The Light at the End of the Tunnel - Quarantine Cuisine: Part 3
As things are starting to reopen here in Vietnam, it looks like we’ll be shooting more and creating some new campaigns in the near future. YES! So for the last chapter (hopefully) in this series, here are some of the things we’ve been enjoying at home the past couple of weeks. Big thanks to the wonderful F&B outlets here in Saigon and high fives to all the restaurants who adapted, refocused and weathered the storm. We’re not out of it yet, but it looks like we’re seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I’ll link down below to all the venues featured in this article.
As things are starting to reopen here in Vietnam, it looks like we’ll be shooting more and creating some new campaigns in the near future. YES! So for the last chapter (hopefully) in this series, here are some of the things we’ve been enjoying at home the past couple of weeks. Big thanks to the wonderful F&B outlets here in Saigon and high fives to all the restaurants who adapted, refocused and weathered the storm. We’re not out of it yet, but it looks like we’re seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I’ll link down below to all the venues featured in this article.
If you have a restaurant or venue, mention this article, let’s create something awesome, and I’ll knock 15% off the total and donate 5% to the charity of your choice. Much love and let’s get break bread once again!
Restaurants and businesses featured in this post:
Full Transparency: I’ve not been paid or received anything in return for any of this.
Keeping Creative in Uncertain Times - Quarantine Cuisine: Part 2
As we’ve settled into this new “normal”, we’ve been confronted with some stark realizations - some of us need to learn to cook and restaurants will have to adapt in order to survive these tumultuous times. That said, my kitchen has become familiar again, my love for cooking has had a resurgence, and restaurants have adapted with new delivery concepts popping up and a higher focus on hospitality. While the current situation is a million miles from good, silver linings are what we have and staying positive and supporting each other is always good. This push to give better value, service and support from restaurants and patrons alike is a wonderful thing to witness, and I hope this bolsters the industry not only here in Saigon, but throughout the global F&B industry.
As we’ve settled into this new “normal”, we’ve been confronted with some stark realizations - some of us need to learn to cook and restaurants will have to adapt in order to survive these tumultuous times. That said, my kitchen has become familiar again, my love for cooking has had a resurgence, and restaurants have adapted with new delivery concepts popping up and a higher focus on hospitality. While the current situation is a million miles from good, silver linings are what we have and staying positive and supporting each other is always good. This push to give better value, service and support from restaurants and patrons alike is a wonderful thing to witness, and I hope this bolsters the industry not only here in Saigon, but throughout the global F&B industry. I hope this communal focus rather than a transactional relationship sticks around and really gives us, both as hospitalitarians and guests, the time to reflect on what makes dining out and food so amazing. I want to use this post to give shine to some of the restaurants (alongside some of my own home-cooked food) here in Saigon that have stepped up and done some thoughtful moves into this brave new world. At the bottom of this post, look out for links to some of these fine establishments featured in this post as well as the last post. This is the time we all lean on each other. If you haven’t had the chance, go check out Part 1 here.
Restaurants and businesses featured in this post:
Full Transparency: I’ve not been paid or received anything in return for any of this.
Featured In Part 1
Keeping Creative in Uncertain Times: Quarantine Cuisine Part 1
As things have gotten increasingly weird over the past couple of weeks, budgets have contracted, priorities changed, and many creatives have seen their stream of work dwindle if not cease to exist. Times are not ideal by any stretch. That said, I hope we can all use this downtime to possibly learn something new, shoot a personal project, or catch up on our reading. Also, I’m not technically in quarantine, but I couldn’t help the rhyming title. Either way, let’s all stay home and chill, okay?
As things have gotten increasingly weird over the past couple of weeks, budgets have contracted, priorities changed, and many creatives have seen their stream of work dwindle if not cease to exist. Times are not ideal by any stretch. That said, I hope we can all use this downtime to possibly learn something new, shoot a personal project, or catch up on our reading. Also, I’m not technically in quarantine, but I couldn’t help the rhyming title. Either way, let’s all stay home and chill, okay?
With the added down time, I’m sure many have you have reconnected with how the internet is such a bizarro place - Tiger King memes, toilet paper famines, and a whole plethora of rabbit holes to go down. Yet aside from the surreal, there are countless tutorials, professional development tools and sources of inspiration everywhere. If you can’t leave the house, at least make the best of it, right?
As a food and travel photographer, I’m sure you can guess my travel photography assignments and workshops have been put on hold for the time being. We’re all still eating, so I’ve tried to take this opportunity to shoot some of my day to day eats. As I’m not a chef by any stretch, I’m under no delusions that I can cook or plate like one. Don’t care. Food photography doesn’t have be fancy to be visually appealing (I’m looking at you, instant noodle dinner last Thursday). Between delivery and cooking, I’ve been able to refocus, experiment and tinker with new approaches in lighting and styling. We’ll get through this, and hopefully we’ll have some new skills on the other side. Stay safe everyone, and I can’t wait to give all of my friends the long overdue hugs, high fives, and cheers when this all settles down.
