Mid-levels Mar 2017

FAMILY | FOOD | HOME | HEALTH | TRAVEL

Mid-levels magazine

March 2017

For the sake

ART

of

Art month paints the town (Hong Kong style) Backstage at SCAD | Waxing lyrical at Peel Street Poetry | Destination: Hoi An

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The really useful magazine March 2017

PEOPLE

COVER STORY

4 Snapped!

Life around Mid-levels.

16 Art month We preview what’s in store for Hong Kong’s most creative of months.

THE PLANNER 6 Happening in March Events for your diary.

EATING 24 Eat your art out Our pick of art-inspired restaurants around town. Plus, news from the dining scene.

NEWS 10 What’s going on?

In your backyard.

FIVE MINUTES WITH...

ARTS & CULTURE

12 May Chow Chef extraordinaire.

30 Slammin’ street cred A decade of Peel Street Poetry.

LOCAL

HOME & LIVING

14 Closed for business?

What’s the solution to the high number of empty shops on the streets of Mid-levels?

32 Size matters A family home in North Point where every square foot counts.

HEALTH & WELLNESS 38 Fitness on demand Personal training sessions with new kid on the block, Avigo.

EDUCATION 40 Savannah College of Art and Design Behind the scenes at our featured school.

BIG DAY OUT 44 Plover Cove Rory Mackay ventures to Hong Kong’s largest reservoir.

PETS 50 Pets How to welcome a new dog into the family. Plus, walkies with Douglas Young.

HOROSCOPE 52 Signs from the stars Adam White predicts your future.

MY MID-LEVELS 56 In the neighbourhood Avelino Cortes shares his life in Mid-levels.

TRAVEL 46 Hoi An A weekend spent in Vietnam’s historical port town.

“A BEAUTIFUL BODY PERISHES, BUT A WORK OF ART DIES NOT” - LEONARDO DA VINCI

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contributors

Natalie Lee

Kate Davies

… lo ve s a ch alle ng e a nd th ere m ay no t be a m ore cra zy, a m and er n ig es d n azin g or ente rta in in io sh fa g jo ur … is a free la n ce ne ys y a th lw a n A br . r in ve gi ng up little pe op le. ph y lo ra og ot ph e m ti fu lln d th e W he n he r two- ye ar-o ld isn ’t ke ep in g he r best sn a ps a ro u on he r to es, sh e’s w rit lo ok in g fo r th e yo u se e if a er m in g, ca hi e ki ng or on th e th city, sm ile fo r m ig ht hu nt fo r a great gl ass of bu u yo s, el ev -l id M bble s. Th is m onth K at e vi sit s th N at a lie a ro u n d t issu e! ex n e e Sa th va in nn d ah Co lle ge of re A rt a nd D es ig n. R ea ju st be fe at u d m ore on pa ge 40.

el Shreena Pat ia . Born e f at Fa st M ed hi -c in or it ed …is fo r a e u se d to wor k fo r lo ve, in L on d on, sh to H on g K on g ed ov m ut b k n T hi s ba n g e of ca re er. a ch a d n a e su n sh in st oric a ve ls to th e hi tr a en re h S th ll m on oi A n. R ea d a H of n w to m V ietn a g e 46. a bout it on pa

Want to write for Mid-levels Magazine? Contact editorial@fastmedia.com.hk

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MAR 16-19

Taste of Hong Kong

A food lover’s paradise. Sample signature dishes from some of Hong Kong’s top restaurants and artisan producers at the festival.

Central Harbourfront. For more information, visit hongkong.tastefestivals.com

MAR 1-9 Suits for Success

MAR 8 International Women’s Day

Donate your (gently used) work attire to help young people and those in need who require professional clothes to attend job interviews.

Donate your suits at PURE Yoga and Fitness Centres or email suitsforsuccesshk@gmail.com for details.

Head to the Hong Kong Maritime Museum for a series of events to celebrate women’s contribution to one of Hong Kong’s oldest and most important sectors: seafaring. Secondary schools across Hong Kong are invited to participate in interactive careers workshops with women who currently work in the maritime industries. An evening lecture, “Women at Sea: Conversation with Women Seafarers”, is open to the public (6:30-8pm). RSVP required for both events. Interested schools and members of the public should contact education@hkmaritimemuseum.org

MAR 5 AIDS Walk 2017 The charity walk saw over 500 fundraisers circle The Peak in aid of The Society for AIDS Care last year. Sign up at aidscare.com.hk for registration details.

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happening in March MAR 8 Woodland Pre-Schools seminar Woodland Pre-Schools is hosting a ‘fatherhood’ seminar hosted by psychologist John Shanahan. Free, 6.30pm - 8pm, Woodland Montessori Academy, 3/F, On Fung Building, 110-118 Caine Road, Mid-levels. Visit www.woodlandschools.com for more details.

MAR 10-19 Hong Kong Flower Show Roses take centre stage during this year’s show titled ‘Blossoms of Love’. Professional horticulturalists will showcase their blooms and commercial stalls will sell flowers and gardening products. Admission is $14, open from 9am until late. Victoria Park, Causeway Bay.

Coppelia by Hong Kong Ballet

with the best local players in this five-team tournament. The Kowloon Cantons will be hoping to regain their crown. Tickets start from $90 at www.ticketflap.com. Visit www.hkcricket.org for more details.

Mission Road Cricket Ground, 15 Tin Kwong Road, Ho Man Tin.

UNTIL MAR 18 Hong Kong Arts Festival MAR 11-12 Freespace Happening The final free weekend festival of the season at the West Kowloon Cultural District sees two days of live music, market stalls and even camping under the stars. Free, Nursery Park, West Kowloon Cultural District, www.westkowloon.hk

The 45th Hong Kong Arts Festival will showcase over 150 performances and over 250 special activities. This year will showcase two trilogies - HKAF commissioned and produced, A Floating Family and New York’s Public Theatre, The Gabriels. Visit www.hk.artsfestival.org for more information.

UNTIL MAR 20 International Day of Happiness

free dance class at Red Shoe Studios Central.

With dancer Leonie Erasmus. Free to attend, 12.30pm - 1.15pm, 3/F Arbuthnot House, 10 Arbuthnot Road, Central.

MAR 24-26 Hong Kong Ballet: Coppelia With exquisite costumes and set designs, follow the story of a mysterious inventor, his life-sized doll and an inquisitive young group in comic ballet, Coppelia. Sha Tin Town H all Auditorium.

Tickets are $100 from www.urbtix.hk

MAR 25 Trailwagger Bring your four-legged friend on this 9km hike from Parkview to Tai Tam. Entry is $350 per adult ($280 for children under 14). All proceeds are donated to Animals Asia. For more details, visit trailwaggerhk.com

Celebrate the happiest day of the year with a

Franky The Absolutely Fabulous Theatre Connection (AFTEC) presents a 21st-Century re-imagining of Mary Shelley’s classic Frankenstein. Tickets from $150 at www.urbtix.hk. Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre Theatre.

MAR 5 &12

MAR 6-17 Hong Kong International Young Readers Festival Encourage children to discover the joy of reading with a series of workshops, readings and even a chance to meet some of their favourite authors. Visit youngreadersfestival.org for programme details.

MAR 8-12 Hong Kong T20 Blitz The world’s best T20 players join forces

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planner

BOOK NOW APR 7-9 Rugby 7s Three days of beer, singing, dodgy dancing, fancy dress and not to forget the world-class rugby. Tickets are on sale for the city’s biggest sporting event, priced at $350-$750 each and can be purchased at www.viagogo.com.

Hong Kong Stadium, So Kon Po, hksevens.com

APR 12-16 2017 UCI Track Cycling World Championships The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Track Cycling World Cup will be held in Hong Kong is back this year at the Tseung Kwan O Velodrome. Don’t miss the top riders from around the world battle it out for Olympic qualification points. Hong Kong Velodrome,

105-107 Ho Pong Road, Tseung Kwan O, www.trackworldcup.hk

MAY 27 Russell Howard live UK funny man Russell Howard brings his ‘Round The World’ global comedy tour to Hong Kong. Tickets $488-$888 from hkticketing.com or call 3128 8288.

Got an event? We can publish the details for free. Email editorial@fastmedia.com.hk.

Can you imagine spending 30 years like this?

Oliver spent three decades in a tiny cage – alone and in agony – repeatedly violated for his gall-bladder bile. Today there are still thousands of bears, just like Oliver, who face abuse and suffering every single day. You can stop this cruelty.

Join Team Oliver, our global community of people dedicated to ending the suffering of China’s forgotten bile bears.

Find out more and watch Oliver’s incredible story at: www.animalsasia.org/Oliver

Call Animals Asia Hong Kong on: 2791 2225

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Photo by Bona Liu

news

Hong Kong’s iconic trams feature in their own dedicated exhibition thanks to a group of ‘tram chasers’. Passionately following trams at all hours of the day and staking out the best spots for photographs, the group’s multimedia exhibition “Ding Ding to Kowloon” will be exhibited at Jao Tsung-I Academy until March 14.

Featuring thematic photos, oil paintings and videos as well as tram artefacts and personal memoirs from tram drivers, the exhibition has been curated by Irene Flanhardt, who formed the group with 11 other photographers to archive Hong Kong’s beloved tramway system.

