Sai Kung December 2020

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December 2020

u k i 152 a tmas S Places to go this festive season

CONTENT S — 12/ 20

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COVER STORY A Hong Kong Christmas Carol by Nury Vittachi

2 CONTRIBUTORS Meet the team

6 PEOPLE

Sai Kungers out and about

8 THE PLANNER

What’s on this festive season

12 NEWS

What’s going on in your backyard?

15 FIVE MINUTES WITH..

17 POLICE BLOTTER

32 PETS

23 GIFT GUIDE

35 IN THE GARDEN

Senior Inspector Ron Yung talks crime

Buy local this Christmas

28 DINING

District Councillor Debby Chan answers your questions

Rory Mackay conquers Kai Kung Leng

Rob Allen, sailing manager at HHYC

16 LOCAL

William James Tutcher F.L.S. on what to plant this December

36 ASK DEBBY

Christmas dinners on your doorstep

30 BOXING DAY HIKE

Keeping Pets out of mischief this Christmas

Step inside Hoi Ha’s new visitor centre

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8 “Just remember, the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart” - The Polar Express

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editor’s letter It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Firstly it’s Christmas and secondly (more importantly) it’s my birthday. I’ve been holding back on the festive puns recently so expect plenty scattered throughout this issue.

This year Hong Kong-based author Nury Vittachi adds a local twist to the classic Charles Dickens tale, A Christmas Carol in our cover story (page 18) with property developers and red taxi’s you’ll surely find it very relatable.

A new visitor centre has popped up in the Country Park this month. Located in Hoi Ha the centre is designed to blend in with the natural habitat. Read all about it in our local story (page 16).

No Christmas is complete without a delicious feast, we’ve rounded up the best places in the city to wine and dine this season, or if you’re planning a quieter Christmas in town, order dinner to your door with these festive deals (page 28).

Last but not least, don’t forget about your four legged friends this season. While it’s exciting for you, it can be a bit daunting for your pet. Dr Pauline Taylor shares her tips for keeping pets happy and healthy during the holidays (page 32).

I think we’re all glad to see the back of 2020, wishing you a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.

Editorial Editor-in-chief Nicole Slater, nicole@hongkongliving.com Senior Staff Writer Charmaine Ng, charmaineng@hongkongliving.com Contributing Editor Gemma Shaw, gemma@hongkongliving.com Digital Editor Apple Lee, apple@hongkongliving.com

Design Graphic Designer Vicky Lam, vicky@hongkongliving.com Yankee Tsang, yankee@hongkongliving.com

Sales & Marketing

Director of Content Hilda Chan, hilda@hongkongliving.com Head of Digital Content Isamonia Chui, isamonia@hongkongliving.com Partnership Manager Chrissie Ip, chrissie@hongkongliving.com Elaine Li, elaine@hongkongliving.com Circulation Manager Pranali Gupta, pranali@hongkongliving.com

things we love this month...

Stylish sleeping What could be better than the perfect nights sleep this festive season? Aphrodite Hair and Makeup has recently launched a silk accessory gift box, featuring a 100 percent Mulberry silk pillowcase, eye mask, scrunchie, hair turban and more to guarantee a luxurious night's sleep. aphroditehairandmakeup.com

Publisher

Matt Eaton, matt@hongkongliving.com

Founding Director

Tom Hilditch, tom@hongkongliving.com

Contact us Admin: 3568 3722 | Editorial: 2776 2773 | Advertising: 2776 2772 Published by Hong Kong Living Ltd, L1 Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong Printer Apex Print Limited, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong

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As Sai Kung Magazine goes to print we have done our best to keep our content as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but life under Covid-19 regulations means things tend to change, often from day-to-day. Please check with local businesses for operation hours and services available and remember, stay safe.

@hongkongliving

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Covid-19 update

December 2020

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With most of us staying put this Christmas, it’s the perfect time to check into some of Hong Kong’s most luxurious hotels. Enjoy festive deals and freebies at hotels including Hotel Icon, K11 Artus, The Upper House and more. For a full round-up visit hongkongliving.com

hongkongliving.com

talk@hongkongliving.com

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Festive staycations

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Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay Magazine is published by Hong Kong Living Ltd.This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication. Hong Kong Living Ltd 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 in any way, part or format without written permission from the publisher.

festive season 25/11/2020 3:39 PM

Illustration: Max Roberts

hongkongliving.com

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contributors

Thank you to our contributors Ron Yung

Rob Allen

Senior Inspector Ron Yung joined the Sai Kung Police Force late last year and is happy to be in town. He gives us the lowdown on crime in the area over the past few weeks in our monthly police blotter.

Sailing Manager at Hebe Haven Yacht Club, Rob Allen has always been passionate about watersports and sailing, joining the company in 2014.

He tells us all about this year’s Open Dinghy Regatta and how Covid-19 had affected it, in our five minutes with interview.

