HK Magazine #1098, May 29 2015

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HK M AGA ZINE NO. 1098 FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015 w w w.hk-magazine.com

The Complete History of

Lan Kwai Fong

PAGE 3 10 COVER STORY

The complete history of Lan Kwai Fong Photo: LKF Group

HK Politics 101

Wanna learn how to play politics? Let HK Magazine guide you through the ins and outs of manipulating any and every situation to your political advantage fighting for a good cause.

1) Choose Your Icon.

tried to assist the child. That way you can bring all your fear, insecurity and rage to bear on an organization that’s entirely blameless. All while scaring the innocent bystanding children. Now that’s brilliant politics.

Photo: Kirk Kenny

You will need someone to rally around, or rally against.

Picking an example totally at random, let’s take a 12-yearold boy who, through no fault of his own, has been living illegally in Hong Kong for the past nine years.

4) Claim You’re Doing it for Some Higher Cause.

2) Pick a Side.

Do you want to help said child, or hinder him? Wait— that’s the wrong question! You are only in this for yourself, so the correct question is: How can you spin this situation to your advantage? Are you going to expose this child to a media storm ostensibly in order to help his cause? Or will you just react by losing your shit against a kid who had no say in the entire process? Go ahead, pick one. We’ll wait.

3) Act in a Measured Fashion.

How will you make your opinions about this innocent child known? As a legislator, or member of the radical pan-democrat political party, you could arrange a meeting with government officials and attempt to raise awareness of a complex, difficult issue. But that’s not real politics!

What you should do is just go ahead and blast this story all over the front pages of a fractious, divided city.

Or you could just call everyone involved a traitor, and then protest against the school which has tangentially

After all, the best thing about free speech is that you can stand up and yell abuse and hatred at an innocent 12-yearold kid. How else can we resist encroaching mainland influence, if not by making a boy’s life a living hell?

5) Prepare for the Second Wave.

Now that mainlanders have seen that this naturalization technique works, they will obviously begin to smuggle over children in increasingly large batches, stowing them out of sight in subdivided apartments before unveiling them with a flourish, a decade later. Yes: in one fell, 10-year-long swoop, those long-con north-of-the-border grandmas will have flooded the streets with 10,000 socially starved, semiferal mainland prepubescents. At that point, full integration with China will be mere hours away.

16 ESCAPE ROUTES

Who cares about politics? We must be ready to defend our borders against the 12-year-old illegal immigrant onslaught. Better go terrorize another school.

The Singapore Sling turns the big 1-0-0

18 DISH

Get your nom on in Lan Kwai Fong

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

22 WHAT’S ON

Jump into the UHK Architecture Show

Advertising & Marketing Coordinator

Yan Man

Cover photos: Kirk Kenny and

courtesy of the LKF Group

Where to find us!

HK Magazine Media Ltd. Morning Post Centre 22 Dai Fat Street Tai Po Industrial Estate New Territories Hong Kong 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.

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Allan Zeman on life in the LKF lane

HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

3

MAILBAG Mr. Know-It-All’s Guide to Life Dear Mr. Know-It-All, Can you help me with some pronunciation problems? Is “you” meant to be nei or lei? I hear native speakers saying both! – Tone Deaf Your ears don’t deceive you, Tone Deaf.

to pigeonhole Hong Kong youth as feckless

Cantonese, with its seven (or nine) tones,

inconsiderate wastrels. For linguists

is tricky enough to the untrained ear

have observed a gradual shift in the way

without pronunciation varying wildly. But

Cantonese is spoken for at the past 80

that difference you’re hearing is what’s

years. And as any slightly too enthusiastic

colloquially called laan yum: “lazy tones.”

linguistics undergraduate will tell you,

Laan yum refers to a shifting in the

language is a constantly changing organism

pronunciation of certain syllables, among

and trying to clamp on the brakes is

those whom the older generations are

a doomed, artificial approach.

happy to call the lazy youth of today.

to a dialect like Cantonese. As a spoken

a move from “n” to “l,” from “gw” to

language it’s even more nebulous and

a straightforward “g,” and when the “ng”

changing than anything that’s written down,

sound turns into “m” or “n.”

and Cantonese of all languages espouses colloquialism and slang. A new word learned

sentence: БΡc҈ᖫᑟᄤ‫׭‬໷ means “Hello,

today is often out of fashion tomorrow.

I can speak Cantonese.” It’s pronounced

After all, Cantonese pronunciation has

“Nei ho, ngor sik gong gwong dong wah.”

been changing ever since it diverged from

With lazy tones, it becomes: “Lei ho, or sik gong gong dong wah.”

Or take ngau nai, cow’s milk: it’s au lai to the lazy-toned. The very name of

OUR TABLET APP: OUT NOW!

It’s all the more artificial when it comes

The most identifiable of these shifts are

How does it work? Well, for example, the

Know your nightlife

its origins in Middle Chinese around 1000 AD. Middle Chinese started with four or five tones: Cantonese now has as many as nine.

Your groovy approval:

“I’m a pro at catching the last ferry (and crashing on friends’ sofas)”

Times change, and languages change

Cantonese, gwong dong wah (“Guangdong

with them. So is it “nei” or “lei”? “Ngor” or

Walk the Walk

speech”), is often pronounced gong

“or”? The truth is, it’s both. With the global

In a recent interview with Bosco Hong [“Street

I once fell asleep on the 12:30, woke up back

dong wah, which sounds like “speaking

spread of Cantonese, the truth is that the

Talk”, May 15, issue 1096], we learned about

in central, fell asleep on the pier and missed

the speech of the east.” These shifts—

correct pronunciation of Cantonese is the

his walk from Hong Kong to London. He spent

the 3am, got home at 7am quite well rested

especially from the “n” to the “l” sound—are

one that everyone understands. Failing that,

363 days on foot making the trip to raise money

for a change

widespread, and many Cantonese speakers

you might just fall back on the time-honored

for the UN’s refugee agency... and to thank the

don’t even notice themselves doing it.

British approach of speaking in your native

Queen. Our Facebook readers were impressed.

But these “lazy tones” aren’t really

dialect, JUST MUCH SLOWER AND LOUDER.

such a new thing, and it’s not (totally) fair

Don’t knock it—it worked for an empire.

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

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

Bravo!

Food, ho!

Märk Lee

In a recent issue of HK Magazine, [May 15, issue 1096] we caught a few ferries to the

Fantastic achievement. Well done!

Paul Barlow

#PrivateEyeHK

Tom Fallowfield

outlying islands to find all the best grub.

Here’s what our Facebook readers thought.

Most tried & tested… All good. Enjoy!

Ahoy, Latey

Gill Henderson

We’ve all been a Central Castaway [“Hongkabulary”, May 15, issue 1096] at one point or another—you, know, when you roll

Soju & You

out of LKF at 3am and miss the last ferry of

We tried out the house-infused sojus at

the night to your outlying island.

Korean-American gastropub Edition [“Open Bar,” May 15, issue 1096]. Apparently, one

Maybe is there another name for the people

of our Facebook readers really digs soju.

who take the minibus...

Trinke Trinkete

Onto this like a rash Lauren Cameron

I’m a pro at catching the last ferry (and crashing on friends’ sofas) Sarah Anne

Write in and Win! 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.

Mannequin Hanging Photo by Lindsey Ford

4

HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

THE WEEK Photo: K.Y. Cheng/SCMP

THU 6/4

FRI 5/29

SAT 6/6

Friday 5/29

Monday 6/1

Thursday 6/4

Hit up The Yacht Week Prosecco Party at Panevino, put on to celebrate the opening of the event’s Thailand route. There’ll be free-flow Prosecco for two hours. Don’t know what The Yacht Week is? Picture a group of sexy, bronzed, toned people sailing on a yacht by day and partying on beaches by night.

Alternatively, you could always get a junk for $300 per head.

8-10pm. 36-40 Tung Lo Wan Rd., Tai Hang. $220 at the door.

Motorino’s Ship Street branch has launched a special promo. For $158, you’ll get free-flow aperol spritz or draft beer pretty much all day long. The perfect reason to play hooky after lunch…

Through Sep 15, Mon-Fri, 11am-7pm.

15 Ship St., Wan Chai, 2520-0690.

This year marks the 26th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre of June 4, 1989. As in years past, a candlelight vigil will be held at Victoria Park to remember those who lost their lives.

8pm. Victoria Park, Causeway Bay.

Yachtsee

Saturday 5/30

Why Don’t You Come On Over Are you ready for more Le French May madness? French electronic music collective Valerie is putting on a party at Zafran to celebrate its 8th birthday.

10pm-2am. B/F, 43-45 Wyndham St., Central. $150 from www.ticketflap.com.

Sunday 5/31

Indie Extravaganza

No, Sweaty and Cramped #3 isn’t your next house party.

Local bands will perform at Hidden Agenda, including indie noise band David Boring and folk-rock five-piece Stranded Whale.

8-9pm. 2A, Wing Fu Industrial Building, 15-17 Tai Yip St., Kwun Tong. $120 at the door.

Spritz Blitz

Freedom Fighters

Friday 6/5

Dance the Night Away

Tuesday 6/2

Dance and tech come together in the LCSD’s Dance x Multimedia program. The three-show series begins with “Encoded” from Australia’s Stalker Theatre Company, an aerial dance performance presented against a shimmering starry backdrop.

Jun 5-6, 8pm. Kwai Tsing Theatre, 12 Hing Ning Rd., Kwai Chung. $130-280 from urbtix.hk.

Stop Right Now

You go out too much and don’t get enough rest.

Take a break, will you?

Wednesday 6/3

Style it Up

Blowdry bar Airplay is hosting a Summer Styling session at Solas. Sip on cocktails and nibble on canapés while getting a quick updo from stylists on site. If that’s not enough to pique your interest, there’s a lucky draw, too.

7-9pm. Solas, G/F, The Centrium, 60 Wyndham St., Central. RSVP at tiny.cc/airplay.

Saturday 6/6

Raise the Roof

Music and cultural festival Roofest is back for its summer edition. Expect to see an extensive lineup of DJs including legendary local mainstay Roy Malig. Shop for vinyl CDs and illustrations, plus nibble on popcorn and candy floss—all in an industrial building in Kwun Tong.

3-11:30pm. Easy Building, 140 Wai Yip St., Kwun Tong. $182 from www.eventbrite.hk. BYOB (no glass bottles).

DO THIS

Honi Honi, How He Thrills Me The Honi Honi Rum Fest returns for a third year, a two-day extravaganza celebrating rum in all its delicious, boozy glory. Sample more than 90 different types of rums, including some varieties that have never been brought to Hong Kong before. Munch on Hawaiian poke from Pololi and educate yourself on the sugarcane tipple courtesy of expert Ian Burrell, who will be giving masterclasses.

May 30, 1pm. Honi Honi Tiki Cocktail Lounge, 3/F, Somptueux Central, 52 Wellington St., Central, 2353-0885. Free entry.

HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

5

NEWS Last Week In Reality

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

Photo: Nora Tam/SCMP

Sat 16 Super Soaker A Fanling woman, who has been resident in her building for 15 years, repeatedly

complains to building management that her upstairs neighbors are too noisy. After receiving an unsatisfactory response she pours drain cleaning fluid from a water bottle onto herself and four attendees at a management meeting. All five suffer from second-degree burns to the head, face and body and are taken to the hospital. The neighbors had already installed carpet and put pads on their chair and table legs to reduce noise.

Sun 17 Hot Streak Two men are spotted running in the

nude through Sai Kung. Witnesses estimate that they are in their 30s or 40s and may have run 600m. While investigating police find a man in a car park, drunk and wearing only boxers. They

Cathay staff sit-in at the airport

are unable to determine if the man has any connection to the streakers.

