Now Plus One

I was looking for a new deodorant and came across the new Old Spice ‘Fresh Collection’ series. To my surprise, they had a deodorant inspired by Cyprus, my homeland. So, I decided to smell like home and bought the Old Spice “Cyprus” deodorant. A closer look on the packaging though and my hopes of taking an olfactory tour of my home country evaporated…

The packaging claims that the deodorant smells like limes, yet Cyprus does not produce limes, only lemons and oranges. It also claims that there is the scent of ocean breeze, which is technically false since Cyprus is not near the ocean at all, but the Mediterranean Sea, and most people will tell you that the smell of the ocean is very different than the smell of the sea. The faux cherry on top of the cake was the claim of the scent of “freedom”! My tiny homeland has been invaded and occupied enough through the centuries to have forgotten what freedom tastes -and smells- like. One third of the country is currently still occupied by Turkey and there are very small hopes of “freedom” anytime soon.

It seems like the product development and marketing departments at Old Spice decided to forego any research and just go with whatever mumbo-jumbo marketing speak sounded good to them. Or worse, they probably paid an agency lots of money to come up with something so ridiculously removed from reality just because it sounds good enough to sell. This would have been such a simple thing to fix, or even fake, just by spending a few minutes reading about each island inspiration. The scent of the Cyprus deodorant, for example, could have been inspired by lemon trees, sunshine and the cool Mediterranean breeze.

Another sad example of a mainstream brand’s bad planning and marketing based on made-up inspiration…

Oct 23

Design Trend: Infographics

I’ve been obsessed with inforgraphics for a while now. I think they’re a fantastic example of why design matters, even in categories we have never considered it useful, like data gathering and synthesis.

The folks at Column Five Media have put together a great little video bringing to life the value of infographics. Check it out here.

And here’s a great example of how infographics can take a mundane food item like s’mores and turn it into an interesting educational experience, just by introducing the element of design, like the folks at REI did here:

Oct 09

Food-Making Class: Truffles, Truffles, Truffles

Never imagined how fun it would be to spend five hours on a Sunday morning making truffles!

I signed up for the truffle-making course at the Institute of Culinary Education to get a better idea of how to make gourmet truffles and finally get put some of my crazy flavor ideas into action! My group of ten people made a dozen types of ganache, which is the soft inside part of the truffle and then tempered different types of chocolate to cover the truffles with. The tempering was the most time-consuming part because the chocolate has to be at a specific temperature and everything from the room temperature to one’s hands can affect it. Lots of patience is required here!

My favorite part was the final coating of the truffles, where creativity comes into play. We mixed and matched various combinations. My contributions were cocoa powder and chile, sea salt and paprika, toasted almond nougat, pistachio and cardamom, and cocoa nibs.

Not sure this is a frequent endeavor, but it’s certainly a great way to feel creative and produce stunning, hand-made products that will make great gifts for special occasions. A couple of people in the class already make truffles and sell them to local restaurants and grocery shops, so I got to gain some insight into the new breed of culinary entrepreneurs. Not sure I’ll be joining anytime soon, but at least now I have the skill!

Oct 08

Nightlife: Inspired by Mexico City

The Mexico City lounge experience seems to be the new craze in New York, with a few similarly-themed places opening, including Salon Hecho, the loungier version of Hecho en Dumbo, and Pulqeria, the next-door sibling to Chinatown’s fancy cocktail den Apotheke. I had to visit them both and see why suddenly NYC is taking cue from DF.

One of my favorite Mexican joints in the city, Hecho en Dumbo, got a spinoff next door to its Bowery location. (The original restaurant, as the name points out, is in Brooklyn’s Dumbo neighborhood).

My partner and I happened to be the very FIRST customers on the first day Salon Hecho was open to the public! I don’t know if this is because I like to check out new things right away, or that I am getting older and show up at bars much earlier than I should!

Either way, I am so glad I discovered this place. The small stage will showcase local and Mexican indie bands and the vibe is comfy lounge more than speakeasy-chic snobbery! The menu includes a few cold small plates (the pickled shrimp is superb!), but the main reason to visit is, of course, for the fantastic drinks.

