Tag: Editor’s Pick

What to see and do in Hong Kong this September

It’s the typhoon season, but that’s no reason for your spirits to be dampened! We have here a list of must-see and must-do events to keep up the party spirit this September. The choices are eclectic, from art shows and Shakespeare plays to pop music concerts and beer tasting events. Read on to find the event that piques your interest the most.

 

Ariana Grande in Concert

Multi-platinum-selling superstar Ariana Grande comes to town with her unique brand of pop and R&B. Listed among Time’s 100 most influential people in the world, Grande will be performing chart-toppers like Side to Side, Into You and Dangerous Woman.
21 September, 8pm
AsiaWorld- Expo arena, Chek Lap Kok, Lantau Island
HK$888-$4,888.
www.livenationlushington.net

 

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert Musical

This Olivier and Tony award-winning musical is a feel-good favourite from Broadway and the West End. Based on the hit movie, it tells the story of three friends who hop aboard a battered bus named Priscilla in search of love and friendship. Dance floor favourites such as Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, I Will Survive and Shake Your Groove Thing are sure to get disco babies dancing.
29 September-22 October
The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Lyric Theatre
1 Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai
HK$330-$995.
www.priscillahk.com

 

Road to Ultra

The Road to Ultra tour visits several countries in Asia this month. The Hong Kong encore touches down on the third Saturday, with Europe’s best electronic music acts headlining: DJs Kygo (Norway), ZEDD (Germany) and Hardwell (The Netherlands).
16 September, 12pm-10pm
West Kowloon Nursery Park Hong Kong
HK$990-1,480
www.hongkong.roadtoultra.com

 

Asia Contemporary Art Show

The 11th edition of the Asia Contemporary Art Show begins on a Thursday night with an exclusive UnionPay Private View and VIP Collectors Preview. On Friday, the HK Liquor Store Art Night officially kicks off the weekend with 2,500 works of art. Original paintings, limited editions, sculptures and photography from emerging to mid-career artists will be on display.
21-24 September
Conrad Hong Kong (Level L)
One Pacific Place
88, Queensway, Admiralty
HK$240
www.asiacontemporaryart.com

 

Beertopia

Are you a big fan of the amber brew? Does choosing from over 500 varieties sound like a dream come true? If so, there’s only one place to be on the fourth weekend of September: at the waterfront along with the rest of the city’s revellers. Called “Asia’s biggest craft beer event” by CNN, Beertopia partners with 25 restaurants, live music acts, shisha experts and more for a 14,000-strong outdoor party.
22-23 September
Central Harbourfront Event Space
Lung Wo Rd, Central
HK$230-$445
www.beertopiahk.com

Latino Party 5

The Mexican Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong brings back its annual bash celebrating all things Latin-American. This colourful party – well-attended by Hong Kong’s Spanish-speaking community and friends – features free-flow mezcal cocktails, Mexican canapés and raffle prizes. No Latin party is complete without a live salsa band, which will be firing up the dance floor with a reggaeton DJ from the land of Despacito. Get your dancing shoes ready for this one!
9 September, 9pm-12am
Picada, 2/F, LKF29, 29 Wyndham Street, Central
HK$250-$350
www.mexcham.hk

HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair

The region’s leading timepiece trade platform returns to Hong Kong for its 36th edition. Last year, the fair hosted more than 800 exhibitors from 27 countries and regions. This year, make a beeline for Salon de TE, which offers a curated selection of international watch brands grouped into five thematic zones including wearable tech, chic & trendy, and “renaissance moment”.
5-9 September
Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre
1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai
Free admission for trade visitors
www.hktdc.com/fair/hkwatchfair-en

OneRepublic Live

Grammy Award-nominated quintet OneRepublic – hailing from Colorado Springs, USA – stops in Hong Kong at the tail end of their tour. The band’s most recent album, Oh My My, became their highest-charting debut to date, landing at No 3 on the Billboard 200. Their biggest hits include Apologize, Secrets, Counting Stars and If I Lose Myself.
19 September, 8pm
AsiaWorld-Expo Arena
Chek Lap Kok, Lantau Island
HK$688-$888
www.livenationlushington.net

 

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Reduced Shakespeare Company’s iconic show, the three-man comedy troupe brings its antics to the Hong Kong stage. The bard’s 37 plays will be condensed to 97 minutes in a high-speed roller-coaster of comedy and tragedy that promises to have you laughing and crying at the same time.
19-24 September
The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Drama Theatre
1 Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai
HK$295-$595
www.auroratheatrehk.com

Best brunches to try in Hong Kong this September

Hong Kong is a haven for worker bees who get up during the wee hours of the morning for most of the week. So when the weekend rolls around, it’s time for indulgence.

