DECEMBER 2010
A TASTY INTERVIEW
Wynn chefs reveal the holiday season menu for this year. Think chocolate! GIFT IDEAS
Our suggestions for stylish and expensive gifts SEASON GOURMET
Your options for a peaceful Christmas meal outside home
BREAKDOWN BY THE NUMBERS
ALL KINDS OF DETAILS ABOUT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON IN MACAU, IN ASIA AND IN THE WORLD - CHRISTMAS KNOWS NO BARRIERS
7
The number of golden awards that Hong Kong (five) and the mainland (two) were given by the International Council of Shopping Centers, at the Asia Shopping Centre Awards 2010 competition. These are the most stylish options in the region for you to buy your Christmas gifts
6
MOP3,888
The price of the Deluxe Hamper that is being presented as a gift idea at Grand Lapa Hotel. The basket includes a selection of wines, ham, cakes and chocolates for fellow businessmen, colleagues and friends
The number of public holidays to be enjoyed during this season and that includes Chinese as well as Christian holidays: the Feast of Immaculate Conception on December 8, the MSAR Establishment Day on the 20th, the Winter Solstice on the 22nd, Christmas Eve on the 24th, Christmas on the 25th and New Year’s Day on January 1st
368,615
MOP1,288
The price of an exquisite New Year’s Eve dinner, at Aurora restaurant, in Altira. It includes a six course dinner and one glass of champagne
The number of people that visited Macau during last year’s Christmas holidays, a yearon-year drop of 0.73 percent, according to official figures. Still, a very good figure for retail – that is, if these tourists do more than just gamble
US$1.5 million US
It’s the t return of the sevenfigu figure price tag on the Neiman Ma Marcus Christmas Book, a USba based luxury specialty retail d department store. This year, ffor “only” US$1.5 million, you can have a personalized glass installation by artist Da Dale Chihuly, for the bottom of your swi swimming pool 98
A year has flown by and it’s that time of the year already, when you celebrate with your family and friends the end of 2010 and hope for the best for 2011. But first comes Christmas and you have a lot to plan, buy and eat. In this Essential Christmas edition, we interview the Chef de Cuisine of Ristorante Il Teatro and the Pastry Chef at Wynn Macau and learn about their holiday season menu, how to adjust a Christmas menu to Asian tastes and how to combine desserts with main courses. Getting interested? While we’re at it, we go a little further and look for food and beverage options in Macau, just in case you prefer to spend Christmas and New Year’s outside your home, and we find some great promotions that may relieve you from the stress of cooking during the holiday season. This will definitely help you enjoy the days even more! Furthermore, we take a look at The Leading Hotels in the World recommendations for a holiday escape and discover one really nearby: The Chedi Chiang Mai Hotel and Resort. Relax with your family in an historical place, benefiting from all the commodities of a luxury resort. As for the gifts part, if you’re already having anxiety attacks about the possibility of facing shopping centres, relax. We search Macau and Hong Kong and find several ideas for him, for her and for the home. You just need a generous wallet. In our search we even discover a more creative, different and expensive present. Instead of a gift or an experience, you can offer membership at the Metropolitan Polo Club. It may cost between RMB380,000 and RMB10 million, but it offers a whole new lifestyle. If this doesn’t surprise your friend, lover, wife, or husband, then nothing will! In short, Essential solves all your problems for this season. Maybe now you can really enjoy it.
Christmas in the West
Christmas in China
Christmas is an official holiday in most Western countries especially those where Christians are the majority. The main cities start dressing up for the occasion as soon as November arrives, stressing out those who still have lots of Christmas shopping to do.
Christmas is a public holiday in Macau and Hong Kong, but not in the mainland. So there are some celebrations in the two SARs, and only now are mainlanders starting to really take an interest.
It marks the birth of Jesus Christ, having religious significance. Usually, people attend a mass on the evening of Christmas Eve. However, over time, even non-Christians have come to celebrate it.
When celebrated in China, it does not have religious significance, being seen purely as a holiday for shopping and giving presents.
In most Western capitals, coloured lights decorate the city centres and shops, while people light up their houses and decorate artificial Christmas trees with all kinds of lights, paper and plastic ornaments. Traditional Christmas carols will be playing on the radio and at shopping centres, almost to the point of driving you insane.
The Chinese celebrate by lighting their houses with beautiful paper lanterns and decorating their Christmas trees, which they call “Trees of Light”, with paper chains, paper flowers, and paper lanterns. Traditional Christmas carols will not be playing on the radio and in shopping centres, at least not with the same frequency of that in the West, and some are Chinese versions of the English songs.