Summer Strike Season Begins The 6,000 members of Cathay Pacific’s Flight Attendants Union (FAU) have asked management

Mon 18

for a uniform pay increase. Attendants who have completed their initial three-year contracts

Lost and Found At 9pm a man finds an injured flying squirrel on a Tai Wai curb. He puts an open

move from $144.70 per hour to $159.30 per hour, whereas staff who signed an earlier contract

cardboard box over the squirrel and calls the SPCA and the police. At around midnight, the SPCA

received a raise to $176.80. Other demands are a reinstatement of a legal protection clause

sends a crew to rescue the squirrel. The owner of the squirrel, who had reported his pet missing,

regarding on-duty work incidents, and the reversal of cuts to lunch allowances for staff

arrives at 4am to collect the squirrel and take him home.

flying to Melbourne. The FAU has staged a “marathon sit-in” at Terminal 1 of Chek Lap Kok and is threatening a two-week strike in August, their first since 1993. The airline has said that it will reinstate legal protection and lower lunch allowance cuts, but maintained that staff getting a 10 percent rise was already “a desirable arrangement.” Earlier this month a threatened

Tue 19

strike by Cathay pilots resulted in them being offered an 8 percent rise over two years.

Pinyin Police A police officer changes

the words on his motorcycle helmet

Our take: It wouldn’t be a Hong Kong summer without a strike or six!

from “POLICE” to “JING CHA,” the Pinyin equivalent of “Police.” A photo of his helmet

ATV Turns Off Sunday Lunch News

is snapped and circulated online: Netizens decry the rise of Putonghua in Hong Kong.

Embattled station ATV has announced that its 12:30 Sunday news program has “temporarily”

Security panel members say that the change

stopped as of May 18. There has been no notice when the program will resume, or whether

was inappropriate, but not a serious offense.

the program will resume at all. Last month, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Gregory So said that ATV is legally required to maintain its level of service until the expiration of its license, saying that “if they really cannot continue to operate, they could consider surrendering their license.” ATV has yet to file an application to terminate its license.

Wed 20 Fair Dismissal A 38-year-old man brandishes a

Our take: The news at 12:30: There is no news at 12:30.

knife while he quarrels with the owner of a Mong Kok restaurant. The owner closes the glass door to keep him out, and he strikes the door with the

Civil Service Not Happy With Their Pay Rise

knife repeatedly. Restaurant staff force him to

An annual government study has recommended pay increases for civil servants of up to

the ground, and police arrest him and take him

4.12 percent, much lower than last year’s 5.96 percent rate. Civil service unions proposed a raise

to the hospital for injuries incurred during the

of 6 percent instead, fearing that the recommended increases would be a “fatal blow to

scuffle. The man is a former waiter who was fired

the already very low staff morale” and pointing out that the government’s rises did not keep

after quarreling with customers and stealing beer

pace with inflation. The government’s Pay Trend Survey Committee chairman Wilfred Wong pointed

from the restaurant.

out that the results of the study were in line with the trends of the private sector.

Our take: Can the civil service strike? ‘Cause it’s summer strike season!

Thu 21

Fri 22

Dummy Thief A man breaks the display

Honey Trap A 35-year-old prostitute catches

window of a North Point phone shop

her 28-year-old client filming their encounter

with a homemade “meteor hammer” flail

on his mobile phone and calls for backup. Three

to steal an iPhone 6 and 6 Plus from the

young men enter the room, and force the client

display case. Upon hearing the noise,

to give up his phone, $2,500 in cash, ATM card

a security guard runs to the scene, but

and PIN. They take $5,900 from his account

the man drops his flail and escapes. The

and subsequently blackmail him for $200,000.

owner of the shop realizes that the two

The client calls the police for help, and is told

stolen phones were dummy phones, each

to set up a meeting with his blackmailers. The

pearls and imitates Chief Secretary Carrie Lam during a public meeting of

unusable and worth $100, while the two

blackmailers, the prostitute and the client are all

iPhones displayed next to the stolen

arrested at the scene.

Legco’s subcommittee on electoral reform. While parodying Lam, Chan

Illustrations: Ryan Chan

HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

“They say I’m a good fighter, but really I’m not; I just get police to beat people up for me.”

Political reform advocate Chan Hiu-yeung dresses up in a wig, blouse and

slipped in a vulgarity, prompting Legco member Tam Yiu-chung to have him

dummies were the real handsets.

6

Quote of the Week

removed from the meeting.

UPFRONT HongKabulary

Street Talk

Clothes Dive NOƎ‍Ţ?‏ѥ] GDŐĽY Q When the underwear you’ve hung to dry outside your window slips from its hanger and plunges five stories to the terrace below. “Sorry I’m late. All my boxers took a clothes dive and I had to go ask my grumpy neighbor to give them back.â€?

Caption This HONG KONG—Members of the Hong Kong Cabin Crew Federation call for a universal retirement age of 65. (Dickson Lee/SCMP)

Au Choy has run a newspaper stand in Lan Kwai Fong for 68 years. She tells Adrienne Chum how times have changed, what she sees in the early hours, and recalls the 1992 Lan Kwai Fong disaster.

HK Magazine: So, how long have you been in the newspaper business?

Au Choy: Almost 70 years. I started when I was 16 years old, and now I’m 84. I still had my hair in braids then: I was still unmarried and going to school. The papers were 2 cents apiece back in those days. I open at 6am and close at 2pm, same as always.

This stand has never moved, and I don’t plan on moving either.

No to Age Discrimination, Says Eternally Youthful Cartoon Mascot ine Difficulties ing Plane Explains Airl Giant Attendant Rid

AIRLINE STAFF PROTEST IRONICALLY FAILS TO GET OFF THE GROUND

Fast Facts

The Big G

A survey reveals that Google is the most sought-after job destination for Hongkongers. What is attracting applicants?

➢ They’re lazy and just Googled “Jobs Hong Kong.â€? ➢ Applicants are all sleeper agents for Bing. ➢ They’ve been lured in by promises of free pastries and all the web you can search.

➢ Google’s redundancy packages consist of three state secrets or just a fat dossier on any one guy you hate.

➢ Anything beats working in print media.

8

HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

HK: Are you planning on retiring any time soon? Who will take over?

AC: I haven’t retired because I’m just here to pass the time. I would have nothing to do in my old age otherwise. I haven’t really thought about anyone taking my place yet. I can’t even make enough for a couple meals anymore. There are so many free newspapers nowadays, and nobody wants to pay for one. It is a digital era now.

There are already eight different free papers. Running this stand is no longer profitable: I only make $3.50 off every pack of cigarettes, but I can’t even sell 10 packs a day. Even passing out flyers and free newspapers gets you $40 an hour.

HK: Do you need a hawker license?

AC: I have a license. I bought it for $5 in a Wan Chai street market when I was 16 years old. Now they’re worth around $5,000. They don’t sell them anymore. If I don’t pass my license on to my children, the government will take it back. Nobody can get a license now, unless they are a direct relative of someone who has one.

trampled farther up the street, but they were laid out here. Some of the injured people were here too. Before drunkards would come by in the morning and knock the stand over, spilling all our stuff. Ever since 1992, there has been far more police and much tighter crowd control.

HK: You must see some interesting things, working in the middle of Lan Kwai Fong.

AC: Sometimes early in the morning I see girls sloppily dressed and leaving buildings in tears. You can tell they were taken advantage of the night before. Sometimes we see drunken girls getting into taxis on one end of the street, then getting dropped off at the other end of the street.

Others lose their shoes and walk around with just one.

HK: What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen?

AC: Twenty-something years ago, Central was like a ghost town after 7pm.

After people left work, this area would be very quiet. Allan Zeman made this place what it is today. Before, it was a residential district. One floor had around 30 people, and one room housed two to three children.

For a three-room flat you would have one family subletting to two other families, and the balcony would also be sublet to another family. Everyone used bunk beds. There were beds in the stairwells to rent, too. Now, this area is for rich people.

Visit Au Choy’s newspaper stall on

HK: What do you remember about the 1992 New Year’s Eve Disaster?

AC: They put all of the dead bodies right here, in front of my stall. They were

the corner of D’Aguilar Street and Wellington Street in Central.

The Complete History of

Gordon Huthart (L) is pictured with Chris Malig, a frequent club-goer

1978 From humble beginnings

1982

35 years ago, Lan Kwai Fong has become the city’s premier

Photo: Peter Tse/SCMP

partying destination. But it hasn’t been without its ups

Italian couple Giocondo Mauro and Monika Mauriello open fashion store Borsalino on D’Aguilar Street, where Stormies is now. They establish four further ventures, including Italian cafe Vini E Salumi.

Gordon Huthart opens Disco Disco, where Volar is today.

1983

and downs. Andrea Lo charts the history of Hong Kong’s Photo: C. Y. Yu/SCMP

party central.

The Days of Disco Walk around Lan Kwai Fong on a Friday night and it’s almost impossible to imagine that not long ago, this hotspot at the heart of Central was a quiet alley where flower stalls and warehouses took center stage. Prior to the Second World War, Lan Kwai Fong, which means “orchid square,” was where mui yun—professional matchmakers—ran their businesses. Even as late as the 1980s, Hong Kong was still far from the party central it is today. For many, a typical night out on the town consisted of going to five-star hotels, such as The Peninsula or the Hilton, which both housed nightclubs. There was entertainment in Kowloon and Wan Chai—but nothing in the Central district after dark.

Many know that the “Father of Lan Kwai Fong” Allan Zeman (see our First Person interview, p.38), came along in the 1980s and began to transform the area when he opened California restaurant on the ground floor of the old California Tower—gradually expanding it into the LKF we know today.

But before Zeman’s DJ Andrew Bull at Disco Disco in 1980

10

HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

Christian Rhomberg establishes 1997.

Allan Zeman opens California restaurant (pictured with family and Dick Kaufman, center).

empire, there was Disco Disco. The legendary discotheque, located where Volar now stands, was opened in 1978 by the late Gordon Huthart. A scion of a prominent Hong Kong family, he was one of the city’s few openly gay personalities during a time when homosexuality was still illegal in the city.

The tranquility of the streets was a contrast to the revelry inside Disco Disco, where Huthart staged extravagant parties. He threw a party to mark the beginning of Bull’s DJ contract with the club. “It had a country and western theme. He had chickens and ducks, and there was a horse on the staircase,” Bull recalls. “It was outrageous.”

“Gordon was a pretty wild kid—the black sheep of the family,” says Christian Rhomberg, the founder of Kee Club and fabled nightclub 1997. “Disco Disco was the Studio 54 of Hong Kong. It was the only place where you could find a great mix of western and Chinese people. Normally, they didn’t mix.”

Huthart envisioned turning the streets surrounding his nightclub into an area much like Tokyo’s Ginza district. He asked Christian Rhomberg, who was working as an Austrian trade commissioner at the time, to help open other clubs in the area. “I had already decided to leave the foreign service, and I found this quite exciting. We even went on a trip around the world to study the latest trends,” Rhomberg remembers.

He went on to open 1997, a café/bar/club opposite the back door of Disco Disco.

The name was a cheeky reference to the dreaded Handover, which seemed a long way off in 1982.

Andrew Bull, who was DJing in hotel nightclubs at the time, moved on to a residency at Disco Disco and later opened the iconic Canton Disco in Tsim Sha Tsui.

He remembers the earliest days of LKF nightlife. “The experience of coming to Lan Kwai Fong at night in 1978 meant going through deserted streets of Central to a dingy D’Aguilar Street, and seeing one neon sign that said ‘Disco Disco’—and nothing else.”

1997 was a hit, and it drew in a wellheeled crowd. Public relations consultant Carline Ki handled event planning at 1997, including monthly art exhibitions. “1997

was frequented by a lot of suits with high spending power,” she says. The beautiful and wealthy crowd worked the room, with champagne flowing liberally. “Nowadays, people are different. They walk around drinking beer. It didn’t use to be like that.”

California Dreaming Allan Zeman opened California in 1983.

Jonathan Zeman, Allan’s son and CEO of the LKF group, remembers the California days fondly. “I was 7 years old when California opened. My first memories were of my father telling us that we were going to open a new place. He said, ‘In the evenings, the restaurant will have a bar, and on the weekends, we’ll move away the tables and have a DJ.’” The elder Zeman dreamed up the idea because he felt Hong Kong lacked a place to socialize with clients. Hotels were stuffy and colonial, requiring a suit and tie. Zeman ran a fashion business and was more likely to be dressed in a sports jacket. “California really embodied the spirit of what he was, and what he wanted to create and bring to the area,” says Jonathan. The restaurant was

“

We did a party on a plane. It was during Halley’s Comet,

which passes by the earth every 75 years. It was when Dragonair had first started and they wanted to prove to

”

Cathay Pacific that they could do something outrageous.

