DINING AWARDS | BARBERS | BIG DAYS OUT
November 2020
Cut to the chase The best barber shops in town
+ Hong Kong Dining Awards the results + Explore Tung Ping Chau
A Movember to remember Five Hong Kong men putting their health first
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CONTENTS — 11/20
18 COVER STORY
Don’t man up this Movember
2 CONTRIBUTORS
16 BIG DAY OUT
32 PETS
6 PEOPLE
23 DINING
35 SOUTHSIDE SECRETS
8 THE PLANNER
28 HEALTH & WELLNESS
36 ZIM CITY
10 NEWS
30 MUST HAVES THIS MONTH
Meet the team
Southsiders out and about
What’s on in November
What’s happening in our backyard
Rory Mackay explores Tung Ping Chau
Hong Kong Dining Awards top picks
Best barber shops in town
Dr Pauline on transporting your pet
Dragon Pillars at Hung Shing Temple
District Councillor Paul Zimmerman on Murray MacLehose’s national parks scheme
Host in style with these dinner party essentials
13 LOCAL
Meet the feline residents of Ap Lei Chau
15 FIVE MINUTES WITH
8
Mary Justice Thomasson, founder of Mary Justice Designs
23 16 35
30
13
15 “Courtesy is as much a mark of a gentleman as courage”- Theodore Roosevelt
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editor’s letter As a 42-year-old I have to admit that when it comes to looking after myself, I fall into the “hardly ever” category. Rarely do I visit a doctor, it’s been at least six years since my last body check and as for the dentist…let’s not go there. It’s not that I don’t take this stuff seriously, or have any particular objection to the medical profession, it’s just something I hardly ever think about. I’m fine, it’s all good, she’ll be right, I’ll get over it… Even as I write this I realise how ridiculous it sounds. Unfortunately, I’m not alone here. Men have a long tradition of being overly stubborn when it comes to their health and wellbeing. Growing up in Australia, the idea of masculinity didn’t exactly include talking about your health, let alone the state of your mental health. But it doesn’t have to be this way. This month we are proud to present five key figures changing the conversation about men’s health in Hong Kong. And what a month to get the conversation started. From early detection and intervention, to mental strength, dealing with anxiety and the allimportant issues surrounding personal grooming, these five fellas have seen the best and worst of how men deal with health. Their stories are well worth reading. It’s been hard enough living under restrictions in 2020, clinging on to these outdated notions of masculinity are not only dangerous, but completely unnecessary.
Editorial Editor-in-chief Nicole Slater, nicole@hongkongliving.com Senior Staff Writer Charmaine Ng, charmaineng@hongkongliving.com Contributing Editors Gemma Shaw, gemma@hongkongliving.com Digital Editor Apple Lee, apple@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 Head of Digital Content Isamonia Chui, isamonia@hongkongliving.com
It pays to pay attention, not just in your body, but in your head.
Partnership Manager Chrissie Ip, chrissie@hongkongliving.com Elaine Li, elaine@hongkongliving.com Circulation Manager Pranali Gupta, pranali@hongkongliving.com
Matt Eaton, Publisher
Publisher Matt Eaton, matt@hongkongliving.com
Founding Director
Things we love
Tom Hilditch, tom@hongkongliving.com
Contact us Admin: 3568 3722 | Editorial: 2776 2773 | Advertising: 2776 2772 Published by Hong Kong Living Ltd, L1 Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong
HONG KONG Cheers to the Mo
Why not spoil yourself
Fans of Feather & Bone listen up. For the month of November, our favourite butcher will hereby be known as Feather & Mo’ to support all the fathers, brothers, sons and mates as well as raise some cash for Movember. For the sale of every Coopers Pale Ale, $5 will be donated. There’s never been a better time to feel good about buying beer.
If you’re planning to grow a mo for the month of November, we here at Southside salute you. If you don’t already have plans for a post-Movember clean shave, why not take yourself down to Gentlemen’s Tonic. After all, maintaining a healthy grooming regime is as crucial as looking after your general health.
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hongkongliving.com
Photo: Venture Studios
Printer Apex Print Limited, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong
Southside 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. Southside Magazine cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.
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contributors
Thank you to our contributors
Rory Mackay
Karin Bremer Dutch-Australian photographer Karin runs Karin Bremer Photography offering a range of photography services including family portraits, events and commercial product services. See all her snaps from this month on our peoples page. karinbremer.com
Avid hiker and thrill-seeker, Rory owns adventure company Wild Hong Kong. This month he ventured over to Hong Kong’s most remote island, Tung Ping Chau. Read all about his adventure in our big day out. wildhongkong.com
Aaron Stadlin-Robbie After experiencing severe panic attacks and anxiety seven years ago, Aaron Stadlin-Robbie founded a digital content platform, Talking Mental to share his experiences with others. He aims to encourage men to talk about mental health like they would physical health. Learn more about his platform in our cover story.
Paul Zimmerman Paul Zimmerman is the CEO of Designing Hong Kong, the co-convenor of Save Our Country Parks and Southern District Councillor of Pok Fu Lam. In his column this month, Zimmerman takes a look back at Murray MacLehose’s national parks scheme.
David Welsh As managing director of Venture Studios, David knows the importance of capturing a memory. This month he headed over to Gentlemen’s Tonic to capture our wonderful cover photo in support of Movember. Find out more about Venture Studios at venturephotography.com
Mary Justice Thomasson After a two-decade sojourn in Hong Kong as a broadcast journalist, travel writer and PR maven, Mary Justice Thomasson moved to Bali to create heirloom quality furniture that combines her love of decorative arts and her first-hand experience voyaging through Indonesia. Learn more about her in our five minutes with interview.
