HK Magazine #1096, May 15 2015

How now, Lantau?

HK M AGA ZINE NO. 1096 FRIDAY, May 15, 2015 w w w.hk-magazine.com

Beyond the Buddha

33 awesome things to do on Lantau

PAGE 3 10 COVER STORY

Go beyond the Buddha for Lantau’s best bits Have you noticed how many animal stories have cropped up in Hong Kong in the last week or so?

There have been snakes eating baby goats, wild boars

Animal Farm

crashing through shopping malls, pig carcasses spilling on highways... it feels like there’s a reason behind it all.

We’ve delved into the news to find the real meaning behind Hong Kong’s recent animal encounters.

The news: In Sai Kung, a Burmese python tried to feed on a baby goat. The goat’s mother fought the snake to protect her kid, but the snake killed the goat and ate the babe regardless. The snake was found lying docile in the road, with the kid’s horn poking out of its side. It was captured and taken away.

What it means: Obviously, this is an analogy about the electoral reform process. The kid represents the people of Hong Kong, naive and helpless. The goat is the pan-democrats, who fight against an unstoppable fate. The snake symbolizes the oncoming force which will swallow us up whole—but from now on there will always be an annoying pain in its side. The snake-catcher represents China who, if we’re not careful, will scoop the whole problem up and make it all disappear to God knows where.

The news: A wild boar in Chai Wan wandered into the Paradise Mall in Heng Fa Chuen, resulting in a fourhour standoff with police and animal control officers.

The boar climbed into the ceiling space of a children’s clothes shop, before falling through it to the floor.

It ultimately trapped itself in a changing room and was later tranquilized and taken away.

What it means: All too plainly, this is a corollary to the city’s property woes. The boar represents the hopes and dreams of the Hong Kong people to own their own homes. It wanders into “Paradise” in search of a home in a rapidly developing part of Hong Kong. It climbs and climbs in aspiration and thinks it has finally made it: but the ground underfoot is false, and the boar comes

plunging back to reality with a thump. Trapped in the ironically named “changing” room (for, you see, nothing will ever change), the boar is tranquilized with promises and led away back into the wilderness.

The news: A delivery truck on Tai Po Road runs into the highway divider, overturning and spilling its payload of freshly slaughtered pig carcasses all over the road.

Another truck comes to collect the carcasses and leaves.

The driver is unharmed.

What it means: Naturally, this is a parable about Hong Kong’s troubles over the last 20 years. The truck is the mighty city of Hong Kong. The highway divider represents the 1997 Handover. The pigs are the people of Hong Kong, once ignored and kept in the dark (by Britain!): But now they are all over the place thanks to a bad driver (guess who!), bad wheels (that’s economic slowdown in the 2000s!), or possibly just a bad truck (maybe Hong Kong just sucks and we should all go to Singapore!). The second truck, which comes to pick up the mangled pieces, is plainly China.

Alternatively, the truck is a trendy new restaurant; the divider is a crying-face Openrice review; and the pigs are all the people who queue up day and night to eat there, left suddenly exposed by the glare of negative publicity. The second truck is the next big trendy restaurant, and the unharmed driver is the tycoon who leases out the restaurant space.

15 shopping

Get brimming with satisfaction

16 escape routes

Asia’s artiest hotels await your chin-stroking

18

Whatever, really. We can do this all day.

What else you got, Hong Kong?

dish

Take a slow boat to diners with the best of outlying island eats

Who’s in charge?

Editor-in-Chief Luisa Tam Managing Editor Daniel Creffield Editor Adam White Features Editor Kate Springer Senior Associate Editor Adele Wong Staff Writers Andrea Lo, Charlotte

Mulliner, Evelyn Lok, Isabelle Hon Reporter Adrienne Chum Contributing Photographer Kirk Kenny

Director of Sales Gary Wong Strategic Sales Director Jan Cheng Senior Sales Manager Joyce Wu Senior Advertising Manager Kent Ma Advertising Manager

Production Manager Blackie Hui Art Director Pierre Pang Senior Graphic Designer Mike Hung Graphic Designers Elaine Tang,

Dominic Lucien Brettell Advertising Executives Bonita Yung, Celia Wong, Lamy Lam

Production Supervisor Kelly Cheung

Ryan Chan, Tammy Tan

Finance Manager Karen Tsang Senior Accountant Alex Fung Accountant Winson Yip Assistant Accountant Coa Wong Administrator Olivia Ma I.T. Manager Derek Wong Web Developer Timothy Cheng Messenger Li Sau-king

Advertising & Marketing Coordinator Cover Pierre Pang

Yan Man

Where to find us!

HK Magazine Media Ltd. 302 Hollywood Centre 233 Hollywood Road, Hong Kong Tel: 852-2850-5065 Fax: 852-2543-1880 E-mail: hk@hkmagmedia.com Before you decide to purchase or use the products and/or services that our magazine introduces, you should gather further information about the same in addition to the representations or advertising content in our magazine. The content in articles by guest authors are the author’s personal views only and do not represent the position of our magazine or our company. Please gather further information about the products and/or services before you decide to purchase or use the same.

HK Magazine is published 52 times a year by HK Magazine Media Ltd., GPO Box 12618, Hong Kong. Copyright 2015 HK Magazine Media Ltd. The title “HK Magazine,” its associated logos or devices, and the content of HK Magazine are the property of HK Magazine Media Ltd. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is strictly prohibited. Article reprints are available for HK$30 each. HK Magazine may not be distributed without the express written consent of HK Magazine Media Ltd. Contact the Advertising Director for ad rates and specifications. All advertising in HK Magazine must comply with the Publisher’s terms of business, copies of which are available upon request. Printed by Apex Print Limited, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, N.T.

26 nightlife

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A dragon! Oh, wait

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Fashion designer Dorian Ho

HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, may 15, 2015 3

mailbag Mr. Know-It-All’s Guide to Life Dear Mr. Know-It-All, I know that fiber-optics were invented in Hong Kong.

What else comes from the SAR? – Mother of Invention How about the minibar?

They say that the German company Siegas invented the refrigerated minibar in

Know your islands

across the industry. The age of the $20 Coca-Cola had arrived.

Nowadays, it looks as if minibars

1963. But the minibar as we know it actually

have had their day. Guests are tiring of

has its origins in Hong Kong.

expensive sachets of peanuts and even

It’s all thanks to Robert Arnold, the

more expensive tiny bottles of very average

then food and beverage director of the

Scotch. A few hotels have switched back

Hong Kong Hilton, the island’s most

to the free minibar model as an added

prestigious hotel. As the legend goes: Back

incentive for guests. Even in Hong Kong,

in 1974 Arnold was returning from Bangkok

the birthplace of the minibar itself, hotels

to Hong Kong when a stewardess offered

are moving away from the paid concept.

him a drink. A gin and tonic? A vodka lime

The Upper House, Hotel Icon, Marco Polo

soda? No one knows. But Arnold was

hotels, The Mercer, the Ovolo chain

handed a mini bottle of alcohol and the

and more all offer fully stocked, fully

cogs began to turn.

free minibars.

Back in Hong Kong, he suggested his

Our tablet app: Out Now!

As for the Hong Kong Hilton, it closed

idea. The mini refrigerators in the Hilton’s

in 1995 and today the Cheung Kong Center

rooms stocked complimentary water, but

stands in its place. But the minibar it

it was expensive to give away. Why not

created lives on after it: A legacy that

stock them with mini bottles of alcohol and

spans the globe.

Photo: Benson Lo

a few easy snacks, to recoup costs? Any additional profit would be a pleasant bonus.

Your words, words, words:

“I don’t know what’s so interesting about Singapore.”

Double Trouble Summer is coming… and you know what that

If you have learned a lot from the dolphins

means: plenty of “Double Junk” weekends [May

and your family is connected with the place

1, issue 1094], aka going on back-to-back junks

please petition Ocean Park to free them from

trialing it on one floor of the hotel. Drinks

on both Saturday and Sunday. One Facebook

their cruel and senseless captivity to make

and snacks would be stocked in the fridges

fan interpreted our new Hongkabulary to mean

money for a few and for the titillation of morons,

and made available on an honor system:

something a little… different.

after all you are a self-expressed conservationist

Together with his team—which included Hong Kong Sevens Squad captain Ian Duncan—Arnold developed the idea,

and animal lover, right?

Guests would fill out what they had, and be Not to be confused with… “Love Me Two

billed at the end of their stay.

Times: The Man With a Double Penis Speaks

Human nature notwithstanding, the

Out” (tiny.cc/hk-doubledick).

idea worked spectacularly. It was soon rolled out to all 800 rooms of the hotel. And

Chope Hong Kong

profits? Profits ticked up 5 percent. Hilton’s big bosses paid attention, and the idea spread—first to all Hilton chains, and then

Perhaps a project to free all the animals in OP would be the first step towards a good conservation effort. It’s difficult to take this

The Hong Kong Hilton (RIP), birthplace of the minibar

Mr. Know-It-All answers your questions and quells your urban concerns.

Send queries, troubles or problems to mrkia@hkmagmedia.com.

Kristee Quinn

seriously when OP is a prison for many animals

Speak Easy

and sheer hell for the dolphins. I think doing

Our travel columnist traveled to Singapore to

something is better than doing nothing, but

sneak into the city’s best speakeasies [“Escape

these efforts seem a little hypocritical, or

Routes,” May 1, issue 1094]. One of our

perhaps she needs to do some more research

Facebook readers wasn’t so impressed.

about captive animals to see that it’s not a good place and the animals there need a lot of help.

#PrivateEyeHK

I don’t know what’s so interesting about

When she is done there maybe she can help the

Singapore. Talk about Hong Kong.

animals in the botanical gardens.

Tamn Yausi

Tracy Riccio Saw a dead dolphin carcass floating near

Oceans Away We interviewed actress, animal activist and environmentalist Sharon Kwok about learning to swim with Ocean Park’s dolphins and her passion for wildlife [“First Person”, May 8, issue 1095]. Her childhood dolphin swim raised a few questions on our Facebook page.

Write in and Win!

Container Sea Photo by Mimi Six

4 HK MAGAZINE

FRIDAY, may 15, 2015

Got something to say? Write us!

Our letter of the week gets an HK Magazine notebook, umbrella (pictured) and copy of “Historical Hong Kong Hikes,” total value $470.

River Trade Terminal last week...

Rohit H. Rai Animal activist... usually is to free them not to support their captivity... So wrong in every way...

Fabiano Mascolo

THE WEEK Photo: Woo Byung-chul

fri 5/22

THU 5/21

Mon 5/18

Friday 5/15

Monday 5/18

Thursday 5/21

Long week? Kickstart your weekend at Afterwork by Fufu, a newly launched shindig at Peel Fresco Music Lounge every Friday. There’s free tapas from 7-9pm, plus a lineup of DJs playing house music until late.

7pm. 9 Peel St., Central. Free entry.

Online shopping mecca Zalora will be in brick-and-mortar form with a pop-up at Windsor House. Here’s the catch, though: while you get to try the clothes on, you still have to order the items online. Oh, well—you can’t have everything.

Through June, 11am-9:30pm.

311 Gloucester Rd., Causeway Bay.

Beer brand Kronenbourg 1664 is doing four pop-up parties at different bars, all offering free beer and snacks. Coinciding with Le French May, all the venues will be decked out like small-town France, complete with live band performances and portrait artists.

May 20, 6 Degrees; May 21, AT Restaurant & Bar; May 27, Prince Lounge; May 28, Club 97. Free.

T.G.I.F.

Saturday 5/16

Pop and Rock

Beer Me Up, Frenchy

Tuesday 5/19

Friday 5/22

An annual market peddling a little of everything, the Kowloon Bazaar hosts myriad local vendors selling everything from handicrafts and household items to fashion accessories and designer gear. Impulse-shop your heart out.

11am-8pm. The Mira, 118 Nathan Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui. www.kowloonbazaar.com.

Hit music venue The Warehouse for We Start From Here, a gig with pop-rockers Hydro-Balloon, indie rock four-piece Bittersweet, pop-punk group Stella, rock band Guan Yin and power-poppers Silhungmo.

7:30pm. 116 Aberdeen Main Rd., Aberdeen. Price TBA.

The Affordable Art Fair famously showcases a wide variety of art from $1,000 and up. Want to catch art trends before they go mainstream? Don’t miss out. Check out the kickoff party, “Art After Dark Evening” on May 22 at 6pm.

May 22-24. HKCEC, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. $80-150 from www.hkticketing.com. affordableartfair.com/hongkong.

Sunday 5/17

Wednesday 5/20

Some of the best choirs in Hong Kong are coming together on May 17 for Choir Aid: Namaste Songs for Nepal, a concert in aid of the victims of the recent Nepal earthquake.

Go see them sing, and donate what you can.

3:45pm. See p.23 for more.

Hop over to our sister SAR for the three-day Macau International Clubbing Show and DJ Festival. Expect a roster of DJs hit the decks at Club Cubic. Who says you can’t go clubbing on a weekday in Macau? What are you, some kind of a schmuck?