Waking up late isn’t the only way to enjoy a breather from the stress of everyday life. Some of the most mouth-watering brunches are also scheduled on our favourite days of the week.

This month, sprinkle your weekends with a little love in the form of food that’s good enough to lure you out of bed on a Sunday afternoon.

Here are our choices for must-try brunches this month:

Fiasco at Carbone

Italian dining meets 20th-century New York meets seductive night club in this over-the-top spectacle. Held once a month at Carbone restaurant, the Fiasco show is Hong Kong’s best-kept secret. It features burlesque dancers, singers and performers who act out different scenarios in the life of a Godfather-like figure.

And then there’s the food. Guests are served a seafood tower with oysters, lobster and sashimi; caesar and caprese salads; and a sizable helping of beef carpaccio – and those are just the starters. Those dishes are followed up with two plates of pasta (rigatoni and lobster ravioli), prawns alla scampi, ribeye steak, chicken parmesan and two kinds of cake for dessert. Don’t worry too much about the calories, though, as the lively music (and free-flow prosecco) will have guests on their feet and dancing in no time.

When: Last Saturday of each month, 12:30-3:30pm
Price: $900 per person; an extra $450 for free-flow prosecco and house wines or an extra $600 for Ruinart champagne and house spirits
Address: 9/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham St, Central
Contact: reservations@carbone.com.hk or 2593-2593

Hutong

For traditional Northern Chinese fare, live entertainment and a stunning view of the

city, Hutong can’t be beat. The restaurant’s new Fēng Wèi brunch comes with 18 dishes ranging from dim sum to various meats to sweet desserts. Standout dishes include a steaming, savoury bao filled with matsutake mushrooms; the scallop-topped siu mai; seared foie gras served atop Osmanthus-smoked coddled egg; and the 12-hour braised beef rib with aromatic herbs, served in a lotus leaf.

The restaurant’s signature dish, though, is the crispy soft-shell crab with Sichuan dried chilli, served in a large wooden pot. This dish certainly packs a punch, so be sure to have a full glass of water on hand if you’re not accustomed to spicy food. Live performances vary, but past shows have featured hand puppetry, a “Sichuan face changing” performance and fortune-telling.

When: Weekends and public holidays, 12pm-3pm
Price: $428, or $628 with free-flow Veuve Clicquot champagne and cocktails
Address: 28/F, 1 Peking Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui
Contact: www.hutong.com.hk/experience or 3428-8342

Café Siam

Hong Kong is undoubtedly home to many meat lovers, which makes Café Siam the perfect place to indulge in some salty, meaty treats for a delish weekend brunch. The Michelin-recognised cafe recently launched an all-you-can-eat, two-hour buffet brunch with over 20 traditional Thai dishes including curries, meats, noodles and a variety of other dishes that promise to keep patrons satisfied well beyond lunch.

The all-Thai team of cooking experts has concocted an impressive mixture of sweet, spicy, hot and mild variations of classic Thai dishes that will take customers on a delicious food journey from the North of Thailand to the South. As for the icing on the cake, a smooth pumpkin caramel custard serves up a sweet aftertaste, because after all, brunch isn’t brunch without something sweet.

When: Saturdays, 12pm-2:30pm (Central outlet); weekends 12:30pm-4pm (Kennedy Town outlet)
Price: $268 for adults, $158 for children above 4
Address: 2/F-3/F, 21 D’Aguilar Street, Central; G/F, 38 Forbes Street, Kennedy Town
Contact: www.cafesiam.com.hk

Grand Central

Grand Central’s weekend feast appeals to the conventional brunch enthusiast who firmly holds that breakfast – and brunch by extension – should be sugary sweet. Here, customers can savour classics such as buttermilk pancakes and hot chocolate fondant cake. Meat lovers, rest assured: there are plenty of options to choose from, including a variety of hearty meat platters served in skillets.