Want to write for Southside Magazine? Contact editorial@hongkongliving.com 4 | SOUTHSIDE
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people
Snaps from Southside
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say cheese
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planner NOV 13
Life Through A Lens An immersive photography and video exhibition by Derry Ainsworth showcasing a wide range of work from over six years in Hong Kong. Free. 7pm. Famaland, Block A, G/F, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central. derryography.com
NOV 13
Stanley Quiz Night Southsiders will no longer need to travel into town to enjoy one of Beef & Liberty’s famous quiz nights. Expect top notch banter, dining prizes and happy hour burgers, snacks, desserts all night. $150. 7.30pm. G/F, Stanley Plaza, 23 Carmel Road, Stanley. beef-liberty.com
NOV 14
Steelcase Dragon Run An international surfski event taking paddlers from Clearwater Bay Beach to Stanley. Distances range from 6km to 24km. From $500. 10am. Hong Kong Sea School, Stanley. hongkongdragonrun.com.hk
NOV 7
Women’s Five A journey of fitness, health and inspiration that ends in a 5km or 10km run. For women only. From $390. 9am. Aberdeen Country Park. womensfive.com
NOV 5
Southside Online Watercolour Exhibition
speakers. 9am-8pm. $715. 1/F, Exchange Square Block 1 and 2, Connaught Place, Central. hkmentalhealthconference.com
NOV 20-22
In-Home Expo
Watercolour artist Srarh Bent will be showcasing her latest paintings based on Southside’s stunning landscapes including Deep Water Bay, Repulse Bay and Shek O in an online exhibition. Free. sarahwatercolours.com
Get some inspiration for your next home renovation at the city’s largest Expo for houseware. Source the trendiest designs and learn from industry professionals. 12-9pm. Free. Hall 1 DE, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai. exhibitiongroup.com.hk
NOV 5-15
NOV 26
Hong Kong International Literary Festival Going virtual this year for its 20th anniversary. This year’s theme ‘Present Tense, Future Perfect’ will explore how the world is responding to issues such as health, inequality and climate change. A mix of free and paid events. festival.org.hk
Thanksgiving Day
NOV 7
Get your turkey in the oven and celebrate a day of gratitude with friends and family.
ImpactHK Donation Day Donate your unneeded items such as clothing, toiletries and appliances to the Impact HK centre in Tai Kok Tsui and enjoy a coffee and live music. Free. 10am-1pm. The Guestroom, 29 Oak Street, Tai Kok Tsui. impacthk.org
NOV 27-29 HK168
NOV 6-7
Hong Kong Mental Health Conference Hosted by Mindful HK, this year’s conference will feature over 45 local and international
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A scenic ultra-endurance race across Hong Kong made up of four categories: 20km, 55km, 84km and 168km. All participants must finish within 48 hours. From $480. 9am. Tai Mei Tuk, Tai Po. hk168.com.hk
what’s on
Conrad Dy-Liacco, courtesy of Hong Kong Ballet
BOOK NOW DEC 16
Future City Summit Annual Meet This year’s annual meet will address multiple pandemic shocks to urban planning, future workforce, designs and environmental sustainability. From $160. 8.30am-5pm. Online with Cyberport as the Giant Studio for global live streaming. futurecitysummit.org
DEC 19-20
Baby Shark Live Expect plenty of singing and dancing as the sharks take part in Reefville’s first annual treasure hunt. Multiple showtimes. From $280. Star Hall, 3/F, KITEC. pinkfong.com
DEC 25
Christmas Day Sit back and enjoy the turkey, Christmas is finally here. Find our full list of activities for the festive season at hongkongliving.com
DEC 26
DEC 17–27
Burn off those Christmas calories and race across various islands including Lamma, Launtau and Hong Kong Island. Travelling time from one island to the other will not be accounted for. 7am-6.30pm. From $400. Central Ferry Pier 4. tgr.run
Hong Kong Ballet have vowed to bring The Nutcracker back to the theatre for its ninth consecutive year. Suitable for ages three and above. From $180. Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui. hkballet.com
Three Islands Green Race
The Nutcracker
Got an event? Email editorial@hongkongliving.com
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news
Indigo living launches Indigo Atelier Award-winning home furnishing retailer, Indigo Group has expanded its ever-growing portfolio which currently includes Indigo Living, Indigo Kids and the latest addition, Indigo Atelier. The new designer-led premium home furnishings and lifestyle concept, is
aimed at design-savvy customers and will include furniture, lighting, accessories and artwork. Each piece is made with refined materials and carefully curated to provide an elegant finish, the defining features of the brands approach and style. The brand will
also feature luxe collections from celebrated names in the design industry including leading light in sustainable design, Thomas Bina along with Tracey Boyd, Kelly Hoppen MBE and Martin Waller. As part of the brand’s launch, Indigo Atelier will debut in a beautiful new home above Indigo Livings flagship store on the eight floor of Horizon Plaza. indigo-living.com
Quiz night Popular burger joint Beef & Liberty is bringing its monthly quizzical night to its Stanley Plaza restaurant. The first session this month will be held on November 13, with more to follow. Expect happy hour all night, burgers, snacks, desserts, amazing dining prizes and top notch banter by Beef & Liberty’s quiz master. Entry is $150 per head entry for non-‘Society’ members and $100 per head for members, including a welcome house drink. beef-liberty.com
HULA pops-up in Central Popular pre-owned designer retailer, HULA is opening its first pop-up store in Central this month. Until November 9, shoppers can enjoy up to 95 percent off on over 1,000 luxury labels including Chanel, Dior and Louis Vuitton. Founded by Sarah Fung in 2016, HULA only sells items from invited sellers in order to guarantee their authenticity and quality. “If we aren’t sure we don’t sell it,”
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says Fung. The sustainable fashion brand currently occupies a warehouse in Wong Chuk Hang along with a website to purchase pre-loved items including clothes, shoes, handbags and accessories. The pop-up at 49 Hollywood Road, will be open daily from October 21 to November 9, 10am to 8pm. For more information visit thehula.com
in your backyard
Quarantine-free travel bubble It’s been more than eight months since most of us have been able to travel. If you’ve been longing to get out of town, now is your chance. The government has announced that Hong Kong and Singapore agreed in principle to establish an air travel bubble between the two cities. This means that visitors will not be required to undergo quarantine or at-home isolation when
travelling between these two destinations. Before boarding the flight, visitors will be required to get tested for the coronavirus in a facility recognised by both governments. The test results must come back as negative before visitors are allowed to travel. As of time of print no confirmed dates have been mentioned for when the travel bubble will be launched.