May 19-21, 11pm. 2/F, Hard Rock Hotel, City of Dreams, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, Macau, (+853) 6638-4999. $300 at the door, including a drink.

How Bazaar

Sing for Nepal

Started From the Bottom…

In Da Club

Wallet Warhols

Saturday 5/23

SUP, Downward Dog

Get your abs ready: SUP Yoga classes are back for their Spring sessions. Participants do yoga on Stanley Main Beach—while stand-up paddleboarding. There are different classes: some are ideal for beginners while others focus on meditation or fitness.

May 16, 17, 24, 30, various times. $500 for 90-minute class, including board; email supyogahongkong@gmail.com.

coming up

Bump, Bump, Bump Nightlife promoter Bump is hosting Bump in the Pool, an all-day pool party at the Silvermine Beach Resort. Get there early: you’ll get four free beers before noon; three if you show up before 1pm; and two if you amble along after that. Bump is known for throwing elaborate parties with hi-tech lighting, sounds and visuals—and of course, live DJ sets.

May 30, 10am-7pm. DD2 Lot 648, Mui Wo, Lantau. $250 from www.ticketflap.com.

HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, may 15, 2015 5

NEWS Last Week In Reality

Talking Points We read the news, so you don’t have to.

Photo: Jonathan Wong/SCMP

Sat 2 Purse Fling At 5am, a couple in Tai Po

gets into a fight and the woman throws her handbag to the ground. A passing man grabs the purse and runs off, but the couple chases him and the man retrieves the bag for the woman. They continue fighting until the woman jumps into the river, seemingly attempting to commit suicide. A passerby calls the police and the woman is rescued.

The couple is sent to the hospital.

Sun 3 Taxi Driver Pedestrians in Tuen Mun spot a female taxi driver wearing a motorcycle

helmet, bulletproof vest and fingerless gloves, and call the police. The police find that

High Speed Rail Will Miss Deadline, Again

the driver is armed with a BB gun and arrest her. A knife is also found in the car. After

The new high-speed rail link between Hong Kong and Guangzhou is very unlikely to be completed

an appearance in court she is bailed and barred from driving, pending another hearing

by the already delayed deadline of December 2017, the Highways Department says. Last week

in June.

Legco member and former KCR chairman Michael Tien estimated that construction costs would rise from $71.5 billion to $90 billion. He said that under current plans, the rail link would actually be worse than the current Guangzhou-Kowloon Through Train, due to unresolved issues with immigration checkpoints. However in an interview on Commercial Radio, Tien said that it must be

Mon 4 Standing Order A Pacific Coffee

Company branch in Prince Edward

finished regardless of the cost, lest Hong Kong become the laughing stock of China.

Our take: “Help us or mainlanders will laugh at us”? Pretty good way to get taxpayers’ money.

removes all chairs and tables in its establishment due to a licensing issue. Some customers complain about the lack of seating in the shop, while one man tells reporters that the venue is not as crowded. One customer writes on social media that the new arrangement provides more opportunities to chat to strangers.

Hong Kong Kinda Good For Tourists The World Economic Forum has published its Travel and Tourism Competitive Index, in which Hong Kong ranks 13 out of a total of 141 countries. The city ranks above both mainland China (at 17) and Taiwan (at 32), but behind Singapore, which takes 11th place. Hong Kong has the best ground and port infrastructure globally, while ranking second best in both business environment and information technology. However, Hong Kong is expensive, ranking 127th for price competitiveness. Cultural tourism is low in the city, while commercial tourism is the main tourist attraction. Yiu Si-wing, a LegCo member and director of China Travel Service, said that the city needs to find new ways to attract tourists, and not just depend on selling brand-name or luxury goods. The Tourism Board plans on working with local groups to make cultural tourism

Tue 5 Love Hurts A 26-year-old Yuen Long woman argues with her 28-year-old husband about

their relationship and household issues. The man becomes hysterical, picking up a

more attractive to visitors.

Our take: Hong Kong: basic bitch mecca.

knife and cutting her on the neck. The cut is shallow and the woman calls the police, who arrest her husband. She is taken to hospital for treatment.

China Includes Hong Kong in National Security Laws

Wed 6 Miss Piggy A wild boar is spotted in

A new draft of China’s own national security laws has mentioned Hong Kong for the first time,

a park in Aberdeen, and residents

specifying the role the SAR should play in China. New additions state that “safeguarding China’s

call the police. The boar hides in

sovereignty and territorial integrity is the common obligation of all Chinese people,

bushes before running through

including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan compatriots.” In addition, the law specifies that

the streets and into an industrial

“Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions shall perform the maintenance

building. Police surround it with

of national security.” The draft of the law is available for public consultation until June 5, and will

rubbish carts and riot shields,

be scrutinized by the National People’s Congress in March 2016.

and the boar is tranquilized and

Our Take: Looks like China’s paving the way to put Article 23 back on the agenda. Hurray!

released back into the wild.

Thu 7

Quote of the Week

Fri 8

“When you had an opportunity to express

Pooparazzi A young man reaches into a

Pork Party A delivery truck heading to Tai

Baptist University toilet stall twice to

Wai Market careens into a highway divider

snap photos of an off-duty police officer

on Tai Po, turning over and spilling more than

emptying his bowels. When the officer

20 freshly slaughtered pig carcasses on the

notices, he chases the man out of the

road. The top and side of the truck split open,

Tung Chee-hwa, the first Chief Executive of Hong Kong and current vice

bathroom. The man falls down the stairs

showering both sides of the highway with pork.

and cuts his chin open, and the officer

The delivery company schedules another truck

chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, speaks at a press conference for

twists his ankle in the chase. Both are

to deliver the remaining pigs. Other than minor

think tank Our Hong Kong Foundation. He said that the time to speak against

taken to hospital.

head injuries, the driver is unharmed.

the electoral reform package has already passed, and there is no turning

Illustrations: Ryan Chan

6 HK MAGAZINE

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

opposition, you didn’t.”

back. Occupy Central lasted 75 days.

UPFront HongKabulary

Street Talk

Central Castaway (sɛntrəl kɑːstəweɪ), n.

Someone who rolls out of LKF at 3am and misses the last ferry of the night to their outlying island.

“I got locked inside a toilet cubicle in IFC and missed my ferry.

Now I’m a Central Castaway.”

Caption This Netizens at a rally celebrating the retirement of Police Commissioner Andy Tsang.

(K.Y. Cheng/SCMP)

Autograph Hunters Sorely Disappointed by Police Chief’s Unwillingness to Sign Posters or Teargas Them Lease Of Life Surplus Chairman Mao Posters Find New

Adventurer and writer Bosco Hong Tsz-ling spent 363 days walking from Hong Kong to London to raise money for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. He tells Isabelle Hon about dating difficulties, tips for backpackers and coping with loneliness.

HK Magazine: Why walk from Hong Kong to London?

Bosco Hong: To say “thank you.” My father’s family members were refugees from China in the late 1960s.They were rich landlords but at that time, it was hard to stay in China [due to the Cultural Revolution].

One night, they realized that they had to escape, and they swam more than 10 hours from Guangdong to Hong Kong with nothing but the clothes they were wearing.

The British Hong Kong government gave them everything: food, a house, education, jobs and money. If the British government didn’t save my father’s family, I wouldn’t be here breathing the oxygen of freedom and I wouldn’t have had a good education.

I thought that walking like a refugee to London would be a good way to say a big thank you. The second reason is to help raise donations for UNHCR. People helped my family before, so now it was time for me to help other people—especially refugees.

Implausibly, Andy Tsang Looks Even Creepier Upside Down

Fast Facts

Competition Time

Hong Kong has come a relatively high 13th in the World Economic Forum’s global tourism competitiveness rankings.

Why is this?

➢ New ad campaign: “Visit Hong Kong, It’s Economically Unequal (But Not For Tourists).”

➢ CY Leung widely regarded as poster child for in-touch governance. ➢ Really good guanxi with the World Economic Forum, that’s all. ➢ Great place to meet pro-Beijingers for a single night of wild animalistic sex before they return to their staid ways.

➢ Milk powder. Loads of milk powder.

HK: How long were you gone?

BH: I was walking from October 5, 2013 to October 3, 2014—almost one year. My walk took me through Hong Kong, China, Mongolia, Russia, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Ireland, Scotland, England and France.

HK: Did you really walk all the way?

BH: Unfortunately I’m not Moses: I can’t part the sea! Also I’m not David Copperfield: I don’t know how to fly. So I took ferries or trains to cross bodies of water.

HK: How much did you spend?

BH: Actually, I didn’t use any money in Europe. Money is not an excuse for you to stop exploring the world. The most difficult thing was to find a place to stay: Every day I had to knock on someone’s door and hope they would offer me a bed and food, like a refugee. In Finland, it was quite easy—I just went to a school or church. But in Sweden,

Denmark and Germany, it was extremely difficult. They’re quite afraid of strangers and you need to give them time to warm up.

HK: It must have been hard sometimes.

BH: It is very difficult to have a girlfriend when you’re traveling around the world for more than a year. The other difficult thing is that you are alone, even with people around you. One day in Belgium someone offered me a hotel room—but I was very sick with a fever, alone in the room. It was very hard.

HK: Any tips for backpackers?

BH: Don’t put too many things in your backpack. One kilogram lighter is one easier step to walk. Don’t worry about language too much: you can use Google Translate, draw or use body language. If I didn’t have Google Maps and Google Translate, I’m quite sure I couldn’t have walked from Hong Kong to London. Or at least I’d have died on the way.

HK: How much did you raise?

BH: Unfortunately not that much: only around $50,000. People had to donate online with their credit cards. I was stupid because I set up the website for people to donate in Hong Kong dollars, not Euros.

People had no idea what [the value of] dollars are, so they didn’t donate. But I think the most important thing wasn’t how much I raised. The most important thing was to raise awareness about the situation of refugees.

HK: So, what‘s your plan for the future?

BH: I’m planning to stay in Sweden to be a Chinese teacher and learn Swedish.

I got tired of traveling—not because I’m homesick, but because I just want to feel stable for a little while. And I’m planning another adventure in 2016!

Find out more about Bosco and his walk at hongtszling.com. Donate to the UNHCR at donate.unhcr.org.

HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015 7

Beyond the buddha:

Awesome Things to do in Lantau Jaded by the city? Explored every nook and cranny of the island? Lantau offers a whole new world of eating, drinking, exploring and excitement, insists outlying islander Dan Creffield— and not a giant bronze statue in sight.

What to

do

Say “buffalo mozzarella!”

1) Clam Up

2) Add Pedal Power

5) Hang with Bovine Buddies

Hit almost any of Lantau’s beaches at low tide and you’ll see people digging in the sand. They’re treasure hunters, of a sort—they’re looking for the juicy and plentiful clams which flood our balmy waters in the summer months. Wok them up with black beans and garlic: sometimes the guys who rent bags and spades near the beach will do it for you.

There’s plenty of biking fun to be had on Lantau: it’s a great way to improve your local knowledge and firm up your thighs at the same time. Several shops will rent you a bicycle for the day—the Friendly Bicycle Shop behind McDonald’s at the Mui Wo ferry pier is well established (2984-2278) while a new place has just opened next to the Silvermine Beach Resort (weekends only).

The subject of a raised concern since a driver plowed through a herd of them a couple of years ago, Lantau’s assorted buffalo and cows are a startling yet welcome sight. Usually completely placid—unless you drunkenly try to ride them and get gored for your efforts—they’re popular with local denizens, as long you’re not a driver who comes across them sitting in the middle of the road.

3) Go Fishing for History

6) Live the Life Aquatic

The historic fishing village of Tai O is famous for its dried seafood, pungent purple shrimp paste and houses on stilts.

It’s great for long ambling walks, cheap boat tours and some decent restaurants. Try the delicious charcoal-grilled egg puffs on the street: the outside should be crisp and smoky, and the inside light and fluffy. Buses run from Tung Chung, Mui Wo and Ngong Ping.

If you’re suffering from Disney fatigue, or just want a few moments of tranquility, a boating trip on the calm waters of Inspiration Lake—a 15-minute walk from the theme park itself—is a no-brainer. Part of the extended Disney site, the recreation center has a total area of around 30 hectares, and consists of an artificial lake—the largest in Hong Kong—a boat center, arboretum and jogging trail. Pedal boats and bikes are available to rent from 10am-5pm.

4) Think Pink

Thanks for all the fish

10 HK MAGAZINE

Photo © Ken Fung/ Hong Kong Dolphinwatch

FRIDAY, May 15, 2015

Hong Kong seems an unlikely place for our superintelligent aquatic dolphin cousins to call home, but we’re lucky enough to have the (increasingly) rare pink variety. Hong Kong Dolphinwatch runs boat trips every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday to see them; It’s $420 for adults and $210 for children under 12, including return-trip transport, a luxury cruiser, information sheets, a detailed presentation from experienced guides as well as light refreshments on board.

7) Find Your Own Desert Island

www.hkdolphinwatch.com.

23 Tai Long Village, 2989-2315, www.islandclub.hk.

Want your own island but don’t have the jetsetter budget?

