Sai Kung October 2020

FA MI LY | P I ZZ A | H I P S T E A DE R S | B IG D AY O UT

hongkongliving.com

October 2020

HAUNTED BRIDE’S POOL IS THERE TRUTH BEHIND THE TALE?

MAKING DOUGH VINYL VIBES MEET SAI KUNG’S SUPERSTAR DJ

AL MORALES SHARES HIS SECRET TO SUCCESS

CONTENT S — 10/ 20

20

COVER STORY Paisano’s new look

2 CONTRIBUTORS Meet the team

6 PEOPLE

Sai Kungers out and about

What’s on in October

12 NEWS

What’s going on in your backyard?

15 FIVE MINUTES WITH..

Gordon Cumings, DJ and founder of Ventuno

16 LOCAL

Beerhound comes to town

Senior inspector Ron Yung talks crime

18 BIG DAY OUT

Dr Pauline on pet poisonings

35 IN THE GARDEN

23 NIBBLES

Dining news this month

24 HEALTH & WELLNESS Mental health awareness

Spooktacular treats for Halloween

29 SAI KUNG SECRETS

The legend behind Bride’s Pool

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

32 ASK DEBBY

26 MUST HAVES THIS MONTH

Award-winning author NuryVittachi on courtroom etiquette

32 PETS

Rory Mackay explores Shing Mun Country Park

8 THE PLANNER

31 CHUI SUI CENTRAL

17 POLICE BLOTTER

District councillor Debby Chan answers your questions

12

8

18

26

16

8

“Ideas are like pizza dough, made to be tossed around” - Anna Quindlen

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editor’s letter Spooky season is officially upon us, while there may not be any ghosts around - this year is terrifying enough.

Our dining editor Apple Lee met Hong Kong’s favourite pizza man Al Morales this month and had a sneak peek inside his newly refurbished shop in Sai Kung. Read all about his plans for the future in our cover story (page 20).

Local resident and much loved contributor to Sai Kung Magazine Tara Smyth is sadly leaving the town at the end of October, returning back to England. After 20 years in Sai Kung, Tara has really made her mark - read all about her time here in our news section (page 12).

It wouldn’t be an October issue without a ghost story. This month’s Sai Kung secrets (page 29) tells the tale behind Bride’s Pool - a scenic hiking trail with a dark past.

With three public holidays, I hope this month brings you some much needed rest and relaxation before we charge on to Christmas.

Editorial Editor-in-chief Nicole Slater, nicole@hongkongliving.com Senior Staff Writer Charmaine Ng, charmaineng@hongkongliving.com Contributing Editor Gemma Shaw, gemma@hongkongliving.com Melanie Cox, melanie@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...

Monsoon season Not the sheer amount of rain we got last month, but the delicious new Kowloon side restaurant Monsoon. Its tropical decor, fruity cocktails and Southeast Asian flavours will transport you to the white sandy beaches of Thailand, perfect for these travel free months. monsoonoriental.com.hk

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

FA MI LY | P I ZZ A | H I P S T E A D E R S | B I G D AY O U T

hongkongliving.com

Hipsteaders The pandemic has given birth to a new type of species in Sai Kung, the hipsteader. This individual celebrates a ‘simpler’ time when rural life was the norm. They shop at farmer’s markets and bulk stores, make hand-sewn masks and bake sourdough what a time to be alive.

Covid-19 update

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.

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October 2020

HAUNTED BRIDE’S POOL

@hongkongliving

IS THERE TRUTH BEHIND THE TALE?

MAKING DOUGH

facebook.com/SaiKungMagazine

HONG KONG

VINYL VIBES

AL MORALES SHARES HIS SECRET TO SUCCESS

MEET SAI KUNG’S SUPERSTAR DJ

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.

Photo: Graham Uden

hongkongliving.com

talk@hongkongliving.com

SAIKUNG.COM SAI KUNG | 3

contributors

Thank you to our contributors

Ron Yung 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.

Leanne Hong Joining the Hong Kong Living team this month, Leanne is a final year student from The University of Hong Kong majoring in English studies and art history. She paid a visit to Sai Kung earlier to capture all your merry faces and some adorable puppies.

Al Morales Pizza shop legend Al Morales graces our cover this month as he reveals the Sai Kung Paisano’s new look. Find out the secret to his success and what makes a great pizza in this month’s cover story. paisanos.com.hk

Rory Mackay Avid hiker and thrill-seeker Rory Mackay owns adventure company Wild Hong Kong.

This month he kayaked over to picturesque Double Haven for our Big Day Out. Read all about his adventure in this month’s big day out. 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.

Gordon Cumings DJ and owner of waterfront store Ventuno, Gordan has swapped his partying days for a life in our laid back town. Read all about his adventures and how he has been coping with the recent pandemic in this month’s five minutes with interview.

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

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planner

OCT 7- 28

Online Morning Yoga with Janet Join certified yoga instructor Janet Fong from The Balanced Jungle every Wednesday for a virtual yoga class featuring her signature yoga flow. 9-10am. $50. thehivesaikung.com.hk

THROUGHOUT OCT Green Outing Practice yoga and meditation at various locations around Ocean Park, including the aquarium and water fountain. Prices vary. Ocean Park, Aberdeen. irishkg.com

OCT 1 Mid-Autumn Festival Eat a mooncake, light up a lantern and enjoy the four-day weekend.