– Christian Rhomberg, 1997 founder

2001

Rhomberg opens private members’ club Kee on Wellington Street.

Photo: Yu Ching-yin/SCMP

Dick Kaufman, the manager of California and the head of the Lan Kwai Fong Tenants’ Association, pictured at the 1988 LKF Festival

Disco Disco closes.

decked out in pastel colors and light wood, with kitsch notes like Vespa scooters mounted on the wall.

Disco Disco, 1997 and California. “That was the first nucleus,” adds Jonathan Zeman.

Hong Kong’s elite and fun-loving party crowd began to venture to the small alley, changing the game in the process. “Until LKF came along, all nightlife—besides the hooker bars in Wan Chai—was on Kowloon side,” says Liam Fitzpatrick, author of Lan Kwai Fong history “Rats Liked it Well Enough: The 1997 Story.”

“If you wanted to dance or hear a band, you had to go to Kowloon. People joke now about the ‘Dark Side,’ but Hong Kong used to be the dark side.”

Yet going out was still an alien concept in conservative Chinese culture, and not considered respectable. “There was much more of a segregation in terms of going out and dating,” says Rhomberg. “I remember it was quite difficult for a westerner to take a Chinese

Zeman purchases his second building, the California Tower.

On New Year’s Eve, disaster strikes as a stampede takes place in Lan Kwai Fong, leaving 21 dead.

girl out for lunch—can you imagine?”

Events weren’t as easy to throw together, either. California asked Carline Ki to help promote a show featuring male dance troupe the Chippendales, who had been brought in by the restaurant’s manager Dick Kaufman.

“People enjoyed it, but they were also shy about it,” she says. “The Chippendales were something new for the local Chinese. They were a group of men stripping down to their G-strings. Chinese people were not that open back then.”

Party Like it’s…

Almost 1997 Disco Disco closed its doors in 1986 after Huthart sold it, but the party didn’t stop there.

As the city’s economy and society grew, so did Lan Kwai Fong. Bars and restaurants opened near the original trifecta, with the expansion of new outlets mainly driven by expats. “When

the stock market took off, bankers who had lots of money in their hands would decide to get together and open a bar,” says Jonathan Zeman.

Allan Zeman decided to buy the California Entertainment Building in 1988, followed by the acquisition of California Tower next door in 1992. Japan once again served as an inspiration for Lan Kwai Fong: On a trip to the country Zeman saw outlets opening vertically. He started to put install restaurants on the upper floors, such as popular Vietnamese eatery Indochine in 1993.

For partygoers who flocked to LKF, clubbing was a daily activity—not just on weekends.

“It was a golden era, because Hong Kong was booming,” says Rhomberg. “There was an optimistic spirit in town, and people were really enjoying going out.”

Smaller bars began to open, catering to the different crowds that began to arrive in the area. But not everyone was able to survive in

1997

The Handover.

Photo: Robert Ng/SCMP

1986

Zeman buys the California Entertainment Building.

1992

Photo: Post Staff Photographer/SCMP

1988

“

I’m 17 years old and my friend has spent the afternoon peroxiding my hair. I’m in the baggiest trousers

I can find and they’re tucked into suede Chelsea boots. The world is looking beautiful through my Valentino sunglasses, the late afternoon sunlight is spilling into LKF and everything is beautifully quiet. I’m going to meet friends for drinks in California and as I

turn the corner a blast of Visage or Spandau Ballet comes out of Bull Music Boutique. And all of a sudden I know things are changing in Hong

”

Kong and that there are just so many possibilities.

Christian Rhomberg with wife Maria,

Liam Fitzpatrick (L) with brother Sean

David Copperfield and Carline Ki (L-R) at 1997

in Lan Kwai Fong, 1994

– Liam Fitzpatrick, roué/clubber

HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

11

“

There were some triads at Club 64 who were

playing drinking games. I asked them not to, and they got really angry. They asked for protection

money. I said I didn’t feel like anyone in the world

”

could really protect other people. I think they were dumbfounded and let me go.

2002

Gilbert Yeung opens Dragon-i on Wyndham Street.

– Grace Ma, manager of Club 64 and owner of Club 71

Rocky Wong of the Magnum Group (third from right) opens Hei Hei Club (later Billion; now Dizzi), one of the first nightclubs in the area to target a local Chinese crowd.

Buzz Concepts’ Benedict Ku opens Volar on D’Aguilar Street, marking the group’s second nightlife venture after the original Fly opened on Lyndhurst Terrace (now on Ice House Street).

2004 2003

Dan Findlay opens underground bar Yumla (later Midnight and Co., closed; now Oma) just off Wyndham on the steps of Pottinger Street, pushing the electronic music scene.

SARS engulfs Hong Kong, hugely affecting F&B and nightlife businesses.

the increasingly competitive market and rising rents didn’t help. And it wasn’t just economic concerns. On New Year’s Eve 1992, 20 people were crushed to death in the square in a tragic accident. Freddie Fong ran D26 on D’Aguilar Street until 1995, when he went on to open longstanding bar Brecht’s in Causeway Bay. He witnessed the disaster take place right in front of the bar. “The year before it happened, the amount of people who filled up the place during holidays was already terrifying,” says Fong. On the night, the 15,000-strong crowd was in high spirits—a dangerous combination, since the revelry took place on a slippery slope with 120 policemen on standby. “The ground was wet from people spraying beer and champagne. One fell and then everyone collapsed. The whole thing happened quickly— lasting around 10-15 minutes.”

After the tragedy an inquest recommended that a strict crowd control system should be implemented during holidays and festive occasions. The single-direction road blocks set up on days like Halloween, Christmas and New Year’s Eve continue still.

“After it happened, I think people lost the mood to go clubbing,” says Fong. But ultimately, the stampede did not have long-term consequences for businesses—it took less than two months before people came out again. “You know how Hong Kong is.

They forget about things quickly.”

2007

Wong opens Beijing Club on Wellington Street opposite Hei Hei.

2010

2015

The California Entertainment Building and California Tower are knocked down to make way for a purpose-built complex.

The new California Tower, a 27-story building with 4.5-meter ceilings complete with terraces on each floor, is unveiled. Six outlets will be open by the end of June.

Grand opening of the building is slated for September.

Chinese Takeaway The handover in 1997 dramatically changed the landscape of Hong Kong. Before 1997, the partying scene—as well as Hong Kong itself— was characterized by the large number of British expats who resided in the city. Whereas the 1990s were defined by rave culture as well as a mix of foreigners working in different fields, after the Handover only the “executive expat crowd” remained, says Bull. “The different dynamics were directly related to the political changes post-1997. After immigration tightened up, all the customers became different animals.”

Fitzpatrick thinks the changes came even sooner. “None of the early owners in LKF set themselves up to cater predominantly to expats, because that’s just not a good business model.

I know many owners went to a lot of trouble to attract Chinese people, and that really started to pay off.”

Enter the Dragon By the noughties, crowds had begun to disperse from the heart of Lan Kwai Fong, moving upwards towards Wyndham Street and SoHo. The move was partly influenced by the opening of Dragon-i in 2002, the brainchild of Gilbert Yeung. It’s hard to fathom now, but D-i’s Wyndham Street location was chosen because it was a cool alternative to staid LKF. “We wanted to be away from the center,

because that brings the place a bit of an edge— at the time, at least,” says Yeung.

Dissatisfied with the limited entertainment options for Hongkongers, Yeung hit the nail on the head with Dragon-i—it quickly became one of the hottest places to see and be seen. “In the 90s, going out to nightclubs didn’t have a very positive image,” he says. “We helped to motivate the Hong Kong mentality of going out.” Jonathan Zeman agrees: “Dragon-i really helped to change the scene, because Gilbert lives and breathes [entertainment].”

Meanwhile, young Hongkongers who had been sent abroad to be educated were returning home. Having partied overseas, they were bringing back what they saw. The venues’

audiences began to shift dramatically. Lan Kwai Fong was now not just an expat playground, but a hotspot for bright young things.

In 2004, Magnum Group CEO Rocky Wong opened Hei Hei Club—which later became Billion and is now Dizzi. One of the first nightclubs in the area to target a local Chinese audience, Wong’s venture was a huge success.

He went on to open Beijing Club and Magnum, as well as new nightclub Zentral inside California Tower. “There are around 100,000 foreign nationals living in the city,” says Wong.

“I jumped out of that bubble.” During the Hei Hei years, he says, a bottle of Moet sold for $900.

These days, it goes for almost $2,000 at his venues. “We can’t ignore the spending power of the Chinese.”

Gilbert Yeung (R) at one of Dragon-i’s parties

12

HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

The Next Step What’s next for Lan Kwai Fong? Just as California shaped Lan Kwai Fong back in 1983, the new California Tower could shape the Lan Kwai Fong of the future. The California Entertainment Building and the old California were office buildings, making them less than ideal for bars and restaurants to operate in. In 2010, the two were demolished to make room for the new California Tower. “It presented a good opportunity to create something very special, both for Lan Kwai Fong and for Hong Kong,” says Allan Zeman. The new purpose-built complex has 27 floors with terraces and 4.5-meter-high ceilings on each level—a rarity in Central—which will serve its F&B tenants well.

Zeman has a plan, but is it all smooth sailing from here? The California Tower was originally slated to be unveiled in October last year, but it didn’t open until a few months ago and currently, there are only two tenants inside the building. By its grand opening in September, Jonathan Zeman says the tower will be 95 percent full.

Lan Kwai Fong continues to face a number of problems.

“Landlords are killing entertainment or restaurant businesses,” says Christian Rhomberg. “You can open, but you will close after two years when they increase your rent.” He says that unless rents go down, it’s going to kill the business. Drug dealers in Lan Kwai Fong have become significantly more obvious in the past year. Many of them appear to be African refugee claimants, and critics have accused the police of turning a blind eye. Then

there are the 7-Eleven outlets in Lan Kwai Fong, popular with those fed up with extortionate prices in bars (read: everyone).

“Club 7-Eleven” is exempt from the same liquor licensing laws that bars are subjected to—meaning lower overheads as well as less stringent rules on ID checks. While it’s good for (overage) customers, 7-Eleven’s presence has become such a problem for LKF bar owners that the Lan Kwai Fong Association has been up in arms trying to fight the chain.

And of course, Hong Kong is always looking for the next big thing—just like Lan Kwai Fong itself all those years ago. The rising costs of Lan Kwai Fong have pushed F&B businesses into spreading outwards. Beyond SoHo and Sheung Wan, an abundance of bars and restaurants have opened in other areas in recent years. The movers and shakers of Hong Kong nightlife, however, don’t necessarily see this as a bad thing. “The scene now is more mature and sophisticated,” says Gilbert Yeung. “You can go to Sai Ying Pun, where for $350, you can have a nice meal and good service, ambience, lighting and music. 10 years ago, you would go to a restaurant on Staunton Street that wasn’t even half decent.” “For me, Lan Kwai Fong has become much more like Wan Chai,” says Christian Rhomberg. “The creative nightlife scene is moving out to new areas, at the end of Hollywood Road going all the way to the Western District.” Will the California Tower bring the crowd back to the heart of Lan Kwai Fong?

Don’t discount it just yet.

Is Zentral the future of LKF?

California Tower: looking like this soon

HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

13

PERKS

SPONSORED FEATURE

Hong Kong’s Only Kids’ Yoga Studio

OMD Hong Kong stole the show

Our kids yoga class is 60 minutes long, first 40 minutes, children will practice breathing techniques, yoga poses through storytelling and relaxation techniques with music, movement and puppet shows.

OMD HK emerged as “Best of Show – Agency”, bagging home 15 wins from 21 shortlists at the MARKies Awards 2015.

The remaining 20 minutes, children will use fruits and vegetables to make healthy and yummy snacks from around the world, expose them to different cultural delicacies.

Ages: 18 Months - 10 Years Old

Wyeth Nutrition was the biggest winner of the night, shone with 5 Gold, 1 Silver, 3 Bronze and 1 shortlist from 3 campaigns.

At the same night, McDonald’s “A Dim Jack “Hi-Jack”” successfully creamed 1 Gold, 2 Silver and 2 Bronze, plus another Gold for their search campaign “McDelivery ROI Campaign”.