Max Roberts The artist behind this year’s wonderful Christmas cover is Max Roberts. Illustrating in his spare time, Roberts enjoys designing graphics and creating abstract illusions on his instagram page @maxrobertsillustrations

Rory Mackay Avid hiker and thrill-seeker, Rory owns adventure company Wild Hong Kong. This month he takes us up the ranges in Kai Kung Leng for a fantastic Boxing day hike. Don’t forget the turkey sandwiches. wildhongkong.com

Debby Chan Debby Chan Ka Lam is the new District Councillor for Sai Kung Islands. She embraces the town’s diversity and strives for a more sustainable community. Check out what the Council has been up to this month in our ask Debby column.

Nury Vittachi Nury Vittachi is the award-winning Hong Kong-based author of more than 40 books, several of which have been published internationally in multiple languages.

His journalism has appeared in more than a dozen publications, including The New York Times and Reader’s Digest. He tells the tale of Scrood, a Hong Kong property developer in this year’s Christmas story. nury@vittachi.com

Want to write for Sai Kung Magazine? Contact editorial@hongkongliving.com 4 | SAI KUNG

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people

Snaps from Sai Kung

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say cheese Hong Kong Dining Awards at The Grounds

Christmas displays across Hong Kong

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planner over 3,000 toys donated so far. The event will also include mulled wine, snacks and a lucky draw. Free. 60 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung. littlephilanthropist.net

DEC 5 Christmas Wreath Workshop Spend a lovely afternoon creating a beautiful traditional wreath made of Holland noble fir, pine cones, cinnamon, dried lemon slices, cottons and all sorts of christmas decorations. 3-5pm. $800. 1/F, 3 Tai Mong Tsai Road, Sai Kung.

DEC 6 Dachshund Through The Snow Celebrate your favourite sausage dogs and bring your own along to ring in the festive season, at the Kowloon Waterfront Promenade. 3pm. Free.

West Kowloon Harbourfront.

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The Hive Sai Kung Christmas market Shop for last minute gifts while supporting local businesses at this festive market. 11am-5pm.

Free. 5 Tai Mong Tsai Road, Sai Kung. thehivesaikung.com.hk

DEC 3-10 Christmas Wreath and Fragrance Workshop Sai Kung’s bespoke candle company BeCandle is partnering with The Grey Green this festive season for a unique crossover workshop. Times vary. $1480. 18B, Sai Kung Tai Street, Sai Kung. becandle.com.hk

DEC 4-5 Christmas toy sale UNTIL DEC 6 Angels For Children Christmas Gift Donation Drive Donate much needed gifts to the children of Po Leung Kuk and Society for Community this festive season. Drop off locations include TREE and GFI Hong Kong. angels-for-children.org

UNTIL DEC 31 Christmas Market at LANDMARK Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in style at LANDMARK’s European inspired market.

Shop at popular pop-ups including Senreve and Indigo Living. You can also enjoy tasty treats from LMO Freshly Baked by Richard Ekkebus. Free.

3/F, LANDMARK ATRIUM, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central. landmark.hk

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Little Philanthropists will be hosting its second largest toy sale just in time for Christmas, with

DEC 12-13 Hong Kong Living Christmas Getaway Celebrate the festive season in style with stunning views of Repulse Bay, as we proudly partner up The Pulse for a weekend of festive fun, with market stalls, workshops, rooftop lounge and festive cocktails. 12-6pm. Free. The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay. hongkongliving.com/shop

what’s on DEC 16 Hong Kong Living Christmas Lunch

Credit: Conrad Dy-Liacco, courtesy of Hong Kong Ballet

Hong Kong Living is celebrating the festive season with a three-course meal and free-flow drinks at Ruam. The lunch will raise funds to support Feeding Hong Kong and Box of Hope, with all raffle proceeds donated. 12-3pm. $450.

Ruam, J Residence, 60 Johnston Road, Wan Chai. hongkongliving.com/shop

DEC 19-20 Baby Shark Live Expect plenty of singing and dancing as the sharks take part in Reefville’s first annual treasure hunt. Multiple showtimes. From $280.

Star Hall, 3/F, KITEC. pinkfong.com

DEC 17–27 The Nutcracker Hong Kong Ballet had vowed to bring The

Nutcracker back to the theatre for its ninth consecutive year. Suitable for ages three and above. From $180. Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. hkballet.com

DEC 25 Christmas Day Sit back and enjoy the turkey, Christmas is finally here.

DEC 31 New Year’s Eve We’re all glad to see the back of 2020. Whether you’re celebrating at home or out partying, stay safe and have fun.

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planner

BOOK NOW JAN 10 Stride for a Cure

Water Bay, Stanley, Tai Tam and Beaufort.

