Southside Magazine February 2013 by Hong Kong Living Ltd

ISLAND SOUTH

The really useful magazine FEBURARY 2013

THE PLANNER 4 Happening in February Welcome the Year of the Snake. LETTERS

WINE 18 Great Hungarian wines (Yes, really.) EATING

6 Have your say A note from Paul Zimmerman. And a thank you.

20 Tables for two Where to eat on Valentine’s Day. INTERIORS

NEWS 8 What’s going on? CY Leung’s plans to redevelop Pok Fu Lam. INTERVIEW 10 Robert Luxton A life of flight (and design). LOCAL

22 Warm feet... And other reasons to install underfloor heating. MOTORING 24 Supercar club Carspotting with the millionaire petrolheads. EDUCATION

12 One gift, TwoPresents A Southside charitable business finds its legs. FEATURE

26 Ni hao? Where to learn Mandarin. FAMILY

14 Next stop: Southside The latest on the MTR’s new South Island Line.

28 Red packet etiquette Lai see do’s and dont’s.

HEALTH & BEAUTY 30 Power arms How to get arms like Michelle Obama’s. (And a body like Sonny Bill Williams’.) HIKES 32 Up Country Pete Spurrier takes the high road to Lead Mine Pass. TRAVEL 34 Romantic weekends in Macau Pool villas and more. PETS 36 Licking a problem Controlling compulsive cats. GARDENING 38 Winter colour Jane Ram brightens up dull days.

PEOPLE 39 Oh snap! Life on the Southside. MARKETPLACE 40 Your guide to shops and services Cool stuff to buy and do. BIRD AT MY WINDOW 43 The cinereous tit David Diskin on Hong Kong birds. CLASSIFIEDS 44 Loads of random useful local stuff ULTIMATE GUIDE 46 All you need to know Numbers that make life easier. MY SOUTHSIDE 50 Bradley White From Aberdeen to Yuen Long on delivery.

“Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn't know you left open” — John Barrymore

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planner

Feb 11

Lunar New Year Fireworks Start the Year of the Snake with a bang, with the annual harbour fireworks display. Starts 8pm.

Jan 31-Feb 3 Michael Morpurgo’s Kensuke’s Kingdom

Until Feb 14 Hello It's Me, Goodbye: Andy Warhol's Cinema

Join Faust International Youth Theatre for a fantastical ocean voyage to an island of orang-utans. HK Jockey Club Amphitheatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $220-$270 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Feb 1-9 Kidsfest

Children’s favourites Mr Benn and The Gruffalo live on stage. Tickets from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

For the first time in Southeast Asia, the Osage Gallery in Kwun Tong is screening a selection of Andy Warhol's films to commemorate the 25th anniversary of his death. For details, visit www.osagegallery.com.

Feb 10 Lunar New Year Night Parade Tsim Sha Tsui turns into a big street party with brightly coloured floats and performers. Festivities start at 6pm on the harbourfront.

Feb 9-24 LUNAR lucky fiesta Ocean Park celebrates Lunar New Year with Taiwanese folk drums, Hong Kong's tallest spinning lantern and lots of lai see. Details at www.oceanpark.com.hk.

Feb 4-9 Lunar New Year Flower Market Parks and playgrounds across Hong Kong bloom with festive orange trees and other flowers. For the biggest display, head to Victoria Park, Causeway Bay, from noon daily.

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Feb 14 Valentine’s Day Cupid strikes again.

Feb 12 Chinese New Year Race Day Horse racing plus lion dancing, cultural performances and a bazaar. Sha Tin Racecourse. Gates open at 11am.

Feb 17 Confucius Carnival 2013 Causeway Bay hosts a cultural carnival, including stage performances, booths, interactive games, lion dancing, Chinese orchestra, opera and choir performances. From 2pm in pedestrian zones in Paterson and Great George streets, East Point and Lockhart roads.

Feb 18-24 Hong Kong Salsa Festival Sashay down to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre for a week of salsa dance workshops, competitions, performances and parties. For details, visit www.hksalsafestival.com.

happening in february Feb 21-Mar 22 Hong Kong Arts Festival

Feb 24 CDNIS Jazz

Feb 28 Hong Kong Masters

The cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier performing-arts event attracts world-class opera, theatre, music and dance. For details and highlights, visit www.hk.artsfestival.org.

The Canadian International School Jazz Band, Steve Stiller, the China Coast Jazzmen and the HKIS MS Jazz Band Two perform big band jazz. Free entry. 7pm (6:30pm shuttle bus from Admiralty), 36 Nam Long Shan Road, Aberdeen, www.cdnis.edu.hk.

Elite show jumping featuring the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top 25 riders and a programme of horse clinics, photo shoots and meet-and-greet opportunities. AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau. Tickets $150-$450 from www.cityline.com, 2111 5333.

Feb 22-24 Asia Hotel Art Fair

Doug Woodring

Exhibition of more than 3,000 contemporary Asian artworks at the Mandarin Oriental, Connaught Road Central. For details, visit hotelartfair.kr.

Feb 23 Cold Half Swim This inaugural 15km swimming race from Stanley Main Beach to Middle Island is the winter version of the annual Clean Half Swim. To take part in the solo or two-person race, au naturel or wetsuited and booted, register by February 16 by emailing kittyp4@hotmail.com.

Feb 24 Hong Kong Marathon

Book now

Entries are long closed but get up early to cheer on the thousands of able-bodied and wheelchair racers from Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui (near The Mira) to Victoria Park, Causeway Bay. From 6am. For details, visit www.hkmarathon.com.

Feb 25-Mar 3 Hong Kong Restaurant Week Restaurants in Stanley, Aberdeen and The Peak join more than 50 eateries across Hong Kong for an annual event that enables the public to try top restaurants at cut-rate prices. For details, visit www.restaurantweek.hk.

Feb 23-24 Cyberport Weekend Market The monthly gathering of stalls, games, movies and more. 11am-7pm, The Podium, Cyberport 2, Pok Fu Lam, www.cyberport.hk.

Got an event? We can publish the details for free. Email editor@southside.hk

Mar 5 Adam Lambert Live

The American Idol runner-up returns to Hong Kong with his second album, Trespassing. Star Hall, KITEC, Kowloon Bay. Tickets $590-$790 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Mar 22 Russell Peters Live The Canadian comedian will have them rolling in the aisles at the AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau. Tickets $488-$1,088 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

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letters

have your say Minibus routes to terminate? AMS Public Transport Holdings Ltd has announced it will return the operating rights of the Pok Fu Lam and Tin Wan minibus routes 10, 10X, 11 and 31 to the government. (Route 10 connects Cyberport and Causeway Bay; 10X connects Scenic Villas and Central; and routes 11 and 31 connect Tin Wan and Causeway Bay.) We understand the termination date is July 2013. We worked closely with AMS and residents to develop revised schemes for operating these routes. The Transport Department has been unable to give good reasons for their delay in approvals. My office will seek assurances from the Transport Department that quality public transport services will be available. Paul Zimmerman Southern District Councillor

Thank you Southside! Thank you so much for featuring the upcoming opening of Stanley Wellness Centre in January's edition of Southside Magazine. We have received positive feedback and enthusiasm regarding the opening of the clinic from Southside residents. Thank you again for supporting our new business venture. Jeanette Blanks

Please email your letters to letters@southside.hk. We may edit for length.

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news

Restrictions on property development in Pok Fu Lam may be lifted if a suggestion made by Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying is adopted. Speaking in his January 17 policy address, Leung proposed lifting 40-year-old restrictions in Pok Fu Lam and Mid-Levels to increase Hong Kong’s land and housing supply. “We're actively considering relaxing or lifting a moratorium currently in force to restrict the sale of new land or modification to leases in Pok Fu Lam and Mid-Levels, so as to lift development

restrictions in these two areas," Leung said. The moratorium was set in the 1970s as a temporary measure to control development until traffic infrastructure was improved. It enabled the government to reject applications for planning changes or new development that might worsen congestion. Reacting to the news, lobbyist Albert Lai Kwong-tak of The Professional Commons told the SCMP, "Adding ever taller buildings on the hills will degrade the environment and pose a bigger

landslide risk. I don't see how releasing land in this luxury neighbourhood would help address the more urgent housing problem of the grass roots." Southern District Councillor Paul Zimmerman said congestion remains a problem. “[Aberdeen Tunnel] is closed intermittently every day due to traffic congestion, the routes through Kennedy Town and Sai Ying Pun… are overloaded and unsuited for any further increase in traffic. [And the government] has yet to prove it can provide practical solutions to the increase in traffic congestion which blocks traffic from the Southern District from entering the business districts along the northern shores of Hong Kong Island,” he said in a statement. “The lifting of the Pok Fu Lam Moratorium is fair for private landowners and acceptable to the public as long as the new draft Outline Zoning Plan for Pok Fu Lam reflects the limitation of transport and traffic between the Southern District and the north shore of Hong Kong Island.”

