The Look Terrace

The front area of my restaurant has been updated with a beautiful terrace. It’s the only one of it’s kind in Victory Hill Street, and all our guests to enjoy sitting there and witness a daily theatre show, as while sitting at The Look’s terrace, you see all the action of our neighbours and who ever passes through Victory Hill Street, passes automatically The Looks terrace…

The Look Street Sign

As a person who likes to be different then the rest of the world, it had to be different then all the other street signs existing in Sihanoukville. A picture says more then words. So this sign is consists mainly of pictures. Pictures do talk, even if we don’t here them. The fact that we have only female serving staff, and boys do like long legs, it was an easy decision to have a serving lady on the sign. What do you think about this sign?

Bruce, my former Kickboxing Coach

A big change for Bruce was when he arrived in Cambodia. Cambodia is like the opposite of Switzerland. Nothing is organised, they drive their own way, they do not think logic, there is rubbish all over and it’s so hot and humid that many people have difficulties to sleep, unless you have an air condition. So all that was new to Bruce and it made him going crazy. Instead of spending two month in beautiful Cambodia shortly after his arrival he decided to cut short and stayed only one month. Danny and my self were happy to see Bruce again after a 2 year period but you can not oblige somebody to stay if he is not enjoying Cambodia. During his visit there were some problems back in Switzerland with his girlfriends sun, which had to go through surgery, so his mind was more with her then with us here in Cambodia. Any how, I hope he will be back one day in better conditions….

Menu Presentation Lady

Not finding exactly what I wanted as a menu presentation “shelf”, I had to go for alternatives and at the end it came out as a plastic lady. So this mannequin has two purposes. First, to hold the menu so potential customers can have a look at it, and second to attract people when they pass our restaurant. This is the only plastic lady having this purpose so far in Sihanoukville and I hope it will remain the only one. Somebody think that this is a bad marketing gag?

Beautiful Sihanoukville Ladies

Left, owner of a couple hair dresser / make up shops in Sihanoukville. Right, works at the Counter at ANZ Royal Bank of Cambodia. So when ever I have banking business to do, she is my contact person. As a regular customer of ANZ it was of course only a matter of time that one or the other bank employee shows up at the restaurant, as a visit to ANZ bank is always a nice moment to flirt, joke and making some first steps…. As more Cambodian guests we will have at The Look as better known it will be in the Cambodian Community. For now, 90% of our guests are westerner.

The Canadian Gadhafi

Believe me, if you see him in nature you could think its Gadhafi’s brother…..but far away from that, he is Canadian and a very good musician. Oscar is one of the band members of Route 66 and he is in charge of the harmonica and the bongs…. looking forward to many more hours of good music with Oscar. Thanks for coming in from time to time and keep on…As you might imagine Oscar has been travelling around the world but for some reasons he stranded here like most of us, as we like the soft side of life, not many rules and plenty room to do what you want, CAMBODIA.

The Scandinavians

Even after 1 ½ year I do still not remember these two guys name. What a shame on me, but I never forget a face, as an excuse. Party animals, Drinking brothers and how could it be else pot smokers. They are from two different countries, but in Scandinavia that’s not a real problem, as they understand each other, despite speaking another language. Don’t they look happy?

Mister Kalashnikov

This Russian customer, unfortunately I forgot his name, is preparing those Arabic smoking pipes at my birthday event. First time to be seen at The Look Bar and Restaurant and everybody was inpatient for trying it out. So everybody was smoking and then he was not seen again. Still in the area but maybe lost in paradise…..

Douglas and Verona

That’s such a nice couple. They recently moved from The Netherlands to Cambodia and are taking over and renovating a hotel near the beach front. Hotel/Bar/Restaurant/Spa Coolabahs. When ever they have some time free, they step by our restaurant, as they life just a couple houses away. Verona loves to Dance and she is looking forward to any dancing event I will be organising.

Marco the French Man

From left to right: Da, Marco and my “Plastic Lady”. Marco is a French national, moved from Indonesia to Cambodia about 9 month ago and is currently building a boat. He bought an old wreck which had to be restored and once started he accomplished it in record time and could put it to water just about one week ago. All expats knowing Marco are looking forward to a nice boat ride. On his left side we have his official girlfriend and on his right his unofficial girlfriend, which turns out to be a great “wife”, as she never speaks……

Formula One Season 2009/2010

As a Formula One Fan every single race of the 2009/2010 season is shown LIVE on TV. The brand new Flat LCD TV helps for broadcasting. This season has been way different then the previous once and it’s kind of nice to have new teams winning races. Must be very frustrating for the World Champion to drive with a car which is barely doing points. Most Grand Prix are at 7 PM live on Cambodian TV, so it’s a nice time to enjoy dinner, drinks and Formula 1. Of course we are looking forward to the Night Race in Singapore, which is not so far away from Cambodia. What are your guys thought about the new season?