Lots of mezcal and tequila naturally, both in fantastic cocktails (my partner loved the Pantera Rosa sporting infused serrano tequila, fresh grapefruit juice and St. Germain), as well as in shots accompanied by sangrita, a spicy tomato shooter. They also specialize in curados, which are traditional cured mescals, served in old medicine glass bottles (we tried the habanero chili and avocado leaf, both superb). The michelada options are also tantalizing (I enjoyed the spicy Michelada Cubana).

The other day I visited Pulqueria with a friend visiting from Vienna. Tucked underneath a nondescript Chinatown restaurant, this new space is above all an experiential delight. Yes, the unmarked, speakeasy sort of thing is getting out of control, but few places do it well. Here, it’s not too hard to figure out that the candle-lit staircase leading downstairs will take you to Pulqueria, but it’s thrilling nonetheless. The decor and overall atmosphere transports visitors to a whole different part of the world, not necessarily a local joint in Mexico City, but maybe a very stylish creative’s interpretation of a Mexico City dive.

The spacious bar is joined by an even more spacious dining area (perhaps this is why Chinatown is the new hotspot: cheap real estate!) and the staff is hip yet friendly, another major surprise in the era of hipper than thou hipsters.

My friend and I enjoyed every bite of the sophisticated, light Mexican fare, which costs ten times more that its inspiration, Mexican street food, but after all, we’re paying for a fancy recreation of authenticity, which ironically, is always more expensive than real authenticity… The drinks are fantastic and the star here is pulque, a fermented agave libation that is usually consumed on the rocks, infused with various herbs and fruits, or in cocktails. The folks at Pulqueria claim that theirs is the only establishment in town to serve this drink, so kudos for the exclusivity quotient.

I’m curious to see whether the latest nightlife inspiration spurs more imitators. I bet it’s one that will work well with New Yorkers, who are familiar and comfortable with Mexican food and drinks, but would also like the opportunity to try new flavors and experiences.

I’m just ecstatic to have more opportunities to try more varieties and uses for mezcal, my latest favorite liquor!

Oct 07

Film: Weekend

Weekend is a British indie that celebrates love and just happens to have gay characters. Director Andrew Haigh goes for a realistic, documentary feel and believable characters that capture the essence of a chance meeting that develops into a more intense relationship over the course of a weekend.

The reason I find this film so fresh and well-made is that it forgoes any stereotypical and expected characterizations of gay men when it comes to issues of love and sex. There’s no camp and sassiness like in every other American “gay movie.” Even the characters debate the issue of how we perceive and discuss straight vs. gay sex, with some interesting points of view.

Sep 14

Trend Trekking: Berlin

Berlin is still touted as the artsy capital of cool. In many ways, it merits this distinction, but even though I see and experience lots of amazing things every time I visit, I feel like the city needs more business to move forward. There’s no real industry established here and the city has one of the highest unemployment rates in Germany. From my interactions with lots of locals, I gathered that Berlin is in a sort of wait-and-see pattern. Great place to be if you want to hang out and read at a coffee shop all day; not the best place to be if you’re a creative entrepreneur….

I had a great time exploring the city and marveling at how a big metropolis can be so quiet and relaxing (are you listening, New York?!). Pedestrians and bikers peacefully co-exist with cars and the sidewalk cafe culture is strong, giving the city a lively yet calm vibe. Beach bars and clubs along the river Spree are flourishing, with Club der Visionäre the most famous example, a hipster hangout with a definite laid-back Berlin vibe.