Most work places organize a Christmas gathering one week before the occasion. Time to become friendly, even if you’re not.
Most workplaces don’t organize Christmas gatherings, unless there are some foreigners in the company.
Christianity still has a major role in the West, with Christmas being considered the main winter holiday.
Since the vast majority of Chinese are not Christian, the main winter festival in China is Chinese New Year that takes place in January/ February.
It depends on the country, but usually there is turkey and potatoes; in Italy, there is fish. In Germany, France and Austria, goose and pork are favoured. In Portugal, cod is the favourite Christmas dish.
The food on the table may take the form of roasted barbecue pork, chicken and soup with wood ears. It has more to do with the Chinese New Year’s banquet than with a traditional Christmas dinner.
Father Christmas (or Santa Claus, depending on the country) is expected to visit children and give them presents. He is an old man with a long white beard, red coat, and a bag of toys.
For those who do celebrate, Dun Che Lao Ren, the Chinese gift giver, is expected to visit children and wish everyone a long and happy life. Usually, he is portrayed with some oriental traits.
TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR A JOLLY CHRISTMAS 1 Send Christmas cards to family and friends wishing Season’s Greetings. It’s a way to make peace with everyone, even if it’s only temporary. 2 Have an artificial (think green!) Christmas tree in your home as soon as December arrives, decorated with ornaments and lights. It will get you in the mood for Christmas. 3 Have mistletoe in a doorway. It’s a good way to get kissed, at least according to some Western countries’ traditions. 4 Buy gifts for family and friends, and pile them under the tree. That’s imperative especially if you have children. Yes, let’s not teach them materialistic values, but…who can resist their smile? 5 Ask your children to write a gift list. It will save
you time, money and point you in the right direction when you and Santa Claus are lost in toy world.
6 Don’t play any other kind of music at home apart from Christmas carols. “Silent Night” and “Jingle Bells” are mandatory when it comes to getting in the spirit, even if by Christmas time you’re already regretting it. 7 Have turkey, ham, stuffing and vegetables on your Christmas table. Of course, every country in the West has its own food traditions for this season. 8 Don’t forget why Christmas exists. The more traditionalists take Christmas as a Christian holiday and attend church on Christmas Eve. Even if you’re not religious – as this is a holiday for the non-religious too – just don’t forget the values behind it. 9 Don’t get swamped in retail. This season is about giving and that may simply take the form of love. 10 Don’t think there is only one tradition during Christmas time.
Around the world there are different traditions, different names for Santa Claus and different foods at the Christmas table. Confusing, to say the least...
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FEATURE
A FIVE STAR GIFT S
ome people say that Christmas is a season to stay at home, but tradition isn’t really what it used to be. So why don’t you offer yourself – and your loved ones – a gift and go to Thailand to spend those special days at the Chedi Chiang Mai Hotel and Resort? It will definitely be a season to remember. This resort was included on this year’s suggestions of The Leading Hotels in the World – an organization that includes over 430 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts – as one of the most appealing destinations. A good idea for those in Macau who wish to spend Christmas away, but not too far away. The resort is a mix of modern design with British colonial style. With its 84 rooms and suites, that include private courtyards, open balconies and exquisite views, the stylish amenities are set to provide guests with a relaxing environment.
BIG SPENDER
A king’s lifestyle Christmas always means a big headache to find perfect presents. This is even truer if you are trying to surprise someone who already has everything. Gifts are over-rated and giving out experiences is no longer new. What about going a step further and offering... a new lifestyle? Why not a Metropolitan Polo Club membership, that costs between RMB380,000 and RMB10 million? Just opened last month, an hour’s drive southeast of Beijing, the Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club is aiming to become one of Asia’s most exclusive circle of members. Anchored around polo, the so-called ‘Sport of Royalty’, it features state-of-the-art equestrian facilities including two international-sized polo fields and stabling for 150 horses. The facility was launched with 60
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You can enjoy the luxury and comfort during the night, while during the day you can explore the mountain trails, elephant sanctuaries and gold-domed temples of Chiang Mai. The resort is located in the heart of the historical Thai city. You can take advantage of a Christmas package, which starts at US$1,643 (MOP13,144), single or double occupancy, including three nights’ stay, daily breakfast and roundtrip airport transfer by hotel limousine. Adding to that, you can enjoy a special dinner on Christmas Eve and free-flowing mulled wine, followed by lunch on Christmas Day with free-flowing sparkling wine or mojitos. The final touch is a sunset river cruise complete with tapas and champagne, and a three-hour spa package. The package is only valid from December 24 to 27. So, think again...isn’t Christmas at home over-rated?
