THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL

Wes Anderson's THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL recounts the adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. See the trailer here and read an early review below.

Movie review by Joel D. Amos of Movie Fanatic

Wes Anderson has a fan base for his films, but there is something about The Grand Budapest Hotel that will simultaneously please them, while it is also uniquely universal.

From Rushmore through his most recent Moonrise Kingdom, one knows when you are watching an Anderson film. The shot framing, the dialogue and that ensemble cast that he possesses that reminds us of an ever-expanding repertory theater company... it all screams "Wes Anderson."

The Grand Budapest Hotel has all of those... and so much more.

Ralph Fiennes, new to the Anderson ensemble, stars as Gustav H. He is a legendary concierge at the titular establishment. His story is central to the film, but it expands much beyond that to cover fascism, romance, war, freedom, family infighting, mentorship, loyalty and delightful confections.

We don't want to give away too much of the plot or even what it entails or how it is told, for fear of denying a viewer the utter joy that is the entire The Grand Budapest Hotel experience. But, there is a murder and Gustav H. is considered a suspect. The elderly woman who owned the hotel was mysteriously poisoned and her family suspects that Gustav did it. See, our world's best concierge has an affinity for rich older ladies and they quite enjoy him as well.

There is also an absolute charm to this picture that arises from a mentorship between Gustav and a lobby boy, played by Tony Revolori... who is a revelation. The mentor takes the mentee under his wing and teaches him everything about pleasing the high-end clientele that frequent their hotel. It is charming to witness as the mentorship evolves over the years into a dear friendship, one that will be challenged not only by the murder charge, but also the winds of World War II that are knocking on Europe's door.

Anderson's regular performers astound in their roles, from Jeff Goldblum and Edward Norton to Bill Murray and Jason Schwartzman. And as can be seen inThe Grand Budapest Hotel trailer, the supremacy of the cast does not stop there. Just a sampling: Jude Law, Harvey Keitel, Willem Dafoe, Tom Wilkinson, Owen Wilson, F. Murray Abraham and Adrien Brody!

The screenplay by Anderson -- based on a story by the helmer and Hugo Guinness -- is nothing short of art. The wordplay between the characters is like watching a ballerina move effortlessly across a stage. It is powerful, whimsical and completely delightful from beginning to end. And the auteur's direction has only gotten tighter, fiercer and frankly funnier. The Grand Budapest Hotel is not short on humor. In fact, it lies around every plot turn.


But, the star of the film has to be the production design. It is like watching the most extraordinarily crafted wedding cake with colors that subtly pop, lush backgrounds and scenery that explode with the minutest of details. Our The Grand Budapest Hotel cannot recommend enough checking in to Anderson's latest.



It is, in fact, one of our 11 films that could win the 2015 Oscar Best Picture!

GOURMET TREND ON WHEELS

THE GOURMET TREND IN SOUTH AFRICA

On par with the trend in the USA and Europe, South Africa has seen a proliferation of food trucksof late. Serving gourmet meals at lunchtime, snacks throughout the day, and those that cater for weddings and parties, a mobile food service makes sense. It is estimated that globally, 2.5 billion people eat street food every day. Bringing the concept to city centers, office-dense spaces and favored weekend hangouts, is a practical solution to meet the demand for good, fairly inexpensive food.


The food truck movement as we currently know it evolved from a direct response to the recession around 2007 in the US, where restaurants had to downscale operations and patrons had less cash to spend on lunch. Fully kitted, well-designed trucks contain small but operational kitchens, and food safety is strictly monitored by city health officials. The food truck movement may seem trendy and modern, but it has its roots in 1886 America. A rancher, Charles Goodnight fitted a surplus US Army wagon with kitchen amenities to create the first kitchen on wheels. Wagons like these were known as ‘chuck’ (or ‘chow’) wagons.


While growth in South Africa has been slow, as opposed to the mushroom-effect in the United States, there is a constant trickle of new trucks as the word spreads. Luca Castiglione runs the now famousLimoncello food truck in Cape Town and heads the informal Food Truck Association which serves as an agency for food trucks regionally. The association assists with all aspects of the business from design to marketing. A location for the trucks to park is a contentious issue, as there is no formal legislation that makes provision for them. The Cape Town Informal Trading by-law acknowledges the need to recognize and assist informal traders, mostly street vendors, but much is left to the private sector, says Paul Williamson, from the Cape Town city council.


