Merci march 2014 by Merci Magazine

merci Your Lifestyle Magazine March 2014

Home Inspiration Ellie Cashman Food Inspiration Lily & Bloom Event Inspiration Pandas on Tour Cafe Inspiration Taiwan Career Features Maggie & Flynn Master Features Chris So merci magazine

CONTENTS March 2014

Editiorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s letter

Fresh starter with merci editor

Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pick

Everything about Spring

Home Inspiration

Accessories Holder

Home Inspiration

Ellie Cashman - Anything but still life

Timothy Oulton

The New Renaissance Style

Marimekko 50 years of Unikko

Divine Dimity

Special Features

Taiwan and Cafe

Event Inspiration

Pandas on Tour

Career Features

Husband & Wife Entrepreneurs - Maggie & Flynn

Restaurant Inspiration 84

Lily & Bloom

Wine Inspiration

The First Paddock 2010 - A Fragrant Ruby From The South

Master Features

Master of Wine - Chris So

Recommendations 100

Accro Coffee

Receipe

Granola

merci magazine

104

merci magazine

merci team 4

merci magazine

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 Peggy Lui Jenny Ho Winnie Cheung 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

Editor’s Letter It’s still chill in March but aren't we all ready for spring? Pastels, soft colours are always representing the season but shouldn’t we try something in neon’s? Our editor, Winnie.C is here to share something different for spring.

We are glad and honoured to have Ellie Cashman with us in March issue. Her gorgeous wallpapers are going to tell what walls truly are. In Ellie’s eyes, walls have moods and meaning. On the other hand, if you are familiar with Restoration Hardware, I believe you certainly know who Timothy Outlon is. However, do you know they do have a gallery now in Hong Kong? We are going to share the story behind Timothy Outlon.

Our editor Jenny had visited Taiwan recently. She is sharing her favourite cafes in this issue and introducing the story of Pandas which is an event created by WWF. The exhibition is still alive in Taiwan now. Wine editor, Winnie N shares some nice and good wines as usual. This time is Two Paddocks- you will be surprise that the owner is Sam Neill! Of course don’t miss out her new section of Master of wine and coffee too!

Spring is here soon and should be with fun- no matter if you like home decor or travel section. Hope you will enjoy reading our March issue. So be ready to get more inspirations for the fresh start of the season!

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

merci Team members

Executive Director Peggy Lui

Administrative Director Elsa Yuen

Editor Jenny Ho

Editor Winnie Cheung

Editor (Wine & Coffee) Winnie Ng

Contributors

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.

merci magazine

Editor Picks

Lifestyle

Neons in the spring Colours in neons is back to trend! Be bright in spring! EDITOR { Winnie Cheung }

ZARA HOME Neon Flower Embroidery Cushion HK$ 299.00

URBAN OUTFITTERS Unicorn Hook US$ 18.00

URBAN OUTFITTERS Redwood Stoneworks Mermaid Wall Sculpture US$ 34.00

URBAN OUTFITTERS Cookie Stamps US$ 14.00 URBAN OUTFITTERS Cut Lace Vanity Tray US$ 19.00 12

merci magazine

Neons in the spring

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Skull folded leather card holder HK$ 1,500

VALENTINO Rockstud double wrap hinge leather HK$ 2,100

VALENTINO Rockstud wide leather bracelet HK$ 2,800

BALENCIAGA Giant 12 City Leather Tote HK$ 16,200

URBAN OUTFITTERS Cathy McMurray Journey Wall Art US$ 34.00

HOUSE OF HOLLAND Lace Boater Dress HK$ 5,069

VALENTINO New Plain Leather Pumps HKD$4,800 merci magazine

Accessories Holder

To keep your accessories tidy, ashtrays or bowl could be one of your choices by Peggy Lui

merci magazine

Accessories Holder

Ashtray with butterflytransfer Zara HKD $189.00

Carnaby Zebra Stacking Dish jonathan Adler USD $24.00

POLKA DOT TEA STORY TEAPLATE SET OF 4 Wedgewood £75.00

HORSE ASHTRAY Zara HKD $199.00

Luxembourg Horse Trinket Box jonathan Adler USD $98.00

VERA WANG INFINITY RING HOLDER Vera Wang £48.00

Ashtray with round transfer Zara HKD $189.00

Santorini Asterisk Stacking Dish jonathan Adler USD $38.00

Insect ashtray Zara HKD $79.00 merci magazine

merci magazine

Ellie Cashman Anything but Still Life Photo & Styling by Ellen Mesu Inspired pick By: Peggy Lui

"Walls can be more than just functional structures that divide spaces and hold up ceilings. Walls can be art!" With Ellie Cashman Wallpapers, walls have meaning. Walls have moods. Ellie Cashman has been creating original surface designs for home, stationery and lifestyle products since 2010. Since then, she has received a number of industry awards. Walls can be more than just functional structures that divide spaces and hold up ceilings. Walls can be art!

