April 2014

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merci Your Lifestyle Magazine April/May 2014

Interior Inspiration

AB Concept

Event Inspiration

Liang Yi

Cafe Inspiration

Taiwan

Career Feature

Tanarak Photography

Pre wedding Feature

Bliss & Buzz Event

Coffee Master Feature

Chris So merci magazine

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CONTENTS April/ May 2014

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Editior’s letter

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Fresh starter with merci editor

Editor’s pick

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Everything about Wedding

Special Inspiration 16

ANDRÉE PUTMAN - AMBASSADOR OF STYLE

Home Inspiration

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AB Concept

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Tang Tang Tang Tang

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Loveramics

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Miyahara

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Sportlight in details

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Keith English Cottage

Event Inspiration

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Liang Yi Collection

Event in Town

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HK Fan Zone

Career Features

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Entrepreneurs - Tanarak Photography/ Bliss & Buzz The Event Planners

Restaurant Inspiration 110

Prune

Wine Inspiration

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A sweet perfume - French Amber

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The Beauty of the nature - The Mediterranean Rose

Master Features

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Master of Wine - Chris So

Special Features

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Taiwan Cafe

Receipe

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Pomodoro Frescos con Rucola Spaghetti

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merci team 4

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merci team Executive Director Peggy Lui

Administrative Director Elsa Yuen Lifestyle Editors Peggy Lui Jenny Ho Winnie Cheung Elsa Yuen Wine & Coffee Editor Winnie Ng Art Direction/Graphic Design Merci Media Contributors David Yick Kaman Yip Lewis Cheng Carmen Au Timo Pitkanen Martin Kiabunde Jenny Au For advertise Interested in advertising in merci? Simply email to advertising@ merci-magazine.com. We will be contact you in shorty with our media kit and rates. For Press releases We are looking for more up-today press release. Please send your information in details to enquires@merci-magazine.com

All right reserved 2014Š merci media


Editor’s Letter Spring is here! It’s about time you put your thoughts into action. Recently I have attended a few wedding expos and ceremonies and they have given me inspirations for decorations in party settings! Talking about party settings, I am guessing you might be visualizing having friends gathering at the patio in spring and summer seasons.

Working out a theme, creating the mood board, choosing the right flower arrangements, finetuning the color scheme, and picking the right music for your guests could be fun! In this issue, we are pleased to show one of the best event planners in town. I attended one of their events, which inspired me to include them in this issue. I hope it will bring you some ideas for pre-wedding themes and perhaps your own party setting.

We hope you will enjoy our April issue! Have a wonderful Easter and see you in May!!

Peggylui www.merci-magazine.com www.facebook.com/MerciMagazine merci magazine

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merci Team members

Executive Director Peggy Lui

Administrative Director Elsa Yuen

Editor Jenny Ho

Editor Winnie Cheung

Editor (Wine & Coffee) Winnie Ng

Contributors

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David Yick

Kaman Yip

Carmen Au

Timo Pitkanen

Director of Nicywedding and Nicywedding Design.

Yoga lover, foodie( mostly vegetarian), love traveling when have time, best way to learn local cuisine!

IT professional and ESL educator fascinated by art, architecture, culture and design.

Nordic extension of the Merci team, living in Finland but traveling frequently around the world.

Martin Kiabunde

Jenny Au

Lewis Cheng

Born and bred in Hong Kong, studied in Sydney and now returned homeland to pursue her aspiration in the field of art, design and marketing.

Worked nearly 10 years in the industry of Housewares, particularly in Stainless Steel and Wooden product.

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Editor Picks

Lifestyle

Sparkles &Shine DIRECTOR {Peggy Lui} Georg Jensen FACET GLASS VASE, LARGE

Wedding Invitations Card Marjorie II - Taro Vera Wang Wedgwood Vera Infinity 5 Piece Place Setting HKD 1,391.18

Jonathan Adler Talitha Console Cabinet USD 2500.00 8

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Sparkles &Shine

Jo Malone PEONY & BLUSH SUEDE HOME CANDLE £39.00

Harry Winston Lily Cluster by Harry Winston, Diamond Bangle Bracelet in Platinum

Guerlain Meteorites Light Revealing Pearls of Powder US$60

Jimmy Choo FAYME - Ivory and White Satin Sandals €650.00

Essense of Australia Style D1549 merci magazine

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Editor Picks

Lifestyle

Golden Love EDITOR { Jenny Ho }

ETSY Mint, Blush and Gold - Painted Mason Jars US$22

Phoenix Sweets Wedding Cake

House of Fraser Shabby Chic Frames - Painted in Mint Green (Set of 6) U$ 79 10

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Golden Love

Sujuu Amuleto Cage Chain Earrings £30.00

ASOS Heart Quilted Cross Body Bag US$37.63

Anthropologie Gold Embrace Ring US$148

John Lewis Waterford Lismore Essence Gold Goblets, Set of 2 £150.00

The Outnet Burberry prorsum Metallic lace gown £907.08

The Family Love Tree Lady Peacock Chair Pastel Green AU$595.00

DVF Rae Mesh Sandal US$398.00 merci magazine

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Editor Picks

Lifestyle

Purple Love EDITOR { Winnie Cheung }

Juliska Heart Cocktail Plates Set of 4 US $89.00

Diptyque Insolite Candle Limited Edition 190g ÂŁ45

Juliska Tessa Bouquet Vase US $68.00 Wedding Invitations Card A Golden Date by kate spade new york 12

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BHLDN Distressed Pedestal Clip US$12.00


Purple Love Kendra Scott Elle Earrings HKD 623.51 Viktor & Rolf BONBON Eau De Parfum $115.00 - $165.00

American Apparel Nail Polish US $6.00

MIU MIU Necklace with Swarovski(C) crystals and pearls

HOUSE OF HOLLAND Lace Boater Dress HK$ 5,069

PANTONE WEDDING™ 2014 Guides US $12.00

GIANVITO ROSSI Leather pumps HK$5,250

Hayley Paige 'Hepburn' Floral Appliqué Silk Organza Dress HKD 32,389 merci magazine

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ANDRÉE PUTMAN AMBASSADOR OF STYLE This major retrospective pays tribute to the acclaimed French designer who sadly passed away last year. Known as La Reine du damier (The Queen of the checkerboard), she left an extensive body of work over four decades, an astonishing heritage to discover in two separate venues: LANDMARK, the epitome of top-tier luxury shopping in Central and PMQ, the newly revitalized POLICE MARRIED QUARTERS on Hollywood Road, during May and June 2014. While the LANDMARK features unique installations greeting which express her iconic style of restraint and fantasy, her philosophy and rigorous perfection, PMQ presents the history of Putman’s Studio that captures the endless creativity of this Grande Dame of French design.

