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Villa Opera: Homely High-end Italian in Vientiane

By
Laotian Times
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Villa Opera Italian Food Vientiane

I have found a quiet bit of Italy in Vientiane where the homemade pasta is bellissimo.

After the closure of the Italian restaurant L’Opera, near the Mix Fountain, Mr Pino Peruzzi has re-opened for business with another Italian Restaurant, called Villa Opera. Villa Opera is situated just one block back from the Mekong River on Rue Panya Sri, just behind The Spirit House. After the 7 month refurbishment of an old run down French Colonial Villa it is difficult to imagine what the building used to be like as the refurbishment is to a very high standard, maintaining the traditional exterior with a very modern interior.

If you have previously eaten at the Italian L’Opera you will pleased to find most of your favourites on the menu here. This restaurant is not the place for a cheap meal with antipasti and appetizers priced from 50,000-300,000 kip and mains that include Kobe Steak at 1.5m kip per 200 grams. There are, however, some reasonably priced options with various homemade pasta dishes at around 95,000 kip per dish.

Villa Opera Vientiane

The restaurant was easy to find, occupying a corner on the street, and there is plenty of parking. I received a warm welcome from the owner, Pino, himself on arrival. The restaurant has plenty of seating with nice cozy corners for two and also larger tables for families and groups. The interior is bright, with colored glasses, and is minimal and modern. It has a feel of style and sophistication without being over the top. I felt very comfortable.

The staff seated me at my table and quickly brought me a menu and a large bottle of still water. They soon poured the water before I had chance to confirm I wanted it (I cannot complain about the speedy service but please never assume I want to purchase the water without asking).

I was also quickly brought some complimentary traditional Italian bread, topped with rosemary. It smelt divine with the rosemary on top and was very fresh. Like most breads, it was a little dry, and I would have appreciated some Italian olive oil and maybe some balsamic vinegar to dip my bread in.

Villa Opera Vientiane Laos

Pino came over whilst we were browsing the extensive menu and informed us politely that the restaurant was not fully open yet. They are still awaiting their traditional pizza oven so they can do pizzas but not in the traditional oven. For me this did not matter because I wanted to try the homemade pasta.

For starters I tried the ‘Bruschetta di Salsiccia’ and the ‘Zuppa di Pesce’ (Spicy Seafood Soup). The waitress informed me at the time of ordering that the seafood soup was quite spicy which for me is okay. The starters took about 15 minutes to arrive because everything is made fresh to order, but this was not a problem because I was nibbling on the Italian bread.

The Bruschetta was two pieces of toasted bread with cheese and Italian sausage on it. It was very nice and the Italian sausage was particularly tasty but the flavors were quite simple. By contrast, the spicy seafood soup was a bowl of many flavors, from the fresh seafood broth, to the lemongrass, to the chili and the seafood, alongside all the other herbs and spices. For me the soup had a perfect balance of chili that did not overpower the subtle flavors of the squid, prawns and fish, yet enough to add a little kick to the dish. I will definitely be reordering the spicy seafood soup on my next visit.

Whilst eating the starter there was no offer of fresh salt or pepper, and no one checked back that everything was okay. This may be because the staff are still going through their training. I remember from eating in L’Opera there was always the offer of fresh salt and pepper, and always a quality check back.

For the main course I tried the ‘Homemade egg ribbon pasta with lamb ragout’ and the ‘Lasagne Verdi al Forno’ (Baked Spinach Lasagne). I was keen to try these dishes because both are made with homemade pasta and I am a huge lover of homemade pasta rather than the dry pasta you usually buy in the minimart. The egg ribbon pasta was beautiful and light and reminded me of a recent holiday in Rome, Italy. For a moment I could close my eyes and pretend I was back there. The ragout sauce was plentiful and enough to cover the pasta, with a good quantity of premium pieces of lamb that melted in my mouth.

[ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”14″ override_thumbnail_settings=”1″ thumbnail_width=”100″ thumbnail_height=”75″ thumbnail_crop=”1″ images_per_page=”20″ number_of_columns=”0″ ajax_pagination=”0″ show_all_in_lightbox=”0″ use_imagebrowser_effect=”0″ show_slideshow_link=”0″ slideshow_link_text=”[Show slideshow]” template=”/home4/laotiantimes/public_html/wp-content/plugins/nextgen-gallery/products/photocrati_nextgen/modules/ngglegacy/view/gallery.php” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_basic_thumbnails”]The Lasagna was delicious with many layers of the homemade sheets of spinach pasta, rich meat ragout, and béchamel sauce. It had been baked to perfection served with more of the tasty meat ragout on top. I appreciated that the lasagna had been made as a single portion and was not part of a mass produced larger lasagna that some Italian restaurants serve. Again the homemade pasta was fresh and light. Both of the main dishes were 95,000 kip each, and based on the quality of the ingredients, and because it was homemade pasta, I thought they were both good value for money.

I enjoyed both main dishes but with so much choice of other dishes including classic pasta dishes like ravioli or carbonara, and pizzas, and risotto and other authentic Italian favorites, I will choose something different next time.

Despite being rather full from the starter and main course, I just couldn’t resist trying a dessert. There was no dessert menu but instead the waitress brought over a tray with one of each dessert on it to peruse. The desserts looked extremely tempting, and despite my efforts to try something new I went with my favourite classic Italian dessert, ‘Tiramisu’.

I have eaten Tiramisu in Italy about five times and each time it has been slightly different in terms of cream/sponge/alcohol mix. The Tiramisu at Villa Opera has a thin sponge base, and was very heavy on the cream and light on the liquor. I prefer more sponge, soaked in Marsala and a little less cream, particularly after two other courses when I am feeling a little full. I found it a little too heavy at the end of a meal. Note: there are no prices on the dessert tray so you will need to ask for these.

I will definitely return to Villa Opera because I really liked the relaxed homely feel of it, made even warmer by the personal greeting from the owner, Pino. I also thoroughly enjoyed the homemade pasta with the authentic taste of Italy. Depending on your budget, this might be a place to visit more for a special occasion rather than a regular place to dine.

‘Fifty Shades Darker’ Banned in Laos

By
Laotian Times
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Fifty Shades Darker Banned in Laos

In the 18 months since the first cineplex opened in Laos, the Cinema Department, under the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism has never censored nor banned a film — until now. Screenings of the erotic romantic drama “Fifty Shades Darker” have been cancelled at all three cinemas in Laos.

According to the Film Authorization Permit that is created for each film shown in Laos: “After inspecting the contents of this film, it was found to be inappropriate to be shown, due to the film’s obscenity; therefore, it is forbidden to show this film in the Lao PDR.”

Notice Banning Fifty Shades Darker

Fifty Shades Darker, starring Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan, opened worldwide on 10 Feb and has only garnered a 9% favorability rating on review aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes. The online furor caused by such a ban will surely only increase bootleg DVD sales around the city in the coming months.

Laos Keeps a Close Eye on Corruption

By
Laotian Times
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Laos Corruption

 

Laos has found international recognition recently for a number of positive advances, however  some reports have painted a picture of rife corruption among the country’s leadership.

In 2015 it was reported by Transparency International in the Corruption Perception Index, that out of 176 countries listed, Laos was ranked number 139.

During a recent event to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the establishment of the Party and the Government Inspection Authority, a document detailing the lessons received from previous inspections primarily focused on the Party and government recognizing the deficiency and faults of their inspections which ultimately lead to inadmissible conduct and unnecessary loss of resources.

In an attempt to rectify these issues, the Government Inspection Authority has appointed Party committee members of all ranks to conduct and participate in all upcoming inspections in hopes of establishing themselves as strong mentors to the rest of the administration. They have emphasized the importance of inspectors being responsible, honest, enthusiastic, intelligent and fair. Inspectors must also be well informed with regard to Party directives, policies, laws and other state regulations.  

Laos has seen prominent measures taken by the government such as cracking down on inflated electricity bills, illegal logging and fuel tariff exemptions.

From 2011 to 2016, 734 targeted inspections were carried out. This uncovered deficits exceeding 4 trillion LAK, $70 million USD, 36 million THB and 500,000 yuan due to corruption, while timber exceeding 3 million cubic meters was recently discovered to have been harvested or sold.

The inspection has uncovered a large number of civil servants that have violated the law, and though many have been exposed, countless still go unanswered for their crime.

Though the Party and government’s inspection authority has been making headway, moving Laos up 16 places to number 123 on the Corruption Perception Index for 2016, they still have a long way to go.

