FAMI LY | E DUC AT I ON | MOT H E R’ S DAY | GR A NOLA
hongkongliving.com
May 2021
DISCOVER HONG KONG’S SANDY SHORES THIS SUMMER
The writing on the wall HKWalls comes to town
It takes two to tango Meet Strictly Come Dancing professional Katya Virshilas
Leisurely lunches The best lunch deals in town
CONTENT S — 05/ 21
16
COVER STORY The best beaches across Hong Kong
4 CONTRIBUTORS Meet the team
6 PEOPLE
Sai Kungers out and about
8 THE PLANNER
What’s on this May
What’s going on in your backyard?
12 FIVE MINUTES WITH..
Joanne Mckee, founder and baker at MumJo’s
13 LOCAL
Senior Inspector Ron Yung talks crime
20 DINING
30 MUST HAVES THIS MONTH
33 PETS
The best lunch deals in town
Mother’s Day gift guide
Dr Pauline Taylor answers your pet questions
25 EDUCATION
35 IN THE GARDEN
26 NEIGHBOURHOOD GUIDE
36 HOROSCOPES
11 NEWS
15 POLICE BLOTTER
Meet BallroomBees founder, Katya Virshilas
Eat, drink and be merry in Tung Chung
William James Tutcher F.L.S. on what to plant this May
Letao Wang reveals your fate this month
29 SAI KUNG SECRETS Tulips around town
6
HKWalls comes to town
16
26
8 20
30
11
“An ocean breeze puts your mind at ease”
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editor’s letter With summer just around the corner we have a jam-packed issue for you this month, so grab a seat in the sun and get comfortable. From the looks of things, we may be in for another summer in the city but don’t fret, Hong Kong is home to some of the most beautiful beaches many of which are right on our doorstep. Our cover story this month (page 16), rounds up the best beaches to help you get in the holiday spirit - don’t forget your sun screen. We are extremely excited to announce that HK Walls has chosen our town to celebrate its seventh annual festival this month (page 13). Celebrating street art and artists across Hong Kong the event will introduce its new Youth Mentorship Program and thematic exhibition, Tools of the Trade. With Mother’s Day around the corner, I sat down with mum of two and business owner Joanne Mckee (page 12). She reveals the inspiration behind her granola brand MumJo’s and how it has changed her family’s lifestyle. Speaking of incredible mums, we had the pleasure of meeting Strictly Come Dancing star and founder of BallroomBees, Katya Virshilas. She shares her thoughts on the importance of giving children a creative outlet (page 25).
Editorial Editor-in-chief Nicole Slater, nicole@hongkongliving.com Contributing Editor Gemma Shaw, gemma@hongkongliving.com Editorial Assistant Cheyelene Fontanilla, cheyelene@hongkongliving.com Senior Writer Charmaine Ng, charmaineng@hongkongliving.com Dining Editor Amber Lai, amber@hongkongliving.com
Design Graphic Designer Vicky Lam, vicky@hongkongliving.com Yankee Tsang, yankee@hongkongliving.com
Sales & Marketing
Director of Content Hilda Chan, hilda@hongkongliving.com Sales and Partnership Manager Debbie Ky, debbie@hongkongliving.com Elaine Li, elaine@hongkongliving.com Events Manager Pranali Gupta, pranali@hongkongliving.com
things we love this month... GourMay dinners The Grand Hyatt Hong Kong is offering a unique stay and dine package throughout May. Taking on the theme of French GourMay, the staycation includes a four-course French gourmet dinner served in a romantic pop-up restaurant. hyatt.com
Publisher
Matt Eaton, matt@hongkongliving.com
Founding Director
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
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Cool cases With phones becoming a permanent part of our daily look, we want them to be stylish. Protéger Cases new unique designs feature something for everyone with catchy slogans and colourful patterns. You can find them on Etsy or Instagram @protegercases.
Covid-19 update
As Sai Kung Magazine 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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HONG KONG Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay 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
Thank you to our contributors Joanne Mckee
Katya Virshilas
After her husband’s stroke in 2016, Joanne Mckee was on a mission to improve his lifestyle. She created a classic granola mix that won over everyone who tried it. In our five minutes with section she reveals what inspired her to start the business.
Previously known for her appearance on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, Katya Virshilas moved to town four years ago. After struggling to find dance classes for her two boys, Virshilas set up her own company BallroomBees.Find out more about her in our education section.
Letao Wang Founder of the Healing Kingdom, Letao has been practising professional astrology and spiritual counselling in Hong Kong for over seven years. He reveals what’s in store for each sign this month in our horoscope section.
Ron Yung Senior Inspector Ron Yung joined the Sai Kung Police Force late last year and is happy to be in town. He gives us the lowdown on crime in the area over the past few weeks in our monthly police blotter.
Charmaine Ng Born and raised in Hong Kong, Charmaine Ng knows all the ins and outs of the city, including where to get the best pork chop rice (hint: it’s a chain restaurant). This month she talked to Jason Dembski, co-founder of HKwalls about its first festival in Sai Kung.
