FREE EVERY MONTH
FAMILY | DINING | HOME | DAY TRIPS
the really useful magazine hongkongliving.com
August 2020
Hikes for tykes Explore Three Fathoms Cove
Burn off some steam After school activities for everyone
School’ s in Your ultimate guide to back to school season
2 | EXPAT PARENT
CONTENTS — 0 8/ 2 0
16
Cover Story Take a peek inside Malvern College Hong Kong
2 Editor’s letter
Hello from the hot desk
4 Contributors
Meet this month’s team
6 What’s on
How to keep busy during social distancing. Plus virtual events
8 News
Your monthly local news roundup. Plus baby news
10 Things to know
28 Education
12 Must haves
31 Book club
After school activities to sign up for this year
Hong Kong’s international school system
Pete Spurrier on Hong Kong Sweet and Sour
Back to school checklist
14 HK baby
32 Big day out
Paramedic parent
Explore Three Fathoms Cove
22 Dining
36 Rugrat ramblings
Keeping it sweet with Paul Lafayette founders Toni and Christophe Younes
Diary of an expat baby
26 Me and my big idea
The face behind jewellery brand Kajal Naina
12
8
22
10
31
26
28
“You can never be overdressed or overeducated” - Oscar Wilde
EXPAT PARENT | 1
editor’s Letter
who’s in charge?
After six months of school closures, there will be yelps of joy and sighs of relief as the new school year kicks off on August 17. This issue covers everything you need to know for a smooth transition, from getting to grips with Hong Kong’s international education system (page 10) to this year’s best after school activities (page 28). We head to the highly regarded Malvern College in Tai Po for this month’s cover. Since arriving in Hong Kong in 2018, this leading British coeducational school has impressed parents and students alike with an individualistic, creative approach to achieving academic excellence (page 16). And with borders remaining closed for now, make the most of Hong Kong’s beautiful summer days with a waterfront stroll at Three Fathoms Cove in Sai Kung Country Park (page 32). Bring on the new school year (although my little one, at 12 weeks old, is a bit too young to appreciate this momentous occasion).
Editorial editorial@hongkongliving.com Editor-in-chief Nicole Slater
Editor Gemma Shaw
Digital Editor Apple Lee
Senior Staff Writer Charmaine Ng
Design vicky@hongkongliving.com Graphic Designer Vicky Lam
Graphic Designer Yankee Tsang
Sales & Marketing talk@hongkongliving.com Director of Content Hilda Chan
Head of Digital Content Isamonia Chui
Partnership Manager Chrissie Ip
Partnership Manager Elaine Li
Publisher
Editor’s picks
Matt Eaton matt@hongkongliving.com
Founding Director Tom Hilditch tom@hongkongliving.com
Contact us Admin: 3568 3722 | Editorial: 2776 2773 | Advertising: 2776 2772
Packed with refreshing treats and Southeast Asian flavours, Pret A Mangers new summer menu is sure to spruce up lunchtimes. Enjoy a colourful new range of salads, gluten-free sandwiches and fizzy summer drinks until October 6. pret.hk
Tea-inspired mooncakes
Mid-autumn festival has come early this year with Peninsula Hong Kong’s tea-inspired mooncakes. Bringing together two of the hotel’s most iconic delicacies, these mooncakes are a delicious fusion of east meets west. peninsulaboutique.com
Covid-19 update As Hong Kong Living goes to print we have done our best to keep our content as accurate and timely as possible, but if Covid-19 has taught us anything, it’s that life is nothing if not unpredictable. Check with local businesses for the most up to date operation hours and services and above all, stay safe.
2 | EXPAT PARENT
Printer Apex Print Limited, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong
HONG KONG hongkongliving.com Expat Parent is published by Hong Kong Living Ltd. This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication. Expat Parent cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.
Photo: Malvern College
Summer treats from Pret
Published by Hong Kong Living Ltd, L1 Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong
EXPAT PARENT | 3
contributors
Marina Watt
Cherry Lee
Apple Lee
Marina has more than a decade of experience in communications and is currently studying for a doctorate in education. She enjoys writing about parenting and education for various Hong Kong publications. See what she’s up to this month in our mum about town.
Joining the Hong Kong Living team this month is third-year Hong Kong Baptist University student Cherry. She researched Hong Kong’s international school system this month for new and returning students in our things to know section.
Apple is a writer and content creator based in Hong Kong. A self-proclaimed foodie, she caught up with the co-founders of Paul Lafayette as the French patisserie celebrates its 10th anniversary this year to chat about all things sweet in our dining section.
Want to write for Expat Parent Magazine? Contact editorial@hongkongliving.com
4 | EXPAT PARENT
EXPAT PARENT | 5
stay in
10 creative things to do at home
With Covid-19 restrictions back in place, here’s a few tips on how to while away the hours without going stir crazy
8 Workout
‘If you haven’t joined a YouTube yoga class in 2020, what are you waiting for? There’s literally tens of thousands of free instructional videos online. Otherwise go pro and sign up with a real fitness instructor.
7 Learn a language
Social distancing is the perfect time to pick up a new language, even if it’s just an excuse to have a conversation with a real person
6 Board games
Gather your family or friends (no more than four) and let the competition begin. Hong Kong Monopoly will even allow you to finally buy that house on The Peak you’ve always wanted. Probably best to avoid polka dot in the sociallydistanced era.