Uefa Champions League Quarter/Semi and Final

As a kind of Football fan I tried to watch some of the Champions League games, but following those events in Cambodia is pretty taff. Not because of not having any tv channel or so, no, those games are at 2 am in the morning, and if there is not high season, at 2 am Steph is sleeping. Having a bar/restaurant and a beautifull flat screen lcd tv i thought that would be a nice idea to organise an event around the Champions Leauge Finals. So thought we did. Results were deviasting, nobody seemed to be interessted in football at 2 am. Ok, I've tried!

Danny and Jean Michel

These to guys are more then friends. Danny (left) was working in my former Dive Operation in Samoa and he came to visit me a couple month. He did more then enjoy, because what ever he needs was available in Cambodia. From girls to booth ending with some smokes. Staying at my house made it not always easy for him, as he had to look at me from the morning hours onwards....Danny will be back, there is no reason he will not, as all he wants/needs, is in cambodia...Jean Michel (right) is an icone. As a former Dive Instructor and Survivor we have a lot of commen and that's a good base for a friendship. He works together with Denis and they are running a Construction/Renovation/Installation Business. Work is hard, but thinking of the evening while having a beer or two at The Look is on their daily schedule. Jean Michel supports me moraly during hard times and that makes him very valuable for me. Keep on doing....!

Steph & Markus

There were four mousquetiers back in December 2008, after 4 month there was only one left, not Tartagnion, his name is Markus. From Thun, Switzerland, he and three of his friends spent quite some time in Sihanoukville. Why is there only one left, well Markus was here the longest of all, as he never left town during his entire stay. Many good drinks, hot days on the beach and cold evenings with Campari Orange, White Russian, Rum Coke, Gin Tonic and always served with some spliffs...Look forward to see you back in wild west by the end of the year....

Hairy guest

Have you ever seen as much hair as on his head? I would be scratching my head all day long with that weight of hair. People like to stare at him when he walks around. Either way you like it or not, it looks just great....

Wolfgang der Experte

Wolfang has a very high expertise in marketing and that's one of the reason why we come good along together. Marketing was a big part of my studies and work later on as well, so it's always nice to share information with a person who understands you. Despite his spleen not remembering to pay before he leaves he is a good person. Seldom angry and really care taking of Tequila, his Dog. Wolfgang did many of The Look's design work and I'm very happy to consider him as a friend. The picture was shot during my birthday party. Joint connects.

JJ, a Finnish Gentleman

Finnish, don't like photos, never angry, regular guest when he is around, likes Vodka Red Bull and is an gentlemen. No bad behavior, no fighting, just his jokes have to improve...Mister JJ

Redj, Vivi and Denis

From left to right, Redj, Vivi and Denie. All good friends and regular guest at The Look. Vivi, from Indonesia is Denies second half, as they seem to love each other. Vivi works as a, oh shit, I don't even know her job title, hotel-reception-adim-etc. Redj runs an Internet Cafe on Victory Hill Street and was a daily guest before he opened the shop. Of course by now he spends most time at Saphire Connection which is his Inter Cafe. Well, Denie is a genius in point of working with his hands. A Handy man with knowledge to build houses. One of the true regular guests and as an Belgium national he loves beer. Cheers.

My Ex

She was the reason why I originaly stayed in Cambodia and started doing Business. It was a bit like, I came, I saw and I lost. After one year the "love story" ended. One year of daily surprises as the Asians do think, act, behave and trust differently then people from westernized countries like Switzerland. I did learn a lot how to handle "these" things and it will not happen again. Any how, if she would not exist I would not be writing blog entries from Cambodia....I wish my ex all the things she might want and hope she learned as well how to treat educated people. What ever work she is doing, she's having fun.