True to its American origins, Grand Central serves generous portions to keep customers happily stuffed. With a beautiful outdoor area as well as a children’s menu and entertainment in the form of balloon-making, this is one happy brunch spot for families to enjoy after a long week at work and school.

When: Weekends, 11am-3pm
Price: Starting from $158
Address: Grand Central, Shop R001, 3/F & Roof, Civic Square, Elements, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Contact: +852 2736 4888

 

Text: Emily Petsko/Sadia Lima

Four ways to recharge your mind and body before summer’s end

Summer is a time for indulgence: beach barbecues, yacht parties and extravagant brunches with free-flow champagne. The fun doesn’t last forever, though, and many people start to feel burnt out halfway through the season.

We’ve listed some small but effective steps that can be taken to boost your energy and spirits. By the time autumn rolls around, the weather won’t be the only thing that’s changed.

Here are our top picks to help you detox for a new and improved you:

Exercise

Take up a new hobby that gets your body moving. Not a big fan of exercise? Recruit a friend to make it less taxing, or try something light and fun that’ll help you reap maximum benefits, such as free dancing.

First Light Hong Kong – a monthly morning dance session – is designed to increase levels of happiness and energise members. Alternating between dancing in a pitch-black space and on a rooftop, this low-key dance event is good for beginners and veterans alike.

For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/firstlighthongkong/about/?ref=page_internal

Facial detox

With Hong Kong’s Air Pollution Index constantly on the rise, give your skin the love it deserves with organic goodness. Try at-home treatments like oil cleansing and steaming, or pay a visit to an organic spa like Sparadise, which offers a selection of organic facials and body treatments, including a Deep Detox and Tone Facial, a Detox and Rejuvenate Facial and a Deep Tissue Massage.

For more information, visit: http://www.sparadise.com.hk/

De-clutter and minimise

Just like our bodies, sometimes our spaces need a good cleanse too. Clean and clutter-free spaces have many benefits for mental health, including boosting your mood and creativity levels, increasing concentration and improving your quality of sleep. De-cluttering can also encourage minimalism, which leads to less stress and more space in your life for things that matter. So take a good look at your flat and trash or donate items that you don’t need to give yourself that much-deserved mental break.

Need further inspiration? Take a look at Marie Kondo’s bestseller The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing.

Tea cleanse

Juice cleanses seem to be all the hype these days but we wouldn’t be surprised if unsweetened teas take over. Antioxidant-packed teas such as green tea are filled with health-boosting benefits which aid digestion and prevent the build-up of excess fat. In the long run, it helps you shed off those extra pounds as well. But if you’re looking for quick results, try Flat Tummy Tea – an herbal detox tea that promises to help you feel less bloated and sluggish in just a few weeks.

For more information on Flat Tummy Tea, visit: https://flattummyco.com/pages/how-it-works.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/FlatTummyTea/
https://www.facebook.com/firstlighthongkong/

 

Text: Sadia Lima

 

 

 

What to see and do in Hong Kong this August

The weather isn’t the only thing heating up in Hong Kong this August. This month sees the opening of two music festivals and DNCE and LANY will perform live. Not to forget Dancing Queen, the bubbly musical production that has just the right amount of summer sprinkle.

   

DNCE Live in Hong Kong

DNCE, the band behind platinum-selling single Cake by the Ocean, is coming to Hong Kong on 14 August. The dance-rock band will only be in Hong Kong for one day, so fans should try and snap up tickets as soon as possible.

Venue: Macpherson Stadium
Date: 14 August
Enquiries: N/A
Website: https://www.livenation.asia/venue/849542/macpherson-stadium-tickets

LANY Live in Hong Kong

Los Angeles-based LANY is coming to Hong Kong for the first time, after performing in numerous countries including the UK, Australia and the Philippines. LANY, which is an acronym for America’s star cities – Los Angeles and New York – is best known for the electronic-dance single ILYSB from their debut EP.

