OMG SEASON | J.D. MARTINEZ
It was great to spend some time with NY Mets’ DH Slugger, J.D. Martinez to talk about his playing with the Mets; his nickname 'Flaco;' his go-to workout exercises; his music taste and the OMG team hit anthem; and more.
As a player with asthma, he also highlighted how important it is to consider having a vaccine for Pneumococcal Pneumonia, especially with certain risk factors, such as having asthma.
This conversation was brought to us by Pfizer, who informs that Pneumococcal Pneumonia is a potentially serious bacterial lung disease. Symptoms can hit without warning and take you out for weeks, possibly even landing people in the hospital. You are at higher risk being age 65 years or higher, or 19 and older with certain chronic health conditions, such as asthma, chronic lung disease, chronic heart disease, diabetes, and more, according to Pfizer. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see if pneumococcal vaccination is right for you.
Visit https://www.KnowPneumonia.com/ to learn more.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Your nickname is Flaco how did you get that nickname?
J.D. MARTINEZ: My hitting coach when I was in Little League growing up, he was my mentor, Paul Casanova. I was super skinny, and he just started calling me Flaco. That was my nickname. He'd call me Flaco. It's one of those things, through Miami. It was like my code word almost, where like you'd call me Flaco, you knew I hit with Cassie, and I worked with Cassie. (Editor's Note: Paul Casanova's teammates also called him 'Cazzie')
AM: You were diagnosed with Asthma posing challenges way back in Little League, what risks does having Asthma play in sports and what can people do about it?
JDM: Asthma was a big part of my childhood. I remember being in Little League, and I think I was maybe 3 year old when I was diagnosed with it, and being in Little League and trying to play baseball with asthma and constantly being in and out of the hospital, like once a week with my mom and my dad. Throughout my whole career it's just been managing it, and finding ways to manage it, like with medicines and stuff. That's why I'm here today and partnered with Pfizer to help spread the word about Pneumococcal Pneumonia, and how having asthma puts me at over 5x higher risk for the disease, compared to healthy adults age 18-64. So, I got vaccinated to help protect myself and I recommend that everyone with asthma to talk to your pharmacist or your doctor or go to KnowPneumonia.com. It's very important for me. I just know so many kids that should know this stuff playing with asthma.
AM: When working out, what are 3 go-to exercises for you?
JDM: For me, it's turning my hips on, doing a whole hip circuit - a routine that kind of loosens up my hips and strengthens them at the same time. Then from there, I really turn on my core and stabilize my trunk. Then I like to do legs, because they are my weakest part of my body, so for me, I feel so much strength, when my legs are strong, so I like to do legs as much as I can.
AM: What music do you listen to energizing for the game? This whole OMG song really took off!!
JDM: For me, it's kind of whatever is hot at the time. I know sometimes we're in the clubhouse and Winker's putting on some rap, and if we're riding with that, we're riding with that - and feeling like you're Eminem I guess, and you're having fun with it. And for me, EDM, like House Music, with a lot of beats, that's what gets me going. That's kind of what me and Mark Vientos listen to in the gym when we're warming up and activating. And then obviously you got Oh My God, OMG, our victory song, you know, and the whole Iggy thing that happened. (Editor's Note: Met's teammate José Iglesias is also a Latin Pop music artist who performs under the name Candelita). It was hilarious. It was just funny how that whole thing came about..
AM: Sure, well you said you had to hear it first - and then you were like Wow it's good right --
JDM: Yeah I was in Triple-A, and all of a sudden Iggy was like, "I got to show you this song, I got to show you this song." I was kind of making fun of him, I was like, "what are you like Marc Anthony now," because he was being represented by Marc Anthony for some time now, coming up with all of these songs. And he was like, "you got to hear this song," and then he played it for me in the speaker, and he was like, "I think this one is going to be the one that really blows up, like really helps me." I said, "dude, this is really good, I kind of like this! If you get called up to play for the Mets, we're playing this, so you gotta send it to me..' He wanted to play it for the walk up song, and so when he got called up I got it played on the speaker for everyone, kind of in honor of Iggy coming up. And the team was in a fragile state at that point, we weren't playing very well, and we kind of all jumped on board and it became our team anthem I would say. We made it a joke that every time we hit a home run we would play it.. so then they did it, and it kind of caught all of the fans off guard.
