MAY 2012

The first rule of Fight Club

won insidep35

p24 Fame-Y

CompetitionInterContinental madness - 2 massiveWinehouse Shenzhen prizes Focus to be CONTENTS May 2012

Chief Executive Offi ce: P.C. CITY Window Director: Italiana Granni 4 Simon Cormack City Editor: Editing Consultant: May Guan Financial Controller: Takuto 14 eureka Consulting Director: shirley Designers: Feng, fish 15 jetsetter Publication Co-coordinator: Rain, Nana Photographer: Fung 18 muse Contributors Nigel Whittaker Jeff Helmsley John Richardson Matthew Friedman 20 fi ghting fi t Donna Livingston Anita Riley Ray Hecht simon edward smith 22 yummy jason rey Contact 24 wine Tel: 86 20 8365 1980 / 8365 2811 Fax: 86 20 8365 2566 Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

arts & events 6 Cover Story

We are certainly 8 not, anymore, as Hunter Thompson once said, “a nation of frightened dullards”. Are we are getting more violent as a race, and, if so, why?

fortune 12

The first rule of FightClub COMPETITION WINNERS

Fame-Y Winehouse InterContinental Shenzhen Focus

Here are the results of March and April's competition from our wine section, Here are the results of March and April's competition from our Destination CRU. Hong Kong & Shenzhen section, sponsored by InterContinental Shenzhen.

March's prize was a bottle of Bon Molise 2010 for the two best reviews of One lucky entrant can win the chance to stay at the hotel for one night, 'your favourite place to drink wine' in Guangzhou, which will be published in include complimentary breakfast for two guests. All you need to do is the June issue of Paper Magazine. answer a simple question and the prize could be yours for the taking. March's answers are as follows: April's answer is as follows: Winners: Shirley Mazeaud Paper Magazine is based in which What does the word 'inter' actually mean? - Between Candy Lu city? - Guangzhou How many border crossings does Winners: April's prize was four tickets to visit Hong Kong's Portrait Winery Soho Tasting Shenzhen share with Hong Kong? - 6 Room for an exclusive wine-sampling experience. The answer to the Sandi Zhang question was 'a', a prtrait is a type of picture Winners: Candy Lu Winner: Helen Hui Issa Mohamed Terry Huang Congratulations to you all. Check out our new competition on page 24. Congratulations to you all. Check out our new competition on page 35. Many thanks to our sponsors for supplying the prizes for this competition. Many thanks to our sponsors for supplying the prizes for this competition.

4 city window May 2012 IT'S A FAMILY AFFAIR The rather suspect case concerning the death of British businessman Neil Heywood in Chongqing last November has taken a new direction as the ruling has now determined his cause of death as being intentional homicide, according to sources at the Xinhua news agency. The incidents leading up to the death are very much unclear, but all fingers seem to point towards Gu Kailai, recently dubbed as the Chinese Jackie Kennedy, the mother of one of Heywood’s associates, with a fi nancial motive being the probable cause. Heywood is thought to have helped the family with processing legal fees in the U.K. and a dispute between the two parties was supposed to have escalated in days before the event. Police assure that justice will be served, no matter who the culprit turns out to be. This all comes as the investigation into Bo Xilai heightens. The former head of the Chongqing faction of the Communist Party has been accused of serious disciplinary violations and could pay the ultimate price for his sins. They do say blood is thicker than water…

BMW = Beijing Motor Works? China has just helped German car manufacturing giant BMW reach record sales fi gures, as it still seems the insatiable thirst for purchasing can’t be satisfi ed on the Mainland. For the fi rst time, BMW have sold more motors in China than the U.S., with a total of over 80,000, around 20% of its total worldwide sales. The brand has cleaned up right across the board, with its Rolls Royce and Mini divisions also announcing record profi ts. This also comes at the same time as Volkswagen’s reports of similar fi nancial fortunes, with a 10% increase in annual sales for 2011. It just goes to show that effi ciency really is the key… ON THE BUSES The Chinese authorities have made emergency legislation to improve the service and safety record of school buses, in the aftermath of some horrific tragedies in recent months. The series of fatal accidents has resulted in public fury, one of the worst being last month’s collision in southern Guangdong between an overloaded bus and an oncoming truck, leaving three pupils dead. The vehicle was licensed to carry a maximum of 11 people, yet in reality was crammed with almost 20. Manufacturing guidelines will be monitored and offending motorists should expect the toughest penalties for transporting illegal numbers of passengers. The worst case by far was the crash in Gansu province in November last year, which resulted in 20 deaths, as a bus, which only had nine seats, but was holding a hardly believable 64 people onboard, also met its fate with a juggernaut. Better to take your kids to school yourself…

THREE HAIL MARYS We've seen a lot of rain in recent weeks, haven't we? It looks like the Sun is just teasing us. Some have suffered a lot more than a wet bonce as hail storms hit eastern Jiangxi, killing three and leaving dozens injured, and over 900 homes damaged in their Culture Vulture wake. Also badly affected were Two-Handed Exchange In China, as well as in Vietnam and Japan, it is important to give and receive items with two hands. It is not enough to do so with just the right or left – it must be both hands parts of Guizhou province, where there were stories together. Using both hands at the same time suggests that you are giving full dedication of hailstones up to 2 inches in diameter and weighing to the item or transaction at (and in!) hand. Foreigners would be forgiven for not almost 20 grams, damaging property and causing partaking in this tradition through ignorance, but locals would be seriously judged for untold destruction. You would probably be safer in the overlooking this sign of respect. I suppose that if you follow this rule, you would have far middle of a baseball diamond whilst blindfolded than less chance of dropping things, too – both respectful and practical! venturing out in that kind of air strike.

6 arts & events May 2012 INTERWINE CHINA EXHIBITION (FRIDAY 25 TH MAY – SUNDAY 27 TH MAY, 2012) BALLET NACIONAL DE CUBA: SWANTH MAY, LAKE 2012) TH MAY & WEDNESDAY 9 Just fallen off the wagon? Yeah. It's hard to (TUESDAY 8 stay on that thing, even with all the willpower Time to get on your tiptoes again. China really seems to be reeling in the ballet in the world. The proverbial 'lock, stock and acts these days. There is a whole new air of class wafting around the metropolis smoking barrel'-full of liquor (lick-her) is back and everyone has caught the bug. This time it's the Cuban's turn at Swan in town for another year's worth of booze Lake, with this 'outfi t' coming all the way from the Great Theatre of Havana. and grog-related paraphernalia. Top alcohol However, don't be expecting Montecristo batons, tortilla slippers a n d producers will be able to give you a rundown quesadilla corsets - it would be more advisable to expect big of all the latest tipples, as well hotels providing booties and plenty of Latin fl air on the stage… some solids to hold you together. So, head down for some serious tasting, or buy them out when you have had one too many. The choice is yours… Guangzhou Opera House, Hua Xia Lu, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou. China Import & Export Fair Pazhou Complex, Xin Gang Dong Lu, Haizhu District, Tel: (+86) 20 3839 2888 Guangzhou. Time: 20:00 Time: 09:00 – 18:00 Price: ¥80, ¥180, ¥280, ¥380, ¥480, ¥680. Price: Free with pre-registration. Booking: 400 610 3721 http://www.damai.cn/ e-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.gzdjy.com/ Information: (+86) 20 8428 3513 ext. 23

ENCHANTING ESPAÑA: LUZTH MAY, CASAL 2012) IN Soloists are supposed to be a bunch of pre-madonnas; CONCERT (THURSDAY 10 huge entourages, massive lists of requirements and stroppy tempers. Who knows what these guys were Literally meaning 'light', 'Luz' Casal is possibly the biggest legend of Spanish pop on the face of like before they got rounded-up by their current this planet. I mean, she hasn't got much competition; only the likes of Enriqué's old man, Julio director, Vincent Dumestre? Le Poeme Harmonique Iglesias – the creosote crooner. Having sold over five million albums to date, she is now on the is comprised of established solo artists, all brought prowl in the People's Republic, hoping to steal the cheers and admiration of the Chinese crowds. together in an acoustic banquet for your lugholes. Enjoy! Buena Suerte! Guangzhou Opera House, Hua Xia Lu, Zhujiang CROISEMENTS FESTIVAL Guangzhou Opera House, Hua Xia Lu, Zhujiang New Town, Guangzhou. New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou. Tel: (+86) 20 3839 2888 2012 PRESENTS: LE POÈME Tel: (+86) 20 3839 2888 Time: 20:00 HARMONIQUE "MONTEVERDI & Time: 20:00 Price: ¥80, ¥180, ¥280, ¥380, ¥480, ¥680. Price: ¥80, ¥180, ¥280, ¥380, ¥480, ¥680. Booking: 400 610 3721 MANELLI : VENEZIA Booking: 400 610 3721 http://www.damai.cn/ (SUNDAY 20 http://www.damai.cn/ TH Website: http://www.gzdjy.com/ MAY, 2012) Website: http://www.gzdjy.com/ Price: ¥180, ¥280, ¥480, ¥680, ¥880, ¥1280, ¥1680, ¥2280 Booking: 400 610 3721 TAMAS WELLS: CHINA TOUR http://www.damai.cn/ ST (MONDAY 21 MAY, 2012)

This Aussie songster can only really be found in his Rangoon hideout – a place he now calls home. Spirituality FAN WEI QI: LOVE &TH FAN MAY, FAN 2012) CONCERT and general chill are words you want to carry with you (SATURDAY 12 when sampling Tamas Wells. His tireless work for the TV presenter and general public sweetheart Fan Fan is concentrating on her education and prevention of HIV/AIDS in Myanmar has real passion these days: her music. Her Love & Fan Fan tour will be arriving seen him relocate to South East Asia, which is good news in Guangzhou, and you can expect 'Christine' to be belting out range of new for all of us. He is looking to build on the success that his numbers and consummate classics for what will be a mostly native crowd. The band and he received from their fourth album, Thirty American-born Taiwanese princess has People Away, in this new show. Nice venue, too… collaborated with the likes of Kato himself, Jay Chou, 191 Space, 191 Guangzhou Da Dao Zhong, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou. the baby-faced Singapore slinger, J J Lin, and countless Time: 20:00 others, but is bound to dazzle in her solo show. Price: ¥90 (presale), ¥150 (on the door) Tel: (+86) 20 8737 9375 Guangzhou Gymnasium, 783 Baiyun Da Dao Nan, Baiyun Website: http://www.tamaswells.com/ District, Guangzhou. http://www.douban.com/host/gz191space/ Time: 20:00 Price: ¥180, ¥280, ¥380, ¥580, ¥780. Booking: 400 610 3721 http://www.damai.cn/ This radical and contemporary performance represents an extraordinary marriage of theatre and gastronomy. Audience goers become theatre performers in this decadent table-meets-stage piece. Directed by Serge Noyelle, sixty-some spectators find themselves seated around the same table playing AMCHAM BALL: LOVE BOATTH MAY, - CAPTAIN'S 2012) the role of fellow guests. Invited by their four hosts, they slowly engage with DINNER (SATURDAY 19 one another while feasting on a 9-course series of French gastronomic treats. Having been run since 1999, the Spring Ball is an annual black-tie Intimate, confronting and full of surprises this is a meal no audience will forget. gala and has become a very popular social gathering for foreigners in Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich, 988 Guangzhou Da Dao Zhong, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, with CEOs, Consul Generals and local government offi cials Guangzhou. in attendance. The American Chamber of Commerce in South China Time: 19:00 really pulls out all the stops for this event. For the 2012 Spring Ball, the Price: ¥1,288 per person. theme 'Love Boat – Captain's Dinner' will let you experience an extraordinary e-mail: kitty.qi@sofi tel.com environment, delicacies, wine, music, performances, and lucky draws. Information: (+86) 20 3883 8888

China Hotel, A Marriott Hotel, 122 Liu Hua Lu, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou. Time: 19:00 Price: ¥850 TH JUNE, 2012) Booking: (+86) 20 8335 1476 ENTREMETS, ENTREMOTS e-mail: [email protected] ND JUNE – MONDAY 4 (SATURDAY 2

We are certainly not, anymore, as Hunter Thompson once said, 'a nation of frightened dullards'. Are we are getting more violent as a race, and, if so, why?