Island Club delivers that secluded island sensation by taking you to a remote corner of Lantau via private ferry from Cheung Chau, where you’ll find an isolated beach perfect for birthday parties, outdoor weddings and even pet gatherings. It offers kayaking, windsurfing, banana boating and more. Overnighting is also possible.

Photos: Leo Wan Via Flickr

What to

Eat Photo: Emily Chu

Fishball o’clock

A Mavericks dog Sliders at Mavericks

13) Make it a Mezze

Lantau at all hours

8) Perfect your Drive Discovery Bay Golf Club has practice facilities including a large putting green, chipping green and a 24-bay driving range. It’s open to the public and doesn’t close until 10pm, so after-work golfers can swing away late into the night.

Discovery Bay Golf Club, Valley Road, Discovery Bay, 2987-7273.

9) Hit the Surf Surf center Long Coast Seasports offers free rooms on the purchase of an “activity voucher,” which gets you use of most of the equipment. Camping space is also available, plus deluxe safari tents. Vouchers are $540-830 per room while deluxe camp vouchers are $200-470 per person.

Bahce Turkish Restaurant has been a Mui Wo favorite for years. Expect authentic Middle Eastern and Mediterranean classics: hot and cold mezze, generous skewers, baba ganoush, hummus and more. Friday nights feature live music: guests are encouraged to pluck an instrument from the wall and join in.

G/F, Mui Wo Centre, 3 Ngan Wan Rd., Mui Wo, 2984-0222.

14) BBQ Bliss Relocated down the beach from its old spot, Lantau mainstay The Stoep offers South African and Mediterranean barbecue fare. With a laid-back, colorful vibe, you could be in Cape Town itself. Sample some of their bread ‘n’ spreads before jumping into the grilled meat platters and whole spring chicken. Take bus 1, 2 or 4 from Mui Wo and walk down to lower Cheung Sha. 50 Lower Cheung Sha Village, 2980-2699.

17) Head for the Love Shack With cool music and a surf shack ambience, good food and craft beers, Mavericks has become the best worst-kept secret on the island. Right on the beach, it’s a joint venture between chef Austin Fry and brand designer and art director Jay FC. Much of the art and furniture is by local artists. Take the 1, 3M or 4 bus from Mui Wo and get off at Pui O school: The beach is a signposted five-minute walk from there.

Pui O Beach, South Lantau Road, 5662-8552.

18) Discover a Hidden Oasis of Kimchi Hidden in the Tung Chung wet market, Miss Kim of DongDaeMun Korean Food sells homemade traditional Korean delicacies including kimchi, spicy potatoes and pickled octopus.

Shop F34, Tung Chung Wet Market, Tung Chung, 2109-1011.

15) Seek Out Pizza Perfection Opening to mixed reviews a few years ago, The Kitchen is a small, organic-feeling resto a stone’s throw from Mui Wo’s main drag. It’s recently found a winning formula based around delicious pizza, salads and pasta.

19) Grab Fists of Fishballs

29 Lower Cheung Sha Beach, Lantau, 8104-6222, www.longcoast.hk.

10) Rock(pool) Your Resources

Shop 1, G/F, Scenic Crest, 18A Mui Wo Ferry Pier Rd., 5991-6292.

Shop D, Wing On Street, Tai O, 2874-1010.

There are several rock pools dotted across Lantau, but the ones in Discovery Bay are secluded, beautiful, safe and free.

They’re a 10-minute walk from the Discovery Bay ferry pier, en route to the Golf Club, about halfway up the hill.

11) Visit Treasure Island Treasure Island runs a wide range of surf camps and other activities from its “eco-Adventure Center” near Pui O beach. Also up for grabs: surfboard, SUP and kayak rental, plus campsite and cabana rooms. Hang five, dude.

Pui O, www.treasureislandhk.com, 2546-3543.

12) Do the Jailhouse Rock Alcatraz it isn’t, but Lantau is home to six prisons, including the max-security Shek Pik Prison which is home to one of Hong Kong’s most notorious criminals: “The Jars Murderer” or “Rainy Night Butcher,” Lam Kor-wan. Want to rubberneck?

Buses 1 or 2 from Mui Wo will take you there, as will the 11 or 23 from Tung Chung.

16) Seafood on a Stick For fresh barbecued seafood snacks, head to Fei Mui BBQ (肥妹燒烤小食) in Tai O. Does $30 a pop for abalone, cheesy oysters, tiger prawns and scallops sound too good to be true? Don’t bring a marine taxonomy expert with you just in case.

You’ll find a few nice snack shops on Tai O Market Street, with Fuk Hing Hong, near the pier and the bus stop, offering enormous, bouncy fishballs.

20) Be Tempted by Tapas Starting its life as a tapas joint, Pui O’s Tap Tap now serves a wider range of food, including burgers, steaks, pizza, breakfast and more, much of which it endeavors to source locally. With reasonably priced drinks, it’s a chill place to soak up the area’s village vibe.

15 Lo Wai, Pui O, South Lantau Road, 2984-9091.

21 Market St., Tai O. 2985-7233.

Free Ferry!

Discovery Bay boasts loads of pilots and swingers great restaurants and drinkeries, but the $40 ferry ride can be a pain. Spend $120 at any of the 14 D’Deck restaurants in DB Plaza and the “Dine ’N’ Ride” promotion kicks in: one free ride for each $120 spent. It’s a dine-in only deal, even if you did just get $1,000 of takeaway kebabs from Ebeneezer’s.

Mon-Fri 6pm-11:45pm; Sat-Sun noon11:45pm, www.ddeck.com.hk.

Hot Opening!

Lower Cheung Sha beach welcomes a new foodie friend when The Beach House opens next month in the Stoep’s old location. The international restaurant will make use of local and organic produce, with an emphasis on sustainability.

The owners promise a “fresh and vibrant” wine list which will change regularly. Just passing by?

There’ll be a takeaway counter at No. 34.

32 Lower Cheung Sha Village.

HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, May 15, 2015 11

Photo: Hong Kong Tourism Board

Live The

Beach Life 21) Beware of Pirates Five minutes’ walk from the pier and bus terminus, Silvermine Bay Beach was once a local base for pirates—some of whom are still there, selling overpriced drinks at the various kiosks.

Otherwise it’s a charming spot, with a nice promenade and walks along the coast from the far end. If you want to barbecue you’ll need to arrive early to grab a place, as they fill up quick.

22) Spend an Endless Summer Stretching across 3km, Cheung Sha Beach is one of the longest beaches in Hong Kong. It comprises lower and upper sections divided by a headland. The lower part is where the action is—surf shops and restaurants give it a funky west coast vibe. Head for the upper section to escape the crowds. Bonus: it’s an unofficial nudist beach of sorts. Allegedly.

From Tung Chung buses 11 and 21 pass all the beaches on South Lantau Road, or from Mui Wo take bus 1 or 2.

23) Seek out a Hidden Gem With clear water and soft sand, Pui O is a less-frequented beach and something of a local secret, so don’t tell them we told you.

It also boasts a few restaurants, barbecue pits and a campsite with spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Take it easy on Cheung Sha beach

Take bus 1 from Mui Wo to Pui O Beach.

Take A

“I’m falling for you, ‘cause you rock”

HIKE

24) Take the Ultimate Shower

26) Hike Into the Sunset

While the Silvermine waterfalls at Mui Wo aren’t going to threaten Niagara’s ranking any time soon, it’s a charming spot for either frolicking in the pools or barbecuing, reached via a picturesque uphill stroll.

If all that splashing around hasn’t tired you out, head up another few minutes and you’ll find the now-abandoned Silvermine Cave. It’s the reason the bay got its name and still retains a certain tingly atmosphere.

Challenging but worth it for the (as the name suggests) awesome sunsets, Sunset Peak will take around three hours of hard hiking. Bring food, drink, and gritty determination. From Mui Wo, jump on to any bus—they all go along South Lantau Road past Lantau South Country Park. From Tung Chung MTR station take bus 3M. Turn left at the pavilion, and then left again onto the Lantau Trail, which leads to Sunset Peak.

25) Climb the Phoenix, Grasshopper

27) Take the Stairway to Heaven

Standing tall at 934 meters, Lantau Peak, or in Cantonese Fung Wong Shan (Phoenix Mountain), is the second-highest in the SAR. It’s particularly renowned as a spot to admire the sunrise, but as it takes about 2.5 hours to cover the 4.5km route you’ll need to start the ascent when it’s still dark. From Mui Wo ferry pier, take the 4 or 7P bus and hop out just before the top of the hill, at either Sam Uk Tsuen or Nam Shan stops.

For a medium-demanding hike, Mui Wo to Discovery Bay is perfect. Head for the end of Silvermine Bay Beach; around 1,100 steps takes you to the top, but from then it’s all downhill, via fabulous views over the sea toward Cheng Chau and Peng Chau, past the Trappist monastery Our Lady of Joy Abbey and the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance. Keep going and you’ll hit DB where refreshment and a fast ferry back to Central awaits.

Photo: johnlsl via Flickr

A gorgeous glow from Sunset Peak

12 HK MAGAZINE

FRIDAY, May 15, 2015

Where to

STAY

28) Go Caravanning

31) Become a Wigwam Warrior

If the idea of outdoor living appeals but mosquito bites don’t, Tong Fuk Caravans may be the ideal compromise. Housed in a green field just a few minutes from Tong Fuk Beach on south Lantau that’s perfect for family games, picnics and barbecues, the caravans are equipped with beds and sofas, televisions, and even AC and hot water. Prices range from about $1,000 per night for a caravan for two or three, to $2,300 for one big enough for six or seven.

Palm Beach offers uniquely painted tepees for groups as small as four or big as 40 (40 standing, or 20 sleeping). Rates range from $450-650, or $1,8002,000 for the giant teepees. Safari-style bush tents are also available. Palm Beach also puts a focus on water sports, with surfing, kayaking, windsurfing and more.

6296-8220, caravans.com.hk.

32) Welcome to Wonderland

29) Who Needs Toilets, Anyway?

For the purists who live to pitch their canvas, Tai Long Wan campsite in Lantau South Country Park should tick all the boxes. Near the picturesque Tai Long Wan village and Shek Pik reservoir, the site has basic toilet, barbecue and table facilities. Take bus 11 from Tung Chung or bus 1 from Mui Wo towards Tai O. Get off at Shek Pik Reservoir’s western end and head backwards up Stage 8 of the Lantau trail towards Tai O for about 30 minutes.

30) Head Back in Time A rather dated property about 10 minutes from Mui Wo ferry pier, Silvermine Beach Resort has reasonable room rates (from $1,180) and long-staying packages. Right on the beach, it also has an outdoor swimming pool, gym, sauna, tennis courts and a nice terrace serving drinks and snacks.

2984-6800, www.silvermineresort.com.

Cheung Sha, 2980-4822, www.palmbeach.com.hk.

For one of Lantau’s most surreal experiences, the Mui Wo Inn is hard to beat. While the property itself is pretty average, aside from having an enviable beachside location, the large garden at the front is truly trippy, festooned with incongruous and kitschy statues of frolicking nymphs and cherubs, all to a crackly soundtrack of 1970s disco. Rooms from $400 (weekdays), $500 (weekends).

Teepees for all

14 Tung Wan Tau Rd., Mui Wo, 2984-7225.

33) Hunt Out Some Crude Beauty A B&B/boutique hotel, art gallery and cafe whose mission is to help sustain Tai O’s “crude beauty” by offering guests a base from which to time to explore and appreciate the traditional fishing village, Espace Elastique offers four rooms of various sizes. Prices range from $500-890 (Sun-Thu), and $520-1,040 on Saturdays. The roof boasts a hot tub and sun loungers.

57 Kat Hing St., Tai O, Lantau, 2985-7002, www.espaceelastique.com.hk.

Mui Wo Inn: whatever you do, don’t blink

HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, May 15, 2015 13

Get more out of HK | SHOPPING + TRAVEL + DINING

Hats Off to Summer Best known for her popular “Morning After Bag,” SoCal designer Rebecca Minkoff recently touched down in Hong Kong, opening her first ready-to-wear store in Harbour City’s Ocean Terminal. Fashion mavens will flock to try out the designer’s new Spring/Summer collection, which doubles as a tribute to pioneering fashion photographer Deborah Turbeville. Look for boho-chic hats, fringed bags and flowing skirts in vibrant 70s-inspired color combos—a perfect start to the Hong Kong summer.

Prices TBC. Shop OT306B, 3/F, Ocean Terminal Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2406-8618, www.rebeccaminkoff.com.

HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, may 15, 2015 15

travel Escape Routes with Kate Springer

the art of travel

Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit's new Maze of a lobby

Hotel Clover earns its street cred

Holidays don’t have to be all about sun and beaches. Soak up some culture at one of these artsy Asian addresses.

Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit One of Bangkok’s swishest hotels, the Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, just unveiled some big changes. The French brand is going after the artistic set, with a permanent exhibition of French photographer Charles Maze's “anamorphoses” images encircling the lobby. I stayed here last month for a firsthand look: though Maze's photographs are pretty epic, the unflatteringly bright lobby lighting ruins the impact. Instead, I'd suggest a peek into the hotel's just-opened S Gallery, which plays host to budding local and international artists. And on your way out, stop into newly opened Le Bar to ponder it all over a glass of bubbly.

