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Workouts Wacky Afternoon Teas ’s Best in HongKong 8 FunClasses How To: Tackle the MouldinYour Wardrobe Bars, Restaurants, Brunches,andMore Newonthe Menu: Where toDonateUnwanted Items CleartheClutter: September/October 2017 THE MOONCAKE THE DARKSIDE OF

Your GuidetoHongKong Living

Michael McIntyre Five Minutes with Five Minuteswith Hong Kong’s Best Live JazzBars All thatJazz! 4 You NeedtoTry

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Content

What’s New at Localiiz 2

Save the Date: 4 What’s On in Hong Kong

The Dark Side 6 of The Mooncake

Five Minutes with Michael McIntyre 8 4 6 Hong Kong’s Best 12 Afternoon Teas

Wacky Workouts: 8 Fun 14 Classes in Hong Kong

4 Luxury Spa Treatments 16 You Need to Try 12 How To: Tackle the Mould 19 in Your Wardrobe

Clear the Clutter: 20 Where to Donate Unwanted Items in Hong Kong 8 16 New on the Menu: 22 Bars, Restaurants, Brunches and More

All that Jazz! 26 Hong Kong’s Best Live Jazz Bars

20 22 26

The Localiiz Team Localiiz Digest, Issue 05 Localiiz.com (HK) Limited Editorial September - October 2017 Suite 1501, Connaught Commercial Building Copyright 2017 Localiiz.com (HK) Limited. Managing Editor: Sophie Pettit 185 Wan Chai Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong All rights reserved. Reproduction in Contributors: Graham Turner & Scarlett Whittell Enquiries: (+852) 2559 5626 whole or in part without written permission [email protected] www. localiiz.com is prohibited. To share content, please visit our website —www.localiiz.com Sales & Promotion — and find the original article www. localiiz.com For sales and promotional enquiries please whereupon visitors are welcome to share a contact Julie Magno on (+852) 2559 5626 or link back to the original Localiiz email [email protected]. article, with appropriate credit to Localiiz. com, on their own platform or social media channel. Thank you for sharing! © 2017 Localiiz.com (HK) Limited localiiz.com 1 As we kiss goodbye to summer and the city’s wacky workouts. move into the cooler months ahead However you spend it, there’s plenty to (hurray) we look forward to welcoming a inspire you on Localiiz, as we publish new touch of autumnal magic in the city, with articles every day and help grow our huge Mid-Autumn Festival bringing us smoking fanbase on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. fire dragons, lantern lit streets, and of As always, we want to thank all of our readers course – mooncakes! who have supported us over the years and we As always, we hope this issue gives you wish you all a fantastic fall in the city! Welcome some great ideas on how to make the most Welcome to the autumn issue of the Lo- of the season in Hong Kong – whether you caliiz Digest, our collection of the very best fancy a spot of afternoon tea in a beautiful Sophie articles from our website delivered straight setting, pampering yourself with a luxury spa Sophie Pettit, Managing Editor into your hands. treatment, or working up a sweat at one of [email protected]

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2 BUY TICKETS SAVE THE DATE What’s On in Hong Kong

Don’t miss your chance to grab tickets, register, or sign up for your favourite events in Hong Kong. If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, then catch the best events at http://bit.ly/localiiz-whats-on. September YourMum Presents Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival Hong Kong Blue Tie Ball Mew Live in Hong Kong October 4 September 2 September 18 Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance Deep Water Bay Kayak n Run October 3 – 5 September 2 The Play That Goes Wrong September 19 – 24 Urban Mid-Autumn Lantern Lan Kwai Fong Elvis in Concert Carnival at Victoria Park September 3 The Complete Works of William Shakespeare October 4 – 5 Magic of Dance 2017 September 19 – 24 Mid-Autumn LED Fire Dragon September 3 Fiesta at Lee Tung Avenue Ariana Grande Live in Hong Kong October 4 – 5 Thriller Live in September 21 Until September 3 Eschenbach’s Dvorák Motorama Live in Hong Kong Punchline Comedy October 6 – 7 September 22 Presents Paul Tonkinson The Hong Kong Cultural Centre September 7 – 9 Vianney Live in Hong Kong Presents: Aida Road to Ultra Priscilla Queen of the Mid-Autumn Peter Pan – September 29 - 30 October 10 – 15 Hong Kong 2017 Desert, The Musical Festival 2017 A Musical Adventure Priscilla Queen of the Desert: Confucius: 63 Revisited September 8 – 9 The second annual Road to Ultra Hong The “feel-good show with a big joyous The moon will be full, the lanterns will The Musical October 13 – 22 Kong returns to the city this Septem- heart” is on its way to the Hong Kong be lit, and the flaming Fire Dragon will Rug Lane Vintage and Secondhand September 29 – October 15 Eternal Life: ber 16, touching down at the beautiful Academy for Performing Arts this Sep- be winding his way through the streets – Clothing Markets Vol.3 PMQ – Long Time No See: Exploring Ancient Egypt outdoor Nursery Park in West Kow- tember 29 to October 15. Based on the that’s right, Mid-Autumn Festival arrives September 10 A Virtual Encounter with Until October 18 loon Cultural District. The one-day Oscar-winning hit movie of the same in the city this October 4, bringing with it DIIV Live in Hong Kong Neighbourly Nostalgia music extravaganza promises to be name, the wildly fresh and funny musical an explosion of traditional celebrations, Sowers Action Challenging 12 September 14 Until September 30 bigger and better than last year, bring- has kept audiences dancing in the aisles parties, and of course - mooncakes. Hours Charity Marathon 2017 ing festival goers a line up of world-class for over a decade with a parade of dance- Speaking of which, check out our cover German Film Forum October 22 Until September 15 international acts and unparalleled floor anthems including It’s Raining Men, story on page 6 to discover the dark side October West End Stage production. Tickets range from $990 I Will Survive, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, of these naughty little nibbles. Daft Punk Official October 23 – 28 to $1,480 and are available to buy at and Boogie Wonderland. Now you can join Tribute Act at Pacha Macau National Day Chung Yeung Festival www.hongkong.roadtoultra.com. in the fun. Tickets range from $445 to September 16 October 1 $995 and are available at www.hktick- October 28 eting.com. Road to Ultra Hong Kong Lantau 2 Peaks September 16 October 1