The Jao Tsung-I Academy, located on a sprawling hillside in Lai Chi Kok, is an ideal venue for the exhibition with its mission to promote cultural heritage in Hong Kong. The cluster of grade III historic buildings has been revitalised to become a hub hosting a variety of exhibitions, seminars and educational programmes.

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Photo by Bona Liu

Ding Ding!

“Ding Ding to Kowloon” runs until March 14 (Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-6pm) at Halls 2 & 3,

The Gallery, Jao Tsung-I Academy, 800 Castle Peak Road, Lai Chi Kok.

news

Read for International Women’s Day In honour of International Women’s Day, Bookazine has compiled a list of ten books which celebrates the lives and achievements of women around the world. Celebrated on March 8, International Women’s Day is a global day highlighting the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Ten per cent of the proceeds from the chosen titles, curated by the Bookazine directors, will be donated to local charity HER fund.

Bark Department opens in Happy Valley

Shutter art Twenty different shops across Sai Ying Pun, Sheung Wan and Wan Chai have donated their shop shutters to the ‘Hong Kong Urban Canvas’ community art project. The team of artists worked closely with the shop owners to illustrate the stories behind the shops. From dried seafood stalls to printing shops and old-time restaurants, the art project hopes to highlight many of the old businesses in the area.

A public exhibition will be showcased at Comix Home Base in Wan Chai in May. Organised by Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation, visit www.hkyaf.com for more details.

Bark Department, positioning itself as a petorientated lifestyle shop, has opened in Happy Valley. From pet food, pet toys and pet apparel to other daily doggie supplies, the store also features a backyard and seating facilities for pet owners to come by, relax and let dogs socialise.

Director of Bark Department, Amy Lei, was inspired during her travels abroad to recreate something similar in Hong Kong. “During my stay in London, I often visited Harrods and was impressed by the renowned pet department”, says Lei. “The nicely decorated area with a wide range of pet products is one of my favorite place to spend my leisure time. In Hong Kong, I noticed that there were limited pet-friendly spaces in urban areas. I want to welcome pet owners and their furry friends to come and relax and pick up some high quality and fashionforward pet accessories”.

G/F, 29 Sing Woo Road, Happy Valley.

The long-awaited Kennedy Town swimming pool renovations have been completed and the new indoor swimming complex is open to the public. The indoor heated swimming pools include a 50m pool, a 25m training pool and a jacuzzi. The outdoor swimming pool facilities will resume operation in April after the winter break.

Environmentally-friendly design elements include solar panels to provide hot water for the swimming pools and a roof which allows natural sunlight to enter saving on indoor lighting.

The Kennedy Town swimming pool is located at 2 Sai Cheung Street North, Kennedy Town.

Opening times can be found at www.lcsd.com.hk

Photos by LCSD

Pool party

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five minutes with

Mid-levels May Chow magazine

Publisher

Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk

Editorial

Editor-in-Chief Shreena Patel shreena@fastmedia.com.hk Editor Callum Wiggins callum@fastmedia.com.hk Contributing Editor Annie Wong annie@fastmedia.com.hk Carolynne Dear carolynne@fastmedia.com.hk Senior Staff Writer Eric Ho eric@fastmedia.com.hk

Design

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Thanks to

Adam White Adele Brunner Amanda Sheppard Andrea Lo Douglas Young Kate Davies Natalie Lee Robyn Or Rory Mackay

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Fast Media Floor LG1, 222 Queens Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Voted Asia’s Best Female Chef 2017, Robyn Or talks to the mastermind behind Little Bao. I was born in Hong Kong and raised in Canada. I started in the kitchen when I was at kindergarten, helping my mother cut vegetables and wash dishes.

My family is big. Each day my mother used to cook for more than 20 family members. She was good at cooking Shanghainese cuisine with Canadian ingredients. I loved being in the kitchen watching my mum mix and match ingredients as she was cooking.

I went to boarding school in Connecticut, USA. My advisor discouraged me from studying a culinary course. Instead, I pursued a hotel management degree at Boston University.

The seven years I spent in the US liberated the way I think, live and how I see myself. In 2008, I came back to Hong Kong and started my culinary journey. I have worked for Yardbird, TBLS and Bo Innovation.

I don’t think there are differences between men and women in the kitchen.

I just believe there are good human attributes and there are bad ones.

I always wanted to get into the hot kitchen but I always got sent to the pastry or cold section. I was too young and didn’t know how to demand for what I wanted.

Sometimes my peers wanted to make my life easier and gave me the easiest task because I was a girl. I stripped out most of my “feminine” side to be one of the boys, but I think it also had to do with age. When you’re young, you want to fit in by being like everyone else.

When I was 28 I had a crisis of direction. Matt Abergel, the co-owner of Yardbird, Ronin and Sunday’s Grocery encouraged me to take a new path. I started Little Bao pop up store at Island East Market in 2012. People seemed to love our burgerlike baos. The next year we found a permanent location for Little Bao in SoHo, Central.

People are the key to running a business. My overseas experience influenced my cooking and style of management. I tend not to be constrained by tradition, I love to cook with seasonal ingredients regardless of their origins.

I am very honoured to be the winner of the 2017 Asia’s Best Female Chef award. It is not just for me but for all the female chefs who want to pursue their dreams.

Nothing should stop you from being what you dream to be.

The award reminded me of when my mother would smile at me while I was eating her cooking. She said I enjoyed the food so happily, it embodied the pure enjoyment of food and cooking.

Recently I have been busy with a new dining bar called Happy Paradise. We are looking at introducing more inspiration from regional areas of Chiuchow. We’re going to develop our own soy stock with 18 ingredients. I collect a lot of soy salt from Kowloon Soy Company in Central to use at the new dining bar.

The next challenge I am setting for myself is to be a well-rounded restaurateur that offers great opportunities for local chefs as well as to continue my exploration of Chinese food heritage. M

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Empty shops on Mosque Street in Mid-levels.

Closed for business?

With a high number of empty shops on streets in Mid-levels, is the area ready to welcome new business? By Callum Wiggins.

H M

www.mid-levels.co ads@fastmedia.com.hk

GIVE US A CALL! Admin: 3568 3722 Editorial: 2776 2773 Advertising: 2776 2772, 3563 9755

Mid-levels 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. Mid-levels 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 pubishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

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ave you walked down the streets in the neighbourhood recently and observed the shops on either side of the road?

Or, should I say lack of them?

The number of vacant ground level shops is an eyesore and blights our neighbourhood, not to mention the fact that residents are missing out on much-needed local shops and services.

While property agencies continue to dominate large sections of Mid-levels’ streets, even they may be feeling the pinch with a number having shut up shop in the past few months, leaving yet more vacant shop units. It’s a common sight along many roads, in particular Caine Road and Bonham Road, to see empty ground floor shops next to a property agents followed by more empty shops.

Passersby may scratch their heads and wonder why a landlord would rather keep a property empty than reduce the rent to attract tenants.

Raymond Tang, property agent at Golden Stars Property, says the negative effect on the

resale value is the primary reason why rents are not reduced.

“Commercial unit owners who acquired the property in recent years at a high price will think strongly about the market value”, says Tang. “If they rent out the shop at a lower price then the shop will be revalued at a lower market value when they come to sell”. By potentially losing out on a few hundred thousand dollars worth of rental income in one or two years, the landlord prevents possibly losing millions of dollars from the resale value.

One property agent on Mosque Street, whose shop premises is surrounded by vacant shops, is quietly confident, though, that the situation may pick up later this year.

“Market conditions have improved in the past few months”, he claims. “The rental prices of commercial properties have eased off and they are starting to fall. In some areas of Mid-levels, though, continued construction projects are affecting the market.

Renters are less keen to take on a property with construction nearby or that might affect foot flow to

the area”. Mosque Street is one area in Mid-levels where ongoing construction projects are a daily cause of noise and disruption to residents and businesses.

Elephant Grounds, a Hong Kong coffee shop brand currently located in Wan Chai and Wong Chuk Hang, will be opening in Mid-levels in the next few weeks. Bucking the trend and opening shop on Caine Road, the business has been enticed by the neighbourhood feel of the area.

“We have grown accustomed to the neighbourhood feel that we have in our Star Street and Wong Chuk Hang locations”, says founder Gerald Li. “We tailor each location’s offerings and interior design and for us it was easy to create a concept that would utilise the highly prestigious yet quaint neighbourhood of Mid-levels”.

While fresh young businesses should inject some confidence into the area, let’s hope that older, yet vital businesses - bakeries and laundry shops for example - are able to survive. And most importantly, no more property agencies. M

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cover story

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art affair

ART MoNTH Callum Wiggins previews Hong Kong’s Art Month.

March has officially become the month of art in Hong Kong. Whether you’re interested in delving into large-scale international exhibitions, checking out some of Asia’s up-and-coming artists or simply rediscovering some of our local galleries, then this is the month for you. Local galleries will be extending their opening hours and large ticketed events - including Art Basel, Art Central and the Asia Contemporary Art Show - provide an eclectic programme of events. As the public’s appetite for the large-scale shows grows each year, it’s best to book those tickets now so you don’t miss out!

