Southside August 2021

FAMILY | DINING | EDUCATION | ABERDEEN MARINA

August 2021

BRINGING STANLEY BACK Your ultimate guide to the seaside town

Dive in Scuba diving in Hong Kong made simple

Açaí adventures The best smoothie bowls in the city

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CONTENTS — 08/21

16 COVER STORY

Your Stanley neighbourhood guide

2 EDITOR’S LETTER

12 LOCAL

4 CONTRIBUTORS

13 FIVE MINUTES WITH

Hello from our editor

Meet the team

6 PEOPLE

Out and about in Southside

8 THE PLANNER

What’s on this August

10 NEWS

The Aberdeen Marina fire

The Ernst family, on their son’s miraculous recovery

20 DINING

The best smoothies for the summer

24 SPORT

Your guide to scuba diving in Hong Kong

What’s happening in our backyard

32 PETS

Dr Pauline Taylor answers your pet questions

33 HOROSCOPES

What’s in store for you this August?

36 ZIM CITY

Paul Zimmerman on banning plastic food packaging

32

28 MUST HAVES

Back to school essentials

6

31 SECRETS

The Repulse Bay benches

10

17

8 13

“What’s best about those seaside towns is that they are like time warps, and that’s why people go there.” Harland Miller

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editor’s letter Hong Kong is such a fantastic place to live. I’ve lived here my entire life and every time I’ve ever thought about leaving, I’m reminded of all the reasons there are to stay.

In this issue, we touch on a few of the places and activities that supply so many picture-perfect, movie-worthy memories.

Starting with Stanley, the quaint coastal Southside town that used to be teeming with visitors. While it’s not as busy as it once was, its spirit is definitely making its way back. Head to our cover story (page 17) to rediscover all of the reasons to spend a weekend in the area.

If you love the water (or you’re one for adventures beyond the city), we give you the ins and outs of scuba diving in Hong Kong– from when and where to dive to who you should be diving with (page 24).

On scorching hot days like these, nothing hits like a cold cup (or bowl) of sweet fruity goodness. Find out where to get the best refreshing, nutritious smoothies and acai bowls (page 20).

Editorial Editor-in-chief Nicole Slater, nicole@hongkongliving.com Editor Cheyelene Fontanilla, cheyelene@hongkongliving.com Senior Writer Charmaine Ng, charmaineng@hongkongliving.com Dining Editor Amber Lai, amber@hongkongliving.com

Design Senior Graphic Designer Vicky Lam, vicky@hongkongliving.com Graphic Designer Natalie Cheung, natalie@hongkongliving.com

Sales & Marketing

Director of Content Hilda Chan, hilda@hongkongliving.com Partnership Manager Debbie Ky, debbie@hongkongliving.com Elaine Li, elaine@hongkongliving.com Events Manager Pranali Gupta, pranali@hongkongliving.com

Happy reading, folks!

Publisher

Matt Eaton, matt@hongkongliving.com

Founding Director

Things we love

Tom Hilditch, tom@hongkongliving.com

Contact us Editorial: 2776 2773 | Advertising: 2776 2772 Published by Hong Kong Living Ltd, L1 Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong Printer Apex Print Limited, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong

Afternoon Tea

Women of Hong Kong

Tea WG has over 800 selections of tea and incredibly well-informed staff who can break down the origins of each type–so when it comes to a warming brew, I can’t think of a better place. Their latest afternoon tea set includes canapes, desserts and macarons, all cleverly infused with different teas. It’s a lush way to spend the afternoon.

A community of female professionals and entrepreneurs from various industries that started out as a Facebook group seven years ago. Since then, it’s grown to 6,000 members and founder Sarah Vee has officially launched Women of Hong Kong as a membership platform.

Covid-19 update

As Southside 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 hongkongliving.com 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 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 shares his thoughts on banning styrofoam and plastic

Dr Pauline Taylor Dr Pauline Taylor is a senior vet at Pets Central. She graduated in Scotland and spent the past 10 years practicing in New-Zealand before moving to Hong Kong with her four-legged family members. This month, she takes to her pets column to answer your questions.

Amber Lai As our dining editor, Amber Lai keeps her finger on the pulse of Hong Kong’s ever-evolving F&B industry. Head to our dining section to check out the best spots to get a refreshing serving of fruity goodness with our smoothie bowls guide.

Kylie Chan Kylie Chan recently joined the Hong Kong Living team as our dining intern. This month, ventured around Southside scouting out the best smoothie spots.

Queon Ernst A 14-year-old student at HKIS, Ernst underwent a painstaking, miraculous recovery from a cycling accident that rocked his entire family. Head to our 5 minutes with interview to learn how they got through their darkest days with the support of the HKIS community.