1606, One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Rd Wong Chuk Hang, 2562 3688

http://www.omd.com/hong-kong/global-media-agency

The Complete Cookie

by Lenny&Larry

ENGLISH LITERACY EDUCATION AND BOOKS

The Complete Cookie® has been a top-selling product for many years. This delicious Vegan cookie has no preservatives, no dairy products, no animal products, 16 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber, 0 grams of trans fat, is kosher and all natural. There is 3 incredible flavors; Chocolate Chip, Lemon Poppy Seed, White Chocolate Macadamia. Available from Strength Food Hong Kong.

GROWHOUSE is a literary hub, offering both literacy classes and a book store.

Our extracurricular classes are designed for children aged 5-13+ to discover their giftedness and nurture their excellence through books and film. We also have a bookstore with a carefully crafted a selection of English books and magazines to entertain, educate and provoke thought.

G/F Baskerville House, 13 Duddell Street/22 Ice House Street, Central Buy online on www.strengthfood.hk

3468-7620, www.growhouse-lgt.com

Brooks Running – CASCADIA 10 Trail Shoes ( HKD980 )

Italian Market 2015

Over hill, over dale, when you hit the dusty trail, hit it in the new Cascadia 10 men’s trailrunning shoe. Built with a 4-point pivot posting system that provides increased flexibility and adaptability on tricky terrain, and a ballistic rock shield which sounds awesome and is awesome when it comes to protecting your foot from trail hazards.

The Sunday market is a longstanding Italian tradition and, for the third year, the Italian Chamber of Commerce brings this centuries-old practice to Hong Kong.

Over two days, Italian Market 2015 will present the best food, wine, handicrafts and quality produce direct from Italy. Kick back in the restaurant area or with live entertainment to enjoy some of the most mouthwatering Italian specialties.

6 June, 2-9pm; 7 June, 12-8pm. Cyberport – The Arcade, http://online.escapade.com.hk/

Ocean View Court & Sea View Terrace,

Tel: 2891 1505

100 Cyberport Road, Pok Fu Lam.

branches: causeway bay, central,

ICC members free; guests HK$50.

repulse bay, clearwater bay.

For tickets email icc@icc.org.hk or go to www.eventbrite.hk.

The 5th Annual Critics’ Choice Television Awards

2015 Summer lifestyle & gift fair

Competition is stiff in the upcoming Critics’ Choice Television Awards! Your favourite television series are all up for nomination, but which will win? Don’t miss the live broadcast of Critics’ Choice Television Awards on RTL CBS Entertainment HD on June 1, Monday at 7am.

Primetime encore on June 4, Thursday at 9pm.

Whether you are buying gifts for a trip overseas or enjoying summer in Hong Kong, you’ll find exciting products from over 140 pop-up shops at this fair. Special highlights of the day include a catwalk on the latest trends in resort wear and accessories at 3pm; free wine and truffle tasting all day and more.

Open to the Public. Free Admission.

Visit www.prestigefairs.hk for preview.

June 3, Wednesday - 10am-7pm RTL CBS Entertainment HD is on nowTV Ch 517

Grand Ballroom – Conrad HK

GET MORE OUT OF HK | SHOPPING + TRAVEL + DINING

Jack in the Docks Head back to your sea-faring roots with Jack Wills’ new summer collection. The British brand is out to reimagine classic English looks by mix-and-matching red pinstripes and navy blue boating prints on the guys, and pastel paisleyprint vests and breezy white dresses on the gals.

There’s an ocean of cute swimsuits and hipster hats, too, so you’ll be junk-ready in no time.

Aldgate bodice dress, $880; Thirlwall bikini bottom, $250. Jack Wills, various locations including L02, Leighton Centre, 77 Leighton Rd., Causeway Bay, 3105-1798, www.jackwills.com.

HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

15

TRAVEL ESCAPE ROUTES with Kate Springer

Cultivated in Volcanic Soil from New Zealand

Sling when you're winning at the Raffles

Well, Hyatt There

From the rolling hills of Pukekohe, Auckland, Fresh Grower adapts Integrated Pest and Disease Management Programs to ensure production of crops with minimal pesticide residues. At the optimal point when it’s young and sweet and then hand-packed in the field, bringing you only the best quality premium products.

• Your fuss-free solution to get the healthiest groceries at home The Fresh Grower will offer a special discount up to 20% off of our Vegetables and Fruits at our retail store in Kennedy Town every Monday and Thursday.

Please note that the discount does not apply to our delivery orders.

Place your order at 2185 7825 or on our website. www.freshgrower.com.hk For other queries, please contact us at info@freshgrower.com.hk

Free from iTunes, www.wewantsugar.com.

Raffles My Feathers The Raffles Singapore is celebrating the Singapore Sling’s centennial—the iconic pink drink is officially a century old, having seen its first sip in 1915 thanks to bartender Ngiam Tong Boon. Of course, it wouldn’t be a birthday bash without some traditional Raffles peanut shucking, and in addition, at the Long Bar you can learn to mix one of your own at one of the upcoming Singapore Sling masterclasses ($513), or check in for night with the Singapore Sling 100th Anniversary Suite Package. The deal includes a courtyard suite, breakfast, a 30-minute private session with the Long Bar bartenders, complimentary memorial “gift basket” and a slew of Sling memorabilia.

Package from S$1,380 ($8,051).

1 Beach Rd., Singapore, (+65) 6337-1886, www.raffles.com/singapore.

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.

t re e St

r’

s

th Nor

e lch Be

et Stre

Tel: 2185 7825 Business Hours:

If you’re one of those travelers who is always looking for hidden gems and local recommendations, then you might want to download Sugar. The new “city discovery” app launched in Singapore in 2014, and

has already branched out to cover Jakarta and Hong Kong, with Thailand in the works.

The idea is to direct people to word-ofmouth local businesses, rather than the obvious choices that might pop up at the top of TripAdvisor. Using your location, the app trawls its database for offers and discounts at food, nightlife and shopping establishments within walking distance. I’m trying the app in Sheung Wan, and the top deals include a $47 toffee apple cider at Crafty Cow ($78 value), $141 tea-smoked duck at Sohofama ($238 value), and a $30 wine voucher at Chateau Zoobeetle (value $50). The more you scroll, the more options pop up. All in all, sounds like a pretty sweet way to explore a new city and save a bit of dough.

San ds S tree t

www.freshgrower.com.hk Kennedy Town, Sai Wan

From $2,374. 5 Sunny Bay Rd., Yalong Bay National Resort District, Sanya, China, (+86) 898-8820-1234, sanya.park.hyatt.com.

Sugar, Sugar

• Flown directly to Hong Kong, delivery to your home with minimum purchase of HKD$400

Address: No 41. Belcher’s Street,

While Sanya may not be your first choice of beach destination, what with Thailand and the Philippines so close by, there is at least one great reason to go: the new Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort.

I went to check it out in person and was at first a little put off by the drive—it took about 45 minutes from the airport to the hotel—but once you enter into the private inlet near Yalong Bay, the view goes from dusty countryside/construction to gorgeous cliffs and turquoise ocean.

The hotel itself doesn’t disappoint: the design here is sophisticated Shanghai chic, with powerful red decor, lots of circular sculptures to enhance the “chi” and openair walkways throughout. It’s meant to feel like a Chinese mansion, one that’d we’d be thrilled to move into. One of the coolest parts about the place is the pool, which is a jaw-dropping 115-meters long—just for perspective, that’s more than twice the size of an Olympic pool. No complaints about the food, bars or rooms but the beach was disappointing. They might call Sanya the “Hawaii of China,” but Hawaii it is not. Plus, due to some construction (an Andaz will soon join the Park Hyatt in the bay), it’s a bit of an eyesore at the moment. Once that wraps up though, the Park Hyatt will be a no-brainer for an easy weekend beach trip.

9:30am – 8:00pm

16

HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

The Park Hyatt Sanya rocks sophisticated Shanghai chic

6321625(' )($785(

The wonder of

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inen is a natural wonder. It’s made from the flax plant, which grows close to the sea – the best varieties are found in Europe along the eastern coast. Marks & Spencer aim to source flax that combines fineness, strength and uniformity to create their cool, lightweight, effortlessly elegant linen and linen blend pieces.

M&S is known all over the UK for its exceptional quality and stylish design.

The business opened as a market stall in 1884 and has since grown to become the best known name on the British high street, with more than 1,200 stores and 34 million customers worldwide every week.

When it comes to linen, they’re experts. It takes experience to spin flax – and these skilled craftspeople are passionate about bringing out the natural beauty of this material.

For summer 2015, the linen look is timeless, elegant and beautifully tailored.

Womenswear is flattering and feminine, with easy to wear shirts in a rainbow of soft summer shades. For men, the look is casually sophisticated, with well cut blazers and shirts in versatile neutrals.

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Pure linen easy to iron top $399

DINING

Lan Kwai Nom Lan Kwai Fong may be constantly changing, but these venerable eateries have stood the boozy test of time. By Adam White

Jimmy’s Kitchen Opened: 1928 (Current location: 1975) Eating at Jimmy’s Kitchen isn’t so much about the food: It’s about being part of history. The venerable establishment opened in 1928 in Wan Chai, before moving the year after to Theatre Lane in Central. It was one of the first restaurants to serve western comfort food to all comers, and much of the menu hasn’t changed since those early days. Head to this warm, dark, wooden-paneled space for a taste of the true classics, such as pickled herring fillets ($122), Waldorf salad ($88) or the timehonored chicken Kiev ($188) and flambéed steak Diane ($388).

South China Building, 1 Wyndham St., Central, 2526-5293.

1975 1982

Post 97 Opened: 1982 Opening above Club 1997 in the earliest days of Lan Kwai Fong, Post 97 has cemented itself into the minds of all LKF partygoers thanks to its ever-reliable eggs Benedict. But after 32 years the legendary joint has proved itself willing to change with the times, reopening earlier this year with a revamped space that rocks the Victorian gin palace look, even if 97 downstairs still smells of vodka Red Bull and regret. The shiny new Post 97 serves modern comfort food: think Ibérico pork chop buns ($142), grilled bone marrow ($118) or buttered Maine lobster baguettes ($168).

UG/F, 9 Lan Kwai Fong, Central, 2810-9331.

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HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

Al’s Diner Opened: 1989 Al’s Diner: Home of the jello shot ($44), cheesy music videos and ceilingmounted railings so you can dance on the tables. When it first opened Al’s was one of the best places in town to grab a burger (from $85) or a Reuben ($92). While later imports may have relegated the diner’s burgers to lessertier status, and Stormies’ jello syringes available opposite may have upped the gelatinous alcohol game, we can’t help but have a soft spot for Al’s. As day turns into night, Al’s comes alive and becomes the epicenter of Lan Kwai Fong: the heart of the beer, the laughter, the dancing and the fun. For that reason alone, Al’s happily gets a spot on our list.

27-39 D’Aguilar St., Central, 2521-8714.

1989

1983

Tokio Joe

1995

Opened: 1995 LKF’s first ever Japanese restaurant has weathered the ravages of time amazingly well. And that’s because it’s not bad at all. Tokio Joe’s food won’t blow your mind with originality, but who wants that in sashimi? Instead you’ll get reliably good, super fresh fish in a relaxed, easy-going space. Check out the spicy toro tartar ($290) or the kelp-grilled seabass with miso ($220) and you’ll leave very happy indeed. Sure, they’re LKF prices through and through, but what else keeps a restaurant alive for more than 20 years?

Schnurrbart

16 Lan Kwai Fong, Central, 2525-1889.

Opened: 1983 Schnurrbart, which means “mustache,” was opened by a trio of German businessmen who got into an argument about which German brew— Warsteiner, Jever or König—was the best. Unable to decide and with a certain Teutonic efficiency, they promptly opened a bar serving all three.

Head over to this beer hall and order roasted pork knuckle ($228) with sauerkraut and mash, with its crispy exterior and melting moistness underneath. Drain a tall glass of pilsner—be prepared to wait seven or eight minutes for the perfectly poured glass—and watch the Lan Kwai Fong crowds stumble past, just as they have for the last 30 years.