Chef Bertus Basson of Overture, who owns Die Wors Rol truck, that caters gourmet hotdogs at events, feels that the South African public is ready for the concept, evident in the number of trucks popping up. Consequently, food trucks now face competition for space and market share, especially from restaurants that have recognized the opportunity and developed their own. Like it was for the wildly famous Korean Kogi truck in Los Angeles, social media has played a huge role in the popularity of the trucks and knowing where to find them. Castiglione does no advertising, apart from Twitter and Facebook posts. “Word of mouth on social media keeps bringing us new customers,” he says.

While curbside vendors in South Africa, selling made to order fried snacks like sheep liver and beef steaks grilled over the coals, are common, especially in the townships, we’re yet to see the true kasi (or township) cuisine hop onto the food truck bandwagon. Costs involved may make the venture prohibitive initially, but this could be a solution for providing local township foods in the heart of the metropolis, where city workers are craving a taste of home. Pretty soon, food trucks may be roving the streets of Cape Town and Johannesburg, selling the classics loved by South Africans. Biltong (a traditional dried, spiced meat), braaivleis (meat made on the barbeque), pap en wors (stiff white maize and thick grilled sausages), bunny chow (curry in a hollowed out white quarter loaf) and koeksisters (a plaited deep-fried crisp doughnut drenched in sugar syrup) – there certainly is a market for it.

JOHANNESBURG

Long Tom
Burgers, pregos, boerie rolls, lamb on the spit.
Website

Balkan Burger Bus
Specialist burgers with a red pepper sauce served in ‘somun’ bread buns.
Website

DURBAN

Afro’s Braai’d Chick’n
Braai’d chicken served in various forms
Website

CAPE TOWN

Limoncello
Calzone, risotto, sandwiches and doughnuts
Website

Durban’s finest curry
Curries, bunny chows, spicy burgers
Twitter

Die Wors Rol
Gourmet hotdogs and chips
Website

MARCH TRAVEL PICK

ParkRoyal on Pickering, Singapore

It's a city with ample green spaces, but even in Singapore you probably wouldn't expect a building to sprout so much greenery from its façade. Tiers inspired by rice paddies dominate the lower levels of the 16-storey ParkRoyal on Pickering, and foliage spills out at regular intervals from ever-higher terraces. 

Architects WOHA and landscape specialists Tierra Design have continued the natural theme inside too: the lobby features a living wall of mosses and plants; the infinity pool on the fifth-floor terrace is backed by a two-storey waterfall draped in greenery; and pale green hues and wood dominate the hotel's 367 rooms. 

Apart from enchanting visitors, the thick vegetation acts as insulation, shade, and allows natural ventilation. So innovative is the design it has won the Green Mark Platinum Award, the highest rating for green buildings in Singapore. 

The hotel, located close to Raffles Place, between Hong Lim Park and Chinatown, also features a great rooftop bar.



3 Upper Pickering Street, Singapore; Tel: 65.6809 8888; 

www.parkroyalhotels.com

LOFTS @ SOHO HOUSE BERLIN

THE LOFT



The Berlin Lofts are a series of vast modern spaces available to hire for short to long term lets, as well as private parties and tailor-made events.



Each Berlin Loft benefits from an open-plan living and dining area that features a, 5.1 Cinema system, 75” TV, high-spec Kitchen, a dining table for 12 guests and either a grand piano or fussball table.



With a fully stocked Bar and Eat- in Kitchen, vintage DJ decks and speakers, and enough space to throw a Party, the Lofts are the perfect base for those wishing to lodge, live and entertain in Berlin. All four lofts will be serviced by a 24-hour Concierge and daily Housekeeping service. Guests will also have the option of private dining, including a personal Chef, Bartender and Waiter service.


The Berlin Lofts are available in two different categories:

FLOOR 1 & 2 (253 sqm): These Lofts feature three bedrooms, each with adjoining shower or bathrooms.

FLOOR 3 & 4 (253 sqm): These Lofts feature two bedrooms, each with adjoining bathrooms (one of which has a steam shower), a large living and dining area, and access to three private balconies.

Soho House Berlin

Torstraße 1
10119 Berlin, Germany
T +49 (0)30 40 50 440
Soho House Berlin Loft