9am-6.30pm. Free. hongkongraceweek.com

Choose a 5km or 10km hike around Tai Tam Country Park to raise money for the Hong Kong Cancer Fund. 9am-2pm. Hong Kong International School, 1 Red Hill Road, Tai Tam. cancer-fund.org

JAN 23 HK50 Race three of the HK50 series covering distances of 6km, 10km, 25km or 54km. 7am5pm. $280. Shing Mun Reservoir Catchwater, Tsuen Wan. actionasiaevents.com

JAN 23-24 Long Ke Wan Camping Adventure Spend the night on one of Hong Kong’s most beautiful beaches, meet new people and enjoy an evening BBQ. Meet at Sai Kung Bus Terminus at 9am. $120. cavadventures.org

JAN 19-24 Hong Kong Race Week Based out of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club’s Middle Island facility, racing will be conducted across four race courses in the areas of Middle Island, Repulse Bay, Deep

Got an event? We can publish the details. Email talk@hongkongliving.com

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news

SKSFF 2021 calendar is out now Local dog shelter, Sai Kung Stray Friends Foundation has just launched their annual calendar for 2021. The calendar features the shelter’s beloved furry residents including Tyson, Marina and Mia, all looking for a forever home. All profits from the calendar

will go towards maintaining the shelter and looking after the stray friends. The calendar comes in English and Cantonese and is available to buy for $100 at Pets Central or at the shelter on Tai Lam Wu Road. saikungstrayfriends.com

Sai Kung offers free Covid testing A surge in Covid-19 cases across the city has prompted preparations for a fourth wave this festive season. In order to flatten the curve, the Centre for Health protection has set up coronavirus testing centers, mobile kiosks and sample bottle distribution points in seven districts across Hong Kong including Sai Kung, Tai Po and Tsuen Wan. Residents can register for a Covid-19 test at the Sai Kung Town Hall car park and collect a saliva sample bottle for free.

DBX launches in Hong Kong The luxury car company featured in 007, Aston Martin has recently launched its fourth car of transformational Second Century Plan in the form of an SUV. The DBX is the first SUV style car for 106-year-old luxury British marque and brings the versatility and indulgence expected of aluxury SUV, with sports car levels of dynamic performance.

The 5-seat model is versatile in terms of the terrain that it can tackle and adaptable to a variety of lifestyle needs. Drivers can enjoy luxurious touches throughout the car including, full grain leather seats, separate central armrests and headlining and electric roof blinds. The DBX is available to purchase in Hong Kong now for $2,980,000.

The Peninsula says goodbye to check-in and check-out times With the concept of travel having been turned on its head in 2020, hotel groups are using the time to review their core operations. From January next year, guests at the Peninsula can take advantage of Peninsula Time – a programme that allows for a fully flexible check-in and checkout experience. Guests can arrange to have their room ready as early as 6am on their arrival date and check out as late as 10pm on their departure date at no extra

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charge. The change is part of its wide-ranging “Peninsula Promise”, a commitment it has made to providing guests with a premium luxury experience. “Especially now that travel has become somewhat more challenging, we understand that extra time is one of the most meaningful gifts we can provide to our guests,” said Gareth Roberts, group director of brand and operations support for The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, owner and operator of The Peninsula. peninsula.com

in your backyard

Hong Kong-Singapore travel bubble bursts The much-lauded travel bubble between Hong Kong and Singapore was grounded just hours before it was due to take off last month. The travel corridor was initially supposed to kick off on November 22, but will now be deferred due to a surge in local Covid-19 cases. Edward Yau, secretary for commerce and economic development, said the decision was made after a discussion between both governments. The formal launch will be announced in due course. “In light of the recent upsurge of local cases, we have decided together with the Singapore government that we will defer the launching of the Air Travel Bubble by two weeks.�

Cookie Smiles launches handcrafted dog treats After launching a charitable cookie drive earlier this year, Hong Kong social enterprise Cookie Smiles has returned with a new range of dog treats to raise funds for those in need. Called Woof Twisters, proceeds from the sale of these all-natural dog treats will be directed to charitable enterprises

across the city. Fifteen percent of all annual profits will be dedicated to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Hong Kong (SPCA), in addition to twenty percent that the charity donates to Splash Foundation and Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association. cookiesmiles.com.hk

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five minutes with

Five minutes with Rob Allen

Leanne Hong speaks to the sailing manager at Hebe Haven Yacht Club

Allen joined Hebe Haven Yacht Club and has been a crucial part of the clubs development over the past 14 years. He has helped mentor and train many junior sailors over the years, “It’s personally very rewarding to see many beginner sailors train, qualify and become our club instructors and coaches.”

Sailing has always been a big part of Sai Kung’s culture, but this year especially has seen a rise in people taking up the sport. “We have seen huge numbers of people take up sailing courses this year.

Travel bans have encouraged people to take on new activities to keep occupied.

We have the best sailing location in South East Asia,” says Allen.