The authority has received over 3,600 complaints just in the past few years, and has pursued various claims. 37 individuals are now in a legal battle in relation to a malfeasance, where officials unveiled discount disbursements which caused the state to lose 700 billion LAK worth of resources.  

What We Know About Tham Kannalikham, Melania Trump’s Handpicked Interior Designer

By
Laotian Times
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Lao American Interior Designer Tham Kannalikham
Lao American Interior Designer Tham Kannalikham

Social media has been going wildly insane about Melania Trump’s handpicked interior designer, Tham Kannalikham, who is expected to make the Trump’s feel more homey at their new private quarters in the White House with her reputed design prowess.

Members of the Lao community within Laos have digitally, unanimously expressed their pride at having one of their Lao brethren recognized for such a distinguished job. The appointment was perceived as the best interaction with America and a continued shining of the international spotlight on the country since Obama’s recent visit. The majority of Lao people was overjoyed by their “sister’s” accomplishments, despite their differences in citizenship. To the Lao people in Laos, Kannalikham’s fame is an international validation of the success of the all Lao peoples of all political stripes, a feat for which the whole “nation” of Laos can take credit and be proud.

“She is beautiful, she is talented. No matter where her passport comes from, her name says it all. She is Lao or Laotian, or whatever is preferred. This proves that Lao people, can be successful anywhere and are not inferior to any other nation,” notes one comment on Facebook.

Reactions were a bit more ambivalent within the Lao diaspora. While a tantamount level of pride was similarly shared within much of the Lao-American community regarding Kannalikham’s appointment, a considerable number have protested her decision to accept it. For many anti-Trump Lao-Americans, the acceptance is viewed as an offense to the honor of the Lao economic migrants and refugees who have come to consider America their home. To them, Trump has a personal vendetta against immigrants, evident in his recent controversial travel ban.

“I don’t mean to disrespect her success, but it is highly unfortunate that her Lao-related recognition is in light of the Trump Presidency. Not proud to have Laos associated with the Trumps in any way,” comments a woman on social media.

Whether one believes Kannalikham’s decision was right or wrong, it is undeniable that working with FLOTUS and the White House will launch her career to new heights and perhaps get Laos the attention of POTUS himself.

Who is New York-based Tham Kannalikham?

According to Women’s Wear Daily, Melania Trump has selected Kannalikham, 40, to put her personal design prowess on the First Family’s private quarters, located on the 2nd floor of La Maison Blanche.

We do not know much about this mystery lady, but here’s what we do know (info courtesy of realtor.com):

1. Her previous work remains a closely-guarded secret

While the Lao-American interior designer will be revamping one of the most eminent houses in the world, it is difficult to ascertain any information on her past works. This secrecy could have very well been deliberate so as to protect the identity of the person at the center of this internationally high-profile undertaking.

Her official Instagram account is set to private:

Screen Shot 2017-02-09 at 18.23.26

Her website is unreachable:

Screen Shot 2017-02-09 at 18.32.10

2. She is an immigrant

Favored by Melania, probably not by the Donald, a variety of sources say she is Lao-American, born outside of America (most likely Laos or Thailand?) growing up in Stockton, CA, before moving across the country to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology. Her current firm, Kannalikham Designs, is located in New York City. It is widely speculated that Melania Trump met Kannalikham in the Big Apple, but how exactly remains a mystery.

3. She previously worked at Ralph Lauren Home

Kannalikham was a designer at Ralph Lauren Home, the home decor arm of the global fashion brand. Could it just be a coincidence that Trump wore a powder-blue Ralph Lauren dress to her husband’s inauguration last month?

4. She loves classical architecture

Many have speculated that the First Family will redecorate the White House in the same ostentatious style as the Trump Tower. If Kannalikham has anything to say about it (which she does because she was hired!), the White House will maintain a more traditional style that pays homage to its history.

Trump’s senior adviser told Women’s Wear Daily that she has “a deep appreciation for the historical aspects of the White House.” Kannalikham is a frequent attendee of events held by the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, a nonprofit dedicated to the appreciation of the classical style in architecture and interior design.

5: She likes Mid-Century modern decor

While all signs points to Kannalikham choosing traditional furniture selected from the White House archive, there’s also a strong possibility we’ll see touches of Mid-Century Modern furnishings in the mix. Kannalikham’s affinity for this iconic style was made evident in one of her former projects, a Greenwich, CT, home. Architectural Digest reported that she selected period pieces from William Haines — the 1920s film star-turned-tastemaker and interior designer.