4 localiiz.com 5 With Mid-Autumn Festival banned officials from using public funds for the eating them. A survey conducted last year by problem giving them away as gifts – and purchase of mooncakes. The following year, environmental group Green Power revealed it’s all in the name of “tradition”. The main just around the corner on they encouraged mooncake tattle-tales, with some pretty shocking statistics: cause of the mooncake wastage is receiving October 4, we take a look a “special tip-off window” on a government too many around Mid-Autumn Festival – far at the role of the mooncake website for netizens to report the “squan- A whopping 60 per cent of Hong Kongers dis- more than can possibly be consumed anyway. dering of taxpayers’ money by civil servants”. like receiving mooncakes as gifts, while 12 per In fact, few younger consumers will eat more in Chinese history and up Daily promised that mooncake-buying cent are strongly against receiving them. As than their obligatory slice of mooncake, even to the present day. violators would be “named and shamed”. a result, Hong Kongers threw out more than though new-fangled flavors like one million mooncakes in 2016. or have gained in popularity. The Sweet Intentions second reason is that not all mooncakes can be eaten before the due date. So until we find Thankfully in Hong Kong, mooncake cor- So why do we keep on giving them? a new way to show our affection around this ruption is not as prominent a problem, and – Ironically, the same survey by Green Power outside of politics - they are a genuinely suggests that while most people don’t like time of year, it seems the cycle will continue. important part of local culture. Symbolising to receive mooncakes, they don’t have a But not all is lost. completeness, unity, and the fullness of the moon, these round-shaped are meant to be shared to bring people together - be it The Gift that Keeps friends, families, or colleagues. They are not on Giving to be devoured whole by one person though, They say that what goes around comes and even the most enthusiastic mooncake around, and this is certainly the case for muncher must share their spoils as a part of mooncakes. In Hong Kong, nobody is up- the Mid-Autumn spirit. Some especially aus- tight about the wide practice of ‘re-giving’ picious participants say the should be cut boxes of them, and this is an accepted prac- into eight pieces, the Chinese lucky number. tice of the ‘Mooncake Economy’ leading up to the holiday date. Many people would be The are certainly quick to jump on more than happy to have your extra boxes the mooncake bandwagon too, raking in over to give to their families – so there’s always Donations reach the Tai Yuen Estate in Taipo a third of their annual revenue in a single a bright side. In fact, people might half ex- Photo credit: A Drop of Life month! Walk into any supermarket in the lead pect you to give away the box they’ve just up to the festival and you’ll be bombarded THE DARK SIDE OF given you! with various flavours of mooncakes – from the traditional kind (filled with red beans or lotus If, however, you are really bombarded with seed paste) to the snowy sort (modernised mooncakes destined for the rubbish bin, and made fun to attract the younger crowd). THE MOONCAKE the Environmental Protection Department There are even the “healthy” variety (or has a list of charities that will happily take rather, less unhealthy) which are low fat, fat non-perishable ones off your hands. Among free, high fiber, low sugar etc to cater to more The mooncake has always been more about Festival is celebrated to this day. Today, an en- mooncakes have been on the radar of Hong these is The Salvation Army Hong Kong, health-conscious consumers. politics than food. Synonymous with the tirely different kind of secret is being stuffed Kong’s Independent Commission Against which in 2014, collected nearly 30,000 Mid-Autumn Festival, the rich baked delicacy into the , a gift exchanged by Chinese Corruption since 2009, when a construction mooncakes and gave them to the homeless And, of course, there are the very high-end The Salvation Army bring mooncakes to the homeless is a traditional way of establishing and main- families and businesses during the Mid-Au- company director was jailed for two months in Yau Ma Tei. Photo credit: The Salvation Army ones – handmade by chefs at Michelin-starred taining “guanxi” – a Chinese phrase which tumn Festival. But this seemingly harmless for trying to bribe the police with 15 boxes Chinese restaurants at five-star hotels – elderly, low-income families, and homeless literally means “relationships”. But it turns out custom isn’t always as innocent as it sounds. of them – and to think we can’t even shift one! That same year, Hong Kong based non-prof- which sell out weeks in advance. Among the people in Tuen Mun, Sham Shui Po, Shui Wai, this naughty little cake has a lot to answer for. The police returned them. it A Drop of Life, also collected 5,888 most infamous of them all are the Mini Egg and Sheung Shui among others. From shady beginnings tainted with corrup- mooncakes and received another 1,500 Corruption Cakes Mooncakes made by the Peninsula tion to a waste crisis in our city, we take a look A 2013 RTHK report on a practice called from Maxim. They were all delivered to the Hotel (pictured right), which are already sold According to media reports, luxury goods, “mooncake gambling” in Xiamen, Fujian So as you gear up for the most magical time at the dark side of the mooncake. out and said to sell on the black market precious metals, crystals, and plain old Province, provided some background, “An in- of the year in Hong Kong, and look forward to for double their retail price. wads of cash were stuffed into the cakes fluential official, or a businessman, receiving a strolling under the gaze of the moonlight Many Moons Ago or slipped in their elaborate boxes, particu- box of mooncakes might often find something and watching the Fire Dragon dance As folklore goes, a Ming rebellion used moon- larly in mainland China. The issue became else inside – such as a high-end watch or Mad about his way through the crowds, you cakes to spirit around secret messages in a serious enough to attract the attention of gold coins.” Some buyers didn’t even bother Mooncakes? might want to reconsider reach- plot to overthrow their rulers global law firms. Baker & McKenzie issued hiding the gold. The South China Morning Post ing for that box of mooncakes (1200 A.D - 1368 A.D). Slips of paper baked a 2012 corporate compliance guide called reported in 2012 that a China Merchants Apparently Not. in your local Wellcome. Just into the cakes were allegedly used to prompt When is a Mooncake a Bribe? The following Bank branch in Shanghai sold thousands of Despite the fact that mooncakes are remember – your nearest and rebels to rise up on the 15th day of the eighth year, Norton Rose Fulbright followed up solid-gold mooncakes at 16,000 yuan each. still considered to be a delicacy, it turns dearest could be part of that 60 lunar month, which is when the Mid-Autumn with Mooncakes – guanxi or graft? In fact, Finally, Beijing cracked down. In 2013, they out that not everyone actually enjoys per cent!

6 localiiz.com 7 Countless impressions of his wife putting on youngest son] was livid, and thought it was her tights, falling into the dishwasher and really mean, he was like, “Why are you saying emerging with pasta and peas on her face, mean things about my mum?” [chuckles] and farting in her sleep are among McIntyre’s most famous sketches that have driven the Fart jokes aside, it’s abundantly clear just crowd to fits of laughter and helped cata- how much McIntyre adores his little clan, pult him to immense popularity among the who he says have given him motivation over masses. Then there’s that terrible misunder- the years. In fact, despite always knowing standing of the ‘pants down’ game that he that he wanted to do comedy, it wasn’t until plays with his kids that got him into trouble the birth of his first son, Lucas – when he with one unimpressed, burly father. The list was up to his eyeballs in debt and slogging of anecdotes goes on. away on the circuit – that he got the jolt he needed and started taking it very seriously. There’s no doubt about it, McIntyre is first “I didn’t want his first words to be critical, I and foremost a family guy, and the first to didn’t want them to be, ‘Why didn’t you wait admit that he wouldn’t have an act without a few more years to have me? You weren’t them. “My children have given me endless ready’. I just remember him lying in his material”, he tells Localiiz. “I mean, I have basket in the middle of the living room and jokes about getting my wife pregnant, and thinking to myself, ‘Oh my god, here’s this then jokes about her pregnancy, followed by tiny, fragile person who doesn’t really do jokes about them being babies, and now jokes anything yet and who won’t speak for a year about their whole life, so it’s comedy that’s or two’, and thinking, ‘Well I’ve got until then FIVE come all the way from then, through to when to sort things out’.” they leave home. Maybe one day I’ll just do a tour of all my kids’ jokes.” I’m definitely jovial. I do minutes talk too much sometimes, “and I always regret it. I with know that as I walk away from people they’re like, ‘Wow, he’s a bit weird’. It’s clear that Michael isn’t big on misery ei- ther, often using somewhat tragic situations Rather surprisingly, criticism is a topic” that to create amusing anecdotes for the stage. pops up several times during our “chit-chat” There was a time during his hard up days MICHAELMICHAEL (another McIntyre-ism) as we discuss his rise when he and Kitty would cook their food in to fame. Ironically, it seems that his infec- a microwave he found in a skip, then turn tiously bubbly nature, which has made him a it on its side to use as a dinner table. Then Michael McIntyre with wife Kitty / cherished household name to half the nation, there are his “teenagey” sons who can’t quite Photo credit: Daily Express is the very same thing that appears to irritate seem to escape him. “They’re basically trying MCINTYREMCINTYRE the other half. to get away from us”, he laughs. “I mean, And how does his family feel about being that’s what happens to people, they grow up the butt of his jokes? “Oh, they’re really fine “I’m definitely jovial”, he giggles. “I do talk and they have to leave, but they seem to be Words by Sophie Pettit about it, and I explain to the kids that it’s too much sometimes, and I always regret it. I trying to leave already. When we’re walking just comedy and exaggeration – although know that as I walk away from people they’re down the street, they walk really far ahead, It’s been over a decade since the infectiously jovial British comedian Michael McIntyre bounced onto the stage they don’t like it when I make jokes about like, ‘Wow, he’s a bit weird’. Sometimes I’m a and when I drop them off a school, they want my wife”, he confesses. “I had this one joke in bit too animated, but it’s all because of the at the Royal Variety Performance and launched into stardom. Since his big break, the record-breaking, stadium- to be dropped off further and further away. my last tour which was a little bit cheeky, but routines I’m working on and stuff. But I’m We barely got in the car the other day and filling stand up has brought audiences to tears with his hilarious and oh so relatable observations on everyday she was absolutely fine with it. It was about not one of those people who just gets really Lucas [his 12-year-old] asked, ‘Can I just get life, often centred around his long-suffering wife Kitty and two sons, Oscar and Lucas. And now the sharply- farting in your sleep, and people were loving depressed and serious. There are a lot of out here?’. I hadn’t even started driving yet, it because they were relating to it I presume serious comedians and I’ve met a lot of them [giggles] I mean, I’ve got to drive towards the dressed, quick-witted 41-year-old is set to touch down in Hong Kong this November 27 and 28 as part of his – I mean that’s why they were laughing. She now, and well – I don’t know, I’m just not like school first – so that’s really annoying and brand new ‘Big World Tour’. Naturally, we jumped at the chance to grab five minutes with him. really didn’t care at all, but honestly Ozzy [his that at all.” upsets me greatly, but it’s all comedy.”