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cover story

ASIA ART

CONTEMPORARY

March 17-20

SHOW

T

he Asia Contemporary Art Show is the first of the the big art fairs to open its doors. Now in its 10th edition, the show is held in Conrad Hotel in Admiralty with more than 80 galleries and 300 artists exhibiting over four floors within the hotel’s guest rooms.

It’s this experience that Mark Saunderson, cofounder and director of Asia Contemporary Art Show, believes is the show’s strength. “There is an intimacy that just doesn’t occur in large exhibition halls”, he says. “It resonates with many people, 50 per cent of visitors to the show are return patrons”.

The Show aims to bring a world of art to Hong Kong at accessible prices, giving collectors and art buyers the opportunity to browse and buy original paintings, limited editions, sculpture and photography from some of the world’s most interesting and promising artists – from emerging to mid-career artists, to those who have already achieved recognition in private and public collections, and at auction.

This year two new features will be added to the weekend of events, China Perspectives and Artist Projects. “The idea for these two new features is to create a platform that opens up the opportunity for not only Chinese artists to enter the Hong Kong art market, but for up-andcoming artists from around the world to make themselves seen and heard in the art world”, explains Saunderson.

China Perspectives will highlight the Chinese contemporary art movement featuring wellknown artists Gao Xiao Yun and young urban art artist You Yang.

Artist Projects meanwhile brings artists from around the world to exhibit in a solo or joint presentation to help bring the context of their art to life. The artists will act as storytellers,

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chronicling the accounts of what motivates and inspires their work and artistic practice.

“The feature gives artists the autonomy and freedom to exhibit their art outside the confines of galleries”, says Saunderson. “I know for a fact that one of the highlights for visitors who attend art fairs is meeting the artists, so we are happy to welcome more than 20 artists, including Hong Kong’s own Mediha Ting whose works are inspired by Buddhist texts and hyperrealist painter Anna Rubin”.

Sipping on a glass of wine while wandering from room to room is certainly a change from the usual gallery and large-scale exhibitions.

Artworks are placed strategically around the rooms which may even extend to the bathrooms, while the artists can often be found beside their work on the bed happy to talk to visitors as they come and go.

Special advance-purchase 2-for-1 tickets for the Asia Contemporary Art Show are on sale now for $220. Buy a ticket and bring a friend for free if you purchase online before the Show. Includes access on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, as many times as you wish, plus a complimentary drink. To purchase visit asiacontemporaryart.com

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cover story

ART

March 21-25

CENTRAL

T

he third edition of Art Central returns with over 100 international galleries showcasing a diverse range of artists and mediums at Central Harbourfront Event Space. With around 75 per cent of participating galleries from the Asia Pacific region, Art Central continues to emphasise its strong local roots as well being an international platform for some of the world’s most thoughtprovoking artists.

Not long after the last painting has been transferred off site and the fair structure is dismantled, work begins on next year’s Art Central.

“It takes a year of planning to organise a successful art fair, beginning with a review of the previous edition and launch of the application process”, says Craig Brown, director of Galleries and Programming at Art Central. “This is then followed by rigorous vetting by our selection committee to ensure the best quality gallery content, working with appointed curators on features and installations, and forging relationships with key partners and sponsors”.

As well as the fine array of galleries on offer, guests are encouraged to look out for the PROJECTS programme. Positioned around the fair, the six large-scale installations feature expressions of social commentary including an original work produced for Art Central by Yu Youhan, a pioneering contemporary Chinese artist famous for his political pop artworks.

Art forums, guided tours and a special programme for kids round out the fair while some of the city’s best restaurants will be opening up shop in Street Food Central to keep thousands of guests watered and fed.

Along with Art Basel, crowds flocked to Art Central with long queues awaiting those who purchased tickets on the day. Our tip is to book ahead or consider visiting during the week rather than a busy weekend.

First night (Monday March 20) tickets are $500. Weekday general entry (March 21-24) are $230 and weekend (March 25) tickets are $260. Visit www.ticketflap.com to purchase tickets.

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cover story

ART

March 23-25

Basel

A

rt Basel has undoubtedly captured the public’s attention as the city’s premier international art extravaganza returns for its fifth edition. Last year’s art fair saw 70,000 visitors flock to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre during the three public days, although reports of overcrowding did mean that it was hard to navigate the whole fair during peak times.

The 2017 edition of Art Basel has already signed up 242 galleries from 34 countries and territories with 29 galleries participating for the very first time. This year’s fair will introduce the Kabinett sector to Hong Kong visitors for the first time. A highlight of Art Basel in Miami Beach, Kabinett will see galleries present a specially curated project in a separate area within their booths, ranging from one person shows, thematic group exhibitions, installations to collections of historical art material.

Visitors to Art Basel this year will see a noticeable inclination towards Asian art history as the Insights sector of the fair showcases important artists from Asia and the Asia Pacific region. 27 galleries will feature solo shows and thematic group exhibitions with a particularly strong presentation of Chinese contemporary artists.

Perhaps most memorable for visitors to Art Basel are the large-scale sculptural installations that often leave audiences wowed by their scale and ambition. The popular Encounters section returns with 17 internationally renowned artists curated by Alexie Glass-Kantor. “For my third year curating the sector I was interested in exploring the relationship between time and experience, specifically, how time is related to ‘encounters’”, she says. “I have curated a selection of installations that encourage visitors to interact with each piece, in order to find their own interpretations”.

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Don’t miss Art Gallery Night

Look out for large sculptural cherubs, deceased Communist leaders, counterfeit reproductions of Margaret Thatcher’s handbag and many more intriguing pieces.

Aside from the main sector of Art Basel which features 190 exhibitors presenting their work in the Galleries section of the fair, a programme of talks and panel discussions offers audiences first-hand access to speakers and opinion leaders from across the art world.

Artist talks, lectures and book launches are also not to be missed outside the main hubbub of the fair while guided tours by art experts offers one of the richest ways to experience the depth and scale of Art Basel.

One-day tickets start from $250 and a three-day ticket is $650 when purchased in advance. Buy online at hkticketing.com or call 3128 8288.plus a complimentary drink.

To purchase visit asiacontemporaryart.com M

March 20, 6pm-8pm Galleries of The Hong Kong Art Gallery Association will welcome visitors until 8pm in celebration of the city’s art events. Participating galleries will extend their opening hours and host special events and performances with cocktail reception. Free, no tickets or registration required. To see a full list of participating galleries, visit www.hk-aga.org

Art Brunch March 24, 9am-12pm Haven’t had enough art for one month yet? Art Brunch extends the fun and invites visitors to a morning of art and cultural events. Around 40 galleries will open their doors to early risers. Free, no tickets or registration required.

To see a full list of participating galleries, visit www.hk-aga.org

HKwalls March 18-26 Hong Kong’s annual street art and graffiti festival takes place in Wong Chuk Hang.

Transforming large exterior walls into huge works of art, local and international artists will battle it out in this free to attend week-long event.

For more information, visit hkwalls.org

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eating

Eat your art out

Combining great food with creative art, Callum Wiggins checks out the best restaurants to complement Hong Kong’s month of art.

DineArt It’s never been easier to visit fast-changing Wong Chuk Hang, thanks to the opening of the MTR at the end of last year. A host of exciting new dining options await including DineArt. Combining a private kitchen helmed by chef Cosimo Taddei and the Nockart Gallery, the unique space blends both fine dining and an immersive art experience into one.

Beginning March 20 the gallery will host a solo exhibition of new paintings by New Zealand-born artist Euan Macleod inspired by a trip to China’s Yellow Mountain.

The five-course menu during March designed by chef Taddei features a pork loin wrapped in Guanciale ham as an appetiser before a pasta course of ravioli with pesto

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sauce and ricotta cheese, Sicilian calamari and cherry tomatoes. Main course is a breaded veal tenderloin while a homemade tiramisu finishes the evening.

A group of ten guests or a minimum spending are required.

16/F, Suite A Kwai Bo Industrial Building, Wong Chuk Hang, dinearthk.com, 2805 8555.

eye candy

COBO HOUSE by 2am:dessertbar Standing for Community of Bohemians, COBO HOUSE by 2am:dessertbar may not have the most memorable name in town but it sure does live long in the memory with pastry chef Janice Wong’s creations. A six-course art degustation will be served from March 17-31 to coincide with city’s art events. Evoking an emotional and visual journey for diners - think course named like ‘Red Garden’ and ‘Beauty in the Broken’ - the menu is a celebration of art in the form of dining.

The menu is priced at $1,280 and diners who have VIP Art Basel tickets can add a twohour free-flow of Papis Loveday Brut & Rosé for $680 (non-ticket holder add $880). One day advance booking is required.

8-12 South Lane, Shek Tong Shui, 2656 3088.

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eating

Bibo Dine French at luxury art space and restaurant, Bibo, located on the slopes of Hollywood Road. Every corner of Bibo is layered with quirky and colourful street art, you’ll even find a portrait of Kate Moss on the wall. The dishes are beautifully presented, with choices including Brittany lobster roasted with seaweed butter and crispy sweetbreads served with a creamy polenta.

A three-course lunch set is priced at $380, and dinner is an a-la-carte menu. Wine pairings available.

