Author: Tane Residence

  • Hong Kong’s Best New Afternoon Teas

    The Café Gray Deluxe and Diane von Furstenberg afternoon tea.

    Café Gray Deluxe
    Get a taste of legendary fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg’s signature prints, colors, and florals in bite-sized culinary creations presented by Café Gray Deluxe at Hong Kong Serviced Apartments The Upper House. Kicking off the DVF Spring 2016 collection, the “Fortuna” afternoon tea is inspired by the first painting Diane bought for herself, which depicts Fortuna, the Roman goddess of fortune. Like the collection, expect to be inundated with bright colors and pretty pink prints, from the sea buckthorn berry macarons to strawberry-jasmine shortcake and mousse of crème de cassis imbued with DVF’s spring colors. Savory items sing of spring, from the asparagus-ricotta tartlet to the foie gras torchon and rhubarb brioche. Cap off the girly afternoon with a stop at DVF’s Pacific Place store to redeem an exclusive DVF gift. $310 per person, $560 for two, through May 15. Daily 3:30-5:30pm.

    Ritz-Carlton’s Collection Anniversaire high tea features eight creations inspired by history.

    The Lounge & Bar
    In celebration of Godiva’s 90th birthday this year, The Ritz-Carlton is calling all chocoholics to its stunning lounge on the 102nd floor of ICC for a magical afternoon tea that journeys through Godiva’s nine decades of chocolate-making. The Collection Anniversaire high tea features eight creations inspired by history, from the “Signature Lait” coffee ganache created for “Gone With the Wind” in 1939, to the milk chocolate caramel “Ecusson” with a lion to mark Godiva’s appointment to the Royal Court of Belgium in 1968. The final piece is a brand new flavor for the 2016 anniversary: the “Egérie Noir” with smooth raspberry ganache, rose petals, and Belgian dark chocolate. $428. Apr 18-Jun 19. Mon-Thu 3-6pm; Fri 2:15-6:30pm; Sat-Sun noon-6:30pm.

    Instagram away with the Korean afternoon tea at Jinjuu.

    Jinjuu
    We didn’t know Korean afternoon tea could be a thing until modern Korean resto Jinjuu launched its concept earlier this year. Featuring mini versions of menu hits such as “Sae-woo” prawn cake pops and Yuja cured salmon on gem lettuce, Jinjuu’s afternoon tea puts a new spin on the English tradition. Guests can warm themselves over man do dumplings with a soy dipping sauce or feast on Korean fried chicken sliders, with crispy chicken thighs served with house mayo on a brioche bun. For a sweet ending, go for a chocolate hazelnut brownie spiced with gochugaru chili powder or a mango and passion fruit panna cotta, alongside a range of fine Korean teas. $300 for two. Mon-Sun 2:30-5:30pm.

    Park Café serves up a mean mango Mille-feuille.

    Park Café
    Park Café at the Park Hotel Hong Kong celebrates all things mango with a new afternoon tea buffet and tea set, featuring countless applications of the tropical fruit of the season in both sweet and savory dishes. Dig into the succulent, sweet fruit in dishes such as Japanese seaweed salad with mango and smoked salmon, stir-fried garoupa filet with mango and garlic, or pita bread stuffed with shredded chicken and mango in the “Mango Fever” buffet. For a more refined experience, opt for the “Mango Fiesta” afternoon tea set featuring handcrafted mango pastries and finger foods such as smoked salmon, cucumber and mango sandwiches, mango chocolate mousse cake, mango macarons and mango mille-feuille. Afternoon tea buffets $168 Fri, $188 Sat-Sun; afternoon tea set $208 for two Mon-Thu, $268 Fri-Sun through July.

    The special Chinese preserved beencurd cheesecake at Café.

    Café
    Tired of waiting in the queue to snag a seat at The Peninsula’s lobby lounge? Head to the Hyatt Regency, Sha Tin for a hotel high tea away from the crowds. Surrounded by the mountainous green terrain and serene backdrop of New Territories, guests can nosh on a selection of pastry chef Kelvin Lai’s inventive Chinese desserts. Not your average afternoon tea, the Asian-inspired sweets here include osmanthus flower jelly with wolfberries, chilled almond jelly with silver ear fungus, Jasmine milk tea ice cream, and Chinese wine chocolate ice cream. If you can still manage to move afterward, take a plunge in the pool and work off the calories with the Hyatt’s Swim and Dine package ($390 with $300 dining credit at the Pool Bar). $318, Sat-Sun 3:15-5pm.

    Not your average bird’s nest afternon tea at Ammo.