Want to write for Southside Magazine? Contact editorial@hongkongliving.com 4 | SOUTHSIDE

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people

Snaps from Southside, Takeout Comedy Night and Outdoor Yoga

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say cheese

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planner MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THESE AUGUST EVENTS

UNTIL AUG 7 Horizontals An exhibition showcasing new and recent art pieces from the Capri series by American artist Mark Grotjahn. 11am–7pm. Free. Gagosian, 7/F Pedder Building 12 Pedder Street. gagosian.com

UNTIL AUG 15 Mirage Combining traditional Chinese ink painting and modern digital art, artist Rebecca Hon hopes to merge the two distinct forms of art and create a unique contemporary ink painting. 10am-8pm.

Free. S510, Block A, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central. jccac.org.hk

UNTIL AUG 8

Summer Lovecation Enjoy a variety of themed workshops and live music events held over four consecutive Sundays at Stanley Plaza. The two Sundays in August will include tea and wine tastings by tea specialists from Yú Teahouse. 12pm. Spend over $500 at Stanley Plaza or Murray House. linkhk.com

UNTIL AUG 6 SummerFest Jam-packed with summer events, SummerFest returns to the Central Harbourfront Event Space to provide Hongkongers with a wide range of large-scale outdoor recreational activities including a series of 3D summer smileys, light/shadow Maze and handicraft workshops. Free. 9 Lung Wo Road, Central, Hong Kong. summerfest-centralharbourfront.hk summerfest-centralharbourfront.hk

AUG 12 - 16 HKTDC Food Expo Hailed as one of the biggest food festivals in Hong Kong, this annual fair attracts trade buyers and brands from across the world.

10am-10pm. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai. event.hktdc.com

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AUG 13 - 15 ALICE Get ready for a wild ride down the rabbit hole with Hong Kong Ballet’s latest performance, ALICE (in wonderland). With captivating costumes by Cirque du Soleil designer Liz Vandal, this show is set to be one of their most eye-catching yet. 7:30pm. $90. Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. hkballet.com

AUG 26 - 29 Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong The Affordable Art Fair is back, showcasing over a thousand contemporary artworks from 40 local and international galleries.

Workshops and tours are available. Times vary. $120. Hall 1E, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. affordableartfair.com

what’s what’s on on AUG 21 Roméo et Juliette

AUG 29 Hong Kong Living Summer Kids Carnival

Directed by award-winning Bartlett Sher, this adoption of Shakespeare’s classic, Romeo and Juliet will captivate audiences. 3:40pm. $230. MOViE MOViE, One Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty. cinema.com

AUG 27 - 29 Hong Kong Wedding Fair Divided into eight themed zones, this fair offers collections of wedding products and services for newly engaged couples. 12-8pm. $20.

Hall 3, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. wedding-show.com.

Enjoy an afternoon packed with exciting activities including dance classes from Sky Dance Avenue and Move for Life, interactive workshops and bowling. Dress up in your best Hawaiian attire for a chance to win great prizes.

11am-4pm. $50. Tikitiki Bowling Bar, 4/F, Centro, 1A Chui Tong Road, Sai Kung. hongkongliving.com/shop

AUG 28 Midsummer Race 2 The second instalment of the Midsummer Race has been scheduled for those that couldn’t make the first. Race across Shing Mun Reservoir in a range of age categories from junior to veteran. 3pm. $220. Shing Mun Reservoir Main Dam, Lower Shing Mun Road, Kam Shan. xterace.com

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news

Cathay Pacific launches new lifestyle brand Hong Kong is set to welcome the launch of Cathay, a premium travel lifestyle brand, offering members an eclectic range of travel, spending and wellness benefits. Simply named “Cathay”, the new membership programme aims to simplify interactions with customers, while expanding the ways in which they can earn status and use miles.

The new brand will cover everything from hotels and wellness breaks, to restaurants and retail therapy. Cathay will begin by launching their own credit card in Hong Kong this year which will be followed in 2022 by “a refreshed customer relationship programme”, the details of which are yet to be announced.

Ocean Park closes three iconic rides this month This August the Mine Train, Raging River and Abyss will permanently close. While Mine Train and Abyss have been in operation for 20 years, Raging River has been around since 1984. These closures come after Ocean Park received a hefty bailout of billions of

dollars from the Hong Kong government, as they gear up for the opening of the longawaited water park that’s set to make its debut this summer. Ocean Park has also decided to scrap the entry fee and instead implement a pay-per-ride system.

The F&B Run Club strides for its workers

Registration open for $5,000 consumption vouchers for permanent residents

The F&B Run Club is on a mission to cumulatively run 384,400 kilometres, the distance from Earth to the moon. The initiative aims to promote wellbeing and mental health within the F&B industry. Raising money for two charities, participants can add their steps through the Strava app to reach the campaign’s goal. As well as promoting an active lifestyle, there are prizes and awards to be won throughout the year. Individuals can take part in any form of steps, whether it be hiking, running or walking on a treadmill.

PURE Group has also joined the rally as a wellness partner and is recruiting corporate sponsors that will donate $1 per kilometre to InspiringHK Sports Foundation and Lifewire Foundation. Joining the run to the moon are influential F&B professionals, such as Syed Asim Hussain of Black Sheep Restaurants, Manuel Palacio of Pirata Group and Agung Prabow of Penicillin.