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AMBASSADOR OF STYLE Ms. Putman (1952-2013) was an exceptional woman who initiated a sensitive and rigorous production, with the constant desire to enhance everyday life. Internation-ally acclaimed and awarded, the Parisian designer instilled her style of restraint and fantasy into public spaces, hotels, shops, museums, ministerial offices, office headquarters and private residences. Ms. Putman, the icon of French chic, made her mark in the world of decoration with a unique aesthetic approach that reconciled rich and poor materials. During the 3 weeks time, visitors to the LANDMARK can explore these magnificent and finessed installations and interact with myriad authentic furniture and objects that belonged to the designer; products from Louis Vuitton, Christofle to Baccarat, and her purview crisscrossed retail, residential, luxury, accessories, commercial buildings, hotels, fabrics, carpets, graphics, even perfume - all tied together throughout space by Putman’s unique trademark use of black and white checkerboard floor tiles. merci magazine

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Ms. Putman (1952-2013) was an exceptional woman who initiated a sensitive and rigorous production, with the constant desire to enhance everyday life. Internation-ally acclaimed and awarded, the Parisian designer instilled her style of restraint and fantasy into public spaces, hotels, shops, museums, ministerial offices, office headquarters and private residences. Ms. Putman, the icon of French chic, made her mark in the world of decoration with a unique aesthetic approach that reconciled rich and poor materials. During the 3 weeks time, visitors to the LANDMARK can explore these magnificent and finessed installations and interact with myriad authentic furniture and objects that belonged to the designer; products from Louis Vuitton, Christofle to Baccarat, and her purview crisscrossed retail, residential, luxury, accessories, commercial buildings, hotels, fabrics, carpets, graphics, even perfume - all tied together throughout space by Putman’s unique trademark use of black and white checkerboard floor tiles.

LANDMARK Free admission: (May 3-23, 2014) Opening hours: 10:00AM - 8:00PM For more detail, please visit: www.frenchmay.com/ www.landmark.hk 18

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AMBASSADOR OF STYLE


AMBASSADOR OF STYLE Curious and energetic, innovative and creative, and a career that has embraced everything from interior architecture to design, Ms. Putman left her inimitable mark on each and every one of her creations. The exhibition held in the newly revitalized PMQ offers a portrayal of the French designer most renowned for rescuing lost modernist furniture and giving it a new lease of life. It is one of the first retrospective of such a scale dedicated to a design studio in Hong Kong! Surrounded by the most acclaimed avant-garde figures of the 20th century, from Andy Warhol to Yves Saint Laurent, Ms. Putman inspired several artists with her portrait paintings and photographs. Her aim was to democratise design; she created luxurious spaces as well as popular and non-expensive objects with the wish of making art accessible to all, offering "beautiful objects at the price of ugly." For the first time in the history of design, a studiois transmitted from a mother to a daughter. The exhibition will present this unique artistic legacy by displaying 60 years of creation. The scenography will also present for the first time in Hong Kong the last achievements by Olivia Putman illustrating the particularity of this artistic transmission between two women. Dedicated to design and innovation, PMQ’s new art space “The Cube” will feature the history of Studio Putman through 200 pieces of artworks, photographs, films and archives, over a two week period. Satisfying a longstanding wish of Andrée Putman, her daughter Olivia Putman became the art director of the Studio Putman in 2007.

PMQ

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Free admission: (May 24 - June 28, 2014) Opening hours: 11:00AM - 8:00PM For more detail, please visit: www.frenchmay.com www.pmq.org.hk


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AB Concept Storytellers of Space Photo by AB CONCEPT Inspired pick By: Peggy Lui

Founded over a decade ago, AB Concept has confirmed its position as one of the most innovative, integrated and critically acclaimed design studios. Their client list includes many luxury hotel brands, leading operators and developers, such as the Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Rosewood, W Hotels, Waldorf Astoria and Shangri-La hotels. merci magazine

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Since its launch in 1999, AB Concept has earned a reputation as the design firm of choice for the world’s leading hoteliers, luxury developers, and premium restaurant operators. Led by co-founders Ed Ng and Terence Ngan, AB Concept is widely regarded as one of the most innovative, integrated and internationally acclaimed design studios in Asia. Based in Hong Kong with an office in Bangkok, AB Concept has over 70 team members comprising almost a dozen nationalities. Each of their designs tells a unique story through a spatial experience that is underpinned by the essentials of Architectural precision in space planning and a Bespoke sensibility that reflects the artisanal quality and craftsmanship of each project. These essentials are evident in each of their works – from luxury to lifestyle brands, from projects in Asia to those in Europe, from architectural to interior to FF&E design. 24

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HOME DECOR AB Concept

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HOME DECOR AB Concept

AB Concept’s ever expanding client portfolio includes the Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Rosewood, W Hotels, Waldorf Astoria and Shangri-La Hotels, while the company’s diverse projects span across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe and beyond. In 2012, they released their first book, The Language of Luxe, to critical acclaim. Steering the company’s vision are designers Ed Ng and Terence Ngan. Imbuing each project with their distinct sense of style and unerring eye for detail, the duo has earned a reputation for design excellence and uncompromising quality. With Ed and Terence overseeing all of the design elements – from the façade and architectural form to the interior detailing – each of their projects maintains a consistent vision. The pair is involved in every stage of the process, weaving a unique story from start to finish and crafting a compelling narrative each time.

