BRUNCHES | SAI WAN HO | BEAUTY | DATING
AUGUST 2021
hongkongliving.com
SUMMER IN THE
CITY
Where to be and be seen this season
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CONTENT S — 0 8 / 2 1
14 COVER STORY
Where to be and be seen this summer
4 CONTRIBUTORS
20 NEIGHBOURHOOD GUIDE
6 PEOPLE
23 DINING
8 THE PLANNER
29 BEAUTY
10 NEWS
30 MUST HAVES
Meet the team
Out and about in Central
What’s on in August
What’s happening in our backyard
Dr Pauline Taylor answers your pet questions
Makeup hacks to handle humidity
35 HONG KONG DATING
It’s time to go back to school
Walk along the iconic Kai Tak Runway
Combating conflicts in your relationship
36 BACKPAGE 10
Nury Vittachi on little white lies
30
13 FIVE MINUTES WITH
Here’s what’s written in the stars for you this month
34 PETS
Hong Kong’s best boozy brunches
12 LOCAL
32 HOROSCOPES
Explore Sai Wan Ho
Ben Hui, founder of LONO
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14
20
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“I could never in a hundred summers get tired of this” ~ Susan Branch
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EDITOR’S LETTER While the school summer holidays may be coming to a close this month, the hot weather is not budging anytime soon. So we thought it would be the perfect time to refresh your memory on what’s hot this summer. If you’re sick of being cooped up inside with the aircon on full blast, head over to page 14 where we round up the best boat trips, beaches and staycation deals to keep you cool (in both temperature and popularity). Another hot weather problem many of us face.. especially me, is how to keep our makeup from sliding off. Makeup artist and beauty expert, Leticia Bishop shares eight top tips for keeping your makeup looking pristine all summer long (page 29). With those tips in mind why not show off your new look at one of Hong Kong’s best boozy brunches (page 23)? From unlimited sashimi to an Italian buffet there’s no better way to celebrate the weekend than with copious amounts of food and drink. Stay hydrated and keep your cool Hongkongers.
Editorial Editor-in-chief Nicole Slater, nicole@hongkongliving.com Features Editor Cheyelene Fontanilla, cheyelene@hongkongliving.com Senior Writer Charmaine Ng, charmaine@hongkongliving.com Dining Editor Amber Lai, amber@hongkongliving.com
Design Senior Graphic Designer Vicky Lam, vicky@hongkongliving.com
Sales & Marketing Director of Content Hilda Chan, hilda@hongkongliving.com Partnership Manager Debbie Ky, debbie@hongkongliving.com Elaine Li, elaine@hongkongliving.com Events Manager Pranali Gupta, pranali@hongkongliving.com
Publisher Matt Eaton, matt@hongkongliving.com
Founding Director
Things we love
Tom Hilditch, tom@hongkongliving.com
Contact us Editorial: 2776 2773 | Advertising: 2776 2772 Published by Hong Kong Living Ltd, L1 Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong Printer Apex Print Limited, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong
hongkongliving.com talk@hongkongliving.com
A positive ritual
A bar with a difference
Rituals Hong Kong opened their fourth location in Harbour City last month. The new 800 square foot store features the brand's mostloved collections including Ayurveda, Karma, Mehr and Jing, as well as some exciting new products for summer.
Last month the Four Seasons Hotel debuted Argo, a cocktail bar with future-forward cocktails by Lorenzo Antinori. Along with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the harbour, the bar also focuses on ingredients that may be endangered in the future due to environmental degradation.
Covid-19 update
As Hong Kong Living goes to print we have done our best to keep our content as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but life under Covid-19 regulations means things tend to change, often from day-to-day. Please check with local businesses for operation hours and services available and remember, stay safe.
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@hongkongliving @hongkongliving852
HONG KONG hongkongliving.com Hong Kong Living Magazine is published by Hong Kong Living 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. Hong Kong Living Ltd 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 publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any way, part or format without written permission from the publisher.
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CONTRIBUTORS
Valentina Tudose
Ben Hui
Certified relationship coach and clinical hypnotherapist Valentina Tudose, shares her advice on how to combat relationship conflict in her monthly dating column.
After 10 years in the fast fashion industry, Ben Hui decided it was time to change. He spent years researching plant-based alternatives to make footwear that was better than anything else on the market. Find out more about his brand LONO in our five minutes with interview.
Leticia Bishop Australian makeup artist, beauty writer and podcaster Leticia Bishop has worked in all the major cities, working on campaigns, editorials and the women of Hong Kong. She shares her beauty tips for humid weather on page 29. @leticiabishop
Kylie Chan Kylie Chan is a dining intern at Hong Kong Living. This month, she snapped all your lovely faces around town in our peoples section.
Natalie Chan Nury Vittachi Our monthly backpage columnist Nury Vittachi is a Hong Kong-based author of more than 40 books. His journalism has appeared in more than a dozen publications and is now editor of Friday magazine at fridayeveryday.com
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Natalie Chan is the CEO and founder of Wicks & Co, an eco-friendly home decor company that focuses on responsible consumerism. She joined the Hong Kong Living team this month as assistant graphic designer.