163 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, 2956 3188, www.bibo.hk

ATUM Desserant It’s a real feast for the eyes as personal dessert artists at ATUM Desserant take your dessert to the next level. You’ll be left inspired with their contemporary and creative approach to presentation, whereby they paint your dessert right in front of you. A popular choice is ‘Improvisation for two’ ($383), where the artist will take free reign and use their imagination to create your art dessert. A wonderful array of toppings include raspberry sorbet, brownie slices, orange jelly and colourful splodges of purrées and creams. A range of dessert platters in different sizes and extravagance available.

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16/F, The L Square, 459-461 Lockhart Road, Causeway Bay, 2956 1411, www.atumhk.com

eye candy Duddell’s A classy Cantonese restaurant, inviting lounge and bar, garden terrace and art space all rolled into one, Duddell’s has its eye on a cultured crowd. There’s nothing too pretentious about this beautifully designed space, though, and you can catch a glimpse of a new exhibition almost every time you step foot inside. From March 20, Duddell’s is collaborating with 21st Biennale of Sydney to present Abstraction of

the World curated by Mami Kataoka.

Assuming you’re there as much for the food as the eye candy, try some of the signatures, such as Peking duck, poached garoupa, and crispy crab rolls.

3-4/F, Shanghai Tang Mansion, 1 Duddell Street, Central, 2525 9191, www.duddells.co

Felix The Peninsula’s acclaimed 28th-floor restaurant Felix is bringing back its artinspired menu in time for Art Month. Drawing inspiration from the world of opera, Chef Yoshiharu Kaji has prepared a five-course dinner menu that sings with flavour. The imaginative dishes include a lean beef carpaccio with tonka bean powder, frozen egg yolk and vegetable crudités and coulis; a delicate consommé of Iberico ham and mushroom, with crab crostini and Iberico hamwrapped langoustine. For mains, there is a choice between “Le Fantome de l’Opéra” and “Maria Callas”.

Named after the early 20th -century novel

by Gaston Leroux, which inspired Andrew Lloyd Webber’s wildly popular 1986 musical, “Le Fantome de l’Opéra” comprises roasted John Dory with brown butter and caper sauce, poached cabbage and cumin cookies, decorated with the mask made famous by the show. “Maria Callas”, meanwhile, combines Australian lamb loin with truffle sauce, mushroom duxelles and puffy pastry to reimagine Japanese chef Noboru Inoue’s most

famous dish, which was created in honour of the eponymous opera legend, who he cooked for at Maxim’s in Paris during his formative years. A special selection of ‘Love Art’ cocktails accompanies Chef Kaji’s menu.

The five-course menu is priced at $1,388 per person and is served throughout March and April.

28/F, The Peninsula, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2696 6778. M

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dining news

Tastes right

Elephant Grounds comes to Mid-levels

Culinary festival Taste of Hong Kong returns to Central Harbourfront from March 16-19.

Promising to be bigger and better than last year’s inaugural event, the 2017 edition will again feature cooking demonstrations, tastings, masterclasses and lounges to relax with live music.

Some of Hong Kong’s top chefs will be on-site cooking up a storm and dishes from restaurants including Rhoda, Amber, Arcane and plenty more are there to be sampled.

Pick up a few tips for your next dinner party by joining one of 24 intimate culinary discussions featuring chefs and industry insiders.

Weekday entrance starts from $138 with advance purchase tickets available until March 15. Family tickets granting access for two adults and two children can be yours for $398.

For more information, visit www.tasteofhongkong.com and to purchase tickets visit www.ticketflap.com

Popular coffee shop chain Elephant Grounds is setting up shop on Caine Road, Mid-levels.

While an opening date has yet to be confirmed, outdoor seating with dog-friendly spaces looks set to be a feature while the Mid-levels branch will have a number of unique elements including

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four exclusive ice cream flavours. Proud of their coffee offerings, Elephant Grounds Mid-levels branch will feature an ‘integrated coffeebar’ which allows customers to interact more with the barista and see up close how their coffee is prepared. Stay tuned for more details.

eat it up Fusion flavours via TokyoLima Tucked away on Lyndhurst Terrace comes TokyoLima, serving up Nikkei cuisine (that’s Japanese-Peruvian food for the uninitiated).

The menu is divided into small plates, raw and seared items, sticks, Nikkei sushi and larger plates. Standouts from the appetisers include the La Causa which is served with layers of beetroot, prawn tartare, charred avocado and is topped with a lightly battered prawn tail tempura. The salmon Tiradito is a home-style

Nikkei classic where raw salmon is ‘cooked’ in passion fruit tiger’s milk and topped with ikura roe, avocado and crispy fansi noodles.

Wash it down with one (or a few) of TokyoLima’s creative cocktails or choose from the restaurant’s sake list which ranges from fullbodied to earthy flavoured sakes.

G/F, 18-20 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, 2811 1152, www.tokyolima.hk

Neighbourhood pasta bar Nestled in St. Francis Yard, new neighbourhood pasta bar Pici is serving up fresh handmade Italian fare in Wan Chai’s trendiest district.

Aiming for an approachable and affordable food and drinks menu, young Italian chef Andrea Viglione is hoping to serve up some “kick-ass” bowls of pasta from different regions around Italy and offer a variety of local wines.

The no reservation, 56-seat restaurant features casual barstool countertops and tables on its ground floor as well as its first floor mezzanine.

16 St. Francis Yard, Wanchai, www.pici.hk, 2755 5523.

Contemporary Italian in the heart of Central Spiga might well be the city’s new go-to Italian dining destination thanks to its outstanding menu created by two Michelin Star Chef Enrico Bartolini and its remarkable interior renovation by the creative team at Joyce Wang Studio.

Guests are transported to vintage Italy as the restaurant’s six dining areas add layers of character with an outstanding attention to detail. From an Italian circus to a market square and even a secret garden, an impressive array of lighting and themed antiquities will leave guests discovering new elements on each visit.

Of course the food needs to stand up to the test if repeat visits are required.

A contemporary menu showcasing what Italians are eating today features signature dishes including the parmesan risotto served with seared cuttlefish and pesto sauce. Main portions include grilled Black Angus tenderloin with potatoes millefeuille, Ossobuco from Lombardy and roasted chicken marinated with chilli, garlic, mustard and rosemary and bell peppers served with roasted vegetables.

A semi-buffet lunch menu which starts from $188 and includes nine a la carte dishes is also a great way to sample the menu.

3/F, LHT Tower, 31 Queen’s Road Central, 2871 0055.

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arts & culture

Slammin’ street cred

Amanda Sheppard speaks to Henrik Hoeg of Peel Street Poetry about the group’s decade of poetry gatherings.

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ith a growing number of largescale festivals promoting the arts in their various mediums, Hong Kong has firmly established itself on the international cultural circuit. However, grassroots groups and organisations are fewer both in number and in recognition. Peel Street Poetry is one such group that has continued to challenge the status quo since its creation, some 11 years ago.

Formed in 2005 by Nashua Gallegher and Keith McMullen, Peel Street Poetry was borne from a small circle of like-minded poets who made their home in local bar Joyce is Not Here, on Peel Street – accounting for the group’s moniker. Following the bar’s closure in 2013, the group moved to Peel Fresco and subsequently, their permanent premise, Orange Peel, hosting weekly open mic nights (bar the first Wednesday of the month).

“It wasn’t really founded with a purpose in mind beyond serving as a creative outlet for the regulars at the bar, but it has since grown towards developing the English language poetry scene in Hong Kong and beyond”, says Henrik Hoeg, Director of Literacy at the Blurton Family Development Centre and Peel Street Poetry’s MC and coordinator.

Trying to sum up an average evening’s attendees, Hoeg says, “The regular cast is incredibly diverse; age, sex, gender and race all vary greatly, though perhaps the one clear demographic that is over-represented is teachers – not surprisingly we have a lot of English teachers.” From a handful of people comparing notes in a quiet corner of SoHo, the weekly meetings now average between 30 and 50 people with the venue hitting capacity for bigger events.

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Live poetry performances at Peel Street Poetry

So when you combine 30-odd aspiring poets, a stage, and a jazz bar, what bears fruit?

Not surprisingly, the content varies week to week, and while Hoeg says that there are no set themes, politics has been to the forefront recently. “Certainly over the last six months there has been quite a lot of political poetry, albeit more frequently dealing with Brexit and Trump rather than Hong Kong’s issues.” But if dumping on Trump isn’t quite your scene, Hoeg continues, “of course poetry doesn’t have to be political. If that’s not your style, you might just do what I do and write absurd and flippant poems to try and crack people up!”

Not only does the group provide a haven for creatives to share their work and operate a peer review system, but it has, and often does, lead to tangible success for its writers, Hoeg included. “I launched my first book at Peel Street Poetry last April and it would never have come together without the support of the people I’ve met through the open mic nights,” he explains.

So if Peel Street Poetry, with more than a decade under its belt, can offer a literary refuge to the city’s aspiring poets, why are organisations such as this so few and far between? “There is nothing lacking in substance; the level of talent and passion here is incredible”, says Hoeg.

“What would help is a better vehicle to get the word out that creative events like this exists,

that a whole thriving literary scene can be found under people’s noses.”

Hoeg credits groups including Liars’ League, Hong Kong Stories and the Hong Kong Writer’s Circle as successful platforms for meeting and networking with likeminded creatives, as well as Peel Street Poetry’s sister organisation, Poetry OutLoud.