Botticelli exhibition To celebrate the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations between China and Italy, the Hong Kong Museum of Art is showcasing an exhibition by Renaissance painter, Sandro Botticelli. The exhibition titled Botticelli and His Times – Masterworks from the Uffizi, will feature some of the Italian artist’s masterpieces, including his famous Birth of Venus and proves a unique opportunity for Hongkongers to experience Renaissance art and culture from the 15th and 16th Centuries. The exhibition will run until February 24. hk.art.museum
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local
The cats of Ap Lei Chau Main Street
Leanne Hong meets the feline celebrities of this quaint Southside location Hak-Mui
If you’re a fan of cats then you must pay a visit to Hong Kong’s very own cat street. Located in Ap Lei Chau Main Street, groups of felines reside in different parts of this peaceful street, spending their days with locals harmoniously. Ap Lei Chau Main Street dates back to the Ming Dynasty, as the city developed, the street grew into a busy area occupied by shipyards near the end of the 19th century. Nowadays it is mainly residential with many families residing there for its peaceful ambiance and stunning views over Aberdeen Harbour. The area is also home to many cats, including three feline celebrities, Ling-Ling, Duc-Jai and Hak-Mui.
Ling-Ling Ling-Ling is a popular lady who hangs around the wet market near Hung Shing Temple. Identifiable by the bell collar around her
neck, Ling-Ling is known for visiting the wet market each morning, unbothered by the hustling of sellers and customers hoping to get a snack from the fishermen. Seafood stall owners often toss her a small shrimp when they spot her tiny figure strolling by. When she’s not at the market you’ll find her at home, in the nearby Chinese medicine shop.
Duc-Jai A playful boy who often lurks around a traditional tuck shop around Ap Lei Chau Municipal Services Building. He can be identified by the brown and black patterns on his body and is also a friendly resident who is always up for a chin scratch.
One of the most loved residents on Main Street. Tragically, Hak-Mui recently passed away due to a car accident. Locals mourned and commemorated the special cat for weeks after her passing, posting many of her photos on social media in her memory. While you have just got to know the three stars of the street, there are plenty more furry residents living in the area. Less domesticated than the previous three, as you tread up the stairs leading to Lai Chi Road, you can often spot one or two cats resting on the ledges of hills and stairs. Admire them from a distance. Some of the cats on Main Street are more “divine” than others. The Hung Shing Temple is a grade one historical building, while the building itself has plenty of stories to tell, there are also a number of cats that reside in the temple. You will find them lounging outside in the sun, climbing up and down the temple pillars and even resting on the roofs. As you go and admire the traditional architecture, be sure to give them a friendly greeting, they will be judging you. The animal residents of Ap Lei Chau Main Street are more than just a photo opportunity. The cats bear a strong significance to locals, as there is a rare sense of freedom between owners and their pets making them part of the community. Since the opening of the South Island Line at the end of 2016, Main Street has become more open to the rest of Hong Kong, putting the cats at risk of traffic accidents and overfeeding.
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five minutes with
Five minutes with
Mary Justice Thomasson Apple Lee speaks to the founder of Mary Justice Designs You could say Mary Justice Thomasson is as multi-faceted and entertaining as her newly released range of luxury home decor and fine
art furniture. Thomasson moved to Bali in 2003 after a two-decade sojourn in Hong Kong as a broadcast journalist, travel writer and PR
maven. Having lived a vivacious life traversing the world, she is well-prepared to unleash her talents as a designer with her new adventure Mary Justice Designs. In her Bali studio, Thomasson creates heirloom quality furniture that combines her love of decorative arts and her first-hand experience voyaging through Indonesia. Her recipe of using furniture as the canvas for expressive storytelling goes back to the days when she studied European and Fine Decorative Arts at Christie’s London. “It has always been my dream to create beautiful hand-painted furniture that tells a story. I’ve always harboured a deep fascination for storytelling, which my travel writing and journalistic career offered me. But I also carry a lifelong desire to design and create art, having been surrounded by it since my childhood,” she says. Thomasson’s father was a geologist and her mother and grandmother both specialised in antique furniture and accessories from around the world. Growing up in London, her family home in Chelsea was always filled with lusterware jugs, masons ironstone, bible boxes, Windsor chairs and cricket tables, instilling in her a keen eye for aesthetics from a young age. Mary Justice Designs focuses on handhoned furniture pieces that are built to last. Made with sustainable FSC-certified teak and mahogany, the collections feature an assortment of paintings depicting birds, butterflies and jungle scenes inhabited by cloud leopards and underwater seascapes. These paintings are executed by an in-house illustrator, then painstakingly drawn onto gessoed wood by a master artist using a 16th century technique that requires nine to 12 brushstrokes to produce the equivalent of one brushstroke on canvas. Each piece takes up to four weeks to complete and is given a hard wearing finish to make it water-resistant and spill-proof. As everything is done by hand, each piece is unique and the designs come in a limited edition of 15. Each work of art can be customised with the future collector’s name and are signed by the artists. What makes Thomasson’s designs stand out is their craftsmanship and multifunctionality. There are tilt-top tables that display like a work of art when not in use; butler tables with removable nesting trays; and rotating trays for dining tables. “I’ve designed my creations to be useful everyday pieces that are beautiful to the touch and visually vibrant. Their meaningful stories not only spark conversations, but inject personality into any interior,” she says. Mary Jane Designs will release a new home accessories range for the Christmas gift season. maryjusticedesigns.com
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TK, wiki commons.
outdoors
Tung Ping Chau Rory Mackay explores Hong Kong’s most remote island Rugged, windswept and diverse, Tung Ping Chau possesses something for everyone. From family-friendly walks and pristine white sandy beaches to rock formation adventures and historical rekeys. No matter how you wish to play things, this will be a full day outing at the very least. There are only two ways to reach Tung Ping Chau, either by private/chartered boat or by taking the public ferry (weekends and public holidays only) from Ma Liu Shui in Sha Tin.
