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April 2014
The really useful magazine APRIL 2014
PEOPLE 4 Snapped! Southside’s social life. THE PLANNER 6 Happening in April Easter eggs and other treats. news 10 What’s going on? In your backyard. COUNTRY PARKS 12 Road blocks Villagers vs the public right of way. FIVE MINUTES WITH... 13 Qi whiz Meet Stanley’s qigong master.
local 16 Beach life returns The Pulse and Seaview reopen in Repulse Bay. FEATURE 18 Readers’ Choice Awards And the winners are... EATING 42 Easter brunch bunch Biblical buffets. Plus nibbles from the dining scene and Fergus on food. EDUCATION 46 Camps for kids Spring fun for Easter bunnies. FAMILY 50 Happy Birthdays Top tips for kids’ parties.
BIG DAY OUT 54 Going coastal Bring out the big guns at the Museum of Coastal Defence PETS 58 Talk to the animals Sally Andersen speaks dog.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY 68 All you need to know Numbers that make life easier. MY SOUTHSIDE 70 Anji Connell Lifestyle designer.
CREATURE FEATURE 59 Golden birdwing Hong Kong’s biggest butterfly. MARKETPLACE 61 Your guide to shops and services Cool stuff to buy and do. CLASSIFIEDS 67 Loads of random useful local stuff. Cover by Forrest Lau
“A day of dappled seaborne clouds.” – James Joyce
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people Snaps from Southside
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say cheese
Share your event photos with us at photo@fastmedia.com.hk. Get snapping!
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planner Apr 5 Ching Ming Festival Public holiday. Take to the hills.
Apr 5 International Pillow Fight Day Wear pyjamas (or something more outrageous), take your own pillow – and prepare for war. 4pm. Chater Garden, Central, www.hongwrong.com.
Apr 5 Homegrown Foods Harvest Feast
Apr 12-May 4
Ocean Art Walk
Learn more about the threat to our seas at an exhibition of sculptures, installations, photography and dance performances. Free, Stanley Plaza and Stanley Promenade, Stanley. For guided tours and schedules, email yan@hkyaf.com or call 2877 2779.
Apr 1 April Fool’s Day
Apr 3 The Government Inspector
Don’t fall for it.
Satire, farce and outrageous physical comedy by Faust International Youth Theatre. HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $160-$200 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.
Apr 1 Public pools open First swim 6.30am.
Apr 2 Good As New Baby Sale Monthly market of quality secondhand items for bumps, babies and beyond. 3.30pm-5.30pm. Delaney’s, The Spire at The Arcade, 100 Cyberport Road, Pok Fu Lam, www.facebook. com/goodasnewbaby.
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Apr 4-5 Matilda Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation’s production of the Roald Dahl classic. Ages six and up. 7.30pm, Drama Studio, Chinese International School, 1 Hau Yuen Path, Tin Hau. Free. Preregister by emailing kerryL@hkyaf.com.
Ten talented chefs cook up an organic feast down on the farm. With live music and bus transfer from Central. Noon-5pm, Zen Farm, Ping Che, Ta Kwu Ling. Tickets $888 from www. facebook.com/HomegrownFoods, 2671 2771.
happening in april Apr 6 Wise Kids Playroom Open Day
Apr 12-13 30-Hour Famine
Play in a good cause, with proceeds to Shining Stars Foundation. 11am-5.45pm. Tickets $50. Shop 201, The Arcade, Cyberport, Pok Fu Lam, www.wisekidstoys.com, 2989 6298.
Join the World Vision Famine Camp: 30 hours of workshops, games and concerts, but strictly no food. Minimum donation $1,200. 2pm, Aberdeen Athletic Field, 30.wordvision.org.hk.
Apr 13, 20, 27 Island East Markets
Apr 18-20 Barney’s Birthday Bash
Sunday farmers’ market selling everything from organic veggies to vintage goodies. 11am-6pm, Tong Chong Street, Island East, Quarry Bay, www.hkmarkets.org.
Family musical with with the big purple dinosaur. Star Hall, KITEC, Kowloon Bay. Tickets $150-$650 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.
Apr 6 Bonaqua Action Sprint An 8km and 12km adventure race starting at 9am, Repulse Bay Beach. For details and registration, visit www.actionasiaevents.com.
Apr 18-19, 21 Public holidays Good Friday, great Saturday and Easter Monday.
Apr 7-20 International IT Fest Discover the latest from the computer world at events across Hong Kong, www.itfest.hk.
Apr 20 Easter Sunday Give thanks, hunt eggs.
Apr 9 Germaine Greer and The Rainforest Years Wine, cheese and conversation with the Australian icon. 6.30pm, British Council, 3 Supreme Court Road, Central. Tickets $450 from www.eventbrite.hk.
Apr 11 Last day of Easter term ESF school’s out!
Apr 11 Jackie Kashian Live ComedyHK presents the US stand-up comic. 9pm, Sunset Lounge, Le Meridien Cyberport, Pok Fu Lam. Tickets $250 from www.eventbrite.hk or www.comedy.hk.
Apr 22 Earth Day Apr 13 Christian Action Three-Legged Charity Walk Tie yourself to a friend in aid of orphans in Qinghai. 9am-1pm, Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club, Clearwater Bay, 2716 8861.
Apr 15 Total lunar eclipse Look, no moon! 3pm.
Plan an event, save the planet. Details at www.earthday.org.
Apr 25 ANZAC Day Service Australia and New Zealand’s 99th national day of remembrance. Wreath-laying ceremony at 6.15am, the Cenotaph, Statue Square, Central, www.austcham.com.hk.
Apr 25 Quiz Night Rack your brains. 8pm-10pm, Pickled Pelican, 90 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 2813 4313.
Apr 28 Back to school Easter holidays are over, kids :(
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planner
Book now May 2-Jun 28 Le French May Ooh la la! The annual celebration of French arts, opera, music, theatre and more. For details, visit www.frenchmay.com.
May 6-11 Ocean Film Festival Fishy films across Hong Kong. Tickets from $80 at www.oceanrecov.org.
May 15-17 Art Basel Hong Kong The giant international art fair comes to town. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, www.artbasel.com.
May 11, Jun 8, 22 Splash ’n’ Dash Aquathons Swimming and running races for adults and kids. Entry $155-$780 at www.revolution-asia.com.
May 15-18 Asia Contemporary Art Show A hotel’s worth of modern art. Conrad Hong Kong, One Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, www.asiacontemporaryart.com.
Jun 7 Garage Sale Book a table for the twice-yearly sale of secondhand treasures. 9.30am-3pm, LG3 Car Park, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clearwater Bay, 9045 5942, gujean@ust.hk.
Got an event? We can publish the details for free. Email editor@southside.hk.
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news
in your backyard
Return to the City of Darkness
New children’s therapy centre
Paediatric centre SPOT has opened its second branch in One Island South. SPOT Island South’s services include speech, physio and occupational therapy, family counselling and more. Interested parents, teachers and health professionals can find out more at the launch party on April 8, 4pm-9pm. 1021-25, One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang, 2807 2992, www.spot.com.hk. It’s 20 years since Kowloon Walled City succumbed to the bulldozers, but its dark alleyways and rich community life continue to fascinate people around the world. Photographers Ian Lambot and Greg Girard captured its gritty glory in their book, City of Darkness. Twenty years on and demand continues to be such that the pair are collaborating on an expanded new edition, City of Darkness
Revisited, with amazing photographs (above) and new sections that fill in the gaps in the original, such as the role of the triads and the government’s attempts to knock down the city. With the project nearly complete, they are seeking sponsors through crowdfunding, with donations starting at just US$10, and aim to print in July. For details and donations, please visit www.kickstarter.com.
Pancake Day feeds the needy
Second Butchers Art for oceans Club opens After a wildly successful first year, Aberdeen aged-beef specialist Butchers Club is opening a second location. The Butchers Club Deli at Editus will have its own custom-built dry-ageing room and New York-style deli by day, morphing into a private dining room by night. The deli will feature handcrafted organic charcuterie, handmade breads and pastries and daily lunch specials. The private dining room will have space for three separate groups of up to 20 diners each, or an open standing party for up to 120. A rooftop herb garden with a pizza oven and barbecue can cater for up to 1,000 people at farmers’ markets, weddings, corporate events and so on. The deli is located inside Editus, a men’s fashion showroom that features modern luxury brands from Europe and America. 16/F, 18 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, www.butchersclub.com.hk.
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Sculptures and colourful artwork inspired by the sea are the focus of the thought-provoking Ocean Art Walk exhibition in Stanley this month. Organised by the Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation and Ocean Recovery Alliance, the pieces will adorn Stanley Plaza and Stanley Promenade from April 12 to May 4. Aiming to raise awareness of the connection between the health of the ocean and our everyday behaviour, 12 local and international artists and 50 young people present visual art, photography and dance performances. Douglas Woodring, director of Ocean Recovery Alliance says, “Instead of taking the usual approach of trying to shock people with facts, we hope to use art to capture people’s attention and inspire positive action.” All events are free and guided tours are available on weekends, 11am-2pm. It will be followed on May 6-11 by the third annual International Ocean Film Festival, 2877 2779, www.oceanrecov.org.