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OCT 4 Kapuhala GreenRace 18

OCT 9-11 China Coast Regatta

A 18km trail race across Shuen Wan Country Park. The race finishes at Hong Lok Yuen Country Club where participants can enjoy a spread of food and beer. 8am-6pm. $740. tgr.run

Based out of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club’s Middle Island clubhouse, sailors will compete in a variety of windward, leeward, geometric and island courses. chinacoastraceweek.com

China Coast Regatta

what’s on

OCT 17 Broadway Ball: At home Enjoy a traditional celebratory night hosted by Theatre Charlotte from the comfort of your own home. Take part in an online auction, watch streamed performances and even get a sneak peak of the new Quarantine: The Musical.

7-11.30pm. Free. theatrecharlotte.org

OCT 24 HK50 Explore some of the best viewing points on Hong Kong Island including Mount Butler, Jardine’s Lookout and Violet Hill along the Hong Kong Trail.

7am-5pm. $790. Starting location is the Peak Galleria. actionasiaevents.com

OCT 31 Halloween Put on your scariest costume and get ready for a night of fright.

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planner

BOOK NOW NOV 6-7 Hong Kong Mental Health Conference

NOV 28-29 Spartan APAC Championship Trifecta Weekend

Hosted by Mindful HK, this year’s conference will feature over 45 local and international speakers talking about a variety of topics from the perinatal period to transitioning into the workplace.

9am-8pm. $715. HKEX Connect Hall and Centricity, 1/F, Exchange Square Block 1 and 2, Connaught Place, Central. hkmentalhealthconference.com

The world’s largest obstacle course is back for two testing days. Step out of your comfort zone for the chance to win cash and prizes worth up to $200,000. $500. Kam Tin Country Club,109 Shui Tau, Yuen Long. spartanrace.hk

NOV 7-8 Qile Cake Charity Sale Going into its 25th year, Qile Cake Charity Sale raises funds for Haven of Hope Christian Services’s non-government funded elderly services. Each purchase will help provide daily necessities and medical equipment to the elderly. 1-6pm. Goods priced from $29. Online and selected shopping malls. hohcs.org.hk

NOV 28 St. Mary’s 120th Anniversary Dinner Explore the campus and tuck into a delicious Chinese banquet. 6-9pm. St. Mary’s Canossian College, 162 Austin Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. smcc-canossian.org

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

10 | SAI KUNG

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news

Tara waves goodbye Local resident, Scout Leader and longtime contributor of Sai Kung Magazine Tara Smyth will be leaving the town this month after 20 years. She will be relocating back to England to be closer to her daughters who are currently in boarding school and her husband’s new job. Reminising on her time in the town Tara says, first and foremost, she will miss the community. “We know everyone here and everyone knows us. The vibrant ladies in Mushroom Bakery, the entertaining and fun waiters at The Picture House, Jaspas, Piccolo and Casa, the helpful guys in Harrods, my fabulous car mechanic, the smiling chaps and lady at the petrol station, all the rescue-dog angels and Sing and Ling.

They are all part of what makes Sai Kung so great.” As an avid hiker and explorer, Smyth and her trusty companion Foxy Loxy have ventured all over the mountains in our Big Day Out section. She will be missed dearly by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing and working with her.

End wildlife trade

Age of the hipsteaders The pandemic has given birth to a new type of species in Sai Kung – enter, the hipsteader. This individual celebrates a ‘simpler’ time when rural life was the norm, no economics, finance or politics. More and more Saikungers are now shopping at the farmer’s market or bulk stores, visiting craft fairs, making handsewn masks, baking sourdough and composting food waste. Catch their creations on Instagram accounts using the hashtags #instagramhomesteaders #farmher #faiththroughfarming

Pet supplies brand Whiskers N Paws (WNP) and WildAid have partnered up to support the #EndTheTrade campaign, with an aim to end the commercial trade of wildlife for consumption. From now until March 2021, WNP is supporting the campaign through a series of virtual activities and sales of the ‘Love Animal Love Life’ collection.

All proceeds will contribute to WildAid’s wildlife conservation projects in Hong Kong. endthetrade.com

Pink dolphins get frisky The pink dolphin population has risen by 30 percent since high-speed ferry services between Hong Kong and Macau came to a standstill in February. The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, also known as pink dolphins, are native to the Pearl River estuary and listed as protected species in Hong Kong.

There were 250 pink dolphins inhabiting the city’s waters in the 1990s, but over the last two decades, that number had dwindled to only 32, before the Covid-19 outbreak. Dr Lindsay Porter, a senior research scientist from the University of St Andrews, has been

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studying Hong Kong’s pink dolphins since 1993. “From visual observations the dolphins are spending much more time socialising, splashing around on the surface, quite a bit of foreplay, quite a bit of sex. Hong Kong dolphins normally live on the edge, they’re stressed, so it’s really great to see them playing and having a good time,” said Porter.

To help protect the endangered species, she suggests making better use of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge and limiting the number of ferries running between Hong Kong and Macau.

in your backyard

Will Sai Kung get a new leisure centre?

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has proposed a new Sai Kung Stadium and Town Plaza complex, which will include a swimming pool, outdoor playground, gymnasium, two pitches, social welfare facilities and more. The complex will be located on Mei Yuen Street, next to

the current Sai Kung Tang Shiu Kin Sports Ground and will take up around 3.3 hectares of land. While the LCSD is keen to get started on the project, district councillors have shown some concerns and are awaiting feedback from the relevant government departments before giving this project the go ahead.