The first rule of by Simon Edward Smith Fight Club May 2012 cover story 9

for some time – I was wrong. The article itself, a story about two eight-year boys who took part in a cage fight held at a Labour Club in Preston, England. A cage fi ght, as I imagine you are astute enough to work out by now, is quite simply a fi ght in a cage. Many of you, especially the male readers out there, will probably have heard of the hy not start off with a suggested Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). biological reason from the late author Christopher Hitchens: You may think I have an uncanny knack of stating the 'Evolution has meant that our obvious when I say this, but for those of you out there who prefrontal lobes are too small, our don’t know what it is, cage fi ghting is basically fi ghting in a adrenal glands are too big, and our cage, with contestants using various styles and techniques Wreproductive organs apparently designed by committee; a of multiple martial art disciplines. Yet, even Ultimate recipe which, alone or in combination, is very certain to Fighting is deemed not hardcore enough by many an lead to some unhappiness and disorder.' aficionado, hence the popularity of K-1, a worldwide mixed martial arts federation, founded in Japan by karate You may ask why I am even talking about this at all, but expert Kazuyoshi Ishii. Whereas UFC is very technical, it would be remiss to ignore it; aggression worldwide is on with fighters ending up on the floor, involved in highly the incline. Maybe because as Brad Pitt famously posited complex locks and holds, K-1 is all about going ‘hell for in Fight Club: 'We've all been raised on television to believe leather’ for four hellish rounds, using mainly your feet, fi sts that one day we'd all be millionaires, and movie gods, and and knees. rock stars. But we won't. And we're slowly learning that fact. And we're very, very pissed off.' Violence, in whatever When someone prepares for these types of fights, they shape or form is our attempt at subverting society's are almost defi nitely doing so because they want to attack conventions and lashing out at the expectation to adhere to people. When you witness the competitors' resulting the norm and go with the fl ow. injuries, it's hard to identify for what other reason would it be. You couldn’t possibly be part of a UFC, boxing, or K-1 It even seems we do it on a national level; make no mistake association with the sole idea of wanting to learn how to about it, many nations are on the warpath again. From protect yourself, more likely that you have a desire to get within the Middle East to Greece, as a people we seek and in a ring and actively put yourself into situations that any yearn for confrontation, whether on a global or street level; sane person would deem to be extremely dangerous. we are driven by the quest for blood. And even on the micro level 'kicking off', 'startin', instigating is something Granted. I was brawling before the tender age of eight, that appeals to us on a basic human level. Hands up if you in the school playground, on the sports fields, and most haven't been a culprit or a victim of road rage, witnessed memorably in the front room with my elder brother. a football brawl, remember Eric Cantona or Andy Cole's violent exploits on the fi eld. In the West, a person may be subject to a beating, even a 'GSW' [gee-ess-dubbyah], if they jump the line at a cash machine. The Chinese aren’t guilty of such infantile and remedial behaviour and maybe the West has something to learn from its composed Eastern counterparts.

Before leaving for China six months ago, there was one news story I read that really stuck with me. After wrestling with the moral implications it through out, I buried it deep in my subconscious thinking it would stay left untouched 10 cover story May 2012

America has always loved contests of physical prowess, such as the World Wrestling Federation, as it was called before the animal lovers got their own way in the courts. Obviously there are many other infl uential factors, but to any doe-eyed wimpish person, one bulldog-like American and two cocky fi ght fi lms are enough to encourage him to repeatedly punch his fellowman in the face (just 'Google'’ Randy Couture, Fight Club and Warrior, if you don’t follow).

The idea of two people fighting isn't particularly novel and, Cage fighting or 'human cock-fighting' as critics have dubbed therefore, shocking to me. What is slightly more disturbing it, is thought to be the world’s fastest growing sport. It can't be is when boys as young as eight are now being 'groomed' to denied; more and more men and woman are seeking someone prepare and train for competition fights, where gambling is to go one-on-one with and 'hit [them] as hard as [they] can'. If no doubt involved. Boys, and so I imagine soon enough girls, I’m honest I do champion the idea of submitting to our basic are acquiring the urge and confidence to engage in physical and usually base desires. Fighting is an emotional activity and combat with another person instilled in them by one amoral because of that incredibly exhilarating and appealing, like sex individual. I suppose. Yet in this marketable and 'single serving' society it’s hard to imagine what's next, I suspect before Steve Jobs left the Admittedly the events promoter, Marcus Holt, states in the 'ring' (excuse the pun…!) he already had something in mind: article that, iFight: Find the closest person to ruck with in your local area – GPS required… “With the children, it's all amateur bouts, it's all demonstration grappling submissions”.

After watching a video of the fi ght itself it couldn't be described as anything more than a skilled tussle. No bloody loser could be seen staggering towards the exit as he held on to what remained of his face – indeed punching and striking of any kind was forbidden during the fi ght, keeping the potential for injury at a minimum. Which begs the question, why hype it up as 'cage fi ghting'? This so-called ‘master’ should understand the stigma attached to the name itself and avoid putting himself in such disregard.

Holt goes on to say that,

“It’s better them being here [in the gym] training, week in and week out than running the streets and causing trouble.”

It might be inaccurate to ask, why we are so violent? Maybe human beings are just violent 'full stop', and avenues are cropping up where we are granted the opportunity to fully demonstrate our primal inclinations. Would this type of fi ghting be more prevalent in a society that didn’t look so unfavourably on two consenting adults wanting to use their fists to express their vitality and inner aggression? Perhaps less so that we are immature when we fi ght as teenagers and more so that we are responding to those 'primal inclinations'.

We can and, therefore, should blame the Americans for all this fighting, as well as perhaps the Greeks, but mainly and inevitably the ‘yanks’ and their rather ridiculously named 'gun culture' are culpable. The Greeks have been roped in because this type of 'arranged' brawl is thought to have been fi rst exhibited in 648 BC at the Olympics. Pankriton, as it was called, was a combination of boxing and wrestling that was believed to encapsulate the idea of a total contest, something that boxing and wrestling simply couldn’t achieve.

12 fortune May 2012 Stagnation, Stagnation, Stagnation! Yes. It’s yet another 'get rich, quick' scheme, or, at least, it used to be. Paper delves into the reasons why it might not be so wise to seek your fortune in the Chinese property game.

orget the seventy-year ownership policy and any other these countless high-rises that are being whacked up by the minutes… incremental levies you will most certainly encounter when It’s no good building houses if there are no people to move into them, is it? buying property, the act of purchasing a house, whether to be If you look around the new districts of Guangzhou, let's take Zhujiang New lived in or rented out, is not something that anyone should rush Town, for example, you can clearly observe no more than 30% occupancy in into. Before the year 2000, it certainly was the biggest decision most parts. Like everything in life, what comes up, must come down. The best of your life, but now, for many affl uent landlords, is as easy as idea for people owning existing properties would be to sell up as quickly as choosingF which brand of toothpaste to clean your 'pearly whites' with. possible. If you consider yourself to be such a ruthless investor, this will come as no The only way the Government is going to be able to achieve the surprise to you. But, if you are an eager rookie in this fi eld, here is a cold aforementioned control on the sector is to continue building new hard fact that might developments and doing give you some food for so on a budget. This will, thought. For the last six in turn, make a kind of consecutive months, 'starter-home' plan for property prices in fi rst-time buyers to buy Mainland China have affordable homes, which been on the downward can only spell doom slope in general; a for older and more trend that has affected luxurious investments. If more than half of the you look around other country's main cities. parts of the world, you will see exactly the same The decline in house pattern. prices has occurred as a result of the The world’s economy government's 'property is really like a game macro control of cat and mouse. measures', according There is only a certain to Ma Xiao Ming from amount of 'money' in the National Bureau of the world, and each Statistics. The aim of nation is looking to get the controls is to lower the prices of housing, but at the same time increase the biggest piece of cheese on the development of construction and investment within the sector. This offer. Within nations, the same proves to be harder than it sounds. rules apply. If houses become cheaper, people will be less For the past few years, you haven't been able to watch a news bulletin from likely to rent and more likely outside of China without hearing some fi nancial professional's theory on to buy. So, think wisely before China's economic ‘bubble’. Although you could say that we are also within a trying to be the ‘Di Zhu’ kind of media ‘bubble’ here in China, one thing that has always been obvious (landlord)…. to all was the fact that there seems to be an awful lot of empty spaces within

Stagnation 20120420_RCGZ_Residence-ad_paper_240 x 335_Final.pdf 1 2012/4/20 20:59:53

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PAPER MARCH 2012 13 14 eureka May 2012

Tomorrow'sPaper takes a look at some of the gadgets you Shelfcan expect to see people Fillers using in the not too distant future. Here are some of the show stealers from the recent Gadget Show Live event, the UK's leading consumer technology event and the destination for those obsessed with all things gadge!

The BubbleScope (RRP: t.b.c.) Similar to the Kogeto Dot Panoramic iPhone accessory featured back in March, this nifty little add-on turns your iPhone into a 360° stills and video camera. More than 11 years of research and The Solo Wheel development have gone into this bad boy, which works in both landscape (RRP: ¥19,000 / and portrait mode, in cahoots with excl. delivery) the BubblePix app and website, and also allows users to share their Imagine a Segway without handlebars and you will panoramic snaps, or 'Bubbles', be very close to picturing this amazing bit of kit. with their friends. Sounds freakishly irresponsible, right? Well, I have been assured of its complete safety and ease of use, and, when you consider that it is probably the most http://www.bubblescope.com/ compact mode of transportation out there, it might be worth its weight in gold. http://www.solowheeluk.com/ Gametel Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 Bluetooth (RRP: t.b.c – June Controller 2012 release) (RRP: ¥500 / excl. delivery) It's a bit frustrating using touch screen, if I’m honest, not least because your fingers can really get in the way! This Bluetooth controller from Gametel, which is fully compatible with both Android and iOS devices (but will also work with Windows and OS X), allows you to wirelessly game in a way you'll feel used to. You can use it completely separately to your device, or slot your phone into the cradle for easy gaming on the go. You can even attach your device to your TV and use the controller to play your friend on the big screen, with up to two Gametels supported at any one time. Game-on!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/ http://www.gametel.se/

The Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 is a high-tech 'quadricopter' (picture a conjoined twin of a helicopter, if you will) controlled over WiFi by any iOS or Android device. It Neurosky will copy the movements you make with your phone or iPad, and also includes two onboard cameras, which will Necomimi allow you to capture high-defi nition aerial footage and then beam it all back in real time for you to save or upload (RRP: t.b.c.) directly to YouTube. Seems you can be equipped for Neurosky, the professional special ops now! mind-bogglers, have come up with the rather wacky brainwave-reading Neurosky Necomimi wearable cat ears. They work by reading your brainwaves through sensors; http://www.toysrus.com/ the ears point upwards when you're concentrating and down when you're relaxed, http://www.ardrone.parrot.com/ not to mention wiggle when you're excited. Super addictive…

http://www.neurosky.com/ May 2012 eureka 15 Aurasma (Free Griffi n Helo TC for download Assault R/C from iTunes Helicopter Store) (RRP: US$59.99 excl. delivery) It’s like Black Hawk Down, only on a smaller scale. And, you have to admit, it does look pretty awesome to be controlling an airborne vehicle using your telephone. This little ‘big boy’s toy’ works with both Android and iOS systems, by using a free-to-download app. Including six fi reable missiles to take out your enemy, the screen-controlled, or 'Tilt-to-Fly' (accelerometer) even features 5 LED lights for fl ying at night, and as it includes a twin rotor design, even the most novice of fl yers will master it in no time at all.

http://www.griffi ntechnology.com/

Aurasma is an app that brings photographic objects to life - all through your phone or tablet. Simply point your phone at an object in your viewfi nder and, by the power of cutting edge visual recognition systems, Aurasma will provide you with an animated description or video of that object. Imagine being able to buy something from Ikea and not having to read the instructions, but instead having a video demonstration. Truly remarkable! http://www.aurasma.com/

Sync By 50 headphones (RRP: US$399.95 / excl. delivery) SpnKiX

Once rapper, now businessman and always moron, 50 Cent was at the Gadget Motorised Show Live to show off his new range of headphones from SMS Audio. He created the company himself and has had full involvement in every pair from Footwear start to completion. The fl agship muffs from the new range are called 'Sync by 50', a pair of wireless over-ear headphones with a 50-inch range, offering lossless sound (RRP: US$375 – and the ability to sync up 4 pairs of headphones to a single audio source (available in white and black). Much better than your tunes, mate… pre-release http://www.smsby50.com/ order)

Sony Smartwatch (RRP: ¥1,100 / excl. delivery) As part of Sony's portfolio of 'Smart Extras', the new Smartwatch provides you with Bluetooth It’s not just the Solo Wheel that will have people wireless access to your smartphone from your wrist. It works with any Android device, not just perplexed in amazement: SpnKiX shoes attach Sony Xperia handsets, and offers you anything you'd want to see from your phone - from text onto your regular shoes and turn them into remote- messages to your Facebook - all on the screen of the watch. It will even let you control your controlled, motorised forms of transport. Charged music player, and, most importantly, has a 'fi nd my phone' feature to make your handset ring, in around four hours, SpnKiX will reach a leisurely even when it's on silent, to help you locate it when you've misplaced it. It’s also available in a speed of up to 10mph for up to seven miles. The range of colours… lazy man is getting well catered for in the future, as long as he weighs less than 80kg…! http://www.sonymobile.com/sony-smartwatch/ http://www.spnkix.com/ For more information about the show and any of the products featured, please visit the Gadget Show Live website. http://www.gadgetshowlive.net/ Barbados: Every Little Ting, is Gunna be All Right by Simon Edward Smith

t might be somewhat cliché and inaccurate, given 'First ya holla, then ya swolla' whilst holding a drink and asking for tips, Bob Marley's origin, to begin an article about you’ll fi nd yourself using your glass as a weapon rather than a drinking Barbados with his lyrics, yet I’m going to do it aide. More advice, on New Year's Eve in particular, stay outside on the anyway. ‘Everylittle ting is gunna be all right' whilst street where the real partying happens. in Barbados, that much I can promise you. 'Woke There are many different bars and clubs, which can boast a host of up this morning, smiled with the rising sun', ok that celebrity patrons, including the Ship Inn and Harbour Lights where I will be the last line, I may slip in the odd reefer and Rasta reference actually bumped into the 'dwarf' that reality's Rihanna actually turned as we go but I'll try not to make this piece a subtle ode to Marley. out to be. However, an evening can be spent more enjoyably and less II have holidayed on the island with the family during numerous sweatily just sat in a wooden shack drinking cheap, but quality, rum Christmas vacations, making the nine-hour Virgin Atlantic fl ight from with new friends. Which brings me onto Cox's Bar; directly opposite Manchester to the capital Bridgetown. As a teenager I’d gone with the Coral Reef Club, and again on the west coast. It is a haven for the cool, family to St. Lucia and Antigua, but it was Barbados where we would the arty, the chilled, as well as the holidaymaker looking for a locals' continually return to Christmas after Christmas - the west coast to watering hole. Seating is very limited given the fact you're imbibing be exact and to be even more precise, The Sandpiper, a small, family in what is essentially Cox's front room, but with the fl ags of different owned hotel with an intimate, yet convivial, feel to it. nationalities gently fl apping on the walls and the creaking cushioned The island, as you're no doubt aware, is a former British colony. It's wicker chairs to kick back in, it’s nothing short of paradisiacal. divided into eleven parishes, with one lead Anglican Church in each of If you are looking for those postcard beaches with vast stretches of them. On a mild day it's not a bad idea to explore the various churches infinite white sand head to the east coast and take a stroll on the that punctuate the coastline; they look like overgrown private gardens, shoreline there. As it obviously faces the Atlantic Ocean, it is much as oppose to morbid graveyards. I even found one that had a picture more sprawling than the vegetative and craggy west side. I overslept of Cliff Richard hanging above the entrance looking like some tanned on the day we'd planned to go for lunch, but my parent's raved about saint – comedy genius! If you are in the market for something more a restaurant called L’Azure, complete with its own background gospel engaging on an overcast day, there are always the impromptu football choir and stunning views. and cricket matches taking place in the parks, where anyone is welcome Speaking of restaurants, below is an extract from my diary whilst I was to join in, as the total feeling on the island is that of a 'communal' one. there: If you do go over for the New Year, head to Holetown in St. James’ parish for the celebrations. On New Year's Eve hundreds of white 'The restaurants have simple names yet I appreciate their cranes are set free over the crowded main street and the effect is straightforwardness, there's no clowning around or highfalutin subtlety; nothing short of ethereal. Word to the wise; don't venture into Lexy's names such as, Tides, The Cliff, Mango Beach and The Beach House bar located on Second Street, particularly in the evening. If the short, are all easy names to 'unpack' - The Cliff restaurant was by the edge annoying, self-obsessed American house pianist is there screaming, of a...' May 2012 jetsetter 17

What 'makes' Barbados isn't so much the resorts, the facilities or dare I say the scenery, but it’s more the people. To go with an attitude other than the Buddha's himself would be a folly; to completely misunderstand the idea of ‘'going with the fl ow'. Think of the time it would take for a meal to be prepared and served to your table at a restaurant in the West or East for that matter, don't double it, quadruple it, and then imagine your waiter casually strolling to your table from the kitchen when it's ready. I don't believe any food is 'to do die for' but the meals at the aforementioned restaurants are gourmet and given the fact you’re on an island, as you would expect, the seafood is particularly mouthwatering. There are two well-known rum distilleries on the island yet I'd recommend one above the other. Though the surroundings of St. Nicholas Abbey are quaint and picturesque, the actual plantation didn't have much to offer in terms of things to see, and during the testing session each one of the visitors was coerced into buying a 'customized' bottle of rum. The other one, and perhaps I'm slightly more biased when saying this, given that it makes my favourite tipple, is the Mount Gay Visitor Centre; its tour allows you to see the history and techniques of rum production - ultimately well worth a visit. Check the opening times before you go though, as one year they’d decided to close it off to visitors during a particularly wet Christmas. There are so many other things to mention, from renting cars and cruising around the coastline, to sauntering around Bridgetown at dusk and jet skiing behind cruiseliners, there really is so much to do. It’s best to check it out for yourself, rather than just imagine! Before I go, I'll leave you with another excerpt from the log, and, though I’m not entirely sure what I’m talking about exactly, I think it sums up the general goings on of the unwound island pretty succinctly:

'Each time we walked back from one of these adventures, the sun would be rising and we'd be barefoot, with our shoes swinging by our side, laces dangling to our ankles. In our minds we'd replay the night's events, leaning on wooden posts in sweaty shacks, singing hard to our favourite songs and skinny-dipping with friends off the coast of an exotic island.'

If you happen to see music mogul and regular Barbados visitor Simon Cowell there driving his red convertible sports car, wave frantically and shout that you love him, though the smile is strained and awkward, he will acknowledge you.

Places to stay: Sandy Lane, St. James, Barbados, BB24024, West Indies. Tel: +1 (246) 444 2000 http://www.sandylane.com/

The Sandpiper, Holetown, St. James, Barbados, West Indies. Tel: (+246) 422 2251 http://www.sandpiperbarbados.com/

Places to Eat: The Tides Restaurant Balmore House, Holetown, St. James, Barbados, West Indies. Tel: (+246) 432 8356 http://www.tidesbarbados.com/

The Cliff, Derricks, St. James, Barbados, West Indies. Tel: (+246) 432 1922 http://www.thecliffbarbados.com

Places to drink: Cox’s Bar Directly opposite The Sandpiper hotel!

Suggested length of Stay: Forever?

Currency: Barbadian Dollar (BBD) – BBD-RMB (1 : 3.2)

For more information on Barbados, head to the following websites: http://www.barbados.org/ http://www.visitbarbados.org/ http://www.lonelyplanet.com/barbados 18 muse May 2012

by Simon Edward Smith MUSE

Raf-Tastic Stop submitting your applications boys and girls, the post has been fi lled! The dream of being deemed Christian Dior's 'artistic director' will have to be put back on the shelf until another day. And who has snatched one of fashion's most coveted positions I hear you cry? Raf Simons, the Belgium born powerhouse of a designer. Speaking at a recent press conference he had this to say about his new employer: 'Mr Christian Dior has always been for me the most inspiring couturier. Around the globe, the name Dior symbolises the ultimate in elegance and refi nement.' Don't get your hopes up, though, aspiring fashionistas, including the founder and controversial John Galliano, the exclusive French brand has only ever let six designers head their helm. http://www.dior.com/

(Price Range: ¥110 – 140) http://redfootshoes.taobao.com/ Bell & Ross WW1- Argentium 'Sorry did you ask for the time?' A question you’ll be uttering to friends and family alike with this timepiece wrapped around your wrist. Simple and understated, with a cool, grey fi nish, this watch is strictly reserved for the Robert Redfoot urbane and modern businessman. Not cheap, After being nagged persistently by my fashion but then class rarely is, and don't worry if it conscious girlfriend about this particular product, doesn’t have enough features, you’ve still (RRP: US$5,900) I’d feel guilty not spreading the word. Redfoot, is got a genuine excuse to make that http://www.bellross.com/ making waves online with its foldable (yes foldable!) quick glance at your watch during fl ats for all the females out there. Clearly a hit with a dull conversation! celebrities, Redfoot's website is adorned with snaps of the rich and famous donning a pair of what is clearly, soon to be a very popular brand. With a range of different colours and styles, including an award winning Disney-themed line, you'd be bonkers not to check out the website…

Chain for My Heart… Ok. So Valentine's Day has passed and, unless your partner's birthday is genuinely approaching, a present may be somewhat suspect. But, do we really need a reason Affranchie Bracelet (RRP: US$660) to treat someone, come on, really? A piece of Hermès jewellery may just be that Collection Price Range: US$400 - $2000 special something to surprise a certain someone (paramour or spouse!), especially the Affranchie bracelet. There’s a comprehensive array to http://usa.hermes.com/jewelry.html choose from, and with ample opportunity to spend, you should remember that true love doesn’t come cheaply. From pendants, to cuffl inks, and money clips to necklaces, each exclusive item will leave you unable to make a fi nal decision. May 2012 muse 19

Suede Shoes, but not Blue… Need something more substantial than fl ip-fl ops to brave the wet season? Why not try a pair of these Mark McNairy tasselled loafers? Skip socks all together, reducing any need to worry about colour co-ordination and you're good to go. They're not blue, but who Dirty Buck Loafer (RRP: US$488) wants to be a walking homage to rock 'n' roll anyway? With an often http://www.markmcnairy.com/ unseen, but striking mix of yellow soles and faded brown uppers, you'll make your own statement as the new king of cool.