Stanley’s new market

HKIS to stay put

Starting March 5, Saffron Bakery will host the Stanley Sampler, a pop-up monthly market of small, independent retailers and businesses. “Originating in Sai Kung, Sampler Markets are a group of small businesses who want to help the community,” says organiser Claire Brownless of Not Only Olives. The markets will be held on the first Tuesday of every month, 4pm-8pm, G/F Stanley Plaza, Stanley. Pop along.

Hong Kong International School has put a temporary halt on a $1 billion redevelopment project at its Repulse Bay campus following parents’ concerns about pollution at a temporary school site in Hung Hom. The project is on hold until the school can relocate its lower primary students. This means the extra 200 primary school places HKIS had planned to make available in the next few years will not now be released.

Hong

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Enrol your child at a class near you Discovery Bay Happy Valley Kowloon Pokfulam Stanley Repulse Bay Mui Wo Sai Kung Tung Chung Wanchai 8 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

Southside Readers’ Choice Awards 2013 Go to www.southside.hk, vote for your favourite things in Southside, and win great prizes.

Entry Deadline:

March 15

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Hours of pampering at Sabai Day Spa Treat yourself to the top-quality beauty treatments of your choice at the five-star Sabai Day Spa in Stanley or Sai Kung. Valued at $2,500

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interview Editorial Jane Steer jane@southside.hk William Whitaker william@southside.hk Kawai Wong kawai@fastmedia.com.hk Art Director Sammy Ko sammy@fastmedia.com.hk Graphic Designer Carly Tonna carly@fastmedia.com.hk Sales Manager Nobel Cho ads@southside.hk Sales Executive Jackie Wilson jackie@fastmedia.com.hk Traffic Coordinator Cecile Chui cecile@fastmedia.com.hk Accounts Manager Clara Chan accounts@fastmedia.com.hk Publisher Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk Contributors Carolynne Dear Cynthia Smillie Louis Doctrove David Diskin Hannah Grogan Joshua Kindler Jane Ram Kevin Yeung Pete Spurrier Printer Gear Printing Room 3B, 49 Wong Chuk Hang Road, (Derrick Industrial Building), Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong Published by Fast Media Floor LG1 222 Queens Road Central Hong Kong Give us a call!

Editorial: 2776 2773 Advertising: 2776 2772 Southside Magazine is published by Fast Media Ltd. This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication. Southside cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or pubishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

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Robert Luxton The aerobots designer tells William Whitaker how a love of flight informs his art. I started in university doing product design, coming up with new inventions and new ideas. I moved to Hong Kong when my brother phoned me up said, “Come over to Hong Kong, get your ID card.” And that was it. I thought I’d stay for six months, and the next minute it’s 16 years. I really like things that move, mechanical installations, anything that has a motor, that catches your eye. One Lunar New Year we made seven-metre, helium-filled, remotecontrolled goldfish and sailed them in the Langham Place atrium. It was like a giant tank. One day our pilots forgot to put the counterweights on, and they rocketed to the ceiling. Had to hire riggers to come in. At one point, we had a giant fishing rod to try to catch one. I expanded into aerobots two years ago. [An aerobot is a mini aircraft driven by propellers that carries a camera for low-altitude aerial photography.] At the beginning, I couldn’t think how it would make money. I was inspired by it and so I started researching,

buying the kits and training myself. Ultimately, I decided to make it a proper business. We’re currently doing 360-degree aerial photography for schools and other properties. So people have an aerial virtual tour where they simply float in the air like a bird. We have two drones, a four-engine and an eight-engine model. They are battery powered, so they’re not going to explode in the sky. No petrol. And if one of the engines fails, they’ll still fly. During testing we lost two propellers, and it still flew. It was difficult, but it landed.

I am fascinated by flight. It’s a way of extending beyond yourself. For the remote-controlled stuff, you’re not sitting in the cockpit, but you still get a sense that you’re out there a bit further than your own body. And while many people know what being a passenger is like, sitting at the controls is a different feeling. It’s exciting. I love a challenge. If there’s a problem to be solved, I’ll jump on it. Particularly if someone says that it cannot be done. You know, challenge accepted! Generally, if I can think of it, I pretty much know it can be done.

eye in the sky

Luxton (above) and an image of Repulse Bay taken by aerobot (below)

I love trying to make people smile, laugh, be intrigued, or want to explore something with my work. I like telling stories. The Library of Curiosity at Clockenflap was an idea that had been floating around for a while. We had one installation where you go up to a mirror and press a button, the mirror disappears, and behind it was a large set of mirrors. Then a pea would drop down, and you would see a whole series of reflections. We called it the Infinity Pea. It was nice observing how people interact with all these odd things. It was a family event, and a lot of times kids can teach parents. They look at things with fresh eyes, and they don’t always need to have a reason for things. Sometimes it just is. For kids, it was one of their favourites. Curiosity drives my inspiration. I find humour in almost everything, and joy in ridiculously simple things. Just watching what’s going on around me. I see a massive mountain and think, “that’s big”. Everyone knows it’s big, but suddenly you look at it with fresh

eyes and think that it’s pretty amazing. Lots of people do it, but it’s nice to step back, recognize where you are, and reflect in the moment. If I had a philosophy of design, it would be humour. Something that makes me laugh or smile. There are really sleek designs, beautiful furniture and nice cars – I can appreciate that but that’s not what drives me. It’s about simple ideas that make you smile. Because if it makes me smile, then I’m enjoying creating it. And therefore I’m enjoying my work, and the time I’m putting into it. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received is “always times it by three”. If you think it’s going to take you an hour, it’s going to take you three. That advice has got me out of lots of problems. Whatever it is, never underestimate it. Another was from one of my dad’s construction workers when I was a kid. He was cutting a piece of wood and said, “let the saw do the work”. Don’t force things. Let the tool do what it’s supposed to do.

Why I choose to live in Southside? Tells us in our Readers’ Choice Awards for the chance to win prizes worth $100,000. Vote now on www.southside.hk.

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local

TwoPresents founders (from left) Mike Walshe, Karola Horvath Szovati and Mia Ejandal.

Three people, TwoPresents, one idea TwoPresents combines party fun with charitable giving. Its Southside co-founders explain how it works. In business, as in design, sometimes less is more. That’s the philosophy behind TwoPresents, a party-planning website that encourages guests to split their gifts, contributing to a local charity as well as to a present for their host. It was co-founded by Southside residents Karola Horvath Szovati, Mike Walshe and Mia Ejandal. “TwoPresents is a way of sharing a party with a local charity,” Walshe explains. “You use the TwoPresents website to email invitations, and when guests RSVP they are given the opportunity to contribute money instead of bringing a present. All the money contributed is pooled and split, with one part donated to the charity of choice, and rest presented as a cheque for the host.” The online process is quick and painless: hosts choose a charity from a list, set the donation percentage, choose an e-card invitation and add their guests’ email addresses. “It’s a one-stop shop,” Mia says. And it’s environmentally friendly to boot, as it generates no paper invitations or waste gift packaging. The idea came to Szovati a few years ago. “I was thrown into this cycle of gift-giving and receiving,” she says. “But we live in small apartments without much space. I really appreciate the sentiment and respect the traditions, but it became too much.” Worse, she says, she wasn’t sure her son appreciated the thoughtful gifts he received.

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Paige Sinclair and son, Oliver, who used the website.

“Hong Kong is quite a materialistic city, and money is in your face all the time. So for children to have these lavish birthdays, getting showered with gifts, it doesn’t help you as a parent if you want to keep them grounded.” This desire to give their kids a sense of awareness and responsibility was of integral importance to the company’s founders. And they are not the only ones. Paige Sinclair, whose son Oliver recently turned six, used TwoPresents to organize his birthday party. “As a parent, I think it’s really important to stay level-headed,” she says. “Of course you want to give your kid everything they deserve, and more, and you don’t want to deny them the big parties and other wonderful childhood memories. But if you can take those memories

and give back at the same time, it’s just great.” As it was his birthday, Sinclair wanted her son to be instrumental in choosing the charity his event benefited. She said that while explaining the purpose of the various charities was not easy, he was enthusiastic about donating to Hong Kong Dog Rescue (HKDR). “It was not an issue at all for him not to be receiving loads of gifts,” she says. “We have such an amazing life here, our children have access to so many luxuries. And I think it’s important to teach them to give back.” TwoPresents currently offers donations to eight charities, including Hong Kong Shark Foundation, Clean Air Network, PathFinders and HandsOn Hong Kong as well as HKDR. “We selected based on greatest need, but also to cover different issues: the elderly, children, education, animals, the environment,” Ejandal says. All the charities are local, Walshe adds: “We haven’t gone for worldwide foundations because there’s no guarantee that the money will go to the Hong Kong community.” And as the idea gains traction in Hong Kong, TwoPresents is looking to expand internationally. “In the next three to six months,” Walshe says, “I would love to see another region or two added to our site.” For details, visit www.twopresents.com.

feature

Photo: Hannah Grogan.