Even retail is taking a cue from the cool, relaxed city vibe; there are tons of tongue-in-cheek manifestations in terms of retail design and branding. My favorite store name has to be this:

The food scene is booming, with amazing ethnic restaurants (somehow, Vietnamese restaurants are a must here!) and I had the meal of a lifetime at Michelin-starred Restaurant Tim Raue, where the food presentation was the work of art:

My favorite art experience was at the Boros Collection, an old East German bunker that hosts the Boros family’s extensive contemporary art collection. The building itself is stunning with a rich history; in addition to a bunker it also served as a banana warehouse (!), sex club and rave club. The evidence of its past is embedded in the walls and the energy of the space:

One of my favorite artists, Olafur Eliasson, who lives and works in Berlin, is represented with many pieces here, including some custom-made installations:

I also enjoyed the lovingly restored Hamburger Bahnhof (an old train station) that hosts a big chunk of the Museum of Contemporary Art. I loved the whimsical installation of Warhol’s Mao portrait; that’s Mao’s caricature in the pattern:

A visit to Berlin could not be complete without a few hours spent gawking at the food hall at KaDeWe, the ginormous Berlin department store! We got lost in the condiment aisles and salivated at the bakery items. German bread is to die for, if you haven’t had the pleasure!

I was also intrigued by the large “frozen dessert” section, with items like frozen cupcakes and macaroons. Delicious!

Overall, the KaDeWe food hall is an amazing food-as-museum experience, but I wonder how comfortable and convenient it is for people to actually go here for daily shopping…

Another interesting food retail experience on the other end of the gourmet spectrum was the “Easy Order” automated ordering system at a busy McDonald’s. I wondered why the fastest of the fast food companies thinks people need an even faster way to order their food, especially in a city as relaxed as Berlin! Is this an effort for uber-convenience, or an early attempt in eliminating staff?

Having done a few masculinity-themed projects, I’m always on the lookout for interesting expressions of this theme in retail. I was pleasantly surprised by the Spanish chain Bershka’s flagship Berlin store’s attempt to imbue some interactive fun for male shoppers with a centrally-located foosball table:

Another masculinity example was a store called Dudes Factory that specialized in skater lifestyle items, as well as customized “artsy” clothing. Not a very impressive execution, but I did find this display intriguing!

I was surprised to see the philanthropy-oriented Chari-tea and Lemon-aid line sold at tons of places, from casual cafes to upscale galleries. I am still a big fan of their packaging design and I’m glad they’ve managed to carve a niche at least in Berlin:

The food-truck craze is not yet that big in Berlin, but I did spot the most adorable unique manifestation of the trend. This is the Berlin food-truck version of a Efa’s Frozen Yogurt, a venerable Berlin fro-yo shop, packed in an old compact mini-van!

Lastly, a visit to Berlin would not be complete without a tour of its vibrant street art. Enjoy some of my favorite examples:

Jun 17

Theater: Spiderman

I was invited to see the new version of Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark and I went out of sheer curiosity. I was intrigued by the facts: this has been the most expensive show ever produced on Broadway ($70 million and counting!), the show with the most preview performances (146, compared to the usual 30) and also the show with the most cast injuries, due to the demanding aerial stunts. The original concept by director Julie Taymor was panned by critics and abhorred by the comic franchise’s die-hard fans, because (the horror!) dared to renovate the familiar story of the boy spider. I can’t speak for that show because I didn’t get a chance (read: didn’t really care) to see it. But I can speak for the new version that premiered after the firing of Taymor and the complete overhaul of the story and music.

I know I am not your typical Broadway musical fan, but I could not believe just how absurdly $70 million could be wasted. Yes, there are flying men in spider costumes, the blink-and-you’ll-still-see-them cable wires none-withstanding, and yes, there are some visually stunning sets, but I found the whole thing to be an embarrassing case of ridiculous. The storyline is so lightweight that it feels like it’s supported by the same heavy-duty wires that are throwing the poor Spider-Man stuntmen around the theater. The music is so tepid and boring, it made me wish Bono would stick to what he knows best: philanthropy. The actors are wooden at best when they’re not obviously embarrassed by their own lines, and the choreography is out of a Nickelodeon kids show, fun if you’re five. Did I mention that there are characters who resemble the big, bad cartoon types from comic books with giant spongy heads and cigars sticking out of their spongy mouths, or that there’s an inflatable character that gets to wrestle with a real person? I didn’t think I had to in order to communicate just how bad this show is.