AM: We also see you like Reggae music a lot?
JDM: I also love reggae when I'm on my boat!
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 52, 56 - 63 + 9DRIP STORI3S PG 60 - 63 NY Mets | PG 54 - 55 Pfizer |
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63MIX ROUTIN3S | GRANT HOLLOWAY
9LIST STORI3S | NASTIA LIUKIN
63MIX ROUTIN3S | JULIAN WORKS
THE PICK ME UP
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PHOTO CREDITS | ABC The Golden Bachelorette/Gilles Mingasson
THE GOLDEN BACHELORETTE S1. E4. | JOAN DIGS DEEPER
PHOTO CREDIT | Disney/Ricky Middlesworth
This week’s The Golden Bachelorette is going to be a bit of a doozy it seems as we see Joan Vassos and Chock hugging one another and you hear them crying.
We hear Chock talk about what the experience has been like and we see Pascal learning how to do his laundry!
The date card arrives and they find out that Jonathan, Pascal, Dan, Charles, Gary, Mark, Gil, Chock, and Keith will be on a group date. Guy and Jordan were not called. The group date men arrive at a theater and see Joan on the stage. Kaitlyn Bristowe joins her on the stage. We see the Chippendales dancers as well as the original Chippendales dancers! They are partnering with Stand Up to Cancer as well to dance in honor of supporting this important charity.
She thanks them for the date and being open! She enjoys spending time with each of them and you can see the guys are really present with her. Chock receives the group date rose.
When we’re back from commercial break, we realize that Chock’s mom passed. He tells the guys that he is going to leave because he has things that he needs to take care of. Joan heads to the house for her 1-on-1 with Jordan and she is met by Chock. He tells her that his mother passed.He needs to go home to take care of things and Joan knows how it is when you need to take care of your family even when you feel that you’re experiencing an amazing connection.
Jill is sad that Chock left, but she knows she must be present for Jordan who has his date. She is excited that they’re going ice skating. Jordan takes a nasty fall, but they have a fun time spending time with one another. They get to chat a bit while enjoying some treats. REO Speedwagon also performs for them in their winter wonderland! He receives a rose as well. Although she was sad about Chock, she said she laughed more with him than anyone.
For her 1-on-1 date with Guy, they are at her home and they are cooking together! It’s a great way for them to interact with one another, follow instructions, and just to get to know more about one another. We can tell that Guy is not a cook, but you can see that he is enjoying it.In addition to making pasta, they also make dessert together as well. They have a great conversation and she offers him a rose as well!
Going into the rose ceremony, she’s still thinking about Chock and wondering if he will be back and how he is doing. She sees the men and lets them know that she realizes that they have families and situations back home and that’s a lot for them to put on hold to be there with her. She spends time with each of them to get to know more about them and it’s nice to see how they continue to move forward. As each week passes, we know how difficult it will be when she has to still send guys home. Chock is back and in his time away, he was glad to handle what he needed to do and then he realized that he wants to put his walls down.
It wasn’t until the rose ceremony that we realized that we hadn’t seen Jesse Palmer all episode!
JOAN GAVE ROSES TO | Chock, Guy, Jonathan, Jordan, Keith, Pascal, and Mark
JOAN DIDN’T GIVE ROSES TO | Charles, Dan, Gary, and Gil
Each night during this season, we will tweet about The Golden Bachelorette and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!
Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.
We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!
Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.