Want to write for Sai Kung Magazine? Contact editorial@hongkongliving.com 4 | SAI KUNG
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people
Snaps from Sai Kung
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say cheese
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planner MAY 5-16 HKwalls The seventh-annual street art and mural festival will be held in Sai Kung. The nonprofit organisation hopes to bring more art and culture to the city walls. Learn more about it in our local story on page 13. hkwalls.org
MAY 9 Mother’s Day Treat mum to breakfast in bed this Sunday. Head to page 30 for gift ideas.
MAY 12-14 HKA Open Houses Tour around Hong Kong Acadamy’s awardwinning campus, gain an insight into daily student life and meet the Principals. Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary school sessions available. hkacademy.edu.hk/ virtual-open-house
MAY 19 Buddha’s birthday Enjoy a mid-week holiday.
MAY 20-23 Art Central
MAY 21-30
Steering the Course Hebe Haven Yacht Club and Sailability HK will host a global women’s sailing festival featuring onand-off-water activities and events to encourage women to start sailing. Pak Sha Wan, Sai Kung. hhyc.org.hk
THROUGHOUT MAY Cinco De Mayo
UNTIL MAY 16 Tai Kwun Performing Arts Season
Celebrate the popular Mexican festival every Saturday throughout May at Tiki Tiki Bowling Bar. Enjoy a set dinner, live entertainment, games and more. 6-10pm. Adults $199, children $99.
Tai Kwun is shining the spotlight on Hong Kong’s local artists, by hosting a range of performances in the former Central police station. From $250. Tai Kwun, Central. taikwun.hk
MAY 1 - JUN 26 What’s SUP A beginner course offering a complete introduction to stand up paddle boarding (SUP), including safety, equipment and fundamental paddling techniques. 1-4.30pm. $590. Deep Water Bay. asiapacificadventure.com
MAY 1 - JUN 30 Le French May Arts Festival One of the largest cultural events in Asia with more than 150 programmes across two months. Enjoy heritage and contemporary arts, painting and design and music including classical, hip hop and dance. frenchmay.com
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Celebrate the next generation of artists with Art Central’s contemporary art and experimentation exhibition. 11am-6pm. Free. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. artcentralhongkong.com
MAY 21-23 Art Basel Art Basel is back with on-site and virtual exhibitions showcasing artwork from across the globe. $150. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. artbasel.com
what’s on
BOOK NOW JUN 10-13
JUN 14
A exhibition featuring 4,000 natural, vegan and organic products from across the world. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. vegfoodasia.com
Enjoy the only sport in Hong Kong with its very own public holiday. Cheer the paddlers from Sai Kung Public Pier throughout the day.
JUL 14-20
JUN 21 - JUL 30
Enjoy book shopping, literary workshops and seminars in the annual week-long fair. 10am- 10pm. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai. hkbookfair.hktdc.com
Hong Kong Academy has put together
Dragon Boat (Tuen Ng) Festival
Vegetarian Food Asia
Hong Kong Book Fair
HKA summer camp
an exciting summer programme featuring a range of creative and sporting activities from Asia Pacific Soccer Schools, Babel Film, Brendan Fitzpatrick, EVA Volleyball, FAUST, ISTA Performing Arts Academy, Mindful Wing Chun, Proactive Sports, Skydance, Tier One Basketball and Top Flight. 3-18 years. From $250. co-curricular.hkacademy.edu.hk
Got an event? We can publish the details. Email talk@hongkongliving.com
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news
Hong Kong poison patrol Over the past few months, a large number of dog poisoning cases have occurred around Hong Kong. A total of 15 dogs have been poisoned with eight of them sadly passing away. One of those unfortunate cases was a golden retriever named Gamma. On a mission to prevent any more dogs from being harmed, Gamma’s owner Mia Fong set up a neighbourhood watch Facebook and Instagram group Gamma.hkg. She hopes to encourage people to patrol parks, neighbourhoods and hiking trails and remove poisoned bait. “What we need are more people on the ground, actively looking for potentially poisoned bait,” said Fong.
Rebuild reefs with discarded oyster shells The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has announced the launch of Save Our Shells, an initiative to collect discarded shellfish shells from partner restaurants and oyster farmers to build new, native oyster reefs in Hong Kong. So far nine restaurants including The Verandah, Oyster Station and Alibi – Wine Dine Be Social at Cordis Hotel have
joined the project. “Shells of oysters and other shellfish consist of calcium carbonate and have traditionally been used as a house building material. Today, we are using the shells to build a new place for baby oysters to settle and for fish and other marine life to call home,” said Lulu Zhou, director of strategic partnerships for TNC in Asia Pacific.
Quarantine reduced for lowrisk countries With new daily Covid-19 cases slowing significantly, the Hong Kong Government is making some long-awaited adjustments to quarantine arrangements for overseas arrivals. As of April 14, quarantine for fully vaccinated visitors from low-risk countries was shortened to seven days. The three countries; Australia, New Zealand and Singapore will all be exempt from the current 21-day arrangement. The mandatory quarantine period for visitors from those countries was previously shortened from 21 to 14 days.