The shocker for me is not the delirious audience members who hoot and clap at every turn. They’re justified by the fact that they paid $500 for a family of four on tickets alone. No, the shocker is how kind the press has been to this new version of the show. They all loved to hate the show when it was still in previews, even if they were not supposed to review it until it officially opens. But get rid of the female director with a strong point of view, get rid of any creative license and originality, and you have a brand new bland winning show.

Throughout the never-ending travesty of so-called theater, I imagined the legions of amazing works of art that could have been developed if young, creative, passionate theater people were blessed with the $70 million that was wasted on this chimera.

Perhaps budget-inflated, over-hyped, bigger-than-life works of art have to succeed in order to justify spending obscene amounts of dollars on the next proposed mega-production that promises to rake in mega-profits. Otherwise, we might be stuck with small-scale, low-budget productions that only offer artistic merit or challenge our perceptions or, god forbid, make us think. Who needs that kind of thing when a shiny Spider-Man dangling from a thick cable wire could still fall on his face and make our $140 ticket worthwhile?

May 12

As Quoted In: Quick-Service Review

I was recently interviewed for an article in QSR about the ever-expanding trend in pop-up restaurants. I think the writer has done a good job in explaining the pop-up restaurant craze from an industry perspective.

I am personally a big fan of this trend. As a culture vulture, I love experiencing new culinary concepts, especially ones that are here today and gone tomorrow. As a foodie, I love trying out innovative concepts in food by chefs who are trying new things or by potential restauranteurs who want to test the waters.

Occasionally, brands in the food & beverage category manage to succeed in putting together an occasion- or theme-based pop-up, and of course there are the artists-pranksters out there who use the concept as an experiential art project. The danger lies in the temporary food spaces that pop-up as a directive from a brand’s higher-ups who want to partake in the fun. It’s easy to see through the shoddiness of the me-too pop-ups and they do nothing to promote the brand equity and lots to discredit it. A branded pop-up restaurant or food space needs to have a raison d’être beyond capitalizing on the trend. Consumers have seen enough and they’ll only use their power in word-of-mouth and social networking recommendations only if there is a novel POV behind the pop-up.

Event: Festival of Ideas for the New City

This past weekend, I spent quite a bit of time in Nolita for the Festival of Ideas for the New City organized by the New Museum. The main drive for the festival according to the organizers was “to harness the power of the creative community to imagine the future city and explore the ideas destined to shape it” Hundreds of organizations, agencies and brands collaborated to put together a slew of events in terms of conferences, projects and a street fest.

The street fest in particular had quite a few innovative organizations promoting their causes and lots of artists promoting their work and gathering reactions from passerby.

Polish artist Olek, whose exhibit “Knitting is For Pus***” is set to close at the Christopher Henry Gallery at the end of this month, has a crocheted bedroom on display at the festival.

Urban Omnibus has been a showcase of good ideas for the future of cities, conceived in the public interest and tried and tested in the five boroughs of New York. They showcased a new series of Idea Posters that turn the language of ubiquitous marketing on its head by using a similar language to share examples of creativity and innovation in the urban realm.

I also liked the idea behind Green My Bodega, a farm-to-bodega initiative based in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Crown Heights. They are working to connect community members, local farmers and corner stores to create a healthier and more equitable food system.

Philanthropic agencies should take a good look at the genius behind The Ghana Think Tank. It’s a worldwide network of think tanks creating strategies to resolve local problems in the “developed” world. The network began with think tanks from Ghana, Cuba and El Salvador, and has since expanded to include Serbia, Mexico and Ethiopia.

I couldn’t help but fall in love with the package design of Hudson Valley Seed Library, even if their lovely products made me momentarily resent New York and my lack of garden/yard!

The festival also included a pop-up restaurant set up by the folks at East Village Dutch-Danish restaurant Vandaag. They took over the basement of a school and turned it into a lovely eating space with the help of local artist wares. I felt like striking a pose during a momentary romantic lapse caused by the candlelight!

The night ended with video projections on the New Museum building, as well as several buildings down Mulberry Street. Some of the them were magical.

