CHRISTMAS | DINING | CHARITY | ART
C Gi hris ft tm Gu a id s e
December 2021
Christmas in Stanley
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CONTENTS — 12/21
25 COVER STORY
Stanley’s Christmas Market
2 EDITOR’S LETTER
13 LOCAL
4 CONTRIBUTORS
17 GIFT GUIDE
6 PEOPLE
28 DINING
8 THE PLANNER
30 BIG DAY OUT
10 NEWS
32 PETS
Hello from our editor
Meet the ones in the spotlight this month
Out and about in Southside
What’s on this December
Things to know about the city
12 FIVE MINUTES WITH
Wendy Cramond, Chief Angel at Angels for Children
34 VISIBLE
Artspace K11 Musea
The story of a seasoned art teacher turned art therapist
The perfect presents for your loved ones
36 ZIM CITY
Paul Zimmerman reports on the wild boars in Hong Kong
Christmas and New Years Dinners
34
Boxing Day Walks
Dr Pauline Taylor answers your pet questions
33 HOROSCOPES
What’s in the stars for you this month?
12 13 28
36 25
“It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.” — W.T. Ellis
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editor’s letter Just like that, it’s December. A bittersweet time, if you ask me. On one hand, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Lights fill the streets, Christmas menus are made available and humidity just vanishes into thin air. Embracing your inner couch potato becomes a little more socially acceptable. On the other hand, it’s the end of 2021, which signals a time to take stock of another year so you can ring in the new one with fresh eyes and a can-do spirit. On page 8, we’ve got a full lineup of festive fun in our planner, from Christmas markets and fairs to plays and musicals. There’s something for the whole family, including Hong Kong Living’s very own Charity Christmas Lunch. Speaking of holiday feasts, this month’s dining section is brimming with the best Christmas and New Years menus. Think turkey, butter and sage stuffing, honey glazed ham, roast potatoes, sticky toffee pudding and mulled wine. Flick to page 29 for all of the details on where to eat your heart out. If, like me, you tend to hold off on Christmas shopping for no particular reason until you’re left with no idea what to get for your loved ones, head to page 17 for our extensive Gift Guide featuring unique and thoughtful presents for the whole family.
Editorial Editor-in-chief Nicole Slater, nicole@hongkongliving.com Editor Cheyelene Fontanilla, cheyelene@hongkongliving.com Senior Writer Charmaine Ng, charmaineng@hongkongliving.com
Design Graphic Designer Natalie Cheung, natalie@hongkongliving.com Graphic Designer Jason Lau, jason@hongkongliving.com
Last but not least, in true yuletide fashion, Stanley is holding a huge festive blowout in the form of a brilliantly done market by the ocean. The seaside town will have a fair consisting of 60 booths, music and so much more. You can read all about what to expect in our cover story on page 25.
Sales & Marketing
Director of Content Hilda Chan, hilda@hongkongliving.com Partnership Manager Elaine Li, elaine@hongkongliving.com Janessa Chan, janessa@hongkongliving.com Jasmine Hung, jasmine@hongkongliving.com Events Manager Pranali Gupta, pranali@hongkongliving.com
Happy reading and happy holidays, folks!
Publisher
Tom Hilditch, tom@hongkongliving.com
Things we love
Contact us 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
Brooklyn Yakuza
A think tank and charity that works to improve the lives of Hong Kong’s marginalised ethnic minorities by reducing suffering and providing opportunities. The organisation, founded by Shalini Mahtani, achieves this by conducting research to understand the issues, developing and implementing projects and influencing public policy to drive systemic change. zubinfoundation.org
Brooklyn Yakuza is a late-night restaurant serving Japanese-American ‘East meets West’ cuisine in a buzzing-izakaya atmosphere featuring a theatrical sake bar. The interactive tasting bar has an extensive Sake list with outbursts of flavors, from fruity to floral, mellow to sophisticated umami, crisp to dry, which is perfect for the fusion cuisine. brooklynyakuzahk.com
CHRISTMAS | DINING | CHARITY | ART
December 2021
HONG KONG
Christmas in Stanley
hongkongliving.com
Head down to Stanley Plaza’s new festive market 1a SS Cover_V1.indd 1
Covid-19 update
As Southside 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.