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in your backyard
Give your pet a surprise every month Subscription services aren’t only limited to us humans, with Vetopia’s Buddy Box catering to your furry friends. Sign up to the monthly subscription and your pampered pooch will be treated to a premium selection of allnatural treats or chews, along with durable toys, grooming products and accessories. vetopia.com.hk
Electric taxis come to town To encourage the use of battery-powered vehicles in Hong Kong, the government introduced electric
taxis across Hong Kong in 2013. The trial wasn’t as successful as they’d hoped, with many drivers complaining about a shortage of charging points and long charging times. This year a second trial will take place in Sai Kung and Lantau Island. With smaller districts and more chargers available.
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five minutes with
Five minutes with Joanne Mckee
After a few years of perfecting the recipe, Mckee knew from the first crunch that she’d done it. “I had a feeling from the first bake that this was going to be something special.” With her son-in-law’s encouragement, she set up MumJo’s. Baked fresh in a local bakery, MumJo’s classic granola is free from additives or preservatives and uses honey as its only form of sweetener. “One of the other things we noticed was that many of the granolas on the market were very sweet. It was important to us that this one had a better balance,” says Mckee. But starting a business during a pandemic wasn’t ideal. “We originally planned to launch at several local markets last year and even produced our first batch in anticipation for the winter markets. But when all of them were cancelled due to the change in regulations, we had to change our tactic,” she says. Utilising her family’s skills, Mckee decided to focus on selling online via her website (mumjos.com) instead. While many find working with family challenging, Mckee believes it’s the easiest part of the process. “We all have our strengths. My co-founder and future daughter-in-law Melissa works in graphic design and marketing so has been invaluable to the company. She’s designed everything from the brand, including our packaging and media platforms. My son-inlaw already worked in the food and beverage industry so was able to put us in touch with the necessary contacts, help with the business side of things and ensure we had all of the necessary accreditation in place before we launched. Lastly, my daughter Charlotte is a certified accountant and handles the financial side of the business,” says Mckee. While it is not a full-time project at the moment, Mckee hopes that with more awareness she can turn the business into a full-time endeavor for the whole family. “We’ve had lots of interest in grab and go options so we are planning to branch out into snack packs for taking to the office, gym, school or just out and about.”
Nicole Slater talks to the founder and baker of MumJo’s Tips for aspiring business owners Named after her granddaughter’s confusion about whether to call her grandma, mum or Jo, Joanne Mckee’s first business comes in the form of granola. The tight-knit family moved to Sai Kung from the Middle East in 1997 and quickly fell in love with the town’s community spirit. Even university abroad couldn’t keep this family apart, her two children returned to live in Sai Kung and start families of their own just a few
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years ago. When her husband suffered from a stroke in 2016, the family did everything they could to help improve his lifestyle and have a more balanced diet, starting with the most important meal of the day. “It took a long time to get the recipe right but my granola turned out to not only be a great start to the morning but also a perfect snack during the day,” says Mckee.
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Do your research Take the time to do things properly Have a good support team around you Create a to-do list and tick each item off as quickly and efficiently as you can Don’t be afraid to get started
local
The writing on the wall HKwalls comes to town. Charmaine Ng reports Hong Kong has a vibrant street art culture, in part thanks to HKwalls. As a nonprofit arts organisation, HKwalls aims to create opportunities for local and international artists to showcase their talent in Hong Kong through street art and street culture. Part of what it does is actively work on connecting and building relationships with artists, the community and organisations, celebrating creativity and freedom of expression along the way. Following the cancellation of its annual street art festival in 2020, HKwalls is back – bigger and better than ever. And this year, for the first time, the street art and mural festival is taking place in our local Sai Kung. There are also two new additions to the annual festival: the first ever HKwalls Youth Mentorship Program and the organisation’s first thematic exhibition, Tools of the Trade. That’s a lot of firsts. “We have always wanted to take the HKwalls festival to Sai Kung; we explored it a number of times over the past six years and met with various members of the community
but it just never worked out,” says Jason Dembski, co-founder of HKwalls. “This year, we felt the energy drawing us back again, but more than ever, and something just clicked; we are super grateful for all the people who have been so helpful and encouraging and really looking forward to becoming a small part of such a great community.” If 2020 was the year of loss, then 2021 is the year of possibilities. With the Youth Mentorship Program, HKwalls is offering young artists the opportunity to improve their artistic skills, try new techniques and learn how to transform their creative ideas into painted murals. You can look forward to seeing the works of the chosen artists in the festival in Sai Kung. On top of that, HKwalls’ inaugural thematic exhibition titled Tools of the Trade is taking place from May 8 to June 6 in Sheung Wan. The exhibition showcases street art and graffiti through the lens of the tools that artists use to create their work. Prepare to travel back in time, because some of these tools date back to 1960s USA and 1950s Hong Kong.
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on patrol
Senior inspector Ron Yung reports on recent cases around town Toilet trouble At 1.30am on April 2, police found a braille metal plate missing from a disabled bathroom in Sai Kung. After it was reported a male, aged 40, admitted to the offence and was arrested at the scene.
What’s happening at sea Based in Tui Min Hoi, Marine East Division is the local base of the Marine Police.
Not so safe At 8am on April 9, a homeowner left his house in Floral Villas for work. Upon his return at 8pm, he found the safety deposit box moved and pried open. Two rolex watches and gold chains, worth a total of $200,000 were missing. The case is still under investigation.