The group’s staying power since its inception more than a decade ago is remarkable considering the transient nature of the city. “There has always been a core group of attendees and organisers who stuck with us even in the lean years, refusing to let it die”, says Hoeg. “I think a lot of people genuinely believe that Hong Kong needs a poetry scene, and that keeping it going, and thriving, is something worth fighting for.”

With a Valentine’s Charity Event (in support of New Day Asia) and annual African Diaspora fundraiser (in support of Room to Read) both successfully under their belt last month, the Year of the Rooster is already looking bright for Peel Street Poetry, with plenty more to come.

Peel Street Poetry takes place every Wednesday from 8pm (bar the first Wednesday of the month) at Orange Peel, 2/F, 38-44 D’Aguilar Street, Central.

For more information, visit www.peelstreetpoetry.com M

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home & living

Size matters

With a family of four, five dogs and two domestic helpers, the challenge was on to renovate an apartment to create a winning space for the whole family, writes Adele Brunner.

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family home

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home & living

C

hildren and pets don’t usually fit with the concept of interior chic but award-winning architect Zeta Chu of RAZ Interiors (www.raz.hk) managed to create a home that works for a family of four, their five dogs and two domestic helpers - and still looks elegantly uncluttered.

The design brief for this 1,200-sq-ft apartment in North Point called for maximum storage capabilities and required the flat to look and feel spacious, without compromising on comfort. Although structural walls prevented Chu from making any radical changes to the existing layout, her well-thought-out design scheme ensured that the apartment would work on a very practical, functional level as well as enhancing its design potential.

Sleeping quarters for domestic helpers are often overlooked from a design point of view but here they are very much part of the overall scheme. In order to fit the family’s two domestic helpers and five dogs into a relatively compact area, Chu designed a modern-looking cabin bed. This allows maximum use of space, giving the helpers a private nook of their own while the dogs sleep on a mattress below it. A versatile ladder is stowed on the wall when not in use, which frees up space to move around in the room, and becomes a visual feature in its own right.

Rather than having a dedicated guest

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(Clockwise from above); an open-plan living and dining room; a multi-functional tatami room; a bedroom with a cabin bed

room that is used infrequently and can often be regarded as wasted space, Chu created a multi-functional tatami room. The family relaxes in it on a daily basis but it can be swiftly and easily converted into a bedroom for visitors. The platform, which doubles up as a bed, can be flipped up to reveal additional storage. The sliding door to the room was also deliberately enlarged to heighten the feeling of space and is made of semi-transparent glass, which enables the room to be flooded with sunlight.

Increasing the light flow in the apartment was of paramount importance to the client, particularly in the dining area, which lacked a direct window. Chu installed a grey-mirrored wall to reflect the light coming across the room from the living area and simultaneously create an impression of space. This was especially important here because the amount of available space had been compromised by the inclusion of a discrete shelving recess required to house a piano, yet make the instrument almost unnoticeable.

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home & living

(Above) the master bedroom; (below) the master bedroom’s walk-in closet and en-suite bathroom.

The master bedroom was the most changed from the original layout as it was opened up to include an adjacent storage room. Previously dead space, the storage area got a new lease of life as a smart walk-in wardrobe. A semi-transparent door conceals the wardrobe but it can also slide along to the right to enclose an elegant recessed dressing table, which comes complete with theatre lighting for maximum visibility. While this sliding door can be seen - and seen through - the en-suite bathroom door has had the reverse treatment. Chu deliberately designed it to look like part of the panelling, hiding any sign of the bathroom beyond.

Using a neutral palette throughout the apartment, Chu added visual interest with the creation of feature walls. The pleated wallpaper behind the sofa in the living area looks more like artwork and breaks up the monotony of a long white wall. Opposite, different but complementary wallpaper was used behind the television, extending back to the entrance of the helpers’ room to enhance the feeling of

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family home

(Above) The apartment’s 200 sq-ft terrace; (below) the kitchen

space in the living area. The chevron-patterned panels in the tatami room give a contemporary twist to traditional Japanese style.

Most apartments are designed to improve their owners’ lifestyle but this one also included elements that benefitted the planet. The cabin bed and the flooring in the domestic helpers’ room were made out of recycled old wood, which had been treated with a waterproof coating to make it easy to clean and hygienic. The tatami platform was constructed from plant fibres, which act as a natural dehumidifier but also keep the room warm, without the need for additional heating.

Internationally recognised and certified Ionwood flooring was used by Chu throughout the majority of the apartment. The world’s first wood flooring to release negative ions, it improves the quality of the air by releasing 3,000 negative ions/cm3. This index contains the same level of negative ions as a natural forest, which offers huge health benefits; by contrast, a polluted environment will be deficient in negative ions.

The apartment came with a 200-squarefoot terrace-style garden. Previously a somewhat barren space, this was given a makeover too. As the client enjoys entertaining family and friends, the garden was viewed as an additional “room” so its design echoes that of the interior, with comfortable modern

furniture. A wooden sink unit with ample storage and a barbecue at one end stretches across one side of the terrace; a small pool was also installed. If ever there was an ideal apartment for adults, children and pets alike, it is this one. M

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health & wellness

Fitness on demand

A new app for booking personal training sessions and group classes is looking to shake up the Hong Kong fitness scene, writes Callum Wiggins.

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orn out of a desire to disrupt the fitness industry in much the same way that Uber and AirBnB have forever changed the taxi and hotel industries respectively, Melvin Chen, co-founder of Avigo, a fitness app for booking personal training and group fitness classes, has global ambitions.

Meeting over coffee in one of Hong Kong’s fashionable coworking spaces in Causeway Bay, surrounded by young entrepreneurs and the obligatory ping pong table required in such spaces, Chen is determined to offer Hong Kongers a new and flexible way to keep fit, with technology at its core.

“Our focus is how to use technology to improve the fitness industry”, says Chen.

“Booking personal training and group fitness classes can be done on a much better platform with flexibility being its greatest strength”.

That’s where Avigo comes in. By signing up to the app, users can book a personal trainer in much the same way that you book an Uber. Send out a request specifying a time and location that you would like to have a session and the Avigo-registered personal trainers can book you in. Alternatively, browse through the list of personal trainers to find the one that takes your eye and arrange a time and schedule for the class. Sessions can be taken in a growing number of partner locations already established or even in public locations such as Tamar or Sun Yat Sen parks.

“Many working professionals need flexibility in their approach to working out”, explains Chen. “Having hectic or unpredictable schedules shouldn’t stop you from working out or missing out on training with top quality fitness instructors”.

Flagship group classes currently offered on Avigo include bootcamp-style sessions and yoga classes. There is no limit to the number of classes that you can sign up for and users

Group fitness classes held by on-demand personal trainers

are not tied to monthly or annual memberships.

Avigo is also not just partnering up with third party fitness classes and gyms. All group fitness classes are led by Avigo-trained instructors which means Chen and his team have complete control over the quality and flexibility of classes.

“We are establishing a brand standard

Our focus is how to use technology to improve the fitness industry

within our classes”, says Chen. “With other fitness class booking apps you may not really know what kind of classes you are signing up for or the quality of each class. At Avigo, we are making our own classes to a premium standard so that you know exactly what you’re going to get with each class”.

By building up a personal profile on the app which details your class history and progress, instructors are able to assess your fitness goals and tailor classes and sessions to your needs by reviewing each member of the class before it

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begins. It’s using technology in this way in that Chen hopes Avigo will distinguish itself within a competitive market.

“By offering smaller group classes and flexible personal training sessions we can adapt classes to fit your needs. Tracking your progress and working on your personal goals with the help of professionals is the best way to see results”.

Bland and soulless big box gyms can mean people easily see motivation fall by the wayside.

Equally, oversubscribed classes mean either you are left squeezed into a class of up to 40 strangers or left frustrated by missing out yet again. Avigo is hoping that the social aspect of working out with friends and like-minded individuals can spur users on to establish long-term fitness programmes. “Our classes are purposefully small in size and we are looking to expand our social elements and events to create a community. Friends can sign up for small classes together which may encourage those who are hesitant at first”.

Personal training sessions start from $650 an hour or a 10 hour personal training package can be purchased for $5,850 ($585 per class). A package of three group classes starts from $450.

For more details, visit avigoapp.com M

health & wellness

On your marks...

Hong Kong’s first ever Spartan Race for kids takes place next month.

Carolynne Dear went on the trail.

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ollowing the overwhelming success of the adult-only Spartan Race in Kam Tin Country Park last year, Spartan Junior is debuting in Hong Kong this year.

It’s open to kids aged between four and 13 years and promises heaps of muddy fun.

Designed to instill a lifelong love of fitness, young racers will run, jump, crawl and put their athletic abilities to the test along an obstacle-strewn course. All participants will be rewarded with headbands, t-shirts and medals.

“The junior obstacles are designed to bring out the fun in different challenges,” says Charlz Ng, organiser of Spartan Race. “This is likely to be one of the toughest - if not the toughest - run of their childhood so far.” Four to eight year olds get to run with their parents.

Spartan is the only event in Hong Kong to use obstacles in competition. Some training is recommended and Spartan is partnering with Minisport who will be hosting a special free training session at Tamar Park on March 11, and another on March 25 on a beach (venue to be decided). Experienced coaches will help youngsters improve their speed, agility and

stamina through a variety of drills and games.