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The Hong Kong government has officially launched a new scheme that means free money for permanent residents and some HKID holders. Each eligible individual can receive a $5,000 consumption voucher.

Accepted payment methods under this scheme are Alipay HK, WeChat Pay HK, Tap & Go and Octopus. The $5,000 consumption voucher can be used at retail shops, market

stalls, department stores, supermarkets, convenient stores, restaurants and fast food shops. Some recreational facilities, beauty salons and public transport are also open as long as they accept the agreed payment methods. This means everything from Sasa, Mannings and McDonald’s to Fortress, Broadway and even Gucci, Dior or Chanel.

Registration ends on August 14.

in your backyard

Anti-wildlife bins roll out across Hong Kong The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has recently unveiled a set of animal-proof rubbish bins to combat waste. A common nuisance around the country parks in recent years has been incidents of rubbish bins being turned over or rummaged in by wildlife.

Rats, monkeys and even wild boars have been known to try their luck in the past, leading to pollution and potentially dangerous encounters with the public. In an attempt to combat this

problem, the government has joined forces with the Public Design Lab of Hong Kong Polytechnic University to design three anti-wildlife rubbish bins to combat against different animals. After two years of trials, the bins are now in service across Hong Kong. “The Government placed the three newly designed types of bins and containers at over 70 locations across 14 districts in Hong Kong where wild animal nuisance is commonly found,” explained an AFCD spokesman.

Hong Kong Living launches podcast To highlight the value of Hong Kong’s entrepreneurs, professionals and their contributions to the city, Hong Kong Living will be launching Who’s Killing It in Hong Kong? this September. The podcast will focus on those who stand out among 7.5 million Hongkongers, whether it’s because they own a talk-of-the-town business or have lived an extraordinary, meaningful life. The podcast will be available on Apple podcasts and Spotify.

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local

Aberdeen South Typhoon Shelter set ablaze Cheyelene Fontanilla investigates the fire that sank 20 boats and damaged 10 more

In late June, the residents of Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau awoke to find a fire broke out at the Typhoon Shelter. Starting at two in the morning, the fire ignited on a yacht and quickly spread from boat to boat. The blaze, only 200 metres offshore of Ap Lei Chau Praya Road, tore through the typhoon shelter, expelling thick shrouds of black smoke which could be seen by residents in nearby apartment blocks.

The flames engulfed and sank 20 boats while damaging a dozen more. Four teams of firemen were dispatched to combat the roaring flames, which were under control by 8am that morning. Thankfully no one was seriously harmed and all 45 people who were residing at the shelter during the time of the fire were

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evacuated and taken to a marine police base nearby.

Politicians have used this unfortunate incident to restate previously made calls to repair and restore typhoon shelters and marinas, as there have apparently been longstanding structural issues. They believe the narrow paths separating each boat was the main reason for the fire to spread as quickly as it did.

While the politicians appealed to authorities for their quick response, they believe something needs to be done to avoid this happening in the future.

“We have discussed the typhoon shelter fire in the District Council. Some key

issues have come to the fore,” says Paul Zimmerman, Southern District Councillor of Pok Fu Lam. “First, the fire services team was short of equipment in Aberdeen and time was lost getting equipment from Stonecutters. Priority must be given to acquiring a small boat with powerful water jets to fight fires in tight locations in the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter,” he elaborates.

“Secondly, the boats are packed tightly as moorings are set out with little space for fire breaks between them. We need to make haste with the expansion of the typhoon shelter announced in the 2020 Policy Address, and spread out moorings soonest.”

five minutes with

Five minutes with the Ernst Family

The story of 14-year-old Queon Ernst’s miraculous recovery from an accident that rocked his family–and the support of the HKIS community. By Charmaine Ng Just six months ago, Queon Ernst was like any other 14-year-old boy in Hong Kong.

He spent his days going to school, hanging out with friends and playing sports. Then, it happened – the bicycle accident that changed everything.

Originally from South Africa, the Ernsts arrived in Hong Kong three years ago. At the time, parents Etienne and Sonya were simply visiting for their job, but like many expats, they ended up falling in love with the city and staying. It was also during their first trip that they discovered Hong Kong International School (HKIS), where their children would go on to attend.

As luck would have it, Queon and his brother Milan were accepted into HKIS. In the three years they’ve been there, they have embraced the community and settled in with a sense of belonging.

Everything was smooth sailing until Queon’s fateful bicycle accident in February 2021.

“It was a Wednesday afternoon just before the Chinese New Year holiday and Queon had gone cycling with a friend,” says Sonya. “At around six in the evening, I received a call and was told that he had been in an accident and was being taken to the Eastern Hospital in Chai Wan. On the way to the hospital to meet him, I remember talking and laughing, thinking it was probably just a broken arm.”

Arriving at the hospital and seeing Queon, though, it became clear that this was not as simple as a broken arm. Sonya recounts seeing her son on the stretcher, unresponsive.