8 localiiz.com 9 It seems like nothing can knock McIntyre down, not even the harsh criticism he’s received from some of his peers and those with alternative tastes who feel he plays it “too safe” by steering away from crass humour and profanity. But was this ever really a conscious decision?

“I don’t think so, I just don’t think I ever want to upset anyone, because people have been rude about me and I think to myself, ‘That’s No escaping now! McIntyre puts an arm around his youngest son, a bit unnecessary’, and I don’t want to be like Oscar, on a water ride at Universal Studios / Photo credit: Daily Mail that. I mean, I came up with a joke the other night about Teresa May, but I don’t really – that and the fact that he doesn’t feel the want to do it because it’s rude and not very need to resort to lewd words for his jokes to nice, and it just makes me feel uncomfortable. hit the mark. “Because I do a TV show that’s That’s just the nature And she’ll never even see the joke [laughs], pre-watershed, people unfortunately think, of success, people will try but I’d hate to think of her going, ‘Oh that’s “to knock you down. At the ‘Oh he never swears’, but the problem I have not very nice’. Having said that, watching is that I swear more when I’m in the creative beginning I would think, the telly with my wife, I can be pretty brutal stage of making the show”, he explains. “So ‘Oh I didn’t expect that’, but about people.” it doesn’t really affect me my first warm-up is basically only profanity, anymore at all. and as it gets more and more funny on its I just don’t think I ever own, I feel the jokes can stand up without me want to upset anyone, hammering them home with the f-word.” ” And that’s why we love him. Take him or leave “because people have been him, there’s no denying that McIntyre is a mas- rude about me and I think But does this judgement ever get to him? ter of comic storytelling and a roaring success – to myself, ‘That’s a bit “At the beginning I would think, ‘Oh I didn’t not only that, he’s a bloody nice bloke too. unnecessary’, and I don’t expect that’, but it doesn’t really affect me Who else could fill the same arena as Beyoncé want to be like that. anymore at all. There are people far more and Rihanna and still fret about whether they successful than me getting all sorts of non- can make it over to my hometown in England As for rarely dropping the f-bomb, there” is the sense – and that’s just the nature of success, to perform for your mum who is their biggest watershed aspect of his TV show to consider people will try to knock you down.” fan – after me that is, of course!

Catch Michael McIntyre LIVE in Hong Kong!

The Michael McIntyre ‘Big World Tour’ comes to the Kitec Star Hall on November 27 and 28.

Ticket prices range from $488 to $988 and are available to buy at HKTicketing.

10 The Lobby at the Peninsula

French toast, steamed (put chai ko), ware and presenting three kinds of sandwich its afternoon tea is a bit of an unsung hero. The shrimp toast, butter eggrolls, soya bean and cus- with all sorts of fancy ingredients. But it’s really whole lounge has a colonial-era aesthetic that tard with ginger sauce, crispy cashew puff, vege- the sweets where all kicks off – beautiful mac- lends itself well to a good old-fashioned afternoon tariam spring rolls with sauce. All arons, éclairs, sacher , and cakes promise tea which is only available on weekends and pub- this set among the elegantly old-fashion setting of to give you the ultimate sugar high. lic holidays. The Colonial Three-Tier set includes Hullett House - doesn’t get much better. deviled eggs, avocado and prawn Where: 8 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, (+852) 2375 , pandan kaya mascarpone Victoria Where: 3/F, The Pottinger Hotel, 74 Queen’s Road, 6611 , masala chai tea panna cotta, and Central How much: $598 for two people / $348 per person more, plus a collection of teas “for every mood, How much: $398 per person 7. Nobu at InterContinental every occasion”. 4. Dr. Fern’s Mad Hatter Where: 3/F, The Pottinger Hotel, 74 Queen’s Road, Central, (+852) 2169 3311 Afternoon Tea Party How much: $398 per person Take a tumble down the rabbit hole and pull up a chair at the Mad Hatter Afternoon Tea Party at 9, Café Gray Deluxe at quirky speakeasy, Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour. Nestled in the basement of The Landmark, this is the per- The Upper House fect hideaway to indulge in a selection of playful- Enjoy your afternoon tea with stunning views of Victoria Harbour at Café Gray Deluxe. ly-named delights, all themed around the doctor’s You’ll feel like royalty as you feast on a menu favorite literature piece, Alice In Wonderland. The Successfully mixing up the tried-and-tested of savoury bites such as smoked salmon and The Lobby at the Peninsula Tweedle-Dee’s Treat (smoked salmon, organic dill, afternoon tea mainstays, Nobu has gone full avocado on rye with lime mayonnaise, egg salad and cream cheese on sourdough) and Eat Me Japanese with its ‘T-set’ (although there’s still sandwich with crispy bacon on white bread, and (a rich chocolate and raspberry tart) are among nods to classic European afternoon tea favour- mouth-watering sweets such as chocolate fi- our favourites. Add a delicious Banana Latte into ites like foie gras and ). The savoury nancier with lime cream, and cinnamon scented the mix (or a stiff G&T for an additional $50) and selection includes a solid variety of Umami - lob- coeur de France with cassis mousse. Just leave Hong Kong’s Best you’ve got yourself one sweet little G or tea party. ster crispy rolls, foie gras ganache bao, shrimp enough room for the delicious blackcurrant Where: Shop B31A, First Basement Floor, Landmark chananmushi, unagi konbucha jelly, and taraba scones with Devonshire clotted cream to go Atrium, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, (+852) goni soba noodle salad. The sweet selection is with your deluxe tea and . Marvellous! 2111 9449 no slouch either, serving up houjicha aruki bean Where: Café Gray Deluxe, Level 49, The Upper How much: $498 for two guests (served daily from rolls, sakura monaka, blueberry House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, 2pm – 5pm) macarons, and espresso waffles. Phew. (+852) 3968 1106 Fancy a cuppa? There’s nothing quite like catching up with your friends over a lovely cup of tea and some cheeky Where: 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, (+852) How much: $395 for two people / $235 per person nibbles, but before you put the kettle on, why not consider taking it to a whole new level of luxury by booking 5. Seasons by Olivier E. 2721 1211 This chic space has carved out a well-earned repu- How much: $528 for two people / $328 per person afternoon tea at one of these glamorous spots around Hong Kong? Words by Sophie Pettit tation for excellence since it opened and executes fine French dining without being overly preten- 8. The Envoy at The 1. The Lobby at the treats such as smoked salmon, roast beef, and tious. The bistro’s afternoon tea keeps things clas- Pottinger 2. Lobby Lounge: Island egg with cucumber, and sweet desserts like sically French and classy. You can expect to nibble The Pottinger Hotel lounge bar may be better Peninsula Shangri-La strawberry , chocolate eclairs, and on Parisian croissants with and butter salmon known for its artisanal cocktails, but we think There’s nothing more quintessentially Hong mini , there’s plenty to satisfy your “à la Parisienne”, foie gras stuffed Paris white Kong than experiencing the acclaimed Pen- appetite. Just make sure you leave room for mushroom, Alaska king crab and egg mimosa, insula Classic Afternoon Tea while listening the basket of scones with clotted cream and rillettes on toasted baguettes, homemade scones, to the sweet music of a live string quartet. jam – bliss! and five different pastries. Bon appétit! 10. The Clipper Lounge at Served daily in The Lobby, this classic British Where: Lobby Lounge, 6/F Island Shangri-La, Pa- Where: Shop 308, 3/F, Phase 2, Lee Garden, 28 Yun Mandarin Oriental set offers a selection of finger sandwiches cific Place, Supreme Court Road, Central, (+852) Ping Road, Causeway Bay, (+852) 2505 6228 Trade a cup of tea for a glass of bubbles at the and savoury pastries, homemade afternoon 2877 3838 How much: $468 for two people / $248 per person Mandarin’s Clipper Lounge. Tuck into a selec- tea pastries, freshly-baked scones and How much: $528 for two people tion of savoury treats such as delicate finger Devonshire clotted cream, as well as your sandwiches, before indulging in a choice of If you prefer a touch of nature with your 6. Palm Court at The choice of tea. Go one step further and add a sweet treats like the much-loved American cuppa, then kick back and relax in the ele- 3. The Parlour at Hullett Glass of Deutz Peninsula, Brut Champagne to Langham cheesecake, strawberry tart, and gant Lobby Lounge of the Island Shangri-La The mothership of afternoon tea venues for 150 and red bean mousse cakes. A selection of your table for an extra $190. Tradition never House and enjoy the view of the hotel’s tropical This afternoon tea properly evokes a tangible years, Palm Court pays tribute to the Langham in warm raisin and classic scones are also on tasted so good! Where: The Clipper Lounge, Mandarin Oriental, gardens and ancient Banyan Tree. Listen to sense of Hong Kong with a selection of timeless London in fitting fashion. Its Afternoon Tea with offer, accompanied by the Mandarin’s famed 5 Connaught Road, Central, (+852) 2825 4007 Where: The Peninsula, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha live classical music from the piano quartet as favourites - baked mini puff, sticky rice Wedgwood is perhaps the most decadent you will rose petal jam and Devonshire clotted cream. How much: $298 per people / $448 with cham- Tsui, (+852) 2696 6772 you sip on your choice of tea while munching dumpling, osmanthus cake, corned beef and find in Hong Kong, serving Wedgwood specialty Add a naughty glass of Ruinart Champagne to pagne (Mon – Fri), $318 per person / $468 with How much: $658 for two people your way through three tiers of delights. With egg sandwich, Chinese pastries, butter teas in tailor-made Langham Rose Wedgwood tea the mix for an extra treat. champagne (weekends and public holidays)