Along with a rise in water sports fans, the club was also able to successfully continue its highly anticipated annual Open Dinghy Regatta. This year’s Regatta included four race courses, accommodating various ages of sailors and levels of competition.

Whilst it took four attempts to arrange, with Covid-19 restrictions constantly changing, Allen believes “it was one of the best Regatta’s I’ve organised during my time in Hong Kong. The community came together as a team, working with 80 volunteer teams daily which made the Regatta an unforgettable event for sailors.”

With the winter season in full swing, Hebe Haven Yacht Club has planned half-year sailing and watersports camps for kids, available for both members and nonmembers, as part of its youth programme.

“You definitely need to wear a wetsuit and appropriate clothing, or you will spend the day shivering and not come back to the club again as it’s not fun to be out there underdressed,” laughs Allen. hhyc.org.hk

As sailing manager, one would assume that Rob Allen has been sailing since he could walk, but that is not the case.

Raised in England, sailing was not readily available at Allen’s school, except for a few family holidays he never had any official training on the water until his gap year in Australia.

Upon his return to England, Allen joined a one-year program at the United Kingdom Sailing Academy in Cowes, taking up sailing and kayaking courses and getting windsurfing and diving qualifications in Barbados, “this opened my eyes to an amazing industry where I have met so many great people and am constantly learning fun things within the sport,” says Allen.

After moving to Hong Kong in 2004,

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local

Just visiting

Hoi Ha opens a new visitor centre. Katrina Lau reports As one of Hong Kong’s most scenic seaside areas, many people have been trekking out to Hoi Ha over the year. So many that they had to build a centre for them.

The new Hoi Ha visitor centre is designed to resemble a traditional village setting and blend in with its undisturbed natural habitat. “When creating the space, our team utilised the tranquil surroundings and adapted with nature,” says Lau Tin Hang from the architectural branch division 1, Architecture Services Department. The team behind the latest project has retained the landscape and beauty of Hoi Ha, taking on sustainable approaches and preserving the original greenery.

Bringing in a new construction format, amenities are spread across the area, surrounding the central open space.

The management office, reception and multipurpose room are separated yet connected by alleys and cloisters which are often seen in Sai Kung’s hamlets.

Apart from a grassy open area for picnics and a breath of fresh air, the centre also

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features a multipurpose room for marine park exhibitions, group activities and educational purposes. Using ceiling-to-floor glass panels, the wood-accented room overlooks the vast greenery and allows natural light to illuminate the space. “The glass walls allow visitors to appreciate the scenery from inside. The transparency expands the room to connect indoors and outdoors, guests can feel like they’re outdoors when visiting our exhibition room,” Lau added.

To blend in with the Hoi Ha terrain, architects made use of fair-faced concrete for a fresh and natural look. As you tour around the covered space and open area, you will find wooden floorings, petition and prints on walls that give a modern and rustic feel.

Sleek and simplistic forms, the architectures in the area are polished with austere and humble tones to fuse into nature.

Staying true to a sustainable and functional design, the centre embodies innovative facilities to make it more ecofriendly. Reusing rainwater for flushing, washrooms in the centre have their its very

own rainwater collector system to better conserve resources. While solar panels help generate renewable energy for lamps across the area, the bio-treatment plant processes sewage on the spot and purifies the water up to drinking level.

Situated in Sai Kung West Country Park, treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon in the serene surroundings. The visitor centre is expected to open in late December.

on patrol

Senior inspector Ron Yung reports on recent cases around town Double trouble A house in Long Mei Village was burgled on the morning of October 22. The homeowner returned at 11:30am to find the study window prized open and $48,182 in cash, along with $47,000 worth of watches and jewellery missing from the bedroom. The previous day another house near the location had its front door prized open, but no belongings were missing. The case is still under investigation.

What’s happening at sea Based in Tui Min Hoi, Marine East Division is the local base of the Marine Police.

Mind your step On the morning of October 25 a female aged 42 went hiking with three friends to Sharp Peak.

After five hours of walking, the woman slipped and twisted her right ankle. She was airlifted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in a conscious state.

Should have paid for parking Three vehicles were ransacked while illegally parked outside Tsam Chuk Wan Training Centre last month. The owners of the vehicles found their front windows smashed and items inside missing upon their return from a day out on the water. Police have enhanced patrols around the area and the case is still under investigation.

TEAching him a lesson On November 8, a customer brought a $18 milk tea from local business, Sai Kung Cafeteria. The server gave the man his drink along with $82 change. Upon inspection of the CCTV footage, the server noticed that the man hadn’t actually paid. He called the police who located the man and arrested him at the scene.

attention until witnessing an ambulance man tending to another victim. The man was then airlifted to Wan Chai in a conscious state.

Not so cruisy In the early hours of November 6, a motorcyclist was stopped on Sai Sha Road near O Tau Village. When asked to show his licence, the man, aged 46 was found not to have third party risk insurance. He was arrested at the scene.

