Letter from Apricot - An evening at the L’Artiste Hanoi

The Apricot

LETTER FROM APRICOT SỐ 01

full issue:  http://apricothotels.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Letter-of-Apricot-01-s.pdf

Nhà báo Bill Healey

Có lẽ đó là sự sắp đặt tình cờ đầy may mắn, chuyến du lịch vòng quanh thế giới kéo dài gần 4 tháng đã cho vợ chồng tôi cơ hội được khám phá Hà Nội yên bình và nên thơ trong hơn một tuần lễ. Trước khi đến sân bay quốc tế Nội Bài, tôi đã nghe rất nhiều gợi ý về Apricot Hotel, một khách sạn 5 sao nhỏ xinh nằm e ấp bên Tháp Rùa nổi tiếng với khoảng cách chỉ vài bước chân.

The Apricot

Dù mới mở cửa được hơn 3 tháng, khách sạn sang trọng và đẳng cấp này đã nhận được rất nhiều những đánh giá và lời ngợi khen tích cực. Và tôi biết đây sẽ là điểm dừng chân mình cần phải khám phá khi đến Hà Nội - Thành phố vì hòa bình, đặc biệt là hành trình trải nghiệm những giây phút thăng hoa trong nghệ thuật ẩm thực tại nhà hàng L’Artiste của Apricot Hotel.

Bước vào sảnh khách sạn, không khó để nhận ra sự đầu tư công phu và tỉ mỉ của người chủ đầu tư nhằm tôn vinh tinh hoa của mỹ thuật và di sản văn hóa Việt Nam với hơn 600 nguyên tác hội họa của các danh họa nổi tiếng Việt Nam như Nguyễn Dung, Phan Kế An, Bùi Hữu Hùng và Hồng Việt Dũng bên cạnh những tác phẩm điêu khắc và tranh màu nước. Với vị trí vô cùng đắc địa, xưa kia đây là nơi tọa lạc của khách sạn nổi tiếng Phú Gia, chốn giao lưu của các tầng lớp chính trị, doanh nhân có tiếng trong xã hội ngay từ những năm 1920. Theo những thăng trầm của thời gian, cũng trên cùng mảnh đất lịch sử đó khách sạn Apricot đã ra mắt thủ đô trong diện mạo hoàn toàn mới. Toàn bộ decor trong khách sạn được trang hoàng cầu kỳ theo phong cách tân cổ điển với tông màu kem ấm áp, sàn đá cẩm thạch, đèn chùm lộng lẫy và đồ nội thất sang trọng.

Những bước đi thư thái trên đường đến nhà hàng L’Artiste giúp vợ chồng tôi có cơ hội được hòa mình vào không gian nghệ thuật và thưởng thức những giai điệu ngọt ngào từ phím đàn piano được chơi bởi các nghệ sỹ tài năng. Có cảm giác như chúng tôi đang đi dạo trong một phòng tranh nghệ thuật đầy tao nhã ở các thành phố lớn trên thế giới. Băng qua khu bếp mở đầy phong cách, chúng tôi bước vào phòng ăn riêng, nơi có khung cửa tuyệt đẹp nhìn ra Hồ Hoàn Kiếm. Thêm một lần may mắn khi chúng tôi được đích thân bếp trưởng của khách sạn chia sẻ về những món ăn độc đáo.

Hành trình khám phá ẩm thực của chúng tôi bắt đầu với món khai vị bò thái lát New Zealand, salad bưởi và sốt Caesar, sau đó là món chính phi lê cá vược với dầu oliu & zucchini risotto, cà tím nướng trứng cá muối kết hợp với nước sốt bơ cam. Bữa tối tuyệt vời khép lại với món tráng miệng đặc trưng của khách sạn – Mousse trà xanh, quả mơ và dâu tây. Với tôi, mỗi món ăn là một quá trình chuẩn bị công phu và chúng thực sự là những tác phẩm nghệ thuật dưới bàn tay của người bếp trưởng tài hoa.