12 localiiz.com 13 3. Underwater Spinning alternative al fresco workout is now a popular Wacky Workouts sport in Hong Kong thanks to hula hooping Spinning in your swimwear may seem like a heroine Emma Brown. Under her guidance, crazy idea, but not at Hong Kong’s first aqua you will begin by mastering the art of whipping fitness centre, Hydro 1.0. Dip your toe in the hoops from your waist up to one hand, before 8 x 20 foot hydro-spinning training pool and pulling all sorts of impressive stunts that look work up a sweat on their underwater bicycles amazing on camera! Classes are held in Tamar Fun Classes and treadmills. So how does it work? Hydraulic Park, or under the cover of Pier 10 if the weath- pressure intensifies your muscular workout, er is protesting. And if you’re on the lookout for whilst the buoyancy of the water relives tension an alternative celebration - whether it’s a hen Underwater Spinning on your joints, making this the perfect workout do, kids’ party, or a grown-up birthday bash in Hong Kong for toning muscles and increasing flexibility. - then a private hooping session is sure to get Well, it’s definitely shaking up the traditional the fun flowing. If, like us, you have a weakness breast stroke approach to working out in the for Netflix and Deliveroo, and pool. There are also three underwater cameras, Turning Circles, Tamar Park, (+852) 5324 7473 8 meaning your coach can keep an eye on your may have piled on a few extra underwater movements – so no slacking! 6. Aerial Yoga pounds of late, then you might be From waterborne to airborne, the possibilities Hydro 1.0, Shop 6, Brilliant Court, 28 Praya, Ken- looking for ways to get back into are endless when it comes to yoga. Tried and nedy Town, (+852) 9475 0737 shape that don’t necessarily mean tested by our editorial team, Aerial Yoga is both a workout and an experience. You will be slogging away at the gym. Luckily 4. Stiletto Heels guided through a range of floor exercises and Strut your stuff at Dance Trinity with sexy for us, Hong Kong has heaps stretches using your hammock as a support, mover and stiletto heel pro, Milton. Posture, Bubble Football of weird and wonderful fitness before moving into fully airborne positions. routines, catwalk styles – this hour and a half- Soon enough you’ll be hanging upside down like classes that promise to add some long class is jam-packed with exciting exercises a bat, although getting back up can prove to be that not only tone your muscles, but ensure you trick. You’ve seen the clips of Usher, Janet, and fun to your workout. So put down a lot less graceful! Clearly elegance comes with leave the modern, Sheung Wan studio oozing Missy, well now it’s your time to get the same the remote, peel yourself off the practice. Aerial yoga is a growing trend in Hong funky moves with full-on dance sequences that confidence. Milton’s vivacious personality and Kong, with classes in mainstream gyms such as sofa, and take advantage of our will make you feel like the hottest booty on talent for dance draws out your inner diva and Fitness First as well as specialist centres such the block. Get ready to turn your world upside city’s wacky exercise scene. will have you flicking your hair and flashing as Aerial Arts Academy and Bodywize. So, if down – in a good way! sultry looks around the room in no time! And you’re keen to give it a go, there are plenty of boy does time fly when you start working those Words by Scarlett Whittell places to get your skills off the ground. Pure Fitness, click here for locations, (+852) 8129 heels to the music. Just make sure you bring 8000 shoes with ankle straps or support. If you’re Aerial Arts Academy, click here for locations, (+852) 2375 8088 looking for a Kowloon-side session, then you’re 8. Bubble Football in luck because Milton hosts a Heels Class Bodywize, 3F, Cubus, No 1 Hoi Ping Road, Cause- What could be more fun than climbing inside a 1. Stand Up Paddle at Studio Danz every Monday evening from way Bay, (+852) 2838 5686 giant, inflatable bubble and wreaking havoc in (SUP) Yoga 8.30pm to 10pm. Fitness First, click here for locations, (+852) 2525 a huge open arena? Bubble football is not only So you’ve mastered the cobra and down- 2900 Dance Trinity, 8/F, Fung Woo Centre, 279 – 281 a great workout for your legs, it’s undeniably ward facing dog in the studio, but can you Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan, (+852) hilarious too, and the teams at Crossfire Are- nail it on a paddle board at sea? Now’s your 7. Handstands Aerial Yoga at Bodywize 9634 9770 na and Bubble Football have plenty of games chance to find out, as Hong Kong’s SUP Flip your workout on its head and join one of Studio Danz, Workshop B, 5/F, Tontex Industrial on offer to get you (quite literally) bouncing Yoga brings you a summer of waterborne the multiple handstand classes and workshops 40 and 100 trampolines, and burn up to 1,000 Building, 2-4 Sheung Hei Street, San Po Kong, off the walls! And if running around inside a fun. Join your fellow yogis for some relax- Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Yoga on offer around the city. The art of controlled calories per hour – that’s double your average (+852) 2332 8006 giant bubble isn’t wacky enough for you, then ing paddle board action in the picturesque handstands are making somewhat of a come- spinning class by the way! With the Com- try turning off the lights and seeing how well surroundings of the South China Sea. Perfect weight. Make sure you book well in back in our yoga-obsessed city, and no wonder. batBounce martial arts inspired workout at you fare in the dark. With a huge, neon ball, for enhancing your flexibility, improving your advance though, as these exciting sessions fill 5. Hula Hooping Whether you sign up for a private session with BounceLimit, and Themed Night Thursdays at heart-pounding music, and dazzling lasers balance, and toning those abs, this quirky sport up faster than you can say “namaste!” Hula hoop your way to handstand expert, Andres Vesga, or join one of Ryze Ultimate Trampoline Park, you really are flashing around the arena, this really is a whole has been a hit for years now with yogis who health and happiness his group sessions spoilt for choice when it comes to picking your other ball game. They even offer different event love the water and appreciate stretching it out 2. Trampolining with Hong Kong’s first at Pure Fitness, adrenaline-pumping workout. packages, should you have a birthday or stag/ in beautiful, natural surroundings. If mindful- If a sweaty session at the gym doesn’t float hooping company, you will emerge hen do coming up anytime soon. ness is what you’re after, then give their SUP your boat, then why not take your workout to a Turning Circles. with a killer Meditation & Yin class a go, and enjoy a series whole new level at one of Hong Kong’s popular BounceLimit, 13/F 22-26 Bonham Strand, Sheung Strengthening your core, upper body Crossfire Arena (pictured above), 13D, Wah Ha of yin yoga stretches and 20-minute guided trampoline parks. Here you will get to unleash Wan, (+852) 2441 0021 core, toning your strength, and se- Building, 8 Shipyard Lane, Quarry Bay, (+852) meditation. If you want to step it up a gear, your inner child and let loose as you bounce Ryze Ultimate Trampoline Park, 3/F, 321 Java arms, and develop- rious balance skills 9378 1875 however, then try their SUP Fitness class, an your way to fitness in these spring-loaded Road, Quarry Bay, (+852) 2337 8191 ing strong, slender – not to mention Bubble Football, 6/F, Grande Building, 398-402 intensive workout that makes use of your body urban playgrounds, which feature between shoulders, this an awesome party Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong, (+852) 9666 0869