After a CT scan, the doctors discovered that there was a deep bleed in Queon’s brain, about 1.3 centimetres in diameter.

The first six hours were critical and the only thing to do at that stage was to reduce pressure by draining the fluid through a catheter via a small hole in the skull. “He went straight from the operating theatre to the neurological ICU at Eastern Hospital, where he was put into an induced coma to allow the brain to heal and let the catheter try and drain the excess fluid and bleeding,”

says Sonya.

Four days later, on Saturday morning, Queon’s condition began to improve and he was transferred from the ICU to high care, where he stayed for a week. The hardest part for the family was not being able to see him at all – and not knowing when they would next be able to – because of Covid-19 and policy restrictions.

Whilst trying to figure out what exactly happened during the accident, the Ernst family could not be more grateful for the way things turned out.

“So many miracles,” begins Sonya. “The first one was this happened in Hong Kong, you know, and the police were there. 10 minutes after the incident, the ambulance was there. 16 minutes after the incident, the hospital was around the corner. And even prior to that, when Queon left the house, we said to him, ‘Where’s your helmet?’ He came back in and he actually had to go through a bit of effort to find the helmet. So, he was wearing a helmet when all of this happened. And I think if it wasn’t for that, in combination with the response time and the excellent surgeons, things would be so different today. But we’re grateful for the little miracles that happened along the way.”

During this difficult time, the Ernsts

received overwhelming support from the HKIS community, in particular the HKIS parent prayer group. Close to 100 parents in the group got together and sent prayers and well wishes their way. One of the parents started a meal train so when the Ernsts got home, there was food ready. At school, teachers and friends made videos and cards.

Friends and acquaintances reached out from all over the world.

“I don’t know how they organised it, but we were never alone. We always had somebody with us. It was just – I think humbling is the right word,” says Etienne.

“The community lifted us up and carried us through a time when we didn’t know how to and that made such a big difference.”

Half a year after the accident, Queon is back in school, having made leaps with his recovery.

“I’ve just recovered really fast, going to physical therapy about twice a week.

My strength is definitely getting better. I was super unbalanced at first, but now I’m perfectly fine,” he says. “I just need to take things slow, but there’s nothing really bothering me. I’m not angry. I’m not mad at this happening to me. I’m actually grateful, thankful. I’m just happy.”

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cover story

Bringing Stanley back Souvenirs, local bites, seaside pier and convenient beaches, Cheyelene Fontanilla rounds up what to do in the quaint coastal town What to do Walk along Stanley promenade After enjoying some of the local al fresco eateries, take a romantic stroll along Stanley’s promenade which stretches along the waterfront from Stanley Plaza Square to Shui Shin Temple.

Of course, no visit to Stanley is complete without popping in to a few stalls at the market.

With a bustling atmosphere and shops full of surprises, you’ll be able to find something for everyone (early Christmas shopping anyone?).

Visit the past at Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum If you’re a history buff, then a visit to the Hong

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Photo: Mia Barrell

Shop at Stanley Market

stanley demolished in 1965 and transferred to an open-air oval theatre in Morse Park, Wong Tai Sin, where it became an open shelter. Today, it has once again become a pier and is a popular photo-op spot next to Murray House.

St Stephen’s Beach Head south from Stanley village and you’ll arrive at St Stephen’s Beach, a secluded beach close to St. Stephen’s College Preparatory School. Just like Stanley Main Beach, it has several barbecue pits and other basic facilities.

The water quality on this beach is rated Grade 1 by the Environmental Protection Department, making it the perfect place for a dip.

Stanley Ma Hang Park

treats, such as Murray House. The 60-year-old restored three-storey colonial building was dismantled in 1982 and transplanted from its original site where the Bank of China Tower currently stands to be rebuilt using the same bricks on the waterfront. It is now revitalised into a shopping centre and houses restaurants on the first floor.

Blake Pier Kong Correctional Services Museum is a must.

The museum traces the transformation of the Hong Kong penal system over 170 years, offering a glance into prison life then and now.

Located inside the Correctional Services’ Staff Training Institute, there are 10 galleries, a mock gallows, two mock cells and a stylised guard tower on top of the building for you to explore all day long.

Blake Pier has been through a lot in its lifetime, having been relocated several times before finally settling in 2006. Named after Sir Henry Arthur Blake and built in 1900, the pier was originally located in Central, but was

Located near Stanley Promenade, Ma Hang Park offers visitors a leisurely hike under the shade of Hong Kong’s lush flora. The semicoastal trail is paved with a stroller-friendly boardwalk that leads through numerous historic sites including Pak Tai Temple. There are also plenty of photo opportunities along the way.