Next stop: Island South With the MTR’s South Island Line due to open in 2015, William Whitaker and Josh Kindler ask what the Southside can expect. Many things define the Southside: beaches, pets, priceless sunsets... traffic jams. Watching the sky turning stunning shades of tropical coral is distinctly less glorious while doing 2km/h through Wong Chuk Hang. Which is why construction is underway at four MTR stations on Southside, offering residents an alternative to congested Aberdeen Tunnel, congested Pok Fu Lam Road or congested Wong Nai Chung Gap for their city commutes. By the end of 2015, the South Island Line (East) will open stations at Admiralty, Ocean Park, Wong Chuk Hang, Lei Tung (on Ap Lei Chau) and South Horizons.

MTR plans for the South Island Line were first proposed in May 2002 and altered at least six times before June 2010. The South Island Line (East) will be a medium-capacity railway, operating three-car trains; by comparison, trains on the Island and East Rail lines have eight cars. Fares and

It will be good once done. It'll help raise the price of real estate. But I wonder if Aberdeen will retain its charm. It'll be a shame to lose that. – Amy Laushard

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schedules will be in accordance with MTR standards, which means the trains will run every three minutes during peak hours. The trip from South Horizons to Admiralty will take approximately 10 minutes. MTR plans for the South Island Line were first proposed in May 2002 and altered at least six times before June 2010. The most significant change was the decision to drop the South Island Line (West) – a large loop through Pok Fu Lam connecting South Horizons with the West Island Line at Kennedy Town – that was to include stations at Aberdeen, Wah Fu and Cyberport. The West Island Line is due to open

An MTR line would be great. It's too slow to travel by bus. The MTR is faster. And fast is good. – Mr. Po

south island line

in 2014. For the time being, MTR officials say South Island Line (West) is “not a committed project”. However, they also point out that the Wong Chuk Hang Station is “designed to be expandable to include an additional platform for interchange [between the two lines]”. The new MTR line is necessary for two reasons, according to Southern District Councillor Fergus Fung: to alleviate traffic and to stimulate economic growth, notably the development of tourism. According to the Transport Department, about 92,600 vehicles a day pass through Aberdeen Tunnel, or 62 per cent of all vehicles that travel from Southside into the urban areas. What’s more, the number of cars using the tunnel is increasing by four per cent a year. “Traffic congestion from the Aberdeen Tunnel seriously affects access to and from the Southern District during peak hours,” states an MTR report submitted to the Southern District Council on January 15. “Travelling by road-based transport between South Horizons and Admiralty takes 25 to 45 minutes during rush hours.” The opening of the MTR line is likely to change all that. By 2016, the Transport Department is expecting nearly 50 per cent of all public transport journeys in Hong Kong to be on the MTR. Which is good news for Southside commuters, who will have a choice of taking the MTR or a less congested Aberdeen Tunnel, Fung says. A transport network will link the MTR to the Southside’s major residential areas, says Denis Leung, assistant to Southern District Councillor Paul Zimmerman. “Residents from other parts of Southern District [will be able to] take feeder services to Wong Chuk Hang for the South Island Line (East),” Leung says. “Aberdeen Tunnel currently suffers from intermittent closures at least 10 times day. To have an alternative reliable transport mode which takes people everywhere in Hong Kong would benefit residents and visitors extensively.”

Having an MTR would have been amazingly convenient for Cyberport. It's too bad. – Benson Chan

L'hotel Island South.

I don't know much about the new MTR at all, but it's so sad that it won't come to Cyberport. It would be a lot easier to have an MTR out here to help get to where we live. – Rachel Solera

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One Island South.

feature

And there are likely to be a lot more visitors. Ocean Park has embarked on a seven-year, $5.5 billion expansion that will include the construction of three new hotels in the area. Fisherman’s Wharf Hotel, Summit Hotel and Spa, and the Ocean Hotel will have a combined total of 1,125 guest rooms. The number of attractions in the park will increase from 35 to more than 70, starting with last year’s opening of the Polar Adventure and the Ocean Express high-speed train, which travels between the Waterfront and Summit in four minutes and can transport 5,000

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people an hour. Development ahead of the MTR opening began in Wong Chuk Hang in 2005. So far, this has included the high-profile openings of the 37-storey, 432-room L’hotel Island South, and the 29-storey One Island South office block, built by Wheelock Properties. Wheelock’s plans for the area originally included a “mega-hotel” with 1,462 guest rooms,

which would have been among the largest in Hong Kong. Instead, anticipating competition from the Ocean Park expansion, the company has embarked on a $2 billion project to build 500 new apartments. Likewise, the MTR has revealed plans to build 4,700 apartments in four buildings above Wong Chuk Hung station, timed to coincide with the opening of the South Island Line in 2015. All told, increased business activities in the area as a result of the new line will create an estimated 20,000 new jobs, according to the MTR Corporation. And this number does not include the 2,500 job opportunities created during its construction, or the 2,100 operational positions that it estimates will be available after completion. With so many people travelling to the area, all local businesses can have a chance to benefit, Leung says. “Visitors to Ocean Park may decide to take the MTR to Ap Lei Chau for seafood, for instance. However, more work is required on how to attract visitors to spend more time and money in the Southern District.” Additional reporting by Hannah Grogan.

Southside's best-kept secret? Tells us in our Readers’ Choice Awards for the chance to win prizes worth $100,000. Vote now on www.southside.hk.

wine

In vino veritas The truth about Hungarian wines. Hungarian wines could be one of the best-kept secrets of the old world. During the Soviet era, Hungary produced wine solely for the Eastern Bloc, with a focus on quantity not quality. But since 1990, the Hungarian government has invested heavily in its age-old wine industry. And for the past 20 years, Hungarian wines have been in resurgence.

Csilla Maroti Fisher (pictured), who grew up on her family’s vineyards in Hungary, believes the time has come for the country’s wines to stand up and be counted. So she set up Veritas Wines to import its best wines to Hong Kong. “Hungary lies along the same latitude and has the same climate as central France, but many people do not know that it makes high-quality wine,” she says. “You get the greatest, nuanced wines in some of the humblest places in Hungary.” She imports six wine labels, each representing one of the country’s wine regions. And she ensures its quality by shipping it in climate-controlled containers. “Hungary, Georgia – we all have wonderful wines and wonderful history, and one thing I love is walking people through it,” she says of Veritas Wine’s fortnightly wine-tasting events. And the name? “Veritas Wine comes from the Latin saying in vino veritas, ‘in wine there is truth’,” Fisher says. “Because it is so true that Hungarian wines are amazing.” For more details, visit www.veritas-wine.com.

The best wine shop or wine delivery service? Tells us in our Readers’ Choice Awards for the chance to win prizes worth $100,000. Vote now on www.southside.hk.

18 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

Fast facts Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Josef sent Queen Victoria an annual birthday present of Tokaji Aszú wine, one bottle for every month she had lived. On her 81st birthday in 1900, this totalled 972 bottles. Northeast Hungary's Tokaj wine region is home to the world's first vineyard classification system, preceding the Bordeaux classification by a century. In the 18th century, Tokaj vineyards were classified into first, second and third class, depending on the soil, sun exposure, and the potential to develop Botrytis cinerea.

Recommended wine Etyeki Kúria Pinot Noir 2010 $238 Veritas Wine’s awardwinning “flagship” label is the country’s finest pinot noir, made from a grape that is relatively new to Hungary. It reflects the Old World-style with more body than its New World cousins, intense forest fruit aromas on the nose, and juicy fruitiness and an elegant velvety texture on the palate.

eating

From top: Love is in the air at Top Deck; take a romantic cruise on Aqualuna; splash out on a diver-delivered message at Neptunes, Ocean Park.

Food of love Looking for a table for two on Valentine’s Day? Josh Kindler knows just the place. Top Deck Celebrate with your sweetheart in style at one of Southside’s favourite venues atop the famous Jumbo Kingdom floating restaurant. Up on the roof, in softly lit surroundings with stunning views across Aberdeen Harbour, Top Deck is romance writ large. For Valentine’s Day, it is offering a four-course set dinner ($1,314 a couple) including kumamo oysters, foie gras torchon with brioche, grilled dry-aged ribeye with horseradish cream and fingerling potatoes or pan-seared blue-eye cod with smoked fondant potatoes and black garlic paste. End on a sweet note with pavlova and praline ice cream, strawberry mousse, apple cider, dark chocolate and yoghurt. Top Floor, Jumbo Kingdom, Shum Wan Pier Drive, Wong Chuk Hang, 2552 3331.

Aqualuna Set sail for an utterly romantic evening cruise on possibly the last handcrafted sailing Chinese junk in Hong Kong. Valentine’s Day brings the Aqualuna’s “Romance on Victoria Harbour” package ($550 per couple), a 45-minute cruise past the twinkling city lights, with a glass of Prosecco and a white chocolate and lychee dessert. It could be chilly out on deck – the perfect excuse to cuddle up. For details and reservations, call 2116 8821.

Black Sheep Get away from the Valentine’s hype with an intimate dinner a deux at Shek O’s quirky little international restaurant. Cosy, cheerful and colourful, with its sarong tablecloths, thatched ceiling and busy fishtank, this is a place to make you smile, relax and engage. Date-night perfection for people of a laidback persuasion. Check the blackboard for romantic specials – whatever you order is bound to be mighty fine. And after dinner, you’re in the perfect location for wandering hand-in-hand on the sand. Valentine’s bliss. 452 Shek O Village, 2809 2021.