Photos by LINK
The Zubin Foundation
Wind down away from the city
25/11/2021 3:36 PM
Southside 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. Southside Magazine cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.
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contributors
Thank you to our contributors Paul Zimmerman Paul Zimmerman is the CEO of Designing Hong Kong, the co-convenor of Save Our Country Parks and Southern District Councillor of Pok Fu Lam. This month, Zimmerman writes about the wild boars in Hong Kong.
Dr Pauline Taylor Dr Pauline Taylor is a senior vet at Pets Central. She graduated in Scotland and spent the past 10 years practicing in New-Zealand before moving to Hong Kong with her four-legged family members. This month, she takes to her pets column to answer your questions.
Kayli Liebenberg Born in Namibia, Kayli has been living in Hong Kong for 7 years now. She enjoys what the city has to offer, especially the night life with her friends. As our digital intern, she is great at keeping up with the latest trends and brings a fun perspective to the table.
Letao Wang Founder of the Healing Kingdom, Letao has been practising professional astrology and spiritual counselling in Hong Kong for over seven years. He reveals what’s in store for each sign this year in our horoscope section.
Wendy Cramond Wendy Cramond is the Chief Angel of Hong Kong-based children’s charity Angels For Children, an organisation that supports children in poverty across Hong Kong and Asia. She tells the story of the work they do and how they came to be in our five minutes with interview.
Jill Carter Jill Carter is a professional photographer in the middle of completing her Masters in Counselling. In her new full-page column, Visible, she touches on what it’s like to feel unseen or overlooked when women turn a certain age, and the amazing stories that go unnoticed because of it.
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Christmas dining tips at One Island South In collaboration with One Island South ‘Tis the season to be merry! Whether you are planning to celebrate with friends and family at home or are going out for a Christmas feast, we’ve got some ideas for you at One Island South.
PizzaExpress Shop G03, 3585 8598 Let it dough, let it dough! Celebrating Christmas at PizzaExpress with festive dishes such as Dough Ball Christmas Tree, Christmas Antipasti Wreath and more. What’s more, from 1 December to 3 January, dine-in guest will receive a $50 dining coupon per bill.
Beef & Liberty Shop G07, 2568 1098 Taste the holiday spirit with Beef & Liberty. Enjoy its Christmas Special Burger, which combines a juicy beef patty with slices of creamy blue and brie cheese, cranberry sauce, onion jam and house pickles. Of course, such festivities would not be complete without a sweet treat, so back by popular demand is everyone’s favourite Warm Christmas Cookie Skillet & Cream and Banoffee Pie.
Chopsticks Fork n Knife Shop 110, 2100 3699 Chopsticks Fork n Knife offers international delicacies from Korean Kimchi and Bacon Fried Rice to Barbecued Iberico Pork Rice with Fried Egg to Black Truffle Risotto, satisfying every craving. Takeaway and delivery of Christmas sets are also available.
Bread & Bistro Shop G06, 3426 9883 If you’re looking for a festive sweet treat, Bread & Bistro offers souffle pancakes, Japanese caramel pudding cakes, as well as its signature Chocolate Lava Cake and Baked Chocolate Marble Pound Cake.
Starbucks Shop G05, 2518 0536 Starbucks is bringing back the three classic holiday beverages – Gingerbread Latte, Toffee Nut Crunch Latte and Peppermint Mocha, and introducing an exciting new twist on the Toffee Nut Crunch Latte with the Toffee Nut Crunch Cold Brew. No holiday celebration is complete without festive delicacies. Starbucks also unveils a selection of Christmas-themed light bites and desserts, such as Turkey and Chicken Cranberry Maize Sandwich, Hazelnut Claw, Thai Style New Crab Cake Salad and Christmas Earl Grey Chiffon Cake.
Golden Monkey Shop G08, 3100 0184 In this casual food spot, you can enjoy classic dishes from across Southeast Asia. Signature plates from Banh Mi to Hainan chicken rice, Vietnamese Pho to Singaporean Bah Kuk Teh are available for you to feast on this Christmas.
Sensory ZERO Shop G01-02, 2511 6011 For a winter warmer, try Sensory ZERO’s CRAZY Chocolate, which uses a perfect mix of French Valrhona dark and white chocolate. Apart from its coffee choices, it also offers western and Japanese cuisine – think all-day breakfast with signature cat toast and homemade jam, stuffed croissants and Japanese rice.