thoroughbred polo horses from Australia. Around a dozen came from the Ellerston breeding operation, owned by James Packer, co-chairman of Melco Crown Entertainment and a polo player himself. Besides polo facilities, the club offers a 167-room, members-only hotel, including several restaurants and a wine cellar boasting over 10,000 bottles of vintage wines, mostly French. And that’s not all: members also have access to a private jet based in Tianjin airport and to a yacht. International members can use the club as their registered business address in mainland China. There, staff will take care of their basic administrative needs, like handling mail and phone calls. This is just the first stage for Hong Kong-listed developer Goldin Properties Holdings Limited. The company has plans to build even bigger clubs in Shanghai and Shenzhen that all
members will be able to use. Goldin is also buying serviced apartments in London and New York, a spa resort in Hokkaido (Japan) and a wine chateau in the French Bordeaux region for the use of club members. “We are building a community, we are not just building a club,” says Rowland K. Wong, president of Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club and Hotel. Being a member comes at a cost though. The club offers four types of membership: social members, equestrian members, polo members and polo team members. Prices range from RMB380,000 for social members to RMB10 million for patron owners of polo teams. According to the management, membership will be very exclusive and mostly by invitation. However, candidates can propose themselves, with the club’s board of governors having the final say.
INTERVIEW
ANTHONY ALAIMO IS THE CHEF DE CUISINE AT RISTORANTE IL TEATRO, IN WYNN MACAU. LUC CAPUS IS THE EXECUTIVE PASTRY CHEF AT THE RESORT. WORKING AS A TEAM TO PREPARE THE DELICACIES FOR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR, THEY UNVEIL THE MUCH ANTICIPATED MENU AND REVEAL SOME OF THEIR TECHNIQUES TO PROVIDE A TRULY JOLLY SEASON
hat will the highlights be on the Ristorante il Teatro menu? Anthony Alaimo (AA) – I kept this one mostly fish, because I’m trying to carry on tradition a little bit. In Italy, usually people eat fish for Christmas. What do you aim at when you prepare Christmas desserts in Macau? Luc Capus (LC) – I like to work with tradition for Christmas. I don’t mean old fashioned, but I don’t like to go too crazy. In Europe, when you celebrate it, there are a lot of things you remember and I try to play with this feeling. So, when you taste my desserts you have to remember something you tasted already in your childhood. How do you keep tradition and satisfy your guests here? AA – A couple of the dishes I have on the menu are traditional. It depends on where you’re from. I’m from New York, but my family is Italian. We usually have seven different types of fish on Christmas’ Eve - that’s a classic Italian Christmas dinner and normally we’ll have goose. But, for this menu, it’s a little bit different. I want the guests to have a whole nice tasting experience, so I’m not just giving them seven types of fish, because if they don’t eat fish, they won’t enjoy it. What do you recommend from the Christmas desserts you’re preparing? LC – For the deli shop [Café Esplanada], I will do a chestnut log, which is a traditional French Christmas dessert. For this, I use chestnut that I get from Turin, in Italy – it’s a special kind and strong enough. At Ristorante il Teatro, for Christmas, I will do a chocolate tart and I pair it with something a bit acid. For New Year, I’ll do an Italian coffee cake with stracciatella.
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The Italian American Anthony Alaimo is Chef de Cuisine at Wynn Macau’s signature Italian dining establishment, Ristorante il Teatro. Anthony joined Wynn Macau in February 2007, as Senior Sous Chef for Ristorante il Teatro. As an Italian American growing up in Brooklyn, New York, he was introduced to Italian cuisine by his family and started working in local neighbourhood Italian restaurants at the age of 15. He moved to Las Vegas and learned all the techniques with several chefs, after which he was appointed Executive Sous-Chef at the multiple award-winning Azul at the Mandarin Oriental Miami. Chef Anthony joined Wynn Las Vegas in 2006 and from there came to the company’s property in Macau.