Những trải nghiệm ẩm thực tinh tế tại L’Artiste, với tôi như vậy đã là quá đủ cho một buổi tối tuyệt vời ở Hà Nội. Nhưng khi được thỏa sức phong tầm mắt nhìn ra toàn cảnh Hồ Gươm trên tầng cao nhất của Apricot, vẻ đẹp của thủ đô mới thực sự khiến tôi không khỏi ngỡ ngàng. Dưới ánh đèn đêm, Hà Nội thật lung linh, huyền ảo. Có lẽ hiếm có địa điểm nào sánh được với tầng thượng của Apricot nếu bạn muốn chiêm ngưỡng vẻ đẹp của Tháp Rùa khi hoàng hôn tắt nắng. Đó là một thứ cảm giác thật khó để diễn tả bằng lời nhưng sẽ không dễ dàng quên được.

Bữa tối tại L’Artiste và những trải nghiệm đáng nhớ tại trên tầng thượng là những điểm cộng cho những ai đang muốn đến thăm Hà Nội. Quả thực với những dịch vụ hàng đầu, lối thiết kế mang phong cách Pháp đặc trưng cùng bầu không khí ấm áp, đầy mời gọi, nơi đây chắc chắn sẽ là lựa chọn lý tưởng khi đến với mảnh đất Hà Thành nghìn năm văn hiến.

===== English Version =====

As good fortune would have it, our four-month global tour brought us to Hanoi for a week-long visit. Prior to touch-down, reports had come to us about the Apricot Hotel, a newly opened
five-star, small luxury hotel just steps away from Hoan Kiem Lake. In just three months following its opening in April 2015, the trendy luxury property has received a generous number of positive reviews. We knew it was a stop we needed to make.

Our chief aim was to experience the culinary delights at L’Artiste Restaurant. Upon entering the Apricot lobby, we quickly noticed the meticulous attention to service and the hotel’s focus on Vietnamese art, culture and heritage. Placed throughout the public areas and guest rooms are more than 600 works by renowned Vietnamese artists. Some of the showcased pieces are by master painters Nguyen Dung and Phan Ke An and contemporary stars Bui Huu Hung and Hong Viet Dung, together with sculptures, ink drawings and watercolours.

Formerly known as the Phu Gia, the hotel had welcomed socialites, political leaders and business elite since the 1920s. Coming back to life after a top to-bottom renovation, the interior is now a crisp and light cream, taking its cue from the French colonial era with marble floors, extravagant chandeliers and classical furnishings. On our way to the fine dining restaurant L’Artiste, we proceeded at a leisurely pace that allowed us to enjoy the artwork along with the soft melodies played by the lobby pianist. We could have just as easily been walking through a boutique art gallery in any major metropolitan city. When reaching L’Artiste, we were escorted past the open-style kitchen on the way to our private dining room with an enchanting lake view.

Our dinner started with a New Zealand beef carpaccio, pomelo salad with Caesar sauce, followed by a main course of sea bass filet with olive & zucchini risotto, smoked eggplant caviar, and an orange star and butter sauce. Our dessert featured its apricot & matcha tea mousse with apricot & strawberries. Each course was artistically prepared, culinary masterpieces served by professional staff.

As our fashionable evening ended with the delightful dinner at L’Artiste, it would have been a very good night. However, later in the evening we made our way up to Apricot’s rooftop pool which provided a stunning panoramic view of Hanoi and the iconic Hoan Keim Lake. The tranquility of the rooftop terrace piqued our senses of sight and sound, offering a truly therapeutic and memorable sensory experience.

An evening at the L’Artiste and on Apricot’s rooftop is a welcomed break for even the most seasoned traveller. The service is top-notch, the French colonial architecture is warm and inviting, and the sophisticated ambiance puts one at ease. Highly recommended for a night out on the town, or a longer stay to get-away.

Casino Association of South Africa, A Visit with Adv Themba Ngobese

from Gaming & Leisure Magazine

Spring 2018

www.mygamingandleisure.com

full issue: https://digital.mygamingandleisure.com/issue/spring-2018/

This issue’s International Road trip takes us to South Africa, the largest casino gaming nation on the African continent.  Joining in the discussion is Advocate Themba Ngobese, Chief Executive Officer of the Casino Association of South Africa (CASA).