Not 420 yet In the early hours of April 3, a male aged 18 was acting suspiciously at Wai Man Road Playground. When police searched him they found $300 worth of suspected cannabis and a grinder in his bag. He was arrested at the scene.
Finders keepers? At 11.30am on March 29, a female, aged 39, and her young daughter went to a local supermarket. The daughter put her mobile worth $1,700 on the counter and left the store. When they went back to retrieve it, the phone was gone. CCTV footage showed a female customer taking it. The case is still under investigation.
Watch your step A male aged 26 went hiking from Kwai Chung to Sai Wan with some friends at 12pm on April 4. Upon reaching Sai Wan, he removed his shoes and stepped on a rock, cutting his foot. He was airlifted to Ruttonjee hospital in a conscious state.
Hope he has insurance On the afternoon of April 4, a homeowner returned to his house in Sun King Terrace to find the living room window pried open. He found the house ransacked and over $19,000 worth of goods stolen. The case is still under investigation.
Hypothermia in Hong Kong Two teenagers, aged 16, went hiking to East Dam at 12pm on April 5. Upon reaching Long Ke Tsai, one of the teenagers reported feeling unwell and hypothermic. He was airlifted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in a conscious state. Burglary prevention:
Not this time On the evening of March 22, a male aged 19, went on an online naked chat room. After he had finished the chat he received a message blackmailing him for $3,000. Aware of similar scams the male didn’t send over the money and contacted the police instead.
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Secure doors and windows Activate anti-burglary measures Call 999 if you encounter a suspicious person
Stuck in the mud On the afternoon of March 21 a boat got stuck in shallow water at Shelter Island. When police located the boat they found a husband and wife onboard without injury. The boat was towed back to the Marine East Division. Canoe capsizes At 1.40pm on March 21 the police spotted a capsized canoe just off Sharp Island. Upon further inspection they found a male in a life-jacket waving for police assistance. The man and his canoe were brought on board the vessel and taken to the base. He declined further medical treatment. Heating up On the evening of April 21, a female spotted a boat on fire near HKUST. When police arrived they found a sampan and swifty put out the fire. The owner later revealed the fire was caused by a short circuit of the lights. The marine police will follow up on the case. Not so egg-citing A group of friends went canoeing to Green Egg Island on the afternoon of March 21. When they attempted to return to Sai Kung at 4.25pm the weather turned bad and they were unable to row back. The police located them and the canoe rental shop sent a boat to assist them and the canoes under police watch The MED reminds people to be safe and always wear a life-jacket when conducting sea activities.
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cover story
Nicole Slater rounds up the best beaches around town and beyond to bask on this summer 16 | SAI KUNG
beaches
Considered one of the most beautiful places in Hong Kong, this secluded spot requires a hike through Sai Kung East Country Park to 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.
Only accessible via boat or hike, Nam Fung Wan is a popular spot for many junk parties. Located in Sai Kung Country Park, the area holds fresh water lagoons and hidden coves, perfect for snorkelling. In the bay over from the beach you’ll find the popular seafood spot Yau Ley.
One of Sai Kung’s easiest beaches to get to with just a short hike or sampan ride. Although relatively small in contrast to other beaches, it has everything you need; lifeguards, changing rooms and even a small snack kiosk located on top of the facility block.
Located deep within Sai Kung East Country Park, this beach is part of a protected marine park and offers an array of underwater life including coral, mangrove forests and over 120 species of fish. Nature fans will love snorkelling into the depths, discovering the unknown while those preferring to stay on dry land can lounge on the sandy shores.
Slip through the gap in the barrier just past Pak Pat Shan Road at Redhill Peninsula on Tai Tam Road and be transported to a world away. The steep path winds through mountain-side terrain, gurgling streams gush seawards and you aren’t rewarded with a glimpse of the golden sand until you round the final bend. The beach itself boasts a small kiosk, lifeguards and a protected cove for swimming.
The dramatic scenery, sheltered location and clean, fine golden sand makes Shek O a popular choice during summer months. The beach overlooks a small island called Ng Fan Chau and the rocky cliffs offer excellent rock climbing opportunities.
Hailed as the birthplace of Hong Kong’s surf scene, this beach is naturally popular with local surfers. Smaller than neighbouring Shek O and easily accessible by road, facilities include a cafe, showers, toilets, barbecue pits and a car park.
Repulse Bay is one of the largest beaches in Hong Kong, spanning a total of 292 metres. The sandy shores are great for catching some rays and if you get peckish, pop into one of the popular waterfront restaurants at the pulse. A scenic walkway connects Repulse Bay to neighbouring Deep Water Bay.
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beaches
Famous for its stunning sunsets, this relaxed, laid back beach is popular amongst Lantau locals. Many of them spend their summers hanging out at beach shack-style restaurant Treasure Island Restaurant & Bar, other facilities include changing rooms, showers, campsites, barbecue pits and public toilets.
A few minutes walk from the Discovery Bay ferry terminal, this easy access beach is great for kids. At the north end of the beach there is a playground and after a day out in the sunshine head to one of the many alfresco, family-friendly restaurants at nearby D’deck.