10 Cook? Yes, cook
Nothing says home-sweet-home better than a freshly cooked meal. Give the delivery guy a day off and get busy in the kitchen - if you have one. Otherwise just call Deliveroo, put it on a plate and pretend you cooked it.
6 | EXPAT PARENT
9 Party, virtually
Virtual parties with friends and family may go down as the hottest social activity of 2020. Grab some wine and go online. Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, Facebook Rooms… options aplenty.
stay in
3 Salacious stories
With attention spans waning, short stories are all the rage and Kitchen Tiles from Blacksmith Books is worth the investment. Take your pick from 50 real life stories of gamblers, drinkers, masseuses and millionaires from the mean streets of a Sheung Wan bygone era.
1 Marie Kondo your life
If it doesn’t spark joy, it goes in the bin. From clothes to paperwork, there’s no better time to reorganise.
2 Find your zen
If this Covid-19 business is getting a bit too much, find your happy place. Take some time out to heal your mind and soul through meditation. Breathe in, breathe out.
5 More TV
If you haven’t already hoovered up every single Netflix, Apple TV and Amazon series, it seems you’re still in luck. Grab some mooncakes and settle in.
4 Redecorate, again
Already washed your shoes, rearranged your closet, bleached your white shirts? Why not go big and redecorate your entire house. Get creative while you can.
mum about town
Follow the footsteps of dinosaurs (virtually)
Learn a new language
Encourage your little ones to discover the footsteps of dinosaurs from over 200 million years ago. Inspire your kids with questions such as how paleontologists prove the existence of dinosaurs in the modern age, what eradicated them from our habitat and many other thought-provoking questions. Sign up for the course and get ready for a virtual time travel. Big Bang Academy, Dinosaur Park (Earth Science): August 6, 13, 20 & 27. Course fee $1,300, material included. bigbangacademyhk.com
When Hong Kong is returning to semi-lockdown amidst the third wave of Covid-19 outbreak, it’s time for parents and children to learn together at home. Taught by professional language experts, newly opened EAV Education House in Wong Chuk Hang is offering online language courses, for kids and adults. Get ready to sound like a local during your next trip abroad. EAV Education House, Language learning course: Free trial. eav-edu.com
EXPAT PARENT | 7
news
Flooding in Southern China
New school year pushed back as Covid-19 rages on Many of Hong Kong’s international schools and kindergartens are just weeks away from reopening for the 2020/2021 school year. But with the city battling a third wave of the coronavirus, it was announced in July that the new school year will be delayed. Secretary
8 | EXPAT PARENT
for Education Kevin Yeung Yun-hung said that schools would begin classes no earlier than August 17. Exact reopening dates will be announced in time, depending on the development of the pandemic and social distancing restrictions.
Flooding from monsoon rain occurs almost every year across parts of China, but the country is now facing some of its worst floods in more than a decade. Heavy rain since the beginning of the month has forced evacuations of about 1.8 million people in 24 provinces, mainly in Southern China. World Vision Hong Kong is closely monitoring the situation in Southern China and will provide assistance to people in the affected areas. If members of the public would like to make donations to people affected by the floods, call the World Vision hotline at (852) 2394 2394.
news
Hong Kong students receive IB Diploma 2020 results The results for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme were announced early July. Out of the 2,324 local candidates who completed the IB curriculum, 23 students received top marks of 45. They include 12 English Schools Foundation pupils, four from St Paul’s Co-educational College, three from Diocesan Boys’ School and one from German Swiss International School. Hong Kong students scored an average of 36.31 total points in this year’s IB Diploma, which is 6.41 points above the global average of 29.9, with a 97.9 percent pass rate. In an unprecedented move the face of Coronavirus, the IB organisation called off written exams, which were originally scheduled between April 30 and May 22. Students were instead graded based on their school coursework and predicted marks in mock exams.
BABY NEWS Fun toys to stimulate your newborn’s developing skills Infant toys are specially designed to entertain your baby and at the same time help with his or her development. While it’s important to get newborns a toy that enables them to learn, it is equally important to find one that is safe to play with. Here are three products from NotTooBig to stimulate your baby’s developing skills.
Playgro A Day At The Beach Activity Book Reading stories stimulates a baby’s cognitive skills and imaginative thinking. This large-sized story is soft to touch and full of visual and tactile stimulation for babies to enjoy.
Oxford Path Baby This English learning series encourages babies to explore the world and cultivate their curiosity through interesting games, music and rhythm, reading materials and parentchild interactions.
Lohas Mall set to open A new shopping centre in Lohas Park is set to open its first stores this August. The 480,000 square-foot mall will feature a supermarket, restaurants, hair salons, a cinema, an indoor ice rink as well as new stores, with several brands making their debut in Hong Kong. All stores are expected to open at the end of the year.
International brands close Central locations Ethical beauty brand Lush and clothing retailer Topshop are the latest to fall victim to increased financial pressures and tourism slump due to the coronavirus pandemic. Topshop will close it’s 14,000 square feet flagship store on Queen’s Road Central and bid farewell to Hong Kong when its lease expires in October. Lush, known for its fragrant handmade soaps and bath bombs, has closed its five-storey store on Lyndhurst Terrace but it’s other Hong Kong based locations remain open. The drop in tourist numbers in recent months has led to a great impact on retailers in Hong Kong. Gap has also announced it will close five of its eight shops in the city, while Victoria’s Secret abruptly closed its Causeway Bay flagship store in June.
Disney World of English Diverse and interesting teaching materials enable children to come across the same words repeatedly and hence deepen their understanding of the words.