Glow up Elysia Redoleo is collaborating with Japanese first-line beauty salons for the The Glow Getter Miracle Masque. The natural mask is made with beetroot, oatmeal and aloe extract to provide a bright and moisturised finish.

Elysia Redoleo’s products do not contain any fragrances, pigments or additives, making them suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women or people with sensitive skin. Each box includes three silk masks and two test tube masks. elysiaredoleo.com

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tennis and tunes “Sai Kung is the only beach town in Hong Kong that has a vast amount of things to do. There’s such a diverse group of people here and countless beaches, shops, restaurants. It’s what brought me here and it’s what keeps me here to this day,” he says.

Post Covid, Cumings performed at popular Macau nightclub Cubic, once a month. But spends most of his time at Ventuno. “I opened Ventuno in 2018 as a clubhouse for my tennis group and figured I could sell vinyl records, tennis gear and hang out with friends every day.”

Starting out with a collection of over 6,000 vinyl records from his DJing days, Cumings wanted to downsize and has sold over 4,000 since opening the store two years ago. “I’ll sell any record for the right price but some of my rarest are Michael Jackson’s Thriller and Nirvana’s Bleach, I might have to keep a hold of them.”

Cumings expanded his business to string tennis rackets, which proved popular with Asia’s top tennis pros from the Hong Kong Tennis and Golf Academy. But while the business was steadily increasing, this year has been tough for Ventuno. “Everything was great until Covid-19 started to slow things down. The tennis courts closed for over four months and that was an absolute death-blow to my business,” he reveals. Cumings had planned to open a café in the space but decided to postpone it until next year.

Despite the minor setback, Cumings is keeping positive and encourages Saikungers to pop down to Ventuno for good vibes and even better tunes. Visit Cuming and peruse his record collection at 21 Sai Kung Hoi Pong Street.

Gordon Cumings has been providing the soundtrack to many of Hongkongers’ Saturday nights since 1995. Becoming a full-time DJ at the age of 16, Cumings has played private gigs for some of Hong Kong’s elite, including Stanley Ho, Michelle Yeoh and Richard Li, along with international sensations such as Madonna and Mariah Carey.

Reminiscing on his past DJing days, Cumings says performing Ghetto Superstar with Pras at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong is up there in his highlights. “As well as being the only DJ for a tribute show at the Michael Jackson museum just after he passed away.”

In 2016, Cumings retired from DJing full time and moved to Sai Kung two years later,

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local

Local residents start beer delivery service Beerhound comes to town. Charmaine Ng reports A couple of years ago, Sai Kung residents Jonathan Gillespie and James Jones found themselves disappointed by the lack of quality and range of online beer outlets. Recognising this as a great injustice to beer lovers, the like-minded friends came together with operations manager Bruce Boree, to acquire Beerhound, a new beverage delivery service catering exclusively for Hong Kong. Based out of Sai Kung, the team is committed to – in its own words – sniffing out the wildest, weirdest and best-tasting beers from around the globe, all available for delivery.

“We acquired an old dog, Beerhound, and gave it a full makeover, with a new online craft beer store, a rewards programme and curated mixed cases to educate the community on the best types of craft beers from a range of popular varieties and countries,” says Gillespie.

What makes Beerhound different is that its robust collection of beers is constantly updated as a collective effort by both its team and its customers. Its website is highly accessible and intuitive to use, sorted by style, brewery, country, arrival date, bestsellers, as well as a section dedicated to affordable beers at $35 and under.

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To refine the shopping experience, it encourages customers to help build a community of craft beer lovers through a beer rating system. By joining its website as a member and rating the beers, customers can help refine the tastes of Beerhound’s database, allowing the team to find the most suitable products for Hongkongers.

This works hand in hand with the Beerhound Rewards programme. Beer lovers are able to earn reward points as they spend to get more free beers. Not just this – dedicated customers also earn rewards for reviewing beers on Beerhound’s website and for referring new customers.

The team has even released a new product recently inspired by the global pandemic.

“We were howling about the restrictions and how we found it tough not catching up with our mates as usual,” shares Gillespie. “This gave us the idea to curate special mixed cases for both new craft beer drinkers and beer enthusiasts to enjoy regularly. The cases are rotated each month so they can enjoy some of the popular products as well as something new.”

Beerhound is now offering ‘pandemic discounts’ on mixed cases such as the Introduction To Craft Beer Box, The Perfect Thirst Aid Box, The Hong Kong Local Box and many more.

Ultimately, Gillespie hopes to see the brand become a specialist in providing the best range of craft beer and curated mixed cases from local and international breweries in Hong Kong, as well as being a facilitator of building the craft beer community. Thanks to Beerhound, you can now order any beer you want, delivered straight to your door – and this is whether you live on Hong Kong Island, Kowloon or New Territories.

Beerhound are offering Sai Kung Magazine readers two free craft beers on your first order. Enter promo code: SKMAG when you order. beerhound.com.hk

on patrol

Senior Inspector Ron Yung reports on recent cases in Sai Kung Another accident on Hiram’s Highway At 6.40pm on September 6, a private car was travelling along Hiram’s Highway and stopped to turn onto Che Keng Tuk Road. The car behind crashed into it, causing damages to both cars.

The driver in front was sent to Tseung Kwan O Hospital in a conscious state.

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

Don’t look only at your mobile phone On the afternoon of September 10, a man hopped into a shower after a run at Sai Kung Tang Shiu Kin Sports Ground. He left his Iphone 6S and power bank under the watchful eye of his friend, who was playing on his own phone at the time.

