Boss Hunting’s Favourite Things: November 2022

Each and every month in the Boss Hunting office we’re lucky enough to sample, find, taste, explore, and curate some of the coolest stuff the world has to offer. From resorts and watches to restaurants and champagne, these are Boss Hunting’s favourite things for November 2022.

Curated by Jack Slade, Nick Kenyon, Randy Lai, James Want, and Chris Singh

RELATED: Boss Hunting’s Favourite Things: October 2022

Rowing Blazers x Seiko

The number of limited edition watches released each year is only growing, but every now and then there’s a partnership that creates a watch you just can’t say no to. The Rowing Blazers x Seiko 5 Sports watch is one of them, specifically the orange dial variant inspired by the Seiko 6106-7107 Sport Diver from the early 70s, which pops with vibrant energy. Plus, with the infinite collectibility of “retailer signed” vintage watches, it’s a fun modern play referencing what was arguably some of the first collaboration timepieces. – Nick Kenyon

Canggu, Bali

I realise it’s now dated to talk about how cool Canggu has become as the modernisation of Bali continues to creep further up the coast from the long-standing hotspots of cosmopolitan Seminyak and bogan-laced Kuta. But the last time I was in Bali’s bustling South Coast surf spot was around five years ago, when there were just inklings of an emerging trend with open-air shopping enclave Love Anchor and Deus Ex Machina. 

Now the development is ridiculous and I definitely see what the fuss is about, with Canggu holding some impressive places like Skool Kitchen, natural wine bar Mosto, and a jaw-dropping Latin fusion restaurant called Santanera. Keep these three spots on your radar, along with the typical ones like Luigi’s Hot Pizza and Old Man’s and you’ll never step foot in Seminyak again. – Chris

Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque 2014

Earlier this week, to ring in the commencement of the silly season, the good folks at Pernod-Ricard invited the press and a handful of Australian retailers to sample the newest vintage of Belle Époque – Perrier Jouët’s iconic cuveé, made in minuscule quantities only in the most exceptional of years. Fresh, mineral and intensely racy, it’s a fantastic bottle to gift over Christmas (particularly in the Anniversary edition, painted by artist Mischer Traxler) and drink year-round.

In contrast to previous Belle Époque expressions, Pinot Meunier is almost entirely absent from the ‘14 vintage: distinguishing this from previous years with a palette that is more intense, driving and toasty on the finish. Still, in line with the customary winemaking practices of the Maison, this is a wine that comes alive in the company of food (owing to its consummately dry style). Dosed at 6 grams of sugar per litre – plan accordingly. – Randy

Qantas First Class Lounge

The reason I’m absolutely mortified about not retaining my Platinum status with Qantas is that without access to the First Class Lounge in Sydney, I might not be able to face overseas travel again. It sounds ridiculous but I’m deadly serious. A glass (or three) of champagne alongside a salt and pepper calamari, followed by Neil’s 25th-anniversary crab and sweet pork salad with green mango and nam jim dressing makes even a 6-hour economy jaunt to Bali bearable. It’s as good as flying gets in Australia and is still one of my favourite places on the planet. – James

Youth To The People Polypeptide-121 Future Cream

I’m not one to spend much time looking after my skin, but after noticing a few wrinkles creeping in I thought I’d get stuck into a bit of moisturising. Having tried a few different brands, I’ve found that the Polypeptide-121 Future Cream (which doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue) from the Californian brand Youth To The People does everything I want it to. A quick daub on the face each morning and I’ve seen fewer wrinkles and look less tired. Plus it’s got no scent which is a must in my book. – Jack

The Charles Grand Brasserie, Sydney

In terms of Sydney’s hospitality, the city is currently benefitting from a relentless wave of new openings that it’s so hard to keep up with what’s actually good out there. The Charles Grand Brasserie is one of the final big-ticket openings before we close out the year and despite exhaustion with classic French kicking in, it’s appropriately grand and invariably delicious. 

The very tight, short-and-sweet menu could do with a few more options, but most of what I tried when I went hit the spot and hit it hard. The best: a schnitzel a la Viennese with bottarga and terragnon. The rich and salty fish roe is beautifully developed into a sauce supreme that you pour over the veal, popping the texturally perfect meat with an opulent flavour that matches well with the interior. Not everything here is as heavy-hitting and some of the dishes aren’t very generous in size, but the veal dish alone was worth the visit. – Chris

Nihi, Sumba

Last month James and I were fortunate enough to spend 4 nights at Nihi on the Indonesian island of Sumba. Voted the best hotel in the world in 2017 and 2018, I went into it with high expectations, all of which were well and truly met. Incredible hospitality, unbelievable villas, and literally any activity an adventure lover could ever want. Whether you’re a surfer looking for a luxe stay with one of the best breaks in the world out the front, or a couple looking for a remote getaway – look no further. Full review coming soon. – Jack

Gimlet, Melbourne

As one of the culinary capitals of the world, Melbourne has more than its fair share of great restaurants. However, among the competitive set that the city has to offer, Gimlet is one of the very best and after dining there for a second time a few weeks back I was seriously impressed. From the details of the decor to the delicious menu, it’s hard to find fault in the Andrew McConnell venue and that’s without mentioning the impossibly attentive staff who go above and beyond to ensure you’re welcomed and looked after. If you’ve got a date night coming up, you can’t go wrong. – Nick Kenyon