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The ferry journey from Ma Liu Shui takes one and a half hours to complete, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the views of Tolo Harbour. A landscape of tranquil channels lined with red rocks (unique to this part of Hong Kong), before emerging upon the open waters of Mirs Bay. Located in the heart of the Tung Ping Chau close to the pier, lies the only major settlement of note on the isle and definitely deserves a pit spot upon arrival. After a refreshing drink and bite to eat, one could easily spend the
best part of a couple of hours strolling the adjacent Northeastern beaches, interspersed by crumbling Hakka houses and shade yielding Banyans.
TK, wiki commons.
island hopping
Rock formations
The unique geology of Tung Ping Chau on the other hand is a much more enduring attraction to spend your time exploring. The best way to discover the island is by circumnavigating the Ping Chau Country Trail, which at 5km typically takes around two hours to walk in one go without any long breaks. However, stopping along the way to explore all the incredible sedimentary rock formations on show, or delving into the interior of Tung Ping Chau is what this Island is all about. Possessing the youngest rocks in Hong Kong, there are numerous laminated coastal shelfs and sea cliffs to witness. Be sure to catch the final boat leaving the island to Sha Tin at 5pm, unless taking your own boat back or camping overnight is more
Sandy shores
your thing. Camping in Hong Kong can be an awesome experience and Tung Ping Chau is a superb illustration of this. Beware that there is a lot of ambient light coming from China at night, so try to orientate your camp towards Mirs Bay and get more breeze in the process. Among the list of Hong Kong’s many outlying places, the castaway isle of Tung Ping Chau is worth the trip at least once. The adventure to and from it, is as much an attraction as the being there is.
Rory Mackay runs adventure company Wild Hong Kong. For more details visit wildhongkong.com
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cover story
Don’t be a man about it Why men need to rethink their approach to health. By Matt Eaton 18 | SOUTHSIDE
Men have a long tradition of being overly stubborn when it comes to their health and wellbeing. But ignoring the warning signs is no longer necessary. As we celebrate the month of “Movember”, Southside catches up with five young men making the case to end the stubbornness and take control of your health.
movember
Renni Leung Barber and stylist at Gentlemen’s Tonic Originally founded in London, Gentlemen’s Tonic first moved to Hong Kong in 2011 and has gone on to be a strong advocate for personal grooming. The classic barbershop, based on Wellington Street since 2014, prides itself on offering blokes the full spectrum of looking and feeling good - from facials to waxing, toning and massages. The name Gentlemen’s Tonic reflects
two aspects: Gentlemen’s indicates that the business is dedicated exclusively to the needs of men and Tonic signifies the restorative properties of the brand experience. “Men increasingly understand the importance of looking and feeling good,” says Barber and stylist of Gentlemen’s Tonic Renni Leung. “Maintaining a good grooming regime is as crucial as looking after one’s general health.” Leung knows the importance of looking good and encourages men to follow a cleansing, cleaning and exfoliating regime for their skin and see a qualified barber at least every three weeks. “Personally I see my barber twice a month to cut and style my hair. I also routinely have facials. Achieving and striving for selfconfidence include one’s appearance as well as one’s health,” says Leung. With November dedicated to highlighting men’s health, there’s no better time to dive in and treat yourself. gentlemenstonic.com
Nima King Founder Mindful Wing Chun After an adventurous upbringing in Iran and Australia, Nima King moved to Hong Kong at the age of 21 and established full-time Kung Fu school, Mindful Wing Chun in 2008. “I’ve been teaching Wing Chun for 20 years and practice it daily. When I first came to Hong Kong I practiced over six hours a day with my master,” says King. The Kung Fu practice is said to have been created by the legend of Ng Mui, an abbess who taught it to her student Yim Wing-chun as a means to defend herself against unwanted advances. But for King, the benefits are significantly more. “Beyond the obvious physical benefits of the sport, our particular method of Kung Fu improves the quality of life in deeper physical aspects such as postural correction, pain relief through deep relaxation and realignment,” says King. With Hong Kong’s long working hours and social weekends, King believes the practice’s mindful approach can lead to mental and
emotional transformation and a happier life. “The self-defense aspect of this particular method of Kung Fu is merely a branch on the tree of its benefits,” he says. Growing up amidst the Iran and Iraq war with an extremely violent father, King suppressed many of his emotions, but upon finding the discipline of Wing Chun Kung Fu he began to break through the internal walls and experience true happiness. “As men, we are often expected to man up, hide our emotions and push through the difficulties of life. But there can be no true happiness without inner peace and balance,” says King. Opening up about his experiences, he admits that Wing Chun has not only transformed his life, but saved it. “It helped me overcome external and internal violence and possibly saved me from being locked-up or buried six-feet underground.” mindfulwingchun.com.hk
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cover story
Aaron Stadlin-Robbie Talking Mental and ambassador for Movember Hong Kong Growing up in Hong Kong with his family, Aaron Stadlin-Robbie began experiencing anxiety and panic attacks some seven years ago. During the first year he was in and out of hospital, after being misdiagnosed with a vitamin B12 deficiency. After finally meeting a psychiatrist, his true diagnosis was revealed. “It was kind of a relief for me, because I had been dealing with a problem on my own and not really knowing what it really was,” says Stadlin-Robbie. After a few years and learning more about anxiety and how to deal with it, Stadlin-Robbie decided to talk publicly about his experience, so created his own platform, Talking Mental. “I realised that talking about it really benefited me and getting help in Hong Kong is not easy or affordable. This was an opportunity for me to speak to a lot of these people and also help myself to get better.” Talking Mental is a digital content platform which aims to offer resources to those experiencing mental health difficulties. From working with corporate companies creating engaging material for employees to organising campaigns to raise awareness in the community, Talking Mental aims to create relatable content to raise awareness and