    Ammo
    They say that bird’s nest has nourishing properties for your skin, helping to boost collagen and maintain a youthful glow. It’s a prominent ingredient in skincare products, and now—it’s in your afternoon tea as well. Fine dining restaurant Ammo has teamed up with skincare brand Glycel for one of Hong Kong most exotic afternoon teas yet, highlighting the qualities of bird’s nest—and its versatility as an ingredient—in dishes such as spicy Vela chorizo on toast with bird’s nest, coconut bird’s nest panna cotta, and green tea cake roll with red beans and bird’s nest. If the thought of ingesting hardened bird saliva doesn’t quite do it for you, there are plenty of other sweet and savory bites to get your appetite going, from raisin scones with fig jam to braised short rib burgers and hamachi carpaccio with ponzu sauce and caviar. $368 for two includes a Glycel Hydro Firm Gift Pack, through Apr 30. Daily 3-5pm. 

    Author: Leslie Yeh
    Source: http://hk-magazine.com/
    Link: http://hk-magazine.com/article/restaurants/features/17851/hong-kongs-best-new-afternoon-teas

  • Guide to Hong Kong: Beyond the Walls

     

    In its earliest days, Hong Kong was a series of small communities subsisting on the land and living inside walled villages, and if you travel up into the New Territories you’ll discover traditional life still exists behind these walls. In fact, you don’t need to move too far away from the heart of downtown Hong Kong to discover a region that will make you feel you’ve ventured back in time to this era, where you’ll still find ancient traditions and a more simple way of life.

    Village Life

    The Tang clan first settled in Kam Tin in the early 14th century, and Lo Wai was the first of the five wai—or walled villages—they built. It’s enclosed on all four sides by brick walls, with a gateway and entrance tower, which protect the central ancestral hall and adjacent dwellings. Much of the original village walls and internal layout still exist here: if you follow the Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail you can see the protected entranceway and walls, but much is closed to the public to protect the villagers’ privacy.

    Community Spirit

    An ancestral hall is a focal point for any war village: it’s a study hall for children, as well as a place for worshipping ancestors, for social gatherings, and for discussing important village issues. Liu Man Shek Tong Ancestral Hall in Sheung Shui Wai is an elaborate example built in 1751 by the prosperous Liu clan, who initially settled from Fujian in the Ming Dynasty. Built in the typical three-hall, two-courtyard style, the decoration of the main building is opulent—you’ll be able to see plaster mouldings, intricate wood carvings and significant murals.

    Organic Growth

    Instead of merely surviving off the land to feed themselves, entrepreneurial villagers have branched out to sell their produce—producing a trend across Hong Kong for locally grown, locally sourced ingredients. Po Sang Yuen Bee Farm in Fanning does a great job of protecting the environment in its enterprise, while the trendy IPC Foodlab is a restaurant that advocates eating local farm produce and practices what it preaches. On the fusion menu, you’ll find all-organic vegetables picked from its farm in Fanling, with descriptions and the medicinal properties each ingredient can provide.

    For more insider info on Hong Kong, head to
    www.DiscoverHongKong.com/InsidersGuide

    Spotlight on: North District

    Many residents of the North District, which sits right up on the border with mainland China in the New Territories, can trace their origins back to China when families moved south to escape war and unrest. These clans set up villages—some surrounded by walls—and lived off the land. The area is still mostly rural, populated by farmers who pursue their ancient traditions and follow a more modest way of life.

    Living Heritage

    To learn more about ancient village life in Hong Kong as compared to Hong Kong Cheap Service Apartments, visit Fanling Wai, one of the area’s best preserved walled villages. It was thought to have been built by the Pang clan between the 12th and 13th centuries, and inside you’ll see fine examples of Ming and Tsing dynasty architecture through its temples, ancestral halls, school, watchtowers and cannons. Also worth a stop is Tsung Pak Long, a Hakka walled village established in the 19th century by five different clans. The village of Ma Shi Po in Fanling is a prime example of urban encroachment onto farmland.

    Natural Beauty

    Much of the North District is still made up of farmland and beautiful natural resources. The eight majestic peaks of Pat Sin Leng Country Park, known as the “eight fairies”, dominate the territory’s skyline and are surrounded by emerald lakes, with many walking trails which start and end at the Lau Shui Heung Reservoir, taking in pavilions, a camp site and barbeque and picnic spots. The protected wetland of Long Valley is also a birdwatchers’ paradise, being home to more than 200 different species of birds, many rare.

    Soul Food

    To sample locally farmed food, make a stop at the Wun Chuen Vegetarian Centre. At the entrance to the 70-year-old Taoist Wun Chuen Sin Koon temple, surrounded by gardens, lotus ponds and bridges, the restaurant offers healthy and delicious dishes made to resemble their meaty counterparts. For a little bit of heritage with your dinner, also check out Kwan Kee Beef Balls & Pork Knuckles—a Guangdong establishment that’s one of Fanning’s oldest and most popular food joints.