Beat, from making Cheese to becoming Casanova

One of our regular Swiss customer is, the world is small, from Rigi area in Switzerland. Beat is probably one of the "coolest" person on this planet. I've never seen him angry or freaking out about something, he keeps calm all the time. From taking care of cows and making Swiss cheese, living in Cambodia is totaly different to a westernized country, so it's like many many springs in one time for him. A big fan of our live music band Route 66....Hope to see him for a long time in my life...Beat, you are a good guy.

Crazy Picture @ The Look

Hey guys, check that out. Was playing with my digital camera settings and shot a picture of my light system (spots) from the restaurant ceiling....wath a wired pictures....I'm not at all an art knower but that looks like art to me..what do you guys think?

Special Thanks to an excellent Swiss Cook

A very big Thank You goes to Udo, as you can see from the picture i've shot, he is not willing to be pictureised. However, some of his ideas and knowledge give us the right input to select some reel autentic Swiss Food dishes. Unfortunately he left Cambodia with some regrets, as some Asian female individuals can be quite cruel if you don't open your eyes...I hope he is well and doing all right where ever he might be...

Even Dogs are finding their seat @ The Look Bar & Restaurant

Those pictures show you that The Look Bar and Restaurant is an animal friendly establishment. Have you guys ever seen a Dog like this. He is huge...massiv...and very gentel. The only times you here him is when he runs after cats, happens regularly around Victory Hill. This beautiful dog is owned by a lovely Swedish lady, next to her are two close friends. If you ever have the chance to encounter this dog, believe me, you will not forget it, he is sooooo big. Everything can be prepared for the dog, from Fried Rice to Chocolate Dessert, just let us know...

My Birthday - 15.03.2009

It was a crazy night. I do remember a big croud of people showing up for this event. Was it because there was free food (buffet) and 50% off on all drinks or because of my birthday....how ever, for sure both ways... Most people I wanted to have around me were there, so I would say it was a great sucess. A very special gift from a Swiss born customer can be seen on the picture. Further more the buffet was so delishes, that nothing was left behind. Sausages, Chicken Curry, Patato Salad, Fried Rice, Vegetables and more was available. During the evening, sudenly the light went off and a "burning" cake came out of the kitchen. Happy birthday songs and all this tralalalalala was over and we could start smoking and drinking until....I do not remember!

Live Music "Route 66" every Tuesday @ The Look Bar and Restaurant

Since April 2009 we have a great opportunity having "Route 66", an expat Band, playing every Tuesday from 8PM to 11.30 PM. These guys really ROCK. Drumms, Bass, Guitar, Vocal and from time to time a harmonica. The band has been playing together for some time so you can expect a good show. From Blues, Rock to Rock'N' Roll, they have them all. Who ever lives in Sihanoukville do know them. I would say quite famous for Cambodia. Tuesdays are absolutly great evenings with a big croud of fans. Doesn't matter if the sun is shining or it's raining, they are playing every Tuesday at The Look Bar and Restaurant on Victory Hill-Sihnoukville-Cambodia. Hope to see there soon....

Live Music "Uncle Clai & Daniela" February and March 2009

Once a week in February and March 2009 we had the pleasure to welcome "Clai & Daniela". They had a total of 8 concerts at The Look Bar and Restaurant. Mostly Wednesdays. A nice mixture of keyboard and Violin. Clai, the keyboarder has his origins in Hawaii and Daniela, the violonist, has her origins in Korea and Switzerland. A unique mix of music which got enjoyed a lot by a very special audience. If we are lucky they might find their way back to The Look Bar and Restaurant for the next high season.

Live Music "OCT" Khmer Rock Band 04.04.2009

For the sencond time in Victory Hill history The Look Bar and Restaurant organised another Live Concert with the well know local Khmer Rock Band "OCT". This concert was a welcome show for Bruce, he came to Cambodia for a month. Great success for a second time with "OCT". Many expats came for a second time, which shows the interest in this very good band. A departure gift for Markus and Lee, as they went back home shortly after......This will be the last live concert with OCT for this season, as low season aproachs and guests are getting rare...

Live Music "OCT" Khmer Rock Band 21.02.2009

For the first time in Victory Hill history The Look Bar and Restaurant organised a Live Concert with the well known Khmer Rock Band "OCT". These guys origins is Sihanoukville and they have a very large public in the Khmer community. Well, 3 hours of Khmer Rock. It was good, it was great, it was amazing and who ever steped in that night enjoyed a lot and some got even shot by our specialy equiped cameraman. A night to remember and for sure not the last one.