29 D’Aguilar St., Central, 2523-4700.

HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

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DINING 1(: $1' NOTED with Adele Wong

The Grill Room does what you’d expect

Tasty Townhouse

The Holy Grill Yayakiya gets delicious

Barbecue Party

Newly opened Yayakiya (29-31 Chatham Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2723-9833) in TST will be dishing out Hakata-style yakitori, a specific Fukuoka-originated type of barbecue that emphasizes beef and pork rather than chicken—the animal for which yakitori is named (yaki=grilled, tori=chicken). Grilled

items are also served on top of pieces of cabbage for a refreshing counterbalance— and a somewhat healthier spin. Besides grilled items, diners can also dig into sashimi “waffles,” tempura and other quintessential Japanese specialties in a dark, izakaya-like setting.

We’re talkin’ burgers and steaks at The Grill Room (5/F, The L Square, 459-461 Lockhart Rd., Causeway Bay, 2897-6838), a casual hangout with your typical industrial-chic touches. On the menu are dry-rubbed pork ribs, beef short ribs, steaks, wagyu burgers and even South African-style piri piri chicken—in other words, lots and lots of meat. Pay extra attention to the signature pork ribs, which have been chargrilled for eight hours and seared at high heat to finish.

Lunch sets that come with a drink and starter are available during the day, and there are also happy hour deals where first drinks cost $20.

Townhouse’s duck noodles

Get Out of Town

Gaia group has decided to expand on its westernized Asian concept with Townhouse (23/F, California Tower, 32 D’Aguilar St., Central, 2344-2366), sister restaurant to Glasshouse at IFC. Occupying the twenty-third floor of newly built California Tower, Townhouse will be serving dishes such as duck-meat-topped noodles; pizza with salted eggs and black truffle; and cheesy bacon-y rice noodles that hopefully combine the best of east and west. Its sky-high location will also mean some impressive LKF views.

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

RESTAURANT REVIEWS

All of our reviews are independent and anonymous!

Kozy Okonomi-yaki Teppan-yaki ★★★★★

ON Dining Kitchen & Lounge ★★★★★

Japanese grill. 9/F, Circle Plaza, 499 Hennessy Rd., Causeway Bay, 2591-1281.

European. 28-29/F, 18 On Lan St., Central, 2174-8100.

of spicy (chorizo) and savory (Parma) options.

We also dove hungrily into our juicy and wellmarinated spicy beef and tuna tartare ($228).

The spring onion version ($78) was fragrant, light and deliciously cheesy. But the star of the night had to be the fillet steak ($290): the chef cooked off some garlic and dribbled the juices over the meat as it cooked. It was served on toast which, once we’d finished the tender-as-you-like beef, was re-grilled with slathers of cheese and then drizzled in a sweet tomato sauce.

Japanese restaurants are popping up all over the city, but joints serving okonomiyaki— savory omelets cooked on a grill—are hard to come by. We thought it was time to test out Kozy: Hidden away in a Causeway Bay commercial center, this teppanyaki spot has been quietly making a name for itself.

HIT Okonomiyaki is what you come here for—make sure you sit up by the open griddle so you can watch the chefs at work.

MISS The ox tongue cubes ($58) were delicious and spongy in texture, with a punchy yuzu pepper sauce, but a tad over-salted.

Space out your ordering so you can linger longer over your dinner.

BOTTOM LINE It’s all about watching the chefs on the grill here and seeing the attention to detail that goes into producing every tasty morsel.

Open Mon-Sat, 6pm-4am. $$

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

Price Guide $ Less than $200

20

$$ $200-$399

HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

$$$ $400-$599

$$$$ $600-$799

$$$$$ $800 and up

ON is chef Philippe Orrico’s second project, after Upper Modern Bistro in Sheung Wan. This time, he’s branched out to Central with a glam two-story space that epitomizes casual fine-dining.

HIT The space is awesome, and the bar with outdoor terrace is a major bonus. Service was friendly and diligent. Our mixed cold cuts platter ($198) was generous, containing a good mix

MISS Although technically not misses, the velvety Parma ham ravioli with Albufera sauce ($228); the thick, red rib-eye steak with black olives ($428) and slightly gamey lamb loin in roquefort sauce ($388) all seemed too generic for their hefty prices. Our dining party enjoyed the flavors and high-quality meat, but none of us could say it was memorable—nor was there a dish we’d eagerly head back for.

BOTTOM LINE There’s nothing you can really fault at ON—but food-wise, there’s nothing that truly stands out either.

Open Mon-Thu 11:30am-midnight; Fri-Sat 11:30-1am. $$$$-$$$$$

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.

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CULTURE + NIGHTLIFE + FILM

Belly Flop!

In search of the SAR’s newest, brightest bulbs? Check out the current showcase of 57 masters’ thesis projects at the CUHK Architecture Graduation Show. Each project aims to identify areas of potential in our city, looking at social, economic, or even fun factors to design what Hong Kong really needs. Ideas range from an auction house for human organs to a parkour area in Central or Chris Ma Sin-cheung’s proposal (pictured) to turn the harbor into a swimming pool.

Phase One through May 31, The Rotunda, Exchange Square, Central. Phase Two runs Jun 2-Jul 3, CUHK School of Architecture, Room 106, AIT Building, CUHK, Sha Tin.

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HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 29, 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

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

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

UPCLOSE Noughts and Exes HK: How did you come up with your band name, anyway?

JW: I really love Elliott Smith: He recorded an album called “XO,” which was mind-blowing. It changed my life. I also liked the idea that you always signed off a letter with “OX.” The last thing in a letter is usually the thing you remember, so I liked that sentiment.

I liked the idea that you’d walk away remembering the music. It’s a bit cheesy, but I like it.

After eight years playing in the SAR and around the world, Hong Kong folk-pop band Noughts and Exes is disbanding. They are (L-R) Joshua Wong, Gideon So, Alex Bedwell, Alix Farquhar and Adam Robertshaw (not pictured).

Ahead of their farewell gig Wong, Farquhar and Robertshaw tell Adrienne Chum about fond memories, good wishes, and the future of the band.

to bring together regularly. With something as special as Noughts and Exes, with everything in life, I wanna be all-in or none. It was never really about conquering the world, but about making the best music we could. For me personally, it was about bringing something beautiful to Hong Kong, and showing that Hong Kong could create great music.

Adam Robertshaw: We wanted to close the book rather than let it fizzle out. There are so many bands that just kind of disappear and no one really knows where they went.

Joshua Wong: It just came to a point where we decided that six people was a hard number

JW: A guy came up to me in Singapore. He said “I saw you guys last year at a festival and was going through a massive breakup. It was the hardest time of my life, but your song ‘Surrounded’ touched me so deeply that it gave me strength through the heartache.” I wrote that during my hard times.

To be able to pass that hope to other people is why I make music.

JW: We’ll all keep playing music. I’ll end up doing something with Alix, with Adam and with Al [Alex Bedwell], because they’re all local. I’ll do something online with Gideon, because he’ll be away. I’m already thinking about something I want to do that doesn’t involve getting five other people there. This was supposed to be a two-man band!

JW: We almost did! We were offered it. If you’re not one of the major names, most festivals require you to pay for your own flights. Because we knew that we might not keep going, it wasn’t worth the investment.

Island Express Jazz Orchestra Live at Fringe Dairy The Island Express Jazz Orchestra is Hong Kong’s very own big band—headed by music director Shoichi Chinda, the musicians and solo vocalist Ela Allegre come from a variety of international backgrounds. They’ll be playing a tasty selection of big band jazz standards and songs by contemporary jazz composers Bob Mintzer, Frank Mantooth and Matt Catingub.) May 30, 10pm. Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Rd., Central, 2521-7251. $120-150 includes one drink.

Dance Chinese Opera Festival The annual Chinese Opera Festival hits Hong Kong once again this June. Celebrating the traditional craft of Peking and Kunqu opera forms, the festival opens with a staging of three plays to introduce the lesser-known art form of Shanghai-style Peking Opera, which has a much more demanding style of acting and rhythm. Other shows to look forward to include an introduction to Hunan-style Qi Opera, known for its acrobatic feats, and Dacheng opera stories, characterized by bouts of fire-eating and spitting! Jun 19-Aug 2. www.cof.gov.hk. 2517-6238.

Photo: Rolex Fadil Berisha

Photo: Felix Broede

Classical

The Incomparable Jerusalem Quartet One of the world’s greatest string quartets, The Jerusalem Quartet first impressed Hongkongers when it visited for the 2013 Hong Kong International Chamber Music Festival. It will be playing a concert program that spreads from Mozart to Bartok. A particular highlight is Schubert’s “Death and the Maiden,” the recording of which won an ECHO Klassik Award as the “Best chamber music recording of the year (19th Century, strings).” Specific! Jun 9, 8pm. Concert Hall, City Hall, 5 Edinburgh Place, Central. $80-480 from pphk.org.

AR: A two-man band with eight loop stations?

JW: That would be great!

Noughts and Exes play The Final Show on June 6, 8pm at the Vine Centre 2, 29 Burrows St., Wan Chai, 2573-0793. $180 from www.ticketflap. com; $220 at the door.

Musicals Legally Blonde: The Musical Everyone’s fave lawyer bombshell Elle Woods will be bending and snapping all over the Shouson Theatre this June. Local theater mainstay Face Productions is taking on Broadway’s “Legally Blonde: The Musical” with a cast of local ladies, as they retell the story of carefree blonde Elle Woods becoming a hotshot lawyer at Harvard through hard work, confidence, and the power of friendship. Jun 4-6, 8pm. Jun 6-7, 3:30pm. Shouson Theatre, Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Rd., Wan Chai. $220-395 from www.urbtix.hk.

The Legend of Mulan

The Sound of Music

Returning from its successful performance in New York last March, the Hong Kong Dance Company brings “The Legend of Mulan” back to the Hong Kong stage. Originating in the 5th century, the classic folktale is all about a courageous peasant girl who disguised herself as a man to go into war in her ailing father’s place, invariably befriending a fire-breathing lizard while singing about her reflection. Just kidding: This is based on the real tale, not the Disney deal. Jun 12-14, 7:45pm; Jun 13-14, 3pm.

Grand Theatre, Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui. $100-320 from www.urbtix.hk.

The classic musical graces the Hong Kong stage this month. 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. Through Jun 21. Lyric Theatre, Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Rd., Wan Chai, 2584-8500. $395-995 from www.hkticketing.com.

Theater Doubt: Re-run

Yuja Wang Triptych Beijing-born pianist Yuja Wang returns to share her electrifying talent with the Hong Kong Philharmonic, with this triptych of concerts in June. Known for performing in glamorous and daring outfits—but even better known for her virtuosic playing—she’ll be performing three different programs across each evening. Starting with nationalistic odes from Beethoven and Mozart on the first evening, Wang then shows off a fiery program on the second night with Russian composers Scriabin and Balakirev, before ending on a powerful, emotive note from Brahms, Debussy and Ravel. Jun 12-13, 16, 19-20, 8pm. Concert Hall, Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui. $120-680 from www.urbtix.hk.

JW: Lots and lots of fun surprises. I love doing things that are memorable for independent music in Hong Kong.

HK: Are you still going to keep playing music together?

Alix Farquhar: I’ve always wanted to do Glastonbury!

HK PICKS

AF: A lot of special guests. We’re choosing songs that we’ve always wanted to do that we haven’t performed before, which will be spectacular.

It’s kind of stupid that we haven’t played them.

It will be really fun.

HK: After eight years in the business you must have some pretty keen fans.

HK: If you could do one more thing as a band, what would it be?

HK Magazine: Why have you guys decided to disband?

HK: What can people expect at your final show?

Dance x Multimedia The LCSD once again presents a new series of multimedia dance arts this summer. Three shows this season begins with “Encoded” from Australia’s Stalker Theatre Company (Jun 5-6), an aerial dance performance presented against a shimmering starry backdrop. To follow in midJune: an abstract theatrical dance production “Refugees of the Septic Heart” (Jun 19-21) by the UK’s Tom Dale Company. The series concludes with a heart-thumping cross-genre production by iLuminate, second-runners-up in America’s Got Talent 2011, who will perform in illuminated costumes (Aug 21-23). Jun 5-Aug 23. www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService.