Keep checking back here for more updates in the coming weeks and make sure you’re tipping your delivery people!
New Work: American Comfort Food at The Wagon Wheel.
The guys at The Wagon Wheel recently tapped us to shoot their menu, and were we excited to create something awesome. As a southern boy at heart, this felt like a warm hug and a welcome homecoming. I recently had to cancel my trip back to the States given the Covid-19 situation, so this couldn’t have come at a better time! All this hits showed up - chicken fried steak, chicken and waffles, deviled eggs, and even a funnel cake to cap it off. We tried to keep it playful by shooting images before and after the first bite (or three). It took immense willpower not to devour everything on the plate before we got the shot! These guys are doing it right, and it’s exactly what we needed.
The guys at The Wagon Wheel recently tapped us to shoot their menu, and were we excited to create something awesome. As a southern boy at heart, this felt like a warm hug and a welcome homecoming. I recently had to cancel my trip back to the States given the Covid-19 situation, so this couldn’t have come at a better time! All this hits showed up - chicken fried steak, chicken and waffles, deviled eggs, and even a funnel cake to cap it off. We tried to keep it playful by shooting images before and after the first bite (or three). It took immense willpower not to devour everything on the plate before we got the shot! These guys are doing it right, and it’s exactly what we needed.
If you live in Saigon, you can definitely get involved while social distancing. They’re offering delivery here.
Saigon Punk Chronicles: Year End Party with Slaughter to Prevail.
This year’s pre-Tet show lined up Russian heavy hitters Slaughter to Prevail and a whole host of regional support with Saigon’s Knife Sticking Head, Pick Supplier, District 105, and Infecated and Cambodia’s Doch Chkae all bringing the lunar year to a close with a bang.
This year’s pre-Tet show lined up Russian heavy hitters Slaughter to Prevail and a whole host of regional support with Saigon’s Knife Sticking Head, Pick Supplier, District 105, and Infecated and Cambodia’s Doch Chkae all bringing the lunar year to a close with a bang.
As I got there, I caught the last couple of songs from Infecated, so I missed Knife Sticking Head and Pick Supplier, unfortunately. I’m sure they crushed it as they always get the kids moving. I’d never seen Infecated, and their blend of death metal brought the ruckus. Heads banged, horns were thrown up, breakdowns were moshed to…
Phnom Penh’s Doch Chkae took the stage following Infecated and straight up destroyed. I hope they play in Saigon sooner than later. I have a feeling there are much bigger things in store for these kids.
Next up, the homies, District 105 did their thing with their beat down hardcore moshy goodness. Circle pits, finger pointing, and a stage dive or 6.
Slaughter to Prevail rounded the show out. I don’t quite understand how their singer Alex gets his voice to do what it does, but it’s ridiculous. Couple that with super heavy breakdowns, crazy blast beats and a damn good stage presence and you always have a recipe for good times. That said, interestingly, their guitarist was absent and the guitar was a recording. Hopefully that’s not an indicator of any permanent changes and just a matter of temporary “shit happening.” Either way, still a great set and I can imagine it would be that much better once the guitar issue is sorted.
Can’t wait for what the new year brings. Let’s get it.
Infecated
Doch Chkae
District 105
Slaughter to Prevail
Keeping it Simple: One Lens, One Focal Length.
Happy New Year everyone! With the new year, its time to simplify, declutter, focus and enjoy the little things. So, I finally parted ways with my last adapted lens from my time with Canon. Since switching to Sony, I’ve used the Sigma 35 1.4 here and there, but never as much as with my Canon kit. Weight, slower autofocus, etc…It started just staring at me from the shelf. Paired with less than ideal alternatives, I kept it around because I love the 35mm focal length. So, when Sony came out with the 35 1.8, it was time to trade it in and go native. Not to worry, the Sigma went to a good home and is already living its best life.
Happy New Year everyone! With the new year, its time to simplify, declutter, focus and enjoy the little things. So, I finally parted ways with my last adapted lens from my time with Canon. Since switching to Sony, I’ve used the Sigma 35 1.4 here and there, but never as much as with my Canon kit. Weight, slower autofocus, etc…It started just staring at me from the shelf. Paired with less than ideal alternatives, I kept it around because I love the 35mm focal length. So, when Sony came out with the 35 1.8, it was time to trade it in and go native. Not to worry, the Sigma went to a good home and is already living its best life.
As it turned out, right after picking up the new lens, I had a trip to Hanoi planned. Usually, I travel with a few different lenses because who doesn’t like choice, right? That said, during our workshops, one of the most frequent things we notice as a stumbling block to students pushing their photography to the next level is too much focus on gear and not enough thinking about light, composition and decisive moments. So, I decided to practice what I preach - Keep it Simple, Stupid. Without the option of changing lenses, my feet became more nimble, my mind started seeing compositions quicker, and I generally caught more moments. No faffing about changing lenses, far less sensor dust, and no sore back from all the extra kit! I’ve got a feeling I may start traveling even lighter and more compact in the new year!
