Category: Events

Bow Ties and Timepieces: Accessories for today’s gentleman

Hong Kong horseracing is about to get glamorous with the upcoming Gentlemen’s Bow Tie Raceday.

The annual event – co-hosted by Oriental Watch Company and The Hong Kong Jockey Club – is a chance for HK racegoers to spruce up their everyday outfits with a bow tie for a more Dapper Dan-esque look.

Not sure what to wear? No worries. We sat down with debonair men-about-town Albert Wong and Brandon Chau ahead of the event to get some tips.

Watch the video to find out what bowties represent to them, what they look for in a watch and what makes these the perfect accessories for today’s modern gentleman.

Singing for a cause: Charity concert in November supports HK Spinal Cord Injury Fund

 

Come end of November and we’ll get to see an unknown side of some of Hong Kong’s most recognisable faces. On 25 November, prominent political personalities, business tycoons, doctors, etc. are coming together to host a charity concert in collaboration with Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra. The charity lends support to HK Spinal Cord Injury Fund, which aims to accelerate the recovery rate among patients with permanent spinal cord injuries.

The charity concert, which sees esteemed members from different walks of life join hands with the full body of Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, also aims to raise awareness among the younger generation about Hong Kong’s own musical heritage.

As Ella Lau, the concert’s organiser explained, “This concert hopes to promote the education programme developed by HK Chinese Orchestra and, at the same time, support the HK Spinal Cord Injury Fund. Our performers are all amateur singers united by a common passion for charity. It is also our mission to spread Hong Kong’s music tradition among younger people.”

One of the most prominent faces to lend his voice to the cause is celebrated doctor and former Secretary of Food and Health, Ko Wing-man, who feels this is a creative and effective way to spread awareness about spinal cord injury.

Another well-known personality to support the cause is William Louey, Director of Kowloon Motor Bus Company. He says, “Doing all kinds of charity makes me happy. In this charity event, you’ll see me singing, taking photos and doing a lot of other creative work.”

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

Artist Playground: The Park Lane Hong Kong extends support to local artists

In keeping with Pullman Group’s global art initiative, the recently refurbished The Park Lane Hong Kong, a Pullman Hotel, held an art exhibition titled “Artist Playground”, in collaboration with Geneyclee Gallery, to extend support to local artists.

Art scene in Hong Kong is flourishing, but young artists are still struggling to find a footing in the space; so Pullman’s initiative to focus on local millennial artists is both thoughtful and strategic. Displayed in the hotel’s popular coffee shop, Ebb & Flow, which witnesses regular footfall from international visitors, the artists’ works immediately catch attention and create a buzz among guests.

The three artists, Liane Chu, Jennifer Chow and Ticko Liu, whose works are displayed, believe such initiatives go a long way in encouraging artists to pursue their dreams.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay
Video: Johnny Yau

Going for Gold: Godiva’s latest collection gets creative

Godiva hosted a star-studded launch party to celebrate its new Gold Discovery Collection at the IFC Mall atrium. Guests were treated to an exhibition on the origin of chocolate, as well as live tastings of the latest flavours.

Gafencu sat with Belgium-based Godiva Master Chef Chocolatier Jean Apostolou and Shanghai-based Chef Chocolatier Philippe Daue to find out more about this latest collection.

What is the inspiration for this new collection?

Chef Jean: The collection is a revamp, a reinterpretation of classic Godiva flavours with a contemporary twist. The point of this collection is not to shock people, but to reintroduce them to the 2.0 version of old favourites while also introducing some new ingredients and textures.

What new flavours can we expect?

Chef Jean: The collection has 16 different flavours. We’ve included a greater variety of fruits and nuts and introduced caramels to the mix. We’ve also boosted the texture of each bite by experimenting with mousse fillings and ganaches for example. It’s a surprising collection because each piece is drastically different from the next.

Did you take inspiration from regional ingredients?

Chef Philippe: As an international brand, we are constantly exchanging ideas with our chefs across the world to stay on the cutting edge of flavour development.

For this collection there are some very Asian flavours such as lychee and passion fruit. Nuts are also an Asian favourite, so that’s something we’ve built upon. Pistachio, macadamia, pecan, etc. have been used as a response to current global tastes.

Why did you focus on Asian tastes?

Chef Philippe: Firstly, Asia is home to an immense variety of ingredients that are not traditionally found or paired with chocolate. As a chef, it’s very exciting and refreshing to experiment with these flavours and create something new.