HERE’S WHO WE THINK WILL GO TO HOMETOWNS
THE GOLDEN BACHELOR CONTESTANTS
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THE 9LIST 9M3NU
Read the SEP ISSUE #105 of Athleisure Mag and see 9M3NU in mag.
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THE 9LIST
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9LOOKS | RALPH LAUREN
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ROCK THIS WHEN MAKING YOUR WAY TO BRUNCH THIS FALL
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IN OUR BAG | FOR A STROLL ON YOUR BLOCK
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HOW TO DRESS | WHEN WE TAKE A REST IN THE FALL
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ATHLEISURE BEAUTY
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PHOTO CREDITS | ABC The Golden Bachelorette/Gilles Mingasson
THE GOLDEN BACHELORETTE S1. E3. | LET'S PLAY BALL!
PHOTO CREDIT | Disney/Ricky Middlesworth
We see a flash forward of how Joan Vassos is trying to get into the mindset of moving forward and she knows that she is still attached to her husband which is a sweet and honest moment. We also check in on how the men sleep/snore and pass the time to kick of this week’s episode of The Golden Bachelorette as we watch Joan Vassos navigate the next few weeks!
Jesse Palmer checks in with men to see how they are doing and we find out that Pascal doesn’t cook his own food or make his own coffee. He also leaves them with the info that there are 2 1-on-1 dates as well as a competitive group date! The date card goes to Pascal and he looks forward to seeing if they are a good match.
Joan picks up Pascal in a red sports car where she lets him know that she will be driving, they hop on a private flight to go to Las Vegas. Joan lets us know that she is aware that he lives a very comfortable lifestyle and that he dresses well, but she wants to know if he has a heart and if they can connect and are compatible. They navigate the strip in a limo with champagne and head to the Paris Hotel. They arrive at a suite that is filled with stunning dresses, suits, and accessories that have been picked out for them. There is a piano that plays for them as they try out outfits. They select their outfits and look so chic for a night out in Vegas.
Back at the house, Charles and Gary hit up the farmacy to get the guys things that they need to stop the snoring and ensure that everyone gets a good night sleep!
Back in Vegas, Wayne Newton comes in and sings for this chic 1-on-1 date! The day date has shifted to the night and they have an outdoor dinner where they can see the Eiffel tower. She’s excited to know more about him and he wants to share more about who he is as a person outside of the life that he has made for himself. He talks about when we think of Paris, we think of the beautiful side, but he didn’t grow up with money and he had tough times growing up and when he came to the US he willed himself to do better and to make something of himself. He said that being vulnerable is hard for him; however, when he shares his story, you realize that you can’t make assumptions about people. Pascal receives the date rose.
Back at the house, the next date card arrives and the group date lets Chock, Gil, Charles, Dan, CK, Gregg, Gary, Guy, Kim, Jordan, Mark, and Keith know that they will have time with Joan. Jonathan is excited to have the 1-on-1 date, but he is emotional because he doesn’t feel ready to do this and is concerned that he may be going home!
We’re on the football field for their next date. Eric Dickerson and Andre Reed are on the date. They hear that they will play kickball and we see them stretching. The winners go to the after party and the losers go back to the mansion. We watch the guys play kickball and we have to say that it’s a strong game and even Charles who has never played kicks the ball and helps some of the others cross home plate! In the battle between the Red Team and the Blue Team, the Blue Team wins! June meets up with the Blue Team and she lets them know that she loved the kindness that she saw on both sides of the ball and she starts to spend time with each of the winners. She got to know a lot more about the men and we hear that Joan’s mom isn’t doing well (reminds us of last season when Joan’s daughter needed her to come home). She gives Gil the group date rose.
Back at the house, the men are gifted massages by Joan to work out their muscles.
Jonathan makes his way to Joan for their 1-on-1 date. He knows that he will be totally exposed on this date and hopes he won’t be afraid to share things with her. They’re going horseback riding and Joan isn’t a fan of them as she was bitten by one and Jonathan has never been on one.
