This weekend check out some Arab art in Tokyo, tuck-in to San Francisco’s street food festival and enjoy the new album from pianist Chilly Gonzales.
1. EXHIBITION: TOKYO
—Arab Express: the Latest Art from the Arab World
The Mori Art Museum on the upper floors of the 54-story Rappongi Hills Mori Tower is currently hosting the first formal exhibition of Arab art in Japan. In celebration of half a century of diplomatic relations with the Gulf states of Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, over 30 artists are exhibiting works, paintings, photography and installations from the burgeoning Arab art world. In the wake of last year’s Arab Spring revolutions, art from the region is poised to make a global impression.
Mori Art Museum, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-Ku. Open Monday to Friday 10:00- 22:00. Tuesday 10:00-17:00. Until October 28
mori.art.museum
2. RETAIL: LONDON
—Nicholas Deakins, Harris Tweed and British Millerain Co
Leeds-based brand Nicholas Deakins launched its pop-up shop in London this week to display collaborations incorporating two icons of the clothing industry – Harris Tweed and the British Millerain Co. Nicholas Deakin’s Autumn/Winter 2012 collection of men’s clothing and footwear is the latest since the label was established in 1991. Their pieces offer classic, unfussy style that has earned the company a spot within timeless British design. This store is the first pop-up venture from Nicholas Deakins and will be open for only a month, so don’t miss out.
47 Lamb’s Conduit Street. Until 8 September
nicholasdeakins.com
3. FOOD: SAN FRANCISCO
—San Francisco Street Food Festival
This weekend’s fourth annual San Francisco Street Food Festival brings together dozens of the Bay Area’s best street-food vendors alongside some of the city’s most noted chefs. Filling several blocks in the heart of the Mission, this year’s event hosts nearly 100 stands including The Slanted Door, Bi-Rite Creamery and Wise Sons delicatessen. The festival will be followed by a two-day conference hosted by San Francisco non-profit La Cocina focusing on food, community and entrepreneurship.
Mission District, around Folsom Street and Shotwell Street, Saturday 18 August. See website for details
sfstreetfoodfest.com
4. RESTAURANT: LONDON
—Caravan King’s Cross
In the former industrial land behind the newly re-imagined glass arches of King’s Cross station sits the grade two listed Granary building, home to Miles Kirby and Chris Ammermann’s much anticipated second restaurant venture. Caravan is the latest eatery to appear as part of the area’s redevelopment project, offering a wholesome and simple yet never pedestrian menu ranging from Caramelised onion and Parmesan pizza bread to Lamb chop with spinach, Ratte potatoes and anchovy butter. It also does great coffee for those running for the train.
Granary Building, 1 Granary Square. Open Monday to Tuesday 8.00-22.30, Wednesday to Thursday 8.00-23.00, Friday 8.00-00.00, Saturday 10.00-00.00, Saturday, Sunday 10.00-16.00
caravankingscross.co.uk
5. MUSIC: GLOBAL
—Chilly Gonzales: Solo Piano II
Canadian piano provocateur Chilly Gonzales has come a long way since making anarchic electro-indebted hip-hop in the early 2000s. The Grammy-nominated Paris resident has also revealed ferociously talented classical piano skills in recent years (check out his session for the Monocle Weekly episode 159 for a sneak preview). Solo Piano II is 14 pieces bound by no strict style. Let’s just call it intimate, inventive and masterful music that nobody else is doing right now. And judging by his restless creativity, “Gonzo” probably won’t be doing it soon either.
Solo Piano II is available to buy now
chillygonzales.com