From $1,530. 189 Sukhumvit Rd., Soi 13-15, Klongtoey Nua, Wattana, Bangkok, (+66) 2-126-9999, www.sofitel-bangkoksukhumvit.com.

Hotel Éclat Beijing’s luxurious Hotel Éclat has clearly been designed with The Louvre in mind and is essentially an art gallery itself, with more than 100 contemporary works on display throughout the hotel—from original modern paintings to sculptures from the likes of Andy Warhol and Gao Xiaowu.

From $2,233. 9 Dong Da Qiao Rd., Chaoyang District, Beijing, (+86) 10-85612888, www.eclathotels.com.

Park Hotel Tokyo's art landscape

Haslla Art World Museum Hotel Designed to reflect a harmony between art, humans and nature, the Haslla Art World Museum Hotel on the east coast of Korea is a work of art itself.

The colorful 24-room creation is home to a 10-hectare Art Park as well as more than 100 sculptures.

From $1,261. 1441 Yulgok-ro, Gangseungsi, Gangwon-do, South Korea, (+33) 644-9411, www.haslla.kr.

Artotel Jakarta’s Artotel is a champion of contemporary art, displaying awesome pieces designed by local artists throughout the public areas and in the rooms. It’s also home to the breezy BART (Bar at the Rooftop), offering up picturesque views of the Indonesian capital.

From $468. 3 Jalan Sunda, Jakarta Thamrin, Jakarta, (+62) 21-3192-5888, www.artotelindonesia.com.

Hotel Clover The Arts Like visiting a super-hip museum, Singapore’s Hotel Clover The Arts has outfitted all of its rooms with high-voltage themes—such as urban street and pop art.

The room murals were designed by upand-coming Singapore creatives, selected in a student art competition.

From $715. 58 South Bridge Rd., Singapore, (+65) 6439-7088, www.hotelcloverthearts.com.

Park Hotel Tokyo Already well-known for its sky-high art lounges, the Park Hotel Tokyo has designed its upcoming exhibitions to echo the four seasons. But the art isn’t just on show in public areas: 13 Japanese artists painted murals in a handful of the guestrooms.

From $1,247. Shiodome Media Tower 1-7-1 Higashi Shimbashi, Minatoku, Tokyo, (+81) 3-6252-1111, en.parkhoteltokyo.com.

Color blocking at Hotel Clover

Have a query you need answered or a travel tip you’re keen to share?

Email me at kate.springer@hkmagmedia.com or tweet @KateSpringer and #hktravels.

16 HK MAGAZINE

FRIDAY, may 15, 2015

DINING

Boats to Bites

Nicholas Cheung hops on a ferry (or seven) to check out the best food on the outlying islands.

Seaweed special at Ming Kee Seafood

Fishballs to the walls in Tai O

A little Italy at Como Lake

Travel Fa for Tofu on Lamma

Eat the Good Life on Grass Island

See Seafood in Po Toi

If you walk along the trail from Lamma’s Yung Shue Wan to Hung Shing Yeh beach you’ll find Kin Hing Ah Por Tofu Fa, with a tiny old lady doling out bowl after bowl of sweet tofu fa ($11). The titular “ah por” makes all the tofu herself, filtering the Canadian soybeans to make it all fresh at 7am each morning.

The rich, soft tofu is topped with powdered yellow sugar and ginger syrup, the perfect antidote to a hot summer.

Home to lush greenery and a small fishing community, Tap Mun, or Grass Island, is a hiking hotspot that lives up to its name.

Sun Hon Kee is one of the rare places to eat on this scenic island. Try the signature sea urchin fried rice ($80), cooked to maintain the sea urchin’s fresh, rich flavor. Usually only lunch is available, but in the case of large groups you can book in advance for dinner. Tap Mun can be reached by ferry from Wong Shek Pier in Sai Kung, or from Ma Liu Shui Pier in Tai Po.

Hong Kong’s southernmost island of Po Toi may be better known for its rock formations, but it’s also home to some good eats. Ming Kee Seafood is one of the only two restaurants on the island, but it’s worth your time. Open for over 30 years, the restaurant has built up a following thanks to its seaweed soup ($28). Eggs and dried shrimps are added to this nutritious stock for a salty, refreshing broth. Deep-fried squid with salt and pepper ($68) is also must-try for seafood lovers, pulled straight from the sea. You’ll need to book a table at the restaurant—and a kai-to ferry to get you there.

1 Yung Shue Wan, Tai Wan To, Lamma.

4 Hoi Pong Main St., Tap Mun, Sai Kung, 2328-2428.

Go Fishballs Deep in Tai O Tai O village is well-known for its fishing village and stilt houses, as well as its tourist-oriented shrimp paste. But it’s also worth a visit for the homemade white Chiu Chow-style fish balls ($12 a skewer)—the bouncy texture signals freshness. Head along Kat Hing Street for a wealth of hawkers selling their wares: ask for extra curry or satay sauce.

Kat Hing St., Tai O, Lantau.

Say Bonjour to Peng Chau Located a few minutes from the ferry pier, Les Copains D’Abord is a little French restaurant on the sleepy island of Peng Chau.

It’s got a great selection of French wine (from $179) and delicious cheeses, and has been known to fire up the barbecues for parties as well. Grab a seat outside overlooking Peng Chau’s main square to watch kids chasing bubbles and dogs basking in the heat. The venue can be booked for private functions.

Munch on Mochi in Cheung Chau Mango mochis are prevalent in Cheung Chau, so make sure you pick the right one. The lesser-known Mango King is located on the east end of the island, and opens at 1pm. Its mango mochis ($10 each) are sweet, fresh and popular—they sell out within a few hours each day. You can witness the entire process while standing in line: the staff peels and slices the mangos before chilling them for an hour in plastic wrap. Sounds easy so far? Next you watch the sifu knead the cornstarch dough and roll it flat, before sliding in slices of mango and shaping the whole thing together. Not interested in all the toil? Call at noon and order your juicy mochi ahead of time.

Ming Kee Restaurant, Po Toi, 2849-7038.

Go Italian in Mui Wo Como Lake might not be overlooking beautiful Italian vistas, but this restaurant in the Mui Wo Cooked Food Market still serves up Italian classics with an emphasis on seafood. Try the mixed grilled seafood platter ($118) which comes with sea bass, salmon, squid, prawns and sardines, dressed simply with lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil. Value for money is high with a chilled-out atmosphere, approachable staff and good food.

Stalls 2 and 4, Mui Wo Cooked Food Market, Mui Wo, 2984-0009.

G/F, Tin Hau Temple, Treasure Bay, 5-8 Kam Ho Court, Cheung Chau, 6620-3004.

46 Wing On St., Peng Chau, 3483-0692.

Grass Island looking… grassy (Photo: Cheng Wai-kit)

18 HK MAGAZINE

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

Breathtaking Canadian Rockies

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Green tea goodness at Nakamura Tokichi

t

A Green Tea Thumb

Green tea will be served in dozens of varieties and formats at Nakamura Tokichi (18/F, The One, 100 Nathan Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2426-6111), the first overseas branch of the longstanding Kyoto teashop. The NT brand has its own tea farm in Uji city in Kyoto Prefecture, and specializes in matcha, sencha and all

sorts of other green tea varieties you’ve probably never heard of. The Hong Kong teashop will serve these tea products in the form of fresh brews, soups, jellies, cakes, dumplings and even soba noodles.

And if you’re keen to continue the experience at home, tea leaves are also for sale.

RESTAURANT REVIEWS Saravana Bhavan ★★★★★ 4/F, Ashley Centre, 23-25 Ashley Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2736-1127.

Saravana Bhavan is the new Hong Kong outlet of the largest vegetarian restaurant chain in the world, serving up southern Indian bites to all comers in a fairly undistinguished space.

HIT ”Vegetarian” is a terrifying word to us, but if there’s one cuisine that does veggie right, it’s southern Indian. The manager took control to help us pick a

few selections from the frankly bewildering menu, staggering our order so everything came out at the right time. We got steamed slightly sour idli cakes ($45) with a wealth of dipping sauces and chutneys, and ghee roast masala dosas ($70): huge, beautifully crispy rolled pancakes with a healthy scoop of masala potatoes inside. Then came the excellent mixed vegetable parotta ($75), sliced flatbread tossed in a beautiful spicy sauce. And then there was the Kaima idli ($70), chewy mini idli cakes fried in spices.

Both were texturally excellent and deeply flavorful. It was all we could do to waddle out—for $140 a head.

MISS No tap water: big and small bottles go on the bill for $12 and $9, respectively.

BOTTOM LINE Really excellent southern Indian bites for an absolute steal.

Open daily 11.30am-3pm, 6-10:30pm $

Ratings ★ Don’t go ★★ Disappointing ★★★ We’ll be back ★★★★ We’ll be back—with friends ★★★★★ You MUST go

Price Guide $ Less than $200

20 HK MAGAZINE

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

$$ $200-$399

$$$ $400-$599

$$$$ $600-$799

$$$$$ $800 and up

Pastis Wines Cellar

Toritama

Make No Bones About It

Looking for your next Central lunch fix?

Chicken yakitori joint Toritama (2 Glenealy, Central, 2388-7717)—and no, it is not related to Yardbird—has launched a $148 lunch deal that includes a sizzling pot of Tori Pai-Tan Nikomi (white chicken broth) soba, a bowl of chicken rice and a pickled vegetable side. To make sure nothing goes to waste, the cloudy noodle broth uses chicken bones from the previous night’s offerings as base. The soba noodles are made with plain white flour (as opposed to buckwheat) and are accompanied by roulade-shaped tender chicken thigh slices. It’s a tasty option for those who can brave the walk up Glenealy!

Nakamura Tokichi

Journey to the West

French Creations group is solidifying its hold on the westside with two new ventures: Pastis Wines Cellar (20 High St., Sai Ying Pun, 6313-1261) in SYP, and Comptoir (Forbes St., Kennedy Town) in K-Town. Retail shop Pastis stocks wines exclusively from France, offering affordable bottles at just under $100 and double-magnums at just over $300 for starters. The wines are from Bordeaux, Provence and Rhône—to name just a few.

Comptoir, due to open right about now, will be a cozy wine and hors d’oeuvres bar with, appropriately, a huge comptoir (a.k.a. counter) as a centerpiece.

A Lovely Parisian Lunch Enjoy our latest lunch buffet with a main of your choice. The perfect dining experience with excellent food and wine, only at Hong Kong’s trendiest French Steakhouse.

Email me at adele.wong@hkmagmedia.com or follow me on Twitter: @adelewong_hk.

All of our reviews are independent and anonymous!

Ore-no Kappou ★★★★★

BUFFET + MAIN LUNCH: MON TO Fri 12PM - 2.30PM DINNER: EVERYDAY 7PM-11PM

Japanese. 6/F, California Tower, 32 D’Aguilar St., Central, 2328-3302.

options. Craving carbs, we went for an Ore-no ramen ($80) and a tempura udon set ($150), both accompanied by a dizzying array of sides. The udon noodles were served chilled and brothless, topped with a creamy runny egg and plenty of pulverized daikon, spring onion, seaweed and bonito flakes. It was a very refreshing combination.

We also enjoyed our velvety chawanmushi (egg custard) and the relatively grease-free battered prawns and veggies.

One of the very first establishments to open at the California Tower, Ore-no Kappou is a Japanese brand dedicated to serving Michelin-star-quality food at pocket-friendly prices. The interior is light and bright with high ceilings, and there’s a petite outdoor terrace for drinks.

HIT We went during the day and were given a long list of affordable set lunch

MISS Although overall the dish was tasty, the pork slices that came with our ramen were too fatty and thick for our liking.

BOTTOM LINE Ore-no is proof that you can find that perfect balance between highquality food and reasonable pricing—even when you’re occupying a sparkling new building right in the heart of LKF. Open Sun-Thu 11:30am-3pm, 6pm-1am; Fri-Sat 11:30am-3pm, 6pm-2am. $$-$$$

Our Policy Reviews are based on actual visits to the establishments listed by our super-sneaky team of hungry reviewers, without the knowledge of the restaurants. Reviews are included at the discretion of the editors and are not paid for by the restaurants. Menus, opening hours and prices change and should be checked. New restaurants are not reviewed within one month of their opening. Reviews are written from a typical diner’s perspective. Ratings are awarded in accordance with the type of restaurant reviewed, so the city’s best wonton noodle stall could earn five stars while a fancy French restaurant could be a one-star disaster.

Reservation:

+852 3182 0105

3/F 46-48 Wyndham St Central, Hong Kong

http://www.lentrecotedeparis.hk HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015 21

Culture + nightlife + film

Paris, Je T’aime What better way to kickstart Le French May than with an ode to the City of Light itself? La Galerie is showcasing a collection of works by photographer Peter Turnley in the aptly named “French Kiss—A Love Letter to Paris.” The American photojournalist is best known for his coverage of major world conflicts and tragedies, from Ground Zero to Hurricane Katrina to the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak in 2011. Having adopted Paris as his home since 1975, this ongoing series is a much softer, sensual look at the city’s famously romantic vibes.