merci magazine

Dark Floral Why Flowers? Ellie’s flowers are sensual, almost tactile, with each design telling a story of movement, change, struggle, and growth. Out of the shadows come bursts of light and explosions of color; out of the decay come moments of softness and beauty. Based on the still life paintings characteristic of the Dutch Golden Age, this design is anything but still, anything but 17th century. Modern, majestic, ethereal blooms cascade down a dark, dramatic, shadowy background. Close up, ‘Dark Floral’ has many painterly details; from a distance, the effect is almost photographic. It is Ellie’s signature design. Ellie envisions ‘Dark Floral’ on a stunning accent wall, whether in your dining room, living room, bathroom, under a staircase, over some wainscotting, you name it. Use it in an unexpected space: an old factory, a loft, an elevator ... a restaurant, a club, a theater. The possibilities are endless.

merci magazine

HOME DECOR Ellie Cashman

Flowers are always in motion â&#x20AC;&#x201C; reaching, bending, opening, unfolding. merci magazine

HOME DECOR Ellie Cashman

merci magazine

Ellieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inspiration for creating her surface designs is that art is something we should all have access to on a daily basis. We should wear art, surround ourselves with art and uniquely express ourselves with art, thereby drawing energy and a sense of individuality from it.

merci magazine

HOME DECOR Ellie Cashman

merci magazine

"To me, flowers are the ultimate symbols of hope and heartbreak." Ellie's web shop launched in December 2013 after an image of her original Dark Floral wallpaper went viral on Pinterest. In March of 2014 she will release Dark Floral II, a sequel to the design that launched her brand. She is also hard at work on a collection of cushions and fabrics, which will be added to her web shop later this year. To view the full collection, please visit

www.elliecashmandesign.com. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ellie-Cashman/251972398206479

merci magazine

Timothy Oulton Photo: Jenny Ho Interview: Peggy Lui/Jenny Ho Written by: Jenny Ho/Jenny Au

Would you like coffee, tea or champagne?â&#x20AC;? A friendly greeting and homey feeling when you enter the gallery. Located at the corner of St. Francis Street, British lifestyle and furniture brand Timothy Oulton has newly opened their flagship store in Hong Kong, with over 2,000 sq ft space spread over three floors. With an enormous glass faĂ§ade of 300 bowler hats and dark wood flooring, the showcase certainly draws an attention to the creative vibe in the heart of Wanchai.

merci magazine

The antique-modern blend This new gallery space is housed with selected range of authentic vintage furniture pieces, with sophisticated leather bags and personal accessories interspersed into the store design. As you enter the store you will find messenger bags and women handbags neatly displayed on Oulton’s drum collection – a replica of the 19th Century British Army regimental drums. Walking upstairs comes exquisite handcrafted furniture items including the Saddle chair, trunk collection and salvage collection – made from century-old reclaimed British pine. 26

merci magazine

HOME DECOR Home Inspiration

merci magazine

HOME DECOR Home Inspiration

merci magazine

made by hand Every Tim Oulton piece is made by hand, by experienced and talented artisans, using time-honoured methods and simple tools. These crafted furniture are arranged into concept settings such as Loft Living, World Traveller, Gentlemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club and Sports Club. You are bound to be mesmerized discovering many more authentic vintage pieces as you move around every corner of the store. merci magazine

merci magazine

HOME DECOR Home Inspiration

The art of modern classics Profoundly influenced by his fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s military background and love of antiques, along with an inherent affection for British heritage, Timothy Oulton created a brand of authentic collections of handcraftsmanship. Modern classic designs adopting traditional techniques and fabrications are the hallmark of the brand. While Timothy Oulton is continuing to spread its mark on global cities, their philosophy remains. Delicate craftsmanship and attention into details is the key to extraordinary timeless pieces. Each piece reflects a unique personality, undoubtedly beautiful, yet practical. merci magazine

HOME DECOR DECOR HOME Home Inspiration Inspiration Home

merci magazine

Timothy Oulton Hong Kong Gallery 15 St. Francis Street, Wanchai, Hong Kong +852 2528 9011 http://www.timothyoulton.com https://www.facebook.com/TimothyOultonHongKong merci magazine

merci magazine

the new Renaissance style Design concept and photo: Alvhem Brokerage & Interiors

The property, which is a beautiful turn of the century, was built in 1893 in the new Renaissance style. The style was a reaction against the previous material limitation and now is focus in details on materials such as brick and natural stone. Haga Kyrkogata 18 has a period facade of brick with indenting party and decorative window and door scopes.

merci magazine

HOME DECOR Home Inspiration

merci magazine

HOME DECOR Home Inspiration

The apartment was built in 2013 and the social open space is allocated in an exemplary manner between the two floors. At the top of the house, quiet and protected and you can enjoy both worlds. Outside of the association's main gate pulse Vaasa city's rich offerings the courtyard decorative portal, you feel the serenity spreads out in an exclusive dream city.