Is there any element you use in the United States that Asian customers in Ristorante il Teatro do not like? AA – Mainly the comments that we’ve had are that some ingredients are very strongly flavoured. Italian food is very strong – garlic, anchovies, capers. A lot of times, guests will say that this is too salty. But there is no extra salt in it and it’s probably the capers or the clams. I don’t necessarily take it off the menu. So, once they get an understanding of why it tastes the way it does, I find that they enjoy it. Given that Christmas is not a Chinese tradition, are the desserts you’re preparing at Wynn Macau much different from the ones you would prepared while working in France and Las Vegas? LC – Yes. The taste is very different. For instance, here is not as cold as Europe. During Christmas in Europe I would go for something rich, with a little bit of alcohol inside. Here, the temperature will never go below 0ºC, so you need to have a different approach. I will make it a little bit less sweet and lighter, but I still want to keep the Christmas taste. That’s why I don’t want to get too crazy and really get out of Christmas. How does the cooperation with Chef Luc Capus work? AA – We talk about it first and we’ll come up with a couple of ideas and then we’ll both put it on paper and he’ll create it in the pastry shop. I’ll come up and taste it and say: “I think we can use this or maybe we can use that.” For the most part, I trust Luc and in his expertise to make the desserts. If I feel I want to put some ingredient from Italy, I ask him to incorporate it on the seasonal menu and we’ll put something together. What techniques do you use to adjust to Asian tastes? LC – I taste a lot and I talk a lot with the people just to understand. The chefs de cuisine usually say that I’m wearing a lot of heart, because whenever there is a tasting I try to be here as much as possible. Each chef de cuisine is different and I first want to understand their character. I’m basically here just to help them at the end of the meal and to try to finish the meal in a beautiful way. For instance, with Hiro [Hirofumi Imamura, Executive Chef at Okada], I’m trying to learn how to work with almost no sugar and with no products. What will the highlights be for the New Year’s Eve menu? AA - The veal tenderloin with crispy sweet bread and the osso bucco. The osso bucco is kind of an Italian dish and I played it a little unconventionally. I like to incorporate classical dishes and use different methods of preparing them so people can associate it with having that classical feel of Italian food, but just when it arrives at the table it’s a little different than what they had expected. The same with the lobster and the eggplant cannelloni – the cannelloni is usually baked in an oven, but I bread it and it’s with lobster.
The chocolate magician Luc Capus is Executive Pastry Chef at Wynn Macau, responsible for the full range of pastries available at the resort’s eateries including Café Esplanada, Ristorante il Teatro, and Okada, as well as banqueting. Chef Luc joined Wynn Macau in August 2006, transferring from Wynn Las Vegas, which he joined as part of the hotel opening team in 2004. Born in France, it was in his home country that he developed his skills. He started training at culinary high school at the age of 15, which was followed by three years as an apprentice cook, including one year specializing in pastry. Finally, he worked with chocolatier Jean Francois Castagne and his team to learn pastry and the best chocolate techniques.
Keeping tradition is your goal for the Christmas menu. How about for the New Year’s menu? LC – For New Year I’m looking for something interesting in terms of the taste and something light. The goal is to have a big experience – when you finish with the dessert, you will like to have one more and you’ll have to wait one year to have it again. Is the Christmas and New Year menu different every year or do you have any dish that is always served? AA – The Christmas menu always changes, because our guests come back every year. So, I like them to try something different. The only thing that is always on the New Year’s Eve menu is the lentil soup. In Italy, lentils are always eaten on New Year’s Eve.
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SHOPPING LIST
FOR HIM
Usually it’s all about her. But this time we also thought of the men, their needs and desires. That’s why we bring you a male shopping list that includes the things you never even realized you wanted but definitely need. Here they are
Zwiesel 1872 decanters iPad
It is marketed for consumption of online media such as books and periodicals, movies, music, games, web and e-mail access. Apple’s iPad is the 700-gram tablet computer all men desire. Its size, weight and software make it one of the most sophisticated gadgets around. Price: HK$4,888 (16GB), HK$5,688 (32GB), HK$6,488 (64GB) Where: The Venetian Macao Grand Canal Shoppes, The Macao Square, City of Dreams