Also, Asia is one of our largest growing markets. Asians are becoming more educated in chocolate culture now, and we want to capture that interest by including some familiar tastes.

Which is your favourite from the collection, and why?

Chef Jean: My favourite is the almond one. The sweetness of the chocolate with that hint of salt rounded off by the crunch of a whole almond is just fantastic.

Chef Philippe: I love the pistachio one. It’s a hard nut to work with and to balance out. Jean has found the perfect combination, and the result is delicious!

Thank you.

The new Gold Discovery Collection is now available in Hong Kong.
Godiva Gold Discovery Chocolate Gift Box 6pcs: HK$180
Godiva Gold Discovery Chocolate Gift Box 9pcs: HK$260
Godiva Gold Discovery Chocolate Gift Box15pcs: HK$415
Godiva Gold Discovery Chocolate Gift Box 20pcs: HK$525

Interview: Tenzing Thondup

Charles Pang’s son celebrates 100 days with much fanfare

According to Chinese tradition, passing a newborn’s first 100 days is cause for celebration. Proud parents Charles and Carolyn Pang marked the auspicious occasion with a lavish party at Hong Kong’s luxurious Four Seasons Hotel.

The intimate celebration was well attended by close friends and family – some who flew in just for the special occasion. A slew of local celebrities also came to show their support for baby Oskar.

The children were entertained with cotton candy, colourful manicures and balloon animals, while the adults enjoyed an evening of fantastic food and great conversation.

Oskar, the star of the show, happily posed for photos with his well-wishers throughout the night.

Creamy delight: Nicholas Lambert on why French cream is the best

A masterclass on French cream sounds like a dream-come-true for any dessert lover! It’s double the treat when Nicolas Lambert, Head Pastry Chef of Four Season HK’s Caprice restaurant, himself conducts the masterclass. We had a word with the celebrated French chef about why he prefers French cream, and how it plays an integral role in his sugary masterpieces.

What separates French cream from other creams that you can find?

I’ve now travelled and worked all over the world. I’ve tasted creams from Australia, New Zealand and many other places. After 15 years of experience, you develop a palate for this. Just as nothing compares to Swiss chocolates, there is no comparison for French creams.

Why do you exclusively use French cream in your pastries?

First of all, Caprice is a French restaurant, so I want to provide the most authentic flavours of France in my pastries.

Secondly, I prefer to have maximum flexibility to create the best possible desserts. I’ve found that in French creams I get the smoothest texture and a stable structure that holds for a long time. It’s ideal for my recipes and my experiments.

How do you get your hands on the best French creams?

Almost 99% of Caprice’s ingredients are shipped directly from France, and cream is no different. We import our cream directly from the best sources in France so we can guarantee that it’s the best-quality product.

In Hong Kong, you can find some good-quality cream at international grocery stores like Great, C!ty’super or 3hreesixty.

Can you recommend an easy cream-based recipe that our readers can make at home?

I’d recommend the banoffee pie. You cut fresh bananas and line them in a biscuit-and-butter base, then drizzle liberally with caramel. For the finishing touch, whip some French cream with a little bit of sugar and orange blossom and add it to the top of your cake. It’s quick, simple and delicious.

Lastly, what’s your personal favourite cream dessert?

My favourite dessert is the Paris-Brest. It’s a very simple dessert made from puff pastry and filled with hazelnut praline and hazelnut-flavoured cream. The ingredients are simple, but the combination is absolutely divine!

Thank you.

Text: Tenzing Thondup

Carrie Lam officiates the opening of Fine Art Fair 2017

With over a decade of experience under its belt, the ever-popular Fine Art Asia made a triumphant return at the HK Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Among the VIP attendees celebrating the launch of the exhibition was Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, Mrs. Carrie Lam. She is a familiar face at the event, having officiated the opening of Fine Art Asia for the past five years in a row.

Lam took a turn of the floor and admired collections of Himalayan art, Mongolian artefacts and French Impressionist paintings.

While viewing some historic china pieces at the Jorge Welsh Works of Art, London and Lisbon booth, Lam commented, “These export porcelains verify the concept of the ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative, and are evidence of the 100 years of cultural exchange along the silk sea route.”

Fine Art Asia remained open for four days, allowing Hong Kong’s art lovers a rare opportunity to view a smorgasbord of artistic mediums spanning over 5,000 years from every corner of the world.