NotTooBig Mega Baby Expo Date: Oct 29 - Nov 1, 2020 (Thu-Sun) Time: Oct 29 - Oct 31, 2020 12noon-8pm Nov 1, 2020 11am-6pm Venue: Star Hall / Rotunda 2, 3/F, Kowloon Bay International Trade and Exhibition Centre Fee:
$10 / person
EXPAT PARENT | 9
THINGS TO KNOW
1
Hong Kong schooling is one of the best in the world, both public and private schools come highly regarded.
2
There are 175 international schools in Hong Kong according to the International Schools Consultation (ISC).
3
The English Schools Foundation (ESF) was founded in 1967 and is the largest English-medium international school organisation in Hong Kong with 22 schools.
4
Places are easier to find for older children, as teenagers often head off to boarding school overseas before starting IGCSE.
5
Kindergarten and senior secondary education is not mandatory in Hong Kong.
Things you need to know Hong Kong International Education System
6
Many schools such as ESF base their Primary One admissions on the calendar year (children born from January to December). Others such as Kellet go by the academic year (children born from September to August).
8
Students who study the British curriculum will take IGCSE and A-levels, American curriculum will take APs or International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB).
10 | EXPAT PARENT
7
International schools provide similar standards of schooling around the globe, in order to provide an easy transition for people who come from overseas.
EXPAT PARENT | 11 expat-parent.com 11
MUST HAVES
“I Am Very Busy� notebook $117 from ban.do en.smallable.com
Smooth gel ink ballpoint pen
$8 each from Muji muji.com.hk
Quilted personal planner $590 from Kikki.k kikki-k.com
Premium bag green $423 from Mi-Pac en.smallable.com
SCHOOL'S IN Back to school essentials by Nicole Slater
Star 5 colour highlighter pen
$40 from Bookazine bookazine.com.hk
Heart leather kids bucket bag Stationery set
12 | EXPAT PARENT
$59 from Depesche Ylvi & The Minimoomis petit-bazaar.com
$1,160 from Stella Mccartney Kids lanecrawford.com.hk
MUST HAVES A5 notebooks - jungle tiger
Printed charge it charger
$47 from A Little Lovely Company petit-bazaar.com
$169 from Typo cottonon.com
Mini metal water bottle $119 from Typo cottonon.com
Desk set
$119 from Typo cottonon.com
My first bag
$459 from Childhome petit-bazaar.com
Lazy jungle 13� laptop sleeve $423 from Wouf en.smallable.com
Bento lunchbox
$150 from Bamboa bamboahome.com Sampans at sunset $1,000 from Mazu Resortwear mazuresortwear.com
EXPAT PARENT | 13
hk baby Wound management As infants grow they become increasingly active leading them to encounter an infinite number of potentially dangerous situations. All good infant first aid courses should teach parents skills in immediate wound care, compression and faster healing techniques as well as guidelines on how to monitor wounds for signs of infection.
Sudden illness Bringing a newborn home will undoubtedly present a plethora of new ailments for first time parents. Learning from an expert when to seek medical attention for serious conditions and how to monitor and treat minor illness at home is key. With Hong Kong’s warm and humid climate it is also helpful to know a bit about conditions such as dehydration, overheating, drowning and seizures. While of course there is no guarantee that any parent is ever able to fully protect their child from every potentially dangerous situation, this course places a huge emphasis on prevention rather than treatment of accidents which has certainly helped me feel a little more prepared during the first few weeks at home with our new addition.
Paramedic parent First-time parent Gemma Shaw explores the benefits of infant first aid training As a new mum, the thought of bringing home my baby girl, who was born prematurely at the end of April, was both overwhelmingly joyful and terrifying in equal parts. In the days leading up to the homecoming my sense of responsibility and unpreparedness grew. A friend suggested taking a first aid course tailored to treating infants and I jumped at the chance. The Family Zone offers a four-hour course which covers CPR theory and practice as well as how to respond in the most common paediatric emergencies faced in Hong Kong which include drowning, poisoning, head/spinal injuries and heat emergencies. The course provides a relaxed environment for first time parents in which questions are encouraged and
14 | EXPAT PARENT
real life examples are used throughout. Here are some aspects that really resonated with me.
Basic life support for infants Choking is one of the leading causes of unintentional death for infants in Hong Kong and it can quickly lead to an infant becoming unresponsive. Resuscitation techniques differ for adult, child and infant patients so it’s important for parents to know the specifics. All first aid courses should cover basic CPR skills with paediatric courses tailoring techniques towards children and babies. Having these skills can assist parents in being able to react quickly and help improve the health outcome of the child.
The Family Zone The Family Zone offers a four hour course in Paediatric First Aid & CPR for Parents ($980 per person). Classes are led by founder Yvonne Heavyside, a British-trained health visitor and registered nurse with more than 35 years experience. Yvonne has worked in Hong Kong since 1997, her work has included running the antenatal classes and first aid & CPR Courses at Matilda International Hospital. The Family Zone also offers courses in child safety specifically tailored towards helpers as well as pre and postnatal classes and consultations. thefamilyzone.hk
hk baby
EXPAT PARENT | 15
C ST OV O ER RY
A look at Malvern College Hong Kong Charmaine Ng visits the international school with British heritage in Pak Shek Kok, Tai Po 16 | EXPAT PARENT
One of England’s great public schools, Malvern College has a rich and distinguished history and is known for its strong academic focus, with an enrichment programme that stimulates learning beyond the confines of exam criteria. The leading co-educational school extended its reach to Hong Kong in 2018, opening a campus in Pak Shek Kok, Tai Po. Following the footsteps of its mother school, Malvern College Hong Kong (MCHK) offers a highly regarded international curriculum to the primary and secondary levels, in a beautiful greenfield campus adjacent to the Hong Kong Science Park.