Where to eat Pane e Latte The latest addition to Stanley, Pane E Latte is a Positano-inspired cafe and gelato bar that specialises in decadent baked goodies, like chocolate-hazelnut-filled bombolones (Italian doughnuts) and porcini croque monsieurs (our editor’s pick). With large open windows and a hidden ‘gelato speakeasy’ in the basement, it’s a beautiful–and delicious–place to spend the afternoon indulging. paneelatte.hk

Kayak to Stanley’s hidden beach Located just a few steps from the market and restaurants, you’ll find the Aqua-Bound Centre on Stanley Beach. Rent out a kayak for the day and one of the neighbourhood’s hidden beaches (top tip: there’s one next to the prison).

Where to go Dragon’s Back You’re all heard of it, but it wouldn’t be a guide without a mention of Hong Kong’s most wellknown hike. Adjacent to Stanley, the Dragon’s Back trail spans from Shek O to Big Wave Bay, with plenty of photoshoot opportunities along the way.

Murray House This district has a fair share of British era

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cover story With a great selection of draughts, local craft beers and wines as well as gastropub delights like burgers, macaroni and cheese, seafood specials, pastas and so much more.

Henry’s Previously known as Lucy’s, former chef Henry Kwan took over the restaurant in 2017 when the original owner, Lucy, returned to England.

The restaurant has racked up star reviews since its initial opening in 1994 and serves up dishes from cuisines all around the world. Customer favourites include the salmon fishcakes and pecan pudding.

Gino’s Gelato After a hike or a day at the beach, cool off at Gino’s Gelato in Stanley Plaza. The gelato shop offers some quirky flavours like longan with dates and green tea with pistachio. If you’re taking your furry friend out for a walk, Gino’s also offers gelato for your dog. ginosgelato.com

Bubbles and Wines A wine room with a warm atmosphere just tucked away from Stanley Market, this is a place where you can enjoy a good glass of wine paired with your rich cheeses and charcuterie.

This spot’s warm hospitality makes it a place

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Ocean Rock Seafood & Tapas known for being a “home away from home”. bubblesandwineshospitality.com

Pickled Pelican A popular go-to on Stanley Main Street, Pickled Pelican is done up like a true British pub.

Ocean Rock Seafood & Tapas offers refreshing seafood bites next to the breezy shore of Stanley. Housed inside a restored colonial building, enjoy light Spanish tapas with some booze or share a paella and some fresh oysters around the table while listening to the splashing waves.

stanley

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dining

Start your day the right way Amber Lai and Kylie Chan roundup the best açaí bowls and smoothies around town

Classified Located in Stanley and Repulse Bay, Classified is the perfect place to fuel up in the morning.

The restaurant offers an expansive smoothie menu using Protelicious whey protein, adding more macronutrients to your daily breakfast.

Enjoy the Avo Nice Day smoothie, which includes avocado, spinach, mixed berries, honey and coconut water. classifiedfood.com

Be-juiced Bar Don’t be fooled by the name, this juice bar is

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a popular choice for açaí bowls. Choose your preferred number of toppings from an extensive range including fresh fruit, granola, goji berries, nuts and even bee pollen. If you’d prefer a drink, opt for an açaí berry smoothie instead. bejuiced-hk.com

Supabowl This Instragram-friendly açaí bowl is served in a fresh coconut bowl making for a pictureperfect breakfast. Focusing on superfoods, the restaurant lets you add protein powder, nut butter and cacao nibs. Its toppings change

açai adventures

seasonally and include honeycomb, fresh passionfruit and a strawberry base bowl. supabowlhk.com

Elephant Grounds With locations across Hong Kong, Elephant Grounds is a hot spot for pre-work breakfast.

The açaí yoghurt bowl is topped generously with granola, fresh fruit and coconut flakes. If you want a little more substance, order a mixed berry overnight oats. elephantgrounds.com

Pret On the go? While Pret is known for nutritious lunches, the coffee shop also has a range of yogurt and açaí pots. The blue goodness bowl contains blue spirulina and Greek yoghurt with gluten-free granola, berry compote and coconut flakes. pret.hk

Cosha Recently opened on Elgin street, this aesthetically pleasing cafe offers photoworthy classics along with colourful drinks.

The signature Cosha bowl is an energizing blend of açaí and mixed berries with a portion of granola on the side. A plate of fresh fruit with a honey dipper is another option for a fruit-filled breakfast.

NOC Coffee Beloved Hong Kong cafe, NOC offers a refreshing twist to the classic açaí with tropical blends including mango and coconut. The bowl is topped with homemade matcha granola and roasted almonds. noccoffeeco.com

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dining

Dining news Pane e Latte Located on Stanley’s waterfront, Pane e Latte is Pirata Group’s newest restaurant, inspired by an Italian panificio. The restaurant offers all-day dining, a selection of pastries and homemade gelato. paneelatte.hk

Prohibition Grill The grill house and cocktail bar has recently launched a new three and four course salad bar lunch menu. Diners can mix and match

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a variety of homemade mixed salads, cold cuts and cheeses before enjoying one of eight main course options. The set also comes with a daily dessert for just $368. prohibition.hk

nibbles Smoke & Barrel The American barbecue restaurant has debuted an elevated menu to enjoy on its alfresco terrace. Not straying far from its beloved smokehouse style, St. Louis spare ribs are drenched in a secret spice rub and s’mores are served with a chocolate bourbon ganache. Lighter bites include a New Orleans slaw, garlic butter corn on the cob and garlic collard greens. smokeandbarrelhk.com