increase education around mental health. “I am proud to be working closely with the Movember campaign, which is also raising awareness around the issues of men’s mental health. I feel as men, we always want to feel like we are in control. And because of that, we have trouble talking about a subject where we can be perceived as losing control.” Stadlin-Robbie believes Hong Kong needs to change the narrative on how Mental Health is perceived. “With physical health, men talk about their injuries all the time as there is a certain strength to battling through an injury while performing. Once we see mental health in the same light, we’ll see men talk about it just as much.” A new “Speak Easy” campaign inspired by Movember, to help push this idea along is also in the works. “We want to introduce the idea of a Speak
Easy to encourage men to gather in a room (or a bar) to casually get people to start opening up. It gives men a strong network and helps them to demonstrate that they certainly aren’t alone.” talkingmental.com
Nathaniel Leung City sports team leader Since the age of 11, Nathaniel Leung has been involved in sports in one way or another. As a youngster, he was deeply involved in football programs with the Yuen Long District team and went on to play football with the Hong Kong C Team. But Leung’s journey to success was far from a fairy tale. Overcoming physical and mental challenges has been among his biggest obstacles. “When I was young, I wasn’t as eager to excel and be the best,” he admits. “My attitude was worse than others. I was just the kid brought to football training by his dad. Nothing special.” Now as City Sports Team Leader at
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Decathlon, Leung says his sportsman attitude didn’t develop until he was nearly 20-years-old. “I was lucky to be brought under the wings of coach Lai,” Leung reminisces about trainer and teacher, Lai Sun Cheung. “After my first injury, I spent my recovery days training one-on-one with coach Lai. It was the first time I’ve ever felt so trusted by a coach and my first time ever being complimented like that.” As an athlete, Leung thinks the essence of sportsmanship is to weather the storm and keep going, no matter what you’re going through. From 10 to 30-years-old, the once young and budding footballer has matured into the man he is today.
movember
Dr Conrad Lee Cancer specialist Taking responsibility for their health and wellbeing is not something that guys have been very good at doing. But Dr Conrad Lee is on a mission to change that long-held and, let’s face it, unnecessary tradition. “It’s important for men to take responsibility for their health,” says Lee. “Early intervention for all cancers and most diseases makes a huge difference to improving the outcome.” With dual qualifications in medical and clinical oncology, Dr Lee specialised in cancer and currently works from his clinic on Hong Kong Island, offering a range of services, including the all-important screening men from all different age groups. The most common health concerns for men include, he says, are cardiovascular disease, colon, lung and prostate cancers. Chances of serious medical problems and their associated risk factors increase with age. But while blokes are generally aware of these diseases, many feel uncomfortable seeking medical attention.
He says men should go for routine checkups every one to three years depending on risk, family history and age, in order to prevent cardiovascular disease. Screenings for colon cancer should be done with yearly occult stool-blood tests and endoscopy every five years for those aged 50 or above. Screening for prostate or lung cancer is an important yet controversial topic in Hong Kong,” he says. “Prostate cancer has risen by a staggering three-fold in Hong Kong over the past three decades. The current local lifetime risk is one in 26 people living up to 75-years-old, but up to 12 percent in the USA,” he adds. Dr Lee says that by promoting better public awareness, education and health literacy, more men will seek medical attention earlier and can make the appropriate lifestyle modifications to reduce the risk of these diseases. Sound advice that men of all ages should take heed.
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dining
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dining awards features an upstairs dining room and a highceilinged bar and lounge serving up specialty charcuterie and handpicked wines by its sommelier. louise.hk
Restaurant of the Year Zuma
Hong Kong Dining Awards The city’s top restaurants, chefs and food delivery services as voted by you. By Apple Lee This month Southside’s sister magazine Hong Kong Living announced the winners of the second annual Dining Awards. Here are some of the highlights, for the full list of winner vist hongkongliving.com
Best Al Fresco Restaurant Limewood
Located on the shores of Repulse Bay, Limewood is a beachside stronghold for both Southsiders and those travelling from afar. With bright interiors and breathtaking views, this Cali-inspired restaurant will make you feel miles away, without even stepping on a plane, perfect with the current travel restrictions in place.“We wanted to create somewhere that really embodied beachside living and bring the best dishes from the most beautiful beaches in the world together with flavours of Hawaii, Mexico, Thailand and Vietnam all feature strongly,” says Matt Reid, co-founder of Maximal Concepts, the hospitality group behind Limewood. Both family and pet-friendly, this beachside hangout is the perfect spot to sit back and enjoy Hong Kong’s cooler months. “We hope to continue to offer the feeling of having ‘holiday at home’
Editors’ Pick
Editors’ Pick
Known for its contemporary izakaya dishes, free-flow brunches and atmospheric setting, Zuma is crowned Restaurant of the Year in this year’s Hong Kong Dining Awards. The two-storey Japanese restaurant, located inside the Landmark Building, beckons a diverse crowd from white-collars and partygoers to couples and families. Opened more than a decade ago, the restaurant’s longevity speaks volumes, especially being in such a fast-paced city where restaurants come and go. “Being strong in the Hong Kong scene after 14 years is not easy. We strive for perfection on a daily basis. We never stop thinking about innovation, progress, quality, product and guest experience,” says Alex Bellafronte, Zuma’s Operations Director Asia. zumarestaurant.com
when the sun shines, the rosé is cold and the BBQ is fired up and buzzing,” says Reid. limewood.hk
Louise
Readers’ Choice
