It's hard to think of a genre of music better suited for summer than bossa nova.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
The Quest for the Perfect Bathing Suit
It's surprisingly difficult to find a decent men's bathing suit. Let's examine some contenders.
Board shorts have been the rage seemingly forever, yet they don't really fit the bill. Don't get me wrong: Board shorts are great for working-out, but they aren't particularly good for swimming. They are far too loose and baggy for even a short swim. And their image as the swim suit of choice for frat boys on vacation doesn't speak in their favor.
The traditional American option of a volley-style short with elastic waistband and built-in liner doesn't work either. For one, no one really looks good wearing something with an elastic waistband. Also, this type of swimwear has an annoying tendency to balloon in the water in a very unflattering way.
Competition briefs (erroneously called Speedos by many) are best for just that: competition.
Jammers look too much like the bike shorts popular in the '80s.
So where does that leave us?
There are some companies making men's swimwear in a more traditional vein, such as Parke and Ronen or Baron Wells. The Baron Wells sea pant is quite nice looking, but is rather pricey.
Another option is the square cut or "budgie smuggler" style famously worn by Daniel Craig in Casino Royale. These are perhaps the most classic of all men's swimwear styles, but one must have the right physique to pull it off. Speedo makes some very nice square cuts, especially the ones made for the European market. If you are in good enough shape, these are a great choice, and are perfect for actual swimming.
Le Samourai's choice? Right now I'm a big fan of J. Crew's short, vintage-style board shorts. They are nothing like the oversized, overlong board shorts one finds in a surf shop. The fit is nicely snug without being tight, there is no unsightly elastic, and the leg length is good. I can go on a nice ocean swim without feeling unnecessary drag, and walk along the beach without feeling indecent. All in all, a good men's swimsuit with a classic, traditional appeal.
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| Not a look to emulate. |
The traditional American option of a volley-style short with elastic waistband and built-in liner doesn't work either. For one, no one really looks good wearing something with an elastic waistband. Also, this type of swimwear has an annoying tendency to balloon in the water in a very unflattering way.
Competition briefs (erroneously called Speedos by many) are best for just that: competition.
Jammers look too much like the bike shorts popular in the '80s.
So where does that leave us?
There are some companies making men's swimwear in a more traditional vein, such as Parke and Ronen or Baron Wells. The Baron Wells sea pant is quite nice looking, but is rather pricey.Another option is the square cut or "budgie smuggler" style famously worn by Daniel Craig in Casino Royale. These are perhaps the most classic of all men's swimwear styles, but one must have the right physique to pull it off. Speedo makes some very nice square cuts, especially the ones made for the European market. If you are in good enough shape, these are a great choice, and are perfect for actual swimming.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Samourai Soundtrack
A great song by a band that disappeared far too quickly. The tune is built around a sample from The Ipcress File, perhaps the coolest spy film ever made.
The Joys of Campari
Many Americans have yet to warmed to the joy that is Campari. Perhaps it is our childlike aversion to anything that taste remotely bitter. Maybe would-be John Waynes are put off by a drink that is so gloriously crimson in color, as opposed to the manly brown of whiskey. Whatever the reason, people are missing out on a truly glorious spirit.Campari is a classic Italian apertivo with a heritage dating back to the 1860s. It's infusion of fruit, herbs, alcohol, and water remains a guarded secret. Like all apertivos, it is traditionally consumed prior to a meal to stimulate the appetite.
Perhaps the simplest, most classic Campari drink is the Campari and Soda, recently hailed by Dappered.com as "The Drink of Summer." Here's their recipe:
- Put ice in a rocks glass (or highball if you’re thirsty)
- Pour Campari over ice to taste (at least half Campari)
- Top off with soda water
- Garnish with orange twist
A close cousin of the Campari and Soda is the Americano, which adds a shot of sweet vermouth to the mix. This was the very first cocktail ordered by Ian Fleming's James Bond in the premier Bond novel, Casino Royale. 007 orders one again in the short story "From a View to a Kill." Remember, Bond's tastes in spirits go far beyond vodka martinis.
Speaking of martinis, another wonderful Campari drink is a Negroni. It involves equal measures of Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth. It's often served on the rocks, but Le Samourai sometimes enjoys serving them shaken over ice and served in a cocktail glass, martini-style.
If you want an extra dose of Vitamin C, another option is Campari and orange juice, which is far more refreshing than you might imagine.
With summer rapidly approaching, I look forward to lounging on the patio, sipping assorted Campari concoctions, bossa nova playing softly in the background.
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