It’s in the Bag I’m willing to bet on it: I've found the world’s most expensive bag specifi cally designed for holding a newspaper. The Delvaux newspaper bag is made up of a mixture of various types of high quality woven leather, coming together to form one heck of a pricey sack. It’s for those who not only want to carry their newspaper around with them, but also show it off at the same time (your gazette would be held by two leather straps on the exterior of the bag). Fear not, those who consider this even a little too ostentatious for their liking, it also has lined pockets for A4 papers or your laptop. At nearly 20,000 it's beautiful, gorgeous, stylish, somewhat lacking any real purpose, but who cares? Form over function I say.

Delvaux Newspaper Bag (RRP: ¥18,000) http://shop.monocle.com/delvauxnewspaperbag/

Roll Out the Red Carpet Is H&M's regular collection just not cutting the mustard for you? Are you in need of something classier and refi ned to suit your sophisticated style? Fret no longer ladies, the new Exclusive Glamour Collection features a host of looks suitable for red carpet events and similar treatment. And your new purchases won’t be a burden on your conscience either, all garments are made using sustainable materials, such as organic cotton and hemp, as well as recycled polyester. Buy away, safe in the knowledge that you can now call yourself a part time environmentalist!

http://www.vogue.co.uk/ 20 fi ghtling fi t May 2012 Fighting

by Simon Cormack Dietary Myths

here's no one-stop-shop to getting healthy. It's all the running track, or into the pool for a few laps. It seems about moderation and exercise working together that most of the exercise that we get takes place in the Fitin harmony. Paper shows you just how easy it can bedroom - or maybe not even that… T be to achieve peak physical fi tness. In a world where fi nding the free time and the will power We sometimes fi ght our way out of bed in the morning. to take action, get results, and stick to the plan, is a real We sometimes fight our way to finish a long, hard day’s challenge, here's the monthly rundown on all things work. We even sometimes fight our way in or out of healthy and fi t to keep you looking good, living longer, and relationships. We are a species bent on survival, but most fi ghting fi t. of us are not so inclined to venture into the gym, onto to

Control blood sugar levels with oatmeal but beware of the total calorie count system at high speed. It’s no wonder then for up to 48 hours after you have finished, low G.I foods - one bowl of pasta can cost you a thousand that our bodies start accumulating bulk. Our where most cardio will only burn fat for a calories, while the average person only needs bodies are a highly sophisticated enigma and couple of hours after one hour of exercise. Elite bodybuilders say that, 'bodybuilding is about 2500 to 3500 per day. Low G.I carb the conqueror of evolution. Excess energy 90% nutrition' - so let's start with what we sources can provide good energy levels for is stored for harder times. High G.I foods, So, try intense workouts such as sprints and/ put in our bodies. up to 5 hours, unlike their cousins, the high however, do have their role in our health or weights for quick results but whatever your G.I, high-calorie carb sources, such as fl our scheme. It has been proven that quick carbs schedule, always add some cardio to your Eat a banana. The potassium will give you (bread/noodles), and white rice. The idea after a workout (when insulin levels are low) routine. Cardio is great for stress relief, good energy to push through some exercise but that the short energy supply running out can accelerate the recovery process. for the heart, and burns fat. Remember, it's don't forget that bananas rate as a medium and the body turning to fat for fuel is a nice just as, if not more, important to train your G.I (glaceamix index). That means that carbs theory, but most of us are just going to feel The secret to maintaining sugar levels and heart as it is to build your outward profi le. are going to creep into your blood smoothly sluggish after a couple of hours unless we avoid storing fatty tissue round your mid- (providing energy) with an energy benefit take in some more quick carbs at regular section is low G.I carbs all day. You’ve all In summary, combine your exercise with lasting for only a couple of hours. intervals and ride the sugar wave. heard the old chestnut 'don't eat a meal too low G.I carbs, healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, late at night'; well, you can get away with it if nuts, cold water fish oil, oatmeal, etc), and For a low G.I and longer energy supply, The fatal flaw of this ride is that a huge you've burnt enough calories during the day. lean protein (lean beef, fi sh, skinless chicken, look to pasta, sweet potato, brown rice and amount of calories gets dumped in our Intense workouts will burn a lot of calories eggs, etc), and you'll be on the right track.

You Are What You Eat Top Readily Available Ingredients Meat - Skinless Chicken Breast Veg - Broccoli Fruit - Kiwi Fruit It can be quite confusing and disappointing Chicken breast doesn't come with the same Broccoli is a powerhouse of anti-viral, anti- when venturing to the markets in China, as a This little fruit packs double the vitamin c fl avours as other cuts of chicken, such as the bacterial and cancer fighting compounds. foreigner. There are many things we can’t get of an orange, and only a little less energy- thigh. The redder, fattier meats, usually sold A regular dose of this flower, steamed, from back home, and we often use this poor boosting potassium than a banana. Throw on the bone, impart more taste into the meat. guarantees a multitude of health benefits. reason to explain our poor diets. The truth them in a smoothie with banana for a healthy, Despite this, the chicken breast still has its China is the largest producer of this veg is, although we might not be able to get our energetic pick-me-up or chuck some onto big advantages, and, if handled properly or (double that of India at number 2, and 8 hands on some specialist produce, there are your fruit salad next time you have it. Here’s dressed up nicely, it’s still a clear champion times more than the U.S at number 3), so you so many raw ingredients that are in plentiful a good tip for when you’re in the kitchen: the for a source of protein and fl avour. One large won’t have any trouble fi nding it in the stores supply in China, and can help us transform enzymes in the kiwi are excellent and natural single chicken breast (without the skin) is or fresh markets. the way we look, feel and perform, right meat tenderizers. When you’re putting loaded with protein and has a very low amino across the board. calamari on the menu, give it a kiwi fruit acid profi le resume. Throw in some olive oil marinade for half an hour. The result will be and salad for a healthy, light dinner or brown Remember. Resist the urge to call up for take delicious: soft seafood for your Sunday guests. rice or buckwheat pasta for a energy rich away and push yourself to get down to the Your culinary prowess will make you the envy lunch. For extra tender and extra tasty breasts, market to take advantage of its nutritional of all your neighbours. steam on a low heat with lemon and fresh delights. Do your best and make sure you stay rosemary, until white all the way through. 'fi ghting fi t'! PAPER MARCH 2012 17 22 yummy May 2012 Bavarian Bravado want to put this to you as delicately as possible. As far as As for the food, you need to have a beer while you decide, strawberry jam - faultless on flavour, but the texture I am aware (I hope you can feel me tiptoeing around), right? The three of us eager diners opted for different requires immediate consumption or else you will be left IGermany is not generally known for its cuisine. I brews: a Münchner Helles (Munich Lager), a Münchner with a plate of sauce; the apple strudel, which also comes mean, I have never heard anyone say 'Let's have a German Dunkel (Dark) and a Hefe-Weissbier (Wheat Beer). with the delicious vanilla sauce and is a dish which acts as tonight', whereas cries for “Pizza!” or “Tapas!” would do Refreshingly crisp, and surprisingly strong, the beers my nemesis in the fi ght against giving into the temptation anything but raise eyebrows in a discussion. helped us on our way with our appetites. of desserts; and, finally, the ‘Bieramisu' - a fairly self- explanatory twist on the Italian’s favourite, with the I can’t profess to have had any knowledge about German We started with the ‘Jaus’nbrettl'; the cold smorgasbord of traditional Marsala wine being rather successfully, if not food before coming to Guangzhou, other then that they sliced salami, spice-mixed Camembert, bacon and radish. predictably, substituted for beer. Must be a guy who came like to eat sausages and sour cabbage. Having had a rather It was a perfect choice for a small group, and hard to see up with that idea. late education in the country’s delicacies, I can say I am how anyone could overlook. After the cold cuts, it was thoroughly satisfi ed with the lesson. defi nitely time to order up something hot. All in all, Paulaner has very little to fault. We went on a fairly quiet night, which turned out to be most enjoyable. My preconception about German food, of course, wasn’t far We went for the Bräuhaus Platter; a sauté pan fi lled with But, I could easily imagine this place packed to the rafters off the mark. They do like snags and sauerkraut, but there is succulent meat and lashings of impossibly-moreish mashed and creating no less of a buzz for the patrons. With the also a whole host of other dishes on offer. When you consider potato and tangy, yet sweet, sauerkraut. The combination sunny weather and summer evenings on the way, I would that the true environment in which you should try German of the tender fl esh and crispy crackling of the roast pork expect nothing less than full occupancy for the next few food is with plenty of beer and companionship, then there’s knuckle was perfectly optimized by the creaminess of the months for the Bräuhaus. a clear indicator as to the attraction of Guangzhou’s latest potato. The acidity of the sauerkraut and bitterness of the attempt, Paulaner Bräuhaus in Taikoo Hui. beer au jus also cut through the richness of the duck leg to Paulaner Bräuhaus, L307 (Level 3), The Garden, Taikoo Hui, give more depth in fl avour. Impressive is not the word. 383 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou. First thing that hits you is the sheer size of the location. It is Tel: (+86) 20 2808 6333 literally big enough to hold its own 'Oktoberfest', and that’s Without really having the internal capacity to cope with Open daily from 11:00 ‘til midnight. http://www.paulaner-guangzhou.com/ not even counting the outside seating area. The back end the consequences, we ordered three desserts to further of the restaurant is essentially a beer hall, with a real factory compound our overindulgence: the ‘Geeister’ (love that feel to it - you can even see the beer vats adjoining the word!) or Iced Pancake, which comes with a selection perimeter walls. of chocolate, vanilla (best of the bunch) sauces and

Edge Restaurant Bar is a brand new creation from the FG group, delivering its customers high-end Western-style cuisine. The main emphasis, and quite rightly so, is on quality! Edge insists on the highest level of food hygiene, the freshest local and imported ingredients, innovative production and stringent quality control. This translates into the excellence of the dishes on offer. The design of the restaurant and menu is not something that happened overnight. Both Chinese and foreign designers have created the perfect atmosphere; total comfort, luxury, style and service complement the delicacies on offer. Make no mistake, the food is heavenly; fresh imported Atlantic salmon, yellow fin tuna, Sydney oysters, prawns and Russian caviar are here for you all to enjoy. Edge is here to bring worldwide fl avours to Guangzhou. The experience doesn't just end with the food – the bar area also serves up a medley of beverages to whet your appetite. Imported wines and champagnes will bring a touch of class to your evening, while the foreign beers and spirits can add a kick to your celebrations. Even vegetarians are comprehensively catered for: our mouthwatering vegetable dishes include our signature roasted beet sauce, as well as the grilled new potatoes with sour cream. For those carnivores out there, a strong recommendation comes in the form of the Canadian beef rib steak – an impossibly tender cut of meat, amongst a whole host of other grills and roasts.