Armani/Aqua Is this the most stylish restaurant in the city? With its fashion-meets-food ambience and ultra-cool decor – not to mention that glorious terrace – it’s certainly up there. Expect a thoroughly glamorous experience on Valentine’s Day, starting with a complimentary Rossini cocktail of Champagne and strawberry puree. The special menu ($888/ person) includes sashimi, ravioli of blue lobster with scallop cream and black truffle, and pan-fried turbot with cuttlefish, Jerusalem artichoke and caviar. It’s sure to be chic. 2/F Landmark Chater, 8 Connaught Road Central, 3583 2828.

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Neptunes Restaurant Ocean Park may not seem an obvious choice for Valentines, until you consider its track record: last year, more than 40 guests proposed at the park – their sweethearts all said yes – and 36 couples tied the knot there. Besides, Valentine’s Day at Southside’s favourite theme park is bound to be fun. Upscale seafood restaurant Neptunes is offering a special menu ($1,338 for two) including a Kir Royal cocktail, dill-cured salmon on toast with prosciutto and asparagus, mango and mint sherbert, oven-baked sea bass with champagne sauce, and chocolate mousse with raspberry coulis and bamboo charcoal cookies etched with your personal message. You can even arrange to have a diver display a message of love in the Grand Aquarium or have Whiskers personally deliver a bouquet. For reservations and special requests (three days’ notice required), call 3923 2161 / 2162.

sponsored column

Which primary school? ITS School Placements offers fast facts on non-ESF international primary schools. For parents still mulling over what primary school is the best fit for their child for 201314, there are alternatives to the English Schools Foundation system. Here is a brief overview of some of Hong Kong’s other international primary schools. American International School Curriculum: Designed to meet US educational standards, the programme balances knowledge in all subject areas with the development of learning skills. 125 Waterloo Road, Kowloon Tong, www.ais.edu.hk. Anfield British School Curriculum: British National Curriculum following Key Stage 1. The curriculum is broad, diverse and subject based, focusing on the core subjects of English, mathematics, science and ICT. World Wide Gardens, Tai Wai, Sha Tin, www.anfield.com.hk. Delia School of Canada Curriculum: Ontario Curriculum. This diversified programme focuses on four core academic areas – English, mathematics,

science and technology, and social studies – plus health and physical education, the arts, and international languages. Tai Fung Avenue, Taikoo Shing, www.delia.edu.hk. Island Christian Academy Curriculum: International Primary Curriculum. A cross-curricular, thematic, and rigorous teaching structure, designed to engage children of all abilities. 70 Bridges Street, Sheung Wan, www.generations.edu.hk. Japanese International School Curriculum: IB Primary Years Programme. Children participate in six Units of Inquiry examining the themes “Who we are”, “Where we are in place and time”, “How we express ourselves”, “How the world works”, “How we organize ourselves” and “Sharing the planet”. These themes promote the trandisciplinary study of science, philosophy, social studies, geography, history, mathematics and language. 4663 Tai Po Road, Tai Po, www.es.jis.edu.hk. Kingston International School Curriculum: IB Primary Years Programme.

Follows the IB PYP while fostering a strong bilingual environment. Waterloo Road, Kowloon Tong, www.kingston.edu.hk. The Harbour School Curriculum: The Harbour School (THS) has adopted a flexible, best-practice curriculum that incorporates different educational approaches from Britain and the US. 23 Belcher’s Street, Kennedy Town, www.theharbourschool.edu.hk.

ITS School Placements provides an education consulting service that works with families and employers to find the right schools for individual children in Hong Kong, from nursery to secondary schools. ITS also offers research, policy and advisory services for corporations. For more details, contact es@tuition.com.hk or 3188 3940.

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health & beauty

Be inspired Weight Watchers fits around your life, not the other way around! And now with our new improved weight-loss plan, Weight Watchers 360˚, what better time to join.

Photos: Hannah Grogan

Come and join Weight Watchers today! Meeting locations Repulse Bay/Happy Valley – Hong Kong Cricket Club Thursdays 10am

A call to arms

Visit www.weightwatchers.com.hk or call 2813 0814 for meeting details and current schedules.

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Trainer Nonie Yung reveals how to get power arms without going to the gym.

22/01/13

How many women over 40 are happy to show off their upper arms? Well, Michelle Obama, 49, Stella McCartney, 41, and Gwyneth Paltrow, 40. But most women are faced with a choice: do you confront the cursed bingo wings or forever wear loose-sleeved tops? With the power arm set to be de rigueur in 2013, it’s time to tackle those wobbly bits. 4:04 PM Good news, ladies: You don’t need to spend hours in the gym. All you need is a stool, space to spread your arms and these simple gyrotonic exercises. Arch, curl and spiral Sit on a stool with your legs spread in a comfortable V shape, toes and knees aligned in the same direction. Push your heels to the ground to create a space under the arches of your feet and curl your toes upwards. Arch your back and, with palms facing out, straighten your arms and spiral them in a circle upwards. Stretch your elbows as far from the body as you can. As your arms rotate upwards, you should feel your pelvis narrow and a pull on your lower abdominals. Inhale as your arms expand outwards and upwards.

Once your fingertips arrive at the vertex, exhale, and slowly point your hands towards the sides of your ribs as if reaching for inner pockets. Touch the sides of your ribs and slide your hands towards the pelvis. Sideway arch This set of exercises helps you wind down. With your arms by the sides of your body, straighten the fingers and point the tips upwards. Draw a circle upwards by stretching the elbows in the direction of your fingers. Inhale as the arms rise, feeling the chest open as the arms go out, and the lower abdominal muscles pull. Rotate your shoulder joints so that the palms meet at the vertex. Then, like eagles, let your arms relax downwards returning to the sides of your body. Do eight sets before moving on to the next exercise. Repeat for three cycles. Nonie Yung is a certified gyrotonic and gyrokinesis master trainer. Nonie Studio, 1601 Tung Sun Commercial Centre, 194-200 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, 2333 2027.

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the right tone

Touch, pause, engage!

Photo: Fcdn.blogosfere.it

Getting a rugby player’s physique is not easy, Campese. Louis Doctrove tackles the discipline.

The days of rugby players being considered bulky, overweight and lazy are long gone. Every player on the pitch, from winger to forward, is built like a tank, lightning quick and extremely agile. At 1.91m and 106kg, Sonny Bill Williams, a centre for the New Zealand national squad, is a perfect example of a player who possesses all these attributes. Elite rugby league players can perform a 40-metre sprint test in just over five seconds. They also possess good speed off the mark and acceleration power. They have aerobic capacities that are moderate to high allowing them to sustain a high work rate for a full 80-minute match. To train like a rugby player, here are a few examples of exercises you can perform in the gym, that focus mainly on explosive strength and plyometrics. The aim is to increase strength, power and muscle mass. Basic exercises could involve dead-lifts, barbell cleans, olympic lifts and weighted squats. As the aim is to increase power and

strength, you should be looking to perform two to three sets for each exercise, consisting of six to eight reps. This means you will be lifting slightly heavier weights than normal, so I would recommend training with a partner to prevent injuries. Leg strength plays a vital role in a rugby player’s performance, so try to include at least five different exercises targeting the legs in your workout. These could include box jumps, front lunges with weights and Bulgarian squats. All this training won’t mean anything if you don't back it up with proper nutrition. To gain muscle mass you should consume about 1.5 grams of protein per kilo of body weight per day. Increase your meal count to five to six small meals a day, with protein featuring each time. Protein shakes will help you achieve this on the go. With the rugby sevens coming up on March 22-24, this is the perfect chance to get the physique you have always wanted. Train three to four times a week – and stick with it!

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hikes

Take the high road Pete Spurrier follows the Wilson Trail through the Lead Mine Pass. Warm your bones on a cold winter’s day by tackling the Wilson Trail. Some sections of the long-distance route climb into Hong Kong’s highest altitudes, right in the middle of the New Territories. It’s a long hike with several steep uphill sections, so it’s recommended only for walkers with lots of stamina. You’ll need four to five hours’ walking time, so set off early. Take the MTR to Tai Po Market station, and catch the 23K green minibus beneath the Tolo Highway and up a steep, narrow valley into the hills, flanked on both sides by new village houses trying to outdo each other in baroque gates and balcony railings. At the end of the line, near San Uk Ka village, get off and carry on walking up the quiet road.