Caught in the act A male aged 17 logged into a chat room naked at 11pm on November 17 and began video camming with a 20-year-old female.

The female then demanded $10,000 claiming she would release the video of the boy. The boy ignored the threat and reported the case to the police.

Burglary prevention: • •

I want what he’s having On November 11 a male aged 27 and ten friends went hiking from Sai Wan Pavilion.

Along his journey the man slipped and dislocated his left hand, but didn’t seek medical

•

Secure doors and windows Activate anti-burglary measures Call 999 if you encounter a suspicious person

What are friends for At 2pm on November 1 a 52 year-old man arrived at Tai Wan Beach with three friends. He went for a swim alone and couldn’t get back due to strong winds. His friend brought him back to the beach and reported the case to 999. The man was airlifted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in a conscious state.

Rough seas Two men in their 40’s went canoeing with Outward Bound Hong Kong. During their journey they capsized by Jin Island and needed to be rescued by the Outward Bound rescue boat. The case was reported to the Marine Police but the pair refused medical treatment and returned to Outward Bound.

A difficult round On the afternoon of November 2 a man, aged 68 suffered from acute chest pain while playing golf at Kau Sai Chau Golf Course. The Marine Police brought over a medic and transported the man back to the base. The man was taken by ambulance to Tseung Kwan O Hospital in conscious state.

Winter advice With the winter months approaching there will be stronger winds and rougher sea.

Residents are encouraged not to engage in water activities alone, bring the correct safety equipment, have emergency communication ready and know your limits.

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cover story

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christmas carol

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cover story

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christmas carol

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gift guide

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gift guide

2020

Christmas GIFT GUIDE

Nicole Slater suggests locally-sourced gifts for the whole family

Naked Lab Since starting just two years ago, Naked Lab has won multiple international awards for its high quality, vegan BambooSilk bedding. Originally focusing on baby cot sheets the brand has now expanded into children and adult ranges, providing high quality luxurious bedding for the whole family. This Christmas, Naked Lab’s is offering unique personalised stockings and 20 percent off their bespoke hampers nakedlab.me

My Sweet Darling - Baby/Kid's Gift Hamper $880

The Perfect Pair - Couple Gift Hamper $1,820 Better Together - Family Gift Hamper $2,680

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gift guide Fortnum & Mason From Piccadilly to Hong Kong, the 312-year-old British retailer first opened its doors in K11 MUSEA in 2019 and This year the Fortnum & Mason is offering four exclusive Hong Kong hampers containing some of its classic treats including biscuits, tea, truffles and champagne to celebrate the festive season in style. fortnumandmason.com

Marshall Marshall has a longstanding reputation for quality vibes and slick, modern design. The Acton II Voice speaker boasts a built-in Google Assistant to control music without you having to lift a finger. Every song on the planet is accessible at the sound of your voice and this device has far-field voice recognition, so that even when the tunes are blaring, Google Assistant will hear you. Available from Lane Crawford and K11 Design Store. lanecrawford.com.hk, k11designstore.com

The Fortnum’s Christmas Collection $2,288

The Merry Christmas Gift Box $1,630

Marshall Acton II Voice $2,999

OMSA

852prints

Catering to the modern-day spiritualists, OMSA offering is offering a unique toolkit for holistic self-care and spiritual awakening this festive season. With hand-poured soy candles, crystal kits and bath salts, you can personalise the ultimate self-care package to help your loved ones find their zen this Christmas. omsa.world

Celebrate all things Hong Kong with 852prints eco-friendly T-shirts, greeting cards, accessories and more.

Its Christmas card collection features cheeky takes on the festive season in Hong Kong that are guaranteed to make your loved ones chuckle. Each greeting card is printed locally on recycled paper with soy-based inks, so you can shop guilt-free and local this holiday. 852prints.com

The Ultimate Self Care Gift Set $765

Red sail hat $269

The Soul Healing Gift Set $730

Rudolph's struggle $39

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Jingle all the way $39

gift guide Cubed Give your loved ones the gift of relaxation this Christmas with the Cubed’s CBD Drops, lotion and body butter. Using one of the most advanced extraction methods, Cubed CBD Drops are infused with 99 percent purity CBD isolate, the most powerful CBD product currently available in Hong Kong. The Drops help relieve stress, improve sleep and reduce anxiety, while Cubed’s CBD skincare range offers promising results that you can find on their website. The brand also offers pet CBD oil so you can treat them this festive season too. Use code hongkongliving at checkout to receive a free CBD Drops Tester. cubedcbdhk.com

Cubed CBD Drops (400mg) $380

Cubed Relief Body Butter $380

Cubed CBD DROPS (1000mg) $650

BABYZEN For the yummy mummy in your life, BABYZEN’s YOYO² stroller and YOYO bassinet is an ultra-compact and stylish way to escort your baby around town. The stroller can fold and unfold in seconds and can be worn over the shoulder.

