The "DADA" debut: A daring foray into surrealist delight (China)
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The "DADA" debut: A daring foray into surrealist delight (China)
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Category: Asia Pacific - China
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2009-03-13
The Luxe Manor Introduces a Dramatically Hip Addition to the Hong Kong Scene
The Luxe Manor opened its doors to Dada Bar + Lounge (Dada). Inspired by the Dadaism art movement of the early 20th century, Dada is a living example of contrast and imagination. For those searching for a dose of something bizarrely hip, Dada is a living, breathing ignition of the senses; daring drinks take the reigns of taste buds, inspired jazz melodies offer mesmerizing aural flavours and the gallery within Dada, Mondo Arte - Club Miniaci (Club Miniaci), showcases art exhibitions that captivates sight.
At Dada, nothing is quite what it seems. The signature bar and lounge was cleverly designed as an homage to the Dadaist cultural movement that began during World War I and peaked soon thereafter, leading to surrealism. Dadaism is an aggressive exploration into contrast and rule-breaking: artists of this movement sought to express their destruction of traditional culture and aesthetics through the avant-garde arts. Dada’s design elegantly incorporates the spirit of the movement; the space is infused with irony and a visual extravaganza of contrasting patterns, fabrics and shapes.
The cocktail menu is the brainchild of Luke Branch, Dada’s head mixologist extraordinaire. Luke is renowned throughout Hong Kong for his smooth yet intoxicating concoctions. Drawing on unusual ‘molecular mixology’ combinations using only the utmost in fine and fresh ingredients, he has creatively devised a line of deliciously delectable drinks that reinforce the Dada surrealistic adventure that is anything but ordinary.
Dada’s charmed allure carries on beyond its main room into its three private dining rooms, each an artistic manifestation of Heaven, Hell and Eden. Heaven is an immaculate foray into the realm of a dreamlike afterlife, and leaves visitors feeling as though they have just been swept up in a divine intervention. Multiple elements create the sensation that one has come in contact with something heavenly: lush white curtains resembling the wings of angels’ line two walls of the room, while the ceiling offers the illusion that angels are stepping down from above. A luminescent swirl of white and silver dazzles on the distant mirror- an expression of the “white light” one sees when they pass on into the afterlife.
In distinct Dada manner, Hell was designed in stark contrast to the soft white divinity of Heaven. Dark and sensual, Hell incorporates the use of deep, smooth reds and blacks, irregularly placed long mirrors and human-sized candles. Upon stepping into this devilishly chic lair, one is first drawn to the dazzling chandelier that looms above like an explosion of rare crystals, only to realize that a fiery, lava-like flooring broils beneath their feet. With exclusive views of the open kitchen, Hell offers the luxury experience of chef’s table where guests will be able to appreciate culinary artists making their masterpieces.
Walking through the sparkling pathway, Dada redefines ancient Eden with three parts artistic brilliance and one part satiric humour. At first glance, visitors almost feel as though they have just stepped outside, as the main window resembles the outside of a house and the floor is carpeted in a fresh green hue, creating the feel of literally being out in a garden. The framing of the main section of Eden is laden with a peacock feather curtain, a dramatic introduction to a room with flower-lined walls and ceiling, a design verging on the point of being sweetly theatrical.
The grand opening of Dada on marked the bar and lounge’s distinct entrance into Hong Kong nightlife. Showcased at the event will be internationally renowned musician, Nicole Renaud. Known for her highly distinctive style of combining her beautiful soprano voice with the sounds of her accordion, the French star has been performing in New York City since 1990.
The Luxe Manor’s Dada will also be the home to Mondo Arte - Club Miniaci (Club Miniaci), which will officially open March 6th, launching a full week of opening events and activities (see full calendar below). For those with a penchant for Italian culture and art, Club Miniaci offers both a meeting place within Dada and a forum for cultural exchange between Italy and the rest of the world. Club Miniaci presently holds a range of work from contemporary Italian artists, and even etchings from famous Spanish surrealist master Salvador Dali. The gallery will be open from 2pm – 11pm, seven days a week.
Dada Bar + Lounge is located on 2/F of The Luxe Manor, at 39 Kimberley Road in Tsim Sha Tsui. Dada is open seven days a week starting from 2pm until the wee hours of the night, and their resident jazz band will play on Thursday to Saturday from 8pm – 12am.
The Luxe Manor is a distinguished member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, an unrivalled collection of over 440 independent hotels in more than 70 countries. For 2008, the surrealistic hotel was also voted by Travel & Leisure as one of the top 5 boutique hotels in Greater China, including China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau.
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