Nestled inside a heritage house in PMQ, Louise doles out elevated French classics with heartwarming flavours that pay homage to homecooked delights. Helmed by internationally acclaimed Michelin-starred chef Julien Royer, the restaurant earned its first Michelin star this year after opening last summer. Designwise, homegrown architect André Fu has transformed the two-storey building into a chic and elegant restaurant while retaining the essence of colonial style architecture. On the ground floor by the restaurant entrance, there is a cosy al fresco terrace surrounded by luscious greens. Beyond its relaxing outdoor area, Louise
Amber
Aside from its undisputed status as one of Hong Kong’s best fine dining restaurants, Amber is widely recognised as a pioneer of sustainability and plant-based cuisine. Last year, the restaurant eliminated dairy, gluten and refined sugar from its menu and replaced the French culinary staples with healthier alternatives. At the new Amber, guests are encouraged to opt for the vegetarian or vegan tasting menu, where fresh produce is given a leading role in the degustation rather than just a garnish. Led by executive chef Ricahrd Ekkebus, the two Michelin-starred restaurant continues
Readers’ Choice
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dining
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dining awards to pave the way for sustainable eating in 2020. The restaurant has already launched plasticfree and sustainable seafood policies and uses only cage-free eggs in its dishes. “Sustainability efforts never stop. The climate crisis is becoming more and more urgent and many of our peers are following suit to make positive changes to the environment,” Ekkebus says. mandarinoriental.com
Chef of the Year Vicky Lau
As the chef-owner of Tate Dining Room, Vicky Lau is the only female Asian chef with a Michelinstarred restaurant in Hong Kong. After graduating from New York University with a degree in graphic communications, Lau left the design field to embark on her culinary career and enrolled in Le Cordon Bleu. Her cutting-edge culinary creations and intricate plating earned Tate Dining Room a prestigious Michelin star in 2013, only one year after its conceptualisation, and in 2015, Lau won the title of Best Female Chef in Asia voted by World’s 50 Best Restaurants.Today, Lau is one of the first people who comes to mind when we think of French-Chinese cuisine. In the city’s highly competitive dining scene, she has managed to find innovation in her culinary craft with seasonal menus centred around native ingredients. tate.com.hk
Editors’ Pick
John Nguyen
Bold and conventional are how John Nguyen would describe his culinary style. “I don’t hold back and the result is dishes that boast plentiful strong
Readers’ Choice
flavours,” he says. “You’ll either love us – or love us. There is no in between.”As the head chef of Xuan, a newly-opened modern Vietnamese restaurant, Nguyen challenges the perceptions of traditional Vietnamese cuisine being just pho or banh mi. With daring dishes that often come with a trace of spiciness and umami, the chef is known for combining French techniques and a hefty dose of American-style cooking to concoct flavoursome creations.
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nibbles Ovolo goes green
Ap Lei Chau food court
In a bold new move, Ovolo Hotels has announced that it is eliminating meat from its restaurants, bars and room service for an entire year. By fully switching over to plantbased menus, the boutique hospitality brand becomes the first hotel group to embrace meat-free meals on such a vast scale. For one year starting from this October, the hotel group has ceased to serve meat across all its dining outlets and focus on creating compelling plant-based dishes instead. The Year of the Veg concept does not extend to conferences and events hosted at Ovolo, which gives organisers more flexibility to customise their catering options. ovolohotels.com
After eight months of renovations, The old Ap Lei Chau Estate has been transformed into a street food paradise. While the traditional market remains open for people to buy ingredients and different types of raw food, the new food court avenue will feature cuisines from all over the world including American cheese hotdogs and Vietnamese Pho. The food court is open until 12am daily.
W Hong Kong X Bobbi Brown W Hong Kong has teamed up with Bobbi Brown to launch its new Aura Boost Cordyceps Menu at Sing Yin Cantonese Dining. The menu, designed by Executive Chinese Chef Johnny Chan, features key ingredients suc of the Intensive Skin Serum Foundation such as cordyceps, green apple
Beachside dining The Repulse Bay Beach has finally reopened. This beautiful weather calls for more time spent outdoors, enjoying the best time of the year. Japanese binchotan grill Shoku is launching a two-hour sake and Japanese beer free-flow offer this month. Priced at $380, this special deal is inclusive of a generous snack platter featuring seven of Shoku’s signature items. A new fall and winter menu is also available, featuring tummywarming hot pots, wholesome noodle bowls and a wide section of plant-based Japanese dishes. shoku.hk
Italian on The Peak
and lychee to help feel good from the inside and out. The dinner menu features doubleboiled superior soup, Australian wagyu beef , chilled sago cream and more, what’s even better, each order of the set comes with a complimentary Bobbi Brown lipstick and voucher for a makeup service. $888. Available until November 3. whongkong-x.com
Michelin-starred Chef Enrico Bartolini heads his second restaurant in Hong Kong, FIAMMA. The family-style Italian restaurant takes its name from the Italian word for ‘flame’ and serves up fresh, wholesome comfort food including pastas, pizzas and grilled items. For diners on the go, FIAMMA’s grab-and-go counter includes sweet and savoury baked goods freshly baked each day, perfect for picnic goers this autumn. sandshospitality.com
Donate-a-meal This month restaurants across the city will be adding a voluntary $15 donation to each bill from November 1 to 30. The donation goes towards the Donate-a-Meal campaign to raise much-needed funds for Feeding Hong Kong, Impact HK and Christian Action, who are providing emergency food for vulnerable families in Hong Kong. 26 restaurants will take part including Ovolo restaurants, Enoteca, Bedu and Treehouse. For the full list of restaurants visit donate-a-meal.org
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health & wellness
Get your groom on
Handsome Factory
Charmaine Ng rounds up the best grooming establishments in the city this Movember With Movember in full swing, many men in Hong Kong are planning to grow a mo in support of men’s health. We’ve rounded up the best barbershop in the city to keep you looking dapper — and where to go when you want to shave it off.