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One Island South 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong (MTR Wong Chuk Hang Station, Exit A2)
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people
Snaps from Southside
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say cheese
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planner DEC 4
Lantau 50 Tackle some of Lantau’s toughest trails including Lantau Peak and Sunset Peak in a race against the clock. The race is divided into 16km, 27km or 54km categories. Top five men and women will receive a trophy and certificate. $420. 6.30am. Man Tung Road Park, Tung Chung, Lantau. actionasiaevents.com
DEC 9
Hong Kong Living Christmas Charity Lunch Celebrate the start of the festive season with our Christmas Charity Lunch in support of Box of Hope. The lunch includes a three-course meal, free-flowing wine and a festive quiz where guests can win exclusive raffle prizes. $480. 11.45am-1.30pm or 2-3.45pm. Como Italian Restaurant & Bar, 55 Tai Hong Street, Sai Wan Ho. hongkongliving.com/shop
THROUGHOUT DEC
Stanley Plaza Wild West Adventure Christmas Market 2021 A festive open-air market taking place in the Amphitheatre at Stanley Plaza. With 60 booths, this cashless market will have plenty of stalls to shop from, along with an AR game, a Santa Meet & Greet and more. 12-8pm. Stanley Plaza, Stanley. linkhk.com
artists and a number of selected F&B vendors. 12-4pm. The Butchers Club, 16/F & Rooftop, Shui Ki Industrial Building, 18 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang. thebutchers.club
DEC 2-5
Christmas Southside Market & Long Lunch Head on up to The Butchers Club’s expansive rooftop event space for a sumptuous long lunch buffet, a best holiday jumper competition, lawn games, live music, face painters, temporary tattoo
TQM Latin Party Once a month the popular Latin restaurant hosts a night of live music, a four-course dinner and free-flow drinks at the popular Sheung Wan location. $900. 8pm-late. The Sheung Wan, 286 Queen’s Road Central. ovolohotels.com
DEC 4
The Hive Sheung Wan Christmas Market Head to The Hive Sheung Wan to shop exclusive festive gifts from the local community. Free. 11am-7pm. thehivesheungwan.com.hk
Swire Properties’ White Christmas Street Fair Father Christmas is having an open house in Taikoo Place. Themed Santa’s Whimsical Factory, this year’s charity street fair is all about preparing for the festive season by tailor-making your own gifts with an army of elves. Also enjoy live entertainment, workshops and Christmas shopping; all funds raised will go to Operation Santa Claus. 12-8pm, Dec 2-3; 1-7pm, Dec 4-5. Tong Chong Street and 1/F Office Lobby, Taikoo Place, Quarry Bay.
DEC 3-12 DEC 3
DEC 4
Jack and the Beanstalk No Christmas is complete without a classic pantomime. Join Jack and his friends on a singing and dancing adventure as he ventures up the beanstalk. $295. Times vary. Shouson Theatre, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai. hkplayers.com
DEC 4 & 5
Glam and Glitters Christmas Shopping Fair A Christmas fair that supports local business owners. Expect niche and artisanal brands, selling unique jewellery, children’s clothing, natural cosmetics, fashion, art and vintage goods. 10am-7pm. Hong Kong Football Club, 3 Sports Road, Happy Valley. shoppinghongkong.net
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what’s on family to come and meet Santa and his elves at his Secret Kingdom. During this magical 30-minute experience, families will meet with elves for games and arts & crafts until it’s time for some one-on-one time with Santa Claus himself. $225. 9am-4pm. Top secret location. glitterandgore.hk
DEC 18-22 DEC 9
Prestige Christmas Fair The Prestige Christmas Fair is back for another year, selling jewellery, gourmet food, homeware, clothing and babywear from vendors across Hong Kong. 10am-8pm. Grand Ballroom, Conrad Hotel, Pacific Place, Admiralty. prestigefairs.hk
DEC 10
The Hive Kennedy Town Christmas Market The Hive Kennedy Town Christmas Market offers the chance to mingle with friends and shop for Christmas gifts. Free. 11am-7pm thehivekennedytown.com.hk
DEC 11
Wonder Woman Run Support Make-A-Wish Hong Kong by running like the superhero you are in Hong Kong’s first Wonder Woman Run Series. The race is divided into 3km, 5km or 10km routes. From $398. 7am. Hong Kong Science Park, Sha Tin. wonderwomanrunhk.championchiphkc.com
DEC 11-26
The Nutcracker
Nordic Christmas Fair at Ocean Park Get your seasonal Scandi fix at the Nordic Christmas Fair, which is being held at Ocean Park and will feature Christmas items from Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland. These will include assorted Christmas decorations, a kid’s tombola, traditional Christmas food, watches, jewellery and skincare. All products
are sourced from the Nordic countries, and will have that special Scandi “Hygge” feeling. $20 entry. 2pm-9pm. Ocean Park Road, Aberdeen.
