Suzan Bach
>> Age: 73
>> Residence: Kahala
>> Occupation: Restaurateur
———
Honolulu restaurateur Suzan Bach is no master chef. In fact, this vivacious woman pretty much stays away from the kitchen unless it’s to open a bottle of wine. That hasn’t stopped Bach and her husband, Robert, from operating three successful Waikiki eateries.
The couple met on a blind date arranged by one of Robert Bach’s business acquaintances: Jonathan Goldsmith, the actor who plays “the most interesting man in the world” in the Dos Equis beer commercials. After marrying and running a bedding company in Los Angeles, the Bachs moved to Hawaii and opened Round Table Pizza and CJ’s New York Style Deli in 1995 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. In 2007 they launched Giovanni Pastrami sports bar in the Waikiki Beach Walk.
Although often found at their restaurants, Suzan Bach makes time for tai chi, an ancient meditative exercise regimen, and has become a frequent globetrotter, jetting off to such locales as Cambodia, Tokyo, New York and California.
Describe your style: “Funky meets classy. Not everything has to be expensive. I like to mix things I find at Ross with a nice piece of jewelry.”
For comfort: “Anything loose. I’m most comfortable in black and white, but if there has to be color, then I prefer a pop of red.”
For shoes: “I like Toms. They are easy to slip on and off and are comfortable enough to wear daily.”
Can’t live without: “I don’t go anywhere without earrings. They don’t have to be expensive, but it’s an absolute must for me.”
Dressing for tai chi: “I usually wear cropped pants and an oversize shirt. Nothing too restricting so I can let the chi flow.”
Favorite beauty product: “A volume booster for my hair. Having your hair done is important, and I always have my hair done.”
Secret to keeping young: “Keeping your age at 28 years old. Celebrate every year as if you’re turning 28 years old again. Plus, I hang out with younger people; they keep you young.”
On the road: “I pack basic black outfits with accessories. I’ll pack a few pairs of pants, one skinny, one wide, and a couple black tops, and I always make sure to always have a shawl.”
———
By Lacy Matsumoto, special to the Star-Advertiser.
Island Lookbook is a weekly feature that spotlights local trendsetters. Contact features@staradvertiser.com.