Check In Taipei Until September 30, Check In Taipei is collaborating with Soulgood Bakery to donate to Feeding Hong Kong. Every order of the new Oolong tea basque burnt cheesecake will help to donate up to seven meals to those in need. Using its house blend Taiwanese roasted oolong tea, the creamy cake is topped with a Taiwanese whipped cheese foam. checkintaipei.hk

Cassio Head to Cassio’s alfresco terrace for the new Pinch me! Pinchos menu. With 15 rotating dishes including an Ibérico burger, spinach empanadillas and Ibérico and manchego cheese bikini sandos. Jugs of red or white sangria are also available. cassio.com.hk

HABITŪ Sit in a garden of roses with the rosemantic summer special available throughout August at HABITŪ. Inspired by a European summer garden, diners can sip on rosethemed drinks before enjoying sweet treats (almost) too pretty to eat. habitu.com.hk

CaN LaH CaN Lah is hosting a crab-tastic summer with a Southeast Asian crab feast. The highlight of the menu, crab bee hoon, is an eight-hour boiled crab soup finished with rice vermicelli and plenty of succulent meat. Crab is also deep-fried, stewed and baked to showcase it in various flavours and finishes.

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sport

Underwater adventures Nicole Slater rounds up everything you need to know about scuba diving in Hong Kong With many of us missing our tropical destinations this summer, you will be thrilled to know that you can still get your underwater fix in Hong Kong. While it’s not one of the world’s top scuba diving destinations, there is still plenty of marine life and seabeds to explore. Here is your guide to diving in Hong Kong.

Where to dive Although you can drive all year round,

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the best times are from late March to early June and then again from September to early November. The warmer months can be affected by typhoons and prevailing southwest monsoons can bring in murk from the Pearl River to the west, which can dull the visibility. But on the up-side the water temperature is mostly warm, making for an overall comfortable dive on a calm day. Be sure to plan ahead as good weather and a little luck are the main factors when it comes to scuba diving in Hong Kong.

Where to dive Po Toi Islands Just off of Stanley, Po Toi Island is a popular diving spot from March to May, as the surroundings are relatively untouched, making it a great spot for marine life.

The islands also feature interesting rock formations.

Bluff Island Perfect for beginners, Bluff Island offers

diving

plenty of marine life and even has a submerged car wreck which, according to local legend, was once used by smugglers.

The island makes for a great day trip location, with plenty to see in and out of the water.

Ninepin Islands A string of jewels in the crown of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, make up the Ninepin Islands. Divers can explore hexagonal columns of rock with underwater visibility stretching up to 17-metres. Octopus, eels and even scorpionfish are often spotted here.

Being an isolated sea mount, the currents can be quite a challenge, so this is best for divers with some experience.

Sharp Island Another spot that’s ideal for beginners is Sharp Island. Don’t let the name put you off: Sharp is a gently undulating tropical islet that’s home to warm, shallow waters and sheltered bays, protecting divers from open water currents.

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sports

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diving

Photo: Daiju Azuma

What to spot

Photo: Andy A. Lewis

Photo: Splash Hong Kong

Hong Kong grouper

Chaetodon plebeius

Who to dive with Splash Hong Kong Located in Sai Kung, Splash Hong Kong offers a range of diving lessons and days out for beginners and professionals. The Splash Days out will take you to crystal clear waters around Sai Kung and include lunch onboard and two dives throughout the day. splashhk.com

Offering a range of programmes covering everything from knots and navigation, to first aid and rescue techniques, South China Diving Club has something for all levels of divers. Founded by a group of avid divers in 1979, the club hopes to help their members become better divers. scdc.org.hk

Diving Adventure On a mission to promote sustainable, safe and

environmentally friendly scuba diving, Diving Adventure started out as a dive shop in 1988 but quickly expanded to an educational centre. The company offers diving training and dive tours across Hong Kong. divinghk.com

Photo: Izuzuki

South China Diving Club

Amblyeleotris japonica

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must haves

Herschel Anchor Laptop Sleeve Hexagonal water based pen set

$330 from Herschel herschel.com.hk

$48 from muji muji.com.hk

Cool kids on the block

Organic bamboo kids face mask $110 from Bamboa bamboahome.com

Back to school essentials

Rainbow hardbound journal $160 from Bookazine bookazine.com.hk

Quilted personal planner 28 | SOUTHSIDE

$590 from Kikki.k kikki-k.com

back to school Brass ball point pen $230 from LOG-ON logon.com.hk

Beans pro 2 wireless earbuds $699 from the coopidea thecoopidea.com

Stainless steel water bottle $129 from Decathlon decathlon.com.hk

Leçons de choses pencil case $186 from Leçons de choses en.smallable.com

Plush sticker pack $22 from Typo cottonon.com

Make a list 3-pack notepad $119 from Typo cottonon.com

Moral Budd backpack mini $479 from LOG-ON logon.com.hk

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The sculpture in Repulse Bay Gardens

secrets

Two benches, a suitcase and a pile of books to commemorate the life of Eileen Chang

At The Repulse Bay Gardens, you will find a sculpture consisting of two green benches, a suitcase and a pile of books commemorating the life of novelist and 1940s Shanghai cultural icon, Eileen Chang (1920-1995).