DEC 23
The Snowman & The Bear Experience the classic Christmas tale, The Snowman like never before with live music by the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong and storytelling by Australian actor Michael Sharmon and TVB artist Corinna Cheng. From $150. 4.30pm & 7.30pm. Sha Tin Town Hall Auditorium, 1 Yuen Wo Road, Sha Tin. ccohk.com
DEC 23 - 24
Hong Kong Philharmonic: Christmas Fantasia Listen to the sounds of the HK Phil Chorus and The Hong Kong Children’s Choir as they perform an array of Christmas classics, conducted by Apollo Wong. From $220. Concert Hall, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. hkphil.org
DEC 25
Christmas Day Eat, drink and be merry!
DEC 31
Grand Masquerade Countdown party Celebrate the New Year in style with Grand Hyatt Hong Kong’s extravagant Masquerade dinner featuring a six-piece band, buffet dinner selection, free-flow champagne and LED dance floor. $2,560. 7pm-1am. Grand Ballroom, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai. hyatt.com
A twist on the traditional production, the HK Ballet is performing this world premiere, which is set in early 20th century Hong Kong and fuses local traditions, wildlife and historical characters with Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. Follow Clara on her adventures after her Nutcracker comes to life. From $180. 7.309pm. Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. hkballet.com
DEC 12
New World Harbour Race The Cross Harbour swim is back after a two-year hiatus, with participants swimming from Wan Chai’s Golden Bauhinia Square Public Pier to Tsim Sha Tsui’s Avenue of Stars. Just keep swimming. Free. 8-11am. hkharbourrace.com
DEC 18-19
Soiree with Santa Children will receive a personalised invitation and map in the post, inviting them and their
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news
Calls for Big Wave Bay to become a designated surf beach Due to the uptick in popularity for water sports, particularly at Big Wave Bay beach, citizens are calling for the government to categorise it as a surfing beach. Though this would require more extensive training for lifeguards, locals feel this is a necessary step so that beach goers and swimmers will know to exercise precaution and look out for surfers. More cautionary measures would also be made by the government to protect those who surf at Big Wave Bay beach, should it be classified as a surf beach.
Mandarin Oriental launches an online shopping channel
Guests and fans of Mandarin Oriental are now able to experience a range of the Group’s branded products in the comfort of their home. Providing a global online shopping experience, Shop M.O. features a collection of signature luxury items including the hotel’s own bedding and spa products. 10times.com
Fireworks return to Disneyland
Repulse Bay robbers caught red-handed
Hong Kong Disneyland’s firework show is set to return in 2022 after a four-year hiatus. The show, featuring the new Castle of Magical Dreams, will become a multimedia display of “projection mapping, water projections, theatrical lighting, lasers, choreographed water fountains, flames, pyrotechnics and firework effects,” says an official statement from Disneyland. The announcement was made just a couple of weeks after Hong Kong Disneyland raised their peak-day ticket price by 10 percent.
In the first week of November, two men were arrested in a residential area in Repulse Bay called Celestial Gardens. At around 1.45am on November 3, a security guard noticed two unfamiliar men in the estate’s parking lot. On the suspicion that they were going to attempt to burgle, he called the police and an hour-long search for the pair ensued. They were found on separate residential balconies on different floors after having climbed up the gutters on an external wall in an attempt to escape authorities.
Retail sales soar after consumption vouchers
The consumption voucher scheme, which was worth $36 billion, has caused Hong Kong’s retail sales to increase by 7.3 percent as of September. The scheme, which granted eligible Hongkongers $5,000 worth
of e-vouchers and Octopus payments, has been issued in stages since August and last month, the Census and Statistics Department released figures that indicate that sales for that month shot up to $28 billion.