Through Jun 7. 74 Hollywood Rd., Central, 2540-4777

22 HK MAGAZINE

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

ARTS

Need to Know

Theater & Arts

Urbtix (credit cards) Urbtix (enquiries) HK Ticketing HK Arts Centre Fringe Club HK Cultural Centre

Edited by Evelyn Lok evelyn.lok@hkmagmedia.com

Counter-tenor Sébastien Fournier & Sprezzatura Ensemble

HK Picks Photo: Alfred Ko

On a mission to make Baroque music accessible for all, the Sprezzatura Ensemble (Italian for “an air of effortlessness”) will be performing a free gig for the masses. Co-founder and countertenor Sébastien Fournier will be showing off his high-pitched pipes, while the ensemble—with harpsichord, gamba (an old-timey cello, not a shrimp), and traverso flute—play along. May 15, 8pm. Student Activity Centre Theatre, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Macau Peninsula, (+853) 8822-8833. Free; reserve spot from candywu@umac.mo.

Umbrella Festival Presented by CUHK, the Umbrella Festival is a two-week multidisciplinary response to last year’s Umbrella Movement. The festival not only gathers the artwork created during the protests in the fight for democracy, but also presents recently created works in the performing and visual arts. Among an array of special events, you can take part in a reflective three-day workshop, titled “As the Dust Settles,” in whcih you can engage in responsive art-making and drama peformances. May 17-31. Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre, 30 Pak Tin St., Shek Kip Mei, 2353-1311. Various events; workshop $550 from ticketflap.com. www.umbrellafest.com.

Comedy

Veteran comedian, writer and globetrotter Tom Rhodes makes his first pit stop in Hong Kong since his sold-out 2013 show. Sit tight for a night of sharp life observations by one of the first comedians to sign on with Comedy Central.

Doors open at 7:30pm. May 16, 9:30pm. $300 from comedy.hk/Tom-Rhodes.

Hot off the trail of “The Sound of Music,” “Phantom of the Opera” and “Mamma Mia,” Lunchbox Theatrical Productions presents the SAR with another catchy song-and-dance spectacle straight from the West End. Never seen it? The beloved umbrella-touting, rainbootsplashing Hollywood musical—arguably the best of them all—follows three performers in the thick of the transition between the silent film and talkie era. The current production will be recycling 12,000 liters of water per performance: so prepare to get splashed. Sep 25-Oct 11.

Lyric Theatre, Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Rd., Wan Chai, 2584-8500. $445-1,125 from www.hkticketing.com.

Classical

Lilly Singh Going by internet handle Superwoman, Indian-Canadian YouTube sensation Lilly Singh is known for her on-point observational sketches, parodying anything from girls’ everyday lives to impersonations of her Punjabi parents. Singh is paying a visit to Hong Kong as part of her global tour, “A Trip to Unicorn Island.” Part comedy, part song-and-dance performance, her show will be all about sharing love and positivity—as you’d expect from any unicorn-related spectacle. May 30, 8pm. MacPherson Stadium, 38 Nelson St., Mong Kok. $380-480 from www.cityline.com.

The major choirs of Hong Kong are banding together for a special concert to raise money to aid the victims of the recent Nepal earthquake.

Participating groups include the Hong Kong Welsh Male Voice Choir, Cecilian Singers, Kassia and the Hong Kong Women’s Choir. May 17, 3:45pm. St. John’s Cathedral, 4-8 Garden Rd., Central, 6688-2534. Suggested donation: $200.

Good Music at the Fringe with James Cuddeford The HK Sinfonietta’s Concertmaster James Cuddeford steps out of the concert hall for this chamber music series at the Fringe Club Dairy. He’ll be playing a mix of classical through contemporary on the violin. May 19, 7pm. Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Rd., Central, 2521-7251. $150 from hksl.org, including one drink.

Le French May parades on with a concert

by French clarinetist Paul Meyer and the HK Sinfonietta. It’s mainly a mixed bill of French composers (what else did you expect?): but apart from tuning into some Debussy and Ravel, you’ll also get to hear a clarinet concerto

by Denmark’s most celebrated composer Carl Nielsen, before ending off with Finnish composer Sibelius’ sixth symphony. Guess it’s not that French after all? May 23, 8pm.

Concert Hall, City Hall, 5 Edinburgh Place, Central. $140-360 from www.urbtix.hk.

HKPhil: Haydn’s The Creation

The Sound of Music The classic musical graces the Hong Kong stage this May. Coming straight from the West End’s Palladium Theatre, the international tour of this old-school Rodgers and Hammerstein production has teamed up with the HK Youth Arts Foundation to cast Hong Kong children to play the Von Trapp kids. You’ll be 16 going on 17 all over again. Family ticket packages for two adults and two children can be had from $1,888. May 15-Jun 21. Lyric Theatre, Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Rd., Wan Chai, 2584-8500. $395-995 from www.hkticketing.com.

Choir Aid: Namaste Songs for Nepal

HK Sinfonietta: Paul Meyer plays Debussy & Nielsen

Musicals Midsummer Night’s Dream at IFC It’s not quite the Pucking around you might have guessed at first. Local live music stalwart Innonation Productions is popping up to perform one-hour programs at IFC specifically for the after-work crowd, through mid-June. Stop by to hear a harp nocturne trio or a Spanish-infused Baroque performance or two. The performances will take place on the first floor atrium, near Club Monaco (Shop 1039). May 15-16, 22, 24, 29-31 and Jun 5-7, 12-13, 6pm. IFC Mall, 8 Finance St., Central, 2295-3308. Free.

HK City Hall HK Academy for Performing Arts Kwai Tsing Theatre LCSD Music Programme Office LCSD Dance/Multi-Arts Office LCSD Theatre Office

2921-2840 2584-8500 2408-0128 2268-7321 2268-7323 2268-7323

Theater

Encounters with Ladies

Photo © HK Sinfonietta Ltd.

ComedyHK Presents: Tom Rhodes

Singin’ in the Rain

2111-5999 2734-9009 3128-8288 2582-0200 2521-7251 2734-2009

One of Haydn’s (or of any composer for that matter) greatest oratorios was about the biblical story of creation, which the HKPhil Chorus will be tackling together with an international guest cast and Aussie conductor Brett Weymark on the podium. Classical music geeks should get there early so they don’t miss out on pre-concert talks by Ms Nancy Yuen, Head of Vocal studies at the HKAPA, which starts at 7:15pm (May 22, English; May 23, Cantonese).

May 22-23, 8pm. Concert Hall, Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui. $140-480 from www.urbtix.hk.

If you managed to see I Am Concepts’ “Duets” last Valentine’s Day—an anthology of stand-up comedy, poetry and theater—or scored seats to their “Black Narcissus” collaborative show with Erbert Chong, you’ll enjoy their latest production, themed around women. It’s a series of chance encounters between modern-day women and ladies from literature, musing and debating about “love, ambition, independence and fate.” What’s more, each encounter will be the subject of a themed drink. May 15, 8pm. May 16, 4pm, 6pm, 10pm. Lightstage Art & Events Venue, 218 Hollywood Rd., Sheung Wan. $458 for one, $888 for two from eventbrite.com.hk; includes free-flow wine.

Comédie Ballet: The Bourgeois Gentleman A Molière masterpiece is brought to life in its originally intended form of a comédie-ballet (a play interspersed with music and dance), with music by Molière’s frequent collaborator Jean-Baptiste Lully. The satire pokes fun at the pretentious, social-climbing middle class and the snobbish aristocracy, focusing on protagonist Monsieur Jourdain, who is conned by a young man posing as the Sultan of Turkey. The play is in French, with English and Chinese surtitles.

Jun 4-5, 7:30pm. Grand Theatre, Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui. $120-480 from www.urbtix.hk.

Dance Bipolar Bodies Inspired by the mesmerizing harmony of two dancers, the Hong Kong Dance Company has enlisted the artistic direction of new media artist Keith Lam and choreographer Daniel Yeung to bring on a multimedia feast for the senses. May 15-16, 7:45pm; May 16-17, 3pm. Sheung Wan Civic Centre, 345 Queen’s Rd. Central, Sheung Wan. $150 from www.urbtix.hk. Free seating.

Paquita. Bolero. Carnival+ The Hong Kong Ballet’s season finale is a seamless showcase of five different pieces performed by five guest principal dancers from all over the world. The pieces range from the much-adored classic “Paquita,” the first ballet by “the father of classical ballet” Marius Petipa; to the world première of “Bolero”—an intense, introspective piece about the emotional struggle of the lead female dancer, set to Ravel’s composition of the same name. The performance wraps up with the Hong Kong debut of “Le Carnaval des Animaux,” where dancers will enact animals such as elephants and jellyfish against a playful, 14-movement-long score by Saint-Saëns. May 29-30, 7:30pm; May 30-31, 2:30pm. Grand Theatre, Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui. $140-1,000 from www.urbtix.hk.

HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, may 15, 2015 23

PERKS

ARTS Sponsored Feature

Exhibitions

The Hong Kong Ballet’s Season Finale Paquita, Bolero, Le Carnaval des Animaux and more! A superb mixed bill complemented by esteemed guests: Alice Renevand and Florian Magnenet (Paris Opera Ballet) will perform Abandon from Le Parc; Guest Principal Dancer, Tan Yuan Yuan will perform a pas de deux première with Edward Liang (BalletMet); and new Guest Principal Dancer, Jurgita Dronina will perform Paquita’s Grand Pas Classique.

29th-31st May 2015. Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Tickets: www.urbtix.hk Enquiries: marketing@hkballet.com

Tsang Chui-mei: Some Landscape

Ista- The Curry Place Located in Lan Kwai Fong, in the heart of Central, Ista proudly brings you their passionate Indian Cuisine in a luxurious setting. It offers a unique combination of ambience and elegance to create a truly delightful dining experience.

Showing at Grotto Fine Art this month is Tsang Chui-mei. Always straddling Chinese tradition and western abstract painting, the artist’s newest works are all acrylic “virtual landscapes”— neither mountainscapes nor urban scenes, but a mixture of both—painted with energetic bright colors and serene, cerebral detail to draw the viewer in. Through Jun 6. Grotto Fine Art, Unit 31C-D, 2/F, Wyndham St., Central, 2121-2270.

The Print Market

Ista’s menu offers an array of Indian street-food favorites, tapas-style appetizers, curries, biryani and desserts satisfying the most discerning palates. It also offers an extensive menu for Catering and Delivery orders.

The first event of its kind, The Print Market is an exhibition showing off local talent from the likes of Emily Eldridge, Lokz Phoenix, Charles Munka and Emilie Sarnel. Prints made by a roster of nine independent Hong Kong artists, graphic designers and illustrators will be showcased and available for sale. Don’t miss opening day, where you’ll get the opportunity to get your posters signed by the artists. May 16-27. Ethos, 93, 97, 99 Hill Rd., Shek Tong Tsui, 2833-2127.

Open all day, serving lunch & dinners.

Reservations : +852 25305353 / 92014775 Email : info@ista.com.hk ; Web: www.ista.com.hk

Sadaharu Horio

Located in the heart of Central, this private salon is the only place in town that offers a comprehensive range of exclusive international designer accessories for weddings and special occasions. From hair accessories to statement necklaces, and hand-beaded boleros to jeweled earrings, you can certainly find something unique at this salon for your next event!

Fresh from showing off his sensational “art vending machine” performance at Art Brussels (in which he stayed in a wooden hut, making spontaneous works of art for one Euro each), the Kobe-native Sadaharu Horio comes to Hong Kong with a collection at Axel Vervoordt Gallery. Often painted on banal objects such as string or discarded pieces of wood, each piece is made with intense energy in short bursts of time. The method aims to highlight his philosophy of art and life, which is all about capturing the present. Through Jul 9. Axel Vervoordt Gallery, Unit D, 15/F,Entertainment Building, 30 Queen’s Rd. Central, 2503-2220.

Suite 801, 8th Floor, Lyndhurst Tower, No.1 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central

Kowloon Bazaar’s TWO MEGA shopping fiestas Now in its ninth year, the Kowloon Bazaar is back with two shopping events with an array of unique local/ international vendors selling everything from handicrafts and household items to fine/fashion jewellery, designer wear, accessories and more. Lucky draws, complimentary wine, entrance gifts, kids activities, F&B – it’s a fun and exciting day out for the family! www.KowloonBazaar.com

Summer Sparkles - Sat 16th May The Mira Hotel TST 11am to 8pm Kowloon Bazaar – Sat 5th Sep Regal Kowloon Hotel TST 11am to 8pm

PERKS2015_May15.indd 29 24 HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, may 15, 2015

11/05/2015 6:20 PM

Invader: Wipe Out As one of the highlight events of this month’s Le French May arts extravaganza, the anonymous French street artist Invader will be inundating Hong Kong with his signature, pixelated street art in an exhibition exploring the status of street art in the city. Since 1998, the artist has been placing his 8-bit “space invader” images in 60 cities across the world. Alongside a multimedia exhibition, he will be bringing replicas and documentations of past “invasions” to The Qube pop-up space at PMQ. Sticker vending machines will also be made available to visitors, and proceeds will go to support the charity Pathfinders, which helps migrant women and their children in the SAR. Through May 17. PMQ, 35 Aberdeen St., Central. www.hoca.org.