Famous for producing wine accessories, Zwiesel 1872 launches a series of decanters of different shapes, to facilitate different wine tasting. It’s the perfect option for those who enjoy entertaining at home. Price: HK$1,390-3,230 Where: Global Hotelware Ltd. and Exclusivitès in Hong Kong
Clef du Vin by Peugeot
This clever measuring instrument reveals your wine’s ageing potential. When you dip it into the wine for one second, it represents the wine aged for one year. Perfect for those interested in wines. Price: HK$960-2,900 Where: Exclusivitès in Hong Kong
Rimowa Topas Titanium Cabin Multiwheel
Now coming in the precious metal colour, titanium, the Topas trolley is Rimowa’s suggestion for Christmas. This suitcase is ideal for businessman. Why? Because it’s very tough and offers more room for business suits. Price: MOP9,810 Where: One Central, The Venetian Macao Grand Canal Shoppes
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This set includes an eau de toilette and a shampoo & shower gel from Bulgari. Especially designed for the holiday season, this kit belongs to you, the man that likes the smell of elegance. Price: HK$755 Where: Wynn Esplanade, The Venetian Macao Grand Canal Shoppes
Louis Vuitton Tambour In Black
With its modern, sporty design integrating a dashboard-inspired dial, the Tambour in Black Power Reserve enables you to check at a glance the power level remaining in the watch. It’s a great gift for businessmen who prize discretion. Price: HK$53,500 Where: DFS The Shoppes at Four Seasons, One Central
Christmas
Aqva Pour Homme kit from Bvlgari
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Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Annual Calendar
A perfect union of design and 21st century watch-making technology, with its bi-coloured blend of stainless steel and 18 carat red gold, this watch has a special feature: an annual calendar that automatically recognizes months with 30 and 31 days and needs to be manually corrected only once a year, on March 1st. It’s the perfect time-saver. Price: MOP98,700 Where: Grand Lapa, DFS The Shoppes at Four Seasons
t is the oldest trick in the book – if you don’t have a clue about what Christmas gift to offer to a male friend, go for whisky. It is always a winner. Nevertheless, some scotches are a true treasure, deserving a special place under the Christmas tree. This is the case for Chivas Regal 25 Year Old Original. Carefully crafted by Master Blender Colin Scott, using the same traditions and techniques the legendary Charles Howard used for the original, every cask is handselected and individually nosed. With up to 50 different single malt and grain whiskies in each blend, the blender’s challenge was akin to conducting an orchestra, requiring experience, inspiration and patience – a subtle mix of science and art. The final tune was a multi award-winning Chivas Regal
25 Year Old Original. The new blend pays homage to the first ever Chivas Regal blend, also a 25-year-old scotch, first shipped from Aberdeen to New York in 1909. Produced in limited quantities only, Chivas Regal 25 Year Old Original is aged for a minimum of 25 years. Each individually numbered bottle reflects the heritage of the liquid inside. The rich golden whisky shows enticing fruity aromas of sweet orange and peach to the nose, followed by notes of marzipan and nuts. In the mouth, the savour hints of rich milk chocolate orange, and fondant creaminess give the blend its unique identity, followed by a smooth, rounded and luxuriously long finish. Chivas Regal 25 Year Old Original is available at stores in Macau, for MOP2,180.
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SHOPPING LIST
FOR HER
How about the ladies? What are their choices for this Christmas? Here’s our selection
Blv Eau de Parfum kit, by Bvlgari
A Bvlgari Christmas gift for her. The kit includes eau de parfum and body lotion joining forces to make her more beautiful. Price: HK$935 Where: Wynn Esplanade, The Venetian Macao Grand Canal Shoppes
Valentino Rockstud bag
This bag represents the synthesis between Valentino’s sophisticated heritage and the darker attitude of Maria Grazia chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli’s vision. For women who are inspired by the rock universe, here comes their bag, in malleable and traditional calf leather. Price: HK$12,400 Where: Grand Lapa, The Shoppes at Four Seasons, City of Dreams
The Rockstud shoes, by Valentino
Here is Valentino’s suggestion for this Christmas: the Rockstud shoes. They are a delicate 6-centimeter kitten-heel sling-back, with thin straps, combining rock and style. Price: To be announced Where: Grand Lapa, The Shoppes at Four Seasons, City of Dreams
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Goebel’s Mucha vase
The vase features the pattern Der Tanz, which is an Alphonse Mucha’s painting, and displays graceful female postures and beautiful faces. From one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of handcrafted gifts, it is a more traditional object with artistic inspiration that will appeal to women. Price: HK$2,960 Where: Exclusivitès in Hong Kong
Louis Vuitton Monogram Résille Large Pendant