When he emerged from the shower both items were missing. The case is still under investigation.

four men acting suspiciously along the waterfront promenade. Upon further inspection the police found five bags of suspected Ketamine weighing a total of 3.26g, in one of the man pockets. The male was arrested at the scene.

Oh nose We’ve all been there In the early hours of September 10, a man arrived back to his apartment on Yi Chun Street after a night of drinking. After alighting his taxi, the man fell asleep before he could reach his front door. When he awoke a few hours later, his bag containing a wallet, ID, $3,000 cash and two mobile phones was missing. The case is still under investigation.

One metre rule At 10am on September 14, a vehicle driving along Hiram’s Highway stopped due to traffic ahead.

The vehicle behind was unable to brake in time and crashed into the back of the first car. The two drivers sustained minor injuries and the case has been transferred to the traffic police.

KETastrophe While conducting anti crime patrols on the morning of September 9, the police noticed

At noon on September 6, a 53-year-old man was swimming at Tai Wan beach when he crashed into a piece of driftwood, injuring his nose. The man was airlifted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in a conscious state.

Expensive mistake A female ordered a Hermes handbag worth $31,000 online. When the package arrived on August 31, she told the postman to leave it outside her door while she finished putting on her makeup. When she went to retrieve it, the package was missing. The case is still under investigation.

Join the Sai Kung neighbourhood watch scheme at sk-nws@ police.gov.hk

Canoeist on the loose At 9.30am on September 14 a 47-yearold female and three friends were canoeing from Sheung Sze Wan to Green Egg Island. Upon their return to Sheung Sze Wan at 4.30pm, strong winds made it difficult to paddle and the group was stranded at Tai Wan Tau. The woman contacted the marine police who deployed an inflatable boat to take the group to safety on Po Toi O. Slippery business A 60-year-old female and her friend began their hike from Lung Ha Wan to Green Egg Island at 10am. Once they arrived at the destination, the female slipped five meters while climbing down a rock and suffered abrasions on her forehead, arms and knees. First aid was applied by the marine police and fire service crew, before the female was airlifted to Ruttonjee Hospital.

Watch out for waves On September 12 a 45-year-old male and three friends set off on a canoe trip to Whiskey Bay. During the journey the group encountered a big wave which capsized the man’s canoe, leaving him with bruises and slight abrasions. Marine police arrived and provided first aid at the scene before two ambulance officers provided further assistance. The canoe party was conveyed back to Marine East Division Operational Base for further treatment.

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big day out

MONKEYS, MOUNTAINS AND MACLEHOSE TRAILS Rory Mackay satisfies a burning urge of wanderlust in Shing Mun Country Park If you fancy exploring a peaceful area that many folks don’t know about, then a day trip out to Shing Mun Reservoir could be in order.

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This discreetly tucked away corner of rural Hong Kong has an incredible amount on offer for those who wish to satisfy a burning urge of wanderlust.

Located between northwestern Kowloon and Sha Tin, Shing Mun Country Park is well-known for its population of wild monkeys. However, the area has plenty of other attractions too, including an easy-going nature trail around Shing Mun Reservoir. For more adventurous hikers, there are many trails running up to Tai Mo Shan, including the Wilson and Maclehose.

The simplest way in (other than driving) is to head over to Tsuen Wan MTR station and take exit B1. From the station it is a five minute walk to the 82 green minibus, which will take you to Shing Mun Country Park, terminating immediately below the grassy banks of

Pineapple Dam. I recommend that you enjoy a meal before your visit or bring a picnic with you, as there are no vendors in the park other than a small kiosk at Pineapple Dam.

Monkey business Once you arrive at Pineapple Dam bus stop, keep an eye out for some of the delightful wildlife on offer, especially during the weekdays. You could be confronted by many monkeys, invariably a troop of Rhesus Macaques. Although the Rhesus species is native to Hong Kong, the Macaques found today are believed to be re-introduced. During the construction of the Kowloon Reservoirs in the early 20th Century, the apes were deployed to the surrounding areas in order to combat the spread of a plant that tainted the water supply.

shing mun

These monkeys roam in large numbers and tend to hang around the entrance, as the rubbish bins and human presence increases their chances of finding a meal.

There are signs at the park entrance spelling out the dos and don’ts in regards to the monkeys. From experience, simply be relaxed. Don’t approach the monkeys with food and they will mind their own monkey business. Direct eye contact and sudden movements won’t endear you to them either.

With those unpleasantries out of the way, the monkeys are great fun to observe and can be extremely photogenic.

There are a couple of ways to negotiate Shing Mun, the simple way and the adventurous way.

The adventurous way For those who are up for more of a challenge there are several routes you can follow. Primarily the Lung Mun Trail heading West or joining the Wilson and Maclehose trail. If you combine the two trails, you can even make a loop via Needle Hill. For the courageous, take a river walk up Tai Shing Stream.

On a clear day, a gap in the foliage may reveal framed views of Tsuen Wan, Kowloon and the Island behind. Back at the reservoir,

the final leg of any route you take is particularly pleasant, walking along a flat paved surface under large shady trees that cloak the water’s edge. Take a breather down here, soak up the tranquil atmosphere and capture relaxing views across the water.

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

The simple way Keep turning right from Pineapple Dam and follow the shoreline in a clockwise direction (Pineapple Dam Nature Trail to Shing Mun Jogging Trail). There are more points of interest early on in the trail and you can turn back if you prefer a shorter stroll rather than going all the way around the reservoir.