With the success of its first run last May, Candice Moore of Sweet and Sour Productions brings Pulitzer-Prize-winning play “Doubt” back to Hong Kong. The play is all about the uncertainty and suspicion surrounding a Catholic priest who may, or may not, be molesting a small child. It was famously taken to the silver screen by Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman—which earned Streep an Academy Award nomination to boot. The production boasts the same uniformly excellent cast as last year’s run, so grab tickets while you can. Jun 3-6, 8pm; Jun 6-7, 3pm. HK Rep Black Box Theater, 8/F, Sheung Wan Civic Centre, 345 Queen’s Rd. Central, Sheung Wan, 3103-5930. $280 from www.urbtix.hk.

HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

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ARTS Exhibitions Homeland “Homeland” looks at how works by five British artists can be taken as modern day interpretations of historical painting. From Toby Ziegler’s paintings on aluminum composed through digital means to Dexter Dalwood’s collages investigating cultural and imagined history, each work can be seen to manipulate historical images. Through Jun 27. Simon Lee Gallery, 304, 3/F, Pedder Building, 12 Pedder St., Central, 2801-6252.

Image courtesy of the artist and Blindspot Gallery

Zhang Xiao: About My Hometown Blindspot Gallery’s latest show features a collection of photography and mixed media by the award-winning Chinese artist Zhang Xiao.

In the six distinct series, you’ll notice a move from observing life in contemporary China to a more personal reflection upon his return to his hometown, Yantai. Through Jun 27. Blindspot Gallery, 15/F, Po Chai Industrial Building, 28 Wong Chuk Hang Rd., Aberdeen, 2517-6238.

© Kim Joon

Valéry Grancher: Regression Part of the exhibition program of Le French May, Mur Nomade brings French artist Valéry Grancher to Hong Kong. At first glance, Grancher’s main collection may seem to be simple watercolor paintings, but they are actually a result of Grancher living in the Amazon with the Shiwiar tribe, where he collected rainforest dewdrops to make his paintings. Through Jun 30. Mur Nomade, 1606, 16/F, Hing Wai Centre, 7 Tin Wan Praya Rd., Aberdeen.

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HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

Kim Joon One of Korea’s breakthrough artists of late, Kim Joon is exhibiting a set of digital prints of clusters of porcelain human sculptures and fragments— human shapes tattooed with multicolored patterns. Meditating on the themes of desire, memory, fragility and obsession, the Seoul-based artist puts together his works completely through digital rendering. It’s “Dexter” but with computers. Through Jun 28. Sundaram Tagore Gallery, 57-59 Hollywood Rd., Central, 2581-9672.

MADE IN

ITALY QUALITY & LIFESTYLE FESTIVAL SCHEDULE May 26

ITALIAN CAR NIGHT: Discover the Best Italian Motors (Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, CWB)

June 4

OSPITALITÀ ITALIANA X ART COCKTAIL: Giando x Mia (Wan Chai)

June 6-7

ITALIAN MARKET: Music, Food & Beverage and More (Cyberport, Pok Fu Lam)

June 11

OSPITALITÀ ITALIANA X ART COCKTAIL: Tosca x Martin Foot (Ritz Carlton Hotel, ICC Tower)

June 16

OSPITALITÀ ITALIANA X ART COCKTAIL: Gaia Ristorante x Angelo Buonumori (Sheung Wan)

June 19

ITALIAN CULINARY WORKSHOP: Join Chef Luca (Tsim Sha Tsui East)

June 22

ITALIAN CULINARY WORKSHOP: Join Chef Fabio (Central)

June 25

OSPITALITÀ ITALIANA X ART COCKTAIL: Nicholini’s x Annalu’ (Admiralty)

June 1-30

OSPITALITÀ ITALIANA QR CODE CONTEST: Win a Magical Milanese break!

(Participating Italian Restaurants)

PRESENTED BY

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June

OSPITALITÀ ITALIANA X ART: La Locanda x Erika Barillari Davel (Tsim Sha Tsui)

July 7

OSPITALITÀ ITALIANA X ART COCKTAIL: Assaggio Trattoria Italiana x Francesco Lietti (Wan Chai)

July 9

ITALIAN CULINARY WORKSHOP: Join Chef Francesco (Central)

July 10

DESIGN ITALIANI PREVIEW at SICIS The Art Mosaic Factory (Wan Chai)

July 15

CHINESE CONTEMPORARY ART MEETS ITALIAN WINES (Central)

ITALIAN MARKET SPONSOR

WATER AND SPARKLING FRUIT BEVERAGES SPONSOR

OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNER

OFFICIAL CAR SPONSOR

CHINESE MEDIA PARTNER

FRIENDS OF MADE IN ITALY

NIGHTLIFE HK PICKS Photo: Ellen von Unwerth

David Guetta Davy G returns to Hong Kong, once again. One of the biggest names in the music industry, Guetta has produced countless singles and remixes, including “Sexy Bitch,” “Titanium” and “Turn me On,” while also selling six million albums worldwide. Do: Bring your neon glowsticks. Don’t: Talk about how you prefer Tiesto. Jun 14, 8pm. Hall 10, AsiaWorld-Expo, Chek Lap Kok. $580-880 from www.hkticketing.com.

Clubs

Roland Clark UK house/soul producer and songwriter Roland Clark spins at this gig, brought to you by Kee Club and events promoter Fresh Off the Boat. Not sure who he is? He also performs under the names Houseboy, Keita, Jesus Jackson, People, Digital Pimps, Dark Clark and South Street Player. Does this guy owe a huge tax bill or something? May 29, 11pm. Kee Club, 6/F, 32 Wellington St., Central, 2810-9000. $250 from www.ticketflap. com; $300 at the door.

Ben La Desh The Mira’s secret-gardenesque bar Vibes is hosting Netherlands-based Ben La Desh, playing a mix of disco and deep house. Best part? There’s a three-hour open bar. Grab friends and book a 10-people private cabana, which comes with a bottle of Moet bubbly.

Why not? It actually works out cheaper. If you have that many friends, that is. May 30, 9pm.

Vibes, 5/F, The Mira Hong Kong, 118 Nathan Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2315-5999. $348, including a welcome glass of champagne and open bar from 9pm-midnight. $3,250 for cabana.

Tickets from www.themirahotel.com.

Blur Attention Britpop fans: Blur is coming back to Hong Kong. Last time Albarn, Coxon et al. were here, they were inspired by the city to make their latest album, “the Magic Whip,” released on April 27. Start listening to it on loop now, so you can sing along to all the lyrics. Jul 22, 8pm. Grand Hall, HKCEC, 1 Expo Dr., Wan Chai. $480-880 from www.hkticketing.com.

OK Go LA-based, YouTube-originated pop band OK Go is back on the scene with this concert at Musiczone. Go see them for the nostalgia, if nothing else. Remember when YouTube was a new thing? Nor do we. Jul 24, 8pm.

Musiczone, KITEC, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay. $450 from www.ticketflap.com.

Concerts 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.

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HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

Maroon 5 A Maroon 5 concert is kind of like the bus: You miss one, and the next one is just around the corner. See them at AsiaWorld-Arena.

Sep 4, 8pm. AsiaWorld-Arena, Sky Plaza Rd., Chek Lap Kok. $488-988 from www.hkticketing.com.

Edited by Andrea Lo andrea.lo@hkmagmedia.com Twitter: @andreas_lo

Gigs

Nightlife Events

Agnès b. Rue de Marseille Live Catch the last Rue De Marseille Live, a series of gigs set up by fashion brand Agnès b. to encourage the local indie music scene at K11. This time, it’s math-folk fourpiece GDJYB and indie pop band Salad Kowloon. May 30, 4pm. Agnès B. Rue De Marseille, Shop G26, 117-120, K11, 18 Hanoi Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui. Free.

Ladies Who Whisky Hullett House’s Whisky@Stables bar has been hosting Ladies Who Whisky, a series of 90-minute classes aimed at getting women to learn more about the tipple. At the final session on June 4, the theme is “the Nordic whisky experience,” helmed by chef Jaakko Sorsa of Scandinavian restaurant FINDS. Jun 4, 7pm. Whisky@Stables, Hullett House, 1881 Heritage, 2A Canton Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 3988-0104. $350.

Fleshgod Apocalypse What’s with all these bands with gruesome names hitting up Hidden Agenda recently? Italian technical death metal five-piece Fleshgod Apocalypse is performing for one night only. After which… well, it’s the Fleshgod Apocalypse, obviously. No one wants to gig in weather like THAT. Jun 5, 8:30pm. Hidden Agenda, Unit 2A, Wing Fu Industrial Building, 15-17 Tai Yip St., Ngau Tau Kok. $300 from www.ticketflap.com; $380 at the door.

Rie Fu First Live Concert in Hong Kong Japanese pop/folk singer Rie Fu graces the Fringe Club stage to celebrate the 10th anniversary of her debut. Blessed with a Karen Carpenter-esque set of pipes, Fu has been garnering attention since her songs “Life is Like a Boat” and “I Wanna Go to a Place” were used as theme songs to popular anime shows “Bleach” and “Gundam SEED Destiny.” Best be on the lookout for otaku... Jun 5, 9:30pm. Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Rd., Central, 2521-7251. $200-250 from Fringe Club; includes one standard drink.

Rosé Revolution The Flying Winemaker’s Eddie McDougall is back with another Rosé Revolution shindig just in time for the hot weather, this time in the garden at Hullett House. Sip on pink wines, meet the Flying Winemaker himself and mingle with like-minded drunks individuals. You might even get a little bit educated at the same time. May 30, 12pm.

Hullett House, 2A Canton Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 3988-0000. $200 from www.eventbrite.com.

What is the Gin Drinker’s Line?*

The Red Stripes OK La! Single Launch Party Get your hair greased and your lapels lengthened, then head over to Orange Peel to see ska band extraordinaire The Red Stripes get their skank on. The 10-piece is launching its debut single, “OK La!” Jun 6, 9pm. Orange Peel, 2/F, 38-44 D’Aguilar St., Central, 2812-7177. Free.

Underground Jäger Show The Underground is adding shots to the mix at its upcoming indie gig. You’ll get a free shot of Jäger, after which you can catch local funk-rock and Britrock-inspired band the Miners; modern rock band Stereo is the Answer; bluesy band Tri-Accident; and Verorigin, a brand new five-piece. Jun 6, 9:30pm. Backstage Live, 1/F, Somptueux Central, 52-54 Wellington St., Central, 2167-8985. $120 from undergroundhk.com; $150 at the door.

Happy Mondays UK alt-rock band Happy Mondays defined the “Madchester” scene of the 80s in the UK. Whether they’re looking to recapture the magic or the money, they’re back on the road, and you can catch them at KITEC. Jul 28, 8pm. Rotunda 3, KITEC, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay. $545-650 from www.wegottickets.com.

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. $480-1,080 from www.hkticketing.com. www.whitepartyhk.com.

W Hotel Shock Wave: #PoseWhenever Pool Party The notorious W Hotel summer pool parties are back. This time, they come with the cumbersome title Shock Wave: #PoseWhenever Pool Party. Splash around on the 76th floor pool and gawp at the half-naked beautiful people all around you.

At the kick-off party on June 6, Barcelonan pop band Josep is set to perform, while the after-party at Woobar goes from 11pm until late. Jun 6; Jun 27; Jul 18; Aug 1; Aug 22, 8pm.

W Hotel, 1 Austin Rd. West, West Kowloon, 3717-2222. $400 before June 6 or $500 at the door, including one drink at the pool and one at the after-party. $950 for “WIP” tickets before June 6 or $1,100 at the door, including free-flow drinks and champagne until 1am. Tickets from www.w-hongkong. com/en/shockwave.

In all major bookstores now! Or order yours at: www.historicalhkhikes.com

HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

27

FILM

Edited by Evelyn Lok evelyn.lok@hkmagmedia.com

Pitch Perfect 2

33333

(USA) Musical. Directed by (and starring) Elizabeth Banks. Starring Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Brittany Snow, Hailee Steinfeld. Category IIA. 115 mins. Opened May 28.

The best thing about the “Pitch Perfect” universe is that it walks a tightrope in which a cappella is an art form so popular that it has its own Glastonbury-style festival, but it’s also full of people who question why on earth a cappella is so freaking popular. That doublethink is characteristic of the silly, glorious fun of “Pitch Perfect 2,” a movie that hits a note higher than the sleeper-hit original.