The desserts just top the Edge experience off, although you shouldn't be surprised if your appetite isn’t big enough to accommodate them. Edge is not just a restaurant, but more of a lifestyle choice that you will never regret choosing…

Edge Restaurant & Bar, 2nd Floor, Shop 201, 26 Jian She Si Ma Lu, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou. Tel: (+86) 20 8305 6540 http://www.fgfi nefoods.com.cn/ May 2012 yummy 23

tomato and onion, was so promising in its description, yet a little disappointingly 'watery', proving it to be incompatible with rice. The next misgiving came in the shape of the Wham ‘Manty’ (jumbo meat dumplings), which were wholesome and Bam fl avourful, yet way overpriced. A couple of saving graces for Turkestan: the delicious salads, my choice being the rather French-sounding Olivier Salad (a potato salad with beef, per se), and the Eggplants with Tartar Sauce – I'm not sure people in this city understand what Turkestan! Tartare sauce actually is (for fi sh) – which, considering I’m not t's hard to define Asian cooking when you strip it down to skin'. I can’t say I have ever found that to be true. I’m a die-hard the fi rst one to opt for 'aubergine', was really quite surprising, the basics. You have the intense spices and blend of herbs grill fan and I’m always a sucker for chargrilled lamb. So, that despite the sauce being overloaded with garlic, an ingredient in the South East; the simplicity of Cantonese recipes; was a 'given' when it came to ordering up my feast. I opted for I not present in any Tartare sauce recipe I have found. the extremes of cooking methods in the Far East, as well as the Lula Kebab (a ground lamb kofte), which was both tender something that usually goes unmentioned. I don't know whether and juicy. The Chicken Kebab, also made with minced meat, You can forgive any new enterprise in Zhujiang New Town for it is through my ignorance, but I don’t immediately think to was almost identical to the lamb – if given a blindfold test, I having high prices, but with those infl ated tariffs, the least we include Middle Eastern, or indeed, Middle Asian cuisine within would defy anyone to identify which was which… expect as customers is top shelf tucker. Final verdict: Turkestan the same boundaries as other parts of the continent. – a promising starter that needs to pick up its game and lower So, round one was a bit 'undecided' from the judges. Seconds its rates… So, I wasn't entirely sure what I was going to encounter when out, round two! Also from the grilled section, I asked for a I took a trip to Turkestan; self-proclaimed as being a ‘Middle Grilled Fish (probably the best value option from the whole Turkestan, 8 Xing Sheng Lu, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe Asian’ restaurant, serving up a nice blend of some more menu at ¥56), which was absolutely faultless. Some people District, Guangzhou. seemingly Asian delicacies, and an injection of barbecued meat may be turned off by a bit of charring, but I believe it adds Tel: (+86) 20 3801 9932 and fish. There are some things that you may be disappointed to the overall fl avour. Then, I thought it best to have a look at Open Daily from 11:00 ‘til 01:00. not to see on the menu, but these shortcomings are cancelled the other pages in the menu in order to get a true feel of the Free delivery within the local area. out by some surprise additions. offerings in Turkestan…

Local people seem to be very cautious about what they eat, often What looked like a kind of stewed curry, the Dimlama, a slow- stating that 'barbecue is sure to give you a sore throat and bad cooked, lightly spiced mixture of lamb cutlets, potato, cabbage, 24 wine May 2012 The Count of Montalcino What is the king of wines? It's really an impossible question to answer, as wine is all about personal preference and also depends on the situation in which it is drunk. Despite this fact, it is very common to hear that the experts' favourite Italian red is the highly prestigious Brunelo di Montalcino; the perfect partner for any rich meat main course.

o, when we heard that one of the little bit of all these qualities goes into everything champions of this variety, Count Gelasio we do, whether it be fast cars, delicious food or Gaetani d' Aragona Lovatelli, was in town sumptuous wines. Sfor a promotional tour, we bit at the chance to pick his brains and find out more about the man and, What is your honest opinion about Chinese wine? essentially, his wine. I have an avid curiosity about Chinese wine. It’s The impeccably dressed and rather debonair fi gure always interesting to follow the developments of new of Count Lovatelli would have him placed either world wines, as the technology and experience of the in the hospitality or celebrity arenas – he has the producers improves with age. I have to confess that air of being some kind of artist on face value. He is I intend to delve much further into them in the near member of a family with an abundance of heritage future and am excited at the prospect of this. – it even includes two Popes in its ancestry. The count himself not only makes award-winning wines, What makes you such a hit with your celebrity including Solengo and Rosso di Montalcino, but he clients? Do you think your unique style helps with also tries his hand at the production of high quality your credibility? extra-virgin olive oil. It's very lucky to have such excellent produce on your doorstep! What you refer to as my 'unique style' helps me build on my credibility with everyone. People always warm Defi nitely an extrovert, he has managed to chalk up a to others with style, which I do consider myself to huge portfolio of world-renowned celebrity clients in have. Being somewhat of a ladies’ man, it certainly his entrepreneurial role as a high-end wine consultant. does me no harm on that front either. He has shared the 'fruits' of his labour and wisdom with the likes of Francis Ford Coppola, Michael What is the future for the Lovatelli family business? Is Douglas, Donatella Versace and Rocco Forte. With it something that you imagine will be heavily involved such high demanding customers as these, he must be in the Chinese market? right on top of his game… Yes. I believe I will be almost a permanent fi xture in Anyway, without further ado, let's take a look at how China in the future. I am fascinated by the history the ‘Count of Montalcino’ as I like to call him, got on and ancient culture of China – I have recently begun with our set of posers: to understand why Marco Polo loved the country so much, and spent his life exploring it. Being the master of Brunello di Montalcino, how does this variety rate with regards to your own What's your favourite wine of the year so far? Are preference? (I have to confess that it's my favourite there any tips for our readers for wines to watch out accompaniment to a medium-rare fi let mignon). for in the next 12 months?

Brunello di Montalcino is not only one of the greatest It would be impossible for me to say no to this wines of Italy, but also one of the best red wines question. I have two favourite red wines at this time this planet has to offer. I seem to enjoy it more and of my life, but, unfortunately, neither of these are more each time I taste it. Each time it passes my lips, available in China at the moment. The first one is it arouses a multitude of memories and, for me, is called 'Grotte Alte' (Vintage 2006) made by a Sicilian a drink enriched with nostalgia – a drink from the lady named Arianna Occhipinti. She is a beautiful heart. Sicilian lady wine grower, with whom I am in love. The second one, 'Noemia de Patagonia', is a red In what ways do you believe the marriage between wine produced in Patagonia, by the Italian Countess food and wine is important? Noemi Cinzano (from the Cinzano Family) – I love her, too, by the way. As you can see, I have a weakness The marriage between wine and food is the most for both wine and women: two of the fi nest things in important thing in wine appreciation. As in life, you life.' will never truly understand what you like, and who you are, without marrying with the woman that really Certainly a colourful character, Count Gelasio Fame-Y Winehouse loves you. The same can be said for food and wine – Gaetani d'Aragona Lovatelli is someone who one without the other is simply not complete. embodies the real essence of wine: passion and May’s competition could see three lucky winners receiving fl avour. Expect to see him in China again soon. some of Count Gelasio's favourite wine, from the Alliata winery 3 – What makes Italian wines superior to almost all in Italy. What do you need to do? Simple. Answer the following others? Like supercars, it seems like there is a lot of simple question: passion in Italian blood, don’t you agree? What colour is Brunelo di Montalcino, red or white? For more information about the wines mentioned in Wines refl ect human soul. The element that makes this article, please consult the following websites: Please send your answer to [email protected] before Italian wines superior to almost all others can be Wednesday 18th May, 2012. explained by the fact that we Italians are very simple, http://www.bodeganoemia.com/ Good luck to you all… very romantic, very creative and very charming. A http://www.agricolaocchipinti.it/

26 diary May 2012

Tiger Party Time May 2012 diary 27

World Of Accor@Sofi tel Guangzhou Sunrich

Greek Food Festival@InterContinental Foshan

Earth Hour@Hilton Sanya + Sheraton Qingyuan Lion Lake Resort Resort 28 diary May 2012

Charity Bazaar for the Autistic @ Crowne Plaza Guangzhou Science City

Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen Shares the joy of Easter with the children of Shenzhen Welfare Centre

Earth Hour 2012 @Shangri-La Hotel, Guangzhou Theme Nights on Fridays @ Havana Bar, Sheraton Shenzhen Futian May 2012 diary 29 WIB forum event

Chamber Networking Cocktail @ Grand Hyatt Guangzhou

AFC Champions League 2012, sponsor by Emirates 30 diary May 2012

Oakwood Premier Guangzhou Grand Opening

Starwood Preferred Guest Cocktail Party @ The Westin Pazhou May 2012 diary 31

Holiday Inn Donghua Shenzhen 2012 Thank You Party - A journey from Good to Great

'Love at InterContinental Foshan' 2012 Wedding Fair 32 out 'N' about May 2012 One Day at the

Museum by Ray Hecht

t is an oft-repeated truism that Shenzhen has no culture. The city is all about factories, and luxury nightclubs downtown. Just business. But is that fair? After thirty years of economic development, some culture may I fi nally be catching up.

In central Futian, north of the iconic Civic Center building, a multitude of In Exhibition Halls A & B, the artwork of Xu scenic spots have arisen around the Lianhua Moutain. Also known as Lotus Hua Xiang is presented - ink art, but of the Mountain, the area includes the Book City mall, the main amphitheatre contemporary kind. Black watercolours and Concert Hall, the Central Library, and the local metro’s namesake Children’s subtle brushstrokes depicting both natural Palace. At the southeastern entrance to the stunning mountainside, on landscapes and man-made constructions, all Hongli Road, there is also a museum tucked away. This is Guan Shanyue Art on traditional rice paper, in addition to an Museum. interesting mix of older styles in a modern setting, really encapsulates what this museum It’s free to enter, which is surprising when considering that new exhibitions are is all about. opening up weekly. The staff is helpful, and English translations of the artists’ works are available. There is no reason to complain about lack of culture Right at the entrance to the second fl oor, is a large banner declaring, 'Ink Paintings here. No, not on your nelly! Should Mirror the Era.' This leads to the Permanent Hall I of Artworks by Guan Shanyue, displaying his works throughout his lifetime, as well as a replica of the The museum is named after Guan Shanyue, a master of the Lingnan painting artist's studio. Permanent Hall II of Artworks is entitled 'Ties with Dunhuang' and school. He lived from 1912 – 2000 and produced work under very trying times shows the master's copies of the Dunhuang Frescoes. Here ancient cave paintings for the Chinese nation. Upon his death in the last decade, he had his paintings dating back millennia are juxtaposed with 1940s interpretations, creating a frankly donated to the Shenzhen Municipal Government. As a result, this museum fascinating contrast. was named in honour of him. The top fl oors are permanent exhibitions of his works, while the fi rst level has a steady rotation of both Chinese and top The top fl oor is where Exhibition Hall D & E are located, which simply display international talent. large color photographs of the artist, with more biographical information. There is a book display in the centre, and that’s the entirety of the museum covered. A Currently the Central Exhibition Hall showcases black & white photography pleasant elevator ride gives a nice view of the city through its windows, and a well- by Qian Yan. The hall is set up in a wide circular space, and photos adorned spent, cultured afternoon is complete. Who says it's impossible to fi nd art and class in chronological order depict Shenzhen and China's changes through the last in Shenzhen? several decades. Starting from 1973 and ending in 1992, it displays a common theme of Chinese cityscape photography, with an especially poignant Guan Shan Yue Art Museum, 6020 Hong Li Lu, Futian District, Shenzhen. emphasis on Shenzhen. Tel: (+86) 755 8306 3094 http://www.gsyart.com/