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A smooth Christmas
in your backyard
In collaboration with Glow Spa The temperature is dropping, fashion is changing and we are starting to bundle up – so it is the perfect time to quit the waxing and start a course of laser hair removal.
Have you been considering laser hair removal? Well, winter is the perfect time to start a course. The experts at Glow have taken us through the ‘in’s and outs’ of this treatment, so you can get started with confidence!
How does laser hair removal work? The treatment area is exposed to intense light of a single frequency. The pigment in the hair absorbs the light and converts it into heat energy that preferentially heats the hair and the root ball and reduces oxygen around the hair follicle causing damage to the hair root, reducing its ability to regrow. As the laser relies on pigment absorbing the light, the treatments work best when there is contrast between the hair and the skin tone, making it easier for the light to travel along the hair shaft. Winter is the perfect time to start a course of laser hair removal, as we bundle up against the cooler weather, our skin is also protected from the harsh rays of the sun, making it easier to avoid the sun exposure before and after your treatment. It is essential to do your research before starting a course of treatments. Make sure you ask lots of questions, if you are confused about anything, your therapist should be able to clarify
The Glow team are all fully qualified aestheticians holding internationally-recognised qualifications in Light and Laser therapies. The lasers are new, purchased just a couple of months pre-Covid, and use the very latest technology. The treatments are fast and comfortable and the therapist follows strict safety guidelines.
your hormone levels. At Glow, treatments typically yield greater than 70 percent hair reduction within four to five treatments for most clients, and it is recommended that treatments are completed regularly every four to five weeks. Glow offers laser hair removal for both men and women, for all body area, including intimate areas. Christmas is the time to treat yourself or a loved one, especially for those looking for a gift that is a little different or have been considering embarking on the journey to being hair-free. This Christmas Glow is offering a 50 percent discount on single treatments and 15 percent discount on laser hair removal courses, between the 1-24th December. Details of this promotion can be found at glowspa.hk/laser-hair-removal
for you. Voice your concerns, especially if you have any medical conditions.
Is it painful? Laser hair removal is not pain-free but the level of pain is appreciably less than waxing. The slight discomfort can best be described as the feeling of a pokey hairbrush rolling against your skin. The lasers at Glow have built in cooling systems, ensuring the surrounding areas are cooled to minimise discomfort.
How many treatments will I need? There are several factors that determine the number of treatments you will need, including your hair colour and your skin pigmentation, your age, the time between treatments, and
For a free consultation with one of Glow’s laser hair removal experts, to book an appointment or to purchase a package, call 2525 5198, Whatsapp 9680 2107 or email reception@glowspa.hk
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five minutes with
Wendy Cramond Nicole Slater meets the Chief Angel at Angels For Children
“To the world, you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world,” That’s the motto for Hong Kong-based children’s charity, Angels For Children, who support poverty stricken children across Hong Kong and Asia. Founder Helen Whitman first sponsored a child at Sunrise Cambodia, a charity that focuses on Cambodia’s most vulnerable children. This inspired her journey into charity work, hosting ‘Pay For Your Plate’ dinner parties with friends to raise funds for children in need. She started her own philanthropic network, Angels For Children, supporting children across Hong Kong and Asia in 2006, which officially became a registered charity three years later. They now work with three more partner charities to help children on the poverty line, including Po Leung Kuk, a residential children’s home in Causeway Bay, Bali Kids, a centre that caters to children living with HIV/AIDS and The Society for Community Organisation. “Hong Kong, like most major cities, is a place of ‘haves and have nots’ but few places in the world with such a wide wealth gap,” says Wendy Cramond, Chief Angel at Angels For Children. Since the pandemic, poverty in the city reportedly doubled with
the number of families requesting help from Soco almost trebling to 4,000 this year. “Children living in low-income households generally face health, social and educational disadvantages. Under-privileged local families will undoubtedly be living in cramped and poor-quality homes, be facing a shortage of healthy meals and will struggle to provide basic school essentials,” she says. Each Christmas, Angels For Children runs a Secret Santa fundraiser where people across Hong Kong donate presents to the 217 children residing in Po Leung Kuk, along with toys and school supplies for Soco families. Po Leung Kuk children identify the present they would like the most, which supporters can then buy and donate from
a list on the Angel’s website. For many of the children, this will be the only present they receive for the year. “We feel this engages our supporters and helps them have important conversations about giving with their own families as well as (very importantly) putting a smile on the faces of the PLK children,” says Cramond. People can donate gifts and funds up until December 31 on the charity’s website. Over the next year, Angels For Children plans to focus its fundraising efforts on PLK’s extracurricular activities programme and an English booster programme for children attending SOCO’s centres. They also hope to start a Wellness day which will include HIIT, Zumba and Yoga classes and rerun their popular ‘Active Angels Move-A-Thon’ to raise funds.