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PEOPLE
Out and about in Central
Asaya X RARE SkinFuel at The Rosewood Hong Kong 6 | hongkongliving.com
SNAPPED
Summer garden party at The Lawn Club
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PLANNER
Mark your calendars for these August events
AUG 26 - 29
Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong The Affordable Art Fair is back, showcasing over a thousand contemporary artworks from 40 local and international galleries. Workshops and tours are available. Times vary. $120. Hall 1E, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. affordableartfair.com
UNTIL AUG 7 Horizontals
An exhibition showcasing new and recent art pieces from the Capri series by American artist Mark Grotjahn. 11am–7pm. Free. Gagosian, 7/F Pedder Building 12 Pedder Street. gagosian.com
UNTIL AUG 8
Summer Lovecation Enjoy a variety of themed workshops and
UNTIL AUG 6 SummerFest
Jam-packed with summer events, SummerFest returns to the Central Harbourfront Event Space to provide Hongkongers with a wide range of large-scale outdoor recreational activities including a series of 3D summer smileys, light/shadow Maze and handicraft workshops. Free. 9 Lung Wo Road, Central, Hong Kong. summerfest-centralharbourfront.hk
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live music events held over four consecutive Sundays at Stanley Plaza. The two Sundays in August will include tea and wine tastings by tea specialists from Yú Teahouse. 12pm. Spend over $500 at Stanley Plaza or Murray House. linkhk.com
UNTIL AUG 15 Mirage
Combining traditional Chinese ink painting and modern digital art, artist Rebecca Hon hopes to merge the two distinct forms of art and create a unique contemporary ink painting. 10am-8pm. Free. S510, Block A, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central. jccac.org.hk
AUG 13-15 ALICE
Get ready for a wild ride down the rabbit hole with Hong Kong Ballet’s latest performance, ALICE (in wonderland). With captivating costumes by Cirque du Soleil designer Liz Vandal this show is set to be its most eye-
WHAT’S ON AUG 21
AUG 28
Directed by award-winning Bartlett Sher, this adoption of Shakespeare’s classic, Romeo and Juliet will captivate audiences. 3:40pm. $230. MOViE MOViE, One Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty. cinema.com
The second installment of the Midsummer Race has been scheduled for those that couldn’t make the first. Race across Shing Mun Reservoir in a range of age categories from junior to veteran. 3pm. $220. Shing Mun Reservoir Main Dam, Lower Shing Mun Road, Kam Shan. xterace.com
Roméo et Juliette
AUG 27 - 29
Hong Kong Wedding Fair
Midsummer Race 2
Photo : Hong Kong Ballet
Divided into eight themed zones, this fair offers collections of wedding products and services for newly engaged couples. 128pm. $20. Hall 3, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. wedding-show.com
catching yet. 7:30pm. $90. Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. hkballet.com
AUG 29
Hong Kong Living Summer Kids Carnival Enjoy an afternoon packed with exciting activities including dance classes from Sky Dance Avenue and Move for Life, interactive workshops and bowling. Dress up in your best Hawaiian attire for a chance to win great prizes. 11am-4pm. $50. Tikitiki Bowling Bar, 4/F, Centro, 1A Chui Tong Road, Sai Kung. hongkongliving.com/shop
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NEWS
HONG KONG LIVING LAUNCHES A PODCAST To highlight the value of Hong Kong’s entrepreneurs, professionals and their contributions to the city, Hong Kong Living will be launching Who’s Killin’ It in Hong Kong? this September. The podcast will focus on those who stand out among 7.5 million Hongkongers, whether it’s because they own a talk-of-the-town business or have lived an extraordinary, meaningful life. The podcast will be available on Apple podcasts and Spotify.
HONG KONG TRAMS INSPIRE NEW PANTONE COLOUR “HK TRAM GREEN” To mark the 117th anniversary of HK Tramways, the company is teaming up with Pantone to create a colour that’s synonymous with the city: “HK Tram Green.” As the name suggests, the signature new green hue takes its inspiration from the iconic Ding Dings, a fleet of double-decker trams that have been helping Hongkongers get around the island for almost a century. These classic vehicles are easily recognisable, thanks to their
CATHAY PACIFIC LAUNCHES NEW LIFESTYLE BRAND Hong Kong is set to welcome the launch of Cathay, a premium travel lifestyle brand, offering members an eclectic range of travel, spending and wellness benefits. Simply named “Cathay”, the new membership programme aims to simplify interactions with customers, while expanding the ways in which they can earn status and use miles. The new brand will cover everything from hotels and wellness breaks, to restaurants and retail therapy. Cathay will begin by launching their own credit card in Hong Kong this year which will be followed in 2022 by “a refreshed customer relationship programme”, the details of which are yet to be announced.