    Brought to you by HONG KONG TOURISM BOARD
    Source: DiscoverHongKong.com
    Link: http://hk-magazine.com/article/lifestyle/travel/17150/guide-hong-kong-beyond-walls

  • Top 10 Bars with a View in Hong Kong

    Ozone, at the tallest hotel in the world.

    Ozone 
    Located on the 118th floor of the tallest hotel in the world, Ozone takes the title of highest bar in Hong Kong. On a good day, you will be able to enjoy a spectacular view of the Hong Kong skyline. The outdoor terrace is the perfect place to take in the view and chill with friends. While you spot Victoria Harbor and Hong Kong Island, enjoy some Asian-style tapas, Hong Kong Cheap Service Apartments and a cocktail. Bar manager Pietro Didio carefully mixes European and Asian tastes adding an exotic drinking experience to their extensive drinks menu.
    118/F, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Rd. West, West Kowloon, 2263-2270, www.ritzcarlton.com

    Café Gray Deluxe
    Decorated to perfection with an aura of sophistication and understated glam, Café Gray Deluxe is the epitome of elegance on the 49th floor of the Upper House. A glamorous 46-foot long bar takes center stage serving delectable appetizers and colorfully named cocktails. Try the Earl Gray martini, Hong Kong Highball or Grapefruit Julep. Their extensive variety of wines makes this the perfect spot for drinks. And of course, the harbor view is breathtaking.
    49/F, The Upper House Hotel, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, 3968-1106, www.cafegrayhk.com

    Épure
    Inspired by the French royalty, Épure’s elegant furnish complements its French flavors that emphasize both authenticity and simplicity. Fortunately, they are an outdoor terrace and café area that provides a taste of French afternoon with the backdrop to the glamorous Victoria Harbor. Spend the afternoon sipping a glass of sparkling rosé and choose from its delectable selection of nibbles. The hand cut comes fries with black truffle sauce and mustard sauce is highly recommended, so is the cheese platter which features a delicious selection of refined cheeses by Xavier From Toulouse.
    Shop 403, Harbour City, Ocean Centre, 3-27 Canton Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 3185-8338

    Sugar
    The stunning skyline and harbor view makes the perfect setting for a relaxing weekend with friends. Located on the 32nd floor of the EAST Hotel, Sugar has a stunningly spacious outdoor deck. The view dominates every corner of the bar with electrifying panoramas showcasing a different side to Hong Kong’s skyline featuring North Point, Quarry Bay, and Tai Tam. Apart from your standard drinks, Sugar provides a signature drinks menu conveniently divided into four sections: Sparkling (Prosecco-based), Up(martinis and margarita), Mocktail(fruity and refreshing) and Bar(special concoctions invented by and named after resident bartenders). At 300 feet above sea level, you can also book Sugar for private functions during the day.
    32/F, East Hotel, 29 Tai Koo Shing Rd., Tai Koo, 3968-3738, www.sugar-hongkong.com

    Eyebar
    On the 30th floor of iSquare, Eyebar follows the nautical theme of its adjoining restaurant, Nanhai No. 1 and offers uninterrupted views of the skyline from its gorgeous outdoor alfresco deck. While you enjoy a drink from Eyebar’s exotic cocktail menu, you can munch on complimentary spicy nuts and Sichuan peppered lotus root chips. If you’re feeling extra peckish, you can order barbecued seafood snacks from the open kitchen. A cool feature on the outdoor terrace is a telescope that allows you to spot major landmarks. Heads up: If you would like a seat with a view, there’s a minimum charge of $500 per head.
    30/F, iSquare, 63 Nathan Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2487-3988

    Wooloomooloo Prime
    Wooloomooloo Prime is a slightly high-end branch of the steakhouse featuring their signature steaks and seafood with an excellent view of Hong Kong’s skyline. The 10,000 square foot restaurant’s main feature is an outdoor terrace with a towering 270-degree view of Tsim Sha Tsui, Victoria Harbor, and Hong Kong Island. High up on the 21st floor of The One shopping mall in TST, the restaurants interior displays a simple but modern design with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and windows showing off the unobstructed panoramic city view. Whether you pop by for after-work drinks or dinner, every seat has an amazing view.
    21st Floor, The One, 100 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2870-0087, www.wooloo-mooloo.com