34 InterContinental Shenzhen focus May 2012 destination HONGKONG & SHENZHEN Clean It Up

IQ2 Asia: “Contemporary Art Excludes The Shenzhen, Dongguan and Huizhou local the 99 Per Cent” Debate th governments have been ordered to clean up the two (Friday 18 May, 2012) rivers that fl ow through the cities, the Danshui and the Are you in need of an intellectual wrestle? Do you Shima, by the end of this year or face the consequences. feel like your brain receptors have been inactive The alarming quality of the water has been a cause for Shenzhen International Brand for too long? Head along to catch the debate with concern for the locals for quite some time, and it appears Underwear Fair proposition: “Contemporary Art Excludes the 99 that their cries for help have been heard. According (Friday 11th May - Sunday 13th May, 2012) Percent”. Presenting this cerebral stimulation is to the report made by the provincial environmental Intelligence Squared Asia, whose organisers defi nitely protection bureau, the quality of both drinking A little risqué, but well within the boundaries of seem to have a bee in their bonnets about modern art. and treated water fl owing into the city limits is both maintaining a healthy relationship, lingerie has Awfully bourgeois, you can bet on the fact that the substandard and harmful. It’s not just about the water transformed over the years from an essential example speakers won’t be too ‘on topic’, especially not when you drink, but also the water you use to wash. It seems of clothing for hygiene’s sake into an enticing bedroom addressing such vague questions as “what is the role of pointless to have a shower with contaminated water, condiment; the spice of sexuality. Go along and pick up contemporary art museums today?” and “who is art doesn’t it? a pair of naughty knickers for the missus, or if you are for?”. Well, what’s your opinion? Only ‘sm-ART Alecs’ looking to buy in bulk (I’m not referring to the size of the need respond! model, more the order quantity), then you will also be given a handful of jocks through which to peruse. Meeting Room N101, Harbour Road Entrance, Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, Wanchai, Hong Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Centre, Fu Kong. Hua San Lu, Futian District, Shenzhen. Time: 18:30 (Metro Luobao Line – Exhibition Center Station, Tel: (+852) 6209 7957 Exit A) Price: HK$300 Price: Free with online registration http://www.intelligencesquared.asia/ Tel: (+86) 755 8521 5059 http://www.hkcec.com.hk/ e-mail: [email protected] http://www.siuf.cn/

PLAY Presents: Hed Kandi Classics (Thursday 3rd May – Friday 4th May, 2012)

Popular all over the world, and with countless compilations mixes under its belt, Hed Kandi, really the founding father at the forefront of funky house, is coming to PLAY in central for a bad night of soulful debauchery. The Hed Kandi Classics tour is a retrospective of the last three decades Annie: The Musical (Thursday 31st May – of electronic grooves and promises to Sunday 10th June, 2012) pamper your peripheral hearing and provide multitudes of memorable moments for those Annie, a musical favourite of the young and old, is of you like a classy type of rave. Londoner coming to Hong Kong in May. From humble Broadway Kystal Roxx, the offi cial UK DJ for Taio beginnings to iconic fi lm musical, this endearing rags-to- Cruz and Hed Kandi resident, headlines the riches story of Annie's journey from a tough New York show, with support from Anil Ahuja. She orphanage to the luxurious home of Oliver Warbucks, also has her own slot on Ministry of Sound is a story that’s been told all over the world for decades. I Radio every Saturday afternoon from 4 ‘til 6. suppose for a young actor, there are few better places to Don’t worry about fl agging during the night, be headlining than Hong Kong’s Lyric Theatre, home Hed Kandi never fails to deliver a sugar rush of the Academy for Perfoming Arts. Why not go and for your eardrums. treat the family to a show that’s ‘only a day away’? PLAY, 1st Floor, On Hing Building, 1 On Hing Lyric Theatre, Hong Kong Academy of Performing Terrace, Central, Hong Kong. Arts, 1 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong. Time: 22:00 ‘til dawn Tel: (+852) 8203 0299 Tel: (+852) 2815 7919 Price: HK$350, HK$550, HK$750, HK$850 Price: HK$250 (in advance), HK$380 (on the Booking: (+852) 3128 8288 door) http://www.hkticketing.com/ e-mail: [email protected] http://www.lunchbox-productions.com/ http://www.hedkandi.com/ May 2012 InterContinental Shenzhen focus 35

Sasha@HYDE Lounge Spoon Art Fair (Friday 18th May – Sunday (Thursday 10th May, 2012) 20th May, 2012) Here comes the second part of the world class DJ double bill at Hyde Lounge this month. Britain’s original pin-up ‘mixmaster’ Sasha, A.K.A. Alexander Coe (the real names never sound as ‘glam’ as the aliases), will be dominating the wheels of steel and electrifying the dance fl oor with his own unique style of progressive and minimal house. The boy from Bangor has some hard acts to follow, in a venue that has showcased such legends as Grandmaster Flash, Josh Wink, LTJ Bukem and Darren Emerson since the grand opening in September 2010. Hyde is the home of the ‘IT’ crowd and, with a star-studded line-up like that, it’s plain for all to see why…

Hyde Lounge, 3rd Floor, Lyndhurst Tower, The Grand Hyatt has gone all arty on us. Nothing 1 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong. to do with cutlery, I might add, the Spoon Art Fair is Tel: (+852) 2522 2608 a collection of masterpieces, all created by talented Ferry Corsten@HYDE Lounge (Saturday Time: 22:00 ‘til dawn. youngsters from around the world. Having already 5th May, 2012) Price: HK$280 (in advance), HK$380 (on the door) displayed ‘works of art’ (sorry!) in Japan and South Dutch trance-meister, Ferry Corsten, is heading to Information: (+852) 5482 9997 Korea, the Spoon portfolio is making waves across Hong Kong to keep you 'rushing' and extend your http://www.hyde.hk/ the continent and claiming some very well deserved recognition for the producers at the same time. They do weekend (or should I say WKND?) buzz for as long say that the children are our future, so investing some as possible, this May. Although quite extravagantly time and energy into the development of art education priced, this event is certainly going to be something and the improvement of facilites for youngsters is out of the norm – a welcome respite for the ever- something that everybody should get behind in a big way. deteriorating nightlife scene in the S.A.R. They say he The idea of naming the showcase after an eating utensil is one of the most down to Earth DJs in the business, is that the spoon is something that is both simple and but that’s not really something you want to hear about useful, perfectly refl ecting the simplicity and convenience a guy whose job it is to make you go wild. Support of modern art. They do like to waffl e, those artists! provided by Dj Visaal.

14th & 15th Floors, Grand Hyatt Hotel, 1 Harbour Hyde Lounge, 3rd Floor, Lyndhurst Tower, Road, Hong Kong 1 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong. Tel: (+852) 2588 1234 Tel: (+852) 2522 2608 Price: HK$100 (adult), HK$50 (student with valid ID) Time: 22:00 ‘til dawn. http://www.spoonartfair.com/ Price: HK$480 (in advance), HK$580 (on the door) http://www.hongkong.grand.hyatt.com/ Information: (+852) 5482 9997 http://www.hyde.hk/

Sasha@HYDE Lounge (Thursday 10th May, 2012) Lady Gaga: Born This Way Ball (Wednesday 2nd May, Thursday 3rd May, SaturdayHere 5th comes May the & second part of the world class DJ Monday 7th May, 2012) double bill at Hyde Lounge this month. Britain’s original pin-up ‘mixmaster’ Sasha, A.K.A. Alexander What a nightmare. I know many people out there wouldCoe put (the a bounty real names on my never sound as ‘glam’ as the head for saying this, but I think she is a complete and utteraliases), monstrosity. will be dominatingWhat the wheels of steel and the heck, I don’t need to go and see Lady Gaga’s latest electrifyingconcert, but theI’m dancesure she fl oor with his own won’t be short on numbers for any of her four nights atunique the AsiaWorld-Arena. style of progressive and She has really taken the world by storm - kind of like a minimal‘by-proxy’ house. Madonna The - and it looks as though her almost totally female-based demographicboy from Bangor is not has going to let her fade into a ‘welcomed’ retirement any timesome soon. hard Expect acts classics, if that’s what you want to call them, new numbersto follow, and a in a ridiculous wardrobe to carry it all off, and if you haven’tvenue got a thatticket, has best bring lots of cash for the touts outside… showcased such AsiaWorld-Expo Centre, Chek Lap Kok, Lantau, Honglegends Kong. Time: 20:00 as Price: HKD$480, $780, $1280, $1580. Booking: (+852) 3128 8288 www.hkticketing.com/ InterContinental Shenzhen Focus Here we go with round 3 of the Intercontinental Destination Shenzhen Competition. One lucky reader can win a night's stay in the Intercontinental Shenzhen luxury resort, including breakfast for two. You can only win if you enter... You know what to do - just answer the following question:

How many continents are there on our wonderful planet?

All answers should be submitted before May 18th by e-mail to the following address: [email protected] 34 destination May 2012 destination nGUANGZHOU Bunker Pampering

Need to escape the chaos of the big bad city? Everyone has their 30-minute hide away they use to avoid the din of the burg, and I’d like to share mine with you. Tiyu Xilu’s, Hairology, is a hair salon with a welcomed twist. Patrons won’t have to worry about a new ‘do’, as this establishment is dedicated solely to treatments and massages. Lay back and relax, as the warm and welcoming team of girls tend to each one of your mane matters. Good for a midday refresher or pre-club touch-up; Hairology is good for your wallet and your mind. Although it sounds like a rub ‘n’ tug from my passionate description, it’s actually a kosher joint. Sweat it out Hairology, Shop B14, Basement Level, Sinopec Building, 191 Ti Yu Xi Lu, Tianhe District, Guangzhou. Tel: (+86) 20 3808 1269 “Inhale, now exhale.” Hot Yoga isn’t for the faint http://www.hairology.cn hearted, but then ‘no pain no gain’ is one of my favourite maxims. It’s surprising how healthy striking poses in a hot room can be, with some claiming that No Frills it reduces stress and tension and restores health to every muscle, joint, and organ of the body. For those There is now a superb little rustic that are put off, but intrigued, by Bikhrim Yoga – a 。 eatery, Simply Life, located in an area of style practised in 40 heat – this ‘Hot Yoga’ is certainly Guangzhou well worth visiting for the urban your cooler, (only slightly) more appealing alternative. landscape alone – the alfresco food terrace at Unfortunately, the classes are only open to members Tai Koo Hui. Though it does misleadingly - a policy that I hope will change very soon. For advertise itself as a bakery/patisserie, its membership details and class schedules go online, or menu has rather ‘café’-sounding gourmet call the number provided. salads, pasta, burgers and soups on offer. Advice: try the pizzas - they are all stone baked Total Fitness has 16 locations all across the city, as well to perfection, which, as any proper pizza lover will as a further 7 in other parts of Guangdong. Check the know, is an absolute bear essential. They are served with website to locate your nearest venue. the crispiness that may even blow one of Luigi’s gaskets… Hot Yoga available at the ShengDi Branch, every Tuesday from 19:00-20:10, Thursday from 19:00- Simply Life, L3 The Garden, Taikoo Hui, 383 Tianhe Lu, Tianhe District, 20:10 & Saturday from 15:00-16:10 (Booking essential) Guangzhou. 10th & 11th Floors, Shengdi Mansion, 1421 Tel: (+86) 20 3868 2321 Guangzhou Da Dao Bei, Baiyun District, Guangzhou. http://www.taikoohui.com/ Tel: (+86) 20 2282 6666 / 3645 4158 http://www.totalfi tness.com.cn/