Located in southern Lantau, this is one of Hong Kong’s longest beaches stretching from Lower Cheung Sha to Upper Cheung Sha. Enjoy a drink at one of the many beachside restaurants and soak up the holiday vibes.
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dining
The Conservatory
Leisurely lunches Bella Huang rounds up the best weekday lunch deals in town
Shiba Taro Cafe
The Conservatory
Momentai
Pet-friendly cafe Shiba Taro, located on See Cheung Street offers diners light lunch options starting from $68 a set. From 12:30 to 2:30 on weekdays the cafe offers a lunch and coffee deal including a pastrami panini and smoked salmon salad. Enjoy an additional slice of cake for just $20.
For an alfresco afternoon, The Conservatory offers a weekly lunch menu featuring healthy alternatives to its classic menu items. The set includes three courses for $108 and an additional glass of wine for just $25. Keep up to date with its new menus on The Conservatory Facebook page. enotecagroup.com/conservatory
Located in the heart of the Sai Kung waterfront, Momentai has a Mediterranean seaside vibe, perfect for long lunches. The restaurant offers a two-course lunch set starting from $110 every Tuesday to Friday from 12-3pm. The set includes a range of starters including clam chowder, tomato soup or green salad and six main courses including fish and chips and its popular pulled pork burger. Each set includes a
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soft drink or you can upgrade to wine or ale at an additional cost. momentai-la.com
spot of lunch
Bakso Located in the square, Bakso serves up Indonesian street-food style classics including meatballs and beef bone soup. During weekdays diners can order any signature dish and receive half priced drinks and a snack for an additional $9.
Jaspas
Singalings
A classic favourite for Saikungers. Located in close proximity to the playground, Jaspas is the perfect lunch spot to take the kids. Its two-course lunch set includes light starters and hearty mains such as chicken and mushroom risotto and a sirloin steak. Sets start from $118 and include a soft drink, a glass of prosecco is available for an additional $35. casteloconcepts.com
Everyone’s favourite restauranteur Sing Lai of Singalings has created a healthy and hearty lunch menu for those laid back weekdays. For just $138, the three-course lunch set offers a choice of four starters and mains including barley pomegranate salad and beef brisket stew. Choose between tea and coffee or a delicious dessert. Vegan options available. singalings.com
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dining
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nibbles
Dining News Loopy in Sham Shui Po Sham Shui Po continues to cement its place in Hong Kong’s cafe scene. The newest addition is Loop Kulture, a cosy establishment in the heart of Sham Shui Po. The coffee shop
Amalfitana comes to Central The popular Repulse Bay pizza restaurant, Amalfitana recently opened its second venue in Central. The restaurant, known for traditional pastas and pizzas, also unveiled an exclusive bar snacks menu that pairs with its signature drinks list. amalfitana.hk
serves up a range of brunch dishes, including the classic smashed avocado, poached eggs and rainbow yoghurt bowls. A must try is the signature caramelised banana pain perdu.
Drink up Healing diets coach and nutritional consultant, Ally van de Pol shares her tips to stay hydrated One simple way that we can improve our health is by drinking more water. Most people don’t drink enough which leaves our tissues and cells (and subsequently) our systems dehydrated and working sub optimally. The average healthy adult contains 10-12 gallons of water (68 percent of weight) and forms 83 percent of blood, 75 percent of our muscles, brain and heart, 86 percent of our lungs, 83 percent of our kidneys. As we age, overall hydration levels decrease which affects health and symptoms, however most people are dehydrated simply by not drinking enough. Also, being obese decreases the percentage of water to as low as 45 percent (and a decrease in water leads to obesity). I recommend that everyone drinks around two litres (more if you are exercising or it’s hot) of filtered water every day. I recommend tap filters, rather than drinking tap or bottled water. Caffeinated drinks like coffee or fizzy drinks can dehydrate you further, so if you drink these you need to drink extra water to make up for it. Alcohol is also a diuretic so again more water is needed if you drink alcohol. Without sufficient water your body cannot properly eliminate waste matter, so your body becomes a toxic acidic dump, it helps enzymes to function properly and carry out proper digestion, growth, tissue repair, elimination and energy production. A dehydrated body is an acidic body and that is the start of chronic health conditions. If you think you could drink more, start off by drinking a glass of water when you get up and before each mealtime; this could make up one litre alone. Then, try to sip from a bottle that you keep with you, every day.