When your little one isn’t so little, mums can simply swap to the 6+ colour pack, perfect for everyday use for newborns to toddlers. babyzen.com

YOYO² $4,300

YOYO bassinet $2,300

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gift guide

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gift guide Escapade sports Offering a wide variety of quality sports items, there is something for the whole family at Escapade sports. From marathon equipment to yoga gear, the fitness retailer is the perfect one-stop shop for those looking to get a kick-start on their New Year’s resolutions. With an online platform and stores across Hong Kong Island, shoppers can conveniently access their chosen gifts, even on Christmas Eve. Better yet, all items are easily exchangeable for wrong sizes or colours. escapade.com.hk Ultraspire Zygos 4.0 Hydration Pack $1390

Icebreaker Merino Tech-Lite Tee $680 Manduka Yoga Mat from $399, accessories from $99

SodaMagic Add a little fizzy to your festivities with SodaMagic’s Sparkling Water Machine and save the hassle of carrying bottles from the supermarket while also reducing plastic waste. The machine allows you to customise your own sparkling creations with multiple carbonation settings to make every glass perfect. sodamagic.hk

SodaMagic 'Auto' $980

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dining

FESTIVE FEASTS

Fancy venturing out of town this Christmas? Apple Lee and Katrina Lau round up the best Christmas dinners in the city Hue Located at the Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hue offers a front-row seat to the Victoria Harbour. Its four-course Christmas menu kicks off with an impressive array of canapes to share.

The options for mains include a confit turkey leg served with walnut mousse; and Wagyu flank steak with smoked egg gribiche and truffle sauce. Available only for Christmas Eve lunch, the contemporary Australian restaurant offers a number of gourmet delicacies including pumpkin and smoked chestnut soup; and beef cheek withbeetroot and rhubarb ketchup. huedining.com.hk

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brussel sprouts Porterhouse Whatever the occasion, a steakhouse dinner is never a miss. Tucked in California Tower, Porterhouse is opening up its buffet bar to serve you unlimited seafood, roasts, turkey and dessert this Christmas. To ensure your holidays are filled with cheer and a full stomach, the classy grillhouse is introducing special holiday creations like the truffle and goose liver cappelletti tortellini. The lavish six-course dinner concludes with an aromatic and decadent panettone pudding served with salted caramel and rum and raisin ice cream. porterhousehk.com

Staying in Sai Kung?

Turn off the oven and save yourself the stress with these Christmas dinners delivered to your door.

Ali Oli’s Christmas dinner

Wooloomooloo Prime

The Optimist ‘Tis the season to be jolly, so keep your spirits high and indulge in a sumptuous holiday meal.

The Optimist is spicing up its brunch and dinner menus to honour the winter holiday. On top of its fan favourites such as the grilled suckling pig and a wide selection of authentic tapas, the stylish Spanish restaurant is also offering a vegetarian menu for plant-based diners. theoptimist.hk

This Christmas Eve, head to Wooloomooloo Prime for a delectable four-course dinner.

Perched atop Tsim Sha Tsui’s The ONE, the steakhouse offers a bird’s eye view of the glittering Hong Kong skyline. Available for one night only, the dinner starts with a glass of sparkling cocktail and features the slowroasted turkey breast and the restaurant’s signature Australian grain-fed sirloin grilled to perfection. woo-prime.com

This year Ali Oli’s is offering a special Christmas menu delivered straight to your door. The basic set includes a roast turkey, baked orange and honey glazed ham, hummus with crudités, fresh salmon along with an array of roast vegetables to balance out the meal and pecan pie and sweet potato pie to finish off your dinner on a sweet note. The set starts at $2,078 for four people and can be tweaked to accommodate dietary preferences.

Orders must be placed five days before delivery, with a cut-off date of December 18. alioli.com.hk

Pirata This Christmas, Pirata is whipping up generous plates of homey comfort dishes. From the signature burrata and cold cuts to lobster spaghetti and veal roast, the classic Italian restaurant is set to bring you a wholesome festive party in a heartwarming scene. pirata.hk

Jaspas Classic Sai Kung restaurant, Jaspas is serving up a turkey dinner with all the trimmings this year. The set includes a whole roasted 6-7kg turkey, chestnut and sausage stuffing, mashed potato, roasted pumpkin, sprouts with a side of everyone’s favourite festive snack, pigs in blankets. The set is $1,320 and requires a four day order period. casteloconcepts.com

Bones and blades Popular butcher come restaurants Bones and Blades unfortunately sold out of its popular Kelly bronze turkeys this year, but will also be offering a selection of other Christmas treats including beef wellingtons, gammon hams and stuffed chicken cushions. bonesandblades.com Pirata

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big day out

BOXING DAY HIKING Rory Mackay conquers the ranges of Hong Kong’s far Northwest in Kai Kung Leng this festive season The hills of far Northwestern Hong Kong may not be so well known compared to other areas, but Lam Tsuen Country Park and its surrounds are as dramatic as any other landscape and ought to receive more recognition.