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vintage design and distinctive colour. The new colour will feature in the launch of the “HK Collection” – part of a partnership with a local home and lifestyle retail brand. “I hope this new Pantone Colour can bring delight and inspiration to everyone in the city. We want to send out a message that your support counts for making the city proud,” said Cyril Aubin, managing director of HK Tramways.
IN YOUR BACKYARD
THE F&B RUN CLUB STRIDES FOR ITS WORKERS
The F&B Run Club is on a mission to cumulatively run 384,400 kilometres, the distance from Earth to the moon. The initiative aims to promote wellbeing and mental health within the F&B industry. Raising money for two charities, participants can add their steps through the Strava app to reach the campaign’s goal. As well as promoting an active lifestyle, there are prizes and awards to be won throughout the year. Individuals can take part in
any form of steps, whether it be hiking, running or walking on a treadmill. PURE Group has also joined the rally as a wellness partner and is recruiting corporate sponsors that will donate $1 per kilometre to InspiringHK Sports Foundation and Lifewire Foundation. Joining the run to the moon are influential F&B professionals, such as Syed Asim Hussain of Black Sheep Restaurants, Manuel Palacio of Pirata Group and Agung Prabow of Penicillin.
LOCAL SEAFOOD STAPLE REDLISTED BY WWF WWF Hong Kong has published the latest version of their seafood guide, in which residents are urged to stop eating Boston lobster. The guide links lobster fishing to wider ecological impacts. The Guide covers more than 70 popular seafood species that can be found in local wet markets, supermarkets, frozen food shops and restaurants. Seafood is split into three categories: Green, meaning recommended; Yellow, which warns consumers to think twice; and Red, which means avoid. Boston lobster has joined shark fin and eels on WWF’s Red list; species designated as endangered by current fishing and consumption practices. Seafood is big business in Hong Kong, with local residents consuming an average of 66.5kg per person each year, making Hong Kong the eighth largest consumer of seafood in the world, and the second biggest in Asia. In order to secure fish stocks for future generations, changes are needed today in the way we manage, harvest and consume seafood. To read the full guide, visit wwf.org.hk
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LOCAL
Runway revamp Take a walk on the Iconic Kai Tak Runway. Christopher Alexander reports.
After almost a quarter of a century in retirement, one of Hong Kong’s most famous landmarks, the Kai Tak runway has opened as a public park. Kai Tak was Hong Kong’s international airport from 1925 until 1998, when it was officially decommissioned. The 1.4-kilometre landing strip, which juts out at 90 degrees from Kowloon Bay like a jetty, was famous among pilots and passengers for its challenging approach. With water on three sides, mountains to the north-east and tall buildings surrounding Victoria Harbour, flyers described the famed “Hong Kong Turn” as one of the hardest manoeuvres a pilot could expect to face. The strip once featured on the History Channel’s Most Extreme Airports programme, where it was ranked as the sixth most dangerous in the world. When Hong Kong outgrew its quirky airport towards the end of the twentieth century, Kai Tak was consigned to the scrapheap. But now, thanks
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to an ambitious new development project that pays homage to the location’s aviation heritage, Kai Tak is ready to soar once more into the public consciousness. “We’ve adopted the structure in an elongated form to resemble the body and wings of an airplane,” says Keith Chu, senior engineer on the team responsible for developing the site. “We’ve also incorporated lighting along the garden to recreate the atmosphere and ambience of the former airport runway at night-time,” he says. The reincarnated airstrip features a Sky Garden, which lets people stroll along the full length of the runway while enjoying panoramic views of the city skyline. The park’s designers have also created an augmented reality app, so visitors can relive the experience of planes coming in to land overhead. With its stunning location, unique backstory and cutting-edge new attractions, the airstrip
is set to become one of Hong Kong’s premier attractions in the months ahead. After almost 25 years in the hangar, Kai Tak is ready for another turn in Hong Kong. The redevelopment of the wider Kai Tak area is expected to be completed by 2025.
FIVE MINUTES WITH
Five minutes with Ben Hui
Nicole Slater meets the founder of homegrown eco-sneaker label LONO
“My passion for shoemaking comes from my grandfather who opened one of the first shoe factories in Hong Kong back in 1950.” Following in his grandfather’s footsteps, Ben Hui joined the footwear industry over ten years ago and has overseen the production of shoes in high street retailers across America.