However, kids who play regular sport should be able to handle the race, says Ng. He recommends participants don’t wear anything new or expensive - this is the time to dig out your oldest tee-shirt and shorts. “You will get dirty! But there will be shower facilities available at the venue.”

In Spartan Race, kids compete against themselves - it is not a race to prove one child is “better” than another. The idea is to encourage parental support and for kids to prove to themselves what they can achieve with drive and determination. It’s a test that is both mental and physical.

The race will take place on April 22 at Kam Tin Country Club, Yuen Long, in the New Territories.

There will be buses available throughout the day from Kam Sheung Road MTR to the venue, limited parking is available.

Race categories include 0.5km (four year olds), 0.5-1km (five to seven years), 1km (eight to ten years), 2km (11-13 years).

Register at www.spartanrace.hk M

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education

The creative campus

Students work is featured around the SCAD campus

Kate Davies visits the Savannah College of Art and Design where the next generation of artistic talent is being nurtured.

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ucked away on Tai Po Road is the former North Kowloon Magistracy.

The historical building erected in neoclassical style in the sixties was once devoted to dispensing justice to small time criminals. Today it houses the Hong Kong campus of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), a university established in the U.S. that doesn’t teach law and order but rather is focused on grooming professionals that will go on to do justice for creative businesses and industries around the globe.

“We have a long history of historic restoration at SCAD”, says John Paul Rowan,

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vice president of strategy and innovation at SCAD. “Of the 115 buildings [we occupy] everything apart from four are historic structures”. Rowan was heavily involved in the development of the Hong Kong site. He and I are talking in Courtroom number 1, which still very much resembles the original space, complete with teak floors, prisoners dock, security bars and an iron gate. There is also a fabric chandelier hanging from the ceiling and a large decorated commemorative horse watching us intently from a ledge above the doorway that are both creations of SCAD alumni. In fact, the entire building

is a compromise between the modern and historical. The bronze-studded panel doors at the main entrance, the natural granite staircases, the main courtroom and an original detention cell have all been carefully restored, this is offset by every available inch of visible wall space filled with pieces of art by current students and alumni. SCAD’s efforts have been recognized by the UNESCO AsiaPacific Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation for their impressive revitalisation.

The Hong Kong campus is one of four the university runs. Students can attend the school from the Savannah or Atlanta campuses in

further education North America or Lacoste, France; and if they can’t make it to any of those there is also an e-learning option. “Why Hong Kong?”

I ask. “We saw interest [in SCAD] from all over Asia, but students didn’t end up joining because the school was just too far away”, says Rowan. He goes on to tell me that Hong Kong had a “special vibrancy” and that they thought they could offer something unique that wasn’t available here. “We are the largest non-profit art and design university in the world. That allows our students to have hyper-specialisations”. In essence this means that students do not enroll to SCAD to earn a broad degree in film for example.

The size of the school allows the students to major in specialisations that run the gamut from visual effects to motion media design, 2D animation, 3D animation, stop motion animation, directing and producing among many others. Currently the school offers more than 40 degree programmes including building, communication, entertainment, liberal and fine arts as well as design, fashion, digital media and foundation studies.

The courses at SCAD are global in a very real sense of the word. “Once a student is admitted to SCAD, they are admitted to all the locations,” Rowan tells me. “With just one week’s notice, when a new term is starting, a student can apply to join another campus where the housing costs and tuition are the same. Students are encouraged to take advantage of all the locations to get as much of a global perspective as possible.” Faculty on the other hand are encouraged to be as contextual as they can with the location they are in. In terms of Hong Kong, SCAD’s fashion department really lucks out. Being based in

The Hong Kong SCAD campus is one of four campuses worldwide

Currently the school offers more than 40 degree programmes

Sham Shui Po means they have the “best fabric sourcing in the world on their doorstep”, Rowan explains. “That, and Hong Kong has a great tailoring tradition.” He tells me they hold

fine art exhibitions around Hong Kong, with a recent exhibition in Pacific Place repurposing old switch gears donated by China Light and Power (CLP). Students made them into kinetic sculptures, “one even turned them into a fountain, which was pretty cool.” SCAD are also the official education partner for Art Central and they collaborate with the Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre. With March being a big month for art in Hong Kong I did ask if they had anything planned but Rowan refused to disclose anything in detail just yet. “Stay tuned”, he says “they’re going to be really good”.

A collaboration with Unicef for a group project

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education

The Hong Kong SCAD campus is located in the former North Kowloon Magistracy

The collaborations don’t stop there. One of the components that SCAD focuses on is adapting these skills for the professional world.

“From the very first class you’re building a resume”, Rowan tells me. Every student has

a ‘Student Success Advisor’ (as opposed to a general advisor) and a faculty advisor just within the student’s discipline. On top of that, once the student has an idea of what career opportunities are, SCAD tries to connect the

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student with someone in the school who has career experience they want to replicate or experience in a company they want to work for. Students are also expected to hit the ground running, professionally speaking.

further education “We don’t wait until students graduate to have them working with companies in Hong Kong.

They work with HSBC, CLP, MTR, Hallmark cards, Coca Cola and Yves Saint Laurent [among others]”. Many of these companies go on to hire students after graduation. In fact, the SCAD prospectus states that in an alumni survey, 98 percent of the Spring 2015 graduates were employed, pursuing higher education or both within 10 months of graduation. To add to the ‘real world’ element of the schooling, many of SCAD’s faculty are ex-professionals who have come full circle to teach the next generation their craft.

I didn’t meet any faculty on my tour of the campus but I did peer into a classroom filled with a dozen trendily dressed fashion students who didn’t notice my face peering through the glass as they busily chatted to each other over a project. The classes are kept very small on purpose I’m told, with a maximum of 20 students although the average is 12.

For those taking visual effects, animation, and motion media design programmes, the school also has a fully equipped Green Screen Studio

while in the homework lab students have access to industry standard Wacom tablets and custom Apple Mac and Hewlett Packard machines, made for SCAD specs. Throughout the campus are little study nooks and interestingly decorated spaces for students to gather and while the furniture in the Hong Kong building is mainly bought, some of the furniture in the Savannah campus is made by the students and purchased from them. It’s all part of the process of teaching students business practices in how to sell their creations and price them appropriately.

On the ground floor is the original, though, refurbished cafeteria and the library, which, although it may appear small at first, is home to 15,000 circulating volumes, more than 100 periodicals, plus it has access to around 400,000 e-books. Students can also request books from other campuses that can be sent over. “We try to make sure that students have any resource they could possibly need for any project they want to take on”, Rowan explains.

So, who are the students? “The type of students that want to come to

School Report

Established: 1978 Class size: Faculty to student ratio: 1:19 Curriculum: B.F.A., M.A., M.F.A. Fees 2017/2018: Various undergraduate and graduate options, check website for details Non refundable capital levy: N/A Address: 292 Tai Po Road, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon Tel: 2253 8044

SCAD are those who are incredibly creative, great problem solvers and who want to be innovators,” Rowan tells me. “I want passion, we can’t teach that. I can teach you everything else, I really can.” From what I can see, there is no shortage of passion here. M

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big day out

Pearl harbour

Rory Mackay heads to Plover Cove Reservoir, Tolo Harbour and beyond.

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f you fancy exploring a natural world that most folk don’t know about within Hong Kong, then a day trip to Plover Cove Reservoir might be in order. The area is easily accessible via public transport and totally worth the effort to reach. Nestled amongst rolling hills, it’s the gateway to the eastern expanses of Tolo Harbour and Double Haven.

Begin the trail at Tai Mei Tuk and venture out

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into the wilds of northeastern Hong Kong to discover hidden gems. Once there, you certainly won’t be in a rush to leave.

Getting to the start point can take a little time from Hong Kong Island, but it is a relatively hassle free trip. Take the MTR to Tai Po Market, then catch a bus (either the 20C minibus or 75K KMB bus) or grab a taxi for around $70 to Tai Mei Tuk. Before you shoot off, stop for a bite to eat and stock up on refreshments in Tai Mei Tuk, as there are no facilities out on the trail.

Once refreshed and all set to go, make your way towards the water sports centre and continue up the small road until you reach the lake. Soon, you’ll be greeted by the sight of Plover Cove Reservoir’s dramatic two-kilometre dam wall. Plover Cove was the world’s first ‘at sea level’ freshwater reservoir, its construction began back in 1960 amid disputes with China over Hong Kong’s water supply.

Walking the dam wall is usually a relaxing experience of solitude and tranquillity, as you gaze across the dazzling waters of Tolo Harbour.

Tolo Harbour was the heart of Hong Kong’s once thriving pearl industry. It is understood that pearls were first collected here, as an imperial monopoly, as far back as the Tang Dynasty. The industry continued intermittently until the early stages of the Ming Dynasty, when the imperial monopoly ended due to exhaustion

pearl of the orient

of the beds. Gathering oysters from the seabed was dangerous and cost many lives. The pearl fisher was tied to a weighted rope, lowered from the boat into the sea and left there to collect oysters until the boatmen pulled him back up. During the mid-1950s, the Japanese invested in pearl farms in Tolo Harbour and Long Harbour, rearing various kinds of clams and sea snails. There were four pearl farms in total, located in Sham Chung, Lo Fu Wat, Ngau To Wan and Fu Long Wat. On a weekday or public holiday, the promenade is abuzz with folk enjoying the outdoors in various ways, be it windsurfing and kitesurfing out on the water, or casting a line from shore in the hope of landing a fish.