Overall, the festival seems to have kick-started many conversations on the future new city and urban environments. I just got the feeling during some of the events and the street fair that a lot of people treated this as a novelty fair or had no idea what the purpose of the whole thing really was. Perhaps a better communications platform by the organizers before next year’s edition (if there is one) will help attract more people who are interested in the topics and educate more people who are not usually involved in such thinking. Looking forward to seeing some of the ideas come true!

Branded Experience: Audi Urban Future

The highlight at the Festival of Ideas for me was the Audi Urban Future: Project New York. This breathtaking exhibit envisioned a new city based on the award-winning concepts from the inaugural Audi Urban Future Award – hosted at the 2010 Venice Biennale. I love seeing brands involved in projects that seem outside of their scope but that promote innovation that is beneficial to global communities. Audi scored big with this exhibit, not only because of all the press, but also because of the talent and ingenuity behind each of the proposals presented. I hope to see some of these ideas come to life in my lifetime!

The 3D rendition of all proposed projects on a 50-foot model of Manhattan was simply stunning!

Jan 30

As Quoted In: New York Post

I was recently interviewed for a New York Post article about whether Americans are getting lazier.

I feel like my quote was used to promote a POV I don’t quite share. I tried to steer the reporter towards a very big trend that has been going on for a few years now, that of “lifestyle curation.” We are seeing that consumers expect their favorite brands to offer them more and more convenience, and that brands are responding with innovative curatorial services and solutions that even go beyond their core category.

I think there is a huge difference between the stereotype of fat Americans eating greasy take-out in front of the TV and the reality of busy, overwhelmed Americans looking for convenient solutions throughout the day. I don’t think people are lazy when they’re looking for new ways to manage their daily tasks and activities. New technology has made it easier for people to work, cook, travel, communicate and {insert your favorite verb here}. Texting rather than calling or emailing has more to do with fast and precise communication rather than laziness; same with having food delivered at the office for a working lunch, or relying on Roomba to vacuum the house while working.

After all, reports continue to show that American workers stay longer in the office, at the factory or on the farm than their counterparts in Europe and most other rich nations, and they produce more per person over the year. It’s unfair to call Americans lazy when most often, what they’re looking for is a bit of convenience to help slow down their lives. But that article wouldn’t sell newspapers now, would it?!

Jan 26

Retail: Eataly vs. Limelight Marketplace

New Yorkers have been inundated with food halls and indoor marketplaces in the past year, bringing a “European” flair to indoor shopping and eating (as compared to the more American mall experience). Some have been more successful than others. Case in point: Eataly.

This vast food hall pioneered by mega-chef Mario Battali is the super-sized reincarnation of the Torino, Italy original mecca of Italian food. Navigating Eataly during lunchtime is not a feat for the weak, trying to actually shop there is almost impossible due to the crowds of people eating (or waiting to eat) at the various food counters located throughout the space. From a pizza station to a gellateria to a vegetable counter, Eataly offers something for everyone, all of high quality (and price!). Their passion for all things Italian is evident by every little detail; they even have the only ATM by an Italian Bank in the city. I have also been impressed by how they managed to “teach” New Yorkers new behaviors: the idea of standing up at high counters while you enjoy your wine and cheese is not an easy one to enforce on this city’s discerning denizens; yet this area is packed of standing crowds drinking and nibbling.

Every time I’ve set foot in this place, I find myself distracted by the variety of goods, the sensory experience of watching food prepared and cooked and the incredible energy of the place. This is the rare case of an American re-invention of a European success that stands on par with the original.

On the other hand, we have a rather unsuccessful attempt at an urban “marketplace.” The Limelight Marketplace would be a mall if only New York had the kind of real estate middle America has for these soulless shopping monstrosities. But instead, the developers of the Limelight took over a sacred institution (it was literally built as a church!) that housed the legendary Limelight club, and turned it into a cramped shopping experience with chain stores that have 1/20 the space they’re used to and a selection that lacks the cohesion of a specialized marketplace or the inspired curation of a successful one.