Gaming and Leisure Magazine
Spring 2018

CASA Then & Now

CASA was established in 2003 and represents the interests of 36 of the 38 legal land-based casinos operating in the country, as well as the public they serve.  CASA’s emphasis is on playing a constructive and positive role in the evolution of good public policy and good governance in respect of the casino industry.

In their most recently released Annual Survey for the year ended March 2017, CASA shows the industry supports over 64,000 quality jobs in the national economy.  Of the R16,5 billion (US$ 1.2 billion) in value generated by CASA members, casino and related services employees received 21% or R3,5 billion (US$ 250 million).  This makes employees one of the largest recipients of value generated by the casino industry, taking home even more than the providers of capital.

The CASA survey shows that of the 64,000 people working in the sector, 10,649 were directly employed in casino operations while a further 5,513 were employed for outsourced services such as security and cleaning services for casino operations only.  Non-casino operations, such as hotels, convention centres, restaurants and theatres, accounted for the balance.

Cultivating the principles of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) and gender equality remained high on the list of priorities for CASA members during the year ended March 2017.  Based on the Tourism Sector Code, 36% of CASA’s 36 members are rated Level 1 B-BBEE, up from 25% in the previous period, while 31% are rated at Level 2, also an improvement from the year ended March 2016.

The CASA survey for the year ending March 2017 also shows that, for the first time since the inception of the casino industry in South Africa under the new democratic dispensation, there was a decrease (1.8%) in revenue.  This decrease was attributed only in part to the general economic downturn, with illegal gambling eroding substantial revenue from the legal operators.  Despite this, the licensed casino industry made a significant contribution towards employment, social responsibility and infrastructure development, and continues to be a vital economic driver.

Advocate Themba Ngobese
CASA CEO

Advocate Themba Ngobese, CASA CEO

Playing a leading role in the direction of CASA is Advocate Themba Ngobese, CASA’s Chief Executive.  He was literally working within the SA casino industry since its early days, working both within the regulatory authorities and later the casinos.

Prior to joining CASA in 2013, Adv Ngobese held senior positions at Peermont Hotels, Casinos and Resorts, the Gauteng Gambling Regulatory Authority and the National Gambling Regulatory Authority of South Africa.  (It should be noted that South Africa has nine provinces, each with its own regulatory authority and then the national regulatory authority.  Adv Ngobese for instance, worked for the Gauteng Gambling Regulatory Authority in Gauteng Province and then the National Gambling Regulatory Authority.)

He holds a B. Proc and LLB degrees; both from the University of the Witwatersrand as well as a Certificate in Legal Practice from the University of South Africa, and is a qualified advocate.

While with Peermont Hotels, Casinos & Resorts, Adv Ngobese was Group Compliance & Legal Services Executive where he was responsible for ensuring compliance of the Group with gambling legislation as well as other applicable legislation.  He was also responsible for the provision of legal services to Group operations including the drafting and vetting of operational agreements, rendering of legal advice and liaison with external legal advisors.

Adv Ngobese strongly believes that governments need to create a stable operating environment through an explicit regulatory and taxation framework which encourages investment, job creation and economic growth.  In his role as CEO at CASA, Adv Ngobese strives towards ensuring that the Government offers the lowest possible costs of doing business, including low taxation rates, low licence fees and minimal regulatory costs for the industry.  He advocates strongly that the Government must have clear policies in place that are consistent with the fiscal and regulatory environment of gaming within the country.

Responsible Gambling

Of specific interest to Adv Ngobese and CASA is how they promote Responsible Gambling in South Africa.  He mentions it is in their best interest to ensure the longevity of both their member casinos and the public they serve.  An example he used, if a person spends everything they have and is forced into bankruptcy, they would no longer be a regular valued visitor to the casinos.  CASA and its member casinos strive to promote the well-being of the guests in order to ensure they’re visitors for the long term.  It helps the casino cover maintenance and cost of growth well into the future.