Glitterati spotted at dazzling exhibition by Larry Jewelry and Marvella

Asia-based jewellery maison, Larry Jewelry, and French fine jewellery and watch brand, Marvella, recently came together to host a joint exhibition in which they displayed the choicest selection from their high jewellery and watch collections.

The collections of the two houses complemented each other in a harmonious way, as both brands are united by a common thread of skilled craftsmanship and elegant designs.

While Larry Jewelry showcased its dazzling diamond collection, Marvella displayed some unique watches from its Blanc de Blanc, Jardin and other collections.

A bunch of socialites turned up at the venue to show their support for the brands. Familiar faces included Real Ting, Ruby Lam, Michelle Chua, James Shing, Kirk Yip, Amanda Lui, among others.

Mad for Motoring: The M Racing Team celebrates its first anniversary in style

Aberdeen Marina Club hosted the first anniversary of the M Racing Team over a dinner of modern European cuisine, complete with the announcement of a new partnership between honorary M-Racing member Edwin Chuang and Italian yacht builder Versilcraft. 

What to do and see in Hong Kong this October

October is such a fun month, isn’t it? The weather is perfect (not too hot, not too cold) and there is a lot of festivity in the air. For Hong Kongers, not only is there the Mid-Autumn Festival at the beginning of the month, but also a horde of events throughout the month. Whether you are a music lover, a food aficionado or a sports freak, there’s something for everyone this October. 

 

 

ABBA Tribute Show

Tribute group ABBA MANIA returns to Hong Kong, which means it’s time to break out the flared trousers and have the time of your life. Recreating the final 1979 concert of its sensational Swedish namesake, Abba Mania will take audiences on a vibrant journey through song and dance.

28-29 October
Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
1, Gloucester Road, Wan Chai
HK$295-HK$695
lunchbox-productions.com

Marco Polo Bierfest

For its 25th consecutive year, Marco Polo Hong Kong brings gourmands the most authentic German beer and cuisine. With a view overlooking Victoria Harbour, guests can expect a range of traditional German weissbier and dunkel.
Expect things to take a turn for the sillier as the festival features performances from the Notenhobler Band – the official Marco Polo Bierfest band since 1994. Rumour has it that one of the staples in their musical repertoire is the Chicken Dance.

20 October-11 November
Viewing platform, Level 6, Marco Polo Hong Kong
Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
HK$120-HK$280
gbfhk.com

The Roots of Flamenco

The living tradition of Flamenco arrives in Hong Kong with a world tour featuring two of the art form’s biggest proponents, Sonia Olla and Ismael Fernández.
Flamenco’s “Golden Couple”, whose performances New York Times critic Brian Seibert called “a furnace of earthy sensuality”, will stage a two-day show with accompaniment from world-renowned pianist Chano Dominguez.

11-12 October, 8pm
Lecture Hall, Sheung Wan
Civic Centre
HK$300-HK$580
rootsofflamenco.com

The Naked Magicians

Aussie comedy veterans The Naked Magicians return to Hong Kong this month with their critically acclaimed live show featuring full-frontal illusions and hilarious innuendo. The dashing duo performs an array of classic magic routines while stripping down to nothing but top hats and capes. Decidedly R-rated, the show guarantees plenty of laughs on your next group date.

25-27 October, 8pm
Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
1, Gloucester Road,
Wan Chai
HK$395-HK$595
nakedmagicians.com

 

Verdi’s Aϊda

Celebrations commemorating the 20th anniversary of the HKSAR’s establishment continue this month with the arrival of Giuseppe Verdi’s Aϊda. Notable for its four-act structure and central place in the operatic canon, this production is the result of a new collaboration between the Shanghai Opera House and Opera Hong Kong.
China’s brightest contributors to the operatic arts are represented, with singers He Hui and Hao Jiang Tian among them. Aficionados of Verdi’s works can also expect an exciting accompaniment harnessing the talents of mainland China’s best orchestras, including the Suzhou Symphony Orchestra.

10-15 October, 7:30pm
Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
HK$150-HK$1,080
operahongkong.org

Tennis Open 2017

The atmosphere is thick with anticipation as some of the biggest names in professional women’s tennis prepare to return to Hong Kong for the 2017 WTA Tour. Seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams is joined by former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki, in addition to a host of other leading players from the Asia-Pacific region. Be sure to catch a few of the tournament’s first and qualifying rounds, as admission is free on a first-come first-served basis.

7-15 October
Victoria Park,
Causeway Bay
HK$160-HK$880
hktennisopen.hk