After horseback riding, they make their way to enjoy some champagne with her as they sit and talk. He tells her about how he got divorced and that he was blindsided and that he wondered if he would ever be enough! She lets him know that he is enough and she gives him the 1-on-1 date rose.
Throughout this week she has been dealing with her emotions about the death of her husband as well as her mom not feeling well. She is someone who pushes her feelings down because she is a caregiver and now she realizes that she needs to share so that it is fair to them as well. She thanks the men for being amazing and that she loves that she is hearing important things about them. She lets them know that she wants to take care of them as she is a caregiver and she realized that that is causing her to mask and so now she is going to be vulnerable with them as well. She lets them know that being strong is tiring, she misses her family, her kids, her mom who is sick as she is 92, and then she tells them about her husband and that she will always only by 80 ior 90% available. She cries and she is concerned how they will take in what she has said. They tell her thank you and they like that she has shared this information.
Gerry makes his way to the mansion and they have a catch up season. She lets him know that it has been emotional, but she has a great group of men. She also let’s him know that she understands how it is to be in a situation when you are thinking about your husband and moving forward and she gets how Gerry felt. He asked her if she considered that there may be a possibility that her person may not be there. He lets her know that he is rooting for her. He tells her to not be perfect, but to be herself. He leaves after giving her a boost. The men lift her spirits and find way to connect with her and let her know that they are ok with her being vulnerable. She thanks them and lets them know that she has a connection with each one and it’s hard when you realize that to get to the end, only 1 will be left.
JOAN GAVE ROSES TO | Charles L, Chock, Dan, Gary, Gil, Guy, Jonathan, Jordan, Keith, Pascal, and Mark
JOAN DIDN’T GIVE ROSES TO | CK, Gregg, and Kim
Each night during this season, we will tweet about The Golden Bachelorette and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!
Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.
We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!
Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.
HERE’S WHO WE THINK WILL GO TO HOMETOWNS
THE GOLDEN BACHELOR CONTESTANTS
Featured TV Show
PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash/Tim Mossholder
WAKEBOARD SIZE GUIDE: HOW TO PICK THE PERFECT BOARD FOR YOUR WEIGHT AND HEIGHT
Choosing the right wakesurf board is crucial for getting the most out of your time on the water. Whether you are a seasoned surfer or just getting started, finding the right size board is key to improving your performance, stability, and enjoyment. Board selection depends on factors like weight, height, and skill level. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to pick the ideal wakesurf board for your body type and riding style.
Understanding Board Size and Its Importance
Wakesurf boards come in a range of sizes, and the one you choose directly affects how well you can ride. A board that's too small will sink and make it hard to stay afloat, while one that's too large may feel sluggish and difficult to maneuver. In wakesurfing, the size of the board influences speed, control, and responsiveness. The right board gives you balance, letting you progress faster and enjoy smoother rides.
The Relationship Between Board Size, Weight, and Height
Weight and Volume
The first and most important consideration when choosing a wakesurf board is your weight. Board volume, which is the amount of space inside the board, determines how much flotation it offers. Volume is often expressed in liters. The more volume a board has, the easier it is for it to support a rider’s weight, making it more buoyant. Riders with a heavier build will need a board with more volume to stay afloat. A lightweight rider on a high-volume board might find it hard to control and will experience less responsiveness.
For lighter riders, a smaller board with less volume will be more suitable. This gives you better control and allows you to carve and maneuver easily. Larger boards, while more stable, tend to be slower in the water and less agile, which is important to keep in mind as you match board size to your skill level.
Height and Board Length
Height matters too, although not to the same extent as weight. Taller riders tend to have a wider stance, so they may feel more comfortable on a longer board. A longer board helps distribute your stance more evenly, giving you better stability. Shorter riders or those with a smaller stance will benefit from a shorter board, which offers more precision and quicker turning ability. If you're on the shorter side but weigh more, you should prioritize volume over length.