Photo: Jan Ligeois

Lane’s exquisite accessories for special occasions

SPORTS

Edited by

Charley Mulliner charlotte.mulliner@ hkmagmedia.com

hk picks

Soccer Sevens Hong Kong’s soccer scene is gearing up for one of the city’s biggest tournaments on the calendar: the 2015 HKFC Soccer Sevens. This year it celebrates its 16th edition, with big hitters Aston Villa, West Ham United and Atlético Madrid arriving in the SAR to take on Hong Kong teams.

A quick beginners’ lowdown: there are two seven-a-side competitions held over three days— an all-ages Main tournament plus a Masters competition for players aged 35 and over. Famous faces who’ve previously featured in the Masters include former English player Peter Beardsley and player/manager turned commentator John Barnes. Are we rooting for last year’s finalists Kitchee?

Of course. In a group with West Ham? Well, you never know. May 29-31. Hong Kong Football Club, 1 Sports Rd., Causeway Bay. $160-300 from www.cityline.com. www.hksoccersevens.com.

Asia Rugby Championship The Sevens may be a distant memory, but there’s still plenty of rugby to come: Enter the Asian Rugby Championship.

Matches are being played throughout the year across Asia, but it’s rare that the matches are held right here in the city.

See Hong Kong’s men and women’s teams take on Japan at the Aberdeen Stadium.

Fancy dress… not obligatory. May 23, 1pm.

Aberdeen Sports Ground, 108 Wong Chuk Hang Rd., Aberdeen. Free. www.arfu.com.

FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix The big balls are out for the FIVB (Fédération Internationale de Volleyball) Volleyball World Grand Prix: world champions USA will go head to head against China, Japan and Thailand for the prestigious title and a share of the US$165,000 prize pot. Six matches will be played across three days (July 16-18) at the Hong Kong Coliseum. For the first time, a video challenge system will be introduced in Hong Kong—just to eliminate those sandy, bikini-clad fights. Wait… wrong sport. Jul 16, 17, 6:30pm; Jul 18, 5:30pm.

Hong Kong Coliseum, 9 Cheong Wan Rd., Hung Hom. $80-650 from wgp.vbahk.org.hk. www.fivb.org.

Splash ‘n’ Dash It’s that time of year again: enrolment has started for the annual Splash ‘n’ Dash Aquathon Series, which features a race on May 31 in South Bay. With both adult categories and heats for teens and kids, the races are suitable for athletes of all ages and abilities. Some 800 participants and spectators are expected for each event, so come and test the waters for yourselves. Visit website for more information on different categories of races. May 31, 8:30am. South Bay. $225-300. www.revolution-asia.com.

Jax Shek O Challenge The annual charity open-water swimming, running and paddling competition is back again for its 11 edition. The Jax Shek O Challenge is a 2.2km point-to-point swim from Big Wave Bay to Shek O Back Beach— but if swimming’s not for you, why not try the 8.5km run from Big Wave Bay that loops up into Shek O Country Park and down into Shek O? Alternatively there’s a 9km paddle option that takes you out around the headland. Try one of these solo, or team up for the “trisolothon” to take on all three events. Once you’re done, there’ll be beach sports, music and food on Shek O Back Beach. Jul 11, 2:30pm. Big Wave Bay, Shek O. Entry $380 before end of May; $430 thereafter. Openwaterasia.com.

2015 Ride of Silence Get your bikes in working order for Hong Kong’s 2015 Ride of Silence—an international event to commemorate cyclists who have lost their lives on the road. Organized by the Hong Kong Alliance, this annual circular night ride starts in Tsim Sha Tsui and loops up to Sham Shui Po. This year the circuit remembers the seven cyclists who died and the more than 2,300 who were injured in the city in 2014. Please note that police will be checking participants for lights (front and rear), plus reflectors and bells. Meeting point: Tsim Sha Tsui clock tower. May 20, 7:15pm.

Free. hkcyclingalliance.org.

HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, may 15, 2015 25

May 15, 2015, HKM, Indulgence, OP , 4C

nightlife Open Bar Edition

INDULGENCE on Wyndham Street offers a warm welcome to two of Hong Kong’s leading creative stylists, Ian Gough and Nicole Burak.

Modern creativity meets impeccable sophistication, this is the ultimate destination for a truly bespoke cut and styling for the discerning customer seeking relaxation and great style. We look forward to welcoming you to our brand new hair salon.

The buzz: Korean-American gastropub

Edition is part of a wave of new eateries offering Korean fare with a western twist.

And if you know anything about the drinking culture of Korea, you’ll know what’s up: beer, soju, soju cocktails, oh and some more soju.

Paired with comforting American-inspired bar bites, it’s a winning combination.

4th Floor W Place 52 Wyndham Street Tel 2217 0644 | enquirywplace@indulgence.hk HOHK_GeneralAd_QuaterPage_125x170mm_FA_OL.pdf 1 8/4/15 10:00 www.indulgence.hk

The décor: Edgy yet somehow unpretentious, the narrow Peel Street bar is all exposed industrial fixings with black and red furniture.

It’s unassuming, cozy, and cool enough for first dates, with enough bar space for small-to medium-sized groups. The front is normally kept open, where groups spill out onto the concrete slope as the night goes on.

hk picks AM

12/05/2015 3:46 PM Imagine Dragons Did you miss Imagine Dragons’ free gig last year at the “Transformers” premiere? The Las Vegas alt-rock band is coming back for a one-night performance. This time, though, you’ll have to pay.

Sorry. Aug 23, 9pm. AsiaWorld-Arena, Sky Plaza Rd., Chek Lap Kok. $288-788 from www.hkticketing.com.

Clubs Henry Fong Progressive and electro-house DJ Henry Fong hits up new club Déjà Vu to drop some beatz.

May 15, 11:30pm. Déjà Vu, 1/F, 17 Lan Kwai Fong, Central, 2810-1100. Price TBA. Beer Pong King and Queen of Hong Kong The Hong Kong Beer Pong Association hosts the Beer Pong King and Queen of Hong Kong, a series of tournaments to find the champion of the best drinking game of all time. May the hops be ever in your favor… May 16, 7-11pm.

Déjà Vu, 1/F, 17 Lan Kwai Fong, Central, 28101100. $100 from www.eventbrite.hk.

Y

Concerts Justice Just in time for Le French May, the people behind Clockenflap are bringing us Grammywinning disco-infused electro duo Justice to town for a DJ set. May 15, 8pm. Star Hall, KITEC, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay. $690 from www.hkticketing.com.

26 HK MAGAZINE

FRIDAY, may 15, 2015

Mika Is Mika still relevant? Evidently so—the UK singer of “Grace Kelly” fame is doing an intimate set at the Vine Centre in Wan Chai in June. Jun 3, 8pm. Vine Centre 2, 29 Burrows St., Wan Chai, 2573-0793. $590 from www.ticketflap.com.

Gigs Cosmic Chauffeur Presents Double A Sides At this gig, see rock four-piece 22 Cats— which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year—plus lounge punk three-piece Logo. May 16, 9pm. Orange Peel, 2/F, 38-44 D’Aguilar St., Central, 2812-7177. $100 from www.ticketflap.com; $120 at the door.

We Start From Here Five Hong Kong bands all of different styles are coming together to present this gig. See indie pop-rockers Hydro-Balloon; indie rock four-piece Bittersweet; pop-punk group Stella; rock band Guan Yin, which started off as a cover band; and finally, power-pop band Silhungmo. May 19, 7:30pm. The Warehouse Teenage Club, 116 Aberdeen Main Rd., Aberdeen. Price TBA.

Nightlife Events The drinks: Edition spins out 15 types of house-infused soju—fermented with fruits, they’re served straight up—plus long lists of soju cocktails, and somek, or soju bombs. Start things off with a Soju flight ($220)—we had a trio of guava, raspberry, and pineapple-infused liquors. The sweetness subtly increases across the three, and they’re very, very smooth. Those preferring cocktails can give the Sparkling Citron ($68) a try, which is an alcoholic take on traditional yuzu tea: a blend of soju, sparkling wine and citron. The Chili Mango ($68— pictured below) is also a refreshing choice: tart, sweet mango juice is mellowed out by a splash of soju, ending on a spicy note.

Why you’ll be back: K-fans will be blissfully

downing soju left and right, but Edition serves up fusion comfort food at its best: think spicy, gochujang-laced fried chicken wings ($68), cheesy kimchi fries ($50), and pork lollipops slathered in hot molten cheese ($68). In case you need even more reason to go: Mondays are $5 Wings Nights, and happy hour (noon9pm) prices start from an unbeatable $38.

Come equipped with knowledge of some Korean drinking games and get your gonbae on. Evelyn Lok 37 Peel St., Central, 2336-6695.

This Will Destroy You Texan four-piece This Will Destroy You returns to the stage at Hidden Agenda (where else?). Also known as TWDY, the band plays instrumental and postrock, garnering critical acclaim and a considerable fanbase. Disclaimer: the music may, in fact, Destroy You. Addendum: It probably won’t. May 20, 8pm. Hidden Agenda, Unit 2A, Wing Fu Industrial Building, 15-17 Tai Yip St., Ngau Tau Kok. $240 from www.ticketflap.com; $280 at the door.

Noughts and Exes: The Final Show Hong Kong’s indie darlings Noughts and Exes are disbanding! The indie folk-pop band originally burst on to the scene in 2007, gaining traction in 2011 with a second album “The Start of Us.” Two years later they became the first Hong Kong band to release an album through a Kickstarter campaign.

Over the years, they became mainstays on the scene, becoming one of the city’s bestloved indie bands. Sadly, they’re now saying goodbye. Luckily for fans—or maybe just to prove this isn’t a Yoko situation—they’re coming together for one last hurrah at the Vine Centre. See them now, or never. Jun 6, 8pm. Vine Centre 2, 29 Burrows St., Wan Chai, 2573-0793. $180 from www.ticketflap. com; $220 at the door.

Happy Mondays UK alt-rock band Happy Mondays defined the “Madchester” scene of the 80s in the UK. Despite disbanding multiple times over the years, they’ve been able to pull through and come together over the years.

Catch them at KITEC. Jul 28, 8pm. Rotunda 3, KITEC, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay. $545-650 from www.wegottickets.com.

Secret Walls x Havaianas With humble beginnings in an East London bar, Secret Walls is now a worldwide live art event. This time, it’s joining forces with Havaianas to hold a live art battle at Backstage Live. There are eight artists fighting it out to vinyl tunes from hip-hop, funk and house DJs, including Jay Pelmet— that’s Clockenflap founder Jay Forster to you plebs. Grab your tickets now for the hipsterfilled affair. May 15, 7:30pm. Backstage Live, 1/F, Somptueux Central, 52-54 Wellington St., Central, 2167-8985. $150 from www. ticketflap.com.

Ladies Who Whisky Hullett House’s Whisky@Stables bar plays host to Ladies Who Whisky, a series of 90-minute classes aimed at getting women to learn more about the tipple. On May 21, reps from Pierre Hermé will take you through a tasting of chocolates paired with whiskies. On May 28, learn exactly how floral arrangements and whiskies go hand-in-hand with pros from Oulala Flower. Finally, on June 4, the class’s theme is “the Nordic whisky experience,” helmed by chef Jaakko Sorsa of Scandinavian restaurant FINDS. May 21, 7pm; May 28, 7pm; Jun 4, 7pm. Whisky@Stables, Hullett House, 1881 Heritage, 2A Canton Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 3988-0104. $500 on May 21; $398 on May 28; $350 on Jun 4.

White Party No, it’s not a party for gweilos. The annual White Party is now in its 10th year, and it’s going to be bigger than ever—it’s taking place at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. On the cards: DJs Thomas Gold and Spencer Tarring.

VIP tickets ($1,080) will get you all kinds of extras, such as access to the VIP lounge and outdoor terrace, a drink voucher, and fast queue for the bathrooms. You know it’s gonna be a messy one when they offer the VIPs a different line for bathrooms.

What is this, the Sevens? May 30, 10pm.

Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, Kowloon City. $4801,080 from www.hkticketing.com. www. whitepartyhk.com.

Tiki Tuesdays Snazzy eastside rooftop bar Sugar has recently launched Tiki Tuesdays, with plenty of original tiki-themed creations on offer. Hope you like rum. And Wednesday hangovers.

Tuesdays, 5-10pm. Sugar, 32/F, East Hotel, 29 Tai Koo Shing Rd., Quarry Bay, 3968-3738.

HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, may 15, 2015 27

FILM

Edited by Evelyn Lok evelyn.lok@hkmagmedia.com

Coming Soon

Opening

Cart The Age of Adaline

The Taking of Tiger Mountain

PPPPP

(China) Action/Adventure. Directed by Tsui Hark. Starring Zhang Hanyu, Kenny Lin, Tong Liya, Tony Leung Ka-fai. Category IIB. 143 minutes. Opened May 14.

Director Tsui Hark says that “The Taking of Tiger Mountain” has been percolating in his brain for the past 25 years. It follows the story of writer Qu Bo’s 1957 novel, based on real-life events in which a Communist soldier disguised himself as a bandit to take down a gang during the Chinese Civil War. The novel has seen its share of adaptations throughout the years, becoming famous as a Peking opera and one of the eight “model plays” allowed during the Cultural Revolution. The result of Hark’s 25-year dream is a high-octane visual feast, as you’d expect from the veteran filmmaker: a stylish rendition of a propaganda film, full of brooding heroes and PLA glorification.

For all its lack of contemporary relevance, one of the major faults of “The Taking of Tiger Mountain” is its weakly tacked-on link to the 21st century: A young Chinese man is stuck in a traffic jam in New York on his way to the airport, and so he watches a Youku video of the Chinese opera in question. From here we are transported to the snowy hills of the northeastern part of China, where a small but steadfast PLA squad awaits further instruction from HQ. But they chance on a renegade crew who are impersonating soldiers, plunging us directly into the action. Why couldn’t the story have just started here?

After victory against the outlaws, the PLA squad is met by Yang Zirong (Zhang Hanyu), a reconnaissance officer with ample experience dealing with bandits. He’s accompanied by a pretty female medic nicknamed “Little Dove” (Tong Liya). The squad is tasked to take down the major outlaw force terrorizing the region, led by a man known as Hawk (a heavily disguised Tony Leung Ka-fai).

They set up camp in a village at the base of Tiger Mountain where Hawk resides. Yang Zirong volunteers to infiltrate the looming fortress of Tiger Mountain alone, to create an opening for the rest of the group to strike.

The advantage of filming this story in 2014 is that it allows for impressive visuals to shine through. All the action—and indeed even the quieter scenes of shadowy double dealings—are imbued with a very comic book aesthetic: Think fast camera pans and slow-mo bullet-dodging. All throughout there’s also an homage to its source material, with a tinge of the recognizable intensity of Peking opera in the acting, which adds a captivating edge to the film. Each actor’s movements sweep deliberately and rapidly, like the decorated dancers on a revolutionary stage.

While the action becomes increasingly improbable, and to an extent, comical—such as when the entire squadron skis over a precipice and transports themselves onto the fortress wall via a makeshift zipline—the theatrical aesthetic is kept consistent through to the end, and is what makes the predictability worthwhile. Turn off the logical side of your mind and you’ll have a great time.

Could there have been a more thorough re-examination of the original material? More in-depth and modern characterization beyond stock Peking opera personas, and the baddie-to-good-guy death ratio changed up from a million to one? Sure. But that wouldn’t have made it such an addictive popcorn action flick through and through. Evelyn Lok

(USA) Blake Lively is Adaline Bowman, a woman who has retained the appearance of a 29-yearold for eight decades and hides her secret from the world. Everything changes when she meets Ellis Jones, a charming philanthropist who becomes the spark to set off her suppressed passion for life and love. Can she learn to let someone else in? Does she die a fetus like Benjamin Button? So many questions. Opens May 21.

(South Korea) When a large Korean supermarket chain decides to outsource all of its existing part-time roles, the shop’s dedicated and underappreciated cashiers and cleaners decide to rise up and fight for their rights. They pull out all the tricks in the book: forming a union, picketing, peaceful protesting, and occupying the supermarket grounds—even enduring violent threats from authority just for a chance to negotiate their terms. How familiar this feels…

Opened May 14.

Pale Moon (Japan) Starring former model Rie Miyazawa, “Pale Moon” is your ordinary everyday scandalous Japanese housewife story: her husband’s indifference causes her to go astray with a university student. But the deeper she delves into the adulterous relationship the more she sinks into a spiral of money laundering and embezzlement. Plot twist alert! Opens May 21.

Mad Max: Fury Road (USA) George Miller’s dystopian action series from the 80s finally follows up with a fourth installment, with Tom Hardy replacing Mel Gibson as “Mad” Max. An insane road war takes place in a post-apocalyptic future across a desert wasteland. Max is enlisted to help Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron) cross the desert to hide and protect the world’s greatest resource from a deadly motorcycle gang. Get ready for breathtaking visuals and the sandiest ride of your life. Opened May 14.

The Search (French) Michel Hazanavicius’ (“The Artist”) French remake of the 1948 Swiss film of the same name was in competition for the Cannes Palme d’Or last year. The bleak drama stars Bérénice Bejo (“The Artist,” “The Past”) as Carole, an EU delegation head who helps a small boy orphaned during the Second Chechen war.

Opens May 21.

Spy (USA) Melissa McCarthy returns in another espionage action-comedy after 2013’s “The Heat.” This time, McCarthy is Susan Cooper, the oft-overlooked CIA desk-agent who is tasked to go undercover to save the world when the hunky male spies (Jude Law and Jason Statham) have failed. Opens May 21.

A Little Chaos (UK) Alan Rickman directs and stars in his second cinema baby, “A Little Chaos”—a story about a female landscape architect (Kate Winslet) who competes against her male counterpart to design the gardens at Versailles for King Louis XIV. Feminism, Rickman and gardens? What could go wrong? Opened May 14.

The Taking of Tiger Mountain (China) See review, left. Opened May 14.

The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death (UK) The 2012 British horror film based on the Susan Hill novel gets the full sequel treatment.

Set during the WWII Blitz, a schoolteacher brings the children under her care to a house in the country—a place they discover is haunted by the vengeful spirit of a(nother) woman in black who targets young children. Cue creepy music and plenty of mangled dolls! Opened May 14.

Tomorrowland (USA) Two-time Oscar-winner Brad Bird directs this kooky Disney adventure about Frank, a jaded former child genius who meets Casey, a science-loving teen, as they discover a mysterious place in the fabric of space and time dubbed Tomorrowland. Cue surprising cast choice: George Clooney plays adult Frank, with other roles filled by Hugh Laurie, KeeganMichael Key and Tim McGraw (?!). It’s probably just an excuse to give the Disneyland area a back story, but hey—it worked for “Pirates of the Caribbean,” didn’t it? Opens May 21.

28 HK MAGAZINE

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Continuing The Avengers: Age of Ultron (USA) The fate of mankind is (once again) hanging by a thread: this time as Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) creates Ultron, an artificially intelligent being who decides that the best way to bring peace to the world is to exterminate all humans. It’s up to The Avengers to join forces once more to protect our home… Prepare for plenty of exploding robot fun. PPPP

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Helios (Hong Kong) Starring an ensemble cast, Shawn Yue and Nick Cheung play the good guys against Chang Chen—the titular baddie Helios, who helps a terrorist group forge nukes in Hong Kong. Caught in the middle?

Jacky Cheung, as a physics professor who’s working with two Korean weapons experts.

Murmur of the Hearts Citizenfour (USA) It’s 114 minutes of intrepid journalism behind one of the biggest scandals ever to emerge from the US. “Citizenfour” follows documentary filmmaker Laura Poitras and reporter Glenn Greenwald after they received encrypted emails revealing the American government’s top secret surveillance program. They fly to Hong Kong to meet the mysterious sender: Edward Snowden. Impeccably edited, the documentary tells a chilling tale detailing how our personal privacy and freedoms have been compromised in the internet age.

PPPP

Dior and I

(Taiwan) Veteran director Sylvia Chang makes a comeback after a seven-year hiatus. Focusing a lens on her hometown of Taipei, “Murmur of the Hearts” looks at three estranged members of a family and the ways they react to compassion and, perhaps, reconciliation.

Spandau Ballet: Soul Boys of the Western World

(France) In this documentary about the legendary house of Christian Dior, director Frédéric Tcheng managed to get a rare insider’s look at Raf Simons’ first couture collection for the brand as artistic director.

You don’t need to know haute couture to relate to the stress of the fashion industry; neither will you need it to appreciate the breathtaking final products. PPP

(UK) This documentary is “True” “Gold” about the princes of the New Romantic movement, from the band’s inception up ‘til their recent comeback. A must-see for any Spandau Ballet fan, as there’s a 45-minutelong concert at the end of the movie that’s accompanied by lyrics in case you feel like crooning along. PPP

Full Strike

(Hungary/Germany) When 13-year-old Lili is forced to abandon her dog in a society that deems mongrels “unfit” to be kept, it stops at nothing to reunite with her again— even if it means banding with all the other literal underdogs of society to instigate a dangerous uprising. But while “White God” boasts some stunning cinematography, there are too many unanswered questions here to provide a satisfying experience. PP

(Hong Kong/China) Director Derek Kwok returns after last year’s mega box office hit “As the Light Goes Out.” It sounds like a pretty big artistic jump: from intense firefighting epic to action comedy romp about a jaded former badminton star (Josie Ho) who rediscovers a thirst for the sport and her life—thanks to a ragtag team of newfound ex-con friends. Awww!

White God

Special Screenings

National Theatre Live: Skylight

Le French May Film Program The Le French May festival also brings plenty of French film into the mix this month. Don’t miss our picks, including “New Territories” (May 15), a thriller of sorts about a French woman in Hong Kong selling a new method to dispose of dead bodies; “You and the Night” (May 23), a story of a sexy midnight orgy club featuring a cast of strange characters learning to embrace their strangeness—all inspired by “The Breakfast Club”; and “We Did It On A Song” (May 24, 29), a coming of age documentary about five 17-year-old aspiring musicians in a French fishing town troubled by the financial crisis. May 8-31. Broadway Cinematheque and Palace IFC. $80-95.

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CH A N

See National Theatre productions on the big screen at AMC (Festival Walk, Pacific Place) and Broadway (The One, Palace IFC) cinemas. This spring, it’s David Hare’s 1995 play “Skylight” filmed straight from London’s West End, a story of hesitation rekindled old flames. Bill Nighy takes on the role of a restaurateur whose wife has just died. He reaches out to a former lover, a school teacher played by Carey Mulligan.

Through May 18. Broadway Cinematheque, Prosperous Garden, 3 Public Square St., Yau Ma Tei. $200 from AMC or Broadway cinemas city-wide.

Restored Treasures The Film Archive is screening one restored masterpiece on the first Sunday of each month through to June. June 7’s your last chance, where you can catch “Jaws” just at the peak of swimsuit season. Through Jun 7.

Cinema, Hong Kong Film Archive, 50 Lei King Rd., Sai Wan Ho, 2739-2139. $50.

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HOME / EVERYTHING ELSE SAVAGE LOVE Dan Savage My wife is one of those women who need manual stimulation of her clit during sex to climax. Before meeting her, I had several long-term girlfriends, and not one needed to do this in order to climax. Before we got married, I explained that I wanted to explore and push the boundaries, and she promised me that would happen.

But she has no fantasies, kinks, or fetishes, and she’s not into any of the things I’ve proposed. Bringing this all together is that when we are having sex, she’s so fixated on stimulating her clit, it’s almost like we are in two different worlds. When she’s working toward an orgasm, her eyes are shut and she’s concentrating on the rubbing— whether she’s doing it or I am—and I can’t help but wonder if the work it takes to get her to orgasm is part of the reason she’s not interested in exploring. I’ve talked to her several times about how I’m yearning to do more, but I haven’t brought up my thoughts on how the way she comes may be affecting things.

– Come As You Are

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My thoughts, in no particular order…

1. Three out of four women need direct, focused, and sometimes intense stimulation of their clit in order to climax—sailing a dick up the vaginal canal isn’t going to do it for most women— so either you lucked out and all of your previous girlfriends were 25 percenters or many/most/all of your previous girlfriends were faking it.

2. I’ve never met a man who wasn’t fixated on stimulating his dick during sex and/or having his dick stimulated for him during sex.

3. If your wife is picking up on your negativity about the way her pussy works, that could negatively impact her enthusiasm for sex in general and sex with you in particular.

4. Your wife is fantasizing about something when she closes her eyes and starts rubbing her clit. You might be able to have more productive conversations about your sex life—and your desire for a more adventurous one—if you drew her out about what’s going on in her head when she’s getting off. Tell her how sexy she looks, tell her you would love to know what she’s thinking about, tell her how hot her fantasy is if she opens up about it (and don’t freak out if she’s not fantasizing about you), carefully build on her fantasy with some dirty talk. Once she opens up about whatever it is that’s unspooling in her head, you can suggest realizing her fantasies in real life—and a few of yours as well.

5. And… um… lastly… Your wife may need to block you out—she may need to clamp her eyes shut—in order to climax because… um… she may not be sexually attracted to you. That’s harsh, I realize, and I hope that’s not the case. But if marital sex for her is a joyless exercise—she gets you off then clamps her eyes shut and gets herself off—then this is a problem that can’t be fixed, and spending the next five decades trying to fix it will be both futile and frustrating.