This space would have worked well as a food hall or a specialized marketplace rather than the chosen format of mismatched shops and generic decor. The grandeur of the building is hidden behind lacquered drywall and the (in)famous nooks and crannies of this ex club heaven are closed up or stuffed with generic delights from places like It’s Sugar.

Americans love to shop, and it’s sort of true that they’ll shop anywhere, but Eataly has proven that curation and specialization create an experience beyond shopping, while the Limelight Marketplace has put its eggs in the generic basket of uninspired retail experiences that fade away from people’s memory and eventually from the retail map.

Oct 01

Nightlife: SPiN New York

As part of a Now Plus One Innovation Summit, we took our group of clients to check out out the latest in nightlife entertainment at SPiN New York. For ping pong lovers, this 13,000 square foot social club is heaven on earth! The club offers 17 individual tables, including a stadium-like center court. In addition, SPIN New York houses a pro shop, lounge, bar, private room sponsored by Fred Perry and over a dozen internationally known professional coaches and players who are available for private and group instruction.

I, of course, didn’t even need a coach! (Notice how I am serving the ball when my co-player is not even expecting it!)

Our clients were impressed by the dozens of “buckets of balls” conveniently located by each table, and containing enough ping pong balls for players who “accidentally” serve their balls across the room. This small gesture of luxurious convenience turned into a very valuable insight for our own brand discussion.

Whether ping pong will have the same comeback as another retro classic, bowling, remains to be seen. From our experience at the place, the balls kept on flying (witness our overwhelmed Now Plus One member Naz below) and the beer pitchers kept on emptying!

Sep 02

Food Trend: Popsicles

Move over Pinkberry and the rest of the fro-yo purveyors: there’s a new craze in town! New York is embracing the latest trend in healthy culinary indulgences in the form of paletas, or in plain-speak, popcicles.

Paleta means little shovel or trowel in Spanish, and paleterias can be found selling them in any large Mexican neighborhood, first in Texas and California and now almost everywhere, including Locopops in North Carolina and Las Paletas in Nashville.

People’s Pops in New York’s Chelsea Market began as a local food initiative, intended to use and highlight native fruits. Now it offers artisanal popcicles in flavors like Rhubarb & Mint, Strawberry & Basil, and Plum & Sour Cherry, for $3.50 a pop!

Another artisan shop is the East Village’s Popbar, a branch of Milan’s Stick House, and it is a completely thought-out “concept” that is ready to be rolled out across the nation, with units that will be found in better urban neighborhoods and good malls. They use fruit, yogurt, and even cream to make gelato on a stick, what people in the ice cream industry call ice cream novelties.

For those who want to continue their popcicle experience into the night, hipster Mexican bar Diablo Royale Este offers the Hopsicle Experience. This adult version of a popcicle consists of a can of Tecate beer injected with simple syrup and lime juice, fitted with a wooden stick, and frozen for four days, whereupon the top is chopped off with a samurai sword and it is consumed with a popsicle stick. Sounds tasty.

We can’t wait to see the next artisanal version of a paleta, and to find out just how much New Yorkers will embrace their newly beloved frozen treats come winter!

Aug 20

Branded Experience: Target’s High Line Fashion Show

Target staged what may have been the most expensive fashion show ever put on outside of the official New York fashion week schedule. The company bought out the entire Standard Hotel straddling the city’s popular new High Line park, hired dozens of dancers and models to perform a synchronized show in the hotel windows while what has to be one of the most ambitious light shows the fashion industry has ever seen played out, larger than life. Rumors say that total production costs topped $1.5 million.

I am fortunate enough to live two blocks from the event and walking through the people gathered for the event was a pretty interesting experience. It’s very rare that a brand manages to get people so excited about a promotional campaign that they’re willing to wait around for hours to get a glimpse of the event. Target has had people line up in the past for their pop-up stores or designer collections, but this time people were perfectly happy going out of their way to watch what was basically an outdoor ad. I guess if you’re gonna create an experiential event, you better go all the way and pull the right stops, and Target managed both.