asian accents
asian accents
S T U N N I N G D E C O R A T I N G A N D E N T E R T A I N I N G I D E A S
by Lisa Kim-Tribolati and Martyne Kupciunas
photos by Peter Mealin
PERIPLUS
contents
authors' preface 9 a style both old and new
introduction 10 entertaining today
the houses. the food
in living color 16 mediterranean pleasures
form & feng shui 24 fragrant rice and rolls
the comfort zone 36 pacific rim cuisine
a touch of zen 54 asian appetizers
the pool house 64 sushi and cocktails
java style 74 an indonesian buffet
asian accents 84 curried flavors
a moonlit courtyard 100 twilight supper
indigo night 112 fabulous finger food
appendix 122 tips, conversion table and index
Published by Periplus Editions (HK) Ltd.,
with editorial offices at 61 Tai Seng Avenue, #02-12
Singapore 534167 and 364 Innovation Drive,
North Clarendon, VT 05759 U.S.A.
Copyright © 2004 Periplus Editions (HK) Ltd.
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4629-0906-3 (ebook)
LCC Number 98-862 18
Printed in Singapore.
Acknowledgments:
Thanks to Tom Kupciunas, who continues to amaze me with his patience and understanding. M. K.
To John, Hong, Flora, and Susan. L. K.
Special thanks to Peter Mealin, for magically capturing our ideas and words in his photography, and for his and Choai Leng's patience, faith, and friendship. Thanks to Loretta Reilly, for her imagination and creativity; to Melanie Raymond, the best editor and friend with whom we were blessed; to Eric Oey, for his guidance and wisdom; and to Christina Ong, for her exceptional vision and unflappable support.
Many thanks to old and new friends who let us into their homes, shared ideas and recipes, and really made this book possible: Lucena Austria; Lucia Boey; Chan Soo Khian and SCDA Architects; David Droga; Carol Dunning; Stephen Falatko; Mary and Robert Franklin; Franz Friedl; Gan Jai Hong; Gan San San and Jacinta Gomes; Geh Min andTong Ming Chuan;Terry and Robert Gibralter; Lyn and Mike Hall; Richard Heifer; Lincoln and Muffin Hoffman; Sandra Jarvis;Amy Katoh; Elizabeth and Chris Lin; Mark and Jamie Loveland; Burke and Cary McKinney; Philip Norfleet; Louis Phun and Colonial Home; Mrs Ong; Diana and T. K. Quek and Quek Associates; Emi Querubin; Magdeline Shaw; Leonie and Jean-Marie Simart; and Thomas Winslade.
Distributors:
Japan: Tuttle Publishing, Yaekari Building, 3F,
5-4-12 Osaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141 -0032.
Tel (03) 5437 017; Fax (03) 5437 0755
Email: [email protected]
Asia Pacific Berkeley Books Pte. Ltd.,
61 Tai Seng Avenue, #02-12 Singapore 534167.
Tel: (65) 6280 1330; Fax: (65) 6280 6290
Email: [email protected]
North America, Latin America & Europe:
Tuttle Publishing, 364 Innovation Drive,
North Clarendon, VT 05759-9436.
Tel: (802) 773 8930; Fax: (802) 773 6993
Email: [email protected]
This stately home is a classic example of a shophouse or terrace house interior in Singapore. The ornate furniture and half-doors are typically Peranakan.
A style both old and new
Pink, jade, turquoise and lemon: the elegant facades of terraced houses shimmer in the heat of the afternoon sun. Louvered wooden shutters are tightly shut against the glare while on the ground floors, the ornate pintu pagars, or half doors, guard the privacy of the occupants while allowing tropical breezes to enter. Welcome to Emerald Hill Road, Singapore.
When we moved to Singapore we were both lucky enough to find ourselves living in the renovated shophouses that fringe this colorful road. Shophouses are a traditional form of terraced house built early this century in the Malay Peninsula by the Peranakan communities (descendants of the Chinese traders who married Malay