Watch out for manic cyclists and kite flyers too! Once at the far end of the dam wall you will arrive at a small island in the middle of the harbour. Turn left and continue through the gate. Now you can leave the cyclists and most others behind and venture into the heart of the route. Keep the calm turquoise waters of the reservoir on your left and the darker more rugged seas on your right, as you follow the twisting and turning road around scenic nooks before traversing a few smaller concrete dams.

After this the hiking trail begins in earnest, rising and dropping many times over small hills, each one more dramatic than the last. It’s up to you how far you wish to venture before turning back.

For intrepid types who wish to do the entire circuit around Plover Cove Reservoir or venture towards Double Haven, the trail over the hills to

Wu Kau Tang or Double Haven is fulfilling but requires a full day of hiking. The approaching winter months lend themselves to undertaking such distances, but make sure you are thoroughly prepared. I recommend beginning at Wu Kau Tang instead of Tai Mei Tuk. An infrequent but reliable minibus service (20R) runs there from Tai Po Market MTR. This way, if you are circumnavigating the lake, it is nice to finish at Tai Mei Tuk where there are plenty of amenities and transport options.

Overall, this is an adventure for everyone.

A safe and pleasant excursion catering to the needs of families, yet one that is engaging and flexible enough to challenge the most intrepid outdoor adventurers in Hong Kong. Get out and explore the open spaces in this stunning part of the territory. M Rory Mackay runs adventure company Wild Hong Kong. For details, visit www.wildhongkong.com

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travel

A picturesque view of the Thu Bồn river.

Hoi An

Shreena Patel uncovers historic Hoi An’s ancient roots.

H

oi An has enjoyed a resurgence in the last 15 years or so as a tourist hotspot, but an international reputation isn’t anything new for the town. In fact, the area was once one of the most important seaports in all of Southeast Asia.

From the second to 10th centuries AD, Hoi An (or Lam Ap Pho as it was known then) was the commercial capital of the Champa empire, a great maritime empire that controlled the coast of central Vietnam, from the northern border of Quang Binh Province to the southern border of Binh Thuan Province. The Champa empire comprised five kingdoms ruled by regional royal families. At its peak, it also included parts of Cambodia and Laos.

The Cham people established a lucrative spice trade in Lam Ap Pho which brought great

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wealth to the city. Their vast trade network extended to China, Taiwan, Japan and the Philippines, as well as Malaysia, Indonesia, India, the Middle East and North Africa.

The Champa empire prospered for many centuries but frequently came into conflict with its neighbours: the Dai Viet people to the north and the Khmer people of Cambodia to the south - even the Mongols invaded in the thirteenth century. In 1471, after centuries of fighting, the Champa capital Vijaya was captured by the Dai Viet. The defeat resulted in a mass Cham emigration to the south, particularly to Cambodia and Malaysia. Lam Ap Pho was reestablished as a Vietnamese trading town: Hai Pho (literally “seaside town”).

Over the next four centuries, ships came from far and wide (China, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, India, the

Netherlands, France, Portugal, Spain, Britain, America) to buy the town’s famous highgrade silk as well as paper, ceramics, sugar, spices, sandalwood, tortoise shell and lacquer, amongst other things. Chinese and Japanese traders would arrive in the spring, driven by winds from the northeast. They would stay until the summer, when southerly winds would blow them back home. Eventually, merchants began to leave full-time agents in the town, leading to the emergence of foreign colonies.

In fact, Hoi An was the site of the first Chinese settlement in southern Vietnam. A Japanese settlement was also established at one end of town (via the now famous “Japanese Covered Bridge”), although the Japanese stopped travelling to the area after the enactment of Japan’s isolationist ‘Sakoku’ policy in around 1637.

Vietnam ventures

Foreigners also brought with them new religions including Christianity, which permeated Vietnam via Hoi An. French Jesuit missionary Alexandre de Rhodes arrived in Hoi An in the 17th century and, according to his reports, converted over 6,000 Vietnamese before he was forced to leave over concerns about the spread of Catholicism. De Rhodes, along with other missionaries, is also credited with devising Quᝑc Ngᝯ - a Latin-based writing system for Vietnamese. This romanised system was later mandated by French colonial authorities as the official written form of the Vietnamese language and is still used in Vietnam to this day.

Hoi An was almost completely destroyed during the Tay Son Rebellion in the late 18th century, which saw the Le Dynasty overthrown by members of the Nguyen family of Tay Son. However, the town was rebuilt and regained prominence as a port for foreign trade until some time in the 19th century when, worried by the growing influence of foreigners in the nation, the Nguyen lords implemented a closed trade policy. Hoi An stagnated and was eventually eclipsed by other ports, in particular Da Nang, whose deeper waters could better accommodate the bigger modern ships. By the end of the century, the Thu Bon River, which linked Hoi An with the sea, had silted up and

he tour on t t a o b t e a suns Bon River Thu

Japanese

covered b

ridge

become too shallow for commercial shipping.

It is this economic stagnation and disappearance from the world stage that allowed Hoi An to avoid the type of development experienced by other cities in Vietnam and preserve its early appearance.

During the Vietnam War, it remained almost completely undamaged and in 1999, the town was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Now, at the heart of Vietnam’s tourism revival, it once again welcomes people from far and wide.

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travel Stay You can stay closer to the town or closer to the beach. I stayed at the Anantara, which is just a few minutes walk from the old town. It’s a beautiful, colonial style hotel with a prime riverside location, clean, spacious rooms and helpful staff. The hotel’s restaurant Lanterns runs a weekly buffet barbecue night with fresh seafood and traditional Vietnamese dishes.

You can also dine under the stars at the Riverside Cafe or enjoy live music and drinks at O’Malleys Bar & Grill. Activities include free bike hire, cooking classes and sunset boat rides on the Perfume River (the latter two are chargeable). There’s also a big outdoor pool, a spa, and free morning yoga sessions.

Anantara Hoi An 1 Pham Hong Thai Street, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam Tel: +84 510 3914 555 Email: hoian@anantara.com www.hoi-an.anantara.com Room rates vary. Check the website for special offers.

roadsideket ar street m

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Do

colou

rful F ren build ch colon ial ings

Explore the old town, by foot or by bike. You can buy a ticket to access the historic buildings or just take a stroll through the streets. The architecture of the city reflects its earlier mix of indigenous and foreign influences, from wooden Chinese shophouses to colorful French colonial buildings, ornate Vietnamese houses and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge.

Go on a bike ride. Bike rental at the Anantara is free and the beaches are just a 20- to 30minute ride away.

If you like diving and snorkelling, go on a boat trip to explore the coral and marine life off the nearby Cham Islands.

Visit the Cham ruins at the nearby My Son Sanctuary. My Son was built by the Champa people during the fourth to seventh century as their religious capital and to worship the Hindu god Shiva.

Do a cooking class - many of the Vietnamese restaurants in the old town offer cooking classes, as does the Anantara. Just ask!

You’re also just a stone’s throw from China Beach and the Marble Mountains.

Vietnam ventures

Essentials Cathay Dragon flies direct to Da Nang airport in two hours. From there, it’s about 30 kilometres to Hoi An.

Shopping You can get anything made in Hoi An – from custom-made suits to dresses and shoes, at a fraction of Hong Kong prices. Make sure you have at least a few days for proper fittings and go with a recommendation. Alternatively, Yaly Couture has a few outlets throughout the city prices are higher but it’s a safer option. Top tip: if you already have a well-fitting pair of shoes or shirt, take it for the tailor to copy.

Lanterns also make great souvenirs. Handmade with wax, wood and silk, they come in a range of colours, shapes and sizes, are not too expensive and are easy to pack and assemble at home. I bought some from Pho Hoa, 01 Hoàng Văn Thụ.

Eats

Top dishes

Ong Hai (Mr Hai) 6A Truong Minh Luong Street Located just a few minutes walk from the Anantara, Ong Hai’s menu comprises just two local dishes: Cao lầu and Mì Quảng. It’s not a glamorous place, but the food is good and prices are cheap.

Bánh mì A baguette sandwich packed with greens and a choice of fillings, including paté, beef, eggs and pork.

Cao Lầu Thick rice noodles in a light soup, topped with pork, pork-rind croutons and lots of herbs, bean sprouts and greens. Authentic Cao Lầu is prepared only with water drawn from ancient Cham wells hidden around Hoi An and Quang Nam Province. Noodles are pre-soaked in well water and lye made from wood ash brought from one of the eight Cham Islands around 10 miles outside of the city.

Mì Quảng Thin, flat rice noodles glazed with a mixture of peanut oil fried with onion and usually yellow broth. Traditionally, its main ingredients are shrimp and pork, with peanuts and rice crackers and perhaps a quail egg. M

Tiệm Bánh Mi Phương 2B Phan Chau Trinh street, near the crossroad of Phan Chau Trinh and Hoang Dieu.

The best banh mi in the world (according to celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain) at jawdroppingly low prices. There are about 12 fillings to choose from and place is usually packed but also offers take away. Delicious and exceptional value for money.