Chang is best known for her fictional writings chronicling the everyday lives (and loves) of women, all too often beset by meddling, betrayal and bittersweet reunions.

Now considered one of the most perceptive authors of Chinese contemporary literature, she was at one time dismissed by critics for neglecting the politics of the 20th century in favour of more “mundane” matters.

Chang’s novella, Love in a Fallen City, is set in Repulse Bay and features the old Repulse Bay Hotel, where her mother lived for a short time. The story, inspired by two of her mother’s friends, follows star-crossed lovers Bai Liusu and Fan Liuyan in the war era. The original hotel–a 1920s art-deco building–was demolished in 1982, but within the complex that replaced it lies a terraced restaurant, The Verandah, a replica of the old hotel restaurant where the two lovers met.

As authors often do, Chang drew inspiration from the characters in her own life, many of whom were troubled. Born into a prominent family in Shanghai, she was

only a few years old when her mother fled to Europe after her father became addicted to opium and took in a concubine.

Chang’s parents reconciled in 1927 but ultimately divorced in 1930. This time, her mother went to France. Chang and her younger brother lived with their father, but relations reached breaking point when Chang contracted dysentery. She was confined to her bedroom for six months until she ran away shortly after her 18th birthday.

Chang studied at the University of Hong Kong. She majored in English literature and was one semester short of graduating with a formal degree when Hong Kong fell to Japan. Chang returned to China where she published a collection of essays which catapulted her to literary fame in Shanghai.

At 24, she married controversial Chinese writer Hu Lancheng (who was briefly an official in the collaborationist regime installed by the Japanese in Nanjing), although the marriage only lasted three years. In 1952, Chang moved to Hong Kong, where she worked as a translator for the United States Information Service. Her novel Naked Earth (1954) was commissioned as antiCommunist propaganda. Chang finally settled in the United States where she met and was married to American screenwriter, Ferdinand Reyher, until his death in 1967.

She published her most famous book, Lust, Caution in 1979–a story that reportedly took her over two decades to complete.

Like many of her female protagonists, Chang spent her later years alone. Despite her growing fame in Taiwan, Hong Kong and mainland China throughout the 1970s, she became more reclusive. She was found dead in her Los Angeles apartment by her landlord in September 1995. Her neighbours had no idea that she was a celebrated author. Her ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean.

Chang’s sculpture, Hong Kong Journeys, takes the form of three benches, each of which represents a different phase in her life; the first bench is surrounded by bullets on the ground, representing wartime; the second by piles of books; and the third by a suitcase and jacket, portraying her flight from Hong Kong.

Where the sculpture is The Repulse Bay Gardens (in front of 109 Repulse Bay Road, along the walkway connecting Repulse Bay Road and Beach Road).

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pets

Ask a vet...

Dr Pauline Taylor on obesity in cats Dr Pauline Pets Central veterinarian Many charts are available to help define “fat cats” but in general, obesity in cats is defined as cats that are more than 30 percent over their ideal weight. You should be able to feel your cat’s ribs easily when you stroke their body lightly and you should clearly see a waistline when you look at them from above.

What are some of the health issues which come with obesity?

Being overweight generally means your cat will be less active and have a reduced quality of life and may reduce life expectancy as much as two years. Fat cats simply cannot groom themselves like they should while the extra weight plays havoc on aging joints. Other weight-related illnesses exist including diabetes mellitus and urinary tract infections.

What exercises are good for my cat to lose weight?

Establish a regular and fun exercise routine. Exercises involving moving objects for example a feather wand to stimulate the cat’s predatory instincts. Replace food treats with more interactive activities, such as extra play time or holding and petting.

Use food treat toys stuffed with normal daily diet, not treats and hide food around your home to make your cat search for the food.

How many calories should an average-sized cat usually have per day?

I never advise on calories/ day in this general situation because I have seen too many pets starved because pet parents were following instructions given to them.

The amount of food depends on many things including the brand/type of food and its ingredients and age species/ type of cat and its life cycle. If your cat is overweight, ask your vet for advice on an appropriate feeding regime to ensure they get enough nutrients, without being overfed.

My cat sits by her food bowl all day; how can I encourage her to do something else?

There could be a few reasons for this that are medically induced. Could it be the water she craves rather than the food? If you are dieting her you must be very careful she gets enough daily nutrients from the food you give her. It’s dangerous to try and make a cat lose weight too quickly.

Slow and steady weight loss is what is important for cats.

Got a question for Dr. Pauline?