I’d love to hear what you guys are looking forward to shooting in the coming months. Leave a comment down below!
Europe Photo Diary, Part 3: Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve
Part 3 and the final bit of the European jaunt back in May. We spent a couple of weeks meeting up with friends and family in Portugal heading to Lisbon, down to the Algarve and back up to Porto and the Douro Valley. First, I’m a bit smitten by Portugal, so it was challenging to pare the mountain of images down into something a bit more digestible, and even so, I’m not sure I did that. Great food, incredibly picturesque cities, rugged coastlines, wine country, what more can you ask?
Part 3 and the final bit of the European jaunt back in May. I spent a couple of weeks meeting up with friends and family in Portugal heading to Lisbon, down to the Algarve and back up to Porto and the Douro Valley. First, I’m a bit smitten by Portugal, so it was challenging to pare the mountain of images down into something a bit more digestible, and even so, I’m not sure I did that. Great food, incredibly picturesque cities, rugged coastlines, wine country, what more can you ask?
Lisbon
Algarve
Porto and The Douro Valley
Saigon Punk Chronicles : We’re Loud Fest: Vietnam
Last weekend Slovenly Records’ We’re Loud Fest descended into Saigon featuring acts from all over the globe. From local hardcore heroes, District 105, to Switzerland’s The Monsters, We’re Loud Fest spanned 4 days and multiple venues in Saigon. Unfortunately, I only got to attend the Saturday matinee, but having an international punk fest come to Saigon is super rad to say the least.
Last weekend Slovenly Records’ We’re Loud Fest descended into Saigon featuring acts from all over the globe. From local hardcore heroes, District 105, to Switzerland’s The Monsters, We’re Loud Fest spanned 4 days and multiple venues in Saigon. Unfortunately, I only got to attend the Saturday matinee, but having an international punk fest come to Saigon is super rad to say the least.
That said, curiously absent from the crowd was the local Vietnamese scene I’ve seen grow over the past couple of years. Yes, a few local bands played, but the faces dominating the crowd weren’t Vietnamese. Saigon definitely has the scene to support this type of event and it would be stellar to see more of the local scene show up and represent. Moreso, a local promoter organizing something like this in the future in addition to supporting touring festivals would be incredible. And before anyone mentions the “fest” few years ago, a Jagermeister sponsored event with PR girls selling energy drinks doesn’t quite cut it. The DIY scene here is more than capable of putting on these types of events without big corporate sponsors.
Anyway, enough of my soapbox and back to regularly scheduled programming. On Saturday afternoon, I showed up around 3pm as Saigon’s District 105 was doing their sound check. Having seen these guys on multiple occasions, it’s always fun times with moshy breakdowns and finger-pointing singalongs. D105’s crowd seemed to be just waking up, and it took a few songs to get people nodding their heads and getting involved. Then again, it was 3pm on a Saturday. The boys still played a solid set and showed everyone what Saigon has to offer in the form of home-grown talent.
Up next was the Saigon-based American/South African duo of Timekiller. Their blend of power-violence and doom was enough to peel the paint off the walls. Sadly, this was their last show in Saigon as their singer, Garrett, is moving back to the States. Boo! They do have a new record coming the early part of next year, so silver linings, right?
Gutara Kyo out of Japan took over after Timekiller and from the very first note, jaws dropped and a chorus of “holy shit” rumbled through the crowd. These guys absolutely destroyed and laid waste to everything in their path. With the urgency of a meth’d up troupe of rodeo clowns, Gutara Kyo’s garage punk on steroids came to get the party started. Overheard was quite possibly the quote of the year - “I heard their singer say if their show is good, he shits his pants.” Thankfully the ghost of GG Allin’s past didn’t make an appearance and the venue remained turd free. If we’re going to talk about ghosts, It felt more like the ghost of Los Crudos in the form of Gutara Kyo's epic set.
Switzerland’s The Monsters took the stage following Gutara Kyo. I’d never listened to The Monsters before Saturday, so as these middle aged red suit-clad gentlemen set up their gear while easy-listening tunes played in the background, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Yeah, the first chords threw any notions of yacht rock out the window. Thrashy garage punk rock ‘n roll blasted through the sound system and everyone finally found their dancing shoes. Such a fun show.
I had to leave right after The Monsters, so I missed Hanoi’s Cut Lon, but I’m sure the Pokemon dressed outfit did justice to rounding out the matinee. If you’re not familiar, go check this post from the last time they played Saigon. All in all, definitely a good time and I can’t wait to see more shows like this. Saigon, stand up!
District 105
Timekiller
Gutara Kyo
The Monsters
Since you made it this far, feel free to share this to social, comment, send good vibes or gifts and I’ll see you at the next show.