Three years after the first movie, a cappella group the Barden Bellas have gone from strength to strength. With a revolutionary repertoire of mashup hits scored by Beca Mitchell (the impossible-to-hate Anna Kendrick) and plenty of vocal backup, the all-girl troupe is riding on a high C—until group member Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson) accidentally flashes Barack Obama during a gig. The Bellas are in disgrace, and they face being disbanded… unless they can win the world championships in Copenhagen, battling the best global a cappella groups to regain their crown.

In the meantime, Beca has started to look beyond her aca-sistence with a secret internship at a music production studio, while nervous freshman Emily Junk (Hailee Steinfeld) hopes that she can make her mother proud with her own career as a Bella.

While the first film was all about a girl coming out of her shell and finding her place at college, the sequel does what sequels should: It opens up. “Pitch Perfect 2” is about trying to find your place in the world at large. Beca’s music internship isn’t quite the cakewalk she thought it would be, and she comes to see that while she might be great at arranging mashups, it’s not quite the same thing as being a successful music producer. Most of the Bellas are now seniors, about to graduate and wondering if there’s a life beyond a cappella. Songs aside, much of the movie spends its time grappling a whole bunch of thorny questions. Aren’t original numbers better than covers?

What does it mean to grow up? How can you concentrate on the future when everyone around you is singing in six-part harmony?

That’s not to say the sequel’s without all the fun of the first movie—there’s another brilliant riff-off competition as several a cappella groups slide seamlessly from song to song. Thanks to the cult following the first film picked up, there’s a ton of great cameos too, notably by Keegan Michael Key as the egocentric music producer Beca interns with. Oh, and also the Green Bay Packers. Then there’s the physically perfect, sonically efficient a cappella champions Das Sound Machine, whose leader Kommissar (Birgitte Hjort Sørensen) reduces Beca to sexually confused mumbling every time they meet.

Aside from way too many immigrant-from-Guatemala jokes (why? No idea), “Pitch Perfect 2” really is a pitch-perfect sequel. Funny, tuneful and self-aware, it’s an aca-winner of a film. Watch it, then spend the next week trying to get the songs out of your head. Adam White

Coming Soon

San Andreas (USA) Dwayne Johnson smashes in on this Hollywood disaster epic as a search-andrescue helicopter pilot who must save his daughter in the midst of a magnitude 9 earthquake along the San Andreas Fault.

Seems like questionable timing, in light of recent events… Opens Jun 4.

‘71 (UK) A young British soldier (Jack O’Connell) is left behind enemy lines at the height of “The Troubles” in Northern Ireland. Injured, he must find his way back to his unit before the enemy finds him first. Opens Jun 4.

Danny Collins (USA) Al Pacino is the aging Danny Collins, a world-weary rock star who is inspired to change his life for the better after he receives a lost letter penned to him by the late John Lennon. Based on true events. Opens Jun 4.

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HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

Opening The Cobbler (USA) As the saying goes, you don’t know someone until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes. Adam Sandler translates this old adage into what looks like another numbingly typical Sandlerfest. This time, it’s about a man who belongs to a family of cobblers, who one day discovers a peculiar ability to live the lives of others as if he, literally, wears their shoes.

Opened May 28.

Need to Know AMC Cinema, 2265-8933 www.amccinemas.com.hk Broadway Circuit, 2388-3188 www.cinema.com.hk

Golden Harvest Cinema, 2622-6688 www.goldenharvest.com

UA Cinema, 3516-8811 www.uacinemas.com.hk

MCL Cinema, 3413-6688 www.mclcinema.com

The Metroplex, 2620-2200 www.metroplex.com.hk

Elephant Song (Canada) Xavier Dolan, prodigal Canadian filmmaker and actor du jour, stars in this haunting drama as Michael, a psychologically disturbed patient with an obsession with elephants and the opera.

His doctor uncovers the frightening truths behind Michael’s disturbances. Based on Nicolas Billon’s stage play of the same name, the story was awarded the Best Adapted Screenplay at the Canadian Screen Awards earlier in the year. Opened May 28.

Imprisoned: Survival Guide for Rich and Prodigal (Hong Kong) Ever wondered what sort of antics go down at Stanley Prison? The cast behind “Due West: Our Sex Journey� returns to bring a Hong Kong Golden Forum story of life behind bars to the big screen—allegedly based on true events. Which means, obviously, plenty of seedy Category III-rated business. Opened May 28.

The Grand Cinema, 2196-8170 www.thegrandcinema. com.hk

Continuing The Age of Adaline (USA) Blake Lively is Adaline Bowman, a woman who has retained the appearance of a 29-year-old for eight decades and hides her secret from the world. Everything changes when she meets Ellis Jones, a charming philanthropist who is 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.

Cart (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—even going as far as occupying the supermarket grounds. The familiar (and slightly over-the-top) scenes will either irk or tug at the heartstrings of Hongkongers. 333

Midnight Diner (Japan) Matsuoka Joji (known for his arty award-winning 2007 hit “Tokyo Tower, Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad�) is an expert at portraying delicate family relationships, and he helms this movie set at an afterhours diner. Manned by an old man referred to as “Master,� the lives of countless quirky characters coincide as they descend on the tiny eatery in the dead of night. If that doesn’t catch your attention, the ample food porn just might. Opened May 28.

Mommy (Canada) Directed by Xavier Dolan, “Mommy� is a drama about a widowed woman who is raising a difficult, often violent son. She receives help from a mysterious new neighbor. Shot in 1:1 aspect ratio (to make it Instagram-ready for the millennial generation, perhaps?), it’s an intimate family drama which won nine awards at the Canadian Screen Awards, as well as the Jury Prize at last year’s Cannes Film Festival. Opened May 28.

Mad Max: Fury Road (Australia/USA) George Miller’s dystopian action series from the 80s finally follows up with a fourth instalment after 30 years.

A road war takes place in a post-apocalyptic future across a desert wasteland. “Mad�

Max (Tom Hardy) finds himself reluctantly helping the elite warrior Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron) cross the desert towards freedom—with a tyrant’s greatest resource smuggled in tow. Get ready for the sandiest, craziest, flaming diesel-fuelledest car chase of your life. 3333

The Search (French) Michel Hazanavicius’s (“The Artistâ€?) 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 BĂŠrĂŠnice Bejo (“The Artist,â€? “The Pastâ€?) as Carole, an EU delegation head who helps a small boy orphaned during the Second Chechen war.

Pitch Perfect 2 (USA) See review, left. Opened May 28.

Taxi (Iran) This ain’t some Luc Besson remake, but a heartfelt ode to cinema, art and a candid glimpse of modern Tehran. Director Jafar Panahi bucked his 20-year ban on making films to secretly film this documentary-esque movie in which he poses as a taxi driver, recording conversations with passengers from all walks of life—all of whom remain anonymous. “Taxi� won the Golden Bear and the FIPRESCI Prize at the most recent Berlin Film Festival. Opened May 28.

Tokyo FiancĂŠe (Japan/France) France and Japan have always had a keen cultural fascination with each other. “Tokyo FiancĂŠeâ€? shows us a whirlwind romance picturing exactly that: a French Japanophile who meets a Japanese Francophile while studying abroad. Quel sugoi! Opened May 28.

Tracers (USA) Taylor Lautner makes a comeback from his “Twilight� werewolfing to play a New York bike messenger who’s just pissed off the local Chinese mafia. He’s rescued by a beautiful girl named Nikki, and inadvertently finds himself in the world of parkour. Upgrade! Opened May 28.

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.

The Taking of Tiger Mountain (China) Director Tsui Hark brings a highoctane twist to the famed Chinese bandit tale, originally based on one of the “eight model plays� allowed during the Cultural Revolution. A straight-up satisfying popcorn action romp, with a tinge of arty propaganda and Chinese ballet-style acting. 333

Tomorrowland (USA) Brad Bird is behind 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. 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?

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HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

UrbanCube Causeway Bay Serviced Studios $6,000 - $9,500. Newly constructed, fully furnished, & really clean. Individual bathrooms, a/c, internet, TV, electricity, water, management fees, weekly housekeeping included. Near Times Square & MTR. salesinquiry@urbancube.com.hk 2577-8022 www.urbancube.com.hk

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EVERYTHING ELSE SAVAGE LOVE Dan Savage You often mention asexual people. I believe I may be one. I’m a 51-year-old woman, separated from my opposite-sex partner for nearly nine years. I’ve been approached by a variety of men, each one interested in becoming “more than friends.” I haunt Craigslist’s “platonic m4w” section, but each time I reach out to someone, he turns out to want a FWB or NSA relationship.

It’s frustrating! That part of my life—the sex part—is really and truly over! I had many sex partners for many years, I had a good run, and now I’m done. When I find someone attractive, I admire them in a nonsexual way.

But I do masturbate. Not often. I can go two or three weeks without needing (or thinking about) release. When I do masturbate, it’s more of a “stretching activity” than a passionate requirement. Do true asexuals masturbate? Am I correct in identifying as asexual instead of heterosexual? Or am I a straight person who has simply retired from the field?

– No Need For Sex

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“There’s some handy-dandy research on this topic,” said David Jay, founder of the Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN). Jay is the world’s most prominent asexuality activist and widely acknowledged as the founder of the asexuality movement.

Researchers at the University of British Columbia studied the masturbatory habits of asexual individuals and compared them to the masturbatory habits of people with low sexual desire (“Sexual Fantasy and Masturbation Among Asexual Individuals,” Morag A. Yule, Lori A. Brotto, and Boris B. Gorzalka, the Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality). “[They found that] the majority of asexual people (about 56 percent) masturbate on at least a monthly basis,” said Jay, compared to 75 percent of individuals with low sexual desire.

“For a sizable chunk of us, this is about a sense of physical release rather than about sexual fantasy. Masturbation and partnered sex are very different things, and desiring one doesn’t mean that we automatically desire the other.”

So, NNFS, the fact that you masturbate occasionally—as a “stretching activity” (ouch?)— doesn’t disqualify you from identifying as asexual.

And while the fact that you were sexually active for many years, presumably happily, and always with men could mean you’re a straight lady with low to no sexual desire, you’re nevertheless free to embrace the asexual label if it works for you.

“If you’re not drawn to be sexual with anyone, then you have a lot in common with a lot of people in the asexual community,” said Jay. “That being said, there’s no such thing as a ‘true’ asexual. If the word seems useful, use it. At the end of the day, what matters is how well we understand ourselves, not how well we match some Platonic ideal of our sexual orientation, and words like ‘asexual’ are just tools to help us understand ourselves.”

All those crazy labels—bi, gay, lesbian, straight, pansexual, asexual, etc.—are there to help us communicate who we are and what we want.

Once upon a time, NNFS, you wanted heterosexual sex, you had heterosexual sex, and you identified as heterosexual. That label was correct for you then. If the asexual label is a better fit for you now, if it more accurately communicates who you are (now) and what you want (now), you have none other than David Jay’s permission to use it.

“I also feel NNFS’s pain about Craigslist ‘strictly platonic’ ads,” said Jay. “But I’ve found there are plenty of people out there who are interested in hanging out if I simultaneously say ‘no’ to sex and ‘yes’ to an emotional connection. I wish NNFS the best of luck in finding some.”

Follow AVEN on Twitter at @asexuality.

Jay recommends The Invisible Orientation by Julie Decker to people who want to learn more about asexuality. And Asexual Outreach is currently

raising funds via Indiegogo to help finance the first North American Asexuality Conference in Toronto this June and other outreach programs.

There’s this guy I stopped dating a few months ago, but we’ve remained friends.

When we were still dating, he once wore a thong when we were having sex. He called it his “sexy underwear.” He said he wore it only if he really liked a woman. He also told me he tried using a vibrator and fingers in his ass and really enjoyed it. I wasn’t bothered, but I am curious to know if straight guys really wear thongs and enjoy having their asses played with. Could he be a gay?

– What’s He Attracted To? That guy could be a gay, WHAT, but any guy could be a gay.

There are, however, lots of straight guys out there who dig sexy underwear—and some mistakenly believe thongs qualify. There are also lots of straight guys out there who like having their asses played with—and some are secure enough in their heterosexuality to share that fact with the women in their lives. And I hope you’re sitting down because this may come as a shock: Not all gay guys wear thongs and not all gay guys like having their asses played with. The boyfriends of these guys—gay guys with thong-averse/ ass-play-averse boyfriends—never write to ask me if their boyfriend could be a straight. Instead, they take the gay sex they’re having with their gay boyfriends for an answer. I understand why a straight woman might have more cause for concern: Very few gay-identified guys are secretly straight, while a significant percentage of straightidentified guys are secretly gay or bi. (Google “antigay pastor Matthew Makela caught on Grindr” for a recent example.)