Venue: Music Zone @ E-max
Date: 8 August
Enquiries: N/A
Website: https://www.livenation.asia/show/983683/lany-live-in-hong-kong-2017/hong%20kong/2017-08-08/en

Hong Kong Summer Bachata & Kizomba Festival

Celebrating its third anniversary this year, the Summer Bachata and Kizomba Festival returns to Hong Kong and invites all dance lovers to watch, learn and dance in its annual celebration of Bachata and Kizomba.

The festival will feature different dance styles and genres including urban bachata, sensual bachata, tarraxinha, kizomba, semba and Brazilian zouk.

Venue: Lee Tung Avenue
Date: 11 – 13 August
Enquiries: hksbkfestival@gmail.com
Website: http://hksbkfestival.simdif.com/

Hong Kong International Reggae Ska Festival

To celebrate reggae and all its glory, some of Asia’s finest bands –  including NST and Soul Sauce from Korea, Beat Bahnhof from Japan, and Red I and MC Rastro from the Philippines – are on their way to Hong Kong to participate in Hong Kong’s second international Reggae Ska Festival.

The festival will also feature The Groove Thief from the USA, Smiley Song from Korea and Alex Croft from the UK.

Venue: PMQ, Central
Date: 20 August
Enquiries: modsoundpromotion@gmail.com
Website: http://www.pmq.org.hk/event/endless-summer-hong-kong-international-reggae-ska-festival/

Dancing Queen

Escape to a Greek island with the musical theatre production Dancing Queen. The musical tells the story of Sophie, who attempts to find out the identity of her father before her wedding day by inviting three of her mother’s past lovers to her wedding. A light and breezy tale filled with laughter, love and friendship, Dancing Queen also features vibrant pop songs.  

Venue: The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Drama Theatre
Date: August 5
Enquiries: +852 9493 8976
Website: http://www.hkticketing.com/events/WCDANCI0817

Text: Sadia Lima

Prickly charm: Cartier’s new jewellery collection draws inspiration from cactus

For those who are bored of flowers, Cartier has unveiled Cactus de Cartier, an edgy collection influenced by cacti.

Cartier has taken this overlooked plant and turned it into jewellery that is both intricate and beautiful.

Available as pendants, rings, bracelets and earrings, the items in the collection can be worn as single statement pieces or as clusters to suit your mood.

Meticulously crafted golden thorns are the common denominator with some sprouting diamond flowers on top. The colours range from matte gold and soft pink-gold to vivid green and are contrasted with blue, red or orange flowers blooming amidst the thorns.

Like Cartier’s other signature collections, such as Panthere de Cartier, Cactus de Cartier explores a side of femininity that is powerful and full of endurance.

This three-storey penthouse in Ho Man Tin redefines contemporary elegance

It takes a certain kind of eye to create a beautiful and elegant home, and nowhere is this more evident than the abode at 8 Wai Yin Path in Kowloon. Perched atop the new Homantin Hillside development, this three-storey penthouse, designed by bespoke architectural firm AB Concept, is testament to the Hong Kong-based company’s creative and innovative excellence. Dubbed a “villa in the sky” by its creators and designed with discerning individuals in mind, the space offers luxurious urban living and ample space – perfect for hosting, for relaxing and for family time.

Each of the three levels includes a feature patio, creating a sense of openness, while huge floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of natural light. The glass is framed with rich yet distressed mahogany-coloured cladding to create a contemporary and seamless look. Beyond, the glass-edged balconies give the outside areas an open-plan feel, while also offering unparalleled panoramas of the lush mountains.

Upon stepping inside, visitors are immediately greeted with a sense of serenity and elegance.

The soft-toned entrance hall has accents of the villa’s signature material – copper – which features heavily in details throughout the villa. The subtly spotlit living room is a peaceful place to plop down and relax, thanks to its neutral colour scheme, which contrasts nicely with the lacquered panelling along the staircase and the off-white stone-clad walls. It is these design choices that help create a multi-faceted effect with different textures and materials.