The Upper House unveils Salisterra The Upper House has unveiled a new dining concept that draws inspiration and flavours from the Mediterranean. Called Salisterra, the new venue is located at Level 49 and replaces Café Gray Deluxe, which called time out after 11 years at the heart of Hong Kong’s luxury dining scene. salisterra.com
Ally van de Pol is a Healing Diets Coach, contact her at ally@dragonfitnessandcoaching.com
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It takes two to tango
education
Nicole Slater meets Katya Virshilas, Strictly Come Dancing professional and founder of BallroomBees
After landing the leading role in feature film Take The Lead, Katya Virshilas’s success has gone from strength to strength. She swapped her life in Vancouver for the glitz and glamour of London town, performing
in the hit BBC show, Strictly Come Dancing where she danced with many famous faces including Phil Tuffnel, Gaven Henson, Dan Lobb and Robbie Savage. “I had no idea how huge Strictly was in the UK. We even
had members of the royal family come to our shows,” says Virshilas. After three years touring England, Scotland and Ireland, dancing in over 200 shows with her professional partner Pasha Kovalev, she decided it was time for a change. Along with her husband and son, Virshilas moved to Hong Kong. “I love Hong Kong so much. It is the most beautiful concrete jungle. We moved to Sai Kung four years ago, as we didn’t know many people with children and our good friends were living in the area so we decided to move close to them.” While Virshilas was happy to enroll her son into a range of sports activities, she wanted him to enjoy a creative outlet too. “I wanted the core foundation that ballroom dance brings. I found everything was geared for girls, pink tutus and ballet. I went to a ballet class with my son and he was the only boy and they didn’t have any props for him. He was upset and it got me thinking that we need to create a dance programme that unites boys and girls.” She went on to start BallroomBees, a one-of-a-kind programme designed to nurture a child’s all-round development through the joy of dance. Suitable for both boys and girls aged from walking to 8 years old, each class focuses on developing children’s social skills and etiquette, building confidence and fostering a deep sense of respect. “We always hear from parents how their child gained confidence in school, become faster on the football pitch or become stronger and more flexible, it’s so much more than just learning to dance.” “The past two years growing BallroomBees through the protests and a pandemic has been so tough. It’s very far from my previous glamorous life, but I’ve never been happier. When you have something special it will grow and we did that mostly through word of mouth from happy parents and children.” While her passion for working with children has grown, Virshilas still enjoys a salsa night on the town. “We used to go to a little place called Picada on Wyndham street which is sadly closed now. That was the place to be.” Virshilas is extremely excited to reveal that BallroomBees has just opened its eighth location in Hong Kong, with classes available throughout the week in Clearwater Bay, Tseung Kwan O and Sai Kung Town. Visit ballroombees.com and get your kids on the dancefloor.
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neighbourhood guide
Known as the heart of Lantau, Tung Chung is home to spectacular sea views, alfresco dining spots and a wide range of things to do this summer.
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Ngong Ping 360 and Big Buddha
Cycle into the sunset
Take a crystal cabin cable car over the mountain roads and the 55-kilometer Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, before treking up the steps to Hong Kong’s iconic Big Buddha . On your way back down enjoy a bowl of Tofu pudding at Ngong Ping Village.
Hire a bike from Yat Tung Estate or Ma Wan Chung village and set off on a half-day journey to Chek Lap Kok South Perimeter Road where you’ll be able to spot planes and enjoy the sea view along the way. Ride on the bike lane along Yu Tung Road until you reach a bridge to cross over.
tung chung
Shop at Citygate Outlets The first and only outlet mall in Hong Kong, Citygate Outlets has over 70 international brands with new discounts everyday. The mall is also home to many resturants so you can grab a snack while hunting for deals. 20 Tat Tung Road.
Travel back in time Transport yourself back in time to the 1960’s at The Hong Kong Market at Yat Tung Estate. Featuring old rickshaw carts, post boxes from British colonial times, this food market is unlike any other. 8 Yat Tung Street.
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neighbourhood guide
The Upper Deck Bar & Grill
Oolaa The popular restaurant chain opened its Tung Chung branch just last year. With floor-to-ceiling windows facing the Citygate Fountain, it’s the perfect spot to watch the day pass. If you’ve worked up an appetite, there is a wide variety of starters and mains, from garlic and chili calamari, chicken quesadillas and slow-roasted pork belly lollipops to salads, pizzas, pastas, burgers, and grill platters. Unit G30, G/F, Citygate.
The new modern American steakhouse offers a range of dry-aged beef cuts from 21 to 30 days along with other beef dishes including ovenroasted bone marrow and applewood-smoked short ribs. The kitchen is helmed by Moroccan Executive Chef Faycal El Moujahid, who also runs the kitchen at popular tiki-bar Cabana Breeze. With a standalone cocktail bar, pool table and happy hour deals from $48, this is definitely the place to indulge. Shop 101, 1/F, T Bay
and rich fish stew. Its alfresco terrace is the perfect place to watch the sunset while sipping on Hong Kong-inspired cocktails such as the HomeKong Sling, a mixture of Bénédictine D.O.M. liqueur, cherry brandy, all-spice syrup, orange, pineapple, lemon, rhubarb and bitters. Shop G12-15, T Bay.
Cabana Breeze This tiki-inspired restaurant and bar offers a variety of modern seafood dishes including crispy soft shell crab burger, sautéed mussels
The Tavern Known as the local sports bar, The Tavern is for those who want to spend time kicking back a few cold ones and watching a game. If you’re feeling adventurous, try its signature cocktail, a Monkey Colada, made from pampero blanco rum, malibu, colada ginger liqueur, passionfruit and fresh pineapple. There is also a semi-buffet lunch that comes with a main of your choice. G/F, Coastal Skyline.
Funky Monkey Following its popularity in Jordan and Tsim Sha Tsui, the Nepalese bar Funky Monkey opened a new venue in Tung Chung with its iconically whimsical decoration and friendly, attentive customer service. Its bright neon colours and eclectic decor add a novelty to this resto-bar. If you’re in the mood for food, try some classic
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Nepalese momos or grab a pizza. Shop 102, 1/F, T-Bay.