merci magazine

HOME DECOR Home Inspiration

This house also boasts a lovely terrace overlooking the rooftops, lavish kitchen with open plan to the living room, a stylish bathroom with laundry pillars bedroom that has the sky as the nearest neighbour .The apartment exudes luxury and a subtle mix of solid materials to greets you. The dark floors provide a warm contrast against the white walls and the fine parquet runs like a thread through all the rooms - stylish and very tasteful. The floors are made of oak and has a brushed smoked surface, which is then oiled in a walnut tone. Kitchen and living room is the home's natural gathering place and openness towards the upper maisonette offers a continental feel. With the wonderful feeling of being in the middle of everything, and with the Haga park's greenery, just a stone's throw away, we step into a gorgeous loft in duplex, at the top of the beautiful turn of the century building on Haga Kyrkogata 18.

merci magazine

HOME DECOR Home Inspiration

merci magazine

http://www.meredithheron.com 44

merci magazine

HOME DECOR Home Inspiration

Alvhem Mäkleri & Interiör www.alvhemmakleri.in merci magazine

HOME DECOR Home Inspiration

merci magazine

Marimekko

50 years of UNIKKO Fifty years of a design classic is a vivid reminder of the power that a pattern can have on the daily lives of people. Reflecting on the shared decades brings back memories of the places Marimekko have been to and the people they have met, of how they have changed and evolved together along the way. In 2014, Marimekko celebrates the 50th anniversary of its most iconic print, Unikko (poppy). During the years, the story of Unikko has inspired people around the world to let our creativity run free and be bold in walking their own path in life. merci magazine

merci magazine

Home Inspiration 50 Years of UNIKKO

Unikko Celebratory Collections In 2014, Marimekko's spring and summer interior collection will feature a capsule line of Unikko products, created to highlight the bold and joyful attitude of the pattern. The capsule line will also include a special 50th anniversary fabric, showing gigantic single Unikko flowers on top of each other and a limited edition of Unikko-patterned Oiva ceramic tableware in black and white that will be stamped with a

special anniversary mark.

merci magazine

Home Inspiration 50 Years of UNIKKO

Forbidden Flowers

The story of Unikko began in quite an unusual way. It was born in 1964 after Marimekko's founder Armi Ratia had publicly announced that Marimekko would never print floral patterns. She thought that flowers were more beautiful in nature than on fabric. On the other hand, she wanted to create something new that would suit the needs of modern life instead of florals that already dominated that world of textiles. However, designer Maija Isola paid no heed to Ratia's decree and - perhaps inspired by the poppies growing in her yard - painted red Unikko along with an entire series of floral patterns in protest. Unikko looked new, graphic and distinctive, and once Ratia saw it, she immediately included the design in Marimekko's collection where it has been ever since, symbolising the power of expression and inspiring people to follow their heart and free their creativity. merci magazine

Home Inspiration 50 Years of UNIKKO

Birthday Bashes Around the World and Online The celebrations of the 50-year-old Unikko will take many forms around the world. A series of Unikko Pattern Place will come to life in spring and autumn 2014, popping up and bringing joy to the daily lives of people in different cities around the world. All the activities can be followed through a dedicated Unikko anniversary website www.marimekko.com/unikko The website also invites people to share their own Unikko story and spread the joy of celebrating the life of the print.

merci magazine

Divine Dimity

the new ceramic collection by Dimity merci magazine

merci magazine

Divine Dimity Beautiful and tactile

Dimity Kidston has had a long association with decorative objects and art. Growing up in a creative family in rural Australia her passion for beauty and form was nurtured from an early age. She studied textiles and ceramics at the Australian National University, where her interest in traditional weaving and tapestry was futher developed.She completed her honours year at the Duncan of Jordan Stone College of Art, Dundee, Scotland – a centre of excellence for traditional weaving. Based in Sydney, her colourful and naïve folkinfluenced designs are sold in galleries and to private clients around the world. Dimity’s colourful ceramics are made using a special potterytechnique called sgraffito. This ancient technique used by Roman artisans, involves first painting the ceramic in a particular colour, coating it another hue, before scratching off the surface layer to create a pattern and reveal a different colour underneath. Dimity’s latest work is inspired by traditional Balinese woodcarving and batik. The motifs are whimsical, bold and contemporary and the designs range from simple lines to natural inspirations including floral and leaf patterns, coffee bean and coconut designs. Another beautiful and special detail is the contrast colours inside the ceramics, giving them a wonderfully warm and bright character. A hand-made aesthetic is central to the collection, and as each piece is individually carved, no two are the same. Retailing exclusively at TREE www.tree.com.hk merci magazine

merci magazine

Taiwan and Café 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.