Feeding Hong Kong and law firm Clifford Chance raised $50,000 to provide 6,250 meals for people in need at the inaugural Pancake Day Race on March 4 at the University of Hong Kong. “We are thrilled to see such strong interest in the first-ever Pancake Day Race in Hong Kong,” said Feeding Hong Kong’s executive director Gabrielle Kirstein. “We are especially delighted that the event not only raised funds and awareness for FHK, but brought together our wide range of supporters, from corporate partners and university students to volunteers and Chefs in the Community ambassadors.” Fourteen teams of students and corporate partners, including Pret A Manger, also took part in pancake-tossing competitions for titles such as Best Tosser and Most Entertaining Tossers. For details or to contribute, please visit www.feedinghk.org.
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Headline save our
country parks
news from the green front
Road blocks Villagers vs hikers and the public right of way. By Paul Zimmerman. When villagers blocked the MacLehose Trail near Tai Long Sai Wan during the Oxfam Trailwalker 2013, organisers had to change the route midway through the race. The path to the village predates the hiking trail, however, the pavement and street lights were constructed and are maintained with public funds. This is a public path. But instead of ensuring public right of passage, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD) has posted notices advising hikers of an alternative route via Lo Tei Tun. Many trails in Hong Kong run in part over private land. Paths have also been blocked leading to the beach at Hoi Ha in Sai Kung and through Yi O and Sha Lo Wan on Lantau. Initially, the government said individuals could take private legal action against the blocked paths. But when barrister and former lawmaker Margaret Ng reminded Justice Secretary Rimsky Yuen he was responsible for representing the public’s right to pass over footpaths on private land, he promised to take action. We’ll see.
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Sai Wan villagers block the MacLehose Trail.
Blocking paths is just one “campaign” by the Heung Yee Kuk, which wants more roads, piers and the right to build houses under the small-house policy extended to private land deep inside the country parks. To avoid more land being protected for conservation, there has been a rush of “fake farming” with trees felled to reduce the ecological value and to pressure government into providing access. Unfortunately, the government appears willing to acquiesce. To incorporate enclaves of private
land into country parks would raise compensation claims and require more AFCD staff to patrol these areas, costing money the government does not want to spend. Zoning enclaves for incremental development would please the Heung Yee Kuk, whose assistance is sought to develop new towns and extend landfills in the New Territories. Moreover, future development of enclaves would earn land premiums. Cynical voices point out that the current Country Parks Authority, the director of the AFCD, is a former New Territories District Officer. Is his heart closer to the interests of the Heung Yee Kuk than conservation? And if it’s not, why does he tolerate intimidation, the destruction of habitats and the blockage of established public rights of way? Paul Zimmerman is the CEO of Designing Hong Kong, a Southern District Councillor and the co-convenor of Save Our Country Parks alliance.
five minutes with...
may the life force be with you
Qi whiz Qigong master and lifelong Stanley resident S.C. Tong meditates with Cherrie Yu. because the energy will always be somewhere. It merely changes. I taught myself qigong when I was 16 having seen related theories in movies. I studied it (not from movies!) and have been practicing this art ever since. I have been teaching private lessons for 40 years.
I am 74 and have lived in Stanley since I was six. I have never moved house. Nature is a few steps away from my home. This beautiful scenery awakened in me a respect for nature and for all it has to offer, which led me to qigong. Qigong is about harnessing your energy for healing and meditation. Life is about the neverending cycle of that energy – there is no death,
Some of my students excel at qigong more than me. One came back to tell me he uses qigong to heal mentally challenged people in other Asian countries – and he’s seeing improvements. My favourite spot in Stanley? The back beach in front of my home, of course. I have witnessed Stanley changing, but, more importantly, also how nature has been trodden on and damaged by us. Back in the day, you could use a glass bottle or handkerchief to
This scenery awakened in me a respect for nature... which led me to qigong catch little fish by taking one step into the sea. Not anymore. I sell models of Buddha and the Terracotta Army at my stall near the back beach. Before that, I worked in a clinic, as a sailor and even as a home helper. I finished school after Primary 5 and since then I have devoted myself to learning from different work experiences. My teachings are free. Please come by for a chat or to take a lesson. Mr. Tong, 157 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 2813 0400.
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local
ta-da!
Editorial Jane Steer jane@fastmedia.com.hk Hannah Grogan hannah@fastmedia.com.hk Cherrie Yu cherrie@fastmedia.com.hk Graphic Design Evy Cheung evy@fastmedia.com.hk Kelvin Lau kelvin@fastmedia.com.hk Sales Manager Jonathan Csanyi-Fritz jonathan@fastmedia.com.hk Sales Executive Jackie Wilson jackie@fastmedia.com.hk Digital Content Editor Sharon Wong sharon@fastmedia.com.hk Accounts Manager Connie Lam accounts@fastmedia.com.hk Publisher Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk Contributors Adele Rosi Carolynne Dear Fergus Fung Sally Andersen Paul Zimmerman Vivien Yu Steffi Yuen Sophia Ho Forrest Lau Printer Gear Printing Room 3B, 49 Wong Chuk Hang Road, (Derrick Industrial Building), Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong Published by Fast Media Floor LG1, 222 Queens Road Central Hong Kong
Give us a call! Editorial: 2776 2773 Advertising: 2776 2772 Southside Magazine is published by Fast Media Ltd. This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication. Southside Magazine cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or pubishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.
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The Seaview Building (above) and The Pulse (below) will bring much-needed facilities to Repulse Bay.
Beach life returns Years late, Repulse Bay’s seafront buildings are about to reopen, writes Carolynne Dear. After years of stalemate that have left Repulse Bay beach with precious few dining or shopping facilities, both The Pulse and the Seaview Building are due to open on the seafront this spring. The Pulse replaces the Lido, which was bought by Emperor International Holdings in 2000 after five years of negotiations and redeveloped in 2011 with 143,000 square feet of space over five storeys. Its re-opening was delayed due to negotiations with the government over the land premium. A “soft opening” is planned for May, with Pure Yoga and Marketplace by Jason’s understood to have taken space. The 70,000-square-foot Seaview Building has also been left vacant since community support saved it from demolition. However, prospective tenants for the dilapidated 60-year-old building had been unwilling to take on the relatively short leases. But now a 1950s-style Hong Kong
restaurant and a wedding venue are slated to open soon and there are rumours of beach cafes. During the delay, more than 90 car-parking spaces beneath The Pulse stood empty as tour buses backed up along Beach Road, blocking access and irritating residents. However, according to Southern District Councillor Fergus Fung, government bureaucracy means it is unlikely the parking spaces beneath the Pulse will be available for a further six months. In the meantime, Fung is pushing to stop idling coach engines. “We can’t fix the congestion until the Pulse opens – we’re hoping once that happens the Beach Road car park can be used as a coach park,” Fung said. “I anticipate 10 to 12 coaches will be able to park off-road. “I’m really putting my foot down now with regard to idling engines. Despite legislation coming into force 18 months ago, so far not one ticket has
been issued. I want police patrols stepped up and the law properly implemented,” he said. Fung is urging the public to sign an anti-idling petition; for details email him at bays.area@ gmail.com. And write a letter of concern to Anissa Wong Seanyee JP, Director of Environmental Protection Dept, 15/F & 16/F East Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong.
For 35 years Woodland has set the standard in Hong Kong for quality early years education. With ten schools, Woodland offers the only accredited early years education in Hong Kong. Seven of our pre-schools use ‘Traditional’ teaching methods in line with the UK National Curriculum’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). These schools are fully accredited by the Pre-School Learning Alliance, London. Three of our pre-schools offer ‘Montessori’ teaching methods that are fully approved and accredited by the Montessori Centre International (London). At Woodlands we recognise the benefits to children of learning Mandarin, and offer the option of bilingual classes.
Tai Tam Montessori Repulse Bay Montessori Mid Levels Montessori The Peak Pre-School Repulse Bay Beachside Happy Valley Pre-School
Tel: 2525 1655 Tel: 2803 1885 Tel: 2549 1211 Tel: 2849 6192 Tel: 2812 0274 Tel: 2575 0042
Pokfulam Pre-School Woodland Waterfall (Pokfulam) Woodland Harbourside (Aberdeen) Sai Kung Pre-School
www.woodlandschools.com
Tel: 2551 7177 Tel: 2872 6138 Tel: 2559 1377 Tel: 2813 0290
Pictures: Mark Lehmkuhler
Readers’ Choice Best Southside event
41% 5%
Other
Shek O Challenge
Pok Fu Lam Fire-dragon Dance
Rugby Beach 5s
Stanley Carnival
Sun Life Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships, Stanley Residents’ Association, 96 Stanley Main Street, 2813 0564, stanleydragonboat@ ymail.com, www.dragonboat.org.hk.
ArtWalk
13% 12% 12% 11% 6%
Stanley Dragon Boat Festival
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Best Southside event
Pictures: Mark Lehmkuhler
Stanley International Dragon-boat Festival The dragon-boat races in Stanley romped home to win Best Southside Event by a clear boat’s length. The largest one-day dragon-boat event in the world, Stanley draws thousands of spectators, laden down with sunscreen and beer coolers, who descend by bus and boat on our favourite market town to cheer on the “yat yee” crews in these hotly contested races. Now an international event, the Stanley races are famed for their party atmosphere with plenty of junkhopping on the water and bopping on the beach. Southside fields several local teams generating lots of wildly partisan support on an exciting, actionpacked day. And with applications open until May 5, there’s still time to get a team together to join the fun.
and the winner is...
Awards
The votes are in! Meet the winners of our second annual awards.