Skill Level and Riding Style
Beginner Considerations
If you're new to wakesurfing, it's a good idea to start with a board that has more volume and surface area. This makes the board more stable, helping you learn balance and control. A longer and wider board will also help keep you upright and allow you to ride the wake more easily. Boards designed for beginners are more forgiving, letting you make mistakes without wiping out immediately.
Intermediate and Advanced Riders
As your skills improve, you may want to switch to a smaller board that offers better maneuverability. Intermediate and advanced riders often prefer shorter boards because they allow for faster turns, quicker acceleration, and a more dynamic riding style. With a smaller board, experienced riders can perform tricks, aerials, and sharper carves.
It's possible to conveniently purchase your wakesurf board from online vendors like Swell Wakesurf, that offer a wide selection based on skill level and preferences. Many retailers provide detailed specifications, including volume, length, and the rider's weight range, making the shopping process easier.
Board Shape and Style
Surf Style Boards
Surf-style wakesurf boards are designed to mimic the feel of traditional ocean surfing. They tend to be longer and have more volume, providing better floatation and a more laid-back ride. These boards are great for larger wakes and for riders who prefer carving big, sweeping turns. Surf-style boards work best for riders who prioritize smoothness and control over speed and tricks. If you enjoy long rides and like the feeling of gliding over the water, a surf-style board may be your best option.
Skim Style Boards
Skim-style boards are shorter, thinner, and have less volume compared to surf-style boards. These boards are all about agility, tricks, and fast maneuvering. They excel at spinning, sliding, and even performing aerial tricks. Skim-style boards are ideal for riders who want to get creative and push the limits of what they can do on the water. However, they are less forgiving and require more experience to ride effectively. Skim boards are a popular choice among intermediate and advanced riders who want to challenge themselves.
Hybrid Boards
Hybrid boards offer a blend of surf and skim styles. They are designed to provide the stability and floatation of a surf-style board, along with the agility and trick capabilities of a skim-style board. If you're a versatile rider who wants the best of both worlds, or if you like to switch between riding styles depending on the day, a hybrid board might be perfect for you.
Board Size Recommendations Based on Weight
To make it easy, here are general board size ranges that align with rider weight:
- Riders up to 100 lbs: 4’2” to 4’6” boards
- Riders between 100-150 lbs: 4’6” to 4’9” boards
- Riders between 150-200 lbs: 4’10” to 5’3” boards
- Riders over 200 lbs: 5’0” to 5’6” boards
These size ranges give you a good starting point. However, you may need to adjust the size based on your height and skill level. Smaller boards give more agility, while larger ones offer stability.
Additional Factors to Consider
Fin Setup
The fin setup also plays a key role in how your board performs. Boards with multiple fins offer more stability and control, making them ideal for beginners. For more advanced riders looking for quicker turns and less drag, single fin setups or no fins at all provide more freedom. Fin size, placement, and configuration can be customized, so as you get more comfortable with wakesurfing, experimenting with different fin setups can be a great way to improve your ride.
Board Construction
Wakesurf boards are made from a variety of materials, each affecting durability, weight, and performance. Fiberglass is the most common material, offering a balance of strength and light weight. Epoxy boards tend to be lighter, but they can be more expensive. Some boards are made with carbon fiber for added stiffness and performance, but they are often priced higher. The material you choose should align with your experience, budget, and how frequently you wakesurf.
Finding Your Perfect Fit
Finding the right wakesurf board is not just about fitting your weight and height into a chart. Your ideal board will depend on your experience level, riding style, and personal preferences. If you're looking for something stable and easy to learn on, a longer board with more volume will suit you well. If you’re more experienced and want to push your limits, a smaller, more agile board will allow you to perform tricks and gain more speed.