merci magazine

Special Features

Taiwan

merci magazine

The Factory â&#x20AC;˘ Mojo coffee The Factory is a third shop and headquarter of Mojo Coffee since 2011. 3-storey modern wooden building with a welcoming green front yard stands apart the surroundings. Walking into the cafĂŠ, giant white coloured storage from floor to ceiling with different kinds of books, artworks, cameras and coffee equipments along the glass staircase attracts every customer in first sight. Also, the transparent structure behind enhances the brightness of the interior give a sense of relaxation and peacefulness to the customers.

merci magazine

Special Features

Taiwan

merci magazine

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.

merci magazine

Special Features

Taiwan

The Factory - Mojo coffee The owner, Scott wants the customers focus on coffee tasting, therefore only few selections of their homemade waffles will be offered. Moreover, ranges of coffee beans are available for ordering or grind for take away. No. 22, Jing Cheng 6th Street, West District, Taichung City +886 4 2328 9448 http://www.mojocoffee.com.tw/ https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Factory-Mojocoffee/272695802751148

merci magazine

Special Features

Taiwan

Café Junkies •Vintage collector If a café calls Junkies, the owner must have some special things which addicted to. Coffee, bagel, American style decoration and vintage objects are reflected throughout the whole atmosphere. The owner of Café Junkies, Will Hung opened it 1.5 years ago, but he spent 2 years to collect people not used furniture and objects in the construction sites and junk yards around Taiwan for his cafe. merci magazine

The interior space is open and natural with raw style elements, brick wall, chalkboard menu, teak wood counter, concrete ceiling, cement flooring, steel framed furniture and an eye-catching wooden modular feature wall with all Willâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favourite vintage objects which presents a communication between him and his cafĂŠ.

merci magazine

Special Features

Taiwan

merci magazine

Special Features

Taiwan

The café roast their own beans, mainly serves espresso based coffee drinks, milkshakes, craft beers and bagels with variety of flavors and cream cheese. Coffees are served in an American Coffee mug with their Alasaka bear logo with a story of Alasaka bears explore human trash to create their lives nowadays. The character of raw and strong with change mindset represents Will’s idea in his café.

No. 9, Jian Kang Road., Songshan District, Taipei City +886 2 2717 4747 https://www.facebook.com/CafeJunkies 68

merci magazine

Eng agement ยง Wedding ยง Family ยง Personalised for You Hong Kong ยง Australia www.evokeeternity.com

www.facebook.com/EvokeEternity

+852 9748 8092

plus.google.com/+EvokeEternity

EVOKE E

merci R Nmagazine I T

Y69

Special Features

Taiwan

merci magazine

Artista Perfetto â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Latte Art Six average 25 years old Hong Kong coffee youngsters opened Artista Perfetto (A.P.) cafe in Taipei 1.5 years ago. One of the owners, Kim Yeung was the Champion in 2012 New York Coffee Fest World Latte Art Championship. With their uniqueness on Latte Art, they offer custom-made Latte art base on the customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; preference. Besides, there are variety choices and flavours of espresso based drinks. They hope that the noncoffee drinkers would love the coffee one day. merci magazine

Special Features

Taiwan

The Latte Art is not only in the cups. Following the concept of the Latte Art, the cafe interior is divided into dining and exhibition sectors. It is simple, modern and decorated like an art gallery with black and white scheme. There are a lot of artworks hanging on the wall and sculptures spread around every corner. Exhibition will be changed in every month to give refreshment to the customers as tasted their coffee with variety. No 15, Alley 6, Lane 553, Section 4, Zhongxiao East. Road, XinYi District, Taipei City +886 2 2763 7002 https://www.facebook.com/ArtistaPerfetto

merci magazine

Event intown (Taiwan)

merci magazine

Pandas

on Tour Photo: Jenny Ho Text by Jenny Ho

Flash Mob in Taipei 1600 paper-mache made pandas occupied the Dunhua South Road in Taipei City for half an hour. You will be in surprised when you bumped into these lovely pandas. There were totally 10 flash mob events happened before the final exhibitions.

merci magazine

Event intown (Taiwan)

merci magazine

1600 Pandas

merci magazine

Event intown (Taiwan)

Nowadays, there are only 1600 actual pandas are left in the world. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) collaborated with French artist Paulo Grangeon, launched the Pandas on Tour exhibition since 2008 and aimed to raise the public awareness to protect endangered species. Besides pandas, 200 Formosan black bears were created especially for this first Asia exhibition in Taiwan, in order to support the wildlife protection of native Taiwanese species. The current exhibition displays in front of Taipei City Hall Plaza till 9 March. After that, the pandas will be located at National Theater Concert Hall between 14-30 March. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss out if you travel to Taiwan. http://www.pandasworldtour.tw/ https://www.facebook.com/PandasTaipei

merci magazine

Career Features Husband & Wife Entrepreneurs

maggie & flynn

Photo: Peggy Lui /Maggie & Flynn ∫ Interview by Peggy Lui ∫ Text by Carmen Au

Roy and Stacy, husband and wife entrepreneurs crafted Maggie & Flynn, the beautiful online boutique that answers the wishes of style-savvy parents by sourcing the finest designer infant and kids wear from around the world. With 25 stylish, quality labels on board including leading UK brand JoJo Maman Bébé, Bob & Blossom from London and Most Wanted Clothing from Los Angeles, Maggie & Flynn is on its way to become the best children's fashion site in Asia.

merci magazine

Q: How did Maggie & Flynn start?