Best place to take guests Stanley Market Stanley Market retains its crown as the area’s biggest draw for visitors. Famed worldwide, Stanley is not about designer brands (well, not the real McCoy, anyway) but small-scale, local stalls and shops with oodles of atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for discount denim, Chinese souvenirs, bedlinen, artworks, ski and surf gear or gadgets, you’ll find it in Stanley Market. Our top three must-have items: hand-carved Chinese zodiac chops at Winnie Shop, Hong Kong paintings at Cottage Gallery and remote-controlled helicopters at SkyIn Gift Store. Don’t forget to haggle (morning prices still exist, so we’re told).
29% Ocean and beaches
Why do you choose to live on Southside?
28% 27% 16% Cleaner air
Space & facilities
Others
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Best restaurant Spices The Peninsula group must be doing something right. It runs both the Best Restaurant winner, Spices, and runner-up The Verandah (last year’s winner). But perhaps that’s not surprising for the grande dame of Hong Kong hospitality. Spices wows the tastebuds and ticks the boxes for ambience. “It is our great honour to be the best restaurant in our district,” says executive chef Franck Studeny, operations manager of The Repulse Bay. Spices opened in 1987, offering authentic Southeast Asian food in a gorgeous setting with a celebrated terrace overlooking beautiful Repulse Bay. It’s a big restaurant, able to seat 168 diners, and was renovated in January 2010 with bamboo, teak and lots of baskets to give it a more distinctly Asian identity. “The extensive refurbishment marked a new page for the restaurant,” Studeny says. Famed for dishes such as barbecued duck with lychees and red curry, salt and pepper squid and grilled naan with minced garlic, Spices continues to evolve, with plans to incorporate Western cooking techniques into its menu. Spices, G/F The Repulse Bay, 109 Repulse Bay Road, 2292 2821.
Clockwise from above: tandoori mixed grill; tom yum kung; and Spices’ terrace. Opposite: Delaney’s Pok Fu Lam pub grub includes fish & chips and burgers.
Best coffee
Classified When you’re ready for a coffee, Classified serves your brew of choice. The winner for the second year in a row, the spacious, modern cafe in Stanley Plaza invites customers to linger in one of the most relaxed spaces in Hong Kong. Barista Prasanna Subba says there are two crucial ingredients in each cup of roasted goodness: quality beans from US artisan coffee roaster Graffeo – and passion. Try it for yourself. G/F, Stanley Plaza, 2563 3454, www.classifiedfood.com.
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readers’ choice awards Best bar Delaney’s Pok Fu Lam It was a long and thirsty wait, Pok Fu Lam, but it seems you’re loving having a bar on your doorstep. Delaney’s opened in Cyberport just before Christmas 2012, finally giving Pok Fu Lam’s tens of thousands of residents somewhere to catch up with friends, watch the match or chill with a pint on a Sunday afternoon. “We have been blessed with our customers,” says owner Noel Smyth, who opened the Irish pub’s first branch in Wan Chai in 1994. “From the very start those living close by, the Sandy Bay rugby community, office
workers at Cyberport, the school network and people using the Arcade have wanted us to succeed.” Smyth can take credit for such crowd-pleasing features as a kids’ room with bouncy castle, live sports broadcasts in the main bar and live music on the terrace. And then there’s Delaney’s deserved reputation for a good craic. “St Patrick’s Day 2013 fell on a Sunday and the weather was spectacular – we had 10 musicians rattling off an amazing session. It was a perfect afternoon enjoyed by people of all ages,” Smyth recalls. “That’s when I realized what a special venue we had. Keep it Irish!” The Arcade, Cyberport, Pok Fu Lam, 2677 1126, www.delaneys.com.hk.
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Best pet-friendly bar Smugglers’ Inn It seems appropriate that a place named after Stanley’s notorious pirate past should occasionally host a parrot. But we’re guessing most of your votes are for the bar’s welcoming attitudes towards dogs and even cats. The British-style bar is renowned for the friendliness of its long-serving staff – and not just to pets. Most of the staff have worked there for more than 10 years, says Smugglers’ B. Mok. Becoming pet-friendly wasn’t on the agenda, he says, adding: “We are very welcoming to pets. We just let it be.” G/F, 90A Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 2813 8852.
Best private dining The Butchers Club Hong Kong loves a good steak. The whole city has been buzzing about the 45day dry-aged prime beef at this Aberdeen butcher’s shop and private dining room, which opened barely a year ago. There are long waiting lists for its sole evening chef’s table, which seats up to 18 diners a night (minimum spend $10,000; bring your own wine). Dining at The Butchers Club includes a lesson in dry-ageing technique and a chance to chow down on some of the finest beef in town. Diners are encouraged to interact with the chef by shucking oysters and turning a steak on the grill. Regular cooking classes are also held (see p.44). The company’s first year has been so successful that it’s opening a second location in Wong Chuk Hang at the end of the month. The new space will be a deli by day and private kitchen by night, with bookings already being taken. It also has a rooftop that can cater for up to 1,000 people. 13C Sun Ying Industrial Centre, 9 Tin Wan Close, Aberdeen; (new location) 16/F, 18 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, 2552 8281, www.butchersclub.com.hk.
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Best online F&B delivery South Stream Seafoods The runaway winner for best online food delivery with a whopping 44 per cent of your votes, Aberdeen-based South Stream Seafoods has been delivering top-quality seafood, meat and other products to Hong Kong’s doors since 1990. “We’re delighted to receive the award,” says founder Bradley White. “We’ve long considered South Stream to be part of a community of foodies and health-conscious families. To know what we do is appreciated by the community is heartwarming. Thanks to all our customers.” Check it out at www.south-stream-seafoods.com.
readers’ choice awards Southside’s best-kept secret Lucy’s For those who haven’t yet discovered Lucy’s, the secret’s out (and you’re welcome). Opened in 1994, Lucy’s is a Southside institution, yet it feels like you’ve stumbled across somewhere special every time you dine at this charming restaurant hidden in plain sight in the middle of Stanley Market. Lucy’s cosy European atmosphere, palms wafting gently in the air conditioning, makes it a favourite for romantic date nights and yummy mummy lunches alike. But it’s the food that keeps everyone coming back. Try the goat’s cheese souffle with roasted red pepper, rocket and pine nuts or slow-roasted pork belly with roast potatoes, creamy cabbage and bacon with apple sauce. 64 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 2813 9055.
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Best beauty treatment & best spa experience Sense of Touch Repulse Bay This gorgeous day spa in Repulse Bay topped the polls in two categories – and it’s easy to understand why. Opened in 2009, the spa starts to work its soothing magic as soon as you walk through the doors. Assistant manager Evita Radam was “excited and surprised about winning”. She puts the spa’s success down to the personal touch, saying staff put their hearts into every treatment and make extra effort to make clients feel welcome and pampered. It’s clearly paying off. Sense of Touch attracts loyal customers from as far away as Yuen Long with its varied menu of treatments, including pro-collagen facial and massages. 1/F, The Repulse Bay Arcade, 109 Repulse Bay Road, 2592 9668.
Best hairdressers Capelli Hair Salon Linked to Sense of Touch is Best Hairdresser Capelli Hair Salon, whose head stylist Billy Ng has nine years’ experience. He attributes Capelli’s success to its lovely location – “It doesn’t feel like coming to work,” he says – and personal service, offering advice on styles to suit each customer’s skin tone and face shape. Open daily 10am-7pm, 1/F, The Repulse Bay Arcade, 109 Repulse Bay Road, 2592 9668.
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readers’ choice awards
Best workout Flex Studio This award was hotly contested, with “I don’t workout” nearly pipping Flex Studio to the top spot. But Flex retains its title with a wide variety of classes, including TRX, Pilates, yoga, Zumba and relationship workshops. Hot this month are summer toning classes. Business manager Min Ng says the studio has a policy of not forcing casual clients into long-term contracts, instead offering flexibility for those with busy schedules. Other innovations include plans to introduce instructor training courses, along with new programmes every quarter. “It’s a big year,” Ng says. “Stay tuned!” 3/F, One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang, 2813 2212.
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readers’ choice awards
Best kindergarten Woodland Pre-Schools Woodland has two preschools on Southside, in Pok Fu Lam and Repulse Bay, and another eight spread across Hong Kong. The group’s first school opened in 1978. It offers classes for children aged from 12 months to six years, including extra-curricular classes. It offers a choice of teaching styles: Montessori, accredited by the Montessori Centre International (London), and traditional classes accredited by the Pre-School Learning Alliance (London) following the Foundation Stage of the UK National Curriculum. For more information, visit www.woodlandschools.com.
How many children do you have?
33%
39%
Best children’s shop Bumps to Babes Assistant manager Elaine Lai knows why Bumps to Babes won your vote for two years in a row: good stock and great service. “We don’t follow our customers around,” she says. “We explain everything to them and let them know we’re here to help, even if they don’t buy from us.” A mother herself, Lai understands the importance of staff being informative, patient and only recommending what is necessary – especially to parents who are new and inexperienced with baby products. It’s an approach that wins customer loyalty. A one-stop shop that caters to mums-to-be, babies, toddlers and preschoolers, Bumps to Babes even offers to fix broken products. But it’s the softly softly sales approach that makes it a joy to visit. 21/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, 2552 5000.