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HOME DECOR AB Concept

“Every project we create should be a legacy for our clients. We are selective and only commit to projects that we feel passionate about, those that evoke an emotional response or spark our collective imaginations. It starts with an overarching theme that serves as the foundation. From this basis grows a story and design concept, evolving into a strong narrative.� merci magazine

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HOME DECOR AB Concept

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AB Concept’s groundbreaking designs have pushed through the boundaries of traditional interiors to encompass a truly sensual experience with visual statements that evoke an unparalleled sense of emotion. www.abconcept.net

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TTTT Tang Tang Tang Tang

Photo & Styling by TTTT Inspired pick By: Peggy Lui

Tang Tang Tang Tang (TTTT), sung to the opening bars of Beethoven's Fifth symphony, is a lifestyle concept store selling own branded products that cater for the immense rising middle-class of China. With high spending power, these bright, ambitious and driven consumers promise to be the future. Situated in a Chinese heritage ‘tong lau’ in Wan Chai, the store delivers affordable luxury in a wide range of unique products with modern Chinese appeal. merci magazine

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A Chinese heritage

Situated in a Chinese heritage ‘tong lau’ in Wan Chai, the store delivers affordable luxury in a wide range of unique products with modern Chinese appeal. The interior is designed to resemble a home with a sitting room, dining room, open kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and dressing room – where you will find TTTT's hand painted lamps, silver photo frames, innovative rice cookers and toasters, fine bone china, travel bluetooth speakers for wash bags, luxury bedding and silk sleepwear featuring TTTT’s signature zodiacs

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HOME DECOR TTTT

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HOME DECOR TTTT

Tang • Tang • Tang • Tang 66 Johnston Road, Wan Chai. Hong Kong www.tangtangtangtang.com merci magazine

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Black Terracotta Ba Modern design with ancient twist Finnish design brand Magisso and award winning UK designer Simon Stevens have joined forces to create a totally new kind of barware that has both functionality and form built into the material itself. With an extensive history on working with ceramics Simon Stevens noticed that no one had really combined contemporary design with the ancient technique of using terracotta for cooling liquids. To cool a terracotta vessel you just soak it in cold water. Water evaporates from the surface of terracotta cooling the contents within. The design process Simon wanted to respect the craft traditions of terracotta but at the same time he wanted to bring a more contemporary feel to the Magisso Barware getting the right balance between aesthetics and function.

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arware

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HOME DECOR Product Inspiration

By glazing the lower part of the Barware he produced an inbuilt saucer keeping the evaporating water, stored in the walls, off of the table surface. This also created a pleasing visual contrast of matt and shiny surfaces. The clean and elegant form of the Magisso Barware has maximum surface area for evaporation, cooling the contents rapidly. The porous and mildly coarse surface also gives a user-friendly grip for the items.

www.loveramics.com

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Miyahara Eye Hospital Preserve the tradition Photo: Jenny Ho Text by Jenny Ho Miyahara Eye Hospital has been located near Taichung Station over 80 years. It was an eye clinic founded by a Japanese, Doctor Miyahara Takekuma during 1927. However, over years of damaged by earthquake and Typhoon, the building has preserved and reconstructed by Dawn Cake Company and became a shop with ice cream and local snacks selling. Their aim is to promote cultural and architectural expression and create a communication between the old and new. Preservation is not only about protecting the historical building outlook, but it is related to environmentally responsible practice. merci magazine

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HOME DECOR Shop Inspiration

They adopted low-E glass skylight to provide natural ambient light, LED light bulbs and water curtains are in used for reducing air conditioning and saving electricity, some old building wood materials are reused for furniture and decoration. A Museum or a Library? It is the first impression when everyone first enters the shop. Red brick walls, wooden beam and pillars, light wood color cabinets and shelving 3-storey high bookshelves, marble checkerboard flooring, high ceiling with an eye-catching patterned glass roof that gives a sense of warm and welcoming atmosphere. Besides the remarkable exterior and interior designs, wide range of products are available for sale, like cheesecakes, chocolates, ice cream and tea, but their famous pineapple cakes are popular picks not to be missed. All of their packaging are well-designed with different printed arts and graphics, from the carry bag to the individual pack. It must be a sophisticated place to visit and shop!

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Miyahara Eye Hospital No. 20, Zhōngshān Road, Zhong District, Taichung City, Taiwan +886 4 22271927 http://www.miyahara.com.tw/en/index.php https://www.facebook.com/miyahara1927

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HOME DECOR Shop Inspiration

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Spotlight on details Design concept and photo:

Alvhem Brokerage & Interiors

This outstanding and newly renovated is combines modern and exclusive materials with well-preserved charming details in a tasteful manner. The apartment is located two and a half flight up in a representative property anno 1886. Here you are met by extremely well-planned square meters with spacious areas that give an opulent feel and light and space. merci magazine

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HOME DECOR Home Inspiration

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HOME DECOR Home Inspiration

The lounge on the entire 33 square faces Erik Dahlbergsgatan and allows for furnishing for large seating area and dining table. Master bedroom is quietly situated on the property's courtyard and this room accessed a practical walk-in closet and nicely renovated bathroom. The apartment is decorated throughout with beautiful stucco work, ceiling medallions, period white pigmented tiled floor, nice mirrored doors, high molded skirtings and deep window niches. The apartment was extensively gentle complete renovation in 2013. Which includes renovation of all surfaces where the walls painted with pure, matt and clean color. Bathroom renovated with upscale materials from including Villeroy & Boch and mixers from Danish Vola designed by Arne Jacobsen. The kitchen comes from reputable Marbodal, appliances from including SMEG and tiling above work bench is from Mutina and designed by Patricia Urquiola. This is definitely a home with high standards!

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HOME DECOR Home Inspiration

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HOME DECOR Home Inspiration

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HOME DECOR Home Inspiration

Alvhem Mäkleri & Interiör www.alvhemmakleri.in merci magazine

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HOME DECOR Home Inspiration

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Modern • Victorian • Vintage • Home Inspiration • Photo: Jenny Ho Interview by: Peggy Lui/ Jenny Ho Text by Jenny Ho/ Jenny Au

English style home decoration has been extraordinarily popular for over a decade. It is commonly known as elegant, romantic, luxurious with dark rich wood; with bold patterns, heavy curtains, large scale furniture and etc. The style is rarely seen in the compacted living environment in Hong Kong. Yet with a modern twist added to the original style, home decoration in modern English style is gaining recognition and demand. Keith English Cottage is a great inspirational house with some fresh modern English elements for all the readers.

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Home Inspiration Keith English Cottage

Keith English Cottage The cottage owner, Keith, is a professional Guzheng performer and tutor in Hong Kong. Surprisingly, his

home does not have any Chinese furniture, pottery or oriental influence related to his background. Conversely, the space is full of a Victorian or French vintage scent. Dated back to 7 years ago, he was enthralled

by his friend’s English style home decoration in Japan. Thereafter, he actively engaged himself by reading different Victorian home style magazines, extending his knowhow from the internet, sourcing antiques furniture and cutleries from around the world, and even exploring the refuse chambers. Eventually, he transformed his home completely in a month’s time.