The Country park is dominated by two primary peaks called Kai Kung Leng and Tai To Yan. Conquer this rugged range of hills and one

will witness some of the territory’s finest views, gazing down upon Shek Kong on one side and absorbing the immense sprawl of Shenzhen on the other. Meanwhile clearer days atop the summits reveal a glimpse across Lantau Island and the expansive waters of the Pearl River Delta. Not only is arriving at these mountain tops exhilarating, but the hiking to be had either side

of them is most enjoyable.

In my opinion Kai Kung Leng or “Rooster Ridge” is a more beautiful and attainable hiking trail, perfect for a boxing day stroll, so I am going to focus on the hill of Kai Kung Leng here. But for those who are much more intrepid then her sister peak Tai To Yan is also very spectacular and can be done instead of Kai Kung Leng or in conjunction to create a twin peaks route.

Lunchtime or early afternoons make for an ideal time to set off, if doing just the one hill in the cooler months, ensuring pleasant temperatures and sunset vistas from the summit (however leave first thing in the morning if wanting to do both hills).

Rory Mackay runs adventure company Wild Hong Kong. For more details visit wildhongkong.com

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boxing day

How to get there The route up is easily accessed by Kam Sheung Road or Yuen Long MTR Stations by taxi, ask for Fung Kat Heung Road, the trailhead is located between a basketball court and the Miu Kwok Monastery. If opting to travel by public transport, take the 603 minibus from Yuen Long to the same starting point.

Once at the trailhead, simply crack on and follow the ridgeline trail upwards. Something you’ll notice quite soon that sets this hill apart from most in Hong Kong is how grassy and windswept it is. It translates to very tough hiking in the heat, but for wintertime it is simply sublime with nonstop views and plenty of picnic spots to enjoy that leftover turkey.

Having clambered over a subsidiary peak at 335 meters above sea level, the gradient eases for a period before reaching Rooster Ridge Summit at 585m.

Having conquered this beast of a hill, take a perch and soak up the relaxing vibes. Few mountains in Hong Kong offer a 360-degree panorama of such variety; aside from the Tai Mo Shan massif, you’re the surveyor of all things in Western Hong Kong. On clearer days, the views of Shenzhen are jaw dropping. The sheer size and scale of this city becomes clearly evident from this vantage point, as one can see all the way from Lo Wu in the east to Nanshan in the west. To think that 40 years ago there was next to no development there almost defies logic. Take care heading down afterwards as the path can

be quite skiddy due to its exposure and lack of stairs. The return route down is otherwise fairly simple to navigate. Keep following the hiking trail directly along the ridgeline and you’ll be back to civilization in an hour or two.

Compared to the route up, the return trail is more direct in its descent. Once you reach Fan Kam Road, there is the 77K bus route and various minibuses that facilitate travel to the closest MTR stations of Sheung Shui and Yuen Long.

If wishing to do twin peaks as mentioned before, then nip across Fan Kam Road and follow the trail which heads east up to the main ridgeline of Tai To Yan. From that ridge there are a multitude of different paths one can pursue to drop back down towards Fanling, Tai Po or Shek Kong. Kai Kung Leng and Tai To Yan are classic winter routes almost anyone can have a crack at, yet keep even the most seasoned of hikers honest. Although the Northwestern New Territories may not be especially well-known amongst many hikers, the area has a few nice surprises for those who venture out. It’s enchanted forests below and spectacular vistas above will no doubt leave one wanting to revisit for another go.

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pets

Festive fatalities

Dr Pauline shares her tips to avoid a visit to an ER this festive season Christmas treats During the festive period there are many goodies laying around that are hazards for our pets. One item to avoid at all costs is rawhide pet toys and treats. The vast majority of them are made from cattle or horse hides which get soaked in many chemicals to split the hides into layers, bleach them and remove the rancid smell. Then they get cut into shapes, and glue and colorings used to form “cute” Santa’s or Christmas trees. On testing many have shown traces of arsenic, mercury, chromium and formaldehyde to name a few, certainly not ingredients to feed our pets.

Other holiday goodies to be aware of include foods with a high fat content. Ice cream, raisins, grapes and onions are toxic leading to blood abnormalities and renal failure.

Sweet items that contain artificial sweeteners can be toxic, while chocolate leads to seizures and heart problems. Take extreme care where you store your chocolate boxes and gifts, some pets can open edible gifts wrapped under a Christmas tree. Cats are included in this prank. My own cat found her gift under my family tree and before my eyes teared off the gift wrap, chewed the package and gorged on the cat treats inside.