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20%
5%
readers’ choice awards Best after-school activity
Faust International Youth Theatre What a bunch of little drama queens and kings live on Southside. Put your children on the stage with this youth theatre group. Formed in 1999 by Matthew Gregory, Faust has grown into one of the city’s most successful performing arts schools for kids, with its annual four-week festival last year seeing 63 performances. It runs classes in locations throughout Hong Kong, including weekly workshops during school terms and week-long holiday programmes in drama and creative writing. “Thank you to all those who voted for us. It is great to receive so much support from Southside,” general manager Keon Lee says. “We have so much fun in our HKIS and Stanley groups and the enthusiasm and energy our members bring to our workshops.” For details, visit www.FaustWorld.com.
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Expat Parent launches Expat Parent is a new monthly magazine by Southside Magazine’s publisher, Fast Media. Launching in May, Expat Parent is all about raising a family in an international city, and will be the best-quality free magazine in Hong Kong. As well as fun features and informed reportage about the issues that directly affect your family, it will be packed with useful tips about places to go, things to do and people to see each month. Pick up a copy at selected venues in May. For a FREE copy of Expat Parent delivered directly to your doorstep, sign up at www.expat-parent.com.
Best family outing Winner: Ocean Park
Runners up: Cyberport, Middle Island, Shek O, The Peak
Best beach Shek O Main Beach Five fun things to do. 1. Swim. On July 12, competitive types can join the Shek O Challenge, ranked 44th in the world’s top 100 open-water swimming races, www.shekochallenge.com. 2. Eat. Grill your own prawns at Liu’s Barbecue ($200 for five hours, 2809 4579) or chow on Mediterranean dishes at Cococabana (Shek O Beach Building, 2812 1826). 3. Play mini-golf. 4. Salute the sun. Take a private yoga class on the beach with Shek O-based instructor Jen Kentrup (jenkentrup@gmail.com). 5. Land a paraglider. Beginners can sign up for a course with Yuen Wai-kit (pilotkit@yahoo.com. hk, 9620 0577).
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readers’ choice awards
Best hike
The Dragon’s Back Your favourite hike by a country mile, the Dragon’s Back wins for the second year in a row. Section 8 of the Hong Kong Trail, the ridge above Shek O has some of the best views in Hong Kong and suits keen and less-keen hikers, kids and dogs alike. Stanley-based illustrator and author Theadora Whittington based her most recent children’s book around the trail.
“I love the views. It’s often windy up there and I like that, especially in the hotter months,” Whittington says. “The Dragon’s Back is a picture book about a boy, Luke, who is hiking the trail with his family when they find their way blocked by fire. The dragon is hurt and Luke is worried about him. Firefighters come to help, but the dragon is sad. So Luke learns how to care for his friend, to help him recover. It’s a story about hope and regeneration.”
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readers’ choice awards Best neighbourhood Winner: Stanley
“Still has a village feel. The stallowners know you by name.” Tara French
“Good people all around.” Joseph Lam
In your own words… “Cosy, easy to walk around, stop for a coffee or a glass of wine ;-)” Helena Estelle “It’s less hectic and has everything, so we don’t need to travel into the city too often.” Mei Chun Lee
Best residential complex The Repulse Bay Southside’s quirkiest tower block, with its signature hole – reputedly designed to let the dragon in the mountain behind access the sea to drink – wins your votes for Best Residential Complex. The Repulse Bay is said to have good feng shui, with its back to the mountains and facing the sea, which probably helped. But we’re betting you voted for other reasons: the fabulous view, the convenient location 15 minutes’ drive from the city and five minutes’ walk from the beach, and excellent award-
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winning restaurants and services in The Repulse Bay shopping centre at your feet. The building has been picking up awards since 1989, when it won a silver medal for excellence from the Hong Kong Institute of Architects for features such as the private rooftop “sky gardens”. And then there’s the 60,000 sqft club facilities, including outdoor and indoor pools, gym, playground, tennis courts, squash court, dance studios, Jacuzzi, sauna and solarium, and cafe. No wonder you love living there…
“We feel as if we were on vacation every time we go to Stanley. We always meet friends walking through Stanley streets – it is our home away from home.” Nathalie De Beffort
“A combination of holiday ambience and cultural heritage.” Blake Kwok
“Always something happening and always friends about.” Richard Bowsie
readers’ choice awards
Best interiors shop Indigo Living Winning for the second year in a row, Indigo Living – which started life as Banyan Tree back in 1979 – is a firm Southside favourite, with stores in Repulse Bay, Cyberport and Horizon Plaza, as well as Central, Sha Tin, China and Dubai. “Indigo Living creates a lifestyle that you want to experience,” CEO John McLennan says. “It’s about a beautiful state of mind, as it should be when you’re with family and loved ones.” As well as its Asian-influenced furniture and lifestyle products, Indigo Living offers furniture rental and design consultancy services, plus a bespoke furniture service for projects such as hotels, restaurants and casinos. 6/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, 2555 0540. Runners up: TREE, G.O.D.
Best hotel Le Meridien Cyberport This 10-year-old Pok Fu Lam hotel ticks your boxes for its lovely sea view, alfresco dining and convenience to Cyberport, but it’s the family-friendly features that really set it apart. These include access to swathes of grass where the kids can run as you watch from the terrace, a kids’ room created in partnership with Indigo Kids complete with bouncy castle, comedy and magic shows, and plenty of family-friendly special events. The hotel’s Claudia Lam says Le Meridien Cyberport is “thankful and happy” with the win. It won’t be resting on its laurels, she says, with upcoming plans for Tesla car exhibits and cooking classes featuring everything from lobster bisque to Easter eggs. 100 Cyberport Road, Pok Fu Lam, 2980 7788.
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Best one-stop shopping Horizon Plaza This Ap Lei Chau shopping centre is loaded with Readers’ Choice Award winners, including Bumps to Babes, Indigo Living and runners up TREE and G.O.D, so it’s not surprising that Horizon Plaza won your votes for one-stop shopping, just pipping last year’s winner Stanley Plaza. Now that the notoriously scattered lift situation has been improved with handy displays, shopping its 28 floors (minus unlucky floors 13 and 14) is a lot easier. Besides, it was always worth the effort for the discount fashion, great interiors and furniture shops, spacious children’s stores and the giant Whiskers n Paws petshop. Pick up the handy directory, then take the lift to the top and work down. (Visit www.southside.hk for our story on the best shops to hit.) Open daily, 10am to 7pm. 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, 2554 9089. Parking available.
readers’ choice awards
Best dog walk
Picture: Nic Tinworth
Tai Tam Country Park Lovely Tai Tam Country Park is your favourite backdrop for walking the pooch. There’s plenty of space in the 1,315-hectare park, which comprises a fifth of Hong Kong Island, with four reservoirs and abundance of wildlife. There are plenty of picnic and barbecue areas, and places where the dogs and kids can run while you enjoy the area’s birds, butterflies, turtles and flowering plants. Try the large area just downhill from the Parkview entrance, turning left down a shady lane.
Best vet Stanley Veterinary Centre George the cat is often the first to greet visitors to the Stanley Veterinary Centre, which has won our first award for Best Vet. Veterinary surgeon Dr. Michael Bradley was over the moon about the centre’s win and thanked all those who voted. The 16-year-old centre runs puppy socialization classes and treats all sorts of animals. As well as dogs and cats, it sees rabbits, hamsters, turtles, tortoises and even snakes. But to treat his most exotic patient, Dr Bradley has to make a housecall. “One of our regular patients is Pui Pui the crocodile at Hong Kong Wetland Park,” he says. “We visit her on a weekly basis for checkups.” LG/F, 10-12 Wong Ma Kok Road, Stanley, 2813 2030, www.stanleyvetcentre.com.
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Best time to go? Any time. But if you’re hiking the trail can be a face melter, so start early on hot days. Runners up: Cyberport Waterfront Park, Stanley Promenade.
The people speak... How can Southside be improved?
“The Southside would be greatly improved if people would pick up after themselves and not leave the beaches trashed, scattered with litter and polluted when they visit.” Megan Shea “Lick of paint.” Diana Gardner
“The Cyberport Arcade has SO much potential to be a vibrant and far more useful family-shopping destination. That is the number one thing which would make life easier for busy mums.” Carolyn Dawson “By having an MTR line.” Anonymous. (It’s coming.) “Reduce the tour buses’ that pile up at Repulse Bay beach and in Stanley. They idle their engines polluting our air, they’re really loud when they’re on the move and they create traffic challenges everywhere they go on our narrow roads.” Lynda Murray “Repulse Bay could finally finish the mall [The Pulse] that was started 10ish years ago and they could do something with the [Seaview] building. Little shops and a coffee shop, some restaurants too.” Joe Winston “Open The Pulse.” Millie Polglase “Sunday farmers’ market or flea market.” Chana Hetrakul
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“An HSBC retail bank branch in Stanley Plaza.” Rob Acker “Improve the walking access from Cyberport up to the Peak by reopening paths marked on the maps, which have been closed off.” Pauline Wood “I hope the MTR can slightly resolve the bad traffic in the morning. More control of the light pollution from the new commercial buildings in Wong Chuk Hang.” April Leung “Easy: more independent bars and eateries, without the LCSD forbidding fun – such as enjoying dinner outside on the beach. (Remember the South Bay Beach Club, anyone?)” Andrew Massey “Cyberport, in particular, needs to improve. Marks & Spencer Foodhall would be wonderful, Mannings or Watsons, Bookazine or Dymocks, and a nice coffee shop/bakery that would open for breakfast. Also a hairdressers and a spa.” Orla Thomas
readers’ choice awards
How can we improve Southside Magazine?