Opulent without being ostentatious, the room lends itself well to entertaining, as well as quiet evenings at home. Thoughtful decor choices like a grey-blue sofa, wood-hewn table and cloud-like feature rug create a sense of being up in the sky. If residents and guests find themselves flying too high for comfort, they’ll be anchored again by a touch of nautical chic decor in the form of a metal-fringed circular mirror on the wall which bears resemblance to a ship’s porthole.

For those who like to host dinner soirées, the dining room offers a contemporary setting for eating in style, with jaw-dropping cityscape views on display via the full-wall window. The focal point of the room is the opulent, handcrafted Nimbus pendant chandelier made from circular-shaped glass and satin brass fixtures. The custom-made marble floor ensures the room looks well polished with just a touch of the grandiose for good measure.

Upstairs, two well-appointed bedrooms command spectacular city views, while the calming neutral hues create a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. The master bedroom features custom-made carpeting and distinctive copper piping across the ceiling, as well as tones of silver, grey and blue. The look is contemporary yet understated, with the clutter-free space allowing for outstanding, uninterrupted views.

Additional touches, like a high-end walk-in wardrobe complete with textured suede finish and slick, all-glass shelves, help to maintain the classic feel. The second bedroom has walls the colour of sea-green foam, and its restful, ambient atmosphere makes it suitable for accommodating guests or serving as a children’s room. Both bedrooms come complete with sliding doors that lead to secluded private balconies.

Residents of this plush city-pad can also pamper themselves in their luxurious bathroom – another work of high-end craftsmanship. The all-marble suite features a dual sink vanity and an egg-shaped bath with pure white and glass fixtures.

Next up is arguably the most impressive space in this Hong Kong penthouse-the luxurious rooftop garden. Fragrant plants and budding flowers are scattered among plush seating areas, while the transparent balcony walls are perfect for a spot of city gazing or an intimate party. It’s here that AB Concept has really shown distinguishing touches, like a fireplace for al fresco dining and tranquil lanterns for lighting up the space on warm summer evenings. The overall effect is sleek, well thought out and comfortable.

The staggered design of the building is a bonus architectural feature. It lets the homeowner gaze down at the lower patio areas, which gives the whole building a sense of unity and creates an inside-meets-outside effect.

For AB Concept, the penthouse is another addition to an extensive and exclusive portfolio. As experts in the world of hospitality and luxury residences, they have worked with many upmarket hotels including the Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Rosewood Hotels and W Hotels. They have also undertaken global projects, with examples of their work stretching from Asia to the shores of the Cote d’Azur.

Founded by Ed Ng and Terence Ngan in 1999, the Hong Kong-based company now has offices in Bangkok and Taipei and is continuing to make waves in the world of luxury architecture. Seeking to re-define high-end living, co-founder Ng was featured in Hospitality Design in 2010 as one of the “Wave of the Future” upcoming designers to watch. With projects like 8 Wai Yin Path, it’s easy to see why. The penthouse also highlights a new era for Ho Man Tin, marking it as an up-and-coming destination for large scale design projects.

Since welcoming an MTR station last October, the area is fast becoming one of Kowloon’s – and Hong Kong’s – increasingly prestigious residential areas. In addition to bespoke residences, other developments – like the arts- and lifestyle-focused One Homantin Residential complex – are bringing affluent individuals, business workers and families to the rapidly expanding area.

Despite being part of Homantin Hillside and the much larger redevelopment project, AB Concept’s penthouse still manages to maintain an air of uniqueness. The new owners of this bespoke abode will no doubt value the privacy, outstanding views and elegant design. An excellent investment for anyone seeking the best in architectural prowess and style, the residence marks what may well be a new era for luxury living in the heart of Kowloon.

Text: Siobhan Brewood-Wyatt

Designer Tom Dixon visits Hong Kong to open new store

Acclaimed designer Tom Dixon was in Hong Kong recently to celebrate the opening of his first store in Asia.

The self-taught British designer, known for his lighting and furniture, rose to prominence in the mid-80s and by the 1990s he was a household name.

Dixon helped to rejuvenate the household furnishings retailer Habitat when was appointed Head of Design in 1998, and he later worked as Creative Director until 2008. Dixon’s works have also been featured in museums such as the Victoria & Albert Museum, Museums of Modern Art New York and Tokyo and Centre Beaubourg (Pompidou).