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Home Inspiration Keith English Cottage

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Walking into his cottage is like entering a kaleidoscope, since every single corner is full of treasures. From a 100+ years antique door and doorframes; to chandeliers, fireplace, antique oil lamps, large wooden clock, Victorian mirrors and wall decorations; to displays like Corona typewriter, vintage papers, picture frames, bird cages, candles, rattan baskets, rugs, gunny sacks‌ and so much more.

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Home Inspiration Keith English Cottage

It is curious to discover a range of tea sets specially arranged on a cabinet. All of them are in different shapes, colours and patterns. Indeed, Keith often enjoys afternoon tea with his homemade cookies and bread in his garden. Besides vintage decor, a lot of dry flowers can be found all around his home. He has spent almost 4 years practicing in gardening and the majority of the dry flowers are from his garden. There are wide ranges of flowers evocative of the English garden style, but Keith’s favorite is the Wedgwood Rose. Nonetheless, it is very difficult to cultivate the English flowers and plants under Hong Kong’s humid and rainy weathers.

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Home Inspiration Keith English Cottage

Home decoration is part of a lifestyle and not only about how to source and collect favorable furniture and knick knacks. Keith often cooks a simple meal served in a pleasant table setting with his antique cutlery and white tablecloth, with harvested rose as a touch up. It becomes an enjoyable and delightful everyday life. “Enjoy every beautiful moment with your friends at home.� said Keith.

Keith English Cottage https://www.facebook.com/keithenglishcottage?ref=br_tf merci magazine

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Event intown (Taiwan)

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Liang Yi Museum When two becomes one, when East meets West Photo: Jenny Ho/ Liang Yi Museum Text by Jenny Ho/ Jenny Au

Whether you are a traditional Chinese antique connoisseur, or you are more curious about European history, (even better if your interest falls onto both,) you definitely should not miss out visiting the Liang Yi Museum. Located on Hollywood Road, a widely known destination for antique/art hunters, the Liang Yi Museum is a non-profit private museum opened in 2014, sprawling over 20,000 square feet of exhibition space, across four floors in a 1960s tenement building, showcasing two of the world’s finest collections of antiques. The Liang Yi collection is named after the two daughters of the owner, Mr. Peter Fung Yiu-fai. Museum manager director, Ms. Lynn Fung says, “Celebrating Hong Kong’s role as key trading destination of antiques and preserving cultural heritage and craftsmanship, Liang Yi Museum creates a space where people can view, interact and discuss our past and its relevance to the future.” merci magazine

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Event intown (Hong Kong)

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Event intown (Hong Kong)

Treasures of the East The museum is a blend of East and West. In the permanent collection you will find over 300 pieces of antique Chinese hardwood furniture made of treasured materials. From these masterpieces you will learn to identify the difference in style and aesthetics between the two eras – from the use of huanghuali crafted with simple lines during the Ming period, to darker zitan hardwood pieces with ornately engraved forms of the Qing dynasty. The placement of the antiquities further allows one to explore the everyday of role of furniture within the lives of their former proprietors, including wealthy merchants, expatriates, and even the Qing emperor Qian Long.

European vanities of orientalism Liang Yi Museum also houses the world's premier collection of bejewelled clutches, compacts and powder boxes made in the finest design houses such as Cartier, Boucheron and Van Cleef & Arpels. With nearly 400 exquisitely crafted pieces from the late 1880s through to the 1960s, this part of the exhibition comprises vanities that portray orientalism at its peak. Glittering precious stones enhanced with fine craftsmanship, the collection provides an elegant peek at the bygone era, with designs reflecting the synthesis of the two cultures emblematized by Shanghaiese Deco.

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Imperial zitan screen

19th-century lounge chair with retractable footrest

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Event intown (Hong Kong)

Boucheron-Necessaire

A touchable history Unlike any conventional museums, Liang Yi allows public to interact directly with some of the finest antiquities in the world. Here at the museum, audience interaction will be encouraged during the guided tours. You are free to handle, touch and sit on these masterpieces. It is truly a unique intimate experience of the heritage. Come and experience antiques from a new perspective.

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Cartier-Vanity Case

Ostertag-A Powder Compact

Liang Yi Museum 181-199 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong +852 2806 8280 Van Cleef & Arpels, Fr-A necessaire with mirror and lipstick

Admission HK$200 www.liangyimuseum.com

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HK Fan Zone 6 days excitement for HK 7s Photo: Jenny Ho Text by Jenny Ho

Hong Kong Rugby Sevens (HK 7s), one of the biggest tournament events in Hong Kong every year. This year, besides the spectacular atmosphere in the Hong Kong Stadium, jointly organized by the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union and Hong Kong Tourism Board, the HK Fan Zone created another remarkable event with combining the live entertainments and live action of HK 7s in New Central Harborfront. 50,000 visitors came to enjoy 6 days music, food, drinks as well as all the actions from Hong Kong Stadium were showed on the giant screens in the 36,000 square meter venue.

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The opening ceremony was kicked off with the live performance by the Hong Kong artists, Khalil Fong and Mr. On the second night, fans enjoyed a different music experience with Hong Kong Jazz and Classical Music legends, Welsh Male Voice Choir, Allen Youngblood and Eugene Pao under the iconic HK skyline. Towards the weekend, first up were the Cuban Brothers performed their unique Caribbean-style Funk music and 2ManyDJs took up the stage for closing the Thursday night entertainment.

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Music in Town HK Fan Zone

On Friday night, the local indie music platform – the Underground HK lined up 9 different styles of band and musician in order to celebrate their 10 years anniversary and HK Fan Zone event. The Saturday Night Rewind supported by the DJs Uptown Rockers and American Hip Hop trio De La Soul. HK Fan Zone organized the Sunday Family Extravaganza with the special live acts on stage from the Smurfs, Teletubbies and ZingZillas during the afternoon.

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Music in Town HK Fan Zone

Families were able to enjoy the show, fairground rides, a food and refreshment village, carnival game booths and variety of cuisine and beverages. While HK 7s was approaching the final match during the evening, different groups of fans were seating in front of those giant screens and witnessed the 2014 champion, New Zealand. The brand new HK Fan Zone had been a great success as HK 7s carnival. The achievement was not only bringing an impressive live entertainments and performances to all the fans, families and music lovers, but also promoting the sports event to broader audience.

