Saigon weekend: Mexican buffet and classic art events

Pairing chocolates with wine

The House of Californian Wines is hosting an event on Saturday evening, offering people a chance to enjoy tasty chocolates and wine in a jazzy ambiance. The event is curated by a sommelier from the Master Court of Sommeliers in the USA/U.K. and the Founder of Binon Cacao.

Attendees have the opportunity to sample five Vietnamese chocolates paired with five Californian wines. Noteworthy aspects of the event include a sensory exploration of the chocolates, engaging all five senses, creating an exciting taste adventure. Additionally, experts were on hand to instruct participants on the art of pairing wine and chocolate.

The event is set for September 16 at 3 p.m. and will last between 40 minutes to 1 hour. A maximum of 12 people can attend. The event will be held at Binon Chocolate shop & Cafe, at 12H Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Da Kao Ward, District 1. The admission fee is VND200,000 ($8) per person.

Mexican Independence Day celebration

Latest Recipe is hosting a dining event to celebrate Mexican Independence Day this weekend. The event features a dinner buffet and exclusive offerings including a VND500,000 voucher at Barson for every two people, a chef’s live station highlighting Mexican delicacies such as Tacos, Enchiladas, and Mollete.

"Mexican Independence Day Celebration" poster. Photo courtesy of Latest Recipe Saigon

The event is slated for September 16, running from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and will be held at the Latest Recipe Restaurant, situated on the Mezzanine floor of Le Méridien Saigon, 3C Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1. The admission fee is VND1,590,000 ($65) per guest. Children under 5 years old can attend free of charge.

Duo piano and violin

As part of the program celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations between France and Vietnam, the French Institute in Vietnam presents a musical tour across five cities, featuring French pianist Maxime Zecchini and Vietnamese violinist Chuong Vu. The event for Saigon is scheduled for this weekend.

The musical night will enchant the audience with classic compositions by renowned French composers such as Saint-Saëns, Debussy, Ravel, as well as composers from both France and Vietnam.

Pianist Maxime Zecchini, known for his sophisticated and inventive performance style, will be participating in the tour. Photo courtesy of Institut Français de HCMV

Maxime Zecchini is a pianist known for his piano skills and musical choices. He has performed in over 40 countries and his music, including left-hand compositions, is published worldwide. Chuong Vu is a violinist known for his gentle and artistic playing style. He performs as a soloist, in chamber ensembles, as a concertmaster, and in orchestras across different continents.

The event will take place on September 15 at 8 p.m. at Idecaf, at 31 Thai Van Lung Street in District 1. Tickets start at VND250,000 ($10) per guest.

Dancing in the dust

French cinema rendez-vous is a new weekly event introducing the richness and diversity of French cinema by screening a variety of very different films. Screenings are held by French Cinema Rendez-vous and Institut français de HCMV.

"Bal Poussière" (Dancing in the Dust) is a film set in the village of Adiaké, Ivory Coast, where a semi-god-like wealthy farmer with five wives embarks on a unique love story.

A poster of the movie "Dancing in the Dust." Photo courtesy of Institut français de HCMV

In the heart of this narrative, the farmer, smitten by a young girl named Binta, decides to marry her. However, the twist lies in his announcement to dedicate one day of the week to each of his existing wives and reserve Sundays for his beloved Binta, which leads to an intriguing and sometimes reluctantly accepted union.

"Dancing in the Dust'' will be shown at DCiné Cinema, at No. 6 Mac Dinh Chi, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, on September 16 at 7 p.m. The price of a ticket is VND60,000 ($2.50) per person.

Beethoven piano sonatas cycle: Piano recital II - "Les Adieux"

The event "Les Adieux" marks the second instalment in Beethoven's piano recital series titled "The Journey of Endless Creativity," dedicated to performing all 32 piano sonatas by Beethoven. The recital derives its name from Sonata Opus 81a, also known as the 26th Sonata, titled "Les Adieux," meaning "Farewell."

The term "Farewell" often evokes sentimental and nostalgic emotions. Beethoven himself experienced such sentiments when bidding farewell to his patron Archduke Rudolf, a close friend who influenced his artistic development. The program features four pieces of music: No. 3, No. 6, No. 26, and No. 27.

The event will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., on September 17, at IDÉCAF, 31 Thai Van Lung Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1. A suggested donation of VND200,000 ($8) is welcomed at the entrance. Those interested in attending can register for the event through this link.