath-taking Peacock Room.
Originally, the Peacock Room was once a lavish dining room of a wealthy British gentlemen, but was relocated for display at the Freer Gallery. Take some time to examine the intricate collection of Chinese blue-and-white porcelain bowls and vases from the Qing Dynasty.
Perching on the wall are wooden shutters and leather wall hangings of peacocks in rich, dark blue and gold, displaying their plumes in pride.
In addition to the promotion of Asian arts, the Gallery also hosts an ongoing series of public programs of concerts, films, and even special lectures.
The White Way to Dine: Villa Blanca Restaurant
Whether you are looking to run into the Real Housewife of Beverly Hills herself or her precious Pomeranian Giggy, Lisa Vanderpump’s Villa Blanca in Beverly Hills combines Mediterranean and Italian cuisine with Asian touches and influences. This beautiful eatery located on Brighton Way is close to major Beverly Hills boutiques and shops and is the perfect place to grab lunch on the patio for some serious people watching.
The interior is described as “sexy and comfortable” by the designer herself and brings an element of comfort and coziness to the color white. With grandiose mirrors hanging on the walls as well as exotic and elegant flower arrangements everywhere, Villa Blanca offers brunch, lunch, dinner and a fancy bar area for all your drinking and dining needs.
The dinner menu consists of Crispy Rice & Spicy Tuna appetizers with entrees such as Sweet & Spicy Butterflied Shrimp, Chicken Milanese and Japanese Mushroom Chicken. Brunch at Villa Blanca means $10 specials including Villa Blanca’s Breakfast Pizza, Vegetarian Frittata and Prosciutto and Melon.
Whether it’s for the food, people watching or a quick glimpse of Lisa herself, a visit to the Villa will have everyone saying, Bravo.
Sushi Samba Dromo Fuses Peru, Japan and Brazil
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The eye-popping, mouth-watering Sushi Samba Dromo takes fusion to a whole new level with an inspired threesome of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian tastes. You’ll feel like a world traveler in the hip, lounge-like dining area and bar. For the full global impact, be sure to sample the fusion drinks like Caipirinhas and specialty Sambatinis, Latin-inspired sushi a la the BoBo Brazil Roll with kobe beef and the amazing meats of the “Rio Grande” Churrasco (Brazilian Barbecue).
Five-Star Dining at Mandarin’s Azul Restaurant
Preparing a delectable menu that fuses Asian, Mediterranean and even some New 
England influences, Chef Clay Conley makes dining at Azul in the five-star Mandarin Oriental an unforgettable experience. The bayviews alone from the restaurant could be considered inspiration enough, but the dishes are certainly prepared with a loving touch and passion for food that Conley’s been honing for years now.
Perfecting his culinary skills at famed chef Todd English’s restaurant, the food here is innovative, creative and of the highest quality, with many ingredients flown in fresh daily from around the globe. The variety is immense with offerings, like Nantucket Bay Scallops, Moroccan-inspired Lamb, Peruvian Style Ceviche and a catchy appetizer simply called A Study in Tuna that’s Asian-inspired.
In keeping with the classiness of the place, Azul is one of the few Miami restaurants offering diners a finishing cheese course in a variety of sizes.
Douzo Sushi Does it Right
In its first year Douzo Restaurant & Sushi was named “Boston’s Best Sushi” by the Improper Bostonian and has become a hot spot for sushi lovers ever since. Located in Back Bay, the restaurant offers an inventive twist on traditional sushi favorites. You will still find the usual suspects on the menu such as Tuna Tartar, Raw Oysters and Kobe Beef Carpaccio, but you can also uncover some surprises, including Monkfish Pate, Torched Style Yellowtail and an Eel Avocado Roll.
If you’re feeling a little daring, try the Omakase special, which is the chef’s choice from the sushi bar. Entrees include Lightly Battered Shrimp Tempura, Sirloin Steak with Black Pepper Sauce, Thinly Sliced Prime Rib in a Sukiyaki Sauce, Black Cod Misoyaki and Grilled Duck with Cranberry Teriyaki Sauce.
Douzo (which means “please come in”) offers its modern Japanese cuisine in a modern setting, with sleek white and dark contrasts to ceiling fixtures and walls and large tables for all the sushi plates. Douzo has a varied wine list, including a red, white or sake flight and a good array of cocktails like the Lychee Martini and a Tokyo Cosmo to get your night started right after dinner. Visit douzosushi.com for more information.