 

The Laotian Times has reached out to Kannalikham for further enquiry. A family representative has kindly asked the press to allow her and her family members a fair amount of privacy so that she can focus on the important task at hand. The family will reach out when they are ready to make a formal statement.

The Xaysana Case: What We Know So Far

By
Laotian Times
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Xaysana Drug Case

The Xaysana drug ring is currently one of the hottest topics in Southeast Asia. Regional social media is aflame with updates on Xaysana Keophimpa, the alleged drug lord from Laos recently arrested in Bangkok. The Xaysana sensation has spread like wildfire across Laos and Thailand, and while arrests continue and connections to Thai celebrities come to light, most of the official Lao media remains curiously silent.

Who is Who? Here Are The Big Names of the Case:

xaysana-keophimpa

Xaysana Keophimpa hails from Khammouane province. Much of his background is unknown, however he quickly rose to a high position in the drug network to which he has been linked. After the arrest of Xaysana, his personal Facebook page remained accessible to the public, with his ostentatious lifestyle and links to celebrities on display for all to view.

 

 

sisouk-daoheauang

Sisouk Daoheuang is a wealthy individual who owns a horse farm that breeds and sells pedigree horses reaching up to 4 million baht. He holds a concession on the Lao government lottery, and is a shareholder in a supercar business spanning both Vientiane and Nong Khai.

Sisouk is a known associate of Xaysana, and some reports have even suggested that he may even hold a higher position in the drug network.

While his current whereabouts are unknown, a recent Lao Post article claims that Sisouk made a new status update on his personal Facebook account, declaring his innocence. However, he has not surrendered himself to the authorities, leading to further questions about his guilt.

 

lt-gen-sommai

Lt. Gen. Sommai Kongwisaisook is commander of Thailand’s Narcotics Suppression Bureau. He has led a five-year hunt for Xaysana Keophimpa, and has arrested over 50 other individuals in the Xaysana drug network over the past five years.

 

 

 

How did the drug ring operate unnoticed?

Thai media suggests that Xaysana’s drug ring could not have operated undetected by Lao authorities. The Thai media have hinted that Xaysana must have enjoyed the protection of someone in the Lao political system. This, it is said, is how he has escaped justice without any police interference.

Meanwhile, despite numerous Thai press conferences and news reports, the official Lao media has remained quiet. Surprisingly, however, one state-owned news service did comment on the lack of official responses in Laos. An article was published by the English arm of Khaosan Pathet Lao (KPL), with the headline “No Reaction to Xaysana’s Arrest.” This article stated that the relevant authorities have not yet publicly acknowledged their part in the arrest, despite Thai police reporting that it was critical intelligence from the Lao side that ultimately led to the Xaysana bust.

A Vientiane Times article stated that Lao and Thai authorities are working closely to bring all the offenders to justice. It goes on to say that officials from the Lao embassy to Thailand had gone to the airport to witness the first arrest.

The New Government’s Commitment

The new government and party led by President Bounyang Vorachit and Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith have made it a defining policy of their administration to stamp out corruption and other social ills, including the drug and timber trades. The Xaysana arrest happened at a time when the government has redoubled its efforts to halt these international drug routes.

Timeline of Events: 

[cool-timeline layout=”default” animation=”FadeInOut” date-format=”F j” icons=”YES” show-posts=”10″]

Lao Telecom to Increase Investment for Improved Services and Market Growth

By
Laotian Times
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Lao Telecom

Lao Telecommunications Company (LTC) expects to see expansion of its network and telecommunications systems this year in an effort to improve services and gain new subscribers.

The state-owned telco currently boasts over 1.5 million mobile phone subscribers, and 40,899 fixed line users. The 2G Winphone network includes 532,316 users, while 3G and 4G data subscribers make up some 895,972 people.

This year, the company hopes to increase its market share and expand its customer base to 257,218 subscribers, according to a report heard at the annual meeting of the company yesterday.

While Lao Telecom’s earnings last year were valued at 1.81 trillion kip, up by nine percent the previous year with 365 billion kip in profit, the company hopes to reach net profit of 422 billion kip this year.

In order to achieve its targets, the company has said it will improve its telecommunications systems and make use of newer technologies. The company will also undergo a human resources overhaul to improve customer service.