The store on Hollywood Road offers an eclectic mix of lighting, furniture and home accessories.

We spoke to Dixon about his new store, how he taught himself design and his views on Hong Kong designers.

Dr Do-It-All: Richard Tong wears many hats aside from a surgical cap

Dr Richard Tong is a surgeon at Elite Clinic, a private clinic in Tsim Sha Tsui that specialises in general, breast, thyroid, gastrointestinal and vascular surgeries. He also writes a biweekly medical column for the Hong Kong Economic Journal and he has had a book of his columns published.

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What made you decide to become a surgeon?

I’ve always been a science guy, and even as a kid I carried out a number of experiments. There used to be a street in Central where chemicals were sold, and I would bring some home and mix them together. So when I grew up, I naturally chose science as my field of study.

I did think about becoming an engineer, but my father encouraged me to become a doctor. At school, it occurred to me that being a surgeon is a little like being a sportsman, while being a medical doctor is more akin to being a scholar. Because I was an athlete and school captain, I thought that becoming a surgeon would be more appropriate for me.

How did you end up specialising in vascular surgery?

It’s a difficult specialty and many vascular operations are quite complex. At times, it involves very urgent operations. For example, if a patient comes in with what we call ‘Triple A’ – an abdominal aortic aneurysm – I have to operate immediately or the patient will die.

When I was on call, I had to rush back to the hospital no matter what I was doing. If I was having dinner, I had to drop the chopsticks and run to the hospital to perform surgery. It turns out that my ability to act quickly and be at the hospital within minutes saved a lot of people’s lives, whereas in the past, most people died from this kind of aneurysm.

Vein surgery is not too popular among surgeons because it’s not that glamorous, but a lot of people suffer from varicose veins. They have big ulcers on their ankles and it’s a crippling ailment, so the demand for vascular surgery is high. It’s common in Hong Kong to see people with big veins on their legs. Chinese people are very tough and they don’t complain at all. The people who suffer the most from varicose veins in Hong Kong are the cooks who stand for 10 hours a day making wonton noodles and boiled congee. It’s a common affliction in this occupation.

What are some of the misconceptions about surgeons that you’ve heard?

People think surgeons live a happy life, drinking and celebrating with pretty girls around them. That is usually not the case. Surgeons are actually very hard-working and put in long hours. People also tend to think that surgical technique is the most important thing, but decision-making is more difficult. Every step is a decision: what you should do and where you should cut. Being just a millimetre off can kill the patient, so these are decisions that are not based on technical expertise. Any surgeon can do an operation well after they’ve done it a thousand times, but making a good decision is the most crucial part of being a surgeon.

You left the public sector in 2004 to become a private surgeon. What was that transition like?

In 2004, Hong Kong Baptist Hospital invited me to be a consultant surgeon there, and I accepted. In my first month on the job, I actually lost 15 pounds. It was such a difficult job and I was working all the time. At the time, I had already been working as a surgeon for 14 years.

It’s slightly different from the public sector, where I would just operate and then the patient would be transferred into someone else’s care. But in the private sector we take care of the patient the whole time, from surgery until full recovery. It’s hard work but it’s rewarding to see patients from the very beginning to the end of their recovery. I’ve become friends with many of my patients.

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“If I was having dinner, I had to drop the chopsticks and run to the hospital to perform surgery”

You’ve also visited overseas hospitals in the UK and the US as an honorary consultant and as a visiting scholar, respectively. How were those experiences?

It was really enjoyable. As surgeons, we have the opportunity to learn and observe from an institute of our choosing. I think it’s very important because we bring in new techniques, we learn how people do things and we exchange ideas – and that’s very important for the career development of any surgeon or doctor.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I have a lot of hobbies. I do a lot of water sports, like diving, snorkelling and boating. I’ve had a boating licence for 20 years, and I like to go out on the sea. Hong Kong is a great place for that because within half an hour of leaving Central you’re already in a beautiful place like Sai Kung. We’re actually quite lucky to live here.