R VE Y O R C TO S
teachers are the main point of contact for pupils and parents in the primary years, whilst all secondary pupils are assigned to a tutor overseeing the academic, social and personal progress of each young person. In the classroom, teachers develop an environment where pupils feel safe and secure. “We arrange buddies for new pupils and pay special attention to them through the transition period,” says Ms Maria Gebrial, Head of Primary at MCHK. “The buddies make sure that new pupils know their way around the classroom and the school. The onboarding process is an opportunity for pupils to understand and feel connected to the school’s culture.” Pupils also experience a sense of belonging through a house system at the school.
and welcoming Mr Wayne Maher as the new Head of Secondary and Diploma Coordinator. Mr Maher is joining from Malvern College Egypt, where he is currently the Headmaster. Meanwhile, Ms Katrina Englart will continue in her role as MYP Coordinator. Hong Kong is no stranger to the IB Diploma, one of the most challenging educational programmes available. IB graduates are ambitious and well-prepared for success in further academic studies and in life beyond. As a candidate school for the IB Diploma programme*, MCHK is putting time into careful
Sixth Form Following its successful launch in 2018, MCHK is flourishing with a growing secondary section. The primary and secondary classes are now operating from Year 1 to Year 10, adding Year 11 in August 2020. The school will see its first cohort of Lower Sixth (Year 12) pupils in 2021/22 and sit for their final exams in Upper Sixth (Year 13) in 2022/23. To meet the increase in pupils, new staff are joining MCHK this August. The school is growing its secondary leadership team
Settling in What sets MCHK apart is its unique heritage in combining academic excellence with pastoral care that cherishes each child as an individual. Every child and young person is encouraged to demonstrate the various personal characteristics that define a Malvern education beyond the academic curriculum, called the Malvern Qualities. Individuality, creativity and the need to ‘think out of the box’ are given utmost importance. To help students settle in, MCHK has a carefully planned induction programme at the start of each school year. Class
* Malvern College Hong Kong is a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years, the Middle Years and Diploma Programme. It is currently pursuing authorisation as an IB World School. Only schools authorised by the International Baccalaureate can offer any of its four academic programmes: The Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme (DP) or the IB Career-related Certificate (IBCC). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorisation will be granted.
EXPAT PARENT | 17
C ST OV O ER RY
and thorough planning in order to meet the requirements for authorisation, in advance of its first year of implementation. Apart from hiring new staff to accommodate the upcoming IB Diploma Programme, it is currently working on design plans for the sixth floor of its campus building, which will be opened in August 2021/22 for the first cohort of diploma pupils.
18 | EXPAT PARENT
R VE Y O R C TO S
Leadership scholarship programme
Adapting to changes The past year has been a difficult one for all industries around the world. As the coronavirus sweeps the globe, MCHK has tackled the challenges of Hong Kong’s compulsory school suspensions with gusto. Implementing a comprehensive online learning programme across all year groups, MCHK maintained an interactive and
inquiry-focused approach to learning. There were routine days with the continuation of face-to-face check-ins, flipped learning activities and video lessons, mixed up with days focusing on connecting the school community such as wellness days, house events, the celebration of book week or an online sports week of daily activities. When the school reopened in May, it took on a phased approach in accordance with EDB guidelines, allowing the most senior years to return first. It also shortened its school days from 8am to 1pm instead of 3pm, with all pupils departing before lunch.
Starting in 2021/22, MCHK is implementing a merit-based leadership scholarship scheme designed for the upcoming Sixth Form. The purpose of this prestigious scholarship is to recognise and further pupils who have been demonstrating innovative and initiative-driven leadership that has a meaningful impact on their academic work and community environments. Three to four leadership scholarships will be available for the academic year 2020/21, awarded to see pupils through to the end of the Sixth Form. Both internal and external applicants are eligible for the scholarship. The school is constantly on the lookout for candidates who demonstrate solid knowledge, know-how and skills in alignment with Malvern’s leadership definition, with a view to further their natural talent. Successful applicants’ leadership profiles are aligned with the school’s ethos and educational values. Candidates are invited to apply based on personal, academic and co-curricular leadership experience. The school follows a three-step process to evaluate and identify suitable candidates including: Stage 1: Entry, Stage 2: Online Assessment, Stage 3: Challenge day and interview Successful candidates will be awarded with a full tuition and annual capital waiver.
EXPAT PARENT | 19
C ST OV O ER RY 20 | EXPAT PARENT
R VE Y O R C TO S
To minimise the risk of exposure to infection, classroom layouts were adjusted to enable social distancing. Face masks and temperature checks became mandatory and pupils were required to wash their hands frequently. Staggered breaks became the new norm, where all pupils headed out into open air but without contact play. All facilities, classrooms and equipment were cleaned and sanitised on a regular basis.
The school continues to reflect on the experience of prolonged remote learning and to retain some of the best bits of this experience. It saw huge creativity in approaches to learning and teaching. Of course, teaching staff would never want to replace face to face contact. In fact, there was great excitement when they were finally able to bring the community back together in May.