But at some point, WHAT, a straight woman should relax and take all the straight sex she’s having with her thong-wearing, ass-play-digging boyfriend for an answer.

Just because a woman closes her eyes during sex doesn’t mean she’s fantasizing about something. I love to look my husband in the eyes, but sometimes when I’m trying to get off, I just need to close my eyes and concentrate on what I’m feeling.

Visual input is too distracting and makes it hard to focus. I get off pretty much every time we make love, but some times require more concentration than others.

– Concentrating On My Euphoria COME is referring to my advice a couple of weeks back for Come As You Are, a man whose wife had to lean back, close her eyes, and rub her clit in order to come. I advised CAYA to ask his wife what she was thinking about when she did that— what scenario she was fantasizing about—and not to panic if she wasn’t thinking about him.

Lots of women wrote in to say that they do—they must do—the same thing CAYA’s wife does in order to come: close their eyes and concentrate. A majority, like COME, said they’re not fantasizing about anything in particular; they’re just concentrating on the sensations.

But a large minority said that they have specific and sometimes wild/unrealizable/disturbing fantasies that they have to concentrate on in order to climax. Just as every fantasy doesn’t have to be realized, not every fantasy has to be shared.

But women (and men) who are lucky enough to have a loving, supportive, secure, and game partner should consider bringing their partner in.

Allowing a partner to play an active role in your wild/unrealizable fantasies—through dirty talk—will make your partner feel like a part of your fantasy world (and your orgasms) and not an exile from it.

On the Lovecast, Dan speaks with the author of a study on outing cheaters: savagelovecast.com.

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

HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

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Fill that vacancy.

To advertise, please contact Lamy Lam on 2534 9560 or lamy.lam@hkmagmedia.com

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HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

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ADVERTISING CAREERS

HK Magazine Media Group – publisher of HK Magazine, The List, and the where® family of international travel publications, is looking to fill the following positions in its dynamic and exciting Advertising Department:

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MAGA Z INE

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY ROB BREZSNY

GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20): You have successfully made the transition from brooding caterpillar to social butterfly. Soon you will be in your full, fluttery glory, never lingering too long with one thought, one friend, or one identity. Some heavyduty, level-headed stalwarts might wish you would be more earthy and anchored, but I don’t share their concern. At least for now, having a long attention span is overrated. You have entered the fidgety, inquisitive part of your cycle, when flitting and flirting and flickering make perfect sense.

CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22): Only one fear is worthy of you. Only one fear is real enough and important enough to awaken and activate the numb part of your intelligence. So for now, I suggest that you retire all lesser fears. Stuff them in a garbage bag and hide them in a closet. Then put on your brave champion face, gather the allies and resources you need, and go forth into glorious battle. Wrestle with your one fear. Reason with it. If necessary, use guile and trickery to gain an advantage. Call on divine inspiration and be a wickedly good truth-teller.

And this is crucial: Use your fear to awaken and activate the numb part of your intelligence.

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): In the coming nights, try to see your shadow as it’s cast on the ground by the moon. Not by the sun, mind you. Look for the shadow that’s made by the light of the moon. It might sound farfetched, but I suspect this experience will have a potent impact on your subconscious mind. It may jostle loose secrets that you have been hiding from yourself. I bet it will give you access to emotions and intuitions you have been repressing. It could also help you realize that some of the deep, dark stuff you wrestle with is not bad and scary, but rather fertile and fascinating.

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): The ancient Greek statesman Demosthenes was regarded as a supremely skilled orator. His speeches were so powerful that he was compared to a “blazing thunderbolt.” And yet as a youngster he spoke awkwardly. His voice was weak and his enunciation weird. To transform himself, he took drastic measures. He put pebbles in his mouth to force himself to formulate his words with great care.

He recited poems as he ran up and down hills.

At the beach, he learned to outshout the pounding surf. Take inspiration from him, Virgo. Now would be an excellent time for you to plan and launch strenuous efforts that will enable you to eventually accomplish one of your long-range goals.

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22): Long-distance flirtations may soon be just around the corner or across the street. Remote possibilities are taking short cuts as they head your way. I swear the far horizon and the lucky stars seem closer than usual. Is it all a mirage? Some of it may be, but at least a part of it is very real. If you want to be ready to seize the surprising opportunities that show up in your vicinity, I suggest you make yourself as innocent and expansive as possible. Drop any jaded attitudes you may be harboring. Let the future know that you are prepared to receive a flood of beauty, truth, and help.

Visionary.

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S OB J T

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SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21): I suspect that marriages of convenience will begin to wither away unless they evolve into bonds of affection.

Connections that have been fed primarily on fun and games must acquire more ballast. In fact, I recommend that you re-evaluate all your contracts and agreements. How are they working for you?

Do they still serve the purpose you want them to?

Is it time to acknowledge that they have transformed and need to be reconfigured? As you take inventory, be both tough-minded and compassionate.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): Petrarch was an influential 14th-century Italian poet whose main work was “Song Book.” It’s a collection of 366 poems, most of which are dedicated to Laura, the woman he loved. For 40 years he churned out testaments of longing and appreciation for her, despite the fact that he and she never spent time together. She was married to another man, and was wrapped up in raising her eleven children.

Should we judge Petrarch harshly for choosing

a muse who was so unavailable? I don’t. Musechoosing is a mysterious and sacred process that transcends logic. I’m bringing the subject to your attention because you’re entering a new phase in your relationship with muses. It’s either time to choose a new one (or two?) or else adjust your bonds with your current muses.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): “The soul moves in circles,” said the ancient Greek philosopher Plotinus.

Modern psychologist James Hillmans agreed, and added this thought: “Hence our lives are not moving straight ahead; instead, hovering, wavering, returning, renewing, repeating.” I bring this to your attention, Capricorn, because you’re now in an extra-intense phase of winding and rambling. This is a good thing! You are spiraling back to get another look at interesting teachings you didn’t master the first time around. You are building on past efforts that weren’t strong enough. Your words of power are crooked, gyrate, curvy, labyrinthine, and corkscrew.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): It’s no coincidence that your libido and your mojo are booming at the same time. Your libido is in the midst of a deep, hearty awakening, which is generating a surplus of potent, super-fine mojo. And your surplus of potent, super-fine mojo is in turn inciting your libido’s even deeper, heartier awakening. There may be times in the coming week when you feel like you are living with a wild animal. As long as you keep the creature well-fed and well-stroked, it should provide you with lots of vigorous, even boisterous fun.

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): “I always arrive late at the office, but I make up for it by leaving early,” quipped 19th-century English author Charles Lamb.

I invite you to adopt that breezy, lazy attitude in the coming weeks. It’s high time for you to slip into a very comfortable, laidback mood… to give yourself a lot of slack, explore the mysteries of dreamy indolence, and quiet down the chirpy voices in your head. Even if you can’t literally call in sick to your job and spend a few days wandering free, do everything you can to claim as much low-pressure, unhurried spaciousness as possible.

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): Keith Moon played drums for the rock band the Who. He was once voted the second-greatest drummer in history. But his erratic behavior, often provoked by drugs or alcohol, sometimes interfered with his abilities. In 1973, the Who was doing a live concert near San Francisco when the horse tranquilizer that Moon had taken earlier caused him to pass out. The band appealed to the audience for help. “Can anybody play the drums?” asked guitarist Pete Townshend. “I mean somebody good?” A 19-year-old amateur drummer named Scot Halpin volunteered. He played well enough to finish the show. I suspect that sometime soon, Aries, you may also get an unexpected opportunity to play the role of a substitute. Be ready!

TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): The weta is a very large insect whose habitat is New Zealand. It looks like a robotic grasshopper, with giant black eyes on a long red face, enlarged hind legs bearing spikes, and floppy, oversized antennae. The native Maori people call it “the god of the ugly things.”

Please note that this is a term of respect. The weta’s title is not “the most monstrous of the ugly things,” or “the worst” or “the scariest” or “the most worthless of the ugly things.” Rather, the Maori say it’s the god—the highest, the best, the most glorious.

I suspect that in the coming days, Taurus, you will have a close encounter with your own version of a “god of ugly things.” Doesn’t it deserve your love and welcome?

Homework: Your Future Self comes to you and says, “You must get rid of two beliefs that are holding you back.” What are they? Testify at FreeWillAstrology.com.

HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

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FIRST PERSON Photo: Ramond Ho

“I’ve been teetotal all my life. I know very little about alcohol.”

Allan Zeman needs no introduction.

The “Father of Lan Kwai Fong” is responsible for shaping a quiet alley in Central into the bustling nightlife district we know today. The chairman of the LKF Group and former head of Ocean Park tells Andrea Lo about starting young, building the new California Tower—and how he never used to wear socks.

I was born in Germany, but I’m not German. I grew up in Montreal.

My father died when I was 7. I didn’t really know him.

I started working when I was 10. I was going to school but delivering newspapers in the morning. I was earning 25 Canadian dollars a week, which was a lot of money to me.

When I was 12, I lied about my age and said I was 16. I got a job on weekends cleaning tables at a steakhouse.

I bought my own car—a convertible—and of course, all the girls were chasing me!

At 16, I decided to go to university at night. I had a taste of money and was already an entrepreneur. I guess I had that entrepreneurial spirit even when I was young.

I started importing ladies’ sweaters.

I made my first US$1 million.

It was a different time and different world.

There were no computers.

I always looked around to see what was available, and how I could be better.

I came to Hong Kong when I was 19.

It’s been 35 years since I started Lan Kwai Fong. I’ve seen crowds come and go.

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HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

People were saying everyone was going to Wan Chai instead; Tsim Sha Tsui was being talked about. Wyndham Street and SoHo became another area. But Lan Kwai Fong has continued being very busy throughout the years.

It’s a testament to your achievements when people recognize you as the “father of Lan Kwai Fong” and also as someone who helped transform Ocean Park into a world-class theme park. It’s not a thing money can buy.

I’m very much involved with the government. Helping to try to come up with a solution to the crisis that awaits us—that’s my biggest challenge at the moment.

Universal suffrage is very important to Hong Kong. I’m very much involved in trying to see if we could make it happen.

Before the Handover, Legco was kind of a rubber stamp for whatever the governor wanted to pass.

It’s not the right thing for Hong Kong.

We need to find a way to allocate more land for housing. The government is saying it has a plan. At the rate we’re going, I don’t see it happening.

I’ve been asked many times if I could run for Chief Executive. It’s not an easy job.

The system was designed to defeat the Chief Executive. He or she can’t do exactly what they want because they don’t have a party behind them.

I’m more comfortable being a businessman than a political leader.

Every day, my life is crazy. I don’t lead a normal life.

There are crazy things I end up doing— from Ocean Park to California Tower to Lan Kwai Fong, to being on the board of a hospital.

I didn’t wear socks until a number of years ago.

It was the first time I really felt selfconscious about it. It kind of made me think that I should join society and wear socks!

I’ve been teetotal all my life. I know very little about alcohol, even though I’m the “father of Lan Kwai Fong.”

I just don’t see the point of people getting drunk.

I like to have my feet on the ground. I don’t like to lose control.

Every day, you give yourself advice. The world changes very quickly. You should always be thinking ahead of the pack, and of the future—not of the past.

I have no desire to leave Hong Kong.

I’ve been here for 47 years.

I gave up my Canadian passport 10 years ago to become a Chinese national—which I think shows a vote of confidence in Hong Kong.

When the first Chief Executive came into power, things changed dramatically. Legco became very antagonistic towards the Chief Executive.

The day before the Handover, my wife and I were invited for lunch on board the Britannia.

A good entrepreneur looks for opportunities. I believe that people who have been successful in certain areas can be successful anywhere.

People have lost hope. Young people graduate and don’t see a future. People have to keep moving house because landlords constantly raise rents. Things are too expensive and people can’t see a way out.

I still remember the British naval officers standing to attention, and looking out of the corners of their eyes at this guy wearing a suit but no socks, coming to see Prince Charles.

The most important lesson is to be a good human being and to give back to society. To be a good person and respect others, and to go through life being open-minded.

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