After moving to Hong Kong from Canada, Hui took some time out to backpack across South East Asia and was inspired to look back at his work and consider how he could contribute towards a healthier planet. He left his career in fast fashion to explore the opportunities sustainable and eco-friendly materials could provide for the footwear industry. “With Amazon and Taobao, everything comes fast and cheap. Sales are mainly driven by marketing not by need or quality,” he says. Hui decided to strip the shoe design back to its roots, to the sagebrush bark sandals which date back to around 8,000 BC. The sandals were originally made from shredded sagebrush bark, which Hui was able to turn into fine yarn using modern technology. Once he had found the right eco-friendly materials, Hui set to work on the design and
manufacturing process, making sure they also included sustainable practices. “I decided on a zero-inventory retail mode where we make the exact quantity that will be sold from pre-orders taken the month before.” By following this retail model, Hui eliminated any waste from overstocking and reduced manufacturing and storage costs. While many of us are starting to be more mindful about our everyday wastage, Hui believes, “the biggest issue in Hong Kong is waste management. Everyone can throw away anything anywhere anytime, whereas other countries including Korea have very strict rules. We also need a comprehensive system for recycling to work hand in hand with garbage disposal policies.” After almost three years, Hui has finally perfected his product and brand, LONO, a plant-based sneaker designed for a sockless and eco-conscious lifestyle. “Taking its name from the Hawaiian deity, associated with agriculture, music and peace, the shoe represents life without compromises. Most people consider LONO to be just another eco-product but what makes us different is how we maximize the potential properties of natural organic materials and translating them into shoes with remarkable functionality,” says Hui. Having founded his brand via the Kickstarter crowdfunding platform, Hui recommends aspiring entrepreneurs use similar platforms when starting a business. “It’s the best way to develop a brand identity and to better understand the market such as demographics and target audience.” lonowear.com
What are three things you do daily to live a more eco-conscious lifestyle? Walk and cycle to places when possible, eat less meat and use reusable coffee mug.
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COVER STORY
Summer in the city Nicole Slater rounds up where to be and be seen this season
Hit the beach Hong Kong is not all skyscrapers and city lights. Venture out into the New Territories or to one of the outlying islands to experience some of the best beaches this city has to offer.
Big Wave Bay Beach Hailed as the birthplace of Hong Kong’s surf scene, Big Wave Bay is naturally popular with
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STYLISH SUMMER
local surfers. Smaller than neighbouring Shek O and easily accessible by road, this beach has all the facilities you need including a cafe, showers, toilets, barbecue pits and a car park. Make a day of it and hike the Dragon’s Back that morning and reach the beach in time for the peak tanning hours.
reach its powdery sand and clear waters. Sai Wan is one of four beaches that make up Tai Long Wan Bay and is a popular surfing and overnight camping spot. While you’re there, head up the hill to Sai Wan Rock Pools for a refreshing dip.
Tai Long Sai Wan (Sai Wan Beach)
Located in southern Lantau, this is one of Hong Kong’s longest beaches stretching from Lower Cheung Sha to Upper Cheung Sha. Since Covid this beach has become a
Considered one of the most beautiful places in Hong Kong, this secluded spot requires a hike through Sai Kung East Country Park to
Cheung Sha Beach
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COVER STORY
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STYLISH SUMMER
Nature Bingo at Hong Kong Park, a discovery journey to Sharp Island, family art jamming and a guided night hike, starting at $20,800. shangri-la.com
Kerry Hotel While guests currently can’t stay at the Kerry Hotel (as it is a quarantine hotel), you can enjoy a unique daycation package which includes a day pass to the swimming pool and a three-course lunch. If you really want to
popular weekend escape for residents looking to experience some holiday vibes, with beachside restaurants including Bathers and Longisland.
Treat yourself to a staycation Just because you can’t travel doesn’t mean you need to give up your five-star getaways. Many hotels are offering unique themed staycation deals to take away your travel blues.
Island Shangri La Keep your little ones entertained with Island Shangri La’s four-day staycation package which includes a range of family-friendly activities across the city. Enjoy a round of
feel like you’re on holiday, they even offer a three-hour free-flow drinks package for $350. shangri-la.com
Grand Hyatt Hong Kong Celebrating the red white and blue this summer, Grand Hyatt is offering a themed staycation with a welcome amenity of Jack Daniel’s Whiskey and Michter’s Bourbon, an American themed dinner set menu for two at Grand Hyatt Steakhouse, daily breakfast and late checkout, starting at $3,100 per night. hyatt.com
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COVER STORY
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Photo: M Yachts
STYLISH SUMMER
Book a boat trip There’s nothing better than being out on the open water. Hong Kong offers a range of boat trips from yachts to classic Chinese junks to help you set sail into the sunset.
Aqua Luna Set sail across Victoria Harbour on one of Hong Kong’s few remaining red-sail Chinese junks. On Fridays and Sundays, guests can enjoy an afternoon tea set and cruise around the harbour for $399 per person. If you fancy a longer trip, Aqua Luna also offers day cruises to Stanley every Saturday from $295. aqualuna.com.hk
M Yachts If you fancy a bit of luxury, M Yachts provides a concierge team and personalised itineraries for the perfect day at sea. The company has multiple yachts available to hire for a day or even two, including their sleek 20-metre long Peninsula Yacht which is kitted out with a Bose sound system and five crew members. myachts.life
Hong Kong Junks Offering a true Hong Kong Junk experience, Hong Kong Junks is a go-to for any occasion. Each junk holds up to 40 guests and travels to a range of destinations
including Southside and the New Territories. Best of all, the company is committed to being plastic-free, with reusable cutlery, plates and glasses on board. hongkongjunks.com.hk
Star Ferry While you may know of the classic Star Ferry which provides cheap transportation to and from Hong Kong Island, this summer the classic boat has been given a makeover. Hop aboard the stylish new boat and enjoy a sunset or evening cruise around Victoria Harbour, for it’s staycation harbour cruise. starferry.com.hk
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NEIGHBOURHOOD GUIDE
Sai Wan Ho
Charmaine Ng explores the Eastern District neighbourhood
Located on the northeastern shore of Hong Kong Island, Sai Wan Ho is a primarily residential area flanked by Quarry Bay and Shau Kei Wan. It offers a plethora of hidden delights to explore, with a bustling street food scene and a film archive celebrating Hong Kong’s rich cinematic heritage.