Stepping Up Your Wakesurfing Experience
Selecting the right wakesurf board is an investment in your riding experience. With the correct board size, shape, and style, your time on the water becomes more enjoyable, and you’ll be able to progress faster. Now that you know how to choose the perfect board for your weight, height, and skill level, it's time to make your selection and get out there.
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#TRIBEGOALS
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FIG BEAUTY
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PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT | Rowan Daly
ATHLEISURE MAG ISSUE #105 | CHEF AARTI SEQUEIRA
In this month’s issue, our front and back cover story is with the Chef Aarti Sequeira who we have enjoyed seeing on Food Network whether it's on her show, Halloween Wars or when she appears on Guys Grocery Games and a host of shows on the network! We talk about her passion for food, the importance of faith, her devotional cookbook UNWIND, the latest season of Halloween Wars, Food Festivals, and upcoming projects.
In advance of covering the 2024 Food Network NYC Wine Food Festival (NYCWFF) presented by Invesco QQQ, we give an overview of what you can expect from this festival as tickets are still available from this event taking place Oct 17 - 20th, the inclusion of Brooklyn joining the events in addition to those in NYC, link back to our coverage from last year, and more. Make sure to read next month's OCT ISSUE #106 as we recap the events we went to during this festival and follow us on @athleisuremag for posts we share during the 4 days.
We also sat down with NY Mets' DH J.D. Martinez who talks about his love of the game, being on this iconic MLB team, the hit song OMG, and his partnership with Pfizer and how he manages his asthma.
We know that we have a number of fans who enjoys watching Dancing with the Stars! So we were excited to sit down and talk with Derek Hough who recently kicked off the latest season of DWTS as a judge. We talked about his love of dance, his creative process, projects he's been part of, this season of the show, and his partnership with Pepcid that allows him to enjoy the foods he loves.
We always love when we get the chance to sit down with those that we have covered previously as well were former covers. 2017 US Open Champion Sloane Stephens launched her wellness/beauty brand Doc & Glo during the Grand Slam in NYC. We talked about what she has been up to, how launching this brand has been, what we can expect from it, and more.
NYFW SS25 was an amazing experience and we have a recap of this past season, trends, and a fun interview with celebrity manicurist, Miss Pop who we met backstage at BruceGlen to talk about a number of looks that she did for this show as well as others, tools we should have on hand when we do our nails at home, tricks to get a perfect mani, and her passion for her art.
This month's The Art of the Snack comes from SUSHIDELIC which takes Kawaii to the next level with a culinary experience of an elevated conveyor sushi belt experience.
This month's Athleisure List comes from Harbor Burger Shack in Kittery, Maine and L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele.
This month’s 9PLAYLIST comes from super model Chanel Iman and EDM DJ/Producer Calvin Harris. This month we have our 9PLAYLIST MULTI from Netflix's DIPLOMAT, Alysia Reiner who shares her songs, books and podcasts/TV/films that they are enjoying. Our 9LIST STORI3S comes from 5X Team USA Olympic Gymnast Nastia Liukin (1G, 3S, 1B). Our 63MIX ROUTIN3S comes from 2X Team USA Olympic Track & Field Grant Hollway (1G, 1S) as well as FOX's 9-1-1: Lonestar's Julian Works who shares their routines that they do, enjoy, and have Morning, Afternoon, and Night. We kick off our 9CH3FS ROUTIN3S with AUG ISSUE #104 cover Chef Fariyal Abdullahi who shares her routines in the kitchen for the Morning, Afternoon, and Night. This month's THE 9LIST 9CH3FS and THE 9LIST 9B-L-D comes from Chef Eli Buli of Mesiba in NYC, Chef Hector Laguna of Botanist at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel in Vancouver, Canada, and Chef Anthony Ricco of Leuca at the The William Vale Hotel in Brooklyn. This month's 9DRIP comes from NY Mets' DH J.D. Martinez.
Read the SEP ISSUE #105 of Athleisure Mag.