“Better distribution and mailing” You asked for more distribution points for Southside Magazine, so we have increased the number of distributors from 119 to 138. For a full list of distributors, or to sign up to receive a FREE copy by post, please visit www.southside.hk. “More input from district councillors” Two Southern District Councillors – Paul Zimmerman from Pok Fu Lam and Fergus Fung from Repulse Bay – now write monthly columns for Southside Magazine. “Put Southside online” We are expanding our website, www.southside.hk, which has an online version of the magazine so you never miss an issue. “An option for readers to give feedback” We love getting feedback from our readers. Let us know what’s going on in your area by emailing editor@southside. hk, leaving a message on our Facebook page, www. facebook.com/SouthsideMagazine, or sending a letter to Southside Magazine, LG1, 222 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong.
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and the winners are...
Thanks to everyone who voted. Here are the lucky prizewinners…
WINNER: Rob Acker
Heliservices family helicopter ride for five people Heliservices has been running the only sightseeing helicopter tours of Hong Kong since 1978 and offers views of the city unlike anything you’ve seen before. Our grand prize will see you and four others take off from the roof of The Peninsula with Heliservices and see Hong Kong as the birds do. www.heliservices.com.hk
WINNER: Marilu Logudic
WINNER: Amie Moriarty
WINNER: Timothy Ridley
Gail Turner photography package Valued at $4,000 www.thegailturner.com
Sense of Touch’s Love is a Many Splendoured Thing couple’s treatment Valued at $3,500 www.senseoftouch.com.hk
Butchers Club sous vide class for two Valued at $3,000 www.butchersclub.com.hk
WINNER: Marjolaine Geres
WINNER: Kay Watkins
WINNER: Frederique Blanchard
WINNER: Andy Cheng
Sheer Lingerie gift card Valued at $2,000 www.sheer.com.hk
SOL Wellness Green Detox Valued at $2,500 www.sol-wellness.com
Cellarmaster Wines’ case of Gemtree Wines Valued at $2,400 www.cellarmasterwines.com
Pacific Coffee Company capsule machine Valued at $2,000 www.pacificcoffee.com
WINNER: Agnes Leung
WINNER: Karin Boulet
WINNER: Diana Gardner
WINNER: Ella Van Westendorp
Bumps to Babes gift voucher Valued at $2,000 www.bumpstobabes.com
South African Shop gift basket Valued at $2,000 www.thesouthafricanshop.com
Itsie-bitsie Boutique gift card Valued at $2,000 www.itsie-bitsie.com
Three-course dinner for two at Cococabana Valued at $2,000 www.toptables.com.hk/coco
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eating Moveable feasts
Easter brings out the brunch bunch. Carolynne Dear finds the best deals.
Chocolate bunnies and other treats feature at the Mandarin Oriental’s famed Easter Champagne brunches. Below: a biblical brunch at Cafe Deco.
Barbecue bunnies Slap on your sunnies and book an outside table for the Easter barbecue at Prompt. There will be oysters, prawns and a sausage sizzle poolside, a buffet table groaning with biblical portions of international delicacies and a chocolate fountain (it is Easter, after all). A new Kids Buffet Corner includes freshly popped corn, mini burgers and candy floss, and at Sunset, just down the corridor, there will be balloon twisting and a magic show from 1pm to 2pm. Which should give Mum and Dad a chance to enjoy the free-flowing Moet et Chandon and juices. 11.30am-3pm, April 20-21. Adults $588 (plus $180 for champagne), children aged three-12 $279, or $88 with each paying adult. Le Meridien Cyberport, Pok Fu Lam, 2980 7417. Easy-peasy Easter The Mandarin Oriental does Easter with its usual aplomb. Its legendary Easter Sunday Champagne Brunch keeps the whole family happy with plenty of bubbles and chocolate (and maybe even a few chocolate bubbles). The Easter Bunny has promised to hop along, and
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there will be egg painting and an egg hunt to keep the smalls happy. Easy peasy. Available in either the Mandarin Grill and Bar (11am3.30pm; adults $1,288, children $548) or the Clipper Lounge (11.30am-3pm; adults $708, children $398). April 18-21, Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road Central, 2825 4007. Ta-da! He’s a busy fellow, the Easter Bunny. Everyone’s favourite rabbit will be making an appearance at the Quarry Bay Frites Easter Party, which also includes an egg hunt and magic show. While the kids busy, what will
you have? The mussels in Hoegaarden with a side of fries, perhaps? The party starts at 2pm while the restaurant opens from noon. Bookings essential. G/F, Oxford House, Taikoo Place, 979 King’s Road, Quarry Bay, 2250 5188. Eggs on top Head up to beautiful Café Deco for a brunch of Easter treats and international dishes, plus free-flowing bubbly, wines and soda. Children can search the entire restaurant for Easter eggs, with sweet treats at the end of the trail, and there will be a playroom on the lower level. April 20-21, adults $568 (including champagne), children $238. 1/F-2/F The Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Road, 2849 5111. Go (coco)nuts Children dining at Classified in sunny Stanley Plaza will get an Easter goodie bag. The special kids’ menu ($55) includes a choice of hot dishes and healthy coconut water in a range flavours including chocolate, of course. Available April 20-21. From 8am. G/F, Stanley Plaza, 2563 3454.
it’s chocolate season
Nibbles
Nose-to-tail dining at Linguini Fini’s new Family-style Beast Feast.
Gluten-free bakery opens Hong Kong’s first gluten-free bakery has opened in Wong Chuk Hang. Choice Cooperative is an airy bakery selling a wide range of nutritious goodies from the best-selling Ifat’s Choice Salad to fluffy pancakes. There’s a big playroom attached to the cafe, and there are plans for healthy-eating workshops. 7/F BT Centre, 23 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, 2677 7808, www.theonlychoicehk.com. Drawing competition Get the paints out, kids, and you could win a stay at Le Meridien Cyberport. The Pok Fu Lam hotel is holding a children’s Easter drawing competition, with the top prize a night’s accommodation in a Smart Room with breakfast for two, plus cash vouchers and tea for two at PSI Bar. To enter, drop off your inspiring Easter drawing at any Le Meridien restaurant before April 6 and invite your family and friends to vote for your easterpiece before April 11. The pictures with the most votes win. For details, call 2980 7417. Jamie Oliver comes to town British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver is opening a branch of his popular Jamie’s Italian restaurant in Tung Lung Street, Causeway Bay, in July. Seating up to 200 diners, prices are
expected to be reasonable and, if Oliver’s reputation is anything to go by, the food should be pukka. Feast on beast After the success of its first nose-to-tail Beast Feast, Italian restaurant Linguini Fini is introducing the new FamilyStyle Beast Feast menu for parties of six or more. Made with sustainable ingredients from Homegrown Foods, the meal will include roasted suckling pig with fennel, red onion and chilli mostarda, Linguini Fini’s signature homemade pastas and homemade cakes and sorbetti. $498 each. Available from April 7; 48 hours notice required. 1/F, The L Place, 139 Queen’s Road Central, 2857 1333, www.linguinifini.com. Asian-flavoured Easter SoHo favourite Fatty Crab brings the flavours of Southeast Asia to its special Easter menu. Available from April 18-20, it will include oysters, prawn salad, whole grilled Ikan Bakar, smoked leg of lamb and other delicacies. From $450; add $200 for freeflowing drinks. The regular menu is also available. 5pm7pm. 11-13 Old Bailey Street, Central, 2521 2033, www.fattycrab.com.hk.
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food by fergus
in the bag
Cooking in a vacuum Fergus Fung takes a sous vide class. Six months after I ordered it, my new toy from Kickstarter finally arrived: a Sansaire sous vide machine. I have been experimenting with it, cooking seafood, meat and vegetables at different temperatures, so I jumped at the chance to join Butchers Club’s sous vide class. Sous vide is a cooking method in which food is vacuum sealed and gently cooked in a water bath at a precisely controlled temperature. This locks in the moisture and allows for perfect and repeatable results, taking the stress off chefs as food can be prepared in advance rather than being cooked in short windows of time (it is almost impossible to overcook a steak at the correct temperature). The equipment used to be pricey, but recent technological advances have brought down the price and size of sous vide machines to make them home kitchen-friendly. But back to the Butchers Club. We gathered at 7pm and proceeded to our chopping boards to prep for four dishes: sous vide flat old bay and herb chicken with sous vide torched corn;
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Sous vide 72-hour braised short ribs and sous vide potato and apple gratin.
sous vide baby carrots and beets; 72-hour braised short ribs with truffle and honey jus; and sous vide potato and apple gratin. We peeled and cut vegetables, deboned and marinated a chicken leg, and marinated and charred a couple of short ribs. The lesson was well-planned with easyto-follow recipes from the friendly and helpful Butchers Club team. They kept the drinks flowing, which made the prepping and the
vacuum-packing enjoyable. But by 9pm we were hungry. The food was not be ready to be consumed immediately, but was delivered to our homes a few days later. Instead, we sat down to the same dishes, prepared in advance by the chef, giving us a chance to find out how the dishes tasted and were plated. The short rib had been cooked at 57.6 degrees for 72 hours, and the meat literally fell off the bone when it came into contact with the fork. Heavenly. Sous vide classes are held on the last Monday of the month. $1,500 a person, with discounts for groups of 10 or more. For details, visit www.butchersclub.com.hk. Fergus Fung co-founded the WOM Hong Kong restaurant guide, available in online and print versions. He is also a wine consultant for Bonhams 1793 and a Southern District Councillor.