Correr o Fado by Quorum Dance Company

I’m not a massive fan of either opera or ballet. It may be rather crude and obvious to say this, but opera has too much singing and ballet, too much dancing. So, why not try combining the both of them and acquiring some balance? Oh. You did it Kenny G: Going Home Concert (Saturday 12th already? The Quorum May, 2012) Dance Company have more experience in Kenny G, or Uncle Kenny, as recent collaborator Katy the fi eld of our fi nest Perry prefers to call him, is making an appearance near dancing art than you you, soon. You may not know this but he is an early can shake a stick at, and the Correr o Fado ancient folk investor in Starbucks; so, if you’re not going to spend your music genre, one of Portugal’s most hallmarked forms money on a ticket for the gig, you will be donating to his Otherworldly Booster of heritage, behind football - the two have been welded retirement fund when you order your next grande skinny together with ultimate precision for this widely anticipated latte. Don’t worry about any crowd surfi ng, it won’t be that Panyu Lianhua Shan, or ‘Lotus’ Mountain is a 'must visit' accumulation of cultural bliss, by artistic director and chief kind of show. With world-wide sales totalling more than 75 location for any culture vulture looking for a spiritual fi x. A choreographer, Daniel Cardoso. million albums, the smooth saxophonist, is bound to excite hotspot for any lily lovers – over 100,000 lotuses can be in all those elevator music fans out there, and, who knows, bloom at any one time. Though situated in the distant Panyu Guangzhou Opera House, Hua Xia Lu, Zhujiang New even rouse a few of the non-believers – better get your District, it is well worth the price of a bus ticket. Recharge Town, Guangzhou. tickets before they are sold out. your karma levels by visiting the impressive Bodhisattva Tel: (+86) 20 3839 2888 Guanyin Statue, or take a stroll around the stunning gardens Time: 20:00 Xinghai Concert Hall, 33 Qing Bo Lu, Ersha Island, that punctuate the peaceful plateau. Be sure to take plenty of Price: ¥80, ¥180, ¥280, ¥380, ¥480, ¥680. Yuexiu District, Guangzhou. water; though the ascent is rewarding, you’ll be on your hands Booking: 400 610 3721 Tel: (+86) 20 8735 2222 and knees before you see the Buddha himself. Website: http://www.gzdjy.com/ Time: 20:00 http://www.damai.cn/ Tickets: ¥280, ¥480, ¥780, ¥1080, ¥1280, ¥1680. Lianhua Mountain, Lianhuashan Town, Panyu District, Booking: 400 610 3721 Guangzhou. http://www.damai.cn/ Information: (+86) 20 8486 1298 Website: http://www.concerthall.com.cn/

38 supremos May 2012 Thriller Miss

Millerby Simon Cormack It’s not often a food lover like me gets the chance for an interview with a member of the celebrity chef circuit, so it was my absolute delight to meet with Whitney Miller, the delightful ‘chef-next-door’ for an exclusive interview. The fi rst winner of the Masterchef U.S. competition is currently reveling in the ‘fruits’ of her labour, which have recently seen her come to Shenzhen for a promotional event at the St. Regis hotel. May 2012 supremos 39

o, without further book was about a lady, whose pot of ado, let’s have a look pasta overflowed, with strands of noodles what she had to running out of her house and down the say… street. I crave my mom’s homemade spaghetti and meatballs whenever I think Thriller SHow does it feel to have reached the about this image. When I get a craving dizzy heights of being a celebrity chef, for comfort food, I reach for a bowl of especially being the youngest contestant spaghetti and meatballs even though in the competition? now the pasta is multi-grain and the meatballs are made with ground turkey. It feels like a dream, not only winning Spaghetti and meatballs is not commonly Masterchef, but also writing my first thought of in regards to the South, but is, cookbook. I am still amazed when people however, a popular dish in many homes Miss treat me like a celebrity. I am honored across the United States. more than anything to have been able to inspire others through sharing my Well, all that talk has made me want to passion for cooking. My life has been pester Ms. Miller for her secret recipes, transformed in many ways, mostly by especially her most highly-regarded all the opportunities that have come my spaghetti and meatballs. Better see what I way to travel, especially internationally. I can offer in return… am excited to be able to experience new Miller cuisines, ingredients and spices, and bring For some real home cooking that you these ‘experiences’ home to share with can follow, savour and impress others those closest to me, through my cooking. I with, check out Whitney Miller’s new do manage to stay well grounded, despite cookbook, entitled ‘Modern Hospitality: the difficulties surrounding being famous Simple Recipes with Southern Charm’, in America. My parents instilled a strong available from amazon.com, and all well work ethic in me, and that family is very stocked book shops. important, so when I am at home, I am just Whitney; doing what I love best - cooking for my family and experimenting with new recipes.

It must have been daunting to cook for someone as notoriously critical and, dare I say it, demanding as Gordon Ramsay. How did you manage to cope with the pressure? Is he really a big ‘softy’ at heart? show, so how do you deal with pressure in corner, offering tastes of all the various I think a large part of my ability to cope your life, and how good do you consider cuisines of China. One of my favorite with pressure came from my athletic yourself to be at improvisation? ‘treats’, I have to admit, was the pearl background. My dad has always coached, milk tea! and I grew up playing sports. I played When I feel pressure in life, I have several tennis in high school and college; this ways of dealing with it: praying, talking to How do you rate the facilities in the St. sport is really a mind game and prepared family, getting in the kitchen and cooking, Regis? I suppose it is the first time you me in many ways for the Masterchef and going to the gym to work out. I feel have ever been called to cook in the competition. Also, I had confidence in that I’m very good at improvisation. My clouds, right? my food and flavours. Chef Ramsay can creativity comes into play here; for be very intimidating and in the kitchen; example, if I don’t have the exact I would rate the facilities a firm ‘10 out he is very intense. However, I tried to ingredient I need, I will experiment to see of 10’. I have never stayed at a hotel learn from every experience, even when I if another would work instead. that excelled as well in food, service, received critiques. I felt like Chef Ramsay and hospitality. The design of the hotel showed a little of a soft side through his How did you get into cooking? Who has was such that, not only was it luxurious, humour off camera. been your biggest inspiration? but also relaxing and comfortable. The views from the top of the hotel were Having come under fire in recent times I practically grew up in the kitchen, extraordinary. I enjoyed my view of the for lacking in flair and creativity, how can along with my two sisters. My mom Hong Kong Mountains whilst chopping you relate to chef Ramsay with regards made cooking meals a family affair and vegetables. to the difficulty of keeping on top of your began teaching us at a young age to do game in the kitchen? our part in helping to prepare our meals. How do you see food changing in My Mom and my 97-year-old great the future? Do you think it will be From my experience, I know that grandmother have both influenced the revolutionized or will we simply revert there are a lot of factors that relate to foods that I prepare. I have taken dishes back to basics? keeping things fresh and spectacular in I grew up eating, prepared by both of the kitchen. I also know that it can be them, and put a modern, fresh twist on I think that there will be a combination a continuous challenge, to be creative them. of both effects in the future of food. day-in and day-out, whether that means I see a lot of menus reverting to a using an ingredient in a new way, using What do you think of Shenzhen and classical style from the past. However, a new ingredient in general, researching China? Is it your first time here? chefs are bringing new techniques and to find new trends, or creating them from new ingredients to the preparations scratch. My personal creativity is inspired It was my first time visiting China and of these classics. Molecular cooking is by my experiences of talking to people Shenzhen. My first impression was of something that certainly springs to mind about food, seeing new ingredients, and the people – those whom I met were when thinking about the future of food, trying new foods, which my family has welcoming and gracious. My perception especially from a gourmet point of view. always encouraged me to do. I love trying of Shenzhen was that it is a food ‘Mecca’, new things. and, make no mistake about it, I love What would be your ‘Last Supper’ if you food. As I walked the streets and through had to choose? You managed to overcome the dreaded the shopping malls, there was a café, Mystery Box and Pressure Tests in the restaurant, or food cart around every When I was growing up, my favorite 40 supremos May 2012

For those of you that are fresh off the boat or just passing through and are looking at the word “Pinyin” with a mixture of awe and confusion, allow me to explain. 'He (Zhou Youguang) The defi nition of Pinyin, full name Hanyu Pinyin,is ‘a system for transliterating hardly knew it when he Chinese into the Latin alphabet' – writing Chinese using the alphabet devised by was working on his system, the Romans, basically. Each time you’re out and about in the city (a Chinese one of course, but it would obviously) and see what looks like English letters underneath Chinese characters, prove crucial as a bridge between China and the you’re looking at Pinyin. And the whole framework of it was pretty much created rest of the world, allowing by one man, his name is…well let me just interrupt myself for a moment. texting, typing, computing and all the excitements of the modern age to work in Putonghua or Mandarin Chinese.'