    Felix
    Everyone knows about Felix at The Peninsula in Tsim Sha Tsui. Noted for its impeccably designed avant-garde interior, the mostly white and chic décor create the perfect spotlight for the spectacular views of the harbor. Felix is not your ordinary dining experience, providing a menu combining the best of the East and West and an excellent selection of wines, the Felix is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Whether you choose to stay for dinner or just stop by for drinks, you are guaranteed a classy evening at the Felix.
    28/F, The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2696-6778 www.peninsula.com/felix

    Ava
    Ava Restaurant Slash Bar is located on the 38th floor of the swanky Hotel Panorama in Tsim Sha Tsui. A sibling venue to Azure, Ava’s spectacular 270-degree view of the Hong Kong skyline should not be missed. This location is a perfect alternative to the same old Hong Kong Island nightlife spots. The bar serves up a variety of colorful cocktails including AVAtini and kiwi mojito. If you’re in the mood for a more quiet evening, you can grab a drink and head to Ava’s serene Sky Garden, located just two floors above.
    38/F, Hotel Panorama by Rhombus, 8A Hart Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, 3550-0262

    *Editor’s Picks*

    Mamoz
    Offering great city views of Hong Kong Island, Mamoz is a cool cocktail bar in Causeway Bay. Stylishly decorated with large windows and subdued lighting, it’s no surprise that Mamoz is a popular spot every night of the week also Hong Kong Studio Service Apartments are established near to Mamoz. Check out the drinks from their innovative cocktail menu or use their entertaining tasting graph which helps you pick your drinks based on your preferences of sweet, sour, rich or fresh. For those with acrophobia (a fear of heights), beware of the glass floors that give you a very literal bird’s eye view. Notes to girls: It’s ladies night every Thursday and they provide a free flow of mojitos and cosmopolitan.
    27/F-28/F, Cubus, 1 Hoi Ping Road, Causeway Bay, 2890-3182

    Aqua Spirit
    The ever popular ‘Aqua Bar’ as the locals call it, is still one of the best places in Kowloon side to sit back and enjoy the view. Aqua Spirit has been located at the top of One Peking in Tsim Sha Tsui for several years now and is popular not only for the striking panoramic skyline but also for its Italian or Japanese dining options. The funky drinks menu has a number of signature cocktails, try Anxiety or Aqua Queen.
    30/F, Penthouse, 1 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 3427-2288

    Authors: Andrea LoKate LokRani Samtani
    Source: http://hk-magazine.com/
    Link: http://hk-magazine.com/article/best-hk/hk-picks/8173/top-10-bars-view-hong-kong

  • Sticking around for Chinese New Year?

    Sticking around for Chinese New Year and looking for things to do?
    Check out the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s latest guide on what to do and what to see.

    2016 Chinese New Year Events

  • Hong Kong’s 10 Best Restaurants of 2015

    Check out the latest article below from HK Magazine on the 10 Best restaurants in Hong Kong for 2015!

    Top 10 Restaurants in 2015

    From well-respected chefs venturing out on their own to relative newcomers making a big splash on the scene, this has been a groundbreaking year for restaurant openings.

    Saam
    Why it’s the best: While the age of molecular gastronomy might have come and gone, there’ll always be a time and place for science experiments with food. The kitchen lab that is Saam reflects influences from all over the world (hence the name, which means “together” in Afrikaans): Chef Patrick Dang plays with, deconstructs and reconstructs his food, serving up foie gras “candy” enveloped in white chocolate and liquid cherry gastrique, and “Gangnam-style” tartare mixed with pear kimchi and shiso. It’s all a bit crazy and kooky, but it works.

    The Ocean
    Why it’s the best: Le Comptoir group continues its hot streak of churning out hip, stylish dining destinations, and we can’t help but be drawn in hook, line, and sinker. Boasting stunning azure-washed décor and panoramic sea views, The Ocean is a study in dining with the senses, with the tranquil atmosphere, exquisite tableware and artful plating working in harmony to create memorable feasts. We’re not saying it’s the best Japanese or seafood in town, but executive chef Agustin Balbi and sushi chef Yukio Kimijima (formerly of Sushi Ta-ke) have done an excellent job of illustrating the marriage of art and food that Le Comptoir is known for, making this destination worth the splurge.

    The Optimist
    Why it’s the best: This Spanish steak and seafood house brought the bold flavors of the Basque country to Wan Chai this year, and we’ve lapped up every last morsel. Serving rustically grilled meats and seafood over a charcoal asador grill, the three-story Barcelona-chic restaurant and bar is a welcome change in a Spanish scene dominated by tapas and paellas. Founders Manuel Palacio and Christian Talpo have hit the nail on the head twice now—first with Italian comfort food haven Pirata, and now with The Optimist—and we can’t wait to see what they come up with next.