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The

Special Moment Photo: Tanarak Photography/ Bliss & Buzz Interview by Peggy Lui âˆŤ Text by Rita Law

Tanarak - An international awards winning wedding photographer who had an architect degree, combining influences from the world of architecture, photography and art. Tanarak vision of photo had a fresh change from the standard event photography that normally appears in event compilations and albums. Often described as natural, true candid, spontaneous and sometimes raw emotions. Which allow you to relax and enjoy experiences. merci magazine

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Q: How did the business get started?

Q: Why did you give up architecture and started your own business?

A: We studied architecture in Bangkok, left to work in Singapore for three years, then moved to Paris and lived there for almost two years. We moved to Hong Kong because I got a job to work here. My husband started the photography business in Hong Kong about five to six years ago. The wedding decorations part of the company started about two years ago. We noticed that in Hong Kong most wedding decorations companies provide templates for their customers. But we saw that actually people want something more personal. People want to have a wedding that’s their own. That’s how we started.

A: I like taking photos. I just turned my passion into my career. I love photography more than architecture.

Q: How do you help your clients come up with the right decorations? A: The process usually starts with us asking them what kind of mood or impression they want to create in the wedding, and what kind of music and color scheme they’d like to use. Based on these things, we help them come up with an inspiration board or a mood board. For example, we’d ask our clients “Will you be married in the garden or the ballroom or do you desire a cool cocktail party or the elegant sit down dinner?” Every client has different ideas. Based on these ideas, we help them come up with a mood board, which is the source of inspiration for the wedding decorations. The result is a tailor-made theme that is unique to the client.

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Another thing we do is that we would go to the event venue with our clients. Based on the tailor-made theme we have come up with earlier in the process, we would sketch out what the wedding decorations would appear on paper. After that, we do the mock up. We would invite the client to see the mock up in person and ask them whether that’s really something that they want. We’ll fine-tune the decoration based on the client’s feedback. That’s a glimpse of what we do.

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Q: How did you find your first client? A: Our friend was our first client. The wedding was done in New Zealand. I took some photos and my friends really like them. That gave me the idea of starting my own business in photography. I simply started with a website and marketed my services. Q: What inspired you to start a business for weddings? Because I take a lot of wedding photos, I go to a lot of weddings where I see a lot of decorations that are not very personal. What we also found was that high-quality wedding photos are rare in Hong Kong. We saw a niche in the market and we saw that we can do a lot more for people who want more personalized services for their wedding.


Career Features Career Features Tanarak Photography/ Husband & Wife Bliss & Buzz Entrepreneurs

https://maggieandflynn.com https://www.facebook.com/maggieandflynn

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Career Features Tanarak Photography/ Bliss & Buzz

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Q: Did you quit your job to do this business? Was it tough?

Q: Do you do events other than weddings?

A: Yes I did. But my wife has a full time job. It was tough in the beginning but not anymore.

A: Yes, we consider ourselves an event decorations company. As an example, we did a baby shower. Our goal was to make people feel that it’s their own party.

Q: How many people are there on your team? A: We have 3 to 4 people on the photography team. For the local decoration team, we have 3 people on the team including 1 PR.

A: Be yourself.

Q: Is there a philosophy behind your company?

Q: What motivates you to do the business when you are already so busy?

A: For both of us, as you can see in the pictures, one of the things is that we focus on is experience. In Hong Kong, people are usually given few options of some standardized themes. But what we do is we just cap ture the moment and capture the day. We would not ask the couple to do anything. We just capture what happens on the day. And the photos allow them to remember what happened. Because if we ask them to do this or that, that’s not them. If we ask them to pose for the pictures, they’d be like that’s not the moment they remember. For the wedding decorations, we focus on the personalities of the clients. It’s your wedding – you don’t just want to look like some other people, right? To me, decoration is really about tailor making your experience. Q: Where are your clients usually from? A: Half of our clients aren’t even in Hong Kong. For example, we have a client from Switzerland. She found us on the Internet and trusted us. She said she couldn’t find anyone like us locally. Even our local clients aren’t the typical local Hong Kongers. Q: There are tons of photographers in the market. How do you differentiate yourself in the market? A: I can say my photos are different than the local photographers’. The local photographers ask their clients to pose for the pictures. I don’t do that. I only capture the moment. The photos that I take are just a story of what happened. While some people may not understand this style of photography, others seem to appreciate my style.

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A: I’d like to do my own stuff when I retire. While I like my job, I don’t see myself doing it until I am in my 50’s. Working hard for your own company is rewarding. Q: What’s the source of inspiration for your business? A: I don’t like to see other people’s work because it could get you stuck. I like having fresh ideas. And I get fresh ideas from traveling. My photos are about telling a story. Watching movies teaches me how to tell a better story. Every client is different; they have different backgrounds and different stories. Even when people have their wedding at the same hotel, each wedding is different. Different people, different stories. My focus is on telling a different story for each wedding. I have to do every wedding differently. When you see different things, you definitely can put that experience into your work. Q: Can you explain how your background in architecture helps you in building this business? A: Architecture teaches you to think in a system. If you want to design someone’s house, you need to understand what they want. You have to mix the artistic aspect of building a house with reality.


Career Features Tanarak Photography/ Bliss & Buzz

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Bliss & Buzz - the event atelier A full service event decorator boutique specializing in chic weddings and social occasions. They believe in creating custom events that are tailored to each individual's style and vision.

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Career Features Tanarak Photography/ Bliss & Buzz

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Career Features Tanarak Photography/ Bliss & Buzz

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Career Features Tanarak Photography/ Bliss & Buzz

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Career Features Tanarak Photography/ Bliss & Buzz

TANARAK PHOTOGRAPHY http://www.tanarakphotography.com https://www.facebook.com/tanarakphotography me@tanarakphotography.com

BLISS & BUZZ THE EVENT PLANNERS http://www.blissandbuzz.com https://www.facebook.com/blissandbuzz info@blissandbuzz.com merci magazine

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Blissful Event Photos courtesy of Bliss & Buzz By Peggy Lui

It was a lovely weekend. We were invited to the launch wedding party hosted by Anarak Photography and Bliss & Buzz. The exciting collaboration of talented partners created inspirational indoor and outdoor wedding arrangement. The resulting atmosphere was phenomenal. It was creative, stylish and tasteful.