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Sections of the longdistance route climb into Hong Kong’s highest altitudes. At a map board and pavilion, turn left and keep climbing. Tai Po can be seen far below. Soon, the Wilson Trail departs from the road by means of steps that strike off to the right. (This higher point in the valley can also be reached by minibus 23S from Tai Po – not a frequent service – or green taxi.) From here, the path

rises steadily over roots, earth and boulders on its way up to Lead Mine Pass. Lead was indeed once mined on the slopes of Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong’s highest peak, but the miners stopped work over a hundred years ago owing to the poor quality of the metal ore. However, this valley is also rich in kaolin, used for the production of pottery, and so a porcelain industry sprang up in the villages below. There are still some ruined kilns in the undergrowth, and the Fan Sin Temple in Wun Yiu village, which the minibus passes, is the only one in Hong Kong dedicated to the patron saint of potters. At the pass, many paths converge. The MacLehose Trail crosses from left to right, on its

get your boots on

Scenes from the Wilson Trail, the "other" great New Territories route. Right: Shing Mun Reservoir.

way from the Tai Po Kau forest reserve to the summit of Tai Mo Shan. Our route lies directly ahead, down an easy, sun-dappled paved track that drops towards the Shing Mun reservoir. This part of the country park has some of Hong Kongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most mature woodland. The Shing Mun Arboretum, on the left, is an area of native tree species planted in the early 1970s. You are likely to see (or hear) macaques swinging through the trees on your way downhill. At the fork in the paved road, turn left. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signposted towards the main dam. Beyond the picnic area just around the corner, you can make a detour onto a wonderful grassy meadow at the head of the reservoir. Bordered by attractive paper-bark trees, the grass is kept short by feral cattle and in times of heavy rainfall, the waters rise and the trees are partly submerged.

The trail leads around the edge of the reservoir eventually reaching the main dam, built in the 1930s to supply water to fast-growing Kowloon. Here it meets the MacLehose Trail again. Turn right and follow the waterworks road around the banks of the reservoir, passing barbecue sites, to the stop for green minibus 82, below the face of a smaller dam. The bus descends into the noisy market streets of Tsuen Wan, and a short walk across footbridges to the MTR. Pete Spurrier is the author of The Leisurely Hiker's Guide to Hong Kong and The Serious Hiker's Guide to Hong Kong (FormAsia).

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travel

Macau

Plan a romantic getaway to Asia’s own slice of European charm. Hannah Grogan and Megan Corbett visit Macau. Banyan Tree Macau Part of the new, $1.9 billion Galaxy Macau resort complex, the Banyan Tree Macau looks mysteriously Oriental. Outside, it’s all golden domes and soaring angles. Inside, the 246 contemporary, marble-floored suites each comes with its own indoor relaxation pool – heated to suitably steamy temperatures. Had enough of playing in the pool? Submerge in the Japanese-style wooden bathtub, complete with complimentary incense and candles for the full romantic ambience. Some suites even have their own private spa-treatment salon for two – try the couple’s “rainmist” treatment, a Banyan Tree innovation that involves a dousing by a tropical cascade on your treatment bed. But for the ultimate luxury, check into one of its 10 pool villas – 450 square metres of sheer indulgence, each with its own indoor and outdoor pools, garden, sunbathing deck and “resort host” to cater to your every whim. It’s a hedonistic haven worth leaving only to slurp down oysters in Belon restaurant, set your tastebuds singing in Saffron Thai restaurant, or cruise past the canopied day beds and private cabanas around the main pool before slipping back into the incense-scented cocoon of your own private idyll. For details and reservations, visit www.banyantree.com.

A pool villas at Banyan Tree Macau.

Galaxy Hotel The Galaxy Hotel lies at the heart of the giant playground that is the mighty Galaxy resort complex. Its 1,500 rooms and suites offer contemporary luxury, with tasteful furnishings, Egyptian cotton sheets, LCD TVs and all the other details you might expect from a five-star hotel. But what really sets the Galaxy apart is the fun factor: this is the place to come to be entertained. Watch a world-class stage performance, listen to live jazz, ride the surf in the wave pool, pilot an inflatable jet ski or catch the latest movie from a private balcony box. It’s enough to give anyone an appetite. There are more than 30 food outlets across the resort, from authentic Korean barbecue at Myung Ga to Portuguese-Macanese classics at Gosto. For Valentine’s Day, try Italian fine dining at Terrazza or catch the chefs in action at Yamazato’s kaiseki performance grill. For details, visit www.galaxymacau.com.

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travel Rocks Hotel.

Rocks Hotel For a more traditional romantic getaway, try the old-world charm of the Rocks Hotel. This fivestorey boutique hotel has just 72 rooms, each boasting Victorian architecture and romantic interiors: gilt mirrors, mahogany beds, roll-top desks and pretty floral wallpaper. Our favourite feature is the lacy wrought-iron balconies off every room, which beg to be enjoyed with a bottle of bubbly. Take in views of Macau and the sea from the comfort of the rooftop bar and Sky Lounge, or graze the fine Australian produce on the buffet tables at Vic's Cafe. Located 10 minutes from the Macau-Hong Kong ferry terminal, it’s close to the Macau Fisherman’s Wharf and historic city landmarks such as Monte

Forte, Leal Senado and the facade of St Paul’s, and a bungee jump away from the adrenalinpacked attractions at Macau Tower. For details and reservations, visit www.rockshotel.com.mo. Wynn Hotel The Wynn Hotel, Macau is the first resort in the city to win the prestigious Forbes Five Star hospitality award (which it has achieved for four consecutive years). It is all about sumptuous living, from the pillow-topped beds to the floorto-ceiling windows with views of the city skyline. Keep an eye out for the famous fire-breathing fountain at the Perfomance Lake, which never fails to awe, and quirky attractions such as the moon jellyfish aquarium. Dip into the cosseting

Wynn Hotel.

whirlpool and dry out in a private cabana. Or, for the ultimate relaxation, head to the Wynn Hotel Spa. This oasis of rejuvenation has a menu of more than 30 therapies to relieve every last knotted muscle and soothe away all those urban tensions. Dining options are suitably luxurious, with two hotel restaurants winning two Michelin stars: northern Chinese restaurant Golden Flower, and Cantonese restaurant Wing Lei, with its amazing flying crystal dragon. Treat yourselves. For details, visit www.wynnmacau.com.

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pets Repeat repeat Dr Cynthia Smillie tackles compulsive disorders in cats.

Best pet to keep? Tells us in our Readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Choice Awards for the chance to win prizes worth $100,000. Vote now on www.southside.hk.

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When I first saw Pogo he was a very sorrylooking cat. He was covered from head to toe in a rather damp body suit that had been made by his distressed owners in an attempt to prevent his compulsive licking behaviour. Underneath the suit Pogoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skin was red and scabby and he had lost most of the hair from his abdomen and flanks. Animals suffer from a variety of compulsive disorders and while Pogo's case was extreme, it is not uncommon. In cats compulsive behaviour is generally associated with repetitious or exaggerated grooming, which leads to self mutilation. However, it may also involve light spotor shadow-chasing, wool sucking or a condition called pica in which the cat ingests a variety of materials including fabrics, plastic, cardboard or rubber, with the risk of intestinal obstruction. Stress and anxiety are significant factors in overgrooming and so it is important to improve the cat's living environment, particularly as many of the cats I see with the condition are confined indoors.

hello kitty

Indoor cats have no chance to engage in normal cat behaviour and so may increase the time spent on activities such as grooming as a substitute for frustrated hunting and exploratory behaviour. Another cause may be the social stress of competition and conflict between cats living in the same household. Oriental breeds such as Siamese and Burmese show a higher incidence of compulsive disorders as do cats that were hand reared as kittens. Before diagnosing overgrooming and self-mutilation as compulsive disorders it is important to exclude medical causes such as allergies, parasites, localised or referred pain and diseases such as feline idiopathic cystitis or feline hyperaesthesia. Even if the condition is a true compulsive disorder your vet may need to treat the skin with antibiotics or antiinflammatory drugs. Early intervention is important in any compulsive disorder because the behaviour becomes reinforced over time as the cat learns

Stress and anxiety are significant factors in overgrooming and so it is important to improve the cat's living environment. that repetitive behaviours such as licking provide relief from stress. It then becomes a substitute for other normal behaviours and even when the environment has been improved, the cat may continue to behave compulsively. Treatment includes increasing the catâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s range of activities through environmental enrichment so it has less time for the behaviour as well as removing stressors, which may include other cats. However, progress is seldom achieved without anti-anxiety medication and relapses are common. It is also important not

to punish a cat or attempt to soothe it when it is engaged in overgrooming as this will cause distress or simply reinforce the behaviour. Pogo still has some way to go, but most of his hair has grown back and he is a much happier cat. His overgrooming has been considerably reduced and there has been a noticeable increase in normal activity. His owner is delighted because instead of hiding away Pogo is now spending time with the family again and playing with the dog. It is not just people who want to hide on a bad-hair day. Dr. Cynthia Smillie BVM&S PG DIp CABC MRCVS is a veterinary behaviourist and deals solely with behaviour problems in companion animals. For appointments please call 9618 2475 or visit www.petbehaviourhk.com.