Here’s hoping your wife’s issue is something more common and can be fixed—she’s sexually repressed but can work through it, this clampeyes-and-rub-clit routine was her masturbatory goto for years but you two can find new and exciting ways to get her off. Those new and exciting ways to get her off will most likely require her to fixate on stimulating her clit—and that’s okay.

I’m a lesbian who has been pretty successful at online dating. Lately, however, I’ve had a few women contact me who turn out not to be cisgender. I’ve tried to remain open, but I have never been attracted to a trans woman. I don’t rule out the possibility that it could happen. But one great thing

about online dating is that you can express preferences before going on a date, and I’d rather not unknowingly walk into these potentially awkward and painful situations.

Is there something I could put on my profile expressing my preference for cisgender women that is not offensive to trans people?

It’s important to me that I remain an ally.

– Can I Say? You can put “not into trans women” in your online dating profile, CIS, but you’ll have to hand in your Trans Ally card. Gay men are likewise free to put “no fats, no femmes” or “white guys only—just expressing my preference” on their profiles, and too many do (and not all of them are white guys), but gay men who do that have to hand in their Not an Asshole cards. Occasionally having coffee with someone you’re not into—and having to tiptoe through the awkwardness—isn’t something you can avoid in online dating.

You would have to do that even if only cis lesbians responded to your ads, as you’re presumably not attracted to all cis lesbians. Having a coffee now and then with a trans woman you most likely won’t find attractive—but you never know—is a small price to pay to make the online dating world a less shitty place for trans people. It’s what an ally would do.

I’m a 29-year-old gay guy in a committed relationship. My boyfriend says he feels sexually inadequate, because I’m not the type of guy who needs to come in order to feel that I had great sex. Honestly, foreplay and receiving anal sex are much more pleasurable for me. If I want to come, I will, just not all the time. As long as there’s plenty of kissing, touching, and licking—and all the other wonderful “ings”—I don’t feel like ejaculation is a big deal. He thinks it means I’m not attracted enough to him.

He’s self-conscious since his dick is a bit on the small side, and my not coming seems to make it worse. I’ve told him that I find him utterly attractive—bless those legs, that chest, that ass—and I always try to make him have an orgasm. I’ve also tried to come more often for him, but sometimes I’m just not in the mood. I’ve also told him that he’s not doing anything wrong and this is just the way I’m wired. He says he still feels inadequate. I don’t know what else to do or say.

– Orgasms Reliably Great Although Sometimes Missed You’ve done the reassuring thing (about his size), you’ve done the explaining thing (this is just the way you’re wired), and you’ve done the meeting him halfway thing (coming more often to appease/mollify). Now it’s time for the exasperated ultimatum thing. I’ve taken the liberty of scripting your ultimatum: “You have to stop obsessing about whether or not I come every time we fuck. I would never make you feel bad about your dick, but you’re making me feel bad about my dick. So here’s the deal: you’re going to drop this. You’re going to take ‘Yes, I’m attracted to you’ and ‘This is how my dick works’ for an answer. And you’re not going to bring this up anymore. Sometimes I’ll come, sometimes I won’t. Putting up with that—and getting over your insecurities or at least shutting up about them—is the price of admission to be with me.

If you can’t pay that price, if me not coming every time we have sex is something you’ll never get over, then we should break up.”

Don’t miss Sherman Alexie on the Savage Lovecast: savagelovecast.com.

Find the Savage Lovecast (my weekly podcast) every Tuesday at thestranger.com/savage.mail@savagelove.net

HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, May 15, 2015 35

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Free Will Astrology TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): My astrological colleagues discourage me from talking to you Bulls about financial matters. “Most Tauruses know ten times more about the mystery of money than you will ever know,” said one. “Their excellent instincts trump any tips you could offer.” Another astrologer concurred, noting, “The financial advice you give Tauruses will at best be redundant and at worst simplistic.”

A third colleague summed it up: “Offering Tauruses guidance about money is like counseling Scorpios about sex.” So although I’m shy about providing recommendations, I will say this: The next five weeks will be a favorable time to set in motion the plans to GET RICHER QUICKER! GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20): “Endings to be useful must be inconclusive,” wrote science fiction novelist Samuel R. Delany. I endorse that theory for your use in the coming weeks. Interweave it with this advice from playwright Sam Shepard: “The temptation towards resolution, towards wrapping up the package, seems to me a terrible trap. Why not be more honest with the moment? The most authentic endings are the ones which are already revolving towards another beginning.” In other words, Gemini, don’t be attached to neat finales and splashy climaxes. Consider the possibility that you can simply slip free of the complicated past and head toward the future without much fanfare.

CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22): In mythic terms, you should be headed for the winner’s circle, which is inside the pleasure dome. The parade in your honor should follow the award ceremony, and let’s hope you will be on the lead float wearing a gold crown and holding a real magic wand while being sung to by a choir of people you love and who love you. If for any reason you are not experiencing some version of these metaphors, I urge you to find out why. Or better yet, get busy on planning a homecoming or graduation party or award ceremony for yourself. From an astrological perspective, you have a mandate to be recognized and appreciated for the gifts you offer the world.

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LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): British Field Marshal Arthur Wellesley was a brilliant military commander.

Renowned for his ability to beat larger armies, he also had great skill at minimizing loss of life among his own troops. His most famous triumph took place in 1815, when he led the forces that defeated Napoleon Bonaparte at Waterloo. In the aftermath, the French tyrant lost his power and went into exile. What was the secret of Wellesley’s success? “Bonaparte’s plans were made in wire,” he said. “Mine were made in string.” In other words, Wellesley’s strategy was more flexible and adaptable.

As circumstances changed, it could be rearranged with greater ease. That’s the approach I recommend for you in the coming days.

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): You may not be strong enough to take a shot at a daunting challenge that’s five levels beyond your previous best. But I think you are at least ready to try a tricky challenge that’s one level higher than where you have been operating.

And that, in my opinion, is a more practical use of your courage. I think it would be a waste of your energy to get wrapped up in grandiose fantasies about impossible perfections. As long as you don’t overreach, you can accomplish small miracles.

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22): I suspect you are about to experience some prime contenders for The Most Unusual Adventures of 2015. Are you thoroughly prepared? Of course not. There’s no way you can be totally ready to adapt to unpredictable wrinkles and change your mind at a moment’s notice.

But that’s exactly what will make these experiments so fun. That’s why they will be effective in building up your resilience and willpower. For best results, apply your nighttime thinking to daytime activities, and vice versa. Spend minimal time on responsibilities that don’t teach you noble truths about your fellow madmen and madwomen. Now here’s my big question: How can you tap into the extra power you will need during your rite of passage?

SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21): Many modern astronomers are allergic to astrology, but from my perspective there is no inherent conflict between the two fields. Four of history’s greatest

astronomers were practicing astrologers, after all: Johannes Kepler, Galileo Galilei, Tycho Brahe, and Pierre Gassendi. One of my friends in college, a Scorpio woman named Martha Maiden, is a first-rate astrologer who got a degree in astronomy and became a top scientist at NASA. In the spirit of finding reconciliation between apparent opposites, I’m happy to say that you are now a virtual virtuoso in your ability to reconcile both apparent opposites and actual opposites. I invite you to use this aptitude with flair and daring.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): Sagittarian Matt Stutzman competes in the sport of archery.

He’s the world’s record holder for longest accurate shot, having hit a target 230 yards away. What makes his accomplishment so extraordinary is the fact that he was born without any arms. He holds each arrow in his mouth and grasps the bow with his right foot and the help of a chest harness. In the spirit of this armless archer, and in accordance with your current astrological omens, I invite you to initiate an attempt to triumph over one of your so-called disadvantages.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): Long before Lou Reed recorded the song “Walk on the Wild Side,” Nelson Algren wrote a novel titled “A Walk on the Wild Side.” It depicts the luxuriant depravity of New Orleans’ French Quarter in the 1930s. One of Algren’s most enduring bits of spiritual advice goes as follows: “Never, ever, no matter what else you do in your whole life, never sleep with anyone whose troubles are worse than your own.” What do you think of that, Capricorn? Even if you don’t regard it as a universal rule that you should unfailingly obey, I suggest you observe it in the coming weeks.

For the sake of your mental hygiene, be extra discerning about what influences you absorb—not just in bed, but everywhere.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): The cosmos has authorized you to be hungrier than usual. You may also feel free to respond to your enhanced hunger with an extra aggressive quest to be fed. Therefore: Be voracious! Risk being avid, ardent, and even agog.

Fill yourself up with pudding, pleasure, praise, peace, perks, and privileges. Anything else you’d like to engorge? If some unenlightened person questions your right to claim the biggest piece and the sweetest taste and the best fuel, inform them that your astrologer says you have ultimate permission.

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): Is there an interesting ally whose path rarely crosses yours? Do you draw inspiration from a like-minded dynamo who is not fully available? Has fate kept you and a friend from getting as close as you would wish? According to my reading of the astrological omens, relationships like these could become more substantial in the coming weeks. The dream of a more robust connection could ripen into an opportunity to actually collaborate.

So be alert for the openings, and be prepared to do what’s necessary to go deeper.

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): The danger of resisting a temptation too strenuously is that the temptation might depart. I suggest that you prevent that from happening. Without throwing yourself at the mercy of the temptation, see if you can coax it to stick around for a while longer. Why? In my view, it’s playing a useful role in your life. It’s motivating you to change some things that really do need to be changed. On the other hand, I’m not yet sure that it should become anything more than a temptation. It might serve you best that way, not as an object of your satisfied desire.

Homework: Imagine that everything important you know is condensed into a single symbol or image. What is it? FreeWillAstrology.com.

HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, May 15, 2015 37

First Person Photo: Kirk Kenny / studiozag.com

“One person’s ability is always limited.

That’s why we need true friends.”

Fashion designer Dorian Ho is a leading light in Hong Kong fashion, best known for his evening wear and bridal gowns. He tells Isabelle Hon about being threatened with a gun, almost going bankrupt, and the key to success.

I have been addicted to beautiful things ever since I was born.

In my childhood I wasn’t talkative. It was even close to autism. My parents were workaholics and they rarely had time for me.

I was sent to a day care center and could only leave once a week.

It seemed like my personality was under a shell. I want to get out of it so I asked my parents to send me over to the US on a student exchange program.

I lived with host families and had some super weird experiences.

One couple had a baby, so they treated me like a babysitter. They only fed me burgers. In the end they stole all my money and kicked me out of their house.

I called my parents, but they had been told that I was kicked out because I was behaving badly.

I went to the consulate by myself and later they helped me find another host family.

This host was a widow. She treated me so well that it made her Japanese army boyfriend jealous. One day he pointed a gun at me and told me to leave. I had to run at midnight!

Imagine—I was just 16!

38 HK MAGAZINE

FRIDAY, may 15, 2015

My family ran a garment factory. As I am the eldest son, I was expected to take over the business after I graduated.

To de-stress, I simply do nothing but meditate. The best way is always to go to a resort and sit for a whole day.

I was bored as a manufacturer. You have to listen to what people ask you to do.

When I was young I was easily annoyed.

In recent years I’ve started to believe in Buddhism. It has helped to calm me down.

Being annoyed is not going to change anything that has already happened.

During my time working in the factory I was like a ghost. My body was sitting there, but my soul was somewhere else. I didn’t enjoy it at all.

I started up the fashion chain store Doriano in mainland China. It expanded to 50 outlets at its peak. When the time was ripe, I sold it and started up my own design brand.

Although I have so many celebrity clients, I’ve found that designing dresses for them isn’t challenging at all. They all have pretty faces and a nice shape. Designing for normal people is more fun.

Once a larger girl came into my office crying: she couldn’t find a single wedding dress. After wearing my design, she was so confident! It gave me huge satisfaction, which money can’t buy.

Although I never studied fashion, what I do have is passion. I work all the time, with non-stop meetings and non-stop calls. It’s my bread and butter.

in marketing: that’s why I am so good at presenting. It’s made me more successful.

I encountered my biggest setback in 1997.

I opened more than 20 chain stores in the mainland. I expanded too fast. With a lack of cash flow, I was facing bankruptcy.

This work is not the kind of work you can stop doing. Once you stop for a while, you’ll be pushed out.

I have been in this field for 22 years.

I’ll be pushed out by someone someday.

It’s inevitable.

But if you just sit there you will be eliminated very soon.

I consider myself a multi-talented person.

Besides being a designer, I’m also doing a magazine, marketing and branding right now.

My supermodel friend Qi Qi—Simon Yam’s wife—shot a series of free advertisements for me. Thanks to the celebrity effect, I survived.

One person’s ability is always limited.

That’s why we need true friends.

Designers are usually a bit shy but I am more like a businessman. I majored

I am collecting eyewear nowadays— Silhouette, Gold & Wood, Bally, Red Bull Racing.

I’m planning to design glasses soon.

People around me always think I’m crazy. They’re afraid I’ll die from overwork someday.

Need to Know…

Dorian Ho rose to international fame thanks to his eveningwear and bridalwear lines. His designs emphasize texture and color, blending classic feminine curves with modern silhouettes.

See more at dorianohk.com.

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