CASA is the leading contributor to the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation NPC (SARGF), which delivers the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP).  Its Board consists of an equal number of gambling industry executives and government regulators as well as the Executive Director, an independent director, and an independent Chair, Adv. Fana Johannes Nalane.

The SARGF is a public-private sector partnership which is incorporated as a non-profit company in terms of South Africa’s Companies Act, 71 of 2008, as amended.  It was founded in June 2000 and is acknowledged internationally to be highly effective, economical, amongst the most comprehensive in the world, and especially well adapted to the particular needs of all South Africans.

The NRGP includes the following programs:

Treatment Program
Industry Support and Mentorship Program
Prevention Programs

Corporate Social Investment

As a socially responsible sector, CASA members are fully committed to Corporate Social Investment (CSI) as one of the cornerstones of their ethical business model.  And with CSI becoming more strategically focused, it also makes sense to align CSI spending with core business objectives and imperatives.  Such an approach moves CSI out of the charitable sphere and into one with true partnerships and beneficiaries; Government and NGO’s bring about long-term sustainable development to the benefit of all.  It is against this background, and guided by the key socio-economic development needs highlighted by the communities in which they operate, that members of CASA select and support the association's CSI projects.

The collective efforts of CASA’s members run the entire scope from education, poverty alleviation, skills development, community upliftment, sports development and sponsorship, health care, altruistic infrastructural improvement, HIV treatment and assistance to those most in need, namely the young and elderly.

In total, CASA members spent R712-million (US$ 51 million) over the past five years.  But, while financial assistance makes up a portion of CASA’s CSI programmes, their members do not believe that just throwing money at a problem will solve it; they also give their time, skill and assistance in any way possible.  So where an education scholarship is important, so is the recycling of linen from the hotels which is donated to homes for the aged – each little bit helps.

Adv Ngobese and I briefly touched on the demographics of guests visiting South African casinos.  Though there have been efforts by some venues to attract visitors from abroad, the success has been marginal.  Aside from a few of the larger casinos, the vast majority of visitors come from within the country.

Further information can be found on their website at:  www.casasa.org.za

Gaming & Leisure Magazine would like to thank Adv Themba Ngobese for his time and contribution.

AVANI Hotels & Casinos Establish Luxury Gaming Brand Across Africa

from Gaming for Africa Magazine

February - March 2018

full issue at: https://issuu.com/roybannister/docs/gfa_-_issue_136_-_digimag_-_opt

AVANI properties around the world are often considered to be the best lodging and dining experiences available to experienced travelers. Blending genuine hospitality and modern lifestyle features with a passion for design and contemporary style, AVANI leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.

Gaming for Africa Magazine
February - March 2018

AVANI properties reach across Africa, Europe and Asia, and are a division of Bangkok-based Minor Hotels.  Three of the AVANI properties in Africa have a casino:  AVANI Gaborone Hotel & Casino, AVANI Lesotho Hotel & Casino, and the Windhoek Hotel & Casino.

The AVANI Gaborone Hotel and Casino is an upscale hotel in the heart of Botswana’s capital. The 196-room property offers guests nicely furnished rooms decorated in a gentle African theme.  Along with a casino, the retreat also offers recreational facilities, fine dining and casual meal options.

The AVANI Lesotho Hotel & Casino is a 158-room fashionable property located on a hillside overlooking Maseru, the capital of Lesotho. The property’s design gives guests a panoramic view of the city with mountains off in the distance.

The AVANI Windhoek Hotel & Casino is considered one of the best hotels anywhere in Namibia. Set in the heart of Windhoek’s business centre, the property caters for both discerning business executives and seasoned travelers.

We are fortunate to have spoken with a few of the AVANI casino executives who offer an insight into their background and casino operations.

Ricardo Coleman & Asser Majazu - AVANI Windhoek Hotel & Casino

[Gaming for Africa]  AVANI Windhoek maintains the two disciplines of Tables Manager and Slots Manager separate within the Casino.  We are joined by both Ricardo Coleman (Tables Manager) and Asser Majazu (Slots Manager).  Give us a bit of a background on your position at AVANI Windhoek and the career path led you to your positions?

