Monocle’s autumn quiz winners: Some pencils are sharper than others

Good morning, bom dia from sunny, balmy Lisbon, where the parrots have returned for their early morning coffee visit, the banana trees at either end of the terrace are looking a bit sad and I’m about to start packing for a little jaunt to São Paulo. 

If you missed last week’s column, it was autumn quiz time. First, I want to say thank you to all the participants who obediently observed the Monday deadline. Second, who knew that there were so many clever, funny Greeks who read this newsletter and also did very well with their answers? While no one nailed all 10 questions, a few came very close and a couple of others deserve high marks for simply being so darn witty. Here’s a recap of the quiz, with the winners’ answers beneath each question. 

1. 
You’re in a restaurant with colleagues in the US and you’re really thirsty and hungry. There are a lot of people weaving around the restaurant who very much look like they work there and you’re doing amateur acrobatics to get someone’s attention. Finally someone in an apron approaches your group and offers up something between a wince and a smile. What’s the most annoying thing that they can say to you? 
“I’m not your server.” Ideally followed by absolutely no attempt to find whoever is. [Elīza, Riga]

2. 
You’re still in the US and you arrive at the reception of a big tech company with a woman who pretends that she’s all smiles and cookies but is, in fact, a distant Californian cousin of one of those bad-ass French riot officers. What is the most grating thing about being “welcomed” at a US corporate HQ these days? 
The airport-security welcome. ID, photograph, tablet, badge, NDA – all delivered with a Californian smile beneath a sign saying “Welcome”. I’ve come for a meeting, not to defect. [Maximin, Paris]

3. 
You’ll notice that barrel-leg trousers continue to be all the rage on the rails of certain retailers. While this voluminous look is fine if you have long pins, it also makes those who are shorter than 165cm (5ft 5in) look like circus acts. How many more weeks, months or years will this silhouette endure? 
The trend will continue until the precise moment I have given in and purchased a pair. [Rebecca, Auckland]

4. 
As it’s Paris Fashion Week, can you name the next big maison that’s going to define a whole new space at the top end of the luxury market? 
Mathieu Blazy at Chanel. [Theodoros, Patras]

5. 
Can you name the most bothersome and overused term in the English language, which should have disappeared from everyday conversation long ago but is still kicking around? Here’s a hint: it comes at an angle. 
I will lean in on this one and circle back. [John, Philadelphia]

“Lean in.” And now, “lean into.” Can we please stand upright and get on with it? [Maximin, Paris]

6. 
Were the men who wrestled and restrained the rogue, likely radicalised co-pilot on that Flydubai flight this week really random civilian heroes – or were they rather more professional? Or extras from Fauda? 
Off-duty pilots, a plumber, a dentist and plenty of adrenaline. Not quite Fauda, but a cast everyone would want on their next flight. [Lala, Taipei]

Like my country – Greece – Israel has military service. Whatever one thinks of this, what’s undeniable is how it provides young people with (sometimes lifesaving) skills and a sense of purpose for themselves and those around them. [Dimitrios, Athens]

7. 
Why has China, despite all its purchasing muscle and production prowess, not yet managed to create a global luxury brand? Or has it? 
One of its car brands is about to. [Mal, Sydney]

8. 
Where will Monocle’s next café be opening? And when? 
Toronto. [Noor, London]

Toronto, before the end of 2026. [Theodoros, Patras]

9. 
Name the European automotive group that is ramping up production to meet demand for its surprise four-wheel success story. Hint: the vehicle lives across two of the group’s brands.
Not a close automotive follower but I’ll say Stellantis – due to my wife’s top two vehicular desires: the Topolino and the Amis. If these get roadworthy badges in the States, she’ll be top of the pre-order list. [John, Philadelphia]

10.                              
What is going to be the hottest hotel opening of Q4? Bonus question if you also name the designer and can pronounce their last name properly. 
JNcQUOI House. Vincent Van Duysen. [Noor, London]

All winners will receive a copy of Sophie Grove’s new book, Konfekt: A Guide to Generous Hosting. The next quiz will be just in time for Christmas.

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