Things to do Sai Wan Ho Harbour Park After a meal at one of the many restaurants in Soho East, take a stroll along Sai Wan Ho Harbour Park. Part of Quarry Bay Promenade, the park stretches from North Point all the way to
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Shau Kei Wan. It offers panoramic sea views and is especially popular with joggers and dog walkers.
Fireboat Alexander Grantham Exhibition Gallery The fireboat Alexander Grantham went into service in 1953, serving as the flagship of the Hong Kong Fire Services Department’s fireboat team. After nearly 50 years of conducting rescue operations, it was decommissioned in 2002 and refitted into a gallery in 2007. Today, it showcases firefighting artefacts and offers multimedia information on marine rescue work in Hong Kong. lcsd.gov.hk
Photo: The Salted Pig
SAI WAN HO
Hong Kong Film Archive
Wo’s Restaurant
Standing at five storeys with a net floor area of 7,200 square metres, the Hong Kong Film Archive is dedicated to preserving old works and used for screening, exhibition, offices and other public functions. It has an impressive collection of local films, books, magazines and audio materials that can be viewed in the archive itself or borrowed to enjoy at home. filmarchive.gov.hk
For the quintessential cha chaan teng experience, head over to Wo’s Restaurant. The original restaurant was founded in the 1980s and is now run by a second-generation owner. With two locations in Hong Kong, Wo’s Restaurant is a tried and tested establishment for local classics such as ham macaroni, spam and egg sandwich and Hong Kong-style French toast.
Where to eat Soho East Soho East is exactly as its name suggests – Soho, but on the eastern end of Hong Kong Island. It consists of a handful of classy waterfront restaurants, bars and cafés, all of which offer outdoor seating and welcome pets. From western delights at The Salted Pig to Thai delicacies at Mint & Basil, there’s a restaurant to suit every taste in this tightknitted hub. sohoeast.com.hk
Tai On Building Ride the Coral Sea Ferry You’ve sailed across Victoria Harbour from Central Pier plenty of times, but have you sailed from Sai Wan Ho before? Operated by Coral Sea Ferry, the pier has three ferry services to Kwun Tong, Sam Ka Tsuen and Tung Lung Chau. Hop on for an alternative way to travel across the city.
In contrast to Soho East, Tai On Building is a cramped, chaotic building that houses multiple street food stalls. But don’t let that put you off – the 1960s-style residential block has long been a favourite amongst Hongkongers for authentic local delicacies such as fish balls, siu mai, egg waffles and more. For a full sit-down meal, we recommend Lam Kee Cart Noodles and Zeppelin Hot Dog Shop.
C’s Bakery If you enjoy café hopping, then a visit to C’s Bakery is a must. The café’s minimalist, light blue interiors make it a great place to take some artsy shots for your ‘Gram. But it’s not all about appearances – C’s Bakery also serves up a mouthwatering all-day menu featuring artisan bread with scrambled eggs, croissant with smoked salmon and black truffle pasta.
How to get there From Central, take the MTR Island Line to Sai Wan Ho Station. You can also take bus 720, 722 or A12. Alternatively, enjoy a slow and leisurely ride on the eastbound tram.