A tavola After a day of exploration, grab a drink at A tavola and enjoy the live performances. An ideal place to order a mojito and unwind after a long day of walking around town, this is another spot with a large outdoor seating area. Relish in sitting beneath the open sky, surrounded by palm trees, at this bar and grill. G/F, Seaview Crescent.
sai kung secrets
Flower power
Credit: @Joman316
Bella Huang discovers Sai Kung’s hidden tulip fields While the Netherlands may be famous for its tulips, did you know that Sai Kung has its own tulip farm? Tucked away in Pak Lap Village, you’ll find fields of tulips, that will transport you to the lush landscapes of Holland. The farm is divided into two colour coded sections, the first is purple and orange and the second consists of white, yellow and pink tulips. Over the past few months the farm has become a popular place for photographers and city-dwellers to take a break and capture the garden’s beauty. In January, landscaping company Riverside Garden imported over 270,000 tulips from Holland to Hong Kong. With the tulips adapting to Hong Kong’s climate, they have begun to grow naturally in the feild and are no longer imported. Located in Sai Kung Country Park, Pak Lap Village is over 300 years-old. Abandoned in the early 19th century, the village has come back to life with many companies interested in turning the location into a holiday resort. The tulip garden is one of the many attempts to utilise this small town. With Pak Lap Wan Bay in close proximity to the village, many people have compared it to Hong Kong Island’s seafront village Shek O, with its recently refurbished, multi-coloured houses. A range of watersporting activities including windsurfing and canoeing are also available around the Bay. The best way to get to Pak Lap Village is by taxi from Sai Kung Town. On Sundays and public holidays, you can also take minibus 9A from Pak Tam Chung to the entrance of the village. From there, it’s a 15-minute walk to the tulip garden. Usually tulips bloom for seven to 12 days, so be sure to check they’re in season before making the journey. Know of a Sai Kung secret? Email editorial@hongkongliving.com
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must haves Correcting cream veil $108 from Clé de Peau Beauté whitestonehkshop.com
Melting moisture masque $728 from Dermalogica dermalogica.com.hk
Mother wild flower bouquet $1,200 from The Floristry the-floristry.com
Lime basil & mandarin cologne $1,155 from Jo Malone jomalone.com.hk
Mum’s the word
It’s your turn to spoil her this Mother’s Day (May 9)
Harmony chocolates $550 from The Peninsula Boutique peninsulaboutique.com
The Lore Collector $740 from aesop aesop.com
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mother’s day Sky blue tote bag $1,099 from Coach whitestonehkshop.com
Heart dangle charm $499 from Pandora hk.pandora.net
Blossom jewellery box $730 from NUDE Design townhouse.com.hk
Cane-line Lighthouse lantern $1,691 from Everything Under The Sun everythingunderthesun.com.hk
Queen’s Meadow cake $1,200 from Vive Cake Boutique vive.hk
Flower and lucky charms set $1,488 from Wonderland Fleurs & Cookie Smiles cookiesmiles.com.hk
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pets
Ask a vet Dr Pauline Taylor on Hong Kong’s Tong Gau (mongrels)
Much research has gone into dogs, their development from the wolf and how they started to get close to humans as far back as 12,000 years ago. The dog family is divided into at least 38 different species as a result of humans selectively breeding dogs over the years. Distinctive breeds of dogs were first seen on paintings and pottery about 3-4000 years ago, but it wasn’t until the last 600 years that the diversity of breeds increased rapidly. Today about 400 breeds of dog exist worldwide. The local mongrel dog (Tong Gau) is bred from one or more of these subspecies that exist in Asia. Additionally, it could harbour genes introduced from other dog species brought to Hong Kong from anywhere in the world. What are some of the benefits of adopting a mongrel over a purebred dog? Many arguments exist for people to adopt a mongrel dog. The most well-known is that usually you end up saving a mongrel dog’s life that otherwise may not get a forever home and even could possibly be euthanised. It’s suggested due to hybrid vigour in crossbreed dogs they are generally healthier and less prone to many diseases especially hereditary ones that purebred dogs get. But this is not always true and often some mongrel dogs get similar medical conditions as purebred dogs so it does depend on the mongrel’s gene pool. You may have noticed when a purebred breed becomes popular in Hong Kong, shortly thereafter local mongrels may show characteristics of the purebred e.g. spots on mongrel dogs after the movie ‘101 Dalmatians’. Purebred dogs usually come with a price on their head and sadly many (but not all) come from breeders only concerned about making money. Do you think the stigma around mongrels has improved in recent years? I have seen huge changes in attitude to getting mongrel dogs since I first came to Hong Kong. Nowadays families are happy to adopt a crossbreed dog where years ago a certain status symbol was created by buying and walking around with an expensive full breed dog. Let us remember many ‘in vogue’ crossbreed dog breeds such as the cockapoo did not exist a few
Dr Pauline's very own Tong Gau, Spud
years ago in any great numbers and certainly not by that name. Nowadays many animal welfare groups contribute to rescuing mongrel dogs whereas these groups did not exist 20 years ago. With marketing and good PR these groups have altered the stigma around having a mongrel dog. Are there any special precautions people should take when adopting a mongrel? The answer depends on each individual dog. A young friendly mongrel pup less than 16 weeks of age that can be appropriately trained to be socially acceptable with other dogs, animals, humans and fit into family life from as young an age as possible should be easy to find a permanent home with a family that would like a mongrel pup in their life. Special precautions kick in with adult mongrels who maybe set in their ways but
that is no different from adopting a pure breed adult dog. It is generally felt that mongrel dogs cause fewer veterinary bills than many of their pure-bred counterparts.