Q: Tell us about Maggie, Flynn and Awesome Fish as drawn characters.

A: We moved to Hong Kong two and a half year ago, having lived all over the world. We loved to shop the designer kids fashion in UK, US, and Europe for our son Flynn but finding those brands here in Hong Kong was difficult. Roy wanted to start a business and came up with online kid's fashion because like a lot of other parents, we both have busy careers and would shop online whenever possible. It's with the understanding of what parents want and the determination to bring fabulous children's apparel brands to Asia that we created Maggie & Flynn.

A: Besides presenting designer kids fashion in an engaging way, we want our online boutique to have a fun and playful quality. So the drawn characters, Maggie, Flynn and Awesome Fish were born. The fish is actually Flynn's fish. The stories reflect Flynn's and his cousin Maggie's everyday life and friendship.

Q: What is Maggie & Flynnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s philosophy? A: We take pride in selecting niche boutique brands and affordable fashions that we love, that Maggie & Flynn love, and the parents and children of Asia will love. They can be worn and washed again and again, and still will ook great. Parents want online shopping to be straightforward and hassle-free. Our gorgeous online boutique is able to achieve that by providing busy moms and dads with superb online shopping experience that is simple, secure and fun. We want our customers to enjoy the quality apparel and have a relaxing time while purchasing for their little ones.

merci magazine

Q: How does Maggie & Flynn distinguish itself in the market? A: We care about our customers who are moms and dads just like us. We carry unique labels that have not been made available in Hong Kong. Some of which ( mili B, Ribbies, Samantha Holmes, Vevian Shoes, Stellina Baby and Samantha Holmes.) are exclusive to us in Asia. We also put a lot of thought into our branding, taking the same approach to styling as you would find on a grown-up, high-end fashion site and at the same time, have the playful and light-hearted animated characters. Our customer feedback has been fantastic. They appreciate the thoughtfulness as well as the extra mile we would go for them. 7 Fab reasons why shopping with Maggie & Flynn is fantastic! 1. 25 Designer brands and counting! 2. Secure, 1-2 day delivery 3. Easy, no-fuss returns and exchanges 4. Gorgeous signature packaging with every order 5. Easy gifting - email us your gift message 6. Geat customer service - Flynn's dad is here to help 7. Fun fashion inspiration with our weekly style stories

Career Features Husband & Wife Entrepreneurs

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

merci magazine

Lily & Bloom Photos courtesy of Lily & Bloom By: Peggy Lui

"Concept" LILY & BLOOM draw their inspiration from the physical streetscapes and downtown street life that emerged in great cities near the turn of the 20th century. Beginning in Paris and migrating to London, New York, San Francisco, and Shanghai, the years of 1890-1930 marked the beginning of not just the modern city, but the way we now eat and drink. Street vendors, cafes, people watching, restaurants, classic cocktails, chefs and cookbooks - all came to the forefront at this time. Most importantly, the life force of all this - the central urban market - was born. From the intricate architecture of the brick tenements, to the raw energy of immigrant city life and the places such vendors/hawkers/restaurant owners drank and ate, LILY & BLOOMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interiors hint at both the urban grits and the creative headiness of the early 1900â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Together with the ingredient-driven food and drink, the concept celebrates the life that markets, food, and those who produce it have given us literally and figuratively. BUZZ CONCEPTS, by partnering with AvroKO, aim to pay tribute to this era in their new duplex space at LILY & BLOOM.

merci magazine

Restaurant Inspiration Lily & Bloom

Design One of the most popular names in New York City at the end of

the 1890's, LILY (or the lifestyle of women like Lily), served as inspiration forAvroKO in its design of this cozy bar room. From the Parisian salons of the 1900's to pre-War supper clubs in old

American cities, Prohibition-era speakeasies to the fi 足 rst age of global travel by ship, the glamour of times past is referenced in the many fetching trinkets of travel, memory, and bar culture one

足finds in LILY's corners. There's old-school lounge seating and

banquettes as well as a seated bar with vintage transport-inspired stools for watching our Lily bartenders cracking ice wedges or

measuring classic drinks. A back room (available for dinners and

parties on request) has a terraced view of our dining room below. The whole affair is sexy, subtle, and warm and there is no door

policy except fi 足 rst come/fi足rst-serve, providing a one-of-a-kind bar experience in Hong Kong.