Using the Louis Vuitton monogram, this large pendant in yellow gold is the brand’s suggestion for this Christmas. Discrete and elegant. Price: MOP36,600 Where: DFS The Shoppes at Four Seasons, One Central
Monogram Résille Round Flower Ring
Inspired by Louis Vuitton’s Monogram lace, which intertwines Monogram flowers with the LV initials, this wide band ring in yellow gold is an elegant piece. Price: MOP29,700 Where: DFS The Shoppes at Four Seasons, One Central
Tambour Disc Amarante, by Louis Vuitton
This elegant watch features a dial in amaranth lacquer, with a distinctive diamond-paved disc that stands out in contrast. It is available in three sizes (S/28 mm, M/34mm, L/39.5mm). Diamonds really are a girl’s best friend. Price: MOP41,000 (S), MOP87,500 (M), MOP112,000 (L) Where: Grand Lapa, DFS The Shoppes at Four Seasons, Wynn Esplanade, One Central
Balcon du Guadalquivir box from Hermès
Inspired by the patterns of Spanish culture, the Balcon de Guadalquivir porcelain box is joyous and festive. In its red attire, it is also the perfect colour for China. Price: HK$1,490 Where: DFS The Shoppes at Four Seasons, Wynn Esplanade, Grand Lapa, Exclusitivitès in Hong Kong
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SHOPPING LIST
FOR THE HOME
There are certain things that are nice for him or her, such as objects that help you host with elegance. Here are our ideas for a home Christmas gift Peugeot Ressort 19th century spring corkscrew The corkscrew is made of metal with the colours silver and gold. Such an elegant and vintage outlook will make a wonderful Christmas gift. Price: HK$2,400 Where: Exclusivitès in Hong Kong
La Via Lattea set of cheese knives, from Alessi
It’s a knife for hard cheeses, a knife for semi-soft cheeses and a spreader for soft cheeses. In polished mirror stainless steel, picture these cutting the cheese to go with a smooth wine. Price: HK$3,840 Where: Lane Crawford, Pacific Place Home Store, Times Square, all in Hong Kong
Etagere from Rosenthal
Tignanello Vertical Pack This set of 12 bottles can be a great Christmas gift. Summergate’s wine provider brings you Antinori Tignanello 1971, 1988, 1990, 1995, 1997 and 2000. The set has two bottles of red wine from each vintage and will definitely contribute to some very nice dinner parties. Price: MOP29,850 Where: Summergate Fine Wines
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These two plates are based on the theme “Christmas in Your Heart”, featuring gold areas with floral patterns and classical nettings, accentuating the festive character. Price: HK$2,740 Where: Exclusivitès in Hong Kong
Sambonet coffee pot, water pitcher and sugar bowl
With its shining golden colour, this set of coffee pot, water pitcher and sugar bowl with a cover will be a hit in any elegant home. Price: HK$2,390 - coffee pot, HK$3,500 - water pitcher, HK$1,510 - sugar bowl Where: Exclusivitès in Hong Kong
X’MAS AND SEX
Blow up wall clock, by Alessi
It’s a gift to remember. Included on Alessi’s Christmas suggestions, this wall clock designed by the Brazilian Campana brothers, is created by the play of shapes and spaces generated by the steel rods put together almost at random. An explosion of good taste. Price: HK$2,300 Where: Lane Crawford, Pacific Place Home Store, Times Square, all in Hong Kong
Alessi’s Mediterraneo Fruit Bowl Emma Silvestris put her imagination into a centrepiece, composed of cut and moulded metal and epoxy resin. More than a fruit bowl, it’s a piece of art. Price: HK$690-880 Where: Lane Crawford, Pacific Place Home Store, Times Square, all in Hong Kong
Onze de Coeur by Haviland
Designed by French princess Tania de Bourbon Parme, this heart-shaped pattern tea set reveals the romance and elegance of royalty. Price: HK$3,410 - 10,870 Where: Exclusivitès in Hong Kong
Getting it right This time, this column is male-oriented and about men’s choices for Christmas gifts. In the family season, we help you find the one right present to spice up your relationship. Or, at least, not cool it down. Have you ever gone out looking for the best gift for your girlfriend, lover or wife and ended up choosing a washing machine or a coffee maker? “Oh honey, I know you really needed it,” you explain. Needless to say, you’ll probably get a furious look or even a cry from your partner. Take some advice. You should never offer an appliance to your partner. Instead, offer something to pamper her, something that she will definitely enjoy. Avoid things like rice cookers or dishwashers because these definitely will not make her feel attractive. If you want to choose the right gift, the best way is to think sexy. For instance, you can offer the traditional flowers, chocolates, a beautiful piece of jewellery or just some sexy lingerie. These will be good for her and, subsequently, for you. But if you really want to gain some extra points, try to be original: a romantic getaway is a good option. If you cannot take days out from work, you can offer something not so faraway: choose the best and most exquisite hotel in town and book the two of you a weekend there. Just getting away from routine will be perfect for her. Now, you’re probably thinking: “What about me? Why are the Christmas gifts all about women and never about men?” Well, because men just don’t care. They won’t cry if their partner doesn’t get them the right gift nor will they be less interested in the relationship because of that. Take our advice: If you care about your relationship, just think sexy when giving a gift to your partner. It will definitely earn you some extra credits and keep you tuned in under the bed sheets. 109