    Ore-no Kappou
    Why it’s the best: Billed as Michelin for the masses, Ore-no Kappou lets you cheat a bit at dining in a fancy location, on fancy dishes, and with a fancy company, at a fraction of the price. This Japanese import brings over a handful of two-Michelin-starred dishes from the original Ginza Okamoto in Japan, including sliced abalone with Japanese cucumber, grilled Kagoshima pork loin with miso, and our favorite, a moist miso-marinated grilled cod. With standing-room-only at a third of the tables and speedy service, Ore-no is able to keep prices fairly reasonable—although you could also easily splurge here if you opt for the full two-star treatment.

    Ta Vie
    Why it’s the best: Previously chef de cuisine at Ryugin, chef Hideaki Sato brings his painstaking attention to detail and passion for his craft to Ta Vie, a restaurant that blends his classical French training with the Japanese ingredients he’s built his name on. With an eight-course degustation available at $1,880 a head, dinner here is a pricey treat, but it’s worth it from start to finish. Ingenious techniques combined with subtle flavorings and fresh, seasonal treats take you on a culinary journey—just make sure you’re strapped in for the ride.

    On Dining Kitchen + Lounge
    Why it’s the best: Hot on the heels of his success at Upper Modern Bistro, Chef Philippe Orrico grabbed the attention of the Michelin man again with this sophisticated new venture. The appointment of the coveted star last month confirmed what we already knew—that chef Orrico can create that wow factor in the kitchen, marrying classic flavors in exciting combinations that are familiar yet new all at once. Don’t miss the amped-up beef and tuna tartare, or the flawless 63-degree egg with frog legs and pearl barley in a comté emulsion.

    La Paloma
    Why it’s the best: We weren’t sure what to expect from chef Willy Trullas Moreno’s more casual, pigeon-bespattered successor to FoFo, but we were charmed right off the bat by the twinkling fairy lights and colorful setting that makes you want to stay the night for a glass of sangria or three. The menu may not break any new boundaries—one of the tastiest items is a variation on the original “explosive” smoked salmon bags at FoFo—but it’s consistently tasty, from the Valencian paella to the huevos roots broken eggs which are some of the best we’ve had in Hong Kong.

    Tycoon Tann
    Why it’s the best: In a town dominated by fantastic, dirt-cheap Chinese food on every street corner, is it even worth shelling out more than $100 for char siu and fried rice? Yes, when it comes to Tycoon Tann, the trendy contemporary Chinese restaurant-bar that’s nailed a winning combination of classic and cool. Covering three stories of prime real estate space on Wellington Street, Tycoon Tann does avant-garde fine dining with a classical Chinese foundation, plating up char siu made with Hungarian Mangalica hot, crispy salted chicken and crunchy fried rice with abalone, shrimp, and conpoy. Don’t leave without trying the refreshing Chinese-inspired cocktails from the ground floor Mod Bar.

    El Mercado
    Why it’s the best: In an increasingly saturated restaurant scene, a new cuisine is likely to pique our interests right away. Luckily, El Mercado deserves the attention it’s received as Hong Kong’s first Nikkei restaurant, serving Japanese-Peruvian fusion (who knew?). From seared beef nigiri with banana-flavored rice to the ceviche with ohnibe fish and sweet potato, the interplay of textures and combinations here is addictive. The dish that really made our eyes pop? A plump Japanese oyster with lime and squid ink foam, with a tart house-blend of leche de Tigre ceviche marinade poured over just before serving.

    Vea
    Why it’s the best: What happens when you bring together one of Affordable Studio apartments Hong Kong’s best chefs (Vicky Cheng from Liberty Private Works) and most renowned mixologists (Antonio Lai from Quinary)? A groundbreaking concept bringing something new and daring to the restaurant scene: Cocktail pairings that feature ingredients working just as well on the plate as they do in a glass, making for a seamless experience. An open show kitchen lets you ogle over an army of trained chefs meticulously plating your food, from tuna belly with burnt cucumber jelly to sous-vide pigeon with smoked eel, pigeon blood, and cabbage. Occupying the top two floors of The Wellington, Vea serves up only one tasting menu at a time and serves it well.

    Article By: By Leslie Yeh

  • Try this cute restaurant in Kennedy Town!

    Looking to try something different in Hong Kong? Give this place a try:
    Source: http://www.timeout.com.hk/restaurants-bars/features/75095/picnic-on-forbes.html

    Author: Timeout Hong Kong

     

  • 10 Best Things to Do in Hong Kong This Week – Dec 11

    1. Friday, December 11
    It’s your time to shine: Rúla Búla is hosting an Ugly Sweater Competition! Show up in your scratchiest abomination and drink until the sweaters look good. 6pm | Rúla Búla, G/F, 58-62 D’Aguilar St., Central, 2179-5225 | Happy hour extends to 10pm. See contest rules at tiny.cc/hk-uglysweater.