merci magazine

Restaurant Inspiration Restaurant Inspiration Duddell's Lily & Bloom

tribute to old New York, BLOOM is an eclectic, comforting

American brasserie inspired by the energies of turn-of the-century markets. After descending an iron staircase in the corner of our bar, LILY, diners enter past a tapestry of vintage grain sacks into a room full of rhythmic yellow and white tiling. A wall of floor-to-ceiling black steel grate inspired by old street scape of Manhattan serves as a back drop to the 4-meter long solid walnut dining bar. A chalkboard full of ‘market’ items like daily flatbreads, handmade pastas, fruit cobblers, and herb and fruit-laced cocktails slides across the bar on a hand crank chain system. Elegant wall-mounted lanterns, industrial light fixtures and warm candles glow throughout the dining room, while pre-War measuring scales, milk jugs, and flower molds highlight the many nooks and crannies of the space. Through a pair of frosted glass-and-wire doors is a unisex bathroom. Here, in the center of the room, a tall stone fountain serves as a communal basin. Just beyond a half-moon shaped booth that bookends the front room is a doubleheight dining space whose sides are lined with reclaimed boat wood and tall wire glass panels. Comprised of some 70 pieces, the 2-story ‘BLOOM’ chandelier hangs just above a circular slab of white marble that adorns the center of the room. merci magazine

Romantic signature cocktail Lily’s drinks menu provides unparalleled insight into the refined art of mixology, showcased flawlessly in the hands of their skilled team of bartenders. The restaurant highlights market-fresh flavors and top-of-the-line seafood in their omnipresent raw bar. Honest cooking meets gourmet produce in a menu that reveals a bounty of traditional American favorites refined with a subtle European touch. Together with an imaginative cocktail menu courtesy of the mixology maestros one floor above at Lily, Bloom offers an unforgettable dining experience. Open for lunch, dinner, late-night eats, and Sunday brunch.

merci magazine

Restaurant Inspiration Lily & Bloom

Website: http://www.lily-bloom.com/ Address: 5/F and 6/F LKF Tower, No 33 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong

merci magazine

Wine & Coffee Two Paddocks

The First Paddock 2010 A Fragrant Ruby From The South We introduced the white wine from New Zealand in February issue, and now we are now bringing you another treasure from the country - Pinot Noir. To call Pinot Noir a fragrant ruby is absolutely not exaggerated. Pinot Noir is a grape variety that winemakers both love and hate a lot. The aroma and palate of Pinot Noir is very charming and attractive- full of violet, cherry, raspberry, slightly vegetal and gamey characters. However, it is a very hard-to-catch grape due to the thin skin. Pinot Noir is comparatively early ripening variety vs other red wine grapes and is more sensitive to different terroirs and temperature. To make a premium pinot noir red wine, appropriate viniculture and winemaking methods are necessary which give a lot of challenges to viticulturists and winemakers. Only a few regions in the world can successfully produce good pinot noir for wines, namely Burgundy, Oregon and California from USA, some cold regions in Australia and last but not the least, New Zealand.

merci magazine

There are several regions in New Zealand that can grow Pinot Noir. Nevertheless, the region with the most popularity and the best quality would be Central Otago. Central Otago, locates at the southern tip of the island, is the southernmost wine growing region in the world. Apart from its beautiful sceneries with fjords and mountains, it is also one of the most rapidly growing wine regions in New Zealand. Unlike the rest of the regions in the country, Central Otago is having very extreme continental climate. Summer is dry and sunny but short. Winter is extremely cold. Frost damage can happen throughout the year. The wines are regarded by wine critics and lovers as being the closest to Burgundian style.

merci magazine

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

A Fragrant Ruby From The South Photos courtesy of Wine 'n' Things HK & Two Paddocks Two Paddocks is a family-owned wine estate. The owner, Sam Neill, if you have watched Jurassic Park and The Piano, then you must know him. Yes, he is a celebrity who loves drinking wines. That’s why he started to run the winery since 1993 originally to produce good Pinot Noir wines for family and friends’ enjoyment. His friend bought the neighbouring paddock for grape growing and so made the name ‘Two Paddocks’. The vineyard was first located in Gibbston, Central Otago where it is hard to produce good Pinot due to its coldness. However, the first vintage from 1997 was much better than expected in spite of a difficult growing season. Then Sam continued to run the winery until now which gives him a lot of satisfaction and fun even though it at times pisses him off. There are 3 series in Two Paddocks, namely Picnic Series, Two Paddocks Series and Proprietor’s Reserve. Only Riesling and Pinot Noir are used for white and red wines respectively. The First Paddock Pinot Noir belongs to the premium Proprietor’s Reserve Series, of which only produces in exceptional vintages with limited quantity and from the very first vineyard in Gibbston with the best quality of grapes. All vineyard practices for this wine are carried out by hand to ensure the best quality. The wines are aged in medium-toasted French barriques for 11 months. For 2010 vintage, only 2400 bottles were produced. However, no matter which series you try, your satisfactions towards Sam’s products will be guaranteed and they are good value for money! Appearance:

Bright deep ruby red colour

Aroma & Palate: 2010 is one of the most powerful and concentrated vintages on record.

