Greetings New Hanoians. June is upon us, and it's looking like a very promising summer. The weather has clearly turned. It's time for all those outdoor activities that you were putting off all winter...like last month's meet up at Noc Bar - La Scala. Nineteen floors above the bustle of Hanoi streets, the New Hanoian masses gathered to take in some great views, drinks plenty of free booze, and socialize like only this community knows how. There were plenty of new faces, but we'd have to say it was a crowd of true site vets. It was like back in the old days when we all used to meet over bia hoi wondering where this new little site might be heading, only things have stepped up in scale just a touch. From plastic stools to roof top lounge, and a couple dozen committed insiders to hundreds of new members every month. Let's keep things rolling along. The location of the June meet up will be announced shortly. It's looking like a multi-venue affair with a full night of eating and drinking for all involved. Stay tuned.

It's also time to close the books on May 2008 and announce the latest batch of New Hanoian User Contribution Prizes. We've got a pair of new faces in the winner's circle.

Brenaj has a posse. They're all at Stones 1

The first winner made the sort of splash onto the reviewing pages that turned her into an instant legend. When you're tossing out reviews of this quality, you're going to get noticed. We've heard people bringing up brenaj's reviews in casual conversation around town, and they certainly didn't get overlooked by us. For that reason, brenaj and fourteen friends will be heading out to the banks of the Red River to for a couple hours of complimentary food and drink at Stones 1. Looking to provide a serious alternative to Solace and Lighthouse, the folks out at Stones 1 have set up a modest but well-crafted venue for eating, drinking, and dancing all night long. They have committed themselves to staying open and serving their full food and drink menu until the last customer leaves. They're also making a name for themselves with their all-you-can-eat, all-you-can-drink parties like the White Sensation Party this weekend. Brenaj, however, will be having a private bash of fifteen strong, treating them all to drinks when we all should be buying her one. The next time we see her, you can be sure we'll be doing just that.

Dinner for 4 at Cafe des Arts for Finnmaccol

Finnmaccool wrote his first review about four months ago. It was a simple fitness center recap that gave little indication of the deluge of writing to follow a few short months later. In the last two weeks, Finnmaccool has dropped a staggering 26 reviews on the TNH community. For that sort of effort, a man needs a proper reward. For this prolific contributor, that reward will be settling into the refined confines of Cafe des Arts and enjoying some of the most authentic French cuisine to be had in Hanoi. Whether they choose to dine in the lively main dining area, in the offset second section ideal for private gatherings, or on the terrace overlooking Bao Khanh, Finnmaccool and three friends will have Gerard and his fine-tuned French gastronomic machine at their beck and call. While Cafe des Arts has long been known for its big French evening crowds and their periodic music and art nights, our winner and his friends might try to drop in and check out their underrated lunch specials. While not Hanoi sidewalk bargain-priced, one certainly leaves knowing they've had a meal. The way Finnmaccool's been storming through the review pages, we're sure to be hearing about it very soon.

Noi Zee Event this Weekend

Finally, before we go, we need to give everybody a reminder that our friends over at Noi Zee have a big bash in the works for a week from this Saturday. On the 14th of June, they'll be taking over X5 Club for the evening and turning it into their own private playground to celebrate their one year anniversary. It's a bit farther out of the center of Hanoi than many of their recent escapades, but it will be well worth the trip. To find it, one basically needs to get on the street that forms the western side of the Temple of Literature. From there, start heading south. It's a bit of a haul by city driving standards, but very simple. The street you're on will change names several times, eventually becoming Nguyen Trai. Once it's Nguyen Trai, look for building number 367. It will be on the left heading south. For those not looking to make the trip themselves, there will be a pre-party at Ete starting at 8pm. A party bus will begin trips back and forth from Ete to X5 Club starting at 9pm. Space will be limited on the bus, so take that into account when making plans. Entrance to the party is 100,000VND, but it'll be about the best 100,000VND you've spent in a while.

See you all there,
The Staff of the New Hanoian