Ricardo Coleman

[Ricardo Coleman - Windhoek]  I got my start in the industry back in December 1994 with the Swakopmund Hotel and Entertainment Centre.  I spent nearly nine years there in several positions, including Pit Boss, Assistant Pit Boss, Inspector, and Dealer.  In September 2003 I moved over to Windhoek Country Club Resort & Casino as a Pit Boss.

In mid 2004, I returned to Swakopmund as their Assistant Table Manager and progressed to Table Manager.  In early 2011 I took the position as Tables Manager with Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino, where I am at present.

[Asser Mujazu - Windhoek]  I started as a Cashier in 1998 at the Windhoek Country Club Resort & Casino, and then was transferred to Slots Attendant and later promoted to Vault Cahier. Due to the passion I had in Technical, I was then recommended by the Cashiering Manager to become Coin Handling Equipment Technician then later a Trainee Technician.

Asser Mujazu

In 2002, I was promoted to become the youngest Slots Shift Manager in this industry in the whole of Namibia, and that is a highlight of my career. I left the industry in 2004, to work abroad (UK) and return to Namibia in 2006 as a Senior Technician at the Windhoek Country Club Resort & Casino, a position I held until 2011 when I came to Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino as an Assistant Slots Manager until 2014 when I was promoted to Slots Manager.

While working I completed Management Development Program with Maurice Kerrigan Training Development Institute, and then Gaming Management Education Program (GMEP) through Sun International, whereby we presented our final assignment to the Sun Directors and then I completed the Senior Management Development Program (SMDP) at the University of Stellenbosch 2015.

[Gaming for Africa]  What unique features sets Windhoek casino apart from the others?

AVANI Windhoek

[Windhoek Casino]  Being in the centre of town and surrounded by the CBD we derive a lot more day visitors than destination operations.

We have recently completed a refurbishment of our casino and the new product now features a Private Room, Prive, Poker Club and main floor. The private Room with high limit American Roulette and Blackjack as well as high denomination Slot Machines, a full complimentary bar service, snack service and a fully hosted gaming experience with dedicated cashiering services as well as Wi-Fi and electronic device charging points at gaming devices. The Poker Club offers Texas Hold’em style poker games and the Prive area offers privacy to the more discerning players and has a dedicated cashiering function.

[Gaming for Africa]  Regarding guest demographics at the casino, where does Windhoek Casino draw their customers from?  Is the intent of the casino to be strictly for hotel guests, or can the general public also use the casino?

AVANI Windhoek Casino

[Windhoek Casino]  The Casino is open to the general public and hotel guests alike. The Casino draws most of its patrons from the City of Windhoek and surrounds and a small portion of its clientele from visitors from South Africa, Europe and Angola. The local resident Asian population is also a notable segment in the casino market.

[Gaming for Africa]  Are locals allowed to gamble, and are there responsible gambling programs in place?

AVANI Windhoek Casino

[Windhoek Casino]  All members of the public or tourists have access to gaming facilities. The
casino subscribes to the National Responsible Gaming Program that is facilitated from South Africa and offers free counselling and even treatment in the event of compulsive gambling problems that could even result in in-patient treatment if need be, at the cost of the program and the participating operators. The program also prescribes advertising and information dissemination, research and training for operators on how to evaluate, monitor and deal with problem gamblers.

[Gaming for Africa]  How many table games and slots are available at Windhoek Casino?

AVANI Windhoek Casino

[Windhoek Casino]  We run 10 Tables and 133 slot machines.

[Gaming for Africa]  Are there tournaments within the casino?

[Windhoek Casino]  The casino regularly run tournament style promotions for table games and slots as well as poker tournaments as part of the promotional calendar and activities.

[Gaming for Africa]  What entertainment and activities are available to complement the casino gaming operations?

[Windhoek Casino]  Gaming promotions and draws are fun activities with the addition of game shows, virtual horse racing or fun activities during draws. Promotional or hosted evenings are renowned for promo girls, food and drink promotions and entertainment on the main floor and casino bar.  The hotel facilities in the form of a very popular buffet restaurant and the Oasis Bar with regular live entertainment is further to the disposal of casino patrons.