Dr Pauline Taylor, Pets Central veterinarian. SAI KUNG | 33
marketplace
marketplace
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FA MI LY | D I N I N G | MA R K E TS | HOR OSC OP E S
FAMILY | OUTDOORS | DINING | PETS hongkongliving.com
March 2021
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HaNGIN’ aROUND TaI HaNG
March 2021
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marketplace
What to plant in May May weather facts Average high temperature: 28.4°C Average low temperature: 24.1°C Average rainfall days: 14.7 days
When May comes along, we know that Hong Kong is really starting to warm up. May also marks the beginning of typhoon season, so we can expect plenty of rainfall and humidity. Get comfortable with having wet dirt in your garden, it will prove to be a cool sanctuary for your plants throughout the summer. This warm season provides the perfect opportunity for sowing the seeds of Chinese balsam, sunflower, amaranthus globosus, ipomoea quamoclit, cocksombs, torenia fournieri, clitoria ternatea, and gynandropsis pentaphylla. If you’re looking to add pops of colour to your garden, these flowers will bloom and do just that. Take a good look at your previously sown seeds which have now bloomed and get ready to move things around. Annuals sown in March will now be ready for potting or planting in beds. Allamandas and buddleias should be repotted and poinsettias should be safely nestled into flowering pots. Pay attention to the following plants that need to be shielded from the wet May weather. Freesias will have grown to maturity and should be kept dry. Geraniums and heliotropes will keep better through the summer if protected from the heavy rain. Consider that verandahs provide suitable shelter. Stay a little on your toes to prevent the rain and heat getting the better of you. Draw in the summer air and embark upon this month of protecting and caring for your plants.
By William James Tutcher F.L.S. (1867-1920) Superintendent of Hong Kong Botanical Gardens. Paraphrased from his seminal 1906 work Gardening for Hong Kong.
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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 Perseverance and discipline are the keys to your success during this period, Aquarius. Don’t try to escape your responsibilities or hand them over to a third party. The faster you get busy, the more you will close chapters in your life that need to end.
TAURUS You will notice a capricious temperament regarding your relationships, thanks to the current planetary configuration. You will enjoy all the first stages of falling in love: flirting and seducing those around you. Before moving forward with a suitor, make sure that you will not lose interest once you conquer them.
LEO Although it is an excellent time for social activities, you may feel a bit scattered at your workplace. If you want to focus on just one thing, you will probably find it impossible to concentrate. So, identify the goal and move toward it with determination.
SCORPIO The emotional connection with your inner world promises a prosperous time in your relationships. You will find it very easy to connect with your friends. If you are beginning a romantic affair, it is a suitable time to deepen your link. Follow your intuition, as it is not likely to be wrong at this time.
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PISCES Your third eye is fully active, which is very conducive to pursuing artistic and spiritual activities. You will have creative inspirations that will guide all the decisions you make during this time, Pisces. Trust your intuition and follow your heart’s commands.
GEMINI You are usually pretty fast, Gemini but at this time your mental agility will be quicker than ever. Your communication is assertive and you will undertake different jobs that you will enjoy. If you are interested in starting a course, don’t hesitate to do so.
VIRGO It is an excellent opportunity to review communicational projects and establish contact with old friends. Consider your options and reflect before making important decisions. Don’t get ahead of yourself, Virgo. This is not the time to start very ambitious projects. Take your time.
SAGITTARIUS If you feel distressed about a difficult situation, try not to dwell on it. Ask your spirit guides to help you and wait for things to work themselves out at their own pace. Take note of the visions and dreams you have during this time, they will give you clues as to the next steps on your path.
thehealingkingdom.com
ARIES You may feel quite sensitive at this time, Aries. However, you will get protection from your loved ones and take confidence from a new group of friends. You might not feel in the mood to embark on demanding jobs. Choose peaceful solutions to conflicts and spend time with your family.
CANCER You are the type of person who tends to opt for peaceful solutions. However, during this period, you will feel the need to defend your territory and fight for what is yours. Do not get carried away by other’s decisions and stand firm in your opinions. It is time to become independent and find your way.
LIBRA You’ve been through a lot Libra, but those years of experience have paid off. Your wisdom makes others seek your advice to encourage them in their lives. Your patience and affectionate sensitivity will get your friends and colleagues to invite you to various social events. Enjoy yourself in the company of your loved ones.
CAPRICORN Something may be keeping you worried for longer than it should. Your rigid thinking may prevent you from finding solutions to your problems, Capricorn. Have confidence in the future. It’s not constructive for you to berate yourself for old decisions. Try to look ahead and take a more positive view of your life.