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Restaurant Inspiration Event Inspiration Bliss&&Bloom Buzz Lily

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Event Inspiration Bliss & Buzz

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Event Inspiration Restaurant Inspiration Buzz LilyBliss && Bloom

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Prune Organic Deli Workshop A Continuing Stance for Sustainable, Organic, Local Produce & Honest, Nutritious Vegetarian Fare Photos courtesy of Prune Organic Deli Workshop By Peggy Lui

As Sai Ying Pun continues to grow as a hot spot for new residents and featured as the new “it” town in many local publications, the demand for honest and clean food has naturally increased, allowing Grassroots Pantry to expand and to better cater to the neighborhood’s needs. Striving to not digress from Grassroots Pantry’s core values, Prune Organic Deli & Workshop will continue to source ingredients from existing long-term partners in the natural and organic foods industry, and has generated many new relationships to make sure there is an array of product to work with to cater to all dietary needs. merci magazine

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Restaurant Inspiration Prune

The cafe will serve a wide variety of items including Roasted Chinese Pumpkin, Sweet Potato and Ginger Soup; Thai Cabbage Slaw with Spicy Cashew Kiffir Dressing; Grilled Curry Paneer, Tahini-Zaatar, Tomato, Cucumber, and Pea Shoot Sandwich; Gluten-Free Banana Buckwheat Pancakes with Coconut Whip, Almond Nutella, Stewed Apple Jam, and Pistachio Dust, just to name a few. Prune Organic Deli & Workshop will serve as a multifunctional space - from casual takeaway to a sit down, multi-course fine dining meal, to a 100 person catering event; from cooking demonstrations to hands on sustainable workshops, Prune’s staff aims to provide the best customer service and to create a special niche in Hong Kong's food and beverage market by offering a new healthy lifestyle option for the community. Grassroots Pantry’s private label packaged products proved popular at markets and off-site events, and Prune Organic Deli & Workshop will be carrying many of these items in the retail section of the cafe. Along with in-house brands, Prune will continue to support and will retail high quality, sustainable brands and local small businesses of integrity including Bread Elements, Happy Cow, Stephen James Organics, Choice Cooperatives, and Rawthentic Food.

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Restaurant Inspiration Prune

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“As we've seen more of an influx of new neighbors moving into the community this past year, we realized that a good nourishing breakfast joint was still lacking in the area,� Peggy Chan Grassroots Pantry Limited Director and Executive Chef

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Restaurant Inspiration Prune

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Prune Organic Deli & Workshop http://www.grassrootspantry.com merci magazine

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A sweet perfume French Amber Hugel et Fils

Reds and whites play a major role in the wine industry. There is one type of wine that cannot be eliminated- sweet wines. Sweet wines have two extreme comments in the market, either people love them a lot, or people do not really like them. However, no matter what, the sweets do still have their value for drinking or collections. They are gradually getting more popular in food pairing. There are several famous sweet wine producing regions in the world. Bordeaux of France, Tokaj of Hungary, Mosel and some other regions of Germany are all well known by wine lovers. In addition to these, there is a hidden region that is not as famous and popular as the previous ones, but people will immediately fall in love with the wines when trying. It's a region locating in northeastern France- Alsace. merci magazine

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Winnie Ng Editor of merci wine and coffee section WSET Level 3 Now a register tutor in ERB wine course

Alsace is located at the border of France near to Germany. That is perhaps the reason why the grape varieties found are similar to the Germans. And Alsace is one of the only-very-few-regions in France with major in white productions. The reds only occupy 10% of the whole region production. The climate of Alsace is very ideal for premium white and sweet. It is the driest wine growing region in France. Annual rainfall is around 500mm and with plenty of sunshine in spring, summer and autumn to ripen the grapes.

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Almost all the wines in Alsace are white. Pinot Noir is the only red in the region. Among the white varieties, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, and Muscat are regarded as Noble Varieties that can be grown in Grand Cru appellations. These grapes are also the permitted varieties for the sweets even the major Alsatian style of wines are dry. There are two levels of sweet wines in Alsace, Vendange Tardive and Selection de Grains Nobles. Vendange Tardive (abbreviation as VT) is a late harvest sweet wine, with concentrated aroma and palate developed from the Noble Rot (Botrytis cinerea) on the grapes. Selection de Grains Nobles (SGN) is the most expensive and the best quality sweet wine of the region. All grapes are hand-picked during harvest. With higher intensity in aroma and palate, more complexity and longer length, SGN can be aged for decades for maturation. SGN are only produced at exceptional vintages.


Wine & Coffee French Amber

Hugel et Fils is one of the oldest wineries in Alsace and in the world. They were founded in 1639 and were the pioneer of Alsace winegrowing and resurrection of late harvest wines. Hugel drafted the very strict law in 1984 which now governs the production of these rare wines. With the long family and wine production history, Hugel was elected by its peers to membership of the “PRIMUM FAMILIAE VINI� together with other 11 family wine companies in the major wine producing regions of the world, including Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Antinori, and Vega Sicilia, to promote the values of family wine producers. Etienne Hugel, 12th consecutive generation and one of the co-owners of the winery, is the spokesperson that you can find him everywhere in the world to tell the story of Hugel wines.

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Wine & Coffee French Amber

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Gewurztraminer is combined of “Gewurz” and “Traminer”. Gewurz means "spicy" in german. Traminer means "coming from Tramin”, a small city in south Tyrol of northern Italy where the grape is coming from. Gewurztraminer is a grape variety with high natural sugar and usually comes in off-dry style. It is one of the aromatic varieties with typical lychee, peach, honey aromas, very perfumed and flowery bouquet. It occupies 40% of production for Hugel. To distinguish the Alsatian sweet wines from other regions, the characters of the grape varieties are retained in the wines even though they are harvested late and affected by noble rots. The VT and SGN Gewurztraminer are both best served with Asian food, no matter Chinese or spicy Thai food. They can also be paired with cheese, foie gras, and undoubtfully (nonchocolate) desserts. They are aged in bottles at the cellar for at least 5 years before going to the market.

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Inquiries: All Hugel wines are available in Pudao, a newly launched online shop in Hong Kong www.pudaowines.com Tel +852 2110 0752 Email: orderhk@pudaowines.com


Wine & Coffee French Amber

Tasting notes: Gewurztraminer Vendange Tardive 2005

Gewurztraminer SGN 1988

Appearance:

Appearance:

Deep golden straw yellow

Very intense yellow-gold colour, deep and rich.