14 localiiz.com 15 Double Chocolate Golden Goddess at Pedicure at Bliss Spa Angsana Spa Calling all chocoholics! We think we’ve stumbled into our own little paradise with this one. If you think there’s nothing more enjoyable than pampering your toes with a lovely, relaxing pedicure, just imagine soaking your feet in a hot chocolate milk bath! No we’re not dreaming, this is totally doable – just head to W Hong Kong’s Bliss Spa and ask for Some people like to wear gold – others prefer their deliciously luxurious Double to smother it all over their bodies. Book your- Chocolate Pedicure. This heavenly self into Hotel Icon’s exquisite Angsana Spa treatment allows you to indulge (sister to the widely-acclaimed Banyan Tree your fantasy of dipping your toes Spa) and let the magical therapists transform in gooey chocolate as you tuck into you into a sparkling goddess with the Glitter a tasty choccie treat and get them Golden Bliss treatment. After enjoying a luxu- polished to perfection. rious body scrub made from , fresh milk, Perched on the 72nd floor of the honey, and pure gold foil, and a quick rinse in W Hong Kong, the spa also offers your own private ensuite shower to wash sensational views of the Kowloon away the particles, you will enjoy a 60-minute skyline, so you get to enjoy sixty body conditioning massage using a mixture of minutes of “toe”-tal indulgence with heated body lotion, massage cream, olive oil, something pretty to look at too – as and gold powder that will work wonders on if melted chocolate wasn’t enough! those knots and quite likely send you to sleep. And make sure to check out the spa’s To finish, you can select a facial from the spa’s Luxury Spa Treatments brownie buffet while you’re there – signature selection, which lasts for 60 blissful paradise! minutes, before rounding of your pamper ses- sion with some herbal tea and fresh fruit. Double Chocolate Pedicure – $650 This treatment is brilliant for two reasons: (60 minutes) firstly, all the therapists at Angsana are trained Bliss Spa, 72/F, W Hong Kong, 1 4 in , meaning they have incredibly heal- Austin Road West, Kowloon Station, ing hands when it comes to soothing out those (+852) 3717 2797 aches and pains. Secondly, aside from making www.w-hongkong.com/bliss-spa You Need to Try you feel like a golden fairy goddess, these par- ticles are said to contain anti-aging properties Words by Sophie Pettit 2. and provide a luminosity to your skin. Bonus! The aptly named Chocolate Heaven treat- Chocolate Heaven Glitter Golden Bliss Treatment – $2,000 (2.5 While hot stone massages and essential oil facials are a lovely way to treat ourselves and rejuvenate our bodies, ment at Sparadise is exactly that – a choccie hours) sometimes a girl just has the urge to splurge and go for something really special. With this in mind, we’ve rounded up at Sparadise lover’s paradise. This 75-minute pamper Angsana Spa, 9/F, Hotel Icon, 17 Science session includes a full body organic choc- four super indulgent treatments that take pamper time to a whole new level of luxury. You’re in for a serious treat. Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, olate honey scrub followed by a chocolate (+852) 3400 1052 body wrap that will leave your skin smelling www.angsanaspa.com/find-a-spa/angsa- sweet and feeling smooth as silk. Scientists Boozy Bubble Baths sake? Well now imagine bathing in it! Mul- sage, or simple unwind with an aromatherapy na-spa-hotel-icon are always telling us that chocolate contains at Sense of Touch ti-award-winning spa Sense of Touch knows massage, we can guarantee you’ll walk out exactly how to tickle our taste buds with feeling like royalty. We tried out the Vine many health benefits, so you won’t need to four amazing alcohol-themed treatments Romance (pictured) which makes for a deli- think twice before smothering the gorgeous to indulge in. Take a relaxing dip in a bubble ciously cheeky treat for wine lovers – not to stuff all over your body. The only problem bath full of Chardonnay, dark ale beer, or mention some envy inducing Instagram pics! you might have is resisting the urge to lick it Exclusive Offer all off in the process – just imagine the sugar sake before enjoying a delicious body scrub Cheers to Beers / For Heaven’s Sake / A Vine high you’d get from that! Have you been to Sparadise? using ingredients from each drink, followed Romance – all $1,780 each (2 hours) by a heavenly 60-minute massage. Whether Sense of Touch, (locations in Central, Repulse Chocolate Heaven – $800 (75 minutes) Enjoy a one-time 30% off discount on any you’re looking to iron out those aches and Bay, Discovery Bay, Sai Kung, Tsueng Kwan O, If dipping your toes in hot chocolate isn’t Sparadise Hong Kong, 3 & 4/F, 60 Wellington treatment (including Chocolate Heaven) on pains with a deep tissue massage, boost your and Cyberport) enough to satisfy your sweet cravings, then Street, Central, (+852) 2997 2208 your first visit by mentioning ‘Localiiz’ at the What’s your favourite tipple? Beer, wine, energy levels with a lymphatic drainage mas- www.senseoftouch.com.hk you can always cover your entire body in it. www.sparadise.com.hk time of booking. Call to book now.

16 localiiz.com 17 HOW TO: Tackle the Mould in Your Wardrobe

With the Hong Kong humidity still threatening to wreak havoc on our wardrobes, we turn to Catherine Martsch, head designer, stylist, and founder of local fashion brand LoveIt, for some top tips on how to tackle mould.

If you want to look good, feel great, and smell 3 Never put worn clothes 5 Buy a dehumidifier with like a rose - rather than a swamp - during the back in the closet without a ‘drying’ function humid months in Hong Kong, it pays to take having them cleaned first If you are going to invest in buying a dehu- special care of what goes into your closet. In humid conditions mould will easily form midifier, it’s worth buying one with a ‘drying’ Sweat and small spillages on garments and on tiny leftover remnants of spilt food or function so that your garments will be super shoes, that you would barely notice in other dry in the shortest possible time. Dehumidi- drinks and once it forms on your clothing, parts of the world, combine with the humidity fiers with a drying function are also great for will often leave permanent damage. Sweat to wreak havoc, but these simple tips will keep ensuring shoes are perfectly dry at the end of and deodorant smells that might not be that you looking good. a hot and humid day noticeable to you when you are undressing will also quickly amplify and can transfer to your entire closet, giving both you and your 6 Buy humidity beads 1 Don’t leave clothing or clothing a dank smell which is very noticeable Storing humidity beads in shoe boxes and on shoes in plastic packaging to others and can be quite offensive. every shelf of your closet is a good idea, espe- If there is little or no circulation reaching your cially those shelves and drawers that aren’t clothes, then mould will find a way in. 4 Try to buy clothing that accessed very often. The beads from is ‘wash and wear’ Home Centre are great. 2 Avoid putting damp By doing this, you can avoid dry cleaning items back in your closet as the smells from dry cleaning chem- 7 Store clothes in a small Putting any items – especially shoes – that icals can also easily transfer to other room are damp from summer rain or humidity items in your closet and result in a dank If you are leaving your apartment and don’t back into your closet without having them smell which, when combined with de- want to leave the air-con on all day, it’s best to perfectly dry first will facilitate the growth odorant and sweat, can be offensive to have your clothes in a small room where you of mould. others. can leave the dehumidifier on all day.