AVANI Windhoek Casino

[Gaming for Africa]  Is there a casino loyalty card that can be used across the properties?

The casino loyalty program is known as the Unique Loyalty program and depicts the ultimate privilege for our casino players that signed up. Players can progress through various tiers by earning points and achieving threshold status credits and with every level qualify for cheaper benefits like hotel accommodation, meals drinks and access to certain tier specific promotional activities, trips and invitations to events like boxing tournaments, live entertainment or sport events.

Shaun Nicolson - AVANI Lesotho Hotel & Casino

[Gaming for Africa]  Give us a bit on your background, and what led you to your position at AVANI Lesotho Hotel & Casino?

[Shaun Nicolson]  I have been in the casino industry for over 25 years, working in casinos in

Shaun Nicolson, AVANI Lesotho

Southern Africa and abroad. I have always been intrigued by the diversity of the operations, where there is always something to learn. I started as a Vault Cashier and worked my way through the ranks

[Gaming for Africa]   What unique features sets AVANI Lesotho Hotel & Casino apart from the others?

[Shaun Nicolson] Definitely our staff, we have some of the best people I have worked with in the industry. We are a relatively small casino and that allows us to have a one on one relationship with our customers, and our staff literally do know your name.

AVANI Lesotho Hotel & Casino

[Gaming for Africa]   Regarding guest demographics at the casino, where does they draw their customers from?  Is the intent of the casino to be strictly for resort guests, or can the general public also use the casino?

[Shaun Nicolson]  Our core hotel business is derived from corporate guests so we are not pegged as a resort destination, as such the casino is open to everyone. Over 93% of our business is from the greater Lesotho region, however we actively market into South Africa, where we have seen an upturn of customers visits due to our VIP Manager’s strategies.

[Gaming for Africa]    Are locals allowed to gamble in Lesotho, and are there responsible gambling programs in place?

AVANI Lesotho Casino

[Shaun Nicolson]  Lesotho, like South Africa, does not put any restrictions on residents gambling, as
long as they are over 18 years and do so responsibly.   We do have a responsible gaming programme in place within the casino.

[Gaming for Africa]  How many table games and slots are available at the casino?

[Shaun Nicolson]  Our games:

12 Tables  - comprising Black Jack, Roulette and Punto Banco

Table limits Roulette M 10.00 / M 25.00, Blackjack  M 50.00 / M 200.00, Punto M 100

129 Lesotho and 70 Maseru =199 Machines

 Denominations range from 1c to M 5.00. Video, Stepper Reels and Poker with progressive jackpots.

Machine games range from classic favourites to latest releases.

[Gaming for Africa]  Are there tournaments within the Lesotho casino?

[Shaun Nicolson]  When we refer to tournaments, we generally refer to tables games. In this regard we host quarterly Roulette tournaments.  Small scale gaming promotions are run 3 time a week. Large scale promotions are run every quarter for bigger wins.

AVANI Lesotho Hotel & Casino

[Gaming for Africa]  What entertainment and activities are available complement the casino gaming
operations?

[Shaun Nicolson]  Our marketing team is constantly working on setting up entertainment, from comedy shows, ladies nights, specialised acts to romantic dinners. There is always something happening to cater for everyone’s tastes.

[Gaming for Africa]  Is there a casino loyalty card that can be used at Lesotho Casino and across the properties?

[Shaun Nicolson]  Yes – it is called the UNIQUE loyalty programme. It rewards our customers based on their play on the tables and slots. It is a points based system, where customers can redeem their points for anything from drinks, accommodation to merchandise.

Gaming for Africa would like to thank Shaun Nicolson, Asser Majazu, Ricardo Coleman and the AVANI marketing team for their time and assistance.

Further information on these properties can be found on their websites:

AVANI Lesotho Hotel & Casino         https://www.minorhotels.com/en/avani/lesotho
AVANI Gaborone Resort & Casino    https://www.minorhotels.com/en/avani/gaborone
AVANI Windhoek Hotel & Casino     https://www.minorhotels.com/en/avani/windhoek