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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 thehealingkingdom.com

AQUARIUS You may feel a certain degree of dissatisfaction with your present circumstances. The future is approaching, but you are afraid that your beliefs have an irreversible change. This is not a bad thing, Aquarius. Accept change and all that comes with it. Attachment to old structures will only bring problems into your life.

TAURUS Personal relationships take relevance during this period. It will be easy for you to be objective and conciliatory with others, Taurus. Therefore, do not shy away from necessary discussions. Listen to your heart’s desires and guide yourself through them to reach out to others.

LEO You will experience an aggressive and intolerant attitude toward other people, Leo. However, this may have to do with some dissatisfaction you are having with your life. Try to change something within you to find inner balance again.

SCORPIO Your career and work-related matters will require your special attention. You may acquire a more senior position and have to carry numerous responsibilities that will leave you exhausted. However, do not be discouraged, Scorpio. What you cultivate today will be the fruits of tomorrow.

PISCES This month will be a time of intense transformation, Pisces. However, it will bring very positive consequences in your life. Relationships that are no longer beneficial will have to die and will leave fertile ground for new experiences. After this period, a much more powerful version of yourself will emerge.

GEMINI You tend to be a little scattered, Gemini, but the planetary alignment will encourage you to be thorough this time. Your rationality and analytical skills will be sharper than ever, which will help you to improve various aspects of your life.

VIRGO Your flexible thinking and perspicacity will help you grow in your workplace. This may result in more responsibilities than you had intended, but you will be more than willing to accept the challenge. Beware of excessive self-criticism and bouts of stress caused by the pursuit of perfectionism.

SAGITTARIUS It’s a time to venture into new creative projects, Sagittarians. If you were thinking of doing something with your group of friends, don’t hesitate to do so. The astral energies promote a propitious environment for group work and for embarking on new ventures. Therefore, stop analysing it so much and go forward.

ARIES If you’re taking too much time making up your mind, you will never risk doing something new, Aries. The planetary alignment encourages you to let go of worries and trust your intuition. Remember that the more unexpected your reactions, the better your chances of improving your personal affairs.

CANCER It’s going to be a very intense month, Cancer. You will have to face uncomfortable situations that you previously avoided. It may be painful, but the sooner you accept it, the more favourable your life will become. So embrace the process of change and focus on the future.

LIBRA The planetary configuration will stimulate your curiosity and your thirst for knowledge.

It’s an ideal opportunity to resume your studies or to start a course. Your point of view is relevant, so don’t be afraid to share it with others. Be attentive to the events that arise during this season, as they will become important later on.

CAPRICORN Creative and artistic activities will be highlighted this month, Capricorn. If it’s not something you were interested in before, someone in your group of friends will get you on that path. You may resist at first, but then you’ll notice that you’re much more talented than you thought.

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pets

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marketplace

marketplace

To advertise, email talk@hongkongliving.com or call 2776 2772.

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zim city

Eat without waste

Paul Zimmerman on banning styrofoam and plastics

Dig below the vegetation along the shores of Hong Kong and the first meter consists of polystyrene foam pellets instead of sand, mud and rocks. Lunch boxes, noodle bowls and the larger boxes used in the fish and vegetable trade end up in our waters and break down into squeaky pellets. Unwittingly (or lazily) discarded on the land, they are picked up by wind and rain. We see them float by. They are a main component of trash collected during beach clean-ups.

After years of knocking on doors, Hong Kong is slowly taking a first step in getting rid of some of it, releasing a survey open for all residents to share their concerns about the regulation of disposable plastic tableware.

Extruded or expanded polystyrene (EPS), better known as styrofoam, is cheap, lightweight and leak proof, so it’s easy to understand why it’s so popular. It will take a lot of international collaboration on rules and enforcement to remove and

replace it in the fish trade. But there are no excuses for retaining the use of styrofoam as part of our food catering habits. There are ample alternatives on the market.

Besides styrofoam, the proposed scheme seeks to get rid of plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery, cups, bowls and plates from all take-out catering and from all indining establishments. It is expected that this will reduce around 40 tonnes of plastic contaminated with left-overs from going to waste every day.

The proposed ban will face opposition from thousands of large and small food businesses as well as many consumers who rely on take-out food. But with alternative options including reusable tableware and boxes made with natural fibres, there shouldn’t be so much worry.

On an informal basis, many restaurants have already started to accept containers brought by customers. Everyone in my office brings their own containers. Hope you will do so too.

If you want to have your say in the survey, visit the dedicated website: rdpt. hk. My recommendation is to tick “agree” to every question and reply to question ten with a resounding: “Why wait till 2025? Do it tomorrow.”

More importantly, you don’t have to wait for the scheme. Start today by refusing plastic tableware and bring your own instead.

Paul Zimmerman is CEO of Designing Hong Kong and Vice-Chairman of the Southern District Council. He has been acting as Chairman of the Single-Use Beverage Packaging Working Group and their ‘Drink Without Waste’ initiative since 2017.

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