CHRISTMAS GOURMET
How many times have you wished that you could skip the stress of cooking during Christmas? Well, your wish could come true... Here are some options for a truly peaceful holiday season
International treats At StarWorld
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tarWorld hotel-casino offers a series of promotions in its restaurants to help you to enjoy the holiday season. For instance, Temptations restaurant is offering a Christmas buffet that includes a series of international cuisines, on December 24, 25 and 31, as well as January 1. The food highlights include lobster, seafood and truffle terrine, homemade goose liver and pistachio pate with duck gelatine, ham with melon as well as grilled salmon fillets with shrimps. Furthermore, during lunch on December 24 (MOP168) and December 25 (MOP198) as well as during dinner (MOP408) there will be a clown performance, while Santa Claus hands out Christmas candies. Michelin recommended Japanese restaurant Inagiku will also be offering its own special Christmas buffet on December 24 and 25, for MOP580. The highlights include crabmeat jelly and
juicy beef rolled with enoki, as well as US beef steak and crispy tonkatsu of kurobuta pork. For MOP668, you can have unlimited toasts of sake with your friends. Also, from December 13 to 31, you can enjoy a four-course Christmas dinner for MOP138 with treats from all over the world at Sensations restaurant. The menu includes special delicacies such as spicy turkey and cucumber salad, Russian borsch with sea conch, grilled cod with honey sauce and baked tiger prawn stuffed with onion and mushrooms. The NewYear party will be held at theWhisky Bar.On the evening of New Year’s Eve, there will be a live band show and countdown session, together with a mambo session. As usual in Macau, you can even leave on January 2 with as much as HK$1,888,888, if you win the Grand Draw. Who knows? You might get lucky!
Christmas à la carte At Sands Macao
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ou can have seafood, meat, alongside several dessert experiences. At Sands Macao, you can savour different holiday season meals in the restaurants spread around the hotelcasino. You just have to choose according to your taste. For instance, at 888 Gourmet Place Buffet Restaurant, you can have a buffet with different types of dishes at your disposal, on December 24 (MOP108/320), 25 and 26 (MOP218). There will be a seafood counter with mussels, fresh prawns, sea crabs, together with other dishes, such as lobster bisque. At the Copa Steak House restaurant on Christmas Eve for MOP580, you can have a more north-American style menu that includes a traditional roasted US turkey served with truffle
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mashed and buttery chestnut. Menus on December 25 and 26 will also feature seared foie gras with lime and creamy kobacha pumpkin soup with spicy crab bites. For a Christmas experience you can also try the restaurant Pérola and for MOP400, on the evening of December 24, you can taste roasted slices of festival turkey accompanied by mashed sweet potatoes and baby veggies. On December 25 and 26, for MOP350, the dinner will include different treats such as roasted turkey with cranberry sauce accompanied by winter vegetables and pumpkin dressing. The grand finale will be the chestnut roll and gingerbread parfait and spiced chocolate.
Chocolate and veggie delicacies At Wynn Macau
T
he holiday season’s highlights at Wynn Macau are at Café Esplanada and Ristorante il Teatro. Italian meals, chocolate treats and ginger bread cookies are just some examples of what you can taste. On December 24 and 25 you can enjoy the Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet, at Café Esplanada, for MOP498, while at Ristorante il Teatro you can enjoy a five course Christmas Eve dinner set for MOP980. For vegetarians, there is even a special menu for you. As for New Year’s Eve, there will also be some special treats , such as grilled main lobster with crispy eggplant and pecorino Toscana, cannelloni, lobster coral sauce and pan roasted veal tenderloin with braised osso bucco. On December 31, there will be a buffet, for MOP408/488, at Café Esplanada, while you can have a four-course gala dinner at Ristorante il Teatro, for MOP888/1,280. For those that can hardly wait for the desserts, Café Esplanada will satisfy your desires, featuring during the holidays chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate. So, forget about dieting: this is really not the right time.