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gardening

all things bright and beautiful

Shades of winter Jane Ram colours in winter gardens. the author says in her introduction, once you understand the wealth of information conveyed by the Latin name, it makes everything easier to remember. Winter colour Pyrostegia ignea (or firecracker vine to you and me!): Winter colour does not get much brighter than the firecracker vine that blazes away this season. I am happy to “borrow” the bright orange flowering shoots that intrude into my garden from a huge nearby plant, but year-round this is not one of my favourite creepers. In relation to its relatively brief flowering span – about six weeks – it requires too much space and attention. It’s a rank grower and needs to be kept in check by heavy pruning. Try your luck with hard-wood cuttings taken after the flowers end. Or layer a few pieces in a pot. Holmskioldia sanguinea Holmskioldia sanguinea (or Chinese hats, cup-and-saucer, parasol): Latin for Gardeners Originating in the Himalayan lowlands, This year’s best Christmas present was this straggly but colourful shrub will reach three undoubtedly a copy of the new Royal Horticultural metres or more if left to its own devices. As with Society book, Latin for Gardeners. In addition to bougainvillea, the colour comes from bracts that an A-Z listing, author Lorraine Harrison explores surround insignificant flowers. The dark red colour many other areas including plant profiles, plant typically lasts four to five months a year. Out of hunters and plant themes such as origin, terrain, season, however, it is not a pretty sight and easily colour, fragrance and taste. It’s not exactly a gets out of hand. Once the flowers finish, keep picture book, but it has enough botanical paintings trimming it hard until September, when you can and drawings to successfully leaven the text. As leave the flower-bearing shoots to riot away.

Gardening tasks: Beat the pests It stands to reason that healthy plants are more resistant to diseases and pests. My plant mentor, Ah Choi, advises that a little action at this time of year can save a great deal of grief as the weather becomes warmer and more humid. Powdery mildew, rust and black mould all spread fast once a plant is contaminated. He suggests regular preventive spraying with neem oil solution plus a few drops of liquid soap and recommends a few cloves of garlic stuck into the soil as a general bug repellent. He sprays weekly with garlic, chilli, onion or ginger water: Finely chop the raw ingredient and let it steep in water for a few hours or more. Filter the liquid before pouring it into your sprayer. He rotates the flavours so pests do not become too accustomed to them. I am experimenting with neem cake, which is the residue left when neem oil is extracted from the seeds. It works like a slow-release organic fertiliser-cum-pesticide that needs to be sprinkled on the soil surface about once a month. Its strong garlicky odour will hopefully deter aphids, caterpillars and the ants that carry mealy bug and many other gardening challenges.

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The nectar is a magnet for sunbirds, which is a great reason for growing it. It strikes easily from cuttings at any season and will grow in a pot, although it does better in the ground. If you see the pretty lemon-yellow version (citrina) in a nursery, buy it – it is hard to propagate and is rarely available. I have read about a special pale pink and violet blue version (H. taitensis) that looks highly covetable. Tomatoes Black cherry and sungold tomato seedlings are thriving in a big trough on my roof. I have read they will reach a height of two metres or more, so I have rigged up a bamboo framework to which they can be tied and enclosed the whole structure in netting. I hope this will not count as an illegal structure. Fortunately tomatoes don’t need insects to pollinate them as they mainly rely on the wind – unless grown indoors or in a greenhouse where the air is still. So I don’t need to get busy with a paintbrush to help nature along.

Gardening events Saturday workshops Feb 16: Ferns. Mar 16: Hibiscus. Apr 20: Passiflora family. Art with Roz Draw closer to nature in some of Hong Kong’s most beautiful gardens on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Feb 6 Shenzhen Chinese New Year Flower Market A cross-border coach trip to the enormous annual market. Mar 20 A hands-on creative day in a superb old colonial home and garden in the New Territories, with bread baking, paper making and cutting, painting and drawing close to nature. Late April Enjoy Guangzhou’s spectacular Alpinias at their best in the South China Botanical Garden. Jane Ram is a professional writer with a passion for plants. She has been gardening in Hong Kong for more than 30 years and is still learning. For queries, and details of events, please email janetaipeng@gmail.com.

people

watch the birdie

Oh snap!

Photos: Hannah Grogan and Thomas Lai

Out and about on Southside.

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marketplace

To advertise, email: ads@southside.hk or call 2776 2772.

STRESSED BY YOUR PET?!!! PET BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS? Hong Kongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first and only Behavioural Veterinary Practice can help resolve aggression, fear, anxiety, separation related problems, compulsive disorders, inappropriate toileting, noise phobias etc.

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marketplace

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bird at my window

The cinereous tit aka Parus cinereus

If you look for the cinereous tit in the index of the field guide, The Birds of Hong Kong and South China, you will not find it. However, you will find the great tit, Parus major, a grey, black and white bird. To anyone from Western Europe, it looks like a monochromatic version of the green and yellow bird that frequents feeders in the region’s gardens. For years, the version we have in Hong Kong was considered a subspecies of the great tit because of its appearance, behaviour and calls. But over the past 25 years the taxonomic classification of birds (as well as other animals and plants) has been transformed owing primarily to genetic analysis. Scientists can now compare the DNA of birds to establish how closely different species and subspecies are related. This has resulted in the “splitting” of a number of species. The cinereous tit is a good example: mitochondrial DNA analysis of the “great” tits that occur in southern Asia established that Parus cinereus diverged from Parus major about 1.5 million years ago. The cinereous tit is abundant and widespread throughout Hong Kong. It is a “generalist” species, meaning it is at home in a wide variety of habitats wherever there are trees, although it is less frequent in urban parks and gardens than great tits in the West. Pairs build nests in natural holes in trees, laying four to six eggs and raising two broods a season. Breeding has been recorded in Hong Kong from the end of February to August. David Diskin is a writer and photographer based in the New Territories. His latest book is Hong Kong Nature Walks: Kowloon, Hong Kong & Outlying Islands. Details at www.accipiterpress.com.

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classifieds LOCAL Property

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Overseas Property

Phutket Villa for Rental This stunning Phuket villa is designed around the large private swimming pool with a large garden and 3 en-suite bedrooms comfortable sleeping 6. Villa Apsana is magnificent not only in design but also in location. It is only 10 minutes drive to Surin and 2 minutes to Bang Tao Beach and even less than that from the exclusive Laguna Golf Club. www.villaapsana.com Elizabeth: info@villaapsana.com, +852 9193 6358

The World Cup and Olympics coming to Rio de Janeiro soon! Unique 5,000 sq.ft duplex apartment with stunning view of the Sugar Loaf on sale now. Check it out here : http://mundonovorio.blogspot.hk/.

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Modern Thai villa in secure compound with private pool (not overlooked). 3 ensuite double bedrooms. Fully equipped kitchen, tastefully furnished, wi-fi, TV, DVD. Short walk to unspoilt Bangtao beach and bars, restaurants. Daily maid service and airport transfers included. Contact British owners: madcat73@hotmail.com +852 6184 8910

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Insurance Insurance: Home, Motor, Medical We are HK’s leading general insurance broker. Call for an instant quote or visit the website www.kwiksure.com. Call Christian on +852 3113 1331 or emailchristian@ kwiksure.com

NEED A HOLIDAY? PHUKET VILLA FOR RENT! Luxury 5 beds villa with swimming pool located in Surin area. Walking distance to beaches. Reasonable rates! Website: www.phuketvilla4rent.com Email the owner: info@phuketvilla4rent.com

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2776 2772 Luxury villa in Phuket available for rent. 3 double bed with ensuite bathrooms plus maid's room and one extra bed. Private pool. 7 min walk to Bangtao Beach. US$250-350 per night. Owner 9194 6630. Available CNY.

random but interesting Tuition and Courses

Services

Charities

NATIONAL HARBOUR RENOVATIONS Home and office reno upgrades. Plumbing, electrical and handyman services. Call Charles 90851886 info@nationalharbour.com.hk www.nationalharbour.hk

Judo & Martial Art Class 6302 0999

LIVE BAND SCHOOL WANT TO PLAY IN A BAND? Calling all singers, guitarists, bass players and drummers. Join our Band Workshops in Causeway Bay. Ages from 11 to 19. Contact : info@livebandschool.com 67182585

DONATE CLOTHES, SHOES, BOOKS, toys and electrical appliances in good condition. Reach out to help the poor and disadvantaged men, women and children in our communities. All profits help the needy in Hong Kong and mainland China. Collection hotline: 2716 8778. Donation hotline: 2716 8862. Website: www.christianaction.org.hk Blog: http://siewmei.cahk.org Email: ca@christian-action.org.hk

ShenZhen DayTrip Shopping Hk 2,000 with 7-Seaters Lighting Mall Furniture Mall Art village Homedecoration , Carpet and Rugs. Franki (90362128) happyday2128@netvigator.com

Tennis Performance Asia Limited Lessons/Training: Private, Groups – Adult, children, Ladies Coaching . Kowloon, NT, HK Island HK, Australian, USPTA Qualified Coaches Contact Senior Coach Todd Hooper – 97335197: t odd@tennisperformanceasia.com www.tennisperformanceasia.com [TPA] Director – Ray Kelly

If both parents die together, children become Wards of Court A HK orphanage would likely be their new home! For quick, simple and affordable Wills, call Phoenix Wills 3100 0101 Email: Bradley@WheresTheWill.com

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REGISTER AS A VOLUNTEER Give a few hours of your time to Sai Kung Stray Friends. If you want to do something worthwhile come and help at our holding facility in Sai Kung. Any day or time suitable to you. Various tasks, sweeping, cleaning, dog walking, paddock Mum or just providing some love to the dogs. Dads are welcome too for mowing duty! Email: saikungstrayfriendshk@gmail.com Call Narelle: 9199.2340 (English), Jessie: 9097.4591 (Chinese)

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WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 45

the ultimate guide to southside COMMUNITY & HEALTH Elite Nursing Ltd.