Aside from water sports, I like skiing and snowboarding. I took up skiing 27 years ago, and every year I go to places like France, Switzerland, Japan and Canada. I also enjoy motor sports because they’re exciting, and I have my racing licence as well. I like tracks in China, and I’ve been to Beijing, Shanghai and Zhuhai for track days.

One thing I enjoy very much is drifting in a car on frozen lakes. Inner Mongolia is very cold in the winter – it’s minus 30 to 40 degrees and the lake is frozen. For the past three years, I’ve spent a few weeks drifting on a frozen lake there.

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We’ve heard that you’re also a good cook. What’s your specialty?

I would say that it’s fusion cuisine. Once upon a time, a friend of mine brought a lot of French Gillardeau oysters over to my home – 300 of them in total. I couldn’t finish all the oysters, so I got out some rice and boiled it in soup, then added some other ingredients and finally added in some oysters. It was a classic Chinese-style Chiu Chow oyster congee, except with French oysters.

I cooked a lot in the past but nowadays I have a Western chef and a Chinese chef who cook for me, depending on the occasion. But I buy the ingredients myself and plan the menu.

Which non-profit organisations do you support?

After coming back from training overseas, I discovered that I’m very interested in trauma surgery. I have a good relationship with the St John Ambulance Brigade so I joined the organisation. I’ve been volunteering with St John for more than 10 years, mostly doing administrative work. I enjoy that very much and have met a lot of friends there. I am also a medical consultant for the Kowloon and New Territories Trading and Commercial Association, and whenever they have any medical affairs they call me.

Thank you.

Text: Emily Petsko

What to see and do in Hong Kong this July

img_6sx2r_eD4J0318_effThe Simon and Garfunkel Story

The Simon and Garfunkel Story is a musical about how two young boys from Queens, New York, became one of the world’s most successful music duos.
The story starts when Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel formed a rock ‘n’ roll duo in the ‘50s called Tom and Jerry. The musical takes audiences through all their classic songs and reenacts the juicier details of their lives, including the group’s dramatic split and their individual solo careers. It ends with a stunning recreation of their legendary 1981 Central Park reunion concert.
Through the use of a projector, the production displays photos and film footage from the 1960s, accompanied by a band performing all of Simon and Garfunkel’s hits.

Venue: The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Hong Kong Jockey Club Amphitheatre
Date: 29 July – 1 August
Enquiries: N/A
Website: www.hkticketing.com.hk/events/WCSIMON0717

BeerFest 28 Jul Press Conf

Lan Kwai Fong Beer and Music Fest

Lan Kwai Fong and beer seem to go hand-in-hand, which is why it’s no surprise that the party hub is hosting the LKF Beer and Music Fest.
The event will showcase different beer brands from around the world, and more than 70 booths will offer delicious foods, beverages and interactive games. There will also be stages featuring various musical performances.

Venue: Lan Kwai Fong
Date: 15-16 July
Enquiries: N/A
Website: www.eventbrite.hk

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Hong Kong Book Fair

Hong Kong is truly abuzz with bookworms if the 2016 edition of the HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair is anything to go by. The event last year attracted more than a million visitors over the fair’s seven days.
This year, the 28th edition of the fair invites booksellers and publishers to promote reading and features a number of cultural events.

Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Date: 19-25 July
Enquiries: N/A
Website: http://hkbookfair.hktdc.com

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Yoga for Dog Lovers
Love yoga? Love dogs? Then you’d better head on over to Pure Yoga for their dog-friendly – if the canines are kept on a leash – outdoor class. Instructor Angela Lohse will lead the class, which is being held to support Hong Kong Dog Rescue.

Venue: West Kowloon Cultural District
Date: 8 July
Enquiries: N/A
Website: www.facebook.com/pg/PureYogaOfficial

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Pizzazz!
The China National Acrobatic Troupe, the country’s only national-level group of its kind, will woo crowds in Hong Kong with their daring displays and high-flying moves. The skilled troupe will incorporate dance, music, theatrics and wushu (kung fu) into their show to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Founded 60 years ago, the troupe is renowned for merging contemporary with traditional arts. The show is the opening programme for this year’s International Arts Carnival.