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cover story

A slice of the good life Apple Lee meets Paisano’s founder Al Morales and peeks inside the newly-revamped Pizzeria 20 | SAI KUNG

feeling cheesy

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cover story If you’ve walked past Paisano’s Pizzeria in the last few months, you may have noticed that something has changed. Gone is the stretch of fluorescent light boxes that donned the restaurant’s entrance. Instead, you’ll find a rusticinspired exposed brick wall in place of the bright orange facade.

The new restaurant exterior is reminiscent of a New York-style red brick building, which pays homage to the city where Al Morales, the founder of Paisano’s Pizzeria, grew up in.

“My family and I took a trip back to New York a few years ago. While walking around Manhattan and looking at all the brownstones and street arts with the smell of pizza in the air, at that moment I knew that was how I wanted Paisano’s to look going forward,” says Morales.

Founded in 2009 here in Sai Kung, Paisano’s celebrated its 10th anniversary last year. As the well-loved pizzeria chain enters its second decade, Morales is excited to inject some fresh energy into the brand and usher it into a new era – starting with remodelling the shops.

With six locations dotted across the city, the renovation has been a whopping three-year project that started back in 2017 and is set to be completed by the end of this year.

The first site that kicked off the renovation plans was in Tsim Sha Tsui. In late 2017, Paisano’s had to relocate to a new space on Granville Road, so Morales took the opportunity to test out his new ideas. He built a shop front decorated with red bricks – like a New York brownstone – and decked out the walls inside his restaurant with colourful graffiti.

“I was very happy with the outcome and made this our flagship location and the model for all our future shops,” he says.

The revamp for the Soho branch came next in 2018 followed by the Wan Chai branch in 2019.

Over the past few months, Morales has been

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busy refurbishing his Sai Kung shop, which is close to being finished now.

With factories closed during the coronavirus outbreak, it has been difficult to source certain building materials. But not even a global pandemic can deter Morales as pushed through with the restaurant makeovers.

“Now just seemed like a good time to think ahead. I’m certain that life will begin to normalise soon and when it does, we want to be ready and welcoming,” he says.

Inside the renovated restaurants, the interiors are gussied up in whimsical, pop art murals.

To spruce up the dining space, Morales commissioned a team of local artists to paint the walls of the restaurant in graffiti.

Each Paisano’s location has a different mural theme, inspired by the neighborhood it is based in.

At the Sai Kung outpost, you’ll find paintings of a friendly feral cow (a common sight around the rural town), a string of palm trees (a nod to the neighborhood’s famed beaches and islands) and the Statue of Liberty (a tribute to Morales’ New York roots) adorning the walls. For three nights in a row, the mural artists came in at 9pm and worked overnight to finish the painting.

While Paisano’s shops have gotten a facelift, some things remain the same, like the

pizzeria’s much-touted 24-inch pizzas and its bargain cheese slices.

“We never had a problem with our menu.

We try to introduce new items from time to time, but like they say, if it’s not broke don’t try to fix it.

“I’m very proud of the fact that even though all our costs have gone up, we have never raised the price of a cheese slice. It’s been $25 for 11 years.”

Besides his menu items, Morales has also kept up the tradition of the Pizza Challenge, a friendly competition he started back when his first shop opened.

The challenge requires a pair of participants to gobble down an entire 24-inch pie within 20 minutes. If the pair succeeds, they get to enjoy the pizza for free. Otherwise, they’d have to pay for the pizza and donate a small sum to charity.

With the revamped space in Sai Kung slowly coming into place, Morales unveiled a Wall of Fame last month to recognise the nine winners of the Pizza Challenge over the 11 years – a pretty impressive feat in our books.

When asked about what fans can look forward to in Paisano’s next decade, Morales hints that he will take on a full remodelling of his Discovery Bay shop this year. He is also looking to expand the chain and is actively looking for new locations.

nibbles

Nibbles Monsoon season has arrived A new Southeast Asian inspired restaurant, Monsoon has opened its doors in ELEMENTS. The restaurant, led by award-winning chef Will Meyrick, serves up Southeast Asian streetfood dishes with a modern twist, including Indonesian Wagyu beef rendang, Salmon Amok and Kampung Snicker. The tropical decor and extensive range of fruity cocktails will transport you to the white sandy beaches of Thailand, perfect for these travel free months. Monsoon also offers a weekday set lunch and daily freeflow drinks package. monsoonoriental.com.hk

Coffee with a history

New cafe opens in the old town

Popular local cafe, Halfway Coffee has opened a fourth location in Ho Man Tin. The cafe serves a wide range of coffee’s and light bites and is popular for it’s old Hong Kong style posters, coffee cups and decorations, transporting guests to another era of the city. 4 Soares Avenue.

A new Japanese style cafe, Kachimushi opened in the old town last month. Run by three young shop owners, the name translates to little dragonfly, implying the concept of always moving forward. With a minimalistic decor and a variety of sweet and savoury options, this coffee shop is the perfect place to slow down and relax during a busy work week. 33 See Cheung Street.

Chill out at Treasure Island Set on the picturesque Pui O beach, Treasure Island Beach Club is easily one of the most relaxing hangouts on South Lantau. The al fresco restaurant and bar offers family favourite dishes alongside a range of vegetarian and vegan choices. Open Friday afternoons, as well as weekends and public holidays, guests can enjoy live DJ performances while watching the sun set over the beach. You can also rent out water sports equipment from the Beach Club or make it into a staycation at one of its cabana rooms or all-inclusive private camp rentals. treasureislandhk.com

Let’s taco bout it Popular waterfront restaurant, Momentai has just launched a new taco and margarita night.