Exotic wild flower, bramble and spice aromatics followed by a silky multi-

layered profile with hidden depth, texture and length.

Conclusion:

An awesome wine. Perfume and elegant, aromatic with red fruits

dominating. Fits well with savoury dishes like game birds, chicken, ducks,

and even with pork and salmon. 2010 is starting to get ready to drink, but

can still keep for extra 5-10 years.

merci magazine

Wine & Coffee Two Paddocks

“We broke the bread, we drank the wine Everybody.. . .having a good time.” - U2, Until the End of the World Enquiries:

+852 2873 5733

http://winenthingshk.com

merci magazine

“ 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 I) Chris So is a young entrepreneur who has great passion for both wine and coffee. He is a local Hongkongese and went abroad to study in UK with his younger brother in 1994. After graduating from university, Chris went back to Hong Kong in 2003 and started his first job as a mechanical engineer. Having been involving in various infrastructure projects, he found the job was not suitable for his character. Projects were too long to finish and could not get achievement with satisfaction. Chris then changed to work in business development field and meanwhile set up his own company, WINELIST.HK, to officially step into the road of being a wine expert. 96

merci magazine

Wine Features Master Inspiration Q: Why did you start learning wine and how was your road of wine? A: I started to love drinking wines and alcoholic drinks when I was in UK. With the life and culture there, it was inevitable for people not drinking anything. It was extremely common to order wine when dining in restaurants. Besides, I had been travelling around Europe for many times during the years in UK and had chances to go to wineries to taste wines. I found that interesting for different styles and variations of wines, and would like to know more in detail.

I decided to study wine in 2006/07 for WSET Level 3 together with a group of friends. I then started writing blogs about wines, getting to know more bloggers by that time and grouped together to taste more wines. I completed the WSET Diploma at 2009.

Q: Winelist.HK has a special meaning for you. Can you tell what is it? A: Yes, the company was founded on my birthday, and it was exactly the same day in 2008 when Henry Tang, the financial secretary by that time announced the cancellation of tax of alcoholic drinks with 30% abv or below. I used Winelist.HK to write about wines as hobbies. Besides, I also started to work on wine promotion, marketing and event management projects. Q: What had initiated you to take a step forward to study in Master of Wine? How’s your feeling as being one of the potential candidates to be the first Hongkongese and Chinese Master of Wine? A: When completing the WSET Level 4, I was thinking if I should further my studies in wine. I discussed with Debra Meiburg about the course of MW and gave myself a try. I often had a belief that if I’d like to get a better qualification, I should do it at a younger age. One other main reason why I took the step is because I believed the industry should need a voice from Chinese to speak for Asians, to help wine promotion in Asian countries, and to achieve something that is quite impossible in many people’s eyes as we are not locally born in wine growing/ production regions. Up till now, all the MWs are all westerners or Japanese.

As the first MW for Hongkongese or Chinese, it is still unknown yet. Apart from me, there’s one student from mainland China at similar stage with me. We are now both working on the thesis. However, some current Year 2 students can also finish the whole Master of Wine course at similar time if they are fast and things are going smoothly enough. Anyways, I expect to get the qualification in 2015.

merci magazine

Wine Features Master Inspiration Q: What is your favourite wine or grape? A: I like wines with high acidity. I love Riesling because Riesling is well known as a grape variety with high acidity. I also like the pureness of this grape. It can reflect in the wine completely the character of this grape and the terroir of the wine regions. Riesling can be produced in various styles, from delicate to sweet. I love sweet wines too. Among all sweet wines, I really like Tokaji from Hungary. Needless to say, Tokaji has a very good balance of sweetness with acidity. The aroma and palate are attractive and integrated. And the most important thing, Tokaji is at a good price compared to other regions' sweet wines. Q: You are now more focusing in wine education and promotion. Is there anything else in the industry you are also interested in? A: I was in South Africa in 2013 to follow a Master of Wine to learn winemaking for a month. The part I felt the most interesting was the blending of wine no matter with single variety or a blended one. Tasting wines of all different casks from fermentation and thinking of the formula and portion to blend to produce the style winemakers want was a hard but funny task. I can consider this kind of projects in the future if there are chances and meanwhile continuing the training and education projects in Asia.