Aroma & Palate:

Aroma & Palate:

Wide open bouquet, attractive and very perfumed, with restrained fruit and floral nuances, concentrated but very elegant and refined: rose, mayflower, jasmine, orange blossom, lavender honey, lychee and mango.

Beautiful, very open and generous. It has a complex, spicy bouquet, cinnamon, liquorice and roses. Ripen fruit like figs, dates and starting to develop some tertiary characters.

Conclusion:

Conclusion:

Sweet but well balanced. Will continue to develop for a further 5 to 10 years. Good to serve on its own or with savoury, spicy dishes.

A dessert already on its own. Soft, sweet, liqueur-like, very rich and harmonious. Best time to drink now.

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The Beauty of the Nature

The Mediterranean Rose Photos courtesy of Triennes Provence is well-known of its lavender growing. Lots of tourists are going there to enjoy the summer vacation with the blue violet floral sea. Apart from that, the long history of the city from the ancient Greek and Roman Empires, together with the beautiful landscape, literature and art culture had made the city attractive for sightseeing. However, there is one thing from Provence that cannot be missed- Wine! Provence is located in southeastern France, extending from Rhone River on the west to Italy on the East. It is along the seacoast of Mediterranean Sea on the south, which brings a classic Mediterranean climate to the region. It is the hottest region in France characterized with mild winters, hot summers, little rainfall and abundance of sunshine with average of 2800 hours per year. Provence is the oldest winegrowing region in France. The wines in the region started already 2600 years ago, on the era of the ancient Greeks. Wines were found in Marseilles in around 600 BC. The wines made by that time had a light colour which is similar to roses. The Romans helped to spread the wines to the rest of the world when they took control of the place in 200 BC. This made Provence as the specialist and the largest RosĂŠ producing region in France, and is the only region that focuses in RosĂŠ production than reds or whites. Currently 88% of wines are RosĂŠ in Provence which accounts 40% of domestic production and 5.6% of global production.

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There are various red grape varieties to be found in Provence Rosé. Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault and Mourvedre are the most common that can tolerate and survive at hot climate. Provence wines are made via “assemblage”, a very old winemaking technique in which each grape variety is made into wine separately before the selected types are “assembled” to obtain the final product in order to obtain the balance of the wines and to preserve the unique characters of each variety.

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Wine & Coffee The Mediterranean Rose

RosĂŠ wines are made with similar procedures than that of red wine making. However, the maceration period for grapes after punching will be shorter than normal red wine making (2 to 20hours). The maceration is the process where the colour of the skins is extracted to the wine and the length of such will determine the deepness of the wine colour. Besides, the temperature during fermentation is kept low to preserve maximum amount of aroma. Another technique to make RosĂŠ is direct pressing that full bunches or after stripping are punctured to extract colour and juice is then fermented directly.

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Wine & Coffee The Mediterranean Rose

Triennes is owned by 2 Burgundians and their Parisian friend. They went to look for new vineyards in 1989 and were attracted by the estate of its gently sloping hillside with southern exposure. They saw its cool microclimate and its clay and limestone soils as ideal for viticulture. The estate was renamed Triennes, a reference to Triennia, the festival for Bacchus, which was held every three years during the Roman times. The prefix “Tri” serves as a reminder of the three original partners. With the experience and know-how from Burgundy, the wines are reborn with purity in the expression of terroir. Triennes Rosé is made of a blending of Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah and Merlot. It has been keeping the unique character of Provence Rosé- light, fruity, aromatic and is always a perfect drink in a sunny warm afternoon! Appearance: Pale pink colour Aroma & Palete: Fruity and aromatic. A bouquet of strawberries and white flowers with hints of vanilla. It has the harmony and elegance that has earned world-wide appreciation of the rosés of Provence. Conclusion: A very attractive and lovely wine. Perfumed but refreshing. Aromatic with red fruits dominating. Fits with garlic or fish dishes with pesto, spices and thyme. Excellent with salty tastes of sea urchins and sea figs. Go well with sushi, Thai food and Indian curry. Can also be consumed as aperitif. Enquiries: + 852 2523 1945 www.altayawines.com

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“ Potentially to be the First HongKongese/ Chinese Master of Wine in the World” Chris SO Photo: Chris So & Winelist.HK ∫ Interview by Winnie Ng ∫ Text by Winnie Ng An Expert from Wine to Coffee (Part II) Q: How about coffee - I know you are really passionate in it. When did you start your coffee road then?

Q: You have been winning the first Hong Kong Coffee Olympics. Why are you participating in the competition?

A: I started falling in love with coffee about three years ago. When I was travelling in foreign countries, drinking a cup of espresso after wine dinner made me feel good. It helped to get rid of the greasiness of the food and the alcohol feeling. I asked for friends’ recommendations for good coffee places but the choices were quite limited and didn’t suit me well. One day, I followed my wife who learnt coffee at leisure to a café to drink my first hand-brewed coffee and felt good. Then I started to read more coffee books and talked and exchanged ideas with baristas.

A: As a coffee lover, I am not only focusing on tasting different coffees, but also learning to brew a coffee by myself. I'd like to make a cup of coffee in my own style with the characters I like. The reason why I am participating in the Coffee Olympics is to challenge myself. I would like to know how good my brewing skill is after learning for 3 years, and to see if anyone likes the coffee I make.

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Wine Features Master Inspiration Q: How do you define a cup of good coffee? What is your favourite coffee? A: Good coffee should be made of good raw beans, and combined with good roaster and a good barista. It is quite similar to winemaking- you need good grapes with suitable soil and fermentation processes together with a professional winemaker to produce a bottle of good wine. Different associations in the industry have different definitions for what a good coffee is. The most important thing is to find your own style that you like the most. My favourite coffee is Yirgacheffe. I felt so special at my first cup. It is totally different from espresso. This coffee bean is more outstanding in the structure of aroma and palate. It will evolve as time goes by. It is like an elegant wine, I would say Yirgacheffe is a Pinot Noir from Burgundy, with bright and refreshing characters. You will feel so relaxed when drinking it. Q: What do you think about the similarities of learning wine & coffee? A: Tasting both wine and coffee are interesting. They have similar tasting theories but different tasting charts. Tasting coffee is much harder comparatively because the palate and aroma go away very quickly. The rapid temperature change of coffee will change the style and taste which ends up that coffee has to be tasted within a short period of time. Wine, however, evolves and changes along with time. And wine is more variable, more intense in aroma and flavour compared to coffee. In my opinion, tasting coffee is harder for beginners to learn. Nevertheless, it is advantageous for wine drinkers to associate the flavours in the coffee. Besides, the differences among various coffee bean styles are not as obvious as those of wines. Roasting of coffee beans is one element to affect on the differences, similar to winemaking technique procedures in wines. Unlike sommeliers or wine drinkers, baristas and cuppers do not want to spot the differences among different coffee beans species but just to find which one is better via cupping. Q: Wine and coffee cultures are getting more popular in Hong Kong nowadays. What improvements should be needed for both industries?