NEW
STANLEY CAMPUS OPENING
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ENTRANCE OFF STANLEY PLAZA
• Genuine Montessori Learning Environment – Enquiry-Based Learning Through Doing – Curriculum Prepares Students for IB/International Schools • Dual-language Immersion (English/Putonghua) • Toddler through Primary Program (2-12 years) • Four campuses on Hong Kong Island FIRST ACCREDITED MONTESSORI PRIMARY SCHOOL IN GREATER CHINA Admissions Enquires: email: info@montessori.edu.hk
2014-15
Tel: +852.2861.0339 www.montessori.edu.hk
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS NOW!
Stanley · Tin Hau · South Horizons · Mid-levels
education
happy campers
Busy little bunnies Carolynne Dear finds Easter camps for kids.
Pink giraffes and other creative projects keep kids absorbed at Anastassia’s Art House.
Surf’s up Catch the last of the winter swells curling into Tai Long Wan with Surf Hong Kong. The surf school recommends wetsuits for its Easter day camps (overnight trips start later in the year), which include minibus transport from Central Pier 4 to Sai Kung Country Park for a morning of surf tuition, lunch, beach games and home before sunset. Suitable for children aged six to 17, who are split into three age groups (Super Groms, Groms and Surfers). $720. For details, please visit surfhongkong.com. Arty pants Let busy little fingers weave some magic at Anastassia Art House’s Easter workshops in Stanley and Repulse Bay. Options include stilllife canvas, collage, Easter egg decoration and the intriguingly named “snail paper sculpture”. Each class runs for about 90 minutes depending on the session and are suitable for
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children aged from three to 12 years. Prices start at $340, including all materials. For details, please visit www.arthouse-hk.com. Get crafty Arts and crafts specialist Little Picasso is hosting a “Chirping Chicks and Bouncing Bunnies” Easter camp at its Ap Lei Chau studio. Activities include painting, collage, papier mache, 3-D modelling and even graffiti. Two- or four-day camps run throughout the holidays, for children aged from three to teens. Materials, smocks, refreshments and a tote bag to transport treasured artworks are included. 21/F, Oceanic Industrial Centre, 2 Lee Lok Street, Ap Lei Chau, 3521 1046, www.littlepicasso.hk. Hot shots Wimbledon wannabes take centre court at Parkview’s Easter Tennis Camp. Running April
21-25, there are sessions for children of all ages and abilities. Private and semi-private lessons are also available with coach Matt (spa@ hongkongparkview.com, 2812 3945). Hong Kong Parkview, 88 Tai Tam Reservoir Road, www.hongkongparkview.com. Tennis campers Peak Performance Tennis Academy is also hosting four-day tennis camps at the Woodland Montessori Academy on Caine Road (11.30am-12.30pm) and Woodland Harbourside in Aberdeen (9am-10am). Run by professional coaches, the camps take a games-based approach to training, approved by the International Tennis Federation. April 14-17 and 22-25. For details, visit www. peakperformanceacademies.com. Salty sea pups Get out on the water with an Easter sailing
Considering A Levels? Contact Us
Kellett School, The British International School in Hong Kong, is now accepting applications for the Sixth Form A Level Programme - Year 12 and Year 13. Kellett School is an English National Curriculum School, engendering a love of learning and confidence for life. For applications and further information please visit www.kellettschool.com or contact admissions@kellettschool.com
education course at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club. Held at Middle Island, near Deep Water Bay, there are courses for children aged six to 18 years at all levels of ability. Two- to five-day courses range from an introduction to sailing Optimist dinghies to skippering a keelboat. Also open to non-members. $1,764-$5,299, April 12-26. For details, visit www.rhkyc.org.hk or call 2812 7063. Get moving Get up and go with ESF Educational Services’ four- and five-day Easter sports camps (from $2,400). Children aged three-11 take part in all sorts of sports activities at school campuses across Hong Kong. “Wet” camps including swimming activities are available at the Australian International School (April 7-11), South Island School and Renaissance College. “Dry” camps (no swimming) are held at Kowloon Junior School. Four-day clinics in gymnastics, basketball, swimming, kung fu and tennis are also available at various locations ($1,500). April 14-17. For details, visit www.esf.org.hk. Join the team If your kids love to run and play games, sign up for an action-filled multi-sports camp. Held at two locations, Sport4Kids camps for children aged four-10 promise a week of fun in athletics, basketball, soccer and even rugby. April 14-18,
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Surf Hong Kong is running day camps in Sai Kung Country Park at Easter.
9.30am-noon, French International School, Blue Pool Road, Happy Valley. April 21-25, 10am-1.30pm, Parkview Spa & Resort, 88 Tai Tam Reservoir Road. Details at www.sport4kids.hk. The play’s the thing Youth theatre group Faust International is running five-day drama and creative-writing workshops based on the theme Woodland Adventure (think Wind in the Willows, Robin Hood and so on). Young thespians will explore skills such as improvisation, clarity of expression, movement and script-work with parents invited
to the final session. The creative-writing course follows the same theme. April 14-18 and 22-26. 359-361 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan, 2547 9114, www.faustworld.com. Little dribblers Got a budding Beckham on your hands? Get him off the balcony and into a soccer camp at Woodland Schools. Coaches take the kids through their paces at hour-long sessions in Woodlands’ Pok Fu Lam, Repulse Bay and Caine Road locations. April 14-17 and 22-25. For details, email rachel@woodlandschools. com or call 2559 4855.
sponsored column
Surviving school admissions ITS School Placements answers some common questions. The school admission process in Hong Kong involves lots of worry and uncertainty. Parents are particularly stressed after Lunar New Year as they wait for offers – or rejection letters. After months of applications and interviews, there is nothing to do, but wait… and wait. Despite all the stress about making the “right” decision, most children will be accepted to the school where they will be happy and successful. But not always. Here are the questions parents ask when the outcome isn’t the one they had hoped for. My child passed her interview at two schools, but has been put on the waitlist? What should I do? Although most schools offer places to children with priority first, your child has a great chance of acceptance as spaces become available before the academic year starts or even mid-year. You will also have the opportunity to re-apply the following year. This is good because your child will be offered an interview owing to being waitlisted the previous year. While it’s disappointing
choices? Revisit the school before paying the deposit to determine whether it might be the best option after all.
when your child is placed on a waitlist, it is helpful to think of this as an opportunity to learn more about the right fit for your child to prepare for future interviews. My child was accepted to a bilingual school but not the one I preferred; should I accept the offer? You know your child better than anyone else. Think about how your child learns best. Is it in a structured environment or a more progressive one? Would your child be happy at this school? Would this school be suitable for a few years while you pursue your top
How should I deal with the disappointing news of my child not being offered any places? Firstly, make sure your child does not perceive your disappointment as this may damage his or her confidence at the next interview. Keep the frustration between parents and discuss very little about the situation with your child. Make a new plan and consider other schools. The school that is the right fit for your child is the school that ultimately chooses your child. ITS School Placements provides an education consulting service that works with families and employers to find the right schools for individual children in Hong Kong, from nursery to secondary schools. ITS also offers research, policy and advisory services for corporations. For more details, contact es@tuition.com.hk, 3188 3940 or www.itseducationasisa.com.
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family
let the games begin
Xava Interiors now offers a party-planning service. Below: a pirate party by Sweet Soirees.
Happy birthdays Kids’ party planning sorted. By Vivien Yu.
Eezy Peezy Parties Take the stress out of your next children’s party with this online one-stop shop. Use the website to create and send invitations, choose a wish list from the gift registry, order party essentials for delivery to your door, book an entertainer and even send thank-you notes after the event. Its handy directory offers email links to entertainers, photographers, bouncy castle suppliers, cake makers, caterers, party venues and more. Easy peasy. Contact: www.eezypeezyparties.com. Sweet Soirees Specialising in bespoke parties, Sweet Soirees helps turn your ideas into reality, planning events from set up to cleanup. Founder Lauren Roberts worked in London as an event planner for celebrities and royalty before moving to Hong Kong, where she puts her artistic eye to good use creating beautiful events for people of all ages. Her services include budget planning, photography, entertainment hire, venue sourcing
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and handmade decorations. Sweet Soirees charges 20 per cent of the total budget, from $20,000 to $300,000. Contact the company at least a month before the event. Contact: 2818 5870, www.sweetsoireeshk.com. Chunky Onion Chunky Onion sends in the clowns – and the puppets, magicians, comedy waiters or the cast of an entire children’s show. Its professionally trained entertainers keep kids smiling with comedy routines, games, songs and puppet shows, with themes such as Princess & Prince Charming, Robin Hood and Little John, Jungle Jim and Jane, pirates and more. One-hour shows for larger events include Aladdin and the Magic Lamp, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, and Sherlock Holmes in the Case of the Missing Bride. The Spring Onion band offers live music for teenagers. Chunky Onion also offers comprehensive party-planning services. Prices start at $4,800. One month’s notice required. Contact: 2110 0014, www.chunkyonion.com.
family Aeroporto With more than 17 years’ experience, event organiser Aeroporto specialises in thinking out of the box. It works on events of all sizes and scales, transforming any space into the theme of your choice with amazing tensioned fabric sculptures and props created at its studio in Wong Chuk Hang. Previous themes have included 1920s, Moulin Rouge and a new-baby event featuring graphic trees and 150 teddy bears. Aeroporto will take care of all the details, including finding a venue, invitations, flowers, catering, graphics, entertainment and more, while working within your budget. Contact: 2553 6310, www.aeroportodesign.com. Xava Interiors Xava Interiors has just launched a partyplanning service, creating beautiful settings for any event. Its Easter brunch parties, for example, include personally designed invitations, themed balloons and decorations such as golden chocolate eggs, cupcakes, Easter bunnies and pink spring flowers. A recent children’s garden party followed a yellow and gold theme. Xava works with full-service event management firms. Prices start at $3,000. Contact: 2858 9866, info@xavainteriors.hk, www.xavainteriors.hk.