For general admissions, the school accepts rolling applications up to two years in advance. For the upcoming academic year 2021/22, the cut off for the first phase of applications is October 9, 2020. Online assessments and admissions interviews are typically scheduled in November, with offer or rejection letters being sent out prior to Christmas. malverncollege.org.hk
EXPAT PARENT | 21
dining
What sweet dreams are made of
Paul Lafayette’s Toni and Christophe Younes reflect on a decade of Hong Kong’s favourite dessert brand. By Apple Lee 90s, I noticed a shift in the taste palettes of the new generation of consumers. There was a growing appetite for the younger Hongkongers to try things that were new and exciting,” says Toni. In 2009, almost 20 years after Toni had arrived in Hong Kong, he opened his first French patisserie in K11 Art Mall in coincidence with the mall’s grand opening. Paul Lafayette is one of the first bakeries to bring French macarons to the city. To this day, these colourful confectioneries remain what the brand is known and loved for. “Macarons are a pillar of French heritage.
Christophe Younes
When French-born entrepreneur Toni Younes started Paul Lafayette with his son Christophe Younes a decade ago, there were only a handful of Western-style bakeries and
22 | EXPAT PARENT
patisseries in Hong Kong. At the time, if you were craving quality French pastries, you’d have to get your fix at luxury hotel bakeries. “When I first came to Hong Kong in the
They are also great for gifting because of how colourful they are,” says Christophe. “When we first opened, a lot of people thought we were selling colourful cookies. It took us a few months to convince our customers that these are macarons. Not many Hongkongers had heard of macarons before or seen something like that, so they were curious of what they were and wanted to try them.” Besides macarons, creme brulee was another major hit at Paul Lafayette. The brand sells on average more than 1,000 creme brulees every day and hosts an annual Creme Brulee Festival every summer. “We’ve always focused on offering great macarons and creme brulee since day one. We believe that to have a successful brand, your customers need to remember you for your key
dining
Creme Brulee
products – and those have to always stay the same,” says Toni. To ensure the quality of its patisserie remains consistent, Toni and Christophe insist on using the same supplier for its ingredients. Even when the price of Madagascar vanilla beans continued to increase year-on-year from $800 per kilogram 10 years ago to $8,800 for the same amount today, the pair still works with the same supplier to make sure the flavour of its creme brulee stays the same. This commitment to consistency extends to their retail locations. While shops tend to move around a lot in Hong Kong, Toni and Christophe are determined to keep their boutiques at the same address – even if it means higher rents. “We want our customers to remember where we are and know where to find us,” says Toni. As with many other businesses in Hong Kong and around the world, it has been a tough time for Paul Lafayette during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, especially when uncertainty runs high on when the crisis will end. “As a brand, we have survived the past few months because we have a very strong local customer base. Since our inception, we
have always focused on creating a brand for Hongkongers. Our first shop opened in Tsim Sha Tsui, and to this day, over 80 percent of our customers are locals,” says Toni. Looking into Paul Lafayette’s next decade, the father and son duo is excited to keep pushing the boundaries of French dessert and innovating with new products.
The patisserie is currently in the works of launching new mooncake gift sets for MidAutumn Festival in October, which will bring Western influences to the traditional Chinese baked good. Further along the line, the brand has set its sights on expanding throughout Mainland China and Asia.
Toni Younes
EXPAT PARENT | 23
dining News
Dining news Former Chôm Chôm chef goes solo Veteran Vietnamese chef John Nguyen, formerly of Chôm Chôm, has opened a modern Vietnamese restaurant showcasing Northern regional cuisine and craft cocktails. Named Xuan, the all-day eatery, complete with al fresco seating and hard walnut wood furniture, exudes a warm and inviting aura. Highlights from the menu include the braised beef tongue salad and cơm gà Hoi An chicken rice. Probably one of the most famous Vietnamese dishes, the pho here features Angus prime rib, braised beef tongue and oxtail, steeped in 24-hour simmered beef broth. G/F, 18 Lun Fat Street, Wan Chai.
Spanish meets Japanese Former Haku chef Agustin Balbi has joined forces with Jia Group to open his first standalone restaurant Andō. The new restaurant pays homage to Balbi’s roots from Spain and his culinary training in Japan. 1F, Somptueux Central, 52 Wellington Street, Central. andohk.com
Less is more Soil to Soul is K11 MUSEA’s latest opening, serving contemporary Korean vegetarian cuisine inspired by the country’s temple food. The restaurant’s focus is on traditional vegetarian Korean recipes using natural, organic and plant-based ingredients, based on a food philosophy dating back a thousand years to the Goryeo dynasty. Helmed by certified temple food master chef Gu Jin Kwang, who previously worked under renowned Korean Buddhist nun WooKwan, Soil to Soul’s menu includes nourishing lunch sets, six and eight-course tasting dinners, along with a variety of à la carte selections, bar snacks and drinks. Make sure to try out its ginseng salad, turnip dumpling and mung bean pancake. 704, 7/F, K11 MUSEA, Tsim Sha Tsui.