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FOOD ANTHROPOLOGY | CHEF ANDREW WONG
We're always looking to add that next great restaurant to our list and when we're in London next, we have 2 Michelin-starred A. Wong as one of our stops! We took some time to chat with Chef Andrew Wong to talk about his passion for food, his culinary background, what led to him launching this restaurant and what we should have in mind when we come in for an epic meal. We also talk about what he does outside of the restaurant.
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you first fall in love with cooking?
CHEF ANDREW WONG: I grew up in my parents' restaurant, and cooking wasn't something I was interested in. I went to university to have fun and escape work for a while, but I was drawn back in. It was when I decided to learn how to cook and enrolled in culinary college that I became more engaged with the whole thing and saw it as something I could make a go of.
AM: What was the moment that you realized that you wanted to be a chef?
CHEF AW: After graduating from culinary college, I travelled through China on a working tour to learn more about the roots of Chinese cuisine. This was eye-opening, as I discovered the vast regional differences in cuisine and understood the cultural context and history behind dishes and techniques. Once returning to London, I continued learning and researching Chinese cuisine, where it all began.
AM: What was your culinary background in terms of what led you to going to culinary school as well as kitchens you trained in?
CHEF AW: When I was younger, my parents ran a Chinese restaurant called Kym’s. It was an old-school Cantonese restaurant and takeaway, filled with brightly coloured sauces, dragons, and everything you would imagine an eighties Chinese takeaway to be. I worked in their kitchen as a teenager but always said I would never want to be a chef.
When my father passed away, I needed to step up and help my Mum run the family business. Over time, I became more interested in the history of Chinese cuisine. I spent some time travelling around China and perfected and honed my new skills before deciding to close Kym’s and open A Wong.
AM: You launched A. Wong in 2012, why did you want to open this restaurant and what was your approach to the menu?
CHEF AW: My parents had been running their restaurant on that site since the 1980s. The restaurant had sentimental value and a good location in Victoria. There was no reason to open anywhere else, and I’m pleased we didn’t.
Our approach at A.Wong is to celebrate Chinese culture, craft, history, and techniques. Over time, the menu and cuisine have become more personal. I would describe it as ‘A.Wong cuisine.' This reflects my heritage, our exploration, and how we approach dishes.
The menu celebrates techniques, some very old and some more modern. We draw on the vast array of ingredients from the Chinese kitchen—fermented, dried, and salty—with vegetables, seafood, and meat to create a balanced and harmonious dining experience.
AM: Tell us about the ambiance of your restaurant and what guests can expect when enjoying their meal here.
CHEF AW: Fun, unpretentious, explorative, inquisitive, researched, and a celebration of culture, still keeping up with modern ways while keeping our techniques and cooking methods traditional.
AM: For lunch, what are 3 Dim Sums that you suggest that we should have in mind when we come in?
CHEF AW: Black Pepper Beef wispy pastry with tamarind and dried shrimp caramel, Rabbit and Carrot Glutinous Puff & Bamboo Pole Noodles with King crab and Spring Onion Oil.
AM: What is the Touch of the Heart menu and what are 3 items from this menu that we should try?
CHEF AW: Touch of the Heart menu is our lunch menu, which still offers guests a beautiful journey across the borders of China. I think every item on the menu has its own story to tell, but the three I would pick would be the 999 Layered Scallop Puff with XO Oil, Steamed Duck Yolk Custard bun, and Memories of Peking Duck.
AM: For dinner, walk us through The Collections of China menu that we can have for dinner.
CHEF AW: The concept behind it came from when I was travelling. I read and spoke with many people about Chinese cuisine, but experiencing the diversity of flavours first-hand is very different.
I wanted to give our guests an insight into these diverse, regional flavour profiles, from flash-frying to steaming carbohydrate menus, the amount of pickle, preservatives, and the type of fermented product. All these things are integral parts of a region's identity and its role in China as a whole.