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DINING
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DINING
Boozy brunches Amber Lai rounds up the best brunch deals in town Zuma Dress up fancy and enjoy a Japanese izakayastyle brunch at Zuma’s Includes luxurious location in free-flow Landmark. The brunch $988 includes a selection of seasonal dishes including sashimi and tempura, one main course per person and a tropical fruit platter to finish. Make it a boozy brunch with a two and a half hour free-flow package which includes champagne, beer, wine and Aperol Spritz. zumarestaurant.com
Chaiwala For a hearty brunch menu, head over to modern Indian restaurant Chaiwala. Diners share multiple chaats before choosing a biryani, tandoor
Add on free-flow for $180
dish and curry. The restaurant also offers Frunch (Friday lunch) and Drunch (dinner brunch) menus for a fun alternative. The classic free-flow package includes prosecco, wines, beer and G&T’s. chaiwala.hk
includes Italian drinks like Aperol Spritz and peroni beer. ciaochowlkf.com
Ciao Chow Tuck into a Italian buffet featuring salads, Add on antipasti, meat carvings, free-flow pizza, pasta and for $288 desserts at Ciao Chow. Diners can watch the chefs freshly prepare each pizza in the restaurant’s open kitchen. The free-flow package
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DINING
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BRUNCH
Ruam
Duddell’s
Nestled in a jungle of Add on plants in the middle of free-flow Wan Chai, Ruam is the perfect place to escape for $288 the city for an afternoon. The weekend brunch starts with a selection of shared plates and includes a main for each guest from pad thai, pad see ew and various curries. Wash that spicy food down with free-flow prosecco, wine and Singha beer. ruam-thai.com
Offering a tranquil escape within the city, Add on Duddell’s alfresco free-flow terrace is the perfect for $300 backdrop for any occasion. With a focus on dim sum and classic Chinese dishes, the Weekend Salon Brunch includes signature dishes such as the Duddell’s shrimp dumpling and Peking duck. The restaurant also has four unique free-flow packages including champagne, cocktails, wines and beers. duddells.co
MO Bar Taking inspiration from the perfect Includes summer picnic, MO free-flow Bar is offering diners $628 a themed brunch featuring charcuteries, octopus salad, foie gras, tuna nicoise and crackers with cheese. Diners can choose an individual main course and side dish before sharing a selection of summer pastries and a boozy sorbet. Freeflow options include one and a half hours of premium rosé or Belvedere cocktails. mandarinoriental.com
The Pawn Situated in a historical pawn shop building in Wan Chai, The Pawn Includes is an elegant spot for free-flow weekend brunch. Each $698 table can enjoy a range of starters including ricotta, bruschetta, cold cuts, caesar salad and yam fries before selecting an individual main course. The brunch also includes an unlimited selection of daily desserts to end the meal on a sweet note. The free-flow package includes Moët & Chandon Rosé, bloody mary, wine, beer and cider. thepawn.com.hk
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
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BEAUTY
Hong Kong, a testing city for makeup wearers Makeup artist Leticia Bishop shares her beauty tips for humid weather If you have dry skin, a less is more approach is best with primer. Begin with a small amount in the centre of the face and blend outwards. 6. If you prefer wearing foundation, pick one that is long-lasting Apply a light layer over your primer and set with a powder on the T Zone (center of your face). There are lots of long lasting brands, some I enjoy are the M.A.C studio fix fluid, Shiseido Synchro Skin Foundation and Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear. 7. Use a setting spray to hold your makeup in place for longer I’ve not found them to be as helpful as using a primer though, but some I recommend are the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray and the Benefit Cosmetics, POREfessional Super Setter. 8. Invest in a waterproof mascara Another makeup element that gets messy in humid weather is mascara, the constant smudging, is very frustrating. Removing it at night is more of a pain, but it’s a much less embarrassing trade-off.
Hong Kong summers are notorious for humidity, making it difficult for any makeup wearer to maintain a full face. Follow these eight tips to keep your makeup looking fresh whatever the weather. 1. Take a less is more approach If you apply less makeup, there’s less to try and keep on your skin, so think light layers of products (except SPF, but that’s another article, I’m a sun protection fanatic). 2. Skincare is another area where light layers will help Maybe you’re using the same style of moisturiser in winter and summer; for the summer it’s best to opt for a light gel type moisturiser that absorbs into the skin quickly but still offers the hydration needed.
3. Wait longer between steps I call it a sandwich: skincare, SPF and makeup. If you’re doing these with no time in between, then the products can’t absorb nicely. Try doing something in between each layer like brushing your teeth or doing your hair. 4. Skip the foundation Learn how to do a makeup look with just concealer placed only where you need it and blended out. Most people don’t need a whole layer of foundation, which is in line with tip number one, less is more. 5. Invest in a good primer Primer goes on after your skincare and SPF has been absorbed into the skin and just before your foundation. Pick ones with words like matte, oil-control, humidity or sweatproof.
Leticia Bishop is a beauty writer and make-up artist in Hong Kong. Follow her Instagram @leticiabishop for more tips and tricks
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MUST HAVES
Herschel Anchor Laptop Sleeve Hexagonal water based pen set
$330 from Herschel herschel.com.hk
$48 from muji muji.com.hk
Cool kids on the block
Organic bamboo kids face mask $110 from Bamboa bamboahome.com
Back to school essentials
Rainbow hardbound journal $160 from Bookazine bookazine.com.hk
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$590 from Kikki.k kikki-k.com
BACK TO SCHOOL Brass ball point pen $230 from LOG-ON logon.com.hk
Beans pro 2 wireless earbuds $699 from the coopidea thecoopidea.com
Stainless steel water bottle $129 from Decathlon decathlon.com.hk
Leçons de choses pencil case $186 from Leçons de choses en.smallable.com
Plush sticker pack $22 from Typo cottonon.com
Make a list 3-pack notepad $119 from Typo cottonon.com
Moral Budd backpack mini $479 from LOG-ON logon.com.hk
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HOROSCOPE
Written in the stars Letao Wang, The Kingdom Healer shares his insights on what the stars hold for you this month AQUARIUS You may feel a certain degree of dissatisfaction with your present circumstances. The future is approaching, but you are afraid that your beliefs have an irreversible change. This is not a bad thing, Aquarius. Accept change and all that comes with it. Attachment to old structures will only bring problems into your life.