2566 0630 info@elitenursing.com.hk www.elitenursing.com.hk The American Club Hong Kong 2842 7400 | membership@americanclubhk.com www.americanclubhk.com Caritas-HK 2538 7777 / 2550 7620 Feeding HK 2205 6568 | http://feedinghk.org Watermark Community Church 2857 6160 | info@watermarkchurch.hk www.watermarkchurch.hk Homeopathy to Health 6908 3234 | www.homeopathytohealth.org Repulse Bay Family Practice info@veritas-medical.com Wellness & birth, pre & postnatal home care 9022 1779 | www.wellnessandbirth.com info@wellnessandbirth.com Lotus Parenting 5304 5255 groups@lotusparenting.com www.lotusparenting.com

DAILY NECESSITIES 7-Eleven 2299 1110 Circle K Convenience Stores (HK) Limited 2294 9164 City Lifestyle 2856 1817 (Stanley) 2580 1314 (Aberdeen) Mannings 2553 3244 Market Place by Jasons 2812 0340 ParknShop 2294 9327 Taste 2813 9521 Wellcome 2813 9363

FASHION & BEAUTY

Itsie Bitsie Boutique 2565 0818

Nuan Cashmere sales@nuancashmere.com | www.nuancashmere.com Sabai Day Spa — Stanley 2104 0566 | www.sabaidayspa.com Sense of Touch 2517 0939 | ask@senseoftouchhk.com www.senseoftouch.com.hk

46 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

MULTIMEDIA

LEARNING CENTRES

Asian Artworks Gallery 2812 0850 Broadway Circuit 2529 3898 Dymocks 2803 1623 Anthony Buckley and Constantine Portrait Photographers 9689 3592 lydia.macalister@gmail.com www.buckleyconstantine.co.uk Venture Photography 2885 6262 www.venturephotography.com/hk Hong Kong Arts Festival www.hk.artsfestival.org Chunky Onion Productions Ltd. 3188 1874 birthdays@chunkyonion.com www.chunkyonion.com My Little Paper, Daily 7/Daily 10 www.daily7-daily10.com

Anastassia’s Art House 2719 5533 arthouse.hk@gmail.com www.arthouse-hk.com Craft Box 9014 3262 simone@craftbox.asia | www.craftbox.asia Grand Piano www.grandpiano.hk ITS 3188 3946 | jennifer.c@tuition.com.hk Montessori for Children 2813 9589 hongkong@montessori.edu.sg www.montessori.edu.sg Morningstar Preschool and Kindergarten 9736 5241 info@MorningstarSchools.com www.morningstarschools.com Orton-Gillingham Centre for Different Learners 2525 8998 eric@msl-orton.com | www.msl-orton.com.hk Sunshine House Pre-schools Hong Kong 2813 0713 taitam@sunshinehouse.com.hk Sylvan Learning 2873 0662 info@sylvan.edu.hk | www.educate.com Bebegarten 3487 2255 | www.bebegarten.com Island Dance 2987 1571 | dance@islanddance.com.hk www.islanddance.com.hk Kidville 2892 8893 | www.kidville.hk The Edge Learning Center 2783 7100 / 2972 2555 info@theedge.com.hk | www.theedge.com.hk Imran Cricket Academy 2575 3400 / 9745 2700 imran@imranacademy.com | www.imranacademy.com Quest Study Skills 2690 9117 | www.queststudyskills.com Rugbees Play & Learn www.rugbees.com Southsite Institute 3568 8470 | institute@hknme.org www.hknme.org/southsiteinstitute.html

REAL-ESTATE AND HOTELS

Jones Lang LaSalle

2846 5000 www.joneslanglasalle.com.hk The Telo’s Group LCC www.telosgroupllc.com Grand Hyatt Hong Kong 2956 1234 | http://hongkong.grand.hyatt.com Le Meridien Cyberport Hotel 2980 7788 One Island South 2118 2992 | cs@oneislandsouth.com The Arcade, Cyberport 3166 3111 | arcade@cyberport.hk | arcade.cyberport.hk Stanley Plaza 2296 9634 | www.thelinkreit.com Habitat Property Ltd 2869 9069 | info@habitat-property.com www.habitat-property.com L’Hotel Island South 3968 8888 | info@lhotelislandsouth.com www.lhotelislandsouth.com

Get listed call 2776 2772 email marketing@southside.hk

UTILITIES, SERVICES & EMERGENCY China Light & Power Emergency Services 2728 8333 China Light & Power Customer Info Line 2678 2678 Electrical Appliance Repair Hong Kong Mr Ho 9846 8082 St John Ambulance Assn & Brigade Dist Hq 2555 0119 Tung Wah Group Of Hospitals 2538 5867 Typhoon Emergency Centre 2773 2222 Water Fault Reports 2811 0788 Water Supplies Department 2824 5000

directory PETS & VETS Animal Behaviour Vet Practice 9618 2475 | cynthia@petbehaviourhk.com www.petbehaviourhk.com Animal Emergency Centre 2915 7979 trilby@animalemergency.com.hk Ferndale Kennels & Cattery 2792 4642 | www.ferndalekennels.com Pacific Pets @ Stanley Veterinary Centre / Pet shop 2813 7979 info@pacificpets.com.hk Pets Central North Point Hospital 2811 8907 info@pets-central.com Stanley Veterinary Centre 2813 2030 | info@stanleyvetcentre.com www.stanleyvvetcentre.com Vet2Pet 6999 1003 vet2pet@yahoo.com | www.vet2pet.com.hk The Vet 88 Dr med. vet. Kerstin Meyer 9388 6756 | thevet88@gmail.com

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

Weight Watcher

2813 0814 | kmahjoubian@weightwatchers.com.hk www.weightwatchers.com.hk Holistic Fitness & Therapy 9667 0940 | nareshkumar62@hotmail.com www.holisticnaresh.com Nonie Studio 2333 2027 / 5198 9903 Power Fit Studio 3621 0180 | www.powerfitstudio.com.hk Primal Strength 5305 6323 | enquiries@primalstrength.com.hk www.primalstrength.com.hk Flex Studio 2813 2212 | info@flexhk.com | www.flexhk.com Hypoxi 2537 6637 | hypoxi@thebodybuddies.com www.hypoxi.hk Elite Personal Training 2552 9925 | www.eliteptstudio.com

TOYS, ACCESSORIES & KIDS’ PARTIES Bouncy Kids 9228 5772 cs@bouncykids.hk | www.bouncykids.hk Bumps to Babes 2552 5000 (Ap Lei Chau Main Store) 2522 7112 (Pedder Building Branch) www.bumpstobabes.com Petit Bazaar (Stanley) 2407 1892 | contact@petit-bazaar.com www.facebook.com/petitbazaar

Food & Beverage South Stream Seafoods

Units 202-204, Lai Sun Yuen Long Centre, 27 Wang Yip St East, Yuen Long, N.T. Hong Kong 2555 6200 fish@south-stream-seafoods.com www.south-stream-seafoods.com Lucy's 2813 9055 Prompt (international Buffet) 2980-47417 | prompt.LMC@lemeridien.com www.lemeridien.com/hongkong Restaurant & Bar Umami (Japanese) 2980 47406 www.lemeridien.com/hongkong Organic Experience Management Group 2981 2888 www.organicxp.com Cafe Deco Group 2108 4467 Castello del Vino 2866 0587 / 77 | info@castellodelvino.com.hk Edible Arrangements 2295 1108 / 2385 0158 | www.EdibleArrangements.hk Golden Goose Gourmet 2732 0981 customerservice@goldengoosegourmet.com www.goldengoosegourmet.com Colour Brown Coffee 2791 7128 | shop.colourbrown.com.hk Pickled Pelican 2813 4313 The Boathouse 2813 4467 Secret Ingredient www.secretingredient.com.hk

TRANSPORT & TRAVEL SERVICES Webjet HK

Unit 1706, BEA Tower, Millennium City 5, 418 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong, Kln, Hong Kong 2313 9779 Onlinetravel@webjet.com.hk www.webjet.com.hk Crown Relocations 2636 8388 | hongkong@crownrelo.com www.crownrelo.com/hongkong Expert-Transport & Relocations Warehouse 2566 4799 | www.expertmover.hk Scorpion RIBS Hong Kong 2511 8337 | scorpionribshk@gmail.com www.scorpionribs.com Heavens Portfolio 2571 3018 | hkoffice@heavensportfolio.com www.heavensportfolio.com Club Med 3111 9388 | www.clubmed.com.hk Elite Charters 5434 9955 info@elitecharters.hk | www.elitecharters.hk