Every Friday diners can enjoy premium tacos with toppings such as house smoked brisket, washed down with some freshly made, Triple Sec margaritas to really get the party started. Kiosk 1 Sai Kung Waterfront.

Forest themed tea Resembling a scene out of a fairytale, creative cuisine restaurant Glasshouse Greenery is offering a new glamour forest themed afternoon tea set.

Located on the K11 Musea’s rooftop garden terrace, the restaurant is decorated with natural tones and provides a relaxing outdoor dining experience. The tea set is available daily from 3-6pm and contains both savoury and sweet treats, including avocado paper roll, mini lobster burger, parma ham and burrata toast and a mini chocolate tart. Shop 501, K11 Musea.

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health & wellness

Seize the day

Nicole Slater meets the people fighting the stigma around mental health in Hong Kong This year has been tough on the mental wellbeing of many Hongkongers, with job cuts and political tension, many people are nervous about the future.

According to research conducted by Mind HK earlier this year, 1 in 7 people in Hong Kong will experience a common mental health disorder in their lifetime, but only 1 in 4 will seek help. We spoke with councillors across the city who are doing their part to keep us thinking positively about the future.

Jessica Yeung Common Care Central

Through her own personal experience with mental health, Jessica Yeung founded Common Care Central, an online mental health resource, to help those needing a convenient and affordable form of therapy. With sessions available seven days a week, Yeung is on a mission to normalise mental health and increase access to mental healthcare.

What makes Common Care Central unique?

Through her own personal experience with mental health, Jessica Yeung founded Common Care Central, an online mental health resource, to help those needing a convenient and affordable form of therapy. With sessions available seven days a week, Yeung is on a mission to normalise mental health and increase access to mental healthcare.

when finding a good match, so our platform provides a service that helps you find a suitable match by considering your needs, preferences, and budget.

Second: it’s important to go in with the right expectations on what therapy is about. Therapy is a therapeutic alliance and it takes hard work, persistence and patience. Healing takes time.

Dr Ivan Chow Marina Medical

How can people start?

Getting started is the hardest part. I would say that there are two things that are important when you are considering beginning therapy: First: Finding a therapist you feel comfortable and suits you is the most important part. I personally had a costly trial-and-error experience

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Dr Ivan Chow is a physician in family medicine who has worked in primary care for many years.

He treats his patients with a holistic approach,

mental health managing their physical, emotional, spiritual and social aspects. Currently, he is based at Marina Medical, a private outpatient clinic providing primary and speciality care services.

Growing up, Glen Heyburgh was always compassionate and ready to help others.

After fighting his own battles he decided to study psychology and help give back to society. Heyburgh joined Centre Minds in 2018 and has been a listening ear to those who feel alone, unheard, irrelevant or unwelcome.

What are the most common issues you encounter?

Anxiety and depression. This year in particular has seen a rise in patients experiencing mood problems and those who have recovered from mood problems are having relapses. I encourage everyone to pay more attention to themselves, think positively, engage in physical activity and don’t let the fear of being labelled with a mental illness prevent you from seeking help.

Is there social stigma about mental health in Hong Kong?

There is a social stigma attached to mental health, however this is not unique to Hong Kong. The more mental illness remains hidden, the more people think it’s something to be ashamed of. Most discrimination comes from people who have little or no experience of mental illness. Try to consider it as their problem, not yours.

What are some warning signs to look out for?

If the following warning signs occur, I will suggest they seek help from a mental health professional: Dramatic changes in sleep and appetite, decline in personal care, social withdrawal, loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed, drop in functioning, problems with concentration, memory and speech, loss of motivation, suspiciousness of others and suicidal ideas or deliberate self-harm.

Do you have advice for those close to someone suffering?

Listen, give support and encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings.

Learn about the symptoms, causes and consequences. Don’t say things like, calm down or stop stressing. Feeling depressed or anxious is not a choice.

Dr Mark Greene and Dr Michael Eason Lifespan Counselling

What advice do you have for those suffering this year?

In psychology, there is a concept known as post-traumatic growth (PTG); that is, we can grow and evolve from challenging experiences.

If we can accept the temporary nature of events in life, then 2020 certainly provides many long-term opportunities for growth and an awareness of resiliency.

What are the most common issues you handle?

In Hong Kong, many people struggle with work/ life balance issues, which in turn leads to stress, depression, addiction and relationship issues.

By treating mental health like any other health concern, we can further encourage people to seek counselling when facing issues that impact them psychologically.

Do you have any advice for people wanting to start?

Reaching out to someone you trust and asking if they have any personal referrals is a good idea. If you view seeking help as an empowering process, you begin therapy from a position of strength and self-awareness.

Glen Heyburgh Centre Minds

What advice do you have for those struggling through Covid-19?

How you respond to stress during the Covid-19 pandemic can depend on your background, support system, financial situation and many other factors. Excessive stress can affect your body, take care of your mental health and seek help from a qualified professional.

Do you have advice for couples struggling during this time?

Lockdown rules have forced couples to spend longer periods of time together. These periods of close contact have acted as a stressor, which has intensified negative relationship behaviours and dissatisfaction for couples with existing vulnerabilities. Couples should constructively deal with conflict by working together towards solving issues and responding sensitively when the other is feeling stressed.