TAURUS Personal relationships take relevance during this period. It will be easy for you to be objective and conciliatory with others, Taurus. Therefore, do not shy away from necessary discussions. Listen to your heart’s desires and guide yourself through them to reach out to others.
LEO You will experience an aggressive and intolerant attitude toward other people, Leo. However, this may have to do with some dissatisfaction you are having with your life. Try to change something within you to find inner balance again.
SCORPIO Your career and work-related matters will require your special attention. You may acquire a more senior position and have to carry numerous responsibilities that will leave you exhausted. However, do not be discouraged, Scorpio. What you cultivate today will be the fruits of tomorrow.
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PISCES This month is a time of intense transformation, Pisces. However, it will bring very positive consequences in your life. Relationships that are no longer beneficial will have to die and will leave fertile ground for new experiences. After this period, a much more powerful version of yourself will emerge.
GEMINI You tend to be a little scattered, Gemini, but the planetary alignment will encourage you to be thorough this time. Your rationality and analytical skills will be sharper than ever, which will help you to improve various aspects of your life.
VIRGO Your flexible thinking and perspicacity will help you grow in your workplace. This may result in more responsibilities than you had intended, but you will be more than willing to accept the challenge. Beware of excessive self-criticism and bouts of stress caused by the pursuit of perfectionism.
SAGITTARIUS It’s a time to venture into new creative projects, Sagittarians. If you were thinking of doing something with your group of friends, don’t hesitate to do so. The astral energies promote a propitious environment for group work and for embarking on new ventures. Therefore, stop analysing it so much and go forward.
thehealingkingdom.com
ARIES If you’re taking too much time making up your mind, you will never risk doing something new, Aries. The planetary alignment encourages you to let go of worries and trust your intuition. Remember that the more unexpected your reactions, the better your chances of improving your personal affairs.
CANCER It’s going to be a very intense month, Cancer. You will have to face uncomfortable situations that you previously avoided. It may be painful, but the sooner you accept it, the more favourable your life will become. So embrace the process of change and focus on the future.
LIBRA The planetary configuration will stimulate your curiosity and your thirst for knowledge. It’s an ideal opportunity to resume your studies or to start a course. Your point of view is relevant, so don’t be afraid to share it with others. Be attentive to the events that arise during this season, as they will become important later on.
CAPRICORN Creative and artistic activities will be highlighted this month, Capricorn. If it’s not something you were interested in before, someone in your group of friends will get you on that path. You may resist at first, but then you’ll notice that you’re much more talented than you thought.
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PETS
Ask a vet... Dr Pauline Taylor on obesity in cats Many charts are available to help define “fat cats” but in general obesity in cats is defined as cats that are more than 30 percent over their ideal weight. You should be able to feel your cat’s ribs easily when you stroke their body lightly and you should clearly see a waistline when you look at them from above. What are some of the health issues which come with obesity? Being overweight generally means your cat will be less active and have a reduced quality of life and may reduce life expectancy as much as two years. Fat cats simply cannot groom themselves like they should while the extra weight plays havoc on aging joints. Other weight-related illnesses exist including diabetes mellitus and urinary tract infections. What exercises are good for my cat to lose weight? Establish a regular and fun exercise routine. Exercises involving moving objects for example a feather wand to stimulate the cat’s predatory
instincts. Replace food treats with more interactive activities, such as extra play time or holding and petting. Use food treat toys stuffed with normal daily diet, not treats and hide food around your home to make your cat search for the food.
craves rather than the food? If you are dieting her you must be very careful she gets enough daily nutrients from the food you give her. It’s dangerous to try and make a cat lose weight too quickly. Slow and steady weight loss is what is important for cats.
How many calories should an average-sized cat usually have per day? I never advise on calories/day in this general situation because I have seen too many pets starved because pet parents were following instructions given to them. The amount of food depends on many things including the brand/type of food and its ingredients and age species/type of cat and its life cycle. If your cat is overweight, ask your vet for advice on an appropriate feeding regime to ensure they get enough nutrients, without being overfed. My cat sits by her food bowl all day; how can I encourage her to do something else? There could be a few reasons for this that are medically induced. Could it be the water she
Dr Pauline, Pets Central veterinarian
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DATING
Combating conflict Valentina Tudose on why the fighting never ends and what to do about it
Everyone knows conflicts are normal in relationships. Couples who claim not to fight typically find they were actually avoiding problems instead of solving them. This usually ends up creating other types of issues that are in fact more difficult to repair but that’s a story for another day. Let’s focus on what is really going on for couples who have reached that heightened state of ‘relationship warfare’ when all conversations turn into a shouting match? (I’m sure you know some people like that – if only because they happen to be your neighbours). The simple answer is they don’t even know what they are fighting about. The triggers can be anything – dishes left in the sink or the infamous toilet seat, the children’s bad habits, credit card bills or being late for dinner. For some couples, EVERYTHING has become an irritant that’s just adding to the annoyance: the partner’s tone of voice, a certain look or just the idea of being in the same room for an extended period of time. What happened to the love though? Relationship issues – and therefore conflicts – are nothing but unmet needs that
we are not fully aware of. Some are solvable with communication and attention. Other issues though are not that easy to solve. There are not many ways around things like trust that has been broken, feeling judged, criticised or unimportant. These issues are more abstract, fundamentally impact the success of the relationship and are often related to ‘feelings’ ie. one person’s interpretation of reality.