specialised services, ranging from a simple cut and finish to a complete beard and moustache reshaping. The team of expertly trained barbers will make sure you leave without a hair out of place. selvedgebarbers.com
Selvedge Barbers
You may have heard of Handsome Factory, with its wide media presence and four locations across Hong Kong. The reputable barbershop is frequented by celebrities and athletes, who help spread the word of its services, of which include haircuts, wet shaves and beard trims. Handsome Factory has all the markings of a traditional
If you’ve climbed the steps in Soho, chances are you’ve passed by Selvedge Barbers on Pottinger Street. The stylish barbershop has a raw, industrial look, fitted with brick walls and furnished with leather seats. Formerly known as Era Barbers, Selvedge Barbers has garnered a loyal clientele who return regularly for its
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Handsome Factory
grow your mo
& The Barber’s decor and light fixtures will transport you back to the 1940s. Owner and barber Sarah McGlynn and her team offer a range of services from classic wet shaves to beard trims and shaping. Using top of the line products like Penhaligon’s and Truefitt & Hill, no one leaves the shop looking anything but dapper. foxandthebarber.com
The Mandarin Barber For a classy grooming session, the Shanghai 1930s-inspired Mandarin Barber on the second floor of the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong offers traditional shaving and hair services with restorative grooming treatments for men. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, reminiscent of an old-school private gentleman’s club. The experienced barber team has worked with its loyal clientele for decades, giving men the VIP
treatment since the establishment opened in 1963. Services include various types of haircuts, facial hair grooming, manicure and pedicure treatments and even a Chinese foot reflexology. mandarinoriental.com
Gentlemen’s Tonic Founded in the heart of Mayfair, London, Gentlemen’s Tonic describes itself as a luxury establishment combining a traditional barbershop and a variety of lifestyle and grooming services. The branch in Hong Kong occupies a quiet space on Wellington Street with leather chairs and classy marble touches. The barbershop offers a selection of common treatments including wet shaves, haircuts, and beard design, with a separate section for specialist services such as waxing, eyebrow tinting and intricate facials. gentlemenstonic.com
establishment, decked with checkered floors, leather seats and retro artwork, making it a tasteful place for men to get their pampering. handsomefactory.com
Fox & The Barber For a traditional barbershop experience, Fox
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must haves
May Coupe champagne glass set $2,050 from Lane Crawford lanecrawford.com.hk
Marshall emberton speaker $1,299 from Lane Crawford and TechLife by Fortress lanecrawford.com.hk, fortress.com.hk
Solo wine holder $1,250 from Tree tree.com.hk
Be our guest Entertain in style with these dinner party essentials. By Nicole Slater
Stanton 42 piece cutlery set $2,620 from Indigo Living indigo-living.com
After work glass top bar $21,980 from Tequila Kola tequilakola.com
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dining in Kennedy cross leg dining table $15,900 from Indigo Living indigo-living.com
Dessert bowl $89 from Marks & Spencer marksandspencer.com
Deep Ocean wine bucket $3,836 from Mary Justice Designs maryjusitcedesigns.com
r Rory acrylic bar cart $7,990 from Indigo Living indigo-living.com
Cael round coasters $799 from Indigo Living indigo-living.com
Six-layered etagere paradise $12,980 from Tequila Kola tequilakola.com
The LAIBA gift set $559 from LAIBA Beverages hk.shop.laibabeverages.com
Christmas felt placemats $259 from Marks & Spencer marksandspencer.com
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pets
Ask a vet... Dr Pauline Taylor shares her tips for relocating with your pet Dr. Pauline Pets Central veterinarian When planning your pets relocation it’s important to be organised, here are nine tips on making the process easier for both you and your furry companion. 1. Start at least six months in advance if you know a relocation is looming. Every country has its own laws regarding pet imports. If not done according to the pet import laws of your country of destination, it is possible your pet may not be allowed to enter. In some extremely sad cases, a pet arriving without the proper paperwork can be seized and euthanized. Contact the correct Government departments at your destination for the current laws. Do not assume anything. 2. Contact the airline you hope to use to transport your pet. Flight schedules and available air cargo space may have changed due to Covid. Some airlines have stopped flying to certain destinations. It is not a good idea for your pet to have a layover anywhere. We all read about sad stories of animals being “left on the tarmac” and through no fault of the owner or transporter the pet dies. Some airlines will not transport some breeds that may pose a risk of dying on the flight. This applies in particular to smug nose/ brachycephalic types. Certain named dangerous dog breeds are also usually banned. 3. Use a reliable pet relocation company. Look for a track record of moving pets and a professional/ friendly response to your inquiries. Look into what the pet transporter can do to assist should things not go
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according to plan. 4. Consider what you get for your buck. I understand the stigma put on pet parents about leaving them behind, but if your bank balance doesn’t allow an airfare for your pet, in some cases they may be better rehomed. Personally I do not agree with excuses, I have heard many during my career. 5. If you are going to oversee a pet relocation yourself, do not expect your vet to know everything. Locally registered vets are required to check your pet and issue a health certificate for export purposes out of Hong Kong. This must be presented at check in. The declaration must also be co-approved/signed by a local Government veterinary surgeon and takes time. Don’t expect to get this on the day of the flight. 6. Book your pet on a flight before you, especially if they have to quarantine at the destination. Most pets travel well, they may be scared but their stress control systems take over, some will sleep or pretend to and don’t forget they may arrive jet lagged. I don’t generally recommend a pet gets sedation for the flight. I think it’s important they are tuned in to what is happening around them. 7. Check the requirements for airline approved travel crates. Check the shape and size before you buy the product. Allow your pet access to the crate before the journey and reward them for going in and out. Teach them how to access a water bottle. Airline staff will not open cages during the flight, but water containers may be topped up. Finally send them away with a favorite soft small toy or one of your old shirts that
woof facilities at the destination may be under quarantine controls and at present many of these facilities are booked out. Other countries like the UAE demand a declaration that cats do not carry Covid-19 and have been in pre-flight quarantine for 14 days.