AM: Tell us about your beverage program.
CHEF AW: At A. Wong, we offer close to over 350 different labels and vintages, including both new world and old-world wines. Veering away from traditional service, the interactive wine program, at A. Wong is centered around the concept of 'adventure and personal exploration.' Our sommelier team encourages the guests to sample a wider selection of wines by exploring lesser-known wines and understanding the flavour profiles of well-known old wines. To create contrast and adventure, our beverage pairings at lunch and dinner are served as multiple flights, and include craft beers, Chinese teas and vinegars alongside the wines. We want guests to play and enjoy the wines within a collection of dishes, and discover for themselves what they enjoy.
AM: What is the Forbidden City Bar and are there cocktails that are offered here that are specific to this portion of the restaurant?
CHEF AW: The Forbidden City Bar serves as a venue for enjoying intimate moments with your loved ones, where we serve classic signature cocktails and our own Forbidden City cocktails. Enjoy your pre-meal and post-meal drinks. The bar also welcomes non-diners.
The most signature cocktail available at A.Wong is the Peking Duck Old Fashioned, which is made of Johnnie Walker Whiskey infused with traditional Peking duck fat and roasting spices, hoisin syrup, and Angostura.
AM: As someone with an Anthropological background, how has that inspired the foods and the ingredients that you use?
CHEF AW: I’ve been working with Dr Mukta Das for about five years now. It’s a real privilege and one I don’t take lightly. We introspectively look at the cuisine in terms of flavour, technique, balance, and cultural etiquette. I think all of this – taste, cultural, and social, affects our perception of the dining experience and taste.
Mukta’s approach is from a historical point of view, looking at all sorts of economic and social aspects behind whatever dish we are researching. I look at it from a chef’s perspective, what it will taste like, what the texture would be, and how I can logistically make this happen.
We do a lot of research to ensure that the base flavour profiles are nearly identical to historical and technical Chinese techniques. But at the same time, I like to think that our food is quite explorative, in the sense that we don’t specify that our food comes from a particular region or style. I want people to take an interest in the flavours of a dish. I want to try and encourage people to go out and explore other Chinese restaurants that they may not have done before. This opens us up to criticism, but if what we are serving isn’t deemed “authentic,” that’s ok because it’s not supposed to be.
AM: Can you tell us what SOAS is and how it has influenced your restaurant? What does it mean to become an Official Research Associate there for the Food Studies Centre?
CHEF AW: SOAS is the School of Oriental and Asian Studies, a university in London. I’ve worked with them before, and becoming a research associate means they support my endeavour to learn more about food and the cultural discourse around it.
It means I interact with food as a cultural phenomenon. For me, the idea of humans as social beings is essential. This means when you talk about running a restaurant, it's not purely about the food. It's also about how humans interact in a space, with each other and with the experience.
It's an understanding we are social beings, and we like to communicate. We want to taste, see, and touch, which is very important for a restaurant. Restaurants are not just purely about food, interaction with the space and concept are integral.
Food is not just flavour; it is an expression of history, location, ingredients and choices.
AM: You received your first Michelin star in 2015 and you received another recognition in Jan 2021 with a second Michelin star making A. Wong the first Chinese restaurant outside of Asia to achieve this. What does this mean to you?
CHEF AW: The first Michelin star was for my team at A. Wong, they all work incredibly hard, and to be recognised was wonderful. Receiving the second star was an extraordinary moment for us at A. Wong. It was a significant achievement for me personally and Chinese restaurants globally. It was for our community, our forefathers. I am just a tiny part of the thousands and thousands of restaurants that have come before us. It's good to see that a global brand like Michelin broadens and represents multiple cultures and cuisines.
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PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 92 , 96 + 99 James Gilles | PG 95 Jutta Klee |
Read the AUG ISSUE #104 of Athleisure Mag and see FOOD ANTHROPOLOGY | Chef Andrew Wong in mag.
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