    2. Saturday, December 12
    Charbon Art Space has invited Swiss illustrator Emmanuelle Houdart to exhibit her drawings and costumes. She’ll also be hosting workshops on creating personal “coat-shelters” this weekend—illustrations of coats that protect and defend us. Ooh, complex! Dec 12-13, 10am-12:30pm, 2:30-5pm | Charbon Art Space, Unit B 8/F Sing Tek Factory, 44 Wong Chuk Hang Rd., Aberdeen, 2518-0035 | Free entry; workshops $390 from charbonartspace.com, includes all materials.

    3. Sunday, December 13
    Tired of reading about stocks and corporate competition? Watch it happen in person at the Hong Kong Corporate Sevens, a fundraiser in which corporate rugby teams from all over town lay the touchdown smack down. There’ll be activities for everyone, young and old and all proceeds will go to the Po Leung Kuk Tackling Life Program. Gates open 9:30am | So Kon Po Recreation Ground, 55 Caroline Hill Rd., So Kon Po | Free entry.

    4. Monday, December 14
    Hip Hop House Dance Week has flown in French dancer Niako and Japanese dancer Usuke for Street Dance Session 2015. They’ll be teaching you how to get down and dirty in four sessions, so get your kicks ready for some new creases. Dec 12-13, with Niako | Dec 14 with Usuke | $300 for one session, discounts available for multiple sessions; register at tiny.cc/hk-streetdance.

    5. Tuesday, December 15
    Take a photo (or a selfie) with Pacific Place’s Santa, sit on his knee, and tell him about your wishes for world peace. Then discover you’re on the naughty list and run out of the mall because nobody understands you. Afterwards, post a tearful selfie on Instagram and tag us @HK_Magazine. We understand you. Through Dec 25 | Garden Court, LG1, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty | $110; one ticket admits up to four people. All proceeds go to charity drive Operation Santa Claus.

    6. Wednesday, December 16
    IndieCast.fm is hosting Showcase Vol. 2 at The Wanch tonight, featuring super duper indie bands Oh! Nullah, The Benefactor, and Planck. 9pm | The Wanch, 54 Jaffe Rd., Wan Chai | Free entry.

  • 10 Best Things To Do In HK – Week of December 3

    Another great list of things from the guys at HK Magazine to do as we come into December!

    1. Friday, December 4
    To celebrate the opening of a third location (and the upcoming “Star Wars” flick), Butchers Club Burger is hosting A Trip to the Darkside at their new Tsim Sha Tsui location. Expect beer, burgers, live music and Darth Vader. 6pm | K11 Courtyard, 18 Hanoi Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui.

    2. Saturday, December 5
    Swedish experimental electronic musician Lars Åkerlund performs in Noise to Signal 0.32: Abstraction at Focal Fair, a new venue that’s all about artsy hipster stuff. He’ll be supported by Japanese DJ Sniff, American drummer Shane Aspegren and homegrown electronic artists Nerve and No One Pulse. 8:30pm | Focal Fair, 28/F, Park Avenue Tower, 5 Moreton Terrace, Causeway Bay.

    3. Sunday, December 6
    Silent Disco Yoga is back, this time with two one-hour sections, Jivamukti (aka compassionate yoga) with disco, and Yin (aka restorative yoga) without disco, both led by Nora Lim. Bring your own mat. 4-5pm (Jivamukti) | 5:15-6:15pm (Yin) | Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park, Eastern St. North, Sai Ying Pun.

    4. Monday, December 7
    Did you forget to light a candle yesterday for the first day of Hanukkah? Do it for the holiday spirit and light one for today, too. Not Jewish? Don’t worry, your mother is probably still disappointed in you.

    5. Tuesday, December 8
    he end of the year is approaching—what to do with that last bit of annual leave? Hop on a ferry to Macau, and watch legendary illusionist Franz Harary blow your mind at The House of Magic. One ticket gets you three different magic shows, featuring four different magicians. 5pm, 7pm, 9pm daily | Studio City Macau, Estr. Flor de Lotus, Macau.

    6. Wednesday, December 9
    A selection of the world’s finest jockeys comes to Happy Valley to battle for supremacy in the 2015 Longines International Jockeys’ Championship. And the best part? We’re treating you to the whole night! 5:30-9:30pm | Happy Valley Racecourse | Register at promotions.hk-magazine.com/hw-ijc for free admission, beer and a set of fine foods from around the world.