localiiz.com 19 Clear the Clutter: Crossroads Foundation Friends of the Earth in need, Remar Hong Kong is able to accept Where to Donate Unwanted Books, If you have larger items that you’re looking Reusing and recycling is the name of the larger electrical appliances and furniture to shift, such as furniture and electrical game for environmental charity Friends of donations which are stored in its large ware- Clothes, and Other Items home appliances, then give Crossroads a the Earth. They launched the Used Clothes house. You can call or email them to arrange call. The long standing NGO takes high-qual- Recycling Programme in 2001, and accept a pick up, but be aware that there are charges for their assistance and travel. It’s no secret that our tiny apartments in Hong Kong can ity, unwanted goods from Hong Kong and items such as clothes, shoes, and handbags at redistributes them to people in need around the many collection points dotted around the What you can donate: Large electrical applianc- accumulate a lot of clutter over the years, and before the world. They accept all sorts of items, in Hong Kong city. Re-wearables are sent to neighbouring es and furniture from clothing, books, and bedding, to small you know it, you’re battling with bowing wardrobe rails, countries while worn out pieces are turned Remar Hong Kong, 1/F No.19, Shui Tau Tsuen, and large cooking equipment, electrical overflowing draws, and god knows what lurking in that into wipers for industrial use. The profits made Yuen Long, Northern Territories, (+852) 3193 appliances, and furniture. All re-wearable from the programme are spent to support the 4919 black hole under your bed. goods go into their Global Distribution FoE(HK) community education works. Since Program, half of which are distributed to 2001, they have collected more than 4,000 Mother’s Choice Words by Sophie Pettit local cases sponsored by the Social Welfare tonnes of used clothes. Add your bundle to Mother’s Choice is a local charity serving the Department, while the other half are des- the mix and find your nearest collection point. ignated to foreign countries such as India, many children without families and preg- Luckily, there are numerous ways to donate Cameroon, and Fiji. Fill out the online form What you can donate: All wearable clothing, nant teenagers in Hong Kong. They provide unwanted items and give them a second life to describe what you would like to donate, shoes, bedding, handbags high-quality services for children, youth, and while contributing towards a worthy cause. and give them a call to arrange a pick up or Friends of the Earth, (+852) 2528 5588 families, and are often looking for baby items So the next time you get the urge to purge drop off at their door. Just be aware that it such as clothes, toys, and electrical applianc- and clear everything from clothing and toys can take a few weeks to arrange their pick- Po Leung Kuk Orphanage es that are still in good working condition. to books and even furniture and electronics, up service, so you might want to hire a man You can check their website to see what they check out these local charities and consign- with a van instead. need most at this time, and give them a call to ment shops that can help lighten the load and let them know what you’d like to donate and What you can donate: All wearable clothing, benefit those in need. Happy de-cluttering! arrange drop off at one of their four locations. electrical appliances, household goods, furni- ture, baby items and toys What you can donate: Any baby items, toys, and BooksMart Caritas Community part of their Green Collection Charity Drive, Crossroads Foundation, Crossroads Village, electrical appliances Centre they accept any item of clothing that can be 2 Castle Peak Road, Tuen Mun, (+852) 2984 Mother’s Choice, (+852) 3915 5710 worn again, as well as baby items, books, and 9309 The official social service agency of the Locations at: Borrett Road Office, 10 Borrett toys. You can give them a call to arrange a Catholic Church in Hong Kong, Caritas aims Road, Mid-Levels, pick up from your home. to address some of the social hardships and Hong Kong Salvation Kennedy Road Office, 42B Kennedy Road, inequalities of people in Hong Kong, pro- What you can donate: All wearable clothing, Army Mid-Levels, The Hong Kong Salvation Army Recycling Child Care Home, 5 Bowen Road, Mid-Levels, viding social work, education, medical care, books, baby items and toys Formally established as the Society for the Programme welcomes both organisation and Units A & H, 21/F Legend Tower, 7 Shing Yip community development, and hospitality Christian Action, (+852) 2456 2220 Protection of Women and Children in 1880, personal donations such as clothing, books, Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon services. They accept all wearable clothing, Po Leung Kuk Orphanage currently runs over toys, and home electrical appliances. You can as well as used toys and books, but they do Hong Kong Federation 260 units throughout Hong Kong providing drop your donations off at any of the seven- ask that donated toys are cleaned first. You welfare, educational, recreational, and cul- St. James’ Settlement of Handicapped Youth teen Family Stores in Hong Kong where they If you’re looking to lighten your book shelf can help support their program and drop Established in 1970, this government regis- tural services to the community. They accept Tucked away on Stone Nullah Lane, St. James’ are sold to raise money to support a variety of and give your favourite reads a new home, off your items at their community centre in a wide variety of donations to meet the basic Settlement run a number of charity projects, tered organisation helps people with disa- the charity’s community programmes. Some then second-hand bookstore BooksMart is Mid-Levels. needs of their recipients and these can be including day care and a food bank for the bilities in Hong Kong. It accepts donations of of the donated goods will directly help people always on the lookout for donations. Located dropped off at their Wan Chai location. elderly. You can drop off canned or dry food What you can donate: All wearable clothing second-hand clothing and books which prove in need, such as street sleepers, ex-prisoners, in Sai Ying Pun, the store sells quality, new which have an expiry date more than eight Caritas Community Centre, 2/F, Caritas House, to be very helpful to the young people they the home-alone elderly, and CSSA recipients. What you can donate: All wearable clothing, and used English books at very reasonable weeks away, as well as any wearable clothing 2-8 Caine Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong, (+852) support. If you live on Kowloon side, this is For donations of a large quantity, such as five electrical appliances, computers, stationery, prices. However, be sure to email them a list and small electrical appliances which are 2843 4652 a great donation option as you can drop off large bags of clothing, or heavy items such as toys, baby items, household accessories, and of your books first so they can tell you which then sold to raise funds to support the char- your items at their address in Wong Tai Sin. TV sets, washing machines, refrigerators, and cookware ones they can accept. ity’s projects. Christian Action What you can donate: All wearable clothing and large musical instruments, contact the Recy- Po Leung Kuk Orphanage, 66 Leighton Road, What you can donate: Books Established in 1985 as a registered chari- books cling Hotline to arrange a pick-up service one Wan Chai, Hong Kong, (+852) 2277 8888 What you can donate: All wearable clothing, to two weeks in advance. BooksMart, Flat 212, 11/F, Glorious Commer- table organisation in Hong Kong, Christian Hong Kong Federation of Handicapped Youth, small electrical appliances, and canned or dry cial Building, No. 210-212 Des Voeux Road Action is the only comprehensive provider of G/F, 16-21 Wan Kei House, Wang Tau Hom What you can donate: All wearable clothing and Remar Hong Kong food items West, Sai Ying Pun, (+852) 2620 5035 services to ethnic minorities, refugees, asy- Estate, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon, (+852) 2388 electrical appliances A Christian charity dedicated to helping St. James’ Settlement, 85 Stone Nullah Lane, Email: [email protected] lum seekers, and foreign domestic helpers. As 5111 Hong Kong Salvation Army, (+852) 2572 2879 drug addicts, the homeless, and other people Wan Chai, Hong Kong, (+852) 2574 5201

20 localiiz.com 21 With new places popping up every week, and new menus serving up healthier options – bar the occasional boozy brunch – we really are spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out in Hong Kong. We tuck into the hottest new bites and delights around the city. New Menus New Korean Dishes at Momojein