Q: What is your next step on your career in the coffee industry?

A: The trend of wine culture is now getting younger, and having more ladies to be interested in. Besides, the market to some extent is getting saturated. Innovations are needed in the industries. Perhaps a more casual wine culture should be promoted. Besides, wines should be recommended in more Chinese and Cantonese restaurants to let more drinkers to get familiar with and it is also good for future development for the industry.

A: I may plan to participate in a Brewing competition in July in Hong Kong by using hand drip, siphon or other equipment. I can represent Hong Kong to participate in the global competition if winning it. I am planning to get a European brewing certificate, may start a coffee brewing class and at times invite baristas to teach brewing practices.

For coffee culture, it is still very young like a baby. There are appearing more chances for beginners to learn and know more different choices- there are not only Latte and Cappuccino in the market, but also boutique coffee. Drinkers should try to learn to brew different styles of coffee at home by simple equipment at leisure and to compare the differences of home-made brewing coffee with the ones from baristas in cafĂŠs. I hope with the increase in coffee promotion will attract more new coffee-lovers to the industry.

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Taiwan and Café Part II Photo: Jenny Ho Text by Jenny Ho

•Taiwan• Besides the inexpensive and delicious Taiwanese food, pearl milk tea, night markets, Taipei 101, Taiwanese coffee shops are worth to discover. The coffee culture wave is influenced by Japanese and European a century ago. Drinking coffee has become part of Taiwanese daily life. Coffee shops can be founded everywhere, no matter chain store or privately-owned. Next time, visiting Taiwanese café will become part of your itinerary.

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Special Features

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Fong Da Coffee – Since 1956 Fong Da coffee has been set in Taipei Ximending district for more than 50 years. It is a coffee shop full of historical taste with east and west style. By looking at their shop front with variety of traditional snacks, different countries’ coffee beans, vintage coffee making equipments and a meter tall iced drip coffee maker, you will know you cannot miss it. The shop serves range of espresso and syphon coffee with their own roasted beans, also other special drinks and snacks like their signature F.D. Ice Drip Coffee, fruit tea, shakes, almond cookies, green-bean cake, etc. 42 Chéngdū Road, Wanhua District, Taipei City +886 2 2371 9577 http://www.fongda.com.tw

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Special Features

Taiwan

Offline CafĂŠ Offline cafĂŠ is situated inside the Taipei Huashan 1914 Creative Park and hidden behind the Industrial Red Brick area. The entrance is inconspicuous with a small steel signage plate on top of the wooden box. The cafe is corresponding to the exterior industrial warehouse concept with a touch of modern chic, preserving the original red brick walls and wooden beams, steel framed wood tables and chairs and rustic pendant lamps.

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The cafe is separated into 3 levels, cafĂŠ is at the ground and others are private area which for education, training, roasting, baking and staff resting room. Their menu is mainly focus on the coffee with their special mojo-blend coffee beans in chocolate and caramel flavour.

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Special Features

Taiwan

A bird told me Offline is opened by a member of famous Taiwan band – Mayday. It is not surprised that the café is a showcase or giant storage of the owner’s treasures, the Beatles’ figure, band and film posters, books, CDs, guitars, drums and amplifiers are placed everywhere. A raised wooden platform is designed as a performing stage for some music events and a spiral steel staircase is directed to the upper loft which uses to store their music equipments and instruments like speakers, guitars, etc. Offline offers different types of coffee and tea, but the interesting environment is definitely the main attraction to the customers.

Offline Cafe Huashan 1914 Creative Park West 7-1, 1 Bade Road Section 1, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City. +886 2 3322 1321 merci magazine

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Special Features

Taiwan

Present Café • Hidden Treasure Present Café is located inside Zhongxin Market, right opposite the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Art. Zhongxin Market was a traditional market during 1960s and currently under the urban renewal project, but the market still operates during morning. Moreover, some artistic feature stores, galleries and cafes have been entered.

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“Someone present tea on the road, but I present coffee.” said the owner of Present Café. Walking into the market, the café looks inconspicuous and shabby at the corner. You may not believe there’s a café inside. The café opened 2 years ago and serves black coffee with hand drip only with the little counter. Customers are free to sit at ground floor or upstairs. Sip a cup of coffee, you will feel the owner insistence.

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Special Features

Taiwan

Present CafĂŠ No. 7, Alley 2, Lane 57, Section 1, Wuquan West Road, West District, Taichung City +886 972 872 792 https://www.facebook.com/presentcafe

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Receipe Pomodoro Frescos con Rucola Spaghetti

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Pomodoro Frescos con Rucola Spaghetti Photo & recipes by: Kaman Yip Pomodoro Frescos con Rucola Spaghetti complete mix to (Mixed spaghetti Fresh tomatoes pesto)

Ingredients (For 2 Person) Pot of boil hot water , add spaghetti in 8 mins. (Check your own pack instruction, I like mine in al dente, cook lesser time in 6 mins, covered with lit for soaking a little 1-2 mins) Taste the texture of the pasta meanwhile even after it's cooked. Pour water out , Put into a bowl , drizzle some lemon / olive oil . So that they don't stick in pile. For tomatoes salsa / pesto sauce: Fresh tomatoes small (Farm picked by mum, brought back from Taiwan ) 2 cloves black garlic 3-6 small Tawaianess lemon-kumquat (All own adjustment according to your preference ) Thyme/ Lemon oil/ Olive oil/ Balsamic vinegar/ S&P

How to make it Blend all into blender, until you see smooth. Then it's done! Pour over onto the spaghetti with rocket. Done & Serve !

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