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Party people Rachael’s Fun House Hong Kong’s leading Disco Diva for dance parties, shows and children’s entertainers, 2705 9556, www.funhousehk.com. Rumple & Friends Let them entertain you: magic, circus skills, puppets, balloon twisting, face painting and more at www.rumpleandfriends.com. Penguin Paint Force Creative face-painting services, 6117 1256, www.penguinpaintforce.wordpress.com. Birthdays.hk Equipment rental, including popcorn and candyfloss machines, bouncy castles, balloons and more at www.birthdays.hk. Hop2It Bouncy castles and other inflatables at www.hop2it.com.hk. Hub Venue Find the perfect party venue anywhere in Hong Kong at www.venuehub.hk.
Penguin Paint Force
DB Party Lovers Balloons, pinatas, decorations and more at www.dbpartylovers.com Penney Pang Beautiful homemade birthday cakes at www.penneypang.com. TwoPresents Ask guests to donate to Hong Kong birthday website www.twopresents.com, which sends a gift to the birthday girl or boy, and gives the rest of the money to a charity of your choice. Bricks4Kidz LEGO-based fun and games, with a party host, LEGO projects, free play and design-your-own mini-figure options at www.bricks4kidz.hk.
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big day out
fort knocks
The Museum of Coastal Defence was built in the 1887 Lei Yue Mun Fort.
Going coastal Hannah Grogan visits the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence.
It may not be the Louvre or the Smithsonian, but Hong Kong does have its own gem of a museum: the Museum of Coastal Defence. Where is it? The museum is located in the former Lei Yue Mun Fort, built by the British in 1887 and strategically situated on a knoll in Shau Kei Wan overlooking the eastern entrance to the harbour. The view alone – across Lei Yue Mun Channel to Kowloon and Tseung Kwan O – is a major draw for visitors. What is it? Slightly off the beaten track, the museum is one
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of the city’s lesser-known treasures, containing military memorabilia from the colonial period and earlier. Rich with history, the museum is in the beautifully restored main redoubt – now covered with a sail-like roof – and grounds of the fort. In its day, this was one of Hong Kong’s most formidable military installations, built to ward off a potential invasion from the sea. Why go? In contrast with the glamour of Hong Kong’s bright lights and big-city vibe, the museum is a step back in time. Well-executed exhibits explore successive periods of Hong Kong’s coastal defence, including the Ming period, the
big day out
Clockwise from top left: the view across Lei Yue Mun Channel; the redoubt’s central area and new roof; a typical display; the old tunnels have been turned into exhibition spaces.
Opium War, colonial days, the Battle of Hong Kong and the Japanese occupation all the way through to the handover and the modern People’s Liberation Army. There are weapons, uniforms, paintings, maps and photographs displayed in successive underground galleries in the old redoubt tunnels, which are fun to explore. A children’s section includes interactive games and a theatre shows a 12-minute feature on defence weapons in both Cantonese and English. The well-maintained grounds contain restored military relics along a purpose-built
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In its day, this was one of Hong Kong’s most formidable military installations historical trail (maps are provided with your tickets). The old defences include a British Comet tank, an armoured personnel carrier, a 10-inch breech-loading gun and even a torpedo station down on the harbourside. It’s surprisingly quiet and peaceful,
particularly on a weekday, when it can feel as if you have the place to yourself – a rare find in Hong Kong. When to go? The museum is open Friday-Wednesday 10am5pm, closed on Thursdays. Entry is $10; free on Wednesdays. To get there, take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan; the museum is a 15-minute walk. Parking available. Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence, 175 Tung Hei Road, Shau Kei Wan, 2569 1500.
pets Talk to the animals
Illustration by Evy Cheung
Sally Andersen explains how to communicate with dogs, no telepathy required.
Animal communication is becoming more and more popular in Hong Kong and I’m frequently asked if I believe it’s possible for humans to communicate with animals via telepathy. The short answer is yes, I do. I took a course myself many years ago when I owned and ran The New Age Shop, where such things weren’t considered strange or out of the ordinary. Now here comes the “but”... It’s fairly widely accepted that dogs and cats have a sixth sense – a way of hearing, seeing or just knowing something that’s not visible or audible. Humans have the same ability, but we either don’t believe it or simply don’t have the need to develop that sense. My reservations about courses that teach animal communication is they require no knowledge or experience in the art of meditation, or stilling of the mind, which is the only way any unspoken message is
The moment you think about giving an unwilling dog a bath, it disappears
going to make itself heard. And there is no way to confirm whether something a dog has supposedly communicated is true or not – it could just as easily have been imagined.
Nevertheless, anyone who has lived for long enough with an animal, particularly a dog or cat, will have experienced that uncanny connection – such as the moment you think about giving an unwilling dog a bath and it disappears. My own dog hates having a haircut, and a fleeting thought about getting the clippers out will make her leave the room. How does she know? For the most part, these messages that seem to be picked up telepathically are really the result of almost imperceptible cues that we give without realising. Dogs can pick up signals that we don’t notice, and it’s the way they communicate with each other.
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2/8/13 12:14 PM
the sixth sense
creature feature Golden birdwing aka Troides aeacus
If you’ve ever seen two dogs start a fight without any apparent reason, you can be sure there were signs but they were too subtle for human eyes. The slightest movement – a twitch of a muscle, a glance – means something to dogs. Knowing that these “invisible” signals convey so much may help owners to better understand their dogs, and their sometimes apparently inexplicable behaviour. It’s also the reason why some dogs find it difficult being around young children: a child’s body language can be uncontrolled, erratic and very confusing for a dog.
Sally Andersen is the founder of Hong Kong Dog Rescue, a charity that rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes unwanted or abandoned dogs.
Found in: Po Lo Che, Tai Po Kau, Ngong Ping, Tai Tam Country Park and Shing Mun Country Park. One of the rarest butterflies in Hong Kong, the golden birdwing is also the largest with a wingspan up to 16cm. Typically, the females are larger than the males. As its name suggests, the golden birdwing has a striking yellow pattern on its hindwings and mainly black forewings with pale markings. Its body is black with yellow stripes and the underside of the thorax is coated in red hair. All birdwing species – including the golden birdwing and its close relative the common birdwing, which is also found in Hong Kong – are listed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and classified locally as “vulnerable” and protected under Hong Kong law.