European traditions At MGM Macau
D
uring the holiday season, it’s Europe that dictates the traditions - at least, at MGM Macau. If you want to spend Christmas and/or New Year’s Eve outside home, then the restaurants Rossio and Aux Beaux Arts Brasserie have thought of you. At Aux Beaux Arts Brasserie, for MOP788, from December 24 until December 30, you can have a seven course tasting menu for dinner that includes French delicacies such as the presse de foie gras, duck liver terrine with black cherries and Parisian brioche, as well as filet de Saint Pierre, John Dory filet in a potato crust, leek and truffle compote “Parmentier style” and Pithiviers (oven baked burgundy snail Pithiviers with tomato puree and port wine sauce). For dessert, you can count on a Buche de Noel, a hazelnut praline and sour cherry log cake on iced pistachio. The menu will be different at Rossio. Serving a Christmas Brunch Buffet Menu on December 25, for MOP450, here you
can taste delicacies such as country pate style terrine with dried fruit and nut compote, turkey carving, salmon fillet cured and marinated with citrus, vodka and pink peppercorns well as some seafood, including desserts such as the classic gingerbread pudding with stout beer sabayon and blueberry chantilli or tiramisu log cake. Chocolate will also be a noted presence with cookies and sweets for those who cannot resist.
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DFS Galleria, The Four Seasons
Armani Bally Burberry Cartier Celine Chanel Chaumet Chloe Chopard Clinique Debeers Dior Dior (Beauty Zone) Dunhill Estee Lauder Fendi Folli Follie Gucci Hermes IWC Jurlique Kiehl’s The City of Dreams Lancome L’Occitane Level 1, The Boulevard Alfred Dunhill Loewe Level 1, The Boulevard Bally Louis Vuitton Level 1, The Boulevard Burberry Omega Level 2, The Boulevard Cartier Prada Level 2, The Boulevard Chopard Ralph Lauren Level 2, The Boulevard Chow Tai Fook Salvatore Ferragamo Level 1, The Boulevard Coach Shiseido Level 2, The Boulevard Hublot Swarovski Level 1, The Boulevard Hugo Boss Tag Heuer Level 1 and 2, The Boulevard Tod’s i TO i Level 1, The Boulevard Insider Tumi Level 2, The Boulevard IWC Vacheron Constatin Level 1, The Boulevard LeSportsac Van Cleef & Arpels Level 2, The Boulevard Longines Level 2, The Boulevard PENACHE Shoppes at Four Seasons Level 1, The Boulevard Ralph Lauren Level 1, Hard Rock Hotel Rock Shop Abiste Level 1, The Boulevard Salvatore Ferragamo Alain Mikli Level 1, The Boulevard Swarovski Altea Milano Level 2, The Boulevard Tag Heuer Aquascutum Level 1, The Boulevard The Bubble Shop Armani Collezioni Level 2, The Boulevard Timeless Audemars Piguet Level 1, The Boulevard Tumi Autore Level 1, The Boulevard Valentino Bottega Veneta Level 1, The Boulevard Vivienne Westwood Brioni Butani The Esplanade, Wynn Macau Canali Cerruti 1881 16 Alfred Dunhill Chic Elegance 3 Bvlgari Coach 5 Chanel Cole Haan 12 Christian Dior David Yurman 17 Ermenegildo Zegna Diamond SA 10 Fendi Diane Von Furstenberg 21 Ferrari Dilys’ 8 Giorgio Armani Ed Hardy / Christian Audigier 25 Gucci Gieves & Hawkes 18 Hermes Giuseppe Zanotti 23 Hugo Boss Givenchy 6 Louis Vuitton GoldVish S.A. 11 Miu Miu Guess by Marciano 4 Cigar Imporium H&B Medicine Shop 9 Piaget Hugo Boss 27 Prada Jimmy Choo 13 Sundries Juicy Couture 4 The Signature Shop Kate Spade 7 Tiffany & Co. Kent & Curwen 24 Van Cleef & Arpels Kenzo 26 Versace Kwanpen 22 Vertu La Perla Lancel Grand Lapa Hotel Mango Tree Marc by Marc Jacobs 13 Bally Marni 1 Burberry Max Mara 12 Cartier On Pedder 11 Christian Dior Optica Privé 17 Cigar Imporium Renaissance Arts Gallery 10 Alfred Dunhill Roberto Cavalli Class 9 Emporio Armani and Cesare Paciotti 2 Ermenegildo Zegna Samsonite Black Label 16 Florinda Jewelry Shamwari South African Diamonds 8 Hermes Shanghai Tang Hugo Boss Orange Label 5 Shiatzy Chen 4&5 Louis Vuitton Shimansky 6 Omega St. John 7 Salvatore Ferragamo Stefano Ricci 15 Valentino Stuart Weitzman tsesay Valentino Versace
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