If you or anyone you know needs help, please contact the Hong Kong Samaritans 24-hour hotline, 2896 0000 Common Care Central commoncarecentral.com Marina Medical marinamedical.hk

With over three decades of counselling experience between them, Dr. Mark Greene and Dr. Michael Eason founded Lifespan Counselling.

The boutique psychology group practice has a diverse team offering support for a wide range of topics including addiction, stress addiction, stress, relationship issues and child therapy.

Lifespan Counselling lifespancounselling.com Centre Minds centreminds.com

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chui sui central

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sai kung secrets

Bride’s Pool Nicole Slater investigates the urban legend behind the popular waterfall destination

Located in the northeastern New Territories in Plover Cove Country Park, Bride's Pool is a scenic area, made up of several waterfalls and pools. Many families and hikers enjoy this area for it’s shady trail and cooling waters on a hot summer’s day.

While this whimsical location may sound like the perfect day out, the tale behind its name may stop you in your tracks.

Legend believes that a bride-to-be was carried along the pools by four porters in a sedan chair on her way to meet her groom during a storm. One of the porters slipped and all five of them fell over the waterfall and drowned in the pool below. She never made it to her groom and is believed to lurk around the pools dressed in her traditional gown.

While the story is just folk law, Bride’s Pool has been listed as a hiking accident black spot by the Hong Kong Government, after a series of serious accidents and fatalities in the area. Two of which took place earlier this year.

In March, a 59-year-old man plunged 40-metres to his death. A week later a 35-year-old man was left in a critical condition after attempting to walk along the waterfall trek.

While there is no proof the bride is behind these incidents, Bride’s Pool is notoriously dangerous and the government advises hikers to avoid the area.

Know of a Sai Kung secret?

Email editorial@hongkongliving.com

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chui sui central

Are you listening, m’lud?

Nury Vittachi on courtroom etiquette A dramatic controversy is raging in the corridors of international justice. We all know judges have to be present at trials.

But do they have to be paying attention?

Do they have to be awake? And—here’s the cruncher—do they have to be alive?

These are important issues, particularly since many judges are, to use the recognised medical term, “drooling old codgers”.

I was alerted to this topic by a reader named Harsha who told me about a trial which was cancelled in Australia. At first, court officials were pleased at the jury’s copious note-taking. But then they noticed that several were doing Sudoku. The trial was abandoned on the basis that people need to be paying attention.

But in a similar case in the same country, a different conclusion was reached. A Judge named Dodd fell asleep during the arguments, but woke up in time to sentence the men in the dock to prison sentences. The men afterwards complained that it was not their fault that their fates bored the judge.

Senior judges considered the issues and concluded that the law required judges to be PHYSICALLY present, but added that they didn’t have to be mentally there. One legal commentator summed up the finding as good news for judges: “they are entitled to some quality sleep time.”

Some lawyers sneakily interrupt judges’ beauty sleep. At a 2001 trial in Ontario, Canada, a judge fell asleep during a lengthy trial. Lawyer Kim Schofield found a copy of The Criminal Code, a 2,136-page hardback and dropped it onto the desk. “His honour was visibly stirred from his slumber,” she said afterwards.

In Asia, courts are sleepy places with occasional bursts of drama for which we wake each other. For example, there’s one case in my diaries which really should appear in any listing of the world’s most important criminal cases. A furious man stormed into a Sri Lanka courtroom holding a bag of excrement. He flung it at the judge. But he aimed too high.

The substance hit the ceiling fan. You can imagine the mess. This defendant illustrated the truth in an adage (“the **** hit the fan”) that is widely used, but had probably never before been scientifically tested.

Of course, everyone stays awake for murders and sex crimes—but even they can be dull in Asia. In my files is a news report about a pair of Israeli newly-weds who were arrested in Rajasthan, India, because they kissed after getting married. The judge found them guilty of “lewd behavior in public” and fined them the equivalent of US$22.

Incidentally, I often wonder how a place which takes prudishness to such extremes can have a population explosion? Do husbands and wives stay in separate buildings and Fedex ova and spermatozoids to each other?

But back to our topic. What if the person in charge dies on the job?

Having been a court reporter in my youth, I can testify many judges sit with their eyes closed, unbreathing, for hours on end. It is impossible to tell whether they are awake, asleep or deceased. I remember shaking hands with one judge after a lengthy case and I’m sure I could feel rigor mortis in his arm.

Although the Australian finding says judges are only required to be physically present, consider the incident that took place in the US city of Denver. Judge Frank G. Henderson died right there on his bench in the middle of a hearing. The case was halted.

(I wonder how people left the room, since no one is allowed to stand up and leave before the judge does? Is everyone still there?)

If they had followed the findings in the Australian case, lawyers could have just pointed out that Judge Henderson was still physically present and carried on regardless.

They would probably have enjoyed having fewer interruptions from the bench.

And the jury, of course, could have finished their Sudokus.

Nury Vittachi is an award-winning author and journalist based in Hong Kong. He is best known for his comedy-crime novel series, The Feng Shui Detective. Contact him via nury@vittachi.com or through his public Facebook page.

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pets

Ask a vet

Dr Pauline Taylor shares her thoughts on the latest dog poisonings A new spate of sudden dog deaths around Sai Kung and Southside is worrying and I want to encourage dog-owners to always be alert when taking your dog for a walk, keep your dog in your eyesight at all times. When I arrived in Hong Kong in 1995 one of the first things my boss told me to be aware of was poisonings along Bowen Road and Blacks Link on Hong Kong Island.

