AsiaLIFE

Lingerie, Cocktails, Faces, Views ...

Luxury Lingerie
Promesses lingerie shop opened last month, bringing much needed quality underwear to the women of Phnom Penh. Stocked with French Aubade and Thai Raphaela Magica lingerie, available in several sizes, the classy shop hopes to tap into the niche lingerie market by offering products previously unavailable in the capital. Complete with a VIP changing room, where groups of friends can sit and relax whilst trying on undergarments, Promesses is about much more than just getting that everyday bra. “I want to introduce the idea of lingerie as a luxury,” says owner Soreasmey Ke Bin. “It’s not dirty, it’s what’s closest to your skin.” Soreasmey must now convince customers that lavish underwear is worth spending money on. Aubade bras can cost over US$100, while the Raphaela Magica line is somewhat less expensive. Sexy negligees command prices up to US$200. Compared to underwear more commonly available in the Penh, the collection at Promesses is certainly alluring. There is colour and sparkle, and even the plain black and white bras manage to look more opulent than bras in other places. Though some of the items are without doubt made mainly for impressing that certain someone, Promesses also stocks less extravagant, more functional pieces. When visiting Promesses, don’t miss out on chic, new prêt-à-porter shop Kaprices located upstairs.

Promesses and Kaprices, 20 Street 282. Open 9am-7pm.Tel: 023 993 527

Elsewhere
Elsewhere has re-located to the bustling Golden Mile. With two pools, sleek white walls and sensible 8am to 11pm opening hours, it may carry the same name, but beyond serving massive mojitos and characteristic passion fruit vodkas, it’s a different place. Instead of the infamous First Friday parties, co-owner Marie hopes to offer more grown-up events, such as jazz concerts, dance performances, maybe even circus shows. The menu at Elsewhere features soups, salads, sandwiches and pastas (US$3 to US$9). There is also a kids’ menu with child-friendly dishes for US$2 to US$3. “The food is very much snacks and finger foods,” explains Marie. “Light dishes that are easy to eat by the pool.” Despite being significantly smaller than the previous building, Marie has managed to fit most of her popular clothes shop on the first floor.

Elsewhere, 2 Street 278, Tel: 012 660 232

Siem Reap’s 4Faces
The latest delivery on the Siem Reap bar and arts scene is a relaxed bar, café and photo-gallery. The doors opened on Apr. 24, at a time when many others in Siem Reap are considering closing theirs. “We wanted to start in the low season, to get all the mistakes out, as you can do some things during the low season that you can’t get away with in the high”, says out Eric, a professional photographer who has lived in Cambodia for the last three years. Located a few doors down from the Maharajah Indian Restaurant, the main feature is the “black wall” on which will be shown revolving photography exhibitions. The opening exhibition, by Vietnam War photographer Tim Page certainly merited a viewing. An exhibition by Steve Goodman and his images of Cambodian street life, opened on May 29. “We have the best fish and chips in Siem Reap,” boasts owner Eric de Vries, “done in the English style, with vinegar and tartar sauce, and wrapped in newspaper.” Other highlights include veggie spring rolls (US$2.75), Kampot pepper chicken wings (US$4), chicken satay (US$4) and sweet spareribs (US$5). At US$3.50, the Brilliant Burger certainly has a brilliant price and must be the best value for money for a burger in town. The bar also has free WiFi, and three TV screens showing sports.

4FACES, Old Market Area, Tel: 089 208 336. Open 10am – late. www.4faces.net. Happy Hour 4pm – 6pm

New Views on Riverside
Opened on the quiet some three months ago, Touk bar and restaurant had its grand opening under manager Anandi Deonarine on May 22. Run by Srey Pich, who has plenty of experience from involvement in Herb Cafe and Shadow Bar on Street 278, Touk is a very welcome addition to the riverfront scene. Promising a variety of entertainment every night of the week, from live music through DJs to performance art, the contemporary establishment is bringing affordable drinks in a chilled-out atmosphere to the riverfront. Be sure not to miss Martini Mondays, when the eponymous drinks go for as little as US$2.50. The food menu includes local specialties, as well as more western dishes with a twist. Located just opposite the FCC, the view from Touk rivals that of its more established neighbour, so does the happy hour, between 5.30pm and 7.30pm most drinks are 20 percent off. With Anandi at its helm, the establishment is set to be fun, gay-friendly and happening. Given the location, the place will undoubtedly attract a fair share of tourists, but there’s no reason for expats to shun this modern and stylish place, the view from which really could fool you into thinking you’re on a boat (touk in Khmer).

Touk, Cnr. of Sisowath Quay and Street 178. Open 7am to late