#AllCoopedUp with David Kwong, Magician + Puzzle Constructor
David Kwong delights and challenges stuck-at-home audiences around the world with his intellectual brand of magic and puzzle creations. Our favorite (and only) magician client, David landed the perfect house in Beachwood Canyon where he famously hosts socially-distant game nights and constructs the crossword puzzles for the New York Times, LA Times, and the Wall Street Journal. Kwong’s book Spellbound: Seven Principles of Illusion to Captivate Audiences and Unlock the Secrets of Success was recently published by Harper Business and provides an incredibly entertaining quarantine distraction. A current Kickstarter campaign for his latest game, “ENIGMAS” started at $8,500 and has just surpassed $77,000! And his latest show, The Enigmatist is set to make its West Coast debut at the Geffen Playhouse. I can honestly say that David Kwong is one of the most interesting people I know and we are so lucky to be in his orbit! - Jenna
What’s your profession, and what does your day-to-day work experience look like now?
I am a magician and New York Times crossword puzzle constructor. My day-to-day work experience largely revolves around creating team-building puzzle and game activities for companies and private parties. The live-performance of magic is on hold, so it’s nice that there’s been so much interest in brainy puzzle activities.
Describe your at-home quarantine uniform.
I’m wearing a lot of old t-shirts and baggy jeans that no one will ever see me in. Also, for these Zoom events, I often just iron the front of my shirt. The back is very wrinkled. Illusion!
Who are you quarantining with? Do you feel the need to “get away”? How do you make it happen?
I am by myself and it’s quite hard. I’m an extrovert by nature. I do a lot of social distance walks and lately I’ve been having people come sit on the opposite side of my patio. It helps a little, but I miss hugs.
What’s the last thing you purchased online? Regret or obsessed?
Just purchased a whetstone. My knives are so sharp now!
Tell us the best shows, podcasts, or books you’re loving right now.
I’m watching all of The Sopranos. I’ve seen bits and pieces, but never the full series.
Do you have any new quarantine activities or rituals?
I try to go for a walk or get out of the house at least once a day. Sometimes I just get in my car and drive. Also, I bought a new car 4 days before shelter in place began. Super smart!
What is your favorite quarantine snack? What restaurants are you ordering takeout from?
I have mostly cooked at home. Occasionally I give in to one indulgence, which is Northern Thai Food Club in Thai Town. Their curry chicken noodles (#1 on the menu) is the best thing you’ve ever tasted.
But my own wok skills have really improved! This week I made Chinese eggplant with pork and enoki mushrooms; shrimp with garlic sauce and chives; and Thai Red Curry with Chicken. Can you tell I like Asian food?
What is your creative outlet and how are you making space for it?
I write puzzles all day long and have been discovering that people are craving them over Instagram and Zoom. It’s been a blast!
Describe your biggest quarantine indulgence.
When a friend gives you lemons, make lemon bars.
What are you doing for exercise?
I try to get out of the house at least once a day with a walk or a run. I also got some barbells and they look really nice sitting in the corner of my living room collecting dust.
Are you sharing recipes with friends?
Lots of this! This banana bread recipe I got from my friend Rachel has been a real problem.
What’s been the biggest challenge for you throughout this?
Not knowing when it will be over. The looming unknown is the most unnerving. But I keep working hard and staying close with my friends. We’ll get through this together.
When this is over I cannot wait to ___________.
Sit at a counter at the Beachwood Cafe and drink a bottomless cup of coffee.
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