At the time I had no idea that I would soon be saving the dog of the last Governor of Hong Kong, Whiskey Patton, a small, lovable, but greedy Norfolk terrier that ate poison on Blacks Link.

Over the years a variety of different poisons have been involved, some identified by chemists, many not. They include slug and rat killers, weed destroyers, insecticide and worm and mite nerve paralyzing agents.

Many are easy to purchase over the counter.

The poison used recently on the Island is deep pink granules mixed with an aroma-strong snack of tasty fresh food laid near starting points of common walks.

Once eaten, it’s a race to the death to get

the poisoned food out of the dog’s stomach by whatever means possible. Vets use drugs to make a dog vomit, but by the time this happens, it’s usually too late. Vets will do everything in their power to save a poisoned dog, but in reality this is not an easy task.

What to do if you suspect your dog has eaten poison: • Try and remove the poison from the dog’s body • Get a photo or sample of what your dog may have eaten • If the suspected poison has already been swallowed then making your dog vomit is critical and as soon as possible • Give salty water if you can. I’ve also recommended washing soda lumps pushed over the throat followed by some water to wash it down. (Pets Central Animal Welfare Foundation provides samples of washing soda free of charge at any of our clinics or hospital) • Immediately call a nearby vet. Any vet. Let them know what is happening to give them time to prepare.

• If your dog loves eating things on walks consider muzzling them We just don’t know who is poisoning dogs.

Don’t push the wrong buttons with people who may want your dog to go away forever.

Dr Pauline Taylor, Pets Central veterinarian answers your questions.

Walkies

Rex the dog tackles Sharp Peak

With autumnal winds blowing, some of Hong Kong’s tougher hikes are more appealing. One of those hikes is the steady incline up to Sharp Peak in Sai

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Kung East Country Park. You’ll need at least seven hours to conquer this 15km hike, the summit sits at 468 meters above sea level. Be sure to bring plenty of snacks

and water for you and your pooch. The hike begins at the end of Section two of the MacLehose Trail and stretches the entire width of the country park.

The gravelly trail is unrelenting but on a clear day the sweeping views of Hong Kong out across the beaches of Tai Long Wan and the vast ocean are breathtaking. As you reach the summit, you’ll find both yourself and your canine friend scrambling to keep a hold in places so make safety a number one priority and if in doubt, head back in the direction in which you came.

How to get there: Take a taxi from Sai Kung Town to Pak Tam Au (around $100) Have a favourite walk?

Email editorial@hongkongliving.com

marketplace

marketplace

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

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

SAI KUNG | 33

marketplace

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

marketplace

What to plant in October October weather facts Average high temperature: 28째C Average low temperature: 23째 Average rainfall: 100.9mm Average rainfall days: 7.4 days For my years acting as superintendent of the Botanical Gardens, I found October the most pleasant of all months.

Temperatures in this delightful month range from 23째C to 28째C. The air is relatively dry but not intolerably.

Ah, the browning of the leaves reminds me of my important duty.

October soil is the most nurturing of all, best used to grow nourishing vegetables.

Seeds of the following may be sown: mustard and cress, delicious lettuce and radish, adorable brussel sprouts and flavourful parsley, sage and thyme. You shall also plant out cabbage, cauliflower, vegetable marrow and celery.

Flowers, whilst their life most fleeting, will dress your garden with magnificent colours. Seeds of the following flowers are most preferable to plant: French and African marigolds, nicotianas, sweet alyssum, daisy, sunflowers and pansy.

Prune your roses and nourish them with a generous dressing of manure. Remember, you shall not sow your seeds too shallow nor too deep, water your plants too much, nor too little. Moderation is key.

At last, I offer you advice of utmost importance for your craft. Plants demand care and love likened to our soul. Mere skill does not maketh a good gardener, but passion and heart. Take care of your plants with the care and attention you would give your children - a motto every earnest gardener should keep at heart.

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.

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council chat

Ask Debby

District Councillor for Sai Kung Islands Debby Chan answers your questions

Are council meetings back?

Council meetings resumed slowly last month starting from four hours a week, to now being full day meetings. There are numerous items to be discussed so every council member is enthusiastic to share their ideas, making each meeting longer than expected.

Are visitors harming Sai Kung’s environment?

On one hand, we are worried that Sai Kung is on the edge of its carrying capacity, on the other we can see the efforts made to clean trails and the beaches. The AFCD has recently appointed design company URBIS to redesign the Sai Kung Country Park Visitor Hub at Pak Tam Chung to help educate and encourage visitors to be more mindful during their visit.

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

What is on your agenda for October?

Where are all the parking spaces?

With the Mid-Autumn Festival coming up, I am hoping that Covid-19 cases stay down so that the town can enjoy a lovely celebration together.

We need events and activities to warm up the community again.

I personally think there are not enough parking spaces for the amount of vehicles during peak times, but the Transport Department disagrees.

They refuse to review the price of the private parking or add new spaces. However, an underground car park has been proposed for District 4 (the land next to the sports field and Hong Kong Academy).

What’s up with weekend traffic?

The council is well aware of the weekend traffic problem. Not only tourists have to wait to get into the town, but residents also struggle to get out of it. To get everyone out of the trap, we are trying to start from the centre. A few suggestions have been brought up in the council, including rearranging the public transport terminals and parking spaces and even setting up gates at the road entrances.

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Debby Chan Ka Lam is the District Councillor for Sai Kung Islands, striving for a more sustainable community.

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