Cafe Mrs Diep Central Market Tasty and cheap Vietnamese pancakes and spring rolls cooked and served by friendly staff.

Basic surroundings but that’s all part of the experience.

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A welcome home

pets The SPCA have some tips on how to help a newly-adopted pet ease into a new family.

Low-key arrival Don’t throw a welcome party bash, this could overwhelm the dog. Instead, introduce each family member one at time. Allow the dog to approach and interact. Bring the dog inside on a leash and give him a tour of the house but keep everything calm, and don’t let children swamp the dog with too much attention. Try to find a nice quiet spot where the dog can relax and settle in.

Establish a daily routine Dogs thrive on routine and clearly defined boundaries. When life is predictable, a dog will feel more confident and less anxious.

Use reward-based training Remember training is a team effort and takes effort from both you and your dog. Reward-based training is fun and makes your dog more willing to learn. Training provides mental stimulation, focuses your dog’s attention and strengthens the bond between you and your dog. Consider behavioural and dog-training classes if you would like some professional guidance.

Walks Initially keep walks short - five to 10 minutes - until you understand how your dog responds to the environment outside your home.

Toys Give your dog a variety of toys or chews to direct his attention away from items that you do not want them to unintentionally destroy!

Woof!

We go for walkies with Douglas Young, founder of G.O.D.

Q: How many dogs do you have and what are their names?

A: I have two dogs – Sally and Sugar. Sally is a Beagle and Sugar is a tong gau - a Hong Kong mixed breed or rescue dog.

Q: How did they come into your family?

A: We adopted Sugar from the SPCA when we (G.O.D.) redesigned their Sai Kung location. Sugar was the first adoption after the redesign. We adopted Sally from a friend’s litter.

Q: Favourite walk?

A: Our favourite place to take the dogs is the Conduit Path because they are able to run free for a bit there. That’s their usual or favourite walk. For longer walks, they actually like to hop on a boat from Aberdeen and go out to Lamma for a run around.

As both Sugar and Sally are a bit older, they are not as active as they used to be and actually don’t mind shorter walks and not going out as often. There is also a group of dogs from our building that go for walks and socialise together a lot during the week.

Q: Best place for doggie accessories and products?

Eating, grass, great walks, & poop!

Change food slowly Feed your new dog on the food that it has become used to in the shelter and slowly introduce new food in small portions for the next several days.

A: Harrod’s has some great pet accessories Q: Who looks after your dogs when you leave Hong Kong?

Above all patience is key. Do not shout at or punish your dog or try to enforce close contact. Remember it takes time to build up trust.

A: Our wonderful helper takes great care of our dogs whenever we are away.

If you would like to find out more about animal adoption at SPCA, visit www.spca.org.hk

Would you and your pet pooch like to be featured in our Walkies column? Email editorial@fastmedia.com.hk

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Horoscopes

hong kong horoscopes

AQUARIUS Jan 21–Feb 19

PISCES Feb 20–Mar 20

ARIES Mar 21–Apr 20

TAURUS Apr 21–May 21

Aquarius, I’m certain that something will go your way this month, and it’s all down to your hard work. Good job! But this is no time to rest on your laurels. Consider the city’s skyscrapers: each was the tallest in the city, until the next one was built, and so on. If you don’t keep reaching upwards, you’ll soon find others towering above you.

I predict that the month ahead will be a good one for you, Pisces. That’s not because I gazed into a mysterious crystal ball. Nope: I bit into a delicious fishball. As a delightful mix of texture and flavour exploded in my mouth, I thought to myself: If I can buy a skewer of fishballs for less than $10, then happiness really can be had at any price.

What’s bugging you this month, Aries? Is your boss being difficult, talking about “KPIs”, “deliverables”, “milestones” and other such interminable business jargon?

It can be annoying to listen to, which is why I want you to channel your inner OL. Make like a Hong Kong Office Lady and you’ll be able to detach from the stress and concentrate on the important things, like encouraging admirers to send you flowers at work.

Taurus, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the world is against you at the moment.

What with geopolitics, love and finances all feeling a little shaky, no wonder you’re worried. But take heart and stay bullish, Taurus: we live in times of change. And like a wet market butcher brandishing two cleavers, change can cut both ways.

LEO Jul 23–Aug 22

VIRGO Aug 23–Sep 23

LIBRA Sep 24–Oct 23

SCORPIO Oct 24–Nov 22

Leo, what was the last really good party you went to?

Was it a swanky soiree on the Peak? A messy Lan Kwai Fong bar crawl? A beachside Shek O BBQ? Chances are, what made it wasn’t the event itself, but the people you were with. Cherish your friends, Leo, before you end up at yet another cocktail party filled with people you can barely stand.

You probably know that “Kowloon” means “nine dragons”. But do you know why it’s called that? The nine dragons represent the eight peaks of Kowloon… and the ninth is the boy emperor Bing of Song, who fled to Hong Kong to escape the Mongols.

The innocent boy emperor ruled for less than a year and his dynasty ended with him.

Remember that what we build up can be taken away, Virgo: cherish the present and work to reinforce your future.

Libra, you’ve noticed someone else looking particularly good this month.

Why could it be? Is it a new haircut, or the new pair of shoes? No, it’s nothing superficial: They must have decided to work on their inner life. Are they making time for themselves? Following their dreams? Or just getting seven hours of sleep every night?

Ask them what the secret is, and next month others will be asking you.

Sometimes, getting life to go your way can feel just as impossible as trying to find a taxi willing to cross the harbour. But then again, there are cross-harbour taxi stands – and do you know about the “under the waves” hand motion that tells outof-service taxis you want to cross? In taxis and life alike, if you position yourself for success then it’s far easier to get to the other side.

As transmitted to Adam White, writer, editor and occasional soothsayer 52 | WWW.MID-LEVELS.CO

GEMINI May 22–Jun 21

CANCER Jun 22–Jul 22

Door gods, IFC buildings, glasses of wine: Gemini, you don’t need me to tell you that good things come in twos. When it comes to pairs, you know best. But here’s a question: have you thought of doing things in ones?

Doubling-up often works, but sometimes the simple approach is best. Keep your life elegantly single for a while and see what happens.

Love can be difficult, especially in this transient city. No sooner do you fall for someone, than having them announce they’re moving to Dubai. It’s a tricky thing to manage, Cancer. But take heart from the fact that if they can move, so can you. But not to Dubai: I suggest that you just move on, instead.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23–Dec 21

CAPRICORN Dec 22–Jan 20

What’s that smell? Is someone chowing down on stinky tofu around the corner?

Feel free to recoil and wrinkle your nose – but have you ever tried it, Sagittarius? I can promise you that the smell is a lot worse than the taste. And an adventure might be just what you need this month. Start with something culinary, and you might surprise yourself.

Capricorn, would you ever run for Chief Executive?

Sure, it would be nice to be the most powerful person in Hong Kong. But it’s also a difficult job where everyone ends up disliking you. Are you willing to make that trade-off? After all, there are many different types of power: Think carefully about what you really want before you throw your hat into the ring.

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marketplace

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Avelino Cortes

my mid-levels Q: Where do you live?

A: I live on Bonham Road, looking down on Hospital Road.

Q: How long have you lived in Mid-levels?

A: A bout six months. I recently moved back to the Midlevels after a brief stint in Happy Valley. But I previously lived in Mid-levels for about five years.

Q: Best place for a drink?

A: The Phoenix, located along the upper reaches of the Midlevels escalator, is great for a quiet drink away from the increasing chaos of SoHo. It’s good for an afternoon glass of wine whilst people watching.

Q: What do you like about Mid-levels?

A: I love that it’s quiet yet it still has a certain buzz about it.

There are bursts of small cafes and cute one-of-a-kind boutiques amongst clusters of residential buildings and a real sense of community.

Q: Favourite restaurant?

A: I ’m a bit of a health nut so I cook the majority of my meals at home, but I love Grassroots Pantry. I appreciate the preparation and the thoughtfully sourced ingredients that go into the dishes. Plus I know that I can indulge without any worries.

Q: Best place for a drink?

A: T he Phoenix, located along the upper reaches of the Mid-levels escalator, is great for a quiet drink away from the increasing chaos of SoHo. It’s good for an afternoon glass of wine whilst people watching.

Q: I s there a shop that you would like to see come to your local area?

A: I f there was such a ‘CrossFit Mid-levels’ gym with a truly healthy boutique cafe attached to it, I would never need to leave the neighborhood!

Q: Best place for a coffee?

A: You can often find me working on my laptop and enjoying a coffee at Mana Cafe on Pound Lane. It’s cosy and quiet so I can get lost in my work without any distraction. My favourite is their Mono coffee which is a version of a latte with coconut oil.

Q: Any hidden gems near where you live?

A: Germain Tailors on Po Hing Fong is uber chic! I haven’t actually set foot in the shop yet but always slow down to peek inside at their cool threads.

Q: What would you like to change about your local area?

A: Lower rents and a healthy cafe to replace the mediocre supermarket below my apartment.

Q: How well do you know your neighbours?

A: Our apartment block is filled with airline crew so I make a point to smile and be super friendly - I’m hoping karma will reward me with free upgrades.

Mid-levels is the best place to live in Hong Kong because… ...it has everything you need, and if it doesn’t, the rest is a stone-throw’s away.

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