24 | EXPAT PARENT
Summer cocktails Stay cool as the heat turns up Red Sugar Travel back in time with Red Sugar’s new cocktail menu ‘Our Little Time’, which showcases a collection of concoctions inspired by the postwar era of Hong Kong. Kerry Hotel’s popular rooftop bar has launched 11 new cocktails, all presenting key elements from the 60s to 80s. The terrace bar, overlooking the Victoria Harbour, has also just launched a new Sundown Sessions available every Saturday and Sunday for two hours of free-flow bevvies and tapas. Level 7, Kerry Hotel, 38 Hung Luen Road, Hung Hom. shangri-la.com Maison Libanaise To welcome summer, Black Sheep Restaurants’ Lebanese canteen is bringing back its ‘Frosé All Day’ special. Made from churned frozen rosé wine and fresh raspberry purée, then topped with a sprig of vibrant mint, frosé is available all day by the glass. Guests can take the celebration further and enjoy an exclusive food and drinks pairing on the roof of the restaurant, with two glasses of vibrant frosé alongside a hearty lamb manoushe to share between two. The offer is available on weekends and public holidays from 3-7pm.10 Shelley Street, Central. maisonlibanaise.com.hk Rubia Known for its exceptional steaks and tapas, Rubia’s relaxed, taberna-style, ground floor bar makes it the perfect place for after-work drinks. Its new two-for-one happy hour features Galician draught beer and cider, new cocktails and a dedicated gin selection to pair with local Spanish cold cuts, cheese and snacks. Don’t miss the restaurant’s new tropical flavours, which includes Longan Potion, made with longan-infused Absolut Vodka and fresh lime juice; and Manzana Acida, a concoction of Lola & Vera, Quenz Hierbas, Estrella Cordial finished off with apple syrup. UG/F and 1/F, C Wisdom Centre, 35-37 Hollywood Road, Central. rubia.hk
dining NEWS
EXPAT PARENT | 25
me & my big idea
Me and my big idea Charmaine Ng talks to Kajal Naina, founder and owner of her eponymous jewellery brand “When we say new innovations, they are usually just the combination of two old things in a way that isn’t known to have been seen before,” says Kajal Naina. “That’s what’s important to me – to be able to imagine and bring about that metamorphosis.” Known for its unique and meaningful designs that transcend borders, Naina’s eponymous homegrown jewellery brand aims to speak and connect with women deeply. Although established just three short years ago, Kajal Naina has already made waves in the e-commerce world, whilst garnering attention locally. “If someone had told me 10 years ago that I would be an artist and designer, I wouldn’t have believed them,” says Naina. “I trained and worked as a dentist and was happy with where I was professionally.” However, things took a turn and with time, the jewellery maker found herself itching to fulfil her creative side. When setting up her brand, Naina took a step back to explore her own culture and upbringing in Nepal. “People in Nepal highly appreciate jewellery and most women, irrespective of their social standing, want to own at least one piece of gold ornament,” she says. “In the eyes of the Nepalese, nothing shines brighter than gold.” Inspired by the women around her proud and full of love for their jewellery pieces, Naina crafted collection after collection. Whilst working, she recalled fond memories of childhood moments spent admiring and listening to the stories of the jewellery pieces in her mother’s jewellery box. She wanted to recreate this nostalgic feeling in her own designs. This year, she was set to start retailing some of her jewellery in stores, but due to the global pandemic, the process was halted. Far from discouraged, however, the designer turned her attention to developing and crafting silk scarves. The new items will soon be launched on her website. “Jewellery making is a way of storytelling for me,” says Naina. “As
26 | EXPAT PARENT
such, Kajal Naina will always continue in its mission to bring to life jewellery that connects the wearer with their stories, hopes and dreams.”
You can find Naina’s award-winning jewellery collections online at kajalnaina.com
me & my big idea
EXPAT PARENT | 27
EDUCATION
School’s out
Sports, performing arts and musical after school activities for every child
Sports Harry Wright International Founded in 1975, this premier swim school offers infant aquatics for children as young as four months, as well as learn to swim and competitive swimming programmes. Lessons available at various clubs and schools in Pok Fu Lam, Deep Water Bay, Aberdeen, Causeway Bay, Discovery Bay and Kowloon Bay. harrywright.com.hk
Hong Kong Basketball Academy Founded by former Hong Kong National player Jason Yam, the academy is open to beginners and more advanced players alike and offers both girls and boys one-on-one and smallgroup coaching as well as camps throughout the year. Training is held at multiple locations including Stanley, Wong Chuk Hang and Sai Ying Pun. hkbaallday.com
HK Rugby Union Learning rugby helps to foster skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork and fair play. Children from the age of four can start training under the HKRU Junior Programme in a safe and multi-ethnic environment. Under 7s and Under 12s are registered at one of 20 mini rugby clubs, while Under 14s and Under 19s are placed in the Colts Programme, where they will compete in league events and even have the opportunity to represent Hong Kong in the national squad. hkrugby.com
Hebe Haven Yacht Club The Hebe Haven Yacht Club has been
28 | EXPAT PARENT
providing boating and yachting facilities in the picturesque bay of Pak Sha Wan in Sai Kung since 1963. As well as an extensive school sailing programme, it also offers courses for children through the Development Fund for Youth Sailing Programme at the Sail Training Center. hhyc.org.hk
Minisport coaches over 400 children per week while also hosting holiday sports camps and children’s parties. sportsclassesforkidshk.com
ProActiv Sports
Anastassia’s Art House
Previously known as Sports4Kids, ProActiv Sports hosts classes in multi-sport, soccer, tennis, swimming, gymnastics and basketball for all ages and abilities. The action-packed sports classes are run by passionate and qualified coaches at locations all over Hong Kong. hk.proactivsports.com
Hong Kong’s only Russian Art Academy offers a range of structured art classes for adults and children aged three to 16 years old. Students have an array of choices, including painting, drawing, sketching, ceramics, creative drama and design. Art parties and workshops are also available. Centres are located all over Hong Kong, including Happy Valley, Repulse Bay and Sai Kung. arthouse-hk.com
Minisport HK Minisport HK is an enthusiastic group of sports educators who teach multiple disciplines to children aged 18 months to nine years through schools, clubs and private residences around Hong Kong.