9. Your pet will be so happy to see you again at the end of their journey that they will get on with their new life so long as they have you by their side. Get them into a standard routine as quickly as possible and stick to it.
photo: Vista Jet
has your smell on it. 8. Keep up to date with the latest requirements in both the origin and destination countries. As spaces can change or get cancelled, your pet may be left behind as you go ahead. Pet boarding
Got a question for Dr. Pauline? Email editorial@hongkongliving.com
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marketplace
marketplace
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Pillars of the Gods
southside secrets
Leanne Hung explores the powers behind the Dragon Pillars in Ap Lei Chau’s Hung Shing Temple
Located on Ap Lei Chau Main Street, Hung Shing Temple has been an important part of the area’s history, with fishermen worshipping deities for protection and fruitful catches since the Ming Dynasty. Among countless Gods and Goddesses, Hung Shing, also known as God of the South Sea, is a deity that was believed to shield fishermen and maritime traders from danger and bless them with rich harvests. Built over 247 years ago during the Qing Dynasty in 1773, the Hung Shing Temple is a declared first-grade historical monument. While much of its structure has been renovated over the years, its appearance and architectural traits largely remain the same as when it was first built. The temple’s unique structure, supported by five pairs of pillars and two-hall and three-bay layout, is rare to
find in Hong Kong architecture. Perhaps the most iconic feature of the temple, is a pair of pillars rooted outside the entrance. Dubbed as Dinghai Shenzhen (loosely translated to divine pointers that pacify the sea), the pillars, decorated with dragons are believed to be intertwined with supernatural powers and play a huge part in Ap Lei Chau’s colonial history. In 1891, the colonial government established a police station in Aberdeen as a way to surveillance and monitor Ap Lei Chau. After Feng Shui masters determined that there was “sha qi” (a noxious aura) from the police station, residents decided to build the pillars as a means of self-defence against colonists. The pillars were believed to protect residents from outsiders and maintain the area’s harmony and peace. Slowly tales of the pillars were passed down by older generations: In the past Main Street’s housing structures mainly consisted of wood, including the pillars. Legend believes that a fire once broke out on the street and spread quickly. Many houses and even the temple were damaged, yet the pillars remained standing and unburnt. Residents believed that this was a sign that the pillars contained divine powers.
Sadly one of the pillars was blown apart by typhoon Kalmaegi in 2014. At the time, residents and Feng Shui professionals were concerned, as the pillar’s collapse seemed to be an ominous warning that the stability and peace of Hong Kong may be disturbed. The broken pillar has since been re-erected and both of the pillars were replaced with stronger materials in 2015. This is not to say their powers are gone, as ceremonies continue to be performed before them and people continue to view them as divine structures guarding the safety of the area. The Hung Shing Temple and the dragon pillars are some of Main Street’s most valuable cultural attributes and are an essential part of the neighbourhood’s history. Whether you believe in their powers or not, it must be recognised that they bear a rich and significant value to the colonial history of Hong Kong and residents are proud to have a building with such long standing and importance in the community. The temple and its pillars bear witness to the amalgamation of the past and present, holding dear to people’s hearts and protecting the civilians of Ap Lei Chau and Hong Kong as a timeless asset throughout the history and development of the city.
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zim city
The battle for country parks is not yet won Paul Zimmerman on the history of Murray MacLehose’s national parks scheme and the on-going battle with the government
Afforestation was an urgent task after the war. The Colony was almost entirely deforested. As vegetation became denser the need to arrest fires and litter grew. So also did the voices for nature conservation, public education and recreation in the forests. The call to establish a ‘national parks’ scheme was answered by colonial governor Murray MacLehose in 1974, with one newspaper reporting the installation of ‘150 tables for picnickers, 135 benches, 110 barbecue pits and 600 litter bins.’ The Country Parks Ordinance was enacted in 1976 and the Country Parks Regulations in 1977. MacLehose was in a hurry: ‘In four years’ time, there will be about 20 parks covering all the open countryside.’ To expedite the designation, some 77 enclaves of private land inside the parks were excluded from the legislation. Most elderly continued subsistence farming in these small and remote villages for some years while their offspring left for factories in Kwun Tong and Tsuen Wan or went overseas. Access was mostly on foot or by sampan. The few accessible villages close to Sai Kung developed with small houses under the 1972 policy. They became a popular choice for expats including retirees and pilots (before Kai Tak closed). Fast forward, in 1992 the
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Sha Lo Tung judicial review stopped a golf course development in this enclave famous for butterfly colonies. A six-year long campaign started in 2000 to hold off the creation of a zone for 370 houses at the Tai Long Wan beach enclave. Sporadic unauthorised development at enclaves culminated in condemnation when the government failed to act on extensive land clearing behind the beach of Tai Long Sai Wan in the summer of 2010. The public demanded protection of the country parks and strengthening of development control. Recognising the enclaves as part of the country parks would put development under the strict Country Park Regulations Ordinance. Land owners, egged on by the Heung Yee Kuk, objected aggressively. In 2014, the Government excluded their own advisors, the Country and Marine Parks Board, from its decision not to incorporate the village enclaves Hoi Ha, Pak Lap, So Lo Pun, To Kwa Peng, Pak Tam Au and Tin Fu Tsai into Country Parks. Government did not go further than zoning the enclaves under the Town Planning Ordinance. This offers minimal protection. It does not provide for management or adequate enforcement powers. On 12 October this year, the Court of Final
Appeal ruled otherwise – the Save Our Country Parks Alliance won. The Government is ordered to go back to the Country and Marine Parks Board. Question is now - will they stop the rot and take control over the enclaves? The battle to protect our country parks has yet to be won.
Paul Zimmerman is the CEO of Designing Hong Kong, a Southern District Councillor and the co-convenor of Save Our Country Parks alliance.
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