Stephen Fry May 2012 supremos 41

Pinyin Pioneerby Simon Edward Smith f I asked you who you thought was the most who could do the job. At a national conference, Tang took threefull minutes of consulting various infl uential person dead or alive, what name three aims were set: to popularise Mandarin stroke categories and indices to eventually locate Iwould you give as your answer?You may as the national language; to develop a new the correct character for forest ( 森 )，Tang understandably say, Albert Einstein, William alphabet; and fi nally to simplify the characters. ended by offering this bit of consolation, “If you Shakespeare, Tim Berners-Lee or possibly Isaac There are no prizes for guessing which bureau know the word in pinyin you can just go straight Newton? But I think I’d be hard-pressed to fi nd Zhou was made head of… to the page.” – the word for ‘forest’, in pinyin, is someone who replied with, Zhou Youguang. ‘sen’, in case you were wondering. Surely you’d think a man who created a whole What needed reworking in particular was the new system of writing should be at least as, if not Wade-Giles system - something that had been in Perhaps, as both the world and its use of more, well known as a man that wrote plays for a place for a hundred years before Zhou and his technology expands, we are only just beginning living? Yet, if you were to assume that,then you’d team got started. He said in an online interview to understand the work Zhou has done for us all. be sadly mistaken. The 106 year-old’s anonymity last year, “I worked full-time on it for three As Fry writes on his blog, “He (Zhou Youguang) is, in part, due to the fact that he is openly years... throughout that time I had less than hardly knew it when he was working on his critical of the Chinese Communist Party and 20 people to help me [and] we received more system, of course, but it would prove crucial reluctant to take full credit for his work, meaning than 4,000 letters from people in China and as a bridge between China and the rest of the that the man who should be a household name overseas. They were full of questions, requests world, allowing texting, typing, computing and in China is relatively unknown. and suggestions. I had to reply to every one in all the excitements of the modern age to work in academic language." Putonghua or Mandarin Chinese.” Zhou’s autobiography would, were he to go about writing it, garner him a fair share of It’s thought that the problem with the Wade- Look at texting on the iPhone for example, Zhou public attention in itself.Throughout his life, he Giles structure is that it was devoid of made it possible to quickly locate and use one and his affl uent family managed to loose their intuitiveness – meaning that unless you knew character out of a possible 40,000 choices. entire fortune on three separate occasions; First exactly how the system worked, you’d more than in the Qing Dynasty, then in World War II and likely get it wrong and end up mispronouncing It is fair to say that the scholarly and fi nally during Mao’s Cultural Revolution, during most of the words. Rather than using Roman revolutionary Zhou is proudly aware of the which time he was sent to the countryside to characters that would approximate the sounds effect his work has had on the modern world learn from farmers -something which Zhou says of the Chinese language as closely as possible, of computing, yet on a very modest scale. In was, “...a waste of time and stopped me doing a language was created that only linguists could an interview with China Daily, the upbeat other things.” fathom and therefore appreciate. If you compare centenarian said, “I still see it as a bridge that with the more palatable and intuitive Pinyin between China and the rest of the world, a Fortunately for current generations, and those - actually here’s an interesting statistic for you - bridge between cultures…Did you know Chinese yet to come, he managed to surmount those after the People's Republic of China approved people use it to send messages on their cell adversities by studying economics at St John's and adopted the fi rst edition of Pinyin in 1958, phones and to type into keyboards - that makes University, a superb place to be in the 1920s, literacy gradually increased four-fold. me very happy!". when the fi nancial department was considered one of the best educational institutions in It would be hard to underestimate the Shanghai.For almost three decades following his signifi cance of Zhou’s work if you have ever tried graduation, Zhou worked as a banker and an to learn Chinese. I mean, without an intensive economics lecturer, holding various highly-paid ‘full-immersion’ program, us positions, both at home and in the United States foreigners wouldn’t stand a - he even worked for a Chinese bank on Wall chance of learning Chinese Street, a place what he has jokingly referred to as characters without Pinyin; I being “the centre of imperialism.” certainly wouldn’t be learning Chinese today if it hadn’t have In 1955, the government, concerned that almost been simplifi ed. Imagine learning all of its citizens (a reported 80 percent) were Chinese from just the characters illiterate, decided that a serious overhaul needed alone? Do you think you could to be carried out on its language system. Though hack the process? Zhou had written a book called 'The Subject of the Alphabet', he considered himself no more During my research for this than a hobbyist in linguistics. In the 1950s, article I watched Sir David Tang however, a severe shortage of linguists meant explain how to use a Chinese that the government deemed him as the man Dictionary to writer Stephen Fry.

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Pick up your free copy of Paper magazine in Starbucks, Costa Coffee, local restaurants, most luxury hotels and consulates in South China. Available from the fi rst day of every month. Hot Promotion InterContinental Foshan Shangri-La Hotel, Guangzhou Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen

Spa Sessions@Futian Shangri-La Treat yourself to a complete body rejuvenation session at Futian Shangri-La. Our Body Treatment Package is Mother's Day Pampering @ Café Aqua offered at RMB1,980 (originally priced at RMB3,450) and Treat your Mum to the best on Mother's Day. Invite the our sultry Skin Care Package is offered at RMB2,180 (r.r.p. whole family to enjoy a sumptuous brunch or dinner RMB3,680). Both packages include welcome herbal tea for featuring international cuisine and a big cake to share. The two. Prices are subject to 15% service charge, and advance price also includes a stunning carnation for each mother. reservation is required. Lunch Buffet: RMB198+15% per person Simply Unwind at Lobby Lounge Available until 30th June, 2012. Dinner Buffet: RMB258+15% per person Let your daily stress melt away as you savour your favourite 4088 Yi Tian Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518048, China Valid on 13th May, 2012 cup of coffee in our tranquil garden surroundings. Hi-tea Booking: (755) 88284088 ext. 6668. Café Aqua, Intercontinental Foshan, 20 Denghu East in the Lobby Lounge includes exquisite pastries presented Road, Nanhai District, Foshan, Guangdong in a three-tier tray stand and your choice of either two Booking: (757) 86209006 imported teas or two freshly brewed coffees. Sheraton Qingyuan Lion Lake Resort RMB198 + 15% service charge / set Offer available indefi nitely. Four Points by Sheraton Shenzhen Lobby Lounge, 2nd Floor, Shangri-La Hotel Guangzhou, 1 Hui Zhan Dong Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou. Booking: (20) 89176498

Marco Polo Shenzhen

Thank you, Mom! – Mother’s Day Tunch This Mother's Day, show your Mother just how much you love her by bringing her to Taste for the Mother’s Day Tunch; a celebration including a sumptuous buffet lunch & afternoon tea. Come enjoy such delicacies as lobster, Family Pack oysters, lamb, prime rib, nutritious soups and a decadent Reconnect with yourselves and make your family vacation dessert selection, which are all brought to you with a new all the more special. Book now and rediscover the true level of innovation and imagination; It has been created nature of family fun at Sheraton Qingyuan – Guangzhou’s with everyone in mind. In addition, each Mother will Labor Holiday Package backyard. Stunning Arabian architecture, complimentary receive a special surprise gift. A cup cake making station Marco Polo Shenzhen is offering a special room rate of golf clinic and recreation activities all await you. is also available for kids to show their appreciation to their RMB1,288 net, with complimentary buffet breakfast for Price in Executive Suite: RMB 1888+15% per room per Moms. two, tickets for two to Window of the World or Splendid night RMB 198+15% / person (including free fl ow of juice and China, free laundry service for up to two garments and th soft drinks) late check-out till 4:00pm.(subject to availability). Booking & Stay Validity: from now until 30 June 2012 Valid on May 13th, 2012, from 12:00-16:00. Valid from April 27th to May 6th, 2012 Sheraton Qingyuan Lion Lake Resort, 1 Lion Lake Road, Henghe Taste Signature Restaurant, 3rd Floor, Four Points by Street, Qingyuan, Guangdong. Marco Polo Shenzhen, 28 Fuhua 1st Road, Futian District, Booking: (763) 8888888 Sheraton Shenzhen, Shenzhen. 5 Guihua Road, Futian Free Trade Zone, Shenzhen. Booking: (755) 82989888 ext. 8957 Booking: (755) 83588668 Four Points by Sheraton Guangzhou, Dongpu Sofi tel Guangzhou Sunrich ST. REGIS SHENZHEN

ELBA AT THE ST.REGIS SHENZHEN PRESENTS THE KING OF PASTA–VINCENZO SPINOSI Between 18 and 27 May 2012, guests of Elba at The St. Mother’s Day Sunday Brunch & Dinner Buffet Regis Shenzhen will discover the world of authentic Italian Promotion Price: Mother’s Day Sunday Brunch: artisan pasta when the internationally renowned ‘King of RMB178+15%/adult Pasta’, Mr Vincenzo Spinosi arrives from Italy specifi cally for Mother’s Day Dinner Buffet: RMB208+15%/adult the St Regis Shenzhen. Treat your Moms to the delicious Mother’s Day Sunday French Champagne Lunch Spinosi is one of only three Italians who have received the Brunch, including free fl ow of soft drinks and a Chef ’s Experience the most luxurious family brunch in ‘Five-Star Diamond Award’ by the American Academy of table featuring wonderful delights. Moms can enjoy a Guangzhou, the ‘magnifi que’ French Champagne Brunch, Hospitality Sciences. He is also a recipient of the ‘Grand nutritious bowl of Double Boiled Snow Frog with Papaya with a selection of French and Asian Cuisine which will Offi cial of Italy’, an award said to be similar to the Nobel and a lovely carnation. tempt your taste buds. The brunch includes a glass of Prize. Eater is also putting on a fresh spread of culinary offers for Taitinger Champagne, a glass of red or white wine and free Available for both lunch and dinner, a special wine dinner moms during the dinner buffet. Every mom will receive a fl ow of soft drinks, juices, coffee and tea. menu will also be available, in which guests can relish Mr complimentary carnation. RMB458 + 15% service charge / adult Spinosi’s pasta dishes alongside a selection of fi ne wines. RMB268 + 15% service charge / child RMB208 +15% service charge / adult Situated on the 99th fl oor with panoramic views of 50% off for children below 12 years and complimentary Offer available Sunday, from 11:30 – 15:00 Shenzhen and the Hong Kong New Territory skyline, Elba for kids below 3 years. 2 on 988, 2nd Floor, Sofi tel Guangzhou Sunrich, 988 Guangzhou combines a comfortable and inviting ambience with stylish, Da Dao Zhong, Tianhe District, Guangzhou contemporary decor. Valid on May 13th, 2012. Booking: (20) 38190828 Elba, 99th Floor, The St. Regis Shenzhen, 5016 Shennan Road Four Points by Sheraton Guangzhou, 1 Jing Ying Road, Hui Cai East, Luohu District, Shenzhen. Road, Dongpu, Tianhe District, Guangzhou. Booking: (755) 83088888 ext. 1852 Booking: (20) 32110888

The Mira Hong Kong

Travellers' Preservation@Westin Xiamen

THE WESTIN To mark the opening of The Westin Xiamen, an GUANGZHOU unbelievably generous promotion has been created for you all: It’s not Mother’s Day; It’s YOUR Mother’s Day Deluxe Room Rate: RMB888 + 15% service charge Bring your mother along to what should be not only Premier Room Rate: RMB999 + 15% service charge a special day in her life, but also a loving gesture of (Including 50% off for all Food & Beverages services) thanks. Celebrate in style with one of our special Westin Renewal Package: group set menus: Studio Suite Rate: RMB1,688 + 15% service charge RMB1688+15% / 4 persons (including abalone and Deluxe Suite Rate: RMB2,280 + 15% service charge Spa-Tea with Mum grouper) (Including complimentary cash vouchers** equivalent Have your mother-daughter chat by the dazzling MiraSpa pool RMB2618+15% / 8 persons (including Boston lobster to Room Rate each day (RMB1,688 for Studio Suite over our delicious Spa-Tea, created by Executive Pastry Chef, and garoupa) Jean-Marc Gaucher. An afternoon of heavenly pampering for per day, RMB2,280 for Deluxe Suite per day) Available on 13th May 2012. you and Mum begins with a blissful Pomegranate Body Scrub, Valid until August 31st, 2012. 1st Floor, The Westin Guangzhou, 6 Lin He Zhong Road, choice of massage or Elemental Harmony Facial followed by a *All prices exclude 15% hotel service charge and 4% Tianhe District, Guangzhou. quick mani- or pedicure. Mums will take away a gift of a mini government tax Booking: (20) 28266966 facial set valued at HK$750. *Cash vouchers are not applicable to SPA and Limousine HK$2,950 + 15% service charge / 2 persons service, and cannot be accumulated for use on following days. Offer valid until 31st May 2012. The Westin Xiamen, No.396-398 Xianyue Road, Siming District, Xiamen MiraSpa, B3, The Mira Hong Kong, 118 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. Booking: (852) 23155500