Art
EDUCATION Artful Kids Established by professional artist and teacher Gail Deayton, Artful Kids is a unique world for children, all about creativity, laughter, learning and self-expression. With a huge range of activities, materials and projects to choose from, there’s bound to be something that kids will like. The studio also holds parties for children with activities such as painting canvases and making hats fit for princesses. For kids of all ages. artful-kids.com
Creative writing Elephant Community Press Publication is now an attainable dream for children with the help of Elephant Community Press. Children aged four and above are guided through every stage of writing in project-based workshops held throughout the year. Completed works are published online or in print for parents, peers and the larger community to enjoy. elephantcommunitypress.com
Read for Meaning Since 2006, Read for Meaning book clubs have encouraged children of all ages to become active readers, allowing them to get more out of books and broaden their horizons. Reading that is both productive and enjoyable bolsters academic success and becomes a lifelong passion. readformeaning.com
Drama Shakespeare4All Shakespeare4All is one of Hong Kong’s leading performing arts education organisations. It is a registered charity founded in 2003 with the purpose of building fluency and confidence in English through performing Shakespearean plays. The organisation has provided drama experiences to thousands of students through aided, direct subsidy, government and private schools in the region. s4a.org.hk
Faust International Established in 1999, Faust runs drama workshops for children aged three to 18 at venues across Hong Kong. In fun, lively sessions, Faust introduces children to the
world of theatre and creativity, developing performance skills, theatre knowledge, teamwork, individual expression and confidence. Classes are open to everybody, with no previous drama experience needed. Faust also organises productions at Hong Kong theatres throughout the year. faustworld.com.hk
STAGE RIGHT! Enriching young people’s knowledge of theatre since 2011, STAGE RIGHT! offers workshops that allow children of all ages to explore their acting and performance skills and investigate real-world issues in a safe and controlled environment. stagerighthk.com
The Absolutely Fabulous Theatre Connection Established in 2008, AFTEC believes that children learn through the arts. The award-
winning learning centre is also a registered charity that offers a range of performing arts programmes in both Chinese and English for primary to secondary school students. AFTEC also offers classes for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other learning difficulties. aftec.hk
EXPAT PARENT | 29
EDUCATION
Twinkle Dance
suits your child’s interests, availability and budget. You can also enjoy the flexibility of booking one trial lesson first before committing to more. musicsage.io
Twinkle Dance offers ballet, jazz and contemporary dance classes for children aged 18 months and above. The classes seek to engage kids by using fun visual themes that they can connect with. All of the teachers have professional training and qualifications. Branches are located in Central, Causeway Bay and Wong Chuk Hang. twinkledance.com
Slack Trax Let your little ones learn the art of mixing at Slack Trax, a specialist school in Lai Chi Kok with a professional team composed of DJs and producers who have established a career in Hong Kong. The school offers one-to-one and group DJ classes, as well as recording and consulting services, for all ages. slacktraxstudio.com
Red Shoe Dance Red Shoe Dance specialises in classical ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, hiphop, AcroDance, musical theatre and tap. Classes range from beginner to advanced levels and are suitable for children aged three to 18 years. redshoedance.com
Russian Ballet School The first ballet school in Hong Kong to follow the disciplined yet vibrant Vaganova system, the Russian Ballet School takes from the rich history of Russian ballet and teaches with a unique focus on performance readiness and individual correction, allowing every student to shine with elegance. russianballetschool-hk.com
Ballet Fitness Classes to shape up into your healthiest and most elegant selves. southernschoolofdance.com.hk
Music
Southern School of Dance
MusicSage
Dance the day away with Southern School of Dance. Children will love the ballet, tap, and modern dance lessons, and shine in their annual performances. Don’t feel left out, Mums – you can enrol in the ladies’
MusicSage is an online platform which searches for high quality, private music tutors in Hong Kong. With over 100 tutors listed, covering more than 25 different instruments, it is easy to find a tutor who
30 | EXPAT PARENT
A trip down memory lane
book club
Pete Spurrier finds striking parallels between 1960s Hong Kong and the city today in Daniel Zabo’s Hong Kong Sweet and Sour. By Katrina Lau
Pete Spurrier republished Hong Kong Sweet and Sour more than 50 years after it was first
Blacksmith Books publisher Pete Spurrier first came across a tattered old copy of French cartoonist Daniel Zabo’s Hong Kong Sweet and Sour in a local second-hand bookshop. He was right away fascinated by Zabo’s acute cultural observations and sketches of Hong Kong life in the 1960s. When Spurrier mentioned the book to a friend who is a publisher in France, his friend told him that he knew Zabo, who was alive and well. The two of them then set out to bring the book back to life in a new edition after 50 years. “I hope this book can allow readers today to appreciate some insight into Hong Kong from a bygone era,” says Spurrier. In Zabo’s book you’ll find familiar scenes happening in Hong Kong – from dealing with crowds of people to learning a confusing etiquette, competing to pay the dinner bill and more. “The city may look very different in 2020,
but really the people stay very much the same,” he says. The publisher wanted to make as little changes as possible when revamping and republishing Hong Kong Sweet and Sour. He made sure to include Zabo’s original cartoon sketches by scanning the original images and transferring them to the new book. Bringing back the book also involved some restoration of slightly torn or faded bits. As the book showcases everyday happenings back in the 1960s, the publisher included a foreword to give readers the background of the city back in the day. Flipping through the cartoon collection, readers can resonate with the illustrations of the humour and eccentrics of life in the city during its decade of change and opportunity. Hong Kong Sweet and Sour is available at Bookazine, Bleak House Books, Swindon Book Co and other discerning bookstores
around town. You can also get the book delivered to your doorstep by ordering at blacksmithbooks.com.