absolutely must be eaten at a certain time, being late for dinner is hardly a cause for divorce. Ask yourself “Is this really about my partner or rather how I feel about myself? Am I making it all about me?” Him or her being late for dinner could really be about you feeling your time and effort is not appreciated, you may feel disrespected or taken for granted. These thoughts point to an imbalance in the relationship that is much harder to negotiate on. Respect for example has to be earned before it can be given. Feeling important or feeling loved could be just a difference in your preferred love languages or even the result of external stressors like job difficulties. Once you start being aware of the real reason you are upset, many more potential strategies become available. To resolve any ongoing conflict, it’s worth paying attention to what hides several levels underneath the reason you think you’re fighting. If you notice that all your conflicts ultimately boil down to three or four core issues, clearly defining what those are and communicating them to your partner without blaming them or complaining about them not noticing it before, will go a long way to get the peace you want.
They are: 1. Subjective (they have to be satisfied according to each person’s definition) 2. Black or white (not much space for grey in feeling respected) 3. Always going to create conflict (not negotiable) So what is the solution? First – in any sort of argument – turn inwards and ask yourself: “What is really bothering me about this situation?” Sure, the partner could be late for dinner (again!) but is this really the issue here? Unless you’re making soufflés that
Valentina Tudose is a relationship coach and founder of Happy Ever After and ambassador for YVEREST. For more information visit happyeverafter.asia
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BACKPAGE
Yes, I am a qualified pilot Nury Vittachi on the little white lies everybody tells BOYS AND GIRLS, remember to always tell the truth, unless it is a little white lie, such as “yes, of course I know how to fly a plane.” Why is it okay to pretend you are a pilot? Because this is a relatively easy skill, unlike say, replacing a toilet roll, remembering to avoid saying stupid things, putting on a pair of skinny jeans without falling over, etc. Now before pilots burn down my office, the advice above comes from one of your colleagues. A pilot wrote a comment on a news report about a pair of Air India pilots who parked flight attendants in the aircraft cockpit and went off for a 40-minute nap. One of the young women accidentally switched off the auto-pilot, so had to go to wake up a pilot for help. I wonder what she said to him? “Erm, I pressed a few buttons, so now we are in a nosedive towards a primary school. Did I do something bad?” The note from the reader, who signed himself Pontius Pilot, said that while learning to fly an aircraft is extremely difficult, operating a modern passenger jet in cruise mode is not. You can actually leave the cockpit perfectly safely in the charge of small-brained individuals like children, pets or politicians. “They fly themselves. Most impressive is a button called Auto-Land that always gives you a perfect landing,” he said. “The truth is, pilots of 747s often let AutoLand handle the landing even when they are in the cockpit.” Seriously? I once crashed a 747. I was having a go on a multi-million dollar Cathay Pacific 747 training simulator when I landed sideways on a shopping mall. “I meant to do that,” I lied, but the instructor didn’t believe me. The evil, conniving @#$% never told me that some pilots just pressed Auto-Land and went back to reading the newspaper. Now, for the sake of balance, I should point out that a second pilot I discussed this with said that he had never used Auto-Land although he did admit that it existed on all planes these days. Pontius’ revelation got me thinking of an associate who once turned up at an airport in Africa for an urgent flight that was crucial to his business. Ground staff apologetically said the pilot had not turned up for work that morning.
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“Can you fly a plane?” they asked. “No, of course not,” my friend replied, his eyebrows hitting the ceiling. But now I realize he should have said “sure,” and then got into the cockpit and Googled “how do you switch on the automatic everything in a plane?” There’s surely an app for that. However, let’s be sensible. You should never, never pretend to be a trained pilot unless the journey is a matter of life and death, such as when you need to get home in time for your wife’s birthday, football is on TV, or you really need a holiday, etc. Now if you are one of those people who claim to never to tell lies, I have news for you. Everybody lies. I reckon there is a new number one Most Common Lie in the world. I have watched a zillion people download things from the internet, even my deeply religious wife. NOT ONE OF THEM has ever read the terms and conditions. Not one of them has paused for a nanosecond before clicking the box that says “I have read the Terms and Conditions.” We’re all guilty. I bet even the Pope clicks straight through. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m in need of a holiday. Yes, I’m heading for the airport. Come with me if you like. If the pilot’s not there, I’ll see what I can do.
Nury Vittachi is an award-winning author and journalist based in Hong Kong. He is best known for his novel series, The Feng Shui Detective and is now editor of Friday Magazine. Contact him via nury@vittachi.com or through his public Facebook page.
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