Words by Sophie Pettit New on the Menu: BARS, Calling all K-food lovers! We pretty sure we’ve found the best Korean fried chicken RESTAURANTS, in Hong Kong – big statement we know, but just wait until you sink your teeth into these juicy delights! Korean chef Lim Hee Won of contemporary Korean restaurant Momojein BRUNCHES has unveiled a selection of reinvented classic dishes that ooze flavour. The sizzling hot Spicy Bell Pepper Tuna ($162) and Soondoo- AND MORE bu Stew ($208), packed with fresh seafood, vegetables, tofu, and Korean chili, will blow your mind. The real stars of the show though are the Kalbi & Grilled Vegetables ($390) and KFD (Korean Fried Drumsticks) which Sheraton's Vivacious Sunday Champagne Brunch come in two sizes (large $240 and regular $128) and three delicious flavours: original, spicy, and soy sauce. The juicy slices of Kalbi had a chance to try it out yet, but with highly-ac- regions in France at surprisingly reasonable Flamingo Bloom Tea Salon and Honey Orchid Black, then decide if USDA prime beef are wonderfully tender and they’d like their tea over ice, with fresh fruit, claimed Executive Chef Kent Lee Chin Heng at prices. Owner Thierry Rochas Duperier is Calling all tea lovers! Launched earlier this grilled to perfection, giving them a slightly boba, matcha, French rose, or a salted milk New Places the helm – former chef of Hakkasan Mumbai and busting with enthusiasm and knowledge about summer, new chic new tea salon Flamingo charred exterior which pairs beautifully with cap. We feel parched just looking at this gor- Britain’s highest ranked Chinese restaurant, Kai wine and cheese, having owned three successful Bloom is serving up handcrafted floral the homemade dip. Meanwhile, geous photo, but if that isn’t enough to lure Fang Fang Mayfair – we’re pretty sure it’s going to be good. shops in Paris selling both, and he takes his loose-leaf teas and fresh natural ingredients the soy sauce fried chicken – with hints of you through their doors, then the salon’s fromage very seriously. He not only flies more in a stylish setting. Parched Hong Kongers licorice, , and salt – is out of this Fang Fang, 8/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, botanical decor and striking pop up colours than 150kg of the stuff in from France every can enjoy frosty iced teas inside the salon or world! The sauce is beautifully tangy and Central, (+852) 2983 9083 surely are. week, he also ages a lot of it himself in the take them away, all they have to do is choose thick enough to coat your fingers as you nib- restaurant. The Brie here is beautifully creamy one of four base teas: Jasmine Green Tips, Flamingo Bloom, G/F, Shop B, 50 Stanley Street, ble, making it finger licking good! And if you La Fromagerie without being runny and the goat’s cheese Highland Oolong, Chrysanthemum Pu’er, Central, (+852) 2483 1778 have room for dessert, the Baesuk Sherbet is to die for. And with quality red, white, and ($88) is sensational. This refreshing summer rose wines starting from $80 a glass, it’s fair to dish features a fresh, warm Korean pear sat say there’s something to suit all palettes and in a sweet soup made with cinnamon, ginger, budgets. If you’re on a budget, however, then honey, and sugar, and conjures up all the swing by happy hour from 3pm daily and enjoy feelings of Christmas, giving it a homely feel The latest restaurant to pop up in LKF Tower, that warms your heart and your belly. There house whites and reds for $39 per glass, or beer Fang Fang serves up contemporary Asian dishes are some pretty mean cocktails on offer too. for $49 a pint. They also have a lunch and dinner such as Roasted Duck with ($495), Beef The spicy D.M.Z (Demilitarized Zone), which menu, as well as wine and cheese tastings hosted Short Ribs ($475), and Forest Honey Grilled comes with popping candy, lime juice, green by Thierry himself. And if you’re looking to stock Chilean Seabass ($275), along with Asian chilli, and a hip flask of Hwayo soju, is by up your fridge, you can also buy cheese here and inspired cocktails. Named after the mysterious Fresh gastro-bar La Fromagerie has opened its far the best and quite reasonably priced at take away a bottle (or three). Chinese opera singer Fang Fang, the elegant doors in the heart of Soho, offering cheese and $108. Pouring the soju over the candy and 130-seater venue includes a restaurant, bar wine lovers a cosy place to indulge in top-quality La Fromagerie, 16 Elgin Street, Soho, Central, listening to the crackling sounds is beyond and lounge, and two private rooms. We haven’t gourmet goodies imported from a variety of (+852) 5526 2600 satisfying. The sweet and throthy Makgeolli

22 localiiz.com 23 Dr. Fern’s Mad Hatter Afternoon Tea Party

Shake ($98) is also incredibly good, thanks to New Dinner Menu at soy, is a definite must order and will have you ($138) – our personal favourite, which comes the homemade angelica root, ice-cream, and Employees Only foaming at the mouth when you break through with poached DHA pasteurized egg, organic chocolate flakes which make it a delicious the golden crispy skin to discover the steam- quinoa, Scottish salmon, avocado, capers, baby dessert drink. Overall, dining at Momojein is ing hot and tender chicken below. Although spinach and pesto sauce, and the gorgeously as much about the experience as it is about the desserts do look incredible – the Orange tender Homemade Free Chicken Supreme the food. With unforgettable dishes, kick-ass Cinnamon Churros and Coconut Panna Cotta ($198) with aromatic herbs, baby vegetables, cocktails, and a modern, clean space to relax Cake in particular – they don’t and potato fondue. Topping our list of favour- in with friends, it’s a winner all round. quite hit the mark for us and left us wanting a ites on the sweet side are the delicious Chef’s little more sugar. Overall though, this is a great Momojein, 202 Queen’s Rd E, Wan Chai, (+852) Gluten Free Buttermilk ($108) spot for dining out with friends in the heart of 2789 1949 with banana and hazelnuts, and the Parfait the drinking district, and the music will certainly of Greek Fat-free Yoghurt & Granola ($98) get you going, covering everything from mellow which tastes as incredible as it looks. Washed New Set Lunch at beats to old school rock as the night goes on. Fishsteria Best known for its killer cocktails and cool down with a tangy Antioxidant Smoothie speakeasy vibe, new bar Employees Only Employees Only, 19 Lan Kwai Fong, Central, ($76) of banana, , coconut milk, Popular Wan Chai seafood restaurant and The Restaurant By The Kinnet is now serving up bistro bites with Eastern (+852) 2468 2755 and ginger, and you’ll be back on your feet oyster bar Fishsteria has launched a tasty European influences. Starters include dishes in no time. Hands down the best booze-free new set lunch for $238 per person, offering Staying loyal to its health-conscious roots, The Mixed Berries and the Rose Crème Brulèe (al- like the must order Smoked Clam Chowder brunch we’ve had in a while – okay ever. dishes such as the deliciously refreshing Sheraton’s Vivacious Restaurant By The Kinnet has launched two though this could do with being a bit sweeter with fresh Manilla clams and chunks of French Scallop Carpaccio, saucy Mixed Seafood Served every Saturday and Sunday and public new menus: one low-carb and one low-calorie, and having a harder surface to crack). Overall potatoes, peas, and delicious saffron broth, Sunday Champagne Brunch Tagliatelle, tender Grilled Whole Fish, and holidays with dishes packed full of delicious ingredients though, this is a great lunch or dinner option for Steak Tartare served with mixed greens (pic- We’ve had some cracking brunches in our time, must order Burrata Crab Meat Salad. Add DiVino Wine Bar & Restaurant, G/F, 73 Wynd- that are bursting with flavour. These three- those looking to keep their calorie or carb count tured), and Seared Scallops with bone marrow but this one takes the . Head to the Oyster three pieces of daily oysters into the mix course lunch and dinner menus are priced & Wine Bar on the top floor of the Sheraton Hong ham Street, Central, (+852) 2167 8883 down without sacrificing flavour. It’s also worth mash and toasted hazelnut, which totally stole at $350 per guest and feature a deliciously for an additional $58, and a glass of chilled mentioning the fresh and elegant decor of this the show for us. For mains, the Peking Duck Kong and lap up the stunning view of Victoria rosé, and you’ve got one delicious seafood juicy Grilled Vegetable Salad, beautifully Salad with cucumber, beansprouts, spring Harbour while indulging in unlimited servings of Healthy Menus at The spacious and airy restaurant, which all adds to lunch on your hands. Make sure you leave tender Seared Halibut, and our own personal onion, chilli, and hoisin dressing has a lovely fresh oysters and seafood, steaks and appetis- the feeling of ‘eating clean’. room for dessert though, as the mixed fruity Restaurant By The Kinnet favourite, a zingy Seared Cod with Warm Tom spicy kick, while the Hot Smoked Salmon on a ers, delicious hot dishes, and tantalising desserts sorbet makes for a refreshing end to this Looking for delicious, hearty food without the Yum Salad. There are some surprisingly good The Restaurant By The Kinnet, 3/F, 33 Hillier bed of creamy potato salad made with crème at the newly launched Vivacious Sunday Cham- fishy feast. carb or calorie guilt? We know where to go. desserts too, like the fluffyVanilla Soufflé with Street, Sheung Wan , (+852) 3968 7623 fraîche is beautifully seared and cooked to pagne Brunch. We’re pretty confident these are Fishsteria, G/F & 1/F, 111 Queen’s Road East, perfection. The Crispy Skin Chicken, served the best oysters we’ve ever tasted in Hong Kong, Wan Chai, (+852) 2343 8111 with a Sichuan cucumber salad and garlic and the Classic Lobster Thermidor isn’t half bad either. Just make sure you leave plenty of room for dessert as the Mini Hot Soufflé with kahlua, Divino’s Weekend Recovery Brunch ginger, vanilla, or grand marnier toppings are something you don’t want to miss. Pair these gorgeous dishes with your choice of free-flow Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut, Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé, or the newly released Perrier-Jouët Blanc de Blancs (our personal favourite), and you’re in for one unforgettable Sunday feast.