    7. Thursday, December 10
    Guerilla is back for the 14th time, turning yet another straight bar gay. This time Casa Tapas Bar is in the pink crosshairs, and there’ll be craft beers and tapas from around the world to satiate your ale and meat fix. 6-9pm | Casa Tapas Bar, 14-16 Woo Hop St., Kennedy Town.

    8. Friday, December 11
    XXX Gallery hosts a book launch party for the release of “Paul’s Records: How a refugee from the Vietnam War found success selling vinyl on the streets of Hong Kong,” a biography of legendary vinyl shop owner Paul Au Tak-shing. There’ll be readings by author Andrew Guthrie and you can meet Paul himself. 7-9 pm | XXX Gallery, B/F, 353-363 Des Voeux Rd. West, Shek Tong Tsui.

    9. Saturday, December 12
    Style by Asia is hosting Style Walk to expose us to local indie brands and designers. Categories include interior design, art, photography, men’s and women’s fashion, shoes and bling. The event is hosted all over town, so read up on venues before you go.

    10. Eat Your Way to Christmas
    Find one of Hong Kong’s best holiday feasts.

     

    Source: http://hk-magazine.com/events/news/10-best-things-do-hong-kong-week
    Author: Adrienne Chum

  • 10 Best Things to Do in Hong Kong This Week – Dec 11

    1. Friday, December 11
    It’s your time to shine: Rúla Búla is hosting an Ugly Sweater Competition! Show up in your scratchiest abomination and drink until the sweaters look good. 6pm | Rúla Búla, G/F, 58-62 D’Aguilar St., Central, 2179-5225 | Happy hour extends to 10pm. See contest rules at tiny.cc/hk-uglysweater.

    2. Saturday, December 12
    Charbon Art Space has invited Swiss illustrator Emmanuelle Houdart to exhibit her drawings and costumes. She’ll also be hosting workshops on creating personal “coat-shelters” this weekend—illustrations of coats that protect and defend us. Ooh, complex! Dec 12-13, 10am-12:30pm, 2:30-5pm | Charbon Art Space, Unit B 8/F Sing Tek Factory, 44 Wong Chuk Hang Rd., Aberdeen, 2518-0035 | Free entry; workshops $390 from charbonartspace.com, includes all materials.

    3. Sunday, December 13
    Tired of reading about stocks and corporate competition? Watch it happen in person at the Hong Kong Corporate Sevens, a fundraiser in which corporate rugby teams from all over town lay the touchdown smack down. There’ll be activities for everyone, young and old and all proceeds will go to the Po Leung Kuk Tackling Life Program. Gates open 9:30am | So Kon Po Recreation Ground, 55 Caroline Hill Rd., So Kon Po | Free entry.

    4. Monday, December 14
    Hip Hop House Dance Week has flown in French dancer Niako and Japanese dancer Usuke for Street Dance Session 2015. They’ll be teaching you how to get down and dirty in four sessions, so get your kicks ready for some new creases. Dec 12-13, with Niako | Dec 14 with Usuke | $300 for one session, discounts available for multiple sessions; register at tiny.cc/hk-streetdance.

    5. Tuesday, December 15
    Take a photo (or a selfie) with Pacific Place’s Santa, sit on his knee, and tell him about your wishes for world peace. Then discover you’re on the naughty list and run out of the mall because nobody understands you. Afterwards, post a tearful selfie on Instagram and tag us @HK_Magazine. We understand you. Through Dec 25 | Garden Court, LG1, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty | $110; one ticket admits up to four people. All proceeds go to charity drive Operation Santa Claus.

    6. Wednesday, December 16
    IndieCast.fm is hosting Showcase Vol. 2 at The Wanch tonight, featuring super duper indie bands Oh! Nullah, The Benefactor, and Planck. 9pm | The Wanch, 54 Jaffe Rd., Wan Chai | Free entry.

  • Superfoods in Hong Kong?

    Super Duper Dinners: Where to Eat Superfoods in Hong Kong
    Want to have your kelp and eat it too? Taste-test this year’s trending superfoods without sacrificing your social life. Cynthia Chung and Melissa Frankenberry track down a few restaurants serving up some extra-healthy helpings.
    By Cynthia Chung | Jan 22, 2015

    Read more by clicking the below link from HK Magazine:

  • PMQ

    For those residing in Tane Residence Hollywood, make sure you check out PMQ which is located a stone’s throw away from your building entrance. PMQ was historically the Police residence but was completely gutted and renovated over the last few years and is now home to over a hundred retail shops and a dozen cafe and restaurants. To read more about this exceptional area, click here: PMQ Link

    PMQ

     

  • HK’s Best Farm – to -Table Dining

    Residents of Tane Hollywood, did you know that one of the best Farm-to-table dining spots is right in your own backyard? Check out the below article from HK Magazine to learn more about SohoFama and a host of other Farm-To-Table restaurants.

