transition - AsiaLIFE Magazine

La DoréeLOTUS GALLERY67 Pasteur, D1Opened in 1991 by a local artdealer who has vast experienceholding exhibitions in manycountries, Lotus Gallery showcasesnot just upcoming talentbut also established names intraditional and contemporaryVietnamese fine art. For moreinformation on what is availableand other efforts by thegallery to promote local art tothe world, you can peruse theirwebsite at lotusgallery.com.LA COCHINCHINE LUXURYSPA & FITNESS6th floor, 146 Pasteur, D1In the 17th century the Frenchnamed South Vietnam LaCochinchine, so it’s no surprisethat this luxury spa and fitnesscentre has Vietnamese, French,Cham and Hindu influences.Covering 2,000 square metersin the Rex Hotel, the space isdivided into three separate sectionsreserved for beauty andmedical services. You can relaxat the spa or use the gym andpool.DERMALOGICA108 Pasteur, D1This is a brand that has worldwiderecognition for its skincare products but it is particularlybeloved in Vietnam andit’s a popular choice at spas forfacial care. The studio offers acomplimentary consultation byskin therapists who then createa specific skin care regimenGeisha’s Boutique & CaféStreet Smart:Pasteur, District 1One of the longest streets in HCM City, Pasteur has been through a transformationsince we featured it in our very first Street Smart. Stephy Thai investigates andfinds some great eats and more on this one-way street. Photos by Alex Belikov.suitable for your skin type. Onemust have a Dermalogica facialbefore leaving Vietnam.GEISHA’S BOUTIQUE &CAFÉ85 Pasteur, D1Upon entering this space, onecan be fairly surprised as itscosy ambience and serene airbelies the endless honkingoutside. Inspired by the mysteryof the captivating geishas, theground floor will be liked byfashionistas—all locally homemadegarments for casual andevening wear are designed byan Australian fashion designer;also available are silk camisolesand satin maxi dresses thatcome in sizes ranging fromsmall to large. Go upstairs fora small lounge with comfysofas and a wide glass window,which allows one to take in theviews outside. The cafe servesboth European and Asian foodas well as an extensive menu ofdrinks, which go for a little over20,000 VND.GOM VIET FINE ART89 Pasteur, Dist. 1Artist Nguyen Van Tam iscommitted to introducing to aninternational clientele the heritageof Vietnamese ceramics,which he showcases with prideat Gom Viet. Here you willfind products that have beencreated with special dark redclay, which is seen as a symbolof the country's progress today.Customers can also take lessonsmaking clay products usingtraditional techniques at its uncoveredshowroom right besidesthe small park at the crossroadswith Ly Tu Trong.LA DORÉE65 Pasteur, D1With the slogan “Très Fresh,Très French” (Very Fresh, VeryFrench), La Dorée offers up allkinds of bread, from baguettesto flutes, croissants, sourdoughLa Cochinchine Spa & Fittnessand grain bread along with pastriesand cakes—all preservativefree. It also has a serene loungeupstairs, which makes it a goodplace for a restful day or a workmeeting. The bakery also offersa delivery service.QING BAR110 Pasteur, D1Qing was one of the first winebars in town and its location onDong Du was always crowdedwith expats and tourists. Sinceits relocation to Pasteur notmuch has changed in terms ofits ambience. Its long bar andtwo rows of red-draped chairsagainst the wall continue toinvite, as does its fusion menu.What Qing is best known for,however, is its hot chocolatecake which melts in your mouthand is served with whippedcream.CUNG DINH REXRESTAURANT146 Pasteur, D1A fine dining restaurant that isalways filled with foreignerskeen on Vietnamese cuisine,Cung Dinh Rex evokes imagesof Vietnamese imperial palacesand classical interiors of feudalQuan Ngon RestaurantGom Viet Fine Art16 asialife HCMC asialife HCMC 17