Decorations Certain flowers and plants are dangerous to

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our pets. Lilies, all parts of them, are fatal to cats causing renal failure. A very good friend told me she had received a bouquet of lilies for her birthday and unbeknown to her, one of her cats ingested the lily by-products and despite her vet trying everything he could her lovely cat died one week after her birthday bouquet arrived. If you do have cats I suggest never have lilies at home. Dogs can also get poisoned but are less likely to show such serious side effects. Other toxic plants include Mistletoe which causes diarrhoea and the ever present poinsettia can cause mild irritation to lips and mucous membranes in addition to gastroenteritis.

Activities Anxious animals perhaps upset by the “extra activities” around them, may turn to objects to chew to release their stress. This is a form of displacement behavior. Interesting things to chew can include cables and cords belonging to festive lights or lanterns, wrapping paper, candles and even the Christmas tree. I’ve seen several trees demolished by rambunctious dogs and I even found a Christmas glitter ball in a dog’s digestive system. When strangers come around, and in particular if your dog or cat isn’t used to visitors, it is a good idea to shut your pet out of the way in a safe room or cage/basket. They will be much happier and

you can relax too. Remember as the weather gets colder our pets feel the difference in temperature too. They can get hypothermia so they need warm shelters or bedding at all times and fresh clean water every day.

May I wish everyone, two, four legs, with feathers, beaks and claws a very happy Christmas and a wonderful healthy new year.

Dr Pauline Taylor, Pets Central veterinarian answers your questions.

marketplace

marketplace

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

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

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marketplace

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

gardening

What to plant in December December weather facts Average high temperature: 20°C Average low temperature: 15°C Average rainfall days: 4 The dry and clear weather continues into the month of December, the harsh mistress puts our effort and love for the garden to the test, intimidating us with bone-chilling temperatures. But not even a bit, do I fear. Us Hong Kong gardeners have it relatively well off in comparison to our British counterparts.

Lay out a loosely-fitted flannel shirt and highwaisted cotton trousers – remember to add a quilted gilet if it starts to get chilly. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the final chapter of 2020’s gardening epic.

Winter may not seem inviting, but there are a few vegetables that she permits growth. The seeds of the following may be sown: mustard and cress, lettuce, radish, cabbage, celery, turnip, peas and French beans. For French beans, get the best results by sowing in ground that has been manured for a previous crop. The ground should be dug over before sowing the seeds. They should be sown in drills eighteen inches or two feet apart and two inches deep. Care must be taken that they are sown on well-drained land, as they do not like cold, wet soil.

Don’t forget about the flowers, although the month of December is a difficult one for them as only the Sunflower can be sown.

Narcissus, second batch, may be potted while the cuttings of Verbenas, Violets, Heliotropes and Geraniums may be put in.

My final advice is to have a jolly season – transform your green space with red plants such as Radish, Poinsettia and Holly. Till the time we meet again, I wish you a Merry Christmas, and a year filled with blossoming success.

By William James Tutcher F.L.S. (1867-1920) Superintendent of Hong Kong Botanical Gardens.

Paraphrased from his seminal 1906 work Gardening for Hong Kong.

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

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council chat

Ask Debby

District Councillor for Sai Kung Islands, Debby Chan answers your questions

badminton, volleyball and even yoga through my office. Please email me at debbychan.office@gmail.com

Events to look forward to in town this Christmas After this quiet year, the council finally received a funding proposal for festive events in Sai Kung. A group of Sai Kung residents will be organising a market in the Town Centre right after Christmas. We also hope that a music festival could be held before or after the Chinese New Year. As long as we can keep our hands clean and masks tight.

What are your plans for the festive season?

Due to the pandemic, we are all trapped in Hong Kong this Christmas, but it’s the perfect time for local residents to enjoy the countryside. I will work harder to balance tourist and resident interests and hopefully I can spare some time to enjoy the atmosphere with you all.

Why is Man Yee Road closed off to bicycles?

As a water service maintenance road the government intends to limit traffic on Man Yee Road by keeping the road dangerous. At the moment there are no plans to improve or widen the road for bicycles or shuttle buses, which makes taxis the main stakeholder. Speeding is not allowed on the road, however monitoring and prosecution is not easy.

Thirdly, proper infrastructure including road signs and markings are needed to warn the drivers of the appearance of cattle.

What is the council doing about speeding in the country park?

Speeding in Sai Kung Country Park is a problem that needs comprehensive measures.

First of all, there is an abnormally increasing amount of permission for visiting vehicles. The bureau needs to investigate the reason and research on the road capacity.

Secondly, roadblocks are often set outside of the gates, which does not stop speeding effectively.

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Are there plans to open a badminton court in the town?

A badminton court is included in the Area 4 Government Complex plan, but you might need to wait for a few more years. During this time you can book the Town Hall for

Got a council question for Debby? Email us at editorial@hongkongliving.com

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