Last year, Lao Telecom spent US$ 44.4 million on upgrades to its systems, with US$ 39.9 million of this going toward the mobile phone network alone.

Lao Telecom has been selected to develop telecommunications systems and ICT installations for the Laos-China Railway Project, which the company hopes will boost its image in the international arena.

At the conclusion of the LTC annual meeting, Minister of Post and Telecommunications Thansamay Kommasith praised the company, stating that its excellent progress has further contributed to national socio-economic development.

Lao Postal Service Regulations Tightened, New List of Prohibited Items

By
Laotian Times
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Lao Postal Service

Regulations governing the Lao Postal Service have been revised, with stricter controls now in place for the delivery of a variety of materials.

A new decision on postal service prohibitions was approved last month through a joint effort between the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications and four other ministries, as well as the Bank of the Lao PDR.

The decision replaces the previous legislation issued June 10, 2009.

Under the new Lao Postal Service regulations, items prohibited for delivery by post include any items that are against Lao or international laws, and include chemicals, explosive materials, and weapons. The regulations also prohibit the postage of media that promotes anti-government activities or immoral activities, or beliefs that are not in accordance with Lao culture.

The decision also determines measures for prevention of delivery of illegal goods by mail.

Alongside the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, the decision was drafted in a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

A further list of prohibited items includes certain medicines, antiques, ivory products, game meat, wild plants, and any equipment that can be used for the production of counterfeit currency.

The list also includes batteries, live animals, crops, sharp or dangerous implements, and valuable items including gems or precious metals.

Melania Trump Chooses Laotian-American Interior Designer to Redecorate the White House

By
Laotian Times
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Laotian-American Chosen to Decorate White House

First Lady Melania Trump might still be spending her weekdays in New York but she is getting the Trump White House in ship-shape with the help of Laotian-American interior designer Tham Kannalikham.

“Mrs. Trump has a deep appreciation for the historical aspects of the White House and with Tham’s traditional design and expertise, they are focusing on a seamless integration of elegance and comfort into where the President, the First Lady, and [their son] Barron will be spending their family time and calling their home,” said Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, senior adviser to the First Lady.

The Laotian-American designer got her start at Ralph Lauren Home in New York and now heads up her own firm as principal of Kannalikham Designs. While pundits and comedians have mused about the likelihood of an Oval Office adorned with gold and marble accents along the lines of the Louis XIV-inspired style that Angelo Donghia created for the President’s penthouse in Trump Tower, their White House is likely to be more toned down given Kannalikham’s ethos.

With what was described as extensive experience working with private clients from around the world, her interest in traditional design, coupled with her past work, has led to a decade of extensive study in the fields of early American architecture and decorative arts. “I am honored by the opportunity to be working with the First Lady to make the White House feel like home,” Kannalikham said in a statement released Thursday.

While it was not immediately known how she and the First Lady met, the fact that Kannalikham keeps a relatively low profile may have been a selling point with FLOTUS. The designer’s web site has a private login for clients, and it does not feature any photographs or information beyond an e-mail contact. Her Instagram account is private. Her Ralph Lauren tie may have been another upside with the First Lady, who millions of inauguration watchers know wore a powder blue ensemble by Lauren for her husband’s swearing-in ceremony last month. With the exception of Lauren, Trump gravitated toward lesser-known — and lowkey – designers for her inaugural weekend wardrobe.

The President wasted no time in hanging a portrait of Andrew Jackson in the Oval Office and the First Lady may also keep a fast pace with her White House redecorating. The Lincoln Bedroom, the President’s Dining Room, the Truman Balcony, the Yellow Oval Room and the Treaty Room are all housed on the White House’s second floor, and are among the spaces that First Families generally rework to their taste.

During the Obama years, it was the Los Angeles-based designer Michael Smith who reimagined the private quarters at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue with an array of 20th and 21st century art. The turnaround time was a mere two months, according to an Architectural Digest article. Smith’s first priority was reportedly squaring away the bedrooms for Malia and Sasha. In terms of First Family decorating, that M.O. may remain intact given First Lady Melania Trump’s devotion to her 10-year-old son.

Maybe the start of this relationship with FLOTUS will help Laos be more noticed by POTUS?

Source: Los Angeles Times

Here’s what we know about Tham Kannalikham so far.

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