EXPAT PARENT | 31
big day out
THREE FATHOMS COVE Enjoy a waterfront stroll and discover the abandoned village of Sham Chung. By Nicole Slater
32 | EXPAT PARENT
big day out
EXPAT PARENT | 33
big day out
Located in a coastal inlet between Sai Kung West Country Park and Ma On Shan, Three Fathoms Cove is a relaxing trail leading to the abandoned Sham Chung Village. With most of the trail flat and pathed, this is the perfect family walk with plenty of interesting sights along the way. The trail is roughly 45-minutes and starts from Yung Shue O Village. Painted banners will
lead the way to Sham Chung and Sham Chung Ferry Pier. Once you reach the end of the trail, you’ll find the remote grassland and lush mangroves referred to as Sham Chung. While the almost abandoned village may be beautiful, it is a far cry from its natural state. First established in 1879, this remote village thrived on the land which they had converted to paddy fields; at
its peak in 1950, the village was home to over 500 residents. After many of the community’s children left to work and study abroad, the village ended up abandoned. Once the villagers left, the forgotten fields transformed into a wetland teeming with wildlife, including rare animals like brown fish owl and the Hong Kong paradise fish, becoming one of the cities most ecological sites. But in 1999, developers earmarked the area for a golf course, draining the wetland and replacing it with grass, destroying the unique ecosystem in the process. The project was never approved and resulted in the loss of one of Hong Kong’s most thriving ecosystems. Today, you can venture around the village, where many of the original structures still stand, including The Epiphany of Our Lord Chapel, one of the Historic churches of Sai Kung Peninsula. During the weekend and public holidays, some villages return to the area and serve cold drinks and noodles perfect for an afternoon snack.
How to get there From Sai Kung Town, take the 99 or 299X KMB bus and alite at Yung Shue O. From this junction it is a 45-minute walk down the single-track road to reach Yung Shue O or take a taxi instead. Follow the banners to the start of the trail.
34 | EXPAT PARENT
marketplace
To advertise, email talk@hongkongliving.com or call 2776 2772.
marketplace
EXPAT PARENT | 35
Rugrat Ramblings
From milk to Michelin. Sort of.
The youngest member of our team tells us why good food is what we all need right now There are few things in this world that I love more than my mummy and daddy. After all, they’re the best people I know. Well, they’re pretty much the only people that I know at this point, but from what I know of them I think they’re the definition of wonderful. Having said that, there is something else in this world that is slowly working its way into my heart. Let me try and explain. We see each other every day. After every encounter, I feel sprightly, spoiled, satisfied. Sometimes I’m impatient and angry and things can get messy but I always leave the experience feeling better than when I started. I never regret our meetings and I always look forward to the next. I’m talking about one thing here. Food. Glorious food minus the hot sausage and mustard because my palate is not quite there just yet. Growing up in Hong Kong, I am beginning to learn that I am lucky enough to have some of the best food in the world right at my little iddy-biddy baby fingertips. Armed with a deadly pincer grasp after months of practice, I can snap up anything that falls on my food tray and insert it into my mouth within zero point two five seconds. What can I say, it’s a gift. But that was not where this love affair started. It all began with milk - my first source of nutrition in this world. Just minutes after arriving I had my first taste and let’s just say, I was hooked. Day and night for months on end I would indulge in this magical liquid and it would make me feel overwhelming comfort. And then one day, mum and dad kicked it up a notch with purées. Apple would make me go wild, and prune would just... make me go. But as I sat in my high chair I would watch mum and
36 | EXPAT PARENT
by screaming loudly, just once, like baby birds do to their mums. “KAW”. That had to get their attention. One day - it did. Broccoli. Pumpkin. Carrot. Avocado toast. Weetabix. Every day I would be introduced to new flavours and my parents would clap and cheer and then I would clap and cheer. It’s been such a glorious and tasty journey that I am now a little bit addicted to the Hong Kong Dining website where I am plotting exactly where I want to go and eat when I am old enough. So why tell this story? Why all the fuss over food? Because - I see people eating and I don’t see the joy on their faces like I have. Does the joy of eating just disappear when you grow up? Or has everyone just forgotten to slow down and enjoy the little things? Perhaps we are in a weird situation right now, so busy dealing with Covid-19 that we’ve forgotten that there is still joy to be had. Maybe now is the perfect time to slow down, pull back and enjoy the little things in life that cannot be taken away from us. Now with that in mind, please excuse me, I have some dinosaur pasta waiting for me that won’t eat itself. At least I hope it won’t that’s my job, and I love it.
dad eat other things. Solid things. Colourful things. Things that I was ready to grab and put in my mouth too. I would try to tell them
Thoughts and perceptions from the mind of an expat baby
EXPAT PARENT | 37
38 | EXPAT PARENT