End of Part 1, Continued...

merci magazine

The First Wine

Charity Run in Hong Kong

If you feel that flying overseas to run for wine marathons are too faraway and expensive, there’s a good choice for you here now in Hong Kong. The very first “wine x health x charity” event is co-organized by the Hong Kong Wine Judges Association and AM730 will be held on Sunday, March 30, along the Pak Shek Kok Promenade near the Science Park. The main objective is to promote a healthy wine drinking culture and meanwhile contribute to charity to help those in need. The Wine Charity Run 2014 will start officially at 10:30am on 30 March 2014. The charity run will be divided into 3 categories, of which 3km and 8km are starting in the morning and Fun Costume Run in the afternoon, with limited quota of 2,000 runners in total. Runners have to pay a participation fee of $140 (only $100 for runners under the age of 18). There will be a carnival with booths providing good foods and wine tasting. After deduction of the organizing costs, all the remaining profit will be donated to Christian Action, selected as the beneficiary organization. In addition, the sponsored companies in the carnival are obliged to donate 10% of their carnival income to Christian Action.

Come to join for such a meaningful event in March! Enquiries: http://www.hkwja.org/site/upcoming.aspx Mr. Sammy Leung (M: 9502 0802 / E: sammyl@hkwja.org) Mr. Peter Kwong (M: 9049 2987 / E: thomast@hkwja.org) Mr. Raymond Luk (M: 6887 7774 / E: raymondl@hkwja.org) merci magazine

100

merci magazine

Accro Coffee A Hidden Gem In the City: To Fight For Your Dreams Photo: Accro coffee & Winelist.HK ∫ Interview by Winnie Ng & Text by Winnie Ng Yuen Long, locating in the Northwest of the New Territories, is perhaps a quite distant place for people living in Kowloon and on Hong Kong Island. For real coffee lovers, however, it is a place that should not be missed. Accro Coffee was founded by a post-80s young Barista and Coffee Roaster Tsuyoshi Mok in 2010 after his return from learning the craft in Taiwan. It is a small shop with less than 20 seats. When you walk along the street, you may have not even noticed there’s a coffee shop as it is located at a quiet corner. However I am sure by the smell of coffee and baking cakes will make you aware of a nearby coffee shop. With the passion of brewing good coffee and the dreams of promoting coffee culture in Hong Kong, the little shop with specialty in Siphon and Hand-drip coffee has started to attract customers – first from the local town and later further away, extending to coffee lovers from all over Hong Kong who are willing to have a try on their good quality coffee.

merci magazine

101

Wine & Coffee Accro Coffee

Meanwhile, Pinky Leung, the first apprentice of Tsuyoshi, working part-time for Accro Coffee at the beginning, started to learn more about Siphon coffee and fell in love with it gradually as time went by. She won the HK Siphonist Championship in 2012. In 2013, she won a double championship and has arisen the interest of coffee lovers to come to visit her since then. Pinky got both 2013 HK Siphonist Championship and 2013 World Siphonist Championship. In addition, she also won the Special Award from the Signature Drink she made in the competition. This is the first time for both awards were won by Hong Kong and Pinky is the very first World Coffee Champion in Hong Kong. Even the coffee shop is small, everyone will enjoy when visiting. Both Tsuyoshi and Pinky are welcoming the guests, interacting intimately with them and recommending the coffees to suit their palates and needs. They will patiently explain the guests about the characteristics of the beans and the coffee brewed. Everyone can have a taste of the World Siphonist Champion Blended Coffee in the shop. The blended coffee consists of three different mid-price beans which were roasted in-store by Tsuyoshi, including varieties from Costa Rica Central Valley Las Lajas Estate Perla Negra Natural Process, Ethopia Kochere Yirgacheffe Wash Process and Kenya Nyeri Rukira Estate AA Grade Wash Process. This Cup of World Siphonist Champion Blended Coffee combines floral perfume, red fruits sweetness, lemon acidity as well as nutty nuances. The mouthfeel is very fine and juicy with great balance of sweetness and acidity. When the coffee cools down, grapefruit and jasmine flavours will become more prominent. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lovely coffee with great layers and absolutely an unforgettable experience to have a try.

Enquiries: Accro Coffee: Shop 10, G/F, Fu Loy Garden, 7 Ma Wang Road, Yuen Long Telephone: 3484 9448 Website: www.accro.hk 102

merci magazine

103

Receipe Granola

104

merci magazine

Granola Photo & recipes by: Kaman Yip Looking something easy and healthy to serve for breakfast? Granola is my first choice for you, especially in spring time! Easy to make, heathly and taste good!

Ingredients (For 1 Person) Mixed pack of muesli with nuts & fruits (aprox 300 grams) Flaxseed meal Red quinoa Raw buckwheat (pre-made soaked overnight & baked) Black sesame seeds Gojiberries

How to make it Put all dry ingredients onto a glass baking tray or baking tray. Wet ingredients in a glass jar, microweave for 115 secs, just warm enough to melt all into liquid. Pour wet ingredients onto the dry ingredients, then baked in low heat 180cc for 30-40 minutes, use spoons or spatula to fold in each 15 minutes in case of burn on one side.

kaman

After the Granola is cooked, wait for cool down and storage into air tight container .

merci magazine

105

merci Your Lifestyle Magazine see you next issue

106

merci magazine