FINANCIAL SERVICES Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited 2553 4165 / 2553 0135 Bank Of Communications 2553 6281 / 2553 8282 Hang Seng Bank Ltd 2822 0228 Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited 2814 0845 The Bank of East Asia Limited 3609 1651/ 3609 1637/ 3609 1636 Kwiksure 3113 1331 christian@kwiksure.com www.kwiksure.com

HOME Box Design

2573 3323 info@boxdesign.com.hk www.boxdesign.com.hk

Attic Lifestyle 2580 8552 info@attic-lifestyle.com | www.attic-lifestyle.com Calcite Indoor Environment 3428 5441 | info@calcitegroup.com www.calcitegroup.com Chez Uno 2791 9662 / 2723-8990 | www.chezuno.com Eco Living 2792 7998 | askus@ecoliving.hk | www.ecoliving.hk Indigo Living Ltd. 2552 3500 | info@indigo-living.com www.indigo-living.com JCAW Consultants 2524 9988 jcawltd@biznetvigator.com Lift Lifestyle International Ltd. 3907 0386 liftlifestyle@gmail.com | www.liftlifestyle.com Everything Under The Sun 2554 9088 www.everythingunderthesun.com.hk

OTHER SERVICES Everfine Membership Services Limited 2174 7880 enquiry@evergolf.com.hk www.evergolf.com.hk Sum Hing Carton Box Factory info@boxx.hk | www.boxx.hk Truly Care Pest Control Services 2458 8378 info@trulycare.com.hk | www.trulycare.com.hk King Kong Ping Pong info@kingkong-pingpong.com www.kingkong-pingpong.com Shopping Hong Kong shoppinghongkong@gmail.com Sum Hing Carton Box Factory info@boxx.hk | www.boxx.hk

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 47

distribution Southside magazine continues to extend its reach in our community, here is the latest in distribution news. Pok Fu Lam

Aberdeen

The Peak

- Kellett School - Kennedy School - Sunshine House Chi Fu - Sunshine House Pokfulam - Woodland Pokfulam Pre-School - Woodland Tree House

- Aberdeen Marina Club - Flex Studio - Golden Goose Gourmet - Hong Kong Country Club - Jadewater - Leader Golf Training Centre - One Island South - Ovolo, Shek Pai Wan - Park N Shop - Singapore International School - Top Deck - Wicka Designs - Woodland Harbourside Pre-School

- Cafe Deco The Peak - Delifrance - Haagen-Dazs - International (Park N Shop) - Pho Yummee - Starbucks - Sunshine House The Peak - The Peak Lookout Café - Woodland Pre-School The Peak

Cyberport - Baguio Villas - Bel-Air Clubhouse - Cyberport Arcade - Delaney’s - GoGym - International (Park N Shop) - Kosmo Plus Wellness Cafe - Le Meridien Hotel Cyberport - Scenic Villas - Starbucks - Thaima-V

Manhattan Tower This exclusive residential building, tucked away in a lush country park setting, houses some of the most stunning apartments on the Southside. All 40 units are 2,400 square feet with fully fitted kitchens and bathrooms, teak floors and best of all, large balconies to soak up the breathtaking views of Deep Water Bay and the South China Sea. Southside Magazine is now conveniently placed at the Manhattan Tower reception.

Stanley

- Pizza Club - Boathouse - Cafe De Paris - Cafe Groucho’s - Chez Patrick - Cheers Real Estate Limited - The Chocdate Room - Classified - Haagen Dazs - Lucy’s on the Front - Mijas - Pickled Pelican - Pizza Express - Ricacorp Properties Pok Fu Lam - Rocksalt Chi Fu The Peak Parkview - Saigon in Stanley Tai Tam - Smuggler’s Inn Cyberport Shouson Hill - Spiaggia Big Wave Bay Aberdeen - Stan Cafe Bel-Air Deep Water Bay - Stanley Main Street Bar & Cafe - Stanley Veterinary Centre Wong Chuk Hang - Starbucks Repulse Bay Red Hill Ap Lei Chau - Taste Supermarket - Watson’s Wine The Manhattan - Wildfire Shek O Chung Hom Kok

Deep Water Bay

- Pizza Beach - Coco Thai - Hong Kong Country Club - Park N Shop

Larvotto Due to popular demand, we’ve increased distribution to Larvotto by 30%. This marine-themed luxury residential complex offers unmatched waterfront views and is only 5 minutes from upscale shopping at Horizon Plaza. Southside Magazine can be found at the Larvotto clubhouse on the coffee tables of many of its residents.

Stanley

One Island South

Ap Lei Chau - Bumps to Babes - Chapin House - Everything Under The Sun - Indigo - Indigo Kids - Indigo Outlet - Larvotto - Little Picasso Studio - Okooko - Pacific Gourmet - Tequila Kola - Shambala Cafe - Tree

48 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

Located in the elegant surrounding of Wong Chuk Hang, this highly prestigious office building with spacious design offers a fresh new world of unlimited potential for work, life and innovation. One Island South is ideally located with inspiring sea views of Deep Water Bay and lush greenery of Shouson Hill. Employees at One Island South can now find Southside Magazine located at the lobby.

Repulse Bay

Tai Tam / Shek O

- Anastassia’s Art House - Bayley & Jackson Dental Surgeons - HS Modern Art - Indigo - Manhattan Tower - Sense of Touch - OT & P - Spices - The Club - The Lily - The Somerset - The Verandah - Woodland Beachside Pre-School - The Woodland Montessori Pre-School Repulse Bay

- American Club - Ben’s Bar - Craigengower Cricket Club - Fusion (Park'N Shop) - Happy Garden Restaurant - Hong Kong Cricket Club - Hong Kong International School - Hong Kong Parkview Resort & Spa - Hong Kong Parkview Suites - Lulu Shop - The Manhattan - Pacific View Residential Clubhouse - PIPS Kindergarten - Redhill Clubhouse - Shek O Chinese & Thai Restaurant - Shining Stone Restaurant - Soma Spa - Sunshine House Tai Tam - Wellcome, Red Hill Plaza - Woodland Tai Tam Montessori Pre-School

where to find us

Redhill Peninsula

The Manhattan

Pacific View

Hong Kong Parkview

Join our community Want Southside Magazine in your residential building’s reception or clubhouse? Want to distribute Southside Magazine in your restaurant or store?

The Repulse Bay

Bel-Air

It’s easy as pie and best of all, completely free of charge. Send all enquiries to vip@southside.hk or call (852) 2776 2772

Hey Mr. Postman Join our free mailing service to have your copy of Southside Magazine delivered straight to your mailbox. It’s Free and exclusive for residents living in Southside or the Peak. Sign up here www.southside.hk/subscribe

Cyberport Arcade

Le Meridien Cyberport

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 49

my southside

Bradley White The South Stream Seafoods founder explains why the business will be forever associated with Aberdeen. I first passed through Hong Kong in May 1980 and spent four months with friends who were working at The Manhattan Club d’Elegance. It was loads of fun and the start of a 30-year love affair with Hong Kong. In February 1981, I was back working for the same group and stayed through the 80s. It was a boom time for Asia and we opened up places from Melbourne to Okinawa, Borneo to New Delhi. We set up South Stream Seafoods in 1990. It was the blind leading the broke. I’m not sure we thought through the difficulties of limited working capital or anticipated the reticence of banks to loan to new businesses. Luckily I was offered a chance to set up the first Planet Hollywood restaurant in Asia and took a two-year hiatus from South Stream, which helped replenish the bank account. Our office was close to our cold-storage facilities in Aberdeen. Mark Mowday, Paul Bouler and myself were all keen boaters and water-skiers, and we shared office space at the Aberdeen Boat Centre, around the corner from Aberdeen Boat Club.

50 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

South Stream is inextricably tied to the tragedy of August 1995, when a huge landslide on Shum Wan Road took the lives of our partner, Paul, and his girlfriend Sonali Singh. They will be forever missed. At the same time it destroyed our office.

My favourite dish? That’s a bit like asking a parent to choose a favourite child.

In 1998 we moved to Yuen Long for easy access to the airport and to set up a licensed food factory as our business focus shifted from hotels to homes. My favourite Southside hike is from Stanley Village Road car park to Stanley Plaza via the restaurants along the street. Yum.

My favourite dish? That’s a bit like asking a parent to choose a favourite child. I can’t do it. We eat really, really well at our house. Take some of the best food available in Hong Kong, add our helper, Juvy, and her cooking skills and you end up with nightly meals that span Asia and the West. We seldom go out – the food is better at home. I’m a Christmas turkey specialist as that way I limit my time in the kitchen to one day a year. (It’s much better this way.) My daughter, Tanya, would probably argue my finest dish is a roasted veal tenderloin with red wine reduction. I’m reminded daily through emails and calls that the food we provide makes a difference in the way many families eat. It’s heartwarming. It’s what keeps us going. Plans are in motion to give our customers more products to choose from, more delivery days, and more options in general. We hope to make it a one-stop shop that will allow our customers to buy the best food in Hong Kong at the best prices from the comfort of their armchairs.