    Link: HK Magazine Article

    Hong Kong’s Best Farm-to-Table Dining

    By: Beatrice Wong and Kate Springer

     

    Down on the Fama

    G.O.D. makes a foray into the foodie sphere with Sohofama in PMQ and takes the term “farm to table” pretty literally. A collaboration with the guys behind Locofama, the restaurant is all about chemical-free Chinese cuisine, using locally sourced premium ingredients—many of which come from its own mini farm and outdoor garden, as well as its farm in the New Territories. The dishes here are filling and flavorful, with highlights including chili sauce clams and a succulent slab of free range Bellota pork. Come to think of it, everything is pretty darn good—even the service.
    Unit SG09-SG14, G/F, Block A, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen St., Central, 2858-8238, sohofama.com.

    Wildgrass

    With an emphasis on environmental sustainability, Wildgrass takes pride in serving OBE beef and organic cattle from Australia with a nose-to-tail approach–look for everything from oxtail dumplings to stewed kidney. Aside from quality cuts of meat, you can also dig into sustainably caught seafood and organic vegetarian options that bring to mind home-style French dining. The environment is as homey and rustic as the food, and the furniture is made from recycled wood.
    1/F, 4-8 Arbuthnot Rd., Central, 2810-1189, www.wildgrass.hk. 

    Meat Your Maker

    As the name suggests, you’ll find your favorite surf and turf at Fish & Meat—all with a rustic, farm-fresh approach. Most of the dishes here are meant to be shared, and you can count on honestly sourced and fresh ingredients. In addition to making pasta fresh in its kitchen every day, Fish & Meat also shakes up refreshing cocktails, like the Farm House Jam, made with homemade blueberry jam, Ice Fox vodka and prosecco.
    1-2/F, 32 Wyndham St., Central, 2565-6788, www.fishandmeat.hk.

    IPC You Later

    IPC Food Lab takes healthy eating and food safety to a whole new level, by researching, growing and cooking the vegetables it sells. The two ambitious founders bought an industrial building in Fan Ling in order to set up indoor farms, a research center, a restaurant and more. Its highly specialized farm nurtures the notoriously difficult-to-grow almond mushrooms and black garlic, which are just some of the unique, top-quality ingredients you can find on IPC Food Lab’s affordable menu. Check out the new restaurant in Central (38A Caine Rd.), but visit the headquarters to get the full experience.
    IPC Centre, 26 On Lok Mun St., Fanling, 2676-6900, www.ipcfoodlab.com. 

    So Nur-ishising

    Chef Nurdin Topham gives his dishes a healthy spin at Nur, a Privé group restaurant on Lyndhurst Terrace. There is only one option here: a nine-course tasting menu ($1,188), which includes lots of veggie-based plates that beautifully balance flavors, textures and nutrition. Inspired by French Chef Raymond Blanc and “New Nordic” cuisine, the restaurant is devoted to seasonally driven menus and a locavore mentality—the chef even plucks fresh herbs from the restaurant’s terrace garden.
    3/F, 1 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, 2871-9993, www.nur.hk.

    The Fini Line

    Todd Darling is a restaurateur who puts fresh, organic produce at the heart of all of his restaurants—a lineup which includes Stone Nullah Tavern and Posto Pubblico. Recently relocated to SoHo, Linguini Fini is one of the best bets for pasta in Hong Kong, and is still very much about the nose-to-tail and farm-to-table ethos, using all of its produce from local organic farms sourced by Darling’s other venture, Homegrown Foods. Executive Chef Vinny Lauria cooks up homemade Italian food that’s been commanding lots of fanfare—think homemade pasta, spicy sausage and nose-to-tail Bolognese pork.
    49 Elgin St., Central, 2387-6338, www.linguinifini.com. 

    Shelter Italian Bar and Restaurant

    Shelter Italian serves upscale Italian fare in a refreshingly green setting, with a big terrace and a 45-square-meter organic farm. The restaurant harvests what it can—like lemongrass and organic tomatoes—from its own garden and sources the rest from local and regional farmers. The contemporary Italian menu will transport you to Tuscany: dig into lobster cream soup, hand-rolled spaghetti, hormone-free tenderloin and vegan-friendly cheesecake.
    7/F, Hysan Place, 500 Hennessy Rd., Causeway Bay, 2778-8398, www.shelterhk.com.