Venue: Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Date: 6-9 July
Enquiries: 3761 6661
Website: www.hkiac.gov.hk/2017/en/opening.html

W Hotel pool party
The W Hotel is hosting its summer series of pool parties. The glamourous event will be held at the highest outdoor pool in Hong Kong at the W Hotel, with the after party taking place at the hotel’s Woobar.

Venue: W Hong Kong, Austin Road West, Kowloon
Date: 15 July
Enquiries: 3717 2783
Website: www.ticketflap.com/wpool-2017

Painting with Sound
The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra will close its 2016/17 season with two world-class harp virtuosos by Isabelle Moretti and Xavier de Maistre.
The skilled musicians will perform music by Debussy and Ravel as well as an enchanting harp and orchestra arrangement of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No 19. The event will also include free pre-concert talks by music lecturers from Hong Kong and Dublin.

Venue: Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall
Date: 7-8 July
Enquiries: N/A
Website: www.hkphil.org

Photo Caption 1 - Hong Kong Masters 2017 PC

Hong Kong Masters 2017
The Hong Kong Masters will feature nine of the world’s best snooker players together with local favourite Marco Fu in the Main Tournament, and On-Yee Ng in the Exhibition Games. The tournament is also part of celebratory events to mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Well-known names like world champion Mark Selby, John Higgins, Ronnie O’Sullivan and more will be in Hong Kong for the eagerly anticipated competition.

Venue: Queen Elizabeth Stadium
Date: 20-23 July
Enquiries: N/A
Website: N/A

Dunkirk
Based on the true story of the Battle of Dunkirk in France during World War II between the Allies and Nazis, the latest movie by Christopher Nolan is expected to be a huge summer hit. Dunkirk details the pivotal moment in 1940 when retreating allies were surrounded by the advancing German armies and managed to evacuate from the beach using naval and civilian ships. Most of the film’s pre-release hype has centred around the fact that it’s singer Harry Styles’ first foray into the movie world. But with a stellar cast including Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy and Kenneth Branagh, there is clearly more to Dunkirk than a former boy band member.

Venue: Cinemas HK-wide
Date: 21 July
Enquiries: N/A
Website: www.dunkirkmovie.com

Text: Andrew Scott

Regeneration X: These rejuvenating products are skin saviours

Opening

It’s common knowledge that stress, fatigue, pollution and other environmental factors all take a toll on skin, causing unsightly wrinkles and blemishes. What’s less clear is how to repair skin and prevent further damage. Members of Generation X – people between the ages of 35 and 55 – are at a unique stage where it’s most crucial to protect and care for one’s skin. After the age of 30, the skin loses moisture and produces less and less collagen with each passing year.

Fortunately, skincare products are becoming more and more scientifically advanced. Take Helena Rubinstein’s new Powercell range for example. This skincare solution is said to mitigate the effects of stress and fatigue by using Oceanic Crista, a perennial plant that is known for its ability to thrive in harsh environments. The plant produces a number of amino acids, soluble sugars, polyols and compound lipids – all of which are great for skin.

Fittingly, skincare brand La Mer (French for “the sea”) has also drawn inspiration from the ocean’s restorative powers. La Mer’s newest product, named simply The Concentrate, isn’t giving away its secret – it’s loaded with the brand’s proprietary “Miracle Broth” – but known ingredients include lime tea and marine plant extracts that help to revitalise and repair skin.

In a similar vein, Guerlain has tapped into the skin-rejuvenating properties of algae. Using a combination of black algae and golden algae extracts, the brand’s Le Soin Noir Léger cream (first released in 2008) has been revamped and improved for 2017. Ideal for Hong Kong’s humid climate, the cream is remarkable in that it fades from a pearlescent black hue to a completely transparent colour when blended into the skin.

Also topping the list of Gafencu’s skincare recommendations is Elizabeth Arden’s new Daily Youth Restoring Serum. These single-use, easy-to-squeeze capsules contain one of the brand’s signature ingredients: ceramides, which work to replenish the skin’s naturally-produced lipids. Boasting an improved formula, the advanced ceramide capsules are now even more effective at leaving skin feeling moisturised every morning.