Priced at $998, $1,298, or $1,498 (price de- pends on your champagne choice) Oyster & Wine Bar, 18/F, Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers, 20 Nathan Road, Kowloon, (+852) 2369 1111 Divino’s Weekend Recovery Brunch Had a big one last night and need a little pick- me-up? Then head to DiVino Wine Bar and tuck into their delicious new Weekend Recovery Brunch, which serves up tasty a la carte dishes packed with all the nutrients and super foods you’ll need to feel human again. Including a mixture of sweet and savoury options, the menu includes dishes like chef’s Healing Bowl

24 All that Jazz!

Fringe Club and Allen Youngblood & Jazbalaya on various Studio Club Saturdays throughout the coming months. You can always count on our favourite Head down to Studio Club and enjoy live jazz With a live session on most nights, it’s a safe Hong Kong’s Best creative venue to whip up some quality six days a week in the swanky surroundings bet you’ll end up enjoying an evening of solid, live jazz. Although there’s no regular night of this high-end joint. Swing by on a Thurs- no-fuss live music. scheduled, there is always one on the near day and you’ll be lucky enough to catch the horizon at this arty landmark. From big band Live music on most nights (check the website for wonderful Pete Kelly Trio, which has gained jazz to pop jazz, jazz and blues to jazz fusion, the full schedule) quite the following in the city. Inspired by the choice is endless. Plus, don’t miss your Peel Fresco, 49 Peel Street, Central, (+852) classic New York music venues, Studio offers chance to catch The Saturday Night Jazz 2540 2046 an intimate lounge where premium cocktails Orchestra who are known to make several and champagne are the real stars of the show Jazz Bars appearances throughout the year at their All Bert’s Bar – aside from the fabulous in-house band of About Swing gigs. Enter the bistro basement of the famous course. Be warned though, they don’t come Foreign Correspondents’ Club (FCC) and cheap – an eye-watering $270 for a glass of Visit the website for more information enjoy live jazz from Tuesday to Friday. Named Veuve or Moët! Payday treat maybe? Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong after the late Bert Okuley - a distinguished Kong, (+852) 2521 7251 Every Wednesday to Sunday, (9pm onwards) jazz piano-playing foreign correspondent and Studio Club, 1/F, On Hing Building, 1 On Hing former FCC President - Bert’s has regularly Terrace, Central Tiffany’s New York Bar played host to jazz musicians from across For the ultimate night of razzle dazzle fun, the globe, including Allen Youngblood and of head to the InterContinental Grand Stan- course, the FCC house band. To gain access to Orange Peel Music ford’s Gin & Jazz night. Held every other this jazz hub, you need to be a member of the Lounge Whether you’re a long-time lover of jazz, or a total Friday evening, this fantastic affair mixes FFC, or attend as their guest – know any jazz newbie, our city is overflowing with live music the most amazing gin cocktails, the most loving journos? delicious cheese platters, and the most delec- venues that are guaranteed to get your toes tapping. Tuesday to Friday, (performance times vary, table jazz you are likely to find in Hong Kong. check the website for the full schedule) So why not shake things up the next time you hit the You will literally feel transported back to the Bert’s Bar, The Foreign Correspondents’ Club, “roaring 1920s” as you sip on your ice-cold town and check out one of these top jazz joints? North Block, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central, Hendricks and kick back to these sensational (+852) 2521 1511 Tiffany’s New York Bar Words by Sophie Pettit vocals. If you’re looking for a romantic Friday night with your “sweetheart”, then this is absolutely your spot! Grappa’s Cellar Blue Bar at the Four Seasons Ned Kelly’s Last Stand Gecko Time your visit to Grappa’s right and you For some brass with a bit of class, swing by Feeling wild? Venture over to Kolwoon and If you love whiskey as much as you love jazz, Every other Friday, (9pm – midnight) might strike lucky and catch the Stray Katz Blue Bar at the Four Seasons on a Friday tap your toes all night long to the Dixieland then Gecko is your dream hangout. Tucked Tiffany’s New York Bar, Lobby Level, InterCon- jazz band in full swing. Performing on the or Saturday night and watch the house jazz band. With live performances every away in Ezra Lane alley (off Cochrane Street), tinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong, 70 Mody first Saturday of every month, they bring band, Innovation, do their thing. With a night of the week, the party never ends in this hidden gem is the place to be from Tues- Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, (+852) 2585 the house down with their vocals, big bass, great drinks list, fancy bar nuts, and the this charming western-style Aussie haunt. day to Saturday, when some of the city’s top 2545 and energy, making this a perfect spot to Orange Peel Music Lounge perfect blend of soft lighting and smooth Its cosy atmosphere, hearty Western grub, musicians and singers bring the spirit of jazz How much: $298 per guest (includes one cock- chill out with some drinks and tuck into tail and one snack platter) tunes, there’s no better place to unwind and infectious music - courtesy of some of alive after sundown. The intimate setting and an Italian meal with a great soundtrack. Dubbed “Lan Kwai Fong for grown ups”, this after a long week at work. There’s no set the best jazz musicians the city has to offer cosy atmosphere make it the perfect spot for Seating up to 350 people, it’s certainly not softly-lit watering hole is home to some of dress code, but they do suggest going smart - make this an absolute must for those want- like-minded music lovers who enjoy tipples Peel Fresco Live Music Bar short on space, so grab some friends and the most unique art and music in Hong Kong. casual, so resist donning your flip-flops on ing Southern Louisiana sounds with a lot of that pack a punch – try the Aqwa Bomb or the Pull up a cushiony lounge stool and catch live head down there. Decked out with colourful wall paintings, those balmy nights. horns! famous Gecko’s Absinthe if you dare! jazz at its finest in this cosy hangout which Every first Saturday of the month, (8pm on- padded chairs, and a nine-foot grand piano, Friday and Saturday nights, (8pm – 1am) Every night, (9.30pm – 1am) Tuesday to Saturday, (10pm til late) boasts a rotating list of guest jazz musicians. wards) this classy venue plays host to a jazz night Blue Bar, Lobby Level, Four Seasons Hotel, 8 Ned Kelly’s Last Stand, 11A Ashley Road, Tsim Gecko, LG/F, Au’s Building, Ezra’s Lane, Central, Catch regulars The Wong Way Down: Nate Grappa’s Cellar, B/F Jardine House 1 Connaught every Tuesday, with various Saturday perfor- Finance Street, Central, (+852) 3196 8888 Sha Tsui, Kowloon, (852) 2376 0562 (+852) 2660 0889 Wong Jazz Crew every Sunday from 9pm, Place, Central, (+852) 2521 2322 mances from both local and overseas talents throughout the calendar. Orange Peel is the sister venue of Central’s iconic Peel Fresco Ned Kelly’s Last Stand Gecko Blue Bar at the Four Seasons and you can expect the same ambient vibe and quality music in either hot spot.

Every Tuesday, (with some Saturdays thrown in too) Orange Peel Music Lounge, Flat A-C, 2/F, Ho Lee Comm Building, 38-44 D’Aguilar Street, Central, (+852) 2812 7177

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