Hello Hanoians, new and old. The good times continue to roll here in the capital city. The last couple weeks have been full of parties and gatherings of note, not the least of which was the glorious rock-and-roll bash at the American Club featuring Regurgitator a couple Sundays ago. It was great to see so many of you making it out and adding to the unparalleled atmosphere. Enthusiasm like that is what is going keep such events being organized. For the newcomers to Hanoi or The New Hanoian, keep an eye on the event calendar for other such activities. Get out and support them. More will come. And speaking of getting out and having some fun, next weekend presents another such chance...

The New Hanoian's October Meet Up at Fusion

On Saturday, October 25th, the monthly New Hanoian Meet Up takes our dynamic, savvy, and always thirsty masses to the shores of Truc Bach Lake. There, just on the north side of the lake, we'll be congregating from 8pm~11pm at one of the area's newest destinations: Fusion. They have quite a night in mind for us, so you won't want to miss out. For any and all New Hanoian members who make their way to 25 Truc Bach, free beer, discount shots, and live bellydance performances will be awaiting. For three full hours, the first two floors of Fusion's top notch decor and furnishings will be yours to mingle through and drink the night away in while taking in the views of Truc Bach Lake. Their weekly bellydance performance will add some spice to a night that is sure to bring out hundreds. Additionally, all you top rate contributors to the site who have been designated as "Elite" (and there are a few more of you this time around) will have some great extras coming your way. Fusion's top floor lounge will be your private playground. In addition to the free beer flowing throughout, you'll be treated to complimentary rounds on the shishas, free food from their wide ranging menu of diverse culinary influences, and cocktails. Many, many cocktails. In fact, you'll be getting free cocktails for the full three hours. Expert bartenders will be whipping up flavors featuring Bacardi, Bombay Sapphire, and even Dewar's. Get your imaginations running, and don't forget to click "I'm attending" to get your spot for the big event.

Additionally, the big night will have an added twist. Much respected site member Atomic has decided his user contribution prize for last month will be raffled off that evening for charity. As you enter the event, there will be a donation box for Blue Dragon and their vocational skills shop V.I.P. Bikes. A donation to these always worthy causes will enter you in the drawing to take place later that night. The winner will be getting Atomic's dinner for six with with a bottle of wine, cocktails, and shisha from Fusion. Donate according to your means and your conscience. His user contribution prize was well earned, so come out and make his decision to turn it into a community fundraiser as effective as his generosity obviously merits.

And speaking of user contribution prizes, we've had another strong month of review writing, spot entries, and Ask A.N.H. posting this month. More than a few worthy candidates are beginning to distinguish themselves, so let's see what is up for grabs this month.

Dinner and Drinks for Six at Eté

First off, Eté is ready to definitively prove that nightlife does in fact exist outside of the Old Quarter in Hanoi. Many who live in the Ba Dinh area are often heard lamenting the lack of local spots for them, when this quaint little bar and cafe awaits. Operated by long-term Hanoi resident Ben, Eté has developed a unique style and place in the city's nightlife scene. With a nearly equal mix of English, French, and Vietnamese speakers, it is a truly international spot. One of our fine contributors and five friends will get an evening to really have a look in detail. The six of them will be treated to a pre-dinner drink to wet their appetites, dinner and wine, plus another after dinner cocktail. While their menu may be on the relatively simple side, it includes the sort of ideal bar staples that keep a big night going strong. Mix that in with their frequent drink specials and live music events, and it's clear the the Old Quarter has no monopoly on a fine night out in Hanoi.

Cocktails and Mexican Food for Six at Havana Club

Next up, we have something the masses have been calling for: Mexican Food. It's just one of those things that Hanoi never seems to have been able to get a real foothold on. Of course, we are in Vietnam. We can't expect cheap, authentic Mexican joints to be popping up left and right, but in a city that does manage to represent wide culinary influences in numerous international eateries, it would seem that good approximation of a Mexican restaurant should be among them. Havana Club is attempting to step up and be that place. While their overall style is more of a general Latin them, their Mexican menu has been expanded, and one of our distinguished contributors and five friends will be getting the full tour. All six will have their choice of any Mexican dish from among their tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and chimichangas. Following their meal, each will also get quite the sampling of their cocktail menu, with a trio of drinks going to each diner. Havana Club knows the expectations that come with attempting to be that Mexican restaurant for Hanoi, but they are confident that they can prove nobody in this city is doing it better.

There it is. Two outstanding prizes for this month's top contributors. Several site members are in the hunt, but the next ten days will really determine who it is that steps into the spot light.

One last thing before we sign off. We're quickly approaching one of the big events on the Fall/Winter calendar here in Hanoi. The KOTO Bike Ride has established itself as one of the not-to-miss events every year. The beautiful ride into the Vietnam countryside around Ba Vi is now one of the main annual fundraising events in Hanoi. All the money raised will go directly to help disadvantaged youth and street kids. This year, the ride takes place on Saturday, the 13th of December and winds through beautiful rural scenes: past lakes, pagodas and rice paddies finishing in Ba Vi. It's 80 kilometers in all. As ever, transport back into Hanoi is provided and KOTO will lay on a breakfast, lunch drinks and snacks to help fuel the bikers. Of course, KOTO will also be providing a rider thank you party and that Hanoi fashion essential, a KOTO bike ride t-shirt. For registration, individuals need to raise a minimum of $150USD in sponsorship. Corporate teams should have a minimum of 4 riders and each team member must raise a minimum of $150USD each. KOTO can arrange a bicycle for riders who do not have their own. Visit www.koto.com.au for more details. Get your registration in early! Email kotobikeride@koto.com.au for an application form or call + 84 4 3718 4573 Ext 120. Last year over $36,000USD was raised for KOTO. Get involved and help be part of the team that helps KOTO continue to do what it does so well.



See you all on Saturday,

The Staff of The New Hanoian