Birdwings are found near Indian birthwort, a protected climbing vine usually found on shrubs, which is their only food. Adults sip nectar from the flowers while caterpillars feed on the buds, shoots and leaves. Golden birdwings are found in India, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Taiwan. Steffi Yuen
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marketplace
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To advertise, email: ads@southside.hk or call 2776 2772
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LOCAL PROPERTY Garden House $63K/20.88M Ref~SK560 4 Bedroom Family Home. Large Enclosed Garden. Popular Development near Sai Kung Town. Spacious Accommodation, Living/Dining, Separate Family Room, Fitted Kitchen, Helpers Q, Balconies, Roof. Mountain Vistas, Shared Pool. Car-park Sole Agent www.thepropertyshop.com.hk 27193977 | C-027656
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Here’s your chance! Southside Magazine is currently looking for talented individuals to become members of our team. So if you’re a writer with something to say we want to hear from you! We are looking for writers and correspondents for the following areas: • Shek O • Stanley • Repulse Bay • Cyberport • Pokfulam • Aberdeen • Wong Chuk Hang • Ap Lei Chau Interested? Think you are a true Southside local with a voice? Contact us now! Send any writing samples or inquiries to writer@fastmedia.com.hk
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To advertise, email: ads@southside.hk or call 2776 2772
Do you want to learn about magazine publishing? Fast Media Ltd is looking for editorial interns to work on our, Southside Magazine and Sai Kung Magazine. You must: • Be a native English speaker • Be available for a full time two month internship • Be a university student or recent graduate • Want a successful career in media • Be available immediately • Be ready to work hard Email us your CV and a cover letter telling us why you would be a good magazine intern. email: writer@fastmedia.com.hk
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business directory Events Tap Dogs May 20-25, HKAPA www.htticketing.com 31 288 288
Sports & Fitness Everfine Membership Services Limited 2174 7880 | enquiry@evergolf.com.hk www.evergolf.com.hk MinisportHK 852 6183 7084 www.minisport.hk”
Health & Beauty Bronze Mobile Spray Tanning 6234 8594 bronzemobilespraytanning@yahoo.com.au A Mother’s Touch www.amotherstouch.com.hk Pure Swiss Limited 852 2358 3998 admin@e-pureswiss.com www.e-pureswiss.com Sabai Day Spa - Stanley 2104 0566 | sabaidayspa@sabaidayspa.com www.sabaidayspa.com Sense of Touch 2592 9668 enquires@senseoftouch.com.hk www.senseoftouch.com.hk Soma Spa 2812 3388 enquiries@soma-spa.com
Fashion & Accessories Itsie Bitsie Boutique 2565 0818 info@itsie-bitsie.com Mothers En Vogue 852 2866 7171 info@mothersenvogue.com.hkw ww.facebook.com/mothersenvogueHongKong
Home & Interiors Everything Under the Sun 2544 9088 www.everythingunderthesun.com.hk Hidestyle 2790 3801 | www.hkhiderigs.com Home Styling 9673 9443 | Email@thehomestylist.org www.thehomestylist.org
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Home & Interiors
Food & Beverage
Indigo Living Ltd. 2552 3500 | info@indigo-living.com www.indigo-living.com
The Australian Shop info@theaustralianshop.hk 5509 7993
JCAW Consultants 2524 9988 | jcawltd@biznetvigator.com
The Butcher’s Club 2552 8281 steve@butchersclub.com.hk www.butchersclub.com.hk
Life Solutions 2778 3282 | www.lifesolutions.com.hk National Harbour Renovations 90851886 | www.nationalharbour.hk info@nationalharbour.com.hk Opus Design Ltd 97337328 www.opusdesign.com.hk ProShade Limited gb4@me.com 9088 2820 www.proshadesail.com
Jireh International Health Ltd. 2838 8902 | www.jirehhealthhk.com Ma Cave - 5319 7901 stequeroy@gmail.com macave.hk852@gmail.com The Repulse Bay Spices: 2292 2821 The Verandah: 2292 2822 www.therepulsebay.com The South African Shop info@thesouthafricanshop.com 94570639
Redwood 6445 2235 Rimba Rhyme 2544 4011 | www.rimbarhyme.com Sai Kung Homes www.saikunghomes.hk info@saikunghomes.hk 2719 4000
Travel & Relocation
Wofu Deco 2768 8428 | info@wofudeco.com.hk www.wofudeco.com.hk Xava Interiors 852 2858 9866 | info@xavainteriors.hk http://www.xavainteriors.hk
Expert-Transport & Relocations Warehouse 2566 4799 | www.expertmover.hk Store Friendly 8202 0811 | store-friendly.com.hk
Motoring & Boating Heliservices 2802 0200 | www.heliservices.com chp@heliservices.com.hk
Real-Estate Hong Kong Parkview
2812 3888 www.hongkongparkview.com”
Education
The Arcade, Cyberport 3166 3111 | arcade@cyberport.hk www.arcade.cyberport.hk Habitat Property 2869 9069 | www.habitat-property.co The Repulse Bay de Ricou 2292 2878 | www.therepulsebay.com
ITS Education Asia
2116 3916 | es@tuition.com.hk www.itseducationasia.com
Savills 2842 4411 | www.search.savils.asia/hk
Food & Beverage South Stream Seafoods
Units 202-204, Lai Sun Yuen Long Centre, 27 Wang Yip St East, Yuen Long, N.T. Hong Kong 2555 6200 fish@south-stream-seafoods.com www.south-stream-seafoods.com
Mentorhood Learning Center
5160 1828 | enquiry@mentorhood.com.hk www.mentorhood.com.hk
Morningstar Preschool
Learning through imagination, inquiry, integration and reflection
Morningstar Preschool and Kindergarten 9736 5241 | info@MorningstarSchools.com www.morningstarschools.com
handy Education
Community Services
The Southside Kindergarten
2592 7527 | info@southside.edu.hk www.southside.edu.hk
Sylvan Learning Center
2873 0662 info@sylvan.edu.hk www.educate.com Berlitz Languages Limited 852 2826 9223 info@berlitz.com.hk www.berlitz.com.hk Canadian International School 852 2525 7088 www.cdnis.edu.hk English for Asia 2392 2746 | bianca@englishforasia.com www.englishforasia.com Eton House International Pre-School 64821729 | enquiry@etonhouse.com.hk www.etonhouse.com.hk Gaia Language Company Limited 2530 9888 www.gaialanguage.com Golden Path Education 2164 4888 | www.goldenpatheducation.com The International Montessori School 2861 0339 info@montessori.edu.hk www.montessori.edu.hk Kellet School www.kelletschool.com PowerBrain Rx 2302 0180 | www.powerbrainrx.com Safari Kid 2177 0001 info@safarikid.com.hk www.safarikid.com.hk Shelly Wong 852 9078 6978 shellywong7@yahoo.com.hk Woodland Pre-Schools 2803 1885 | 2551 7177 www.woodlandschools.com
Financial Services Ord Minnett 2912 8989 | bpatterson@ords.com.hk www.ords.com.hk
Parties & Entertainment Rumple and Friends www.rumpleandfriends.com
Services and Professionals
Annerley – Maternity and Early Childhood Professionals www.annerley.com.hk
Indo Handyman 2578 1865 sales@indohandyman.hk
SPOT Centre 2807 2992 | contact@spot.com.hk www.spot.com.hk
L Squared 5499 0261 homesolutions@L2q.hk www.L2q.hk
Stanley Wellness Centre 2372 9700 | info@stanleywellnesscentre.com www.stanleywellnesscentre.com Watermark Community Church 2857 6160 | wow@watermarkchurch.hk www.watermarkchurch.hk
Pets & Vets Homevet
9860 5522 | pets@homevet.com.hk www.homevet.com.hk Animal Behaviour Vet Practice 9618 2475 | cynthia@petbehaviourhk.com www.petbehaviourhk.com Animal Emergency Centre 9618 2475 cynthia@petbehaviourhk.com www.petbehaviourhk.com Pacific Pets @ Stanley Veterinary Centre / Pet shop 2813 7979 retail@stanleyvetcentre.com Stanley Veterinary Centre 2813 2030 | info@stanleyvetcentre.com www.stanleyvetcentre.com
Children’s Toys & Supplies apple & pie
3103 0853 www.appleandpie.com
Mordicus www.mordicus.hk Professional Wills 2561 9031 www.profwills.com Regus 852 3507 6150 www.regus.hk Southside Mandarin 852 3427 9619 info@southsidemandarin.com www.southsidemandarin.com Sunkoshi Gurkha Security Ltd. 2199 7774 www.sunkoshigurkha.com
Extracurricular Colour My World
2580 5028 info@colour-my-world.com www.colour-my-world.com
Brain Child 2528 6862 | jimchoy@netvigator.com www.mysolarbot.com Faust International Youth Theatre 2547 9114 | info@faustworld.com www.faustworld.com Rugbees 2117 3055 | nicepeople@rugbees.com www.rugbees.com
Bumps to Babes
2552 5000 (Ap Lei Chau Main Store) 2522 7112 (Pedder Building Branch) www.bumpstobabes.com Junior Snappers 852 9849 0050 juniorsnappershk@gmail.com www.juniorsnappers.com
Hotels & Private Clubs Le Meridien Cyberport Club Horizon 2155 0489 | www.clubhorizon.com.hk Le Meridien Cyberport Hotel 2980 7788
Get listed call 2776 2772 email marketing@southside.hk WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 69
my southside
maven haven
Anji Connell The interior designer and style maven talks to Hannah Grogan about life on the Southside. to be in nature; it allows you time to think and just be. It’s great to take time out. I relish the drive to Shek O or any of the bays.
Charlotte Draycott
Summer Lai
Each area is very different: Wong Chuk Hang is industrial, Aberdeen has its fishing industry, Ap Lei Chau village is sleepy, Stanley charmingly touristy. Repulse Bay has such a holiday air about it and the people dress differently – very peaceful and laid back. It is so different to Central yet so close. Stanley is still a village with pretty much everything you could need. It’s a great lifestyle: smart in Central, flipflops on the Southside. Anji Connell (left) and her modern, minimal designs for ACID+ in Ap Lei Chau.
I’m an interior designer, garden and landscape designer, and a “style maven” for House of Moloko, a leading online homes and interiors platform. I also work as an interior stylist for magazines and write design-related articles. My space in Ap Lei Chau is so open and light, yet gives a feeling of privacy. No area is wasted. There are no corridors. It moves from day to night with multiple lighting layers, transforming at the press of a Lutron switch into a great party space. We lived in Hong Kong until 2000, then returned a year ago. In the 1990s, we bought a boat with the mad idea that if it did not work out we could sail home. We moored in Marina
Cove, Sai Kung. A lovely lifestyle, sailing off at weekends to fabulous beaches such as Tai Long Wan with its pristine sand. It was like living in the South of France – the mad hustle and bustle of Hong Kong during the week then the peacefulness and beauty of our weekends at sea. It was glorious. Our next adventure was Magazine Gap Road, with incredible views of Central and the harbour, then onto Stanley waterfront and, next – my absolute favourite – Repulse Bay. Southside living gives you so much. It helps keep me rooted in nature. Walking in the hills and by the sea is very restorative. We all need
photo competiton Submit your shot We love receiving beautiful pictures of Southside from our readers. Each month we publish our favourite. To enter, simply email your best shots of Southside, along with a brief description, to photo@fastmedia.com.hk. This month’s winner: Evy Cheung. “On a sunny day at Tai Tam Reservoir.”
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It’s a great lifestyle: smart in Central, flip-flops on the Southside It’s such a shame The Pulse on Repulse Bay is not in use. It should be a gathering place, humming with the sounds of people having fun, eating, drinking and sharing. I really like Life’s a Beach, the little bar at Deep Water Bay. We take our dog. It’s really laid back and practically on the beach. Many long leisurely lunches have been had in chilled-out Shek O – Cococabana is a great addition and Ben’s Back Beach Bar is fabulous. Great margaritas. ACID+ Anji Connell Interior Design, www.anjiconnellinteriordesignacid.com.
shoot for it