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local
Paper-cut art in Southside
Artist: Lau Ming-Hang
Artist: Lee Huan-Chang
Cheyelene Fontanilla reports on the Paper Cut Art Exhibition in Repulse Bay
art to new generations. Wuba Yang is another artist whose work really adds another dimension to this exhibit. Her pieces stretch beyond traditional papercut patterns. Inspired by Taiwanese ferns since 2017, she chose paper to depict a variety of Taiwan’s common and unique ferns. With her expert use of color and textures, Yang’s paper ferns come to life in their threedimensional forms, creating bold silhouettes that are expressed by the shape of the ferns’ veins. Lau Ming-Hang’s work adds a new factor to paper-cutting: he creates threedimensional storybook theaters with hollow spaces to capture light and shadow, giving the viewers a fresh perspective to this art form. His creations are composed of cutout Chinese words connecting to form a 3D cluster. The cluster and lighting link to display a lively presentation. As a graduate in sculpting, Meko Cheng’s creative medium is paper because she is fascinated by its intricacy. She explores the tension of materials in her works through the series of “heavy and light” and “pull and release”. Chen Yan-Ting, another featured artist at this exhibit, reinterprets traditional paper cut art. Centered around traditional paper cutting, Chen’s modern designs explore similarities and differences between Western and Eastern art forms, creating a unique visual experience, and extends to fashion brand design. Western concept of design influenced Lee Keng-Chun to refine the beauty of Eastern culture, applying contrasting colors of paper
and multilayer patterns to present motifs through paper cut. Western fairy tales are incorporated into his works with the layers highlighting the features and storylines. Lee Keng-Chun takes paper-cutting as the focus of his research, hoping to spread his enthusiasm and love for paper-cutting. To learn more about this exquisite artform that is rich in heritage and cultural significance, visit artspacek.org.
Paper Cut Art Exhibition (until February 13, 2022) Address: Artspace K, G105–106, The Repulse Bay Arcade, Opening hours: 11.00am-7.00pm 2898 8118 k@artspacek.org
Artist: Li Yun-Xia
On the ground floor of The Repulse Bay Arcade is a special showcase of an artform dubbed one of the “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO. “Paper·Cut” is an art exhibition that features seven well-known and emerging artists. Combining traditional and modern forms of paper cutting, this folk art, also known as Jianzhi, was once a pastime for generations of women. Having appeared during the Han dynasty in fourth century AD, it became a widespread tradition that women had to inherit and pass on to the next generation. With intricate lines and complex patterns that play with symmetry, shadows and negative space, paper-cutting works were typically created for special events and festivals in those days. Now, it still holds the power to influence and educate the generations that have followed all these centuries later. In this exhibition, Southsiders have a chance to peek behind the curtain of a wonderfully unique and historically significant genre of art. As conservationists of traditional paper cutting, Li Yun-Xia, and Lee Huan-Chang, two featured artists in this exhibition, have created works that reflect the rich Chinese cultural context of paper cutting and its classical beauty. A rich style was achieved through an interplay between paper of different colors and textures, thick and thin lines and carved patterns of yin and yang. Li Yun-Xia is one of the most important preservationists of this precious art form, while Lee Huan-Chang, who passed away at the age of 90 in 2015, created a legacy and passed on this timeless
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Christmas feastin’ at J Senses In collaboration with J Senses
Located at the intersection of Johnston Road and Ship Street, J Senses is a unique dining and lifestyle complex capturing the spirit of Wan Chai’s ever-changing cityscape. Housed in a building where the heritage has been preserved, including the French windows, the inscribed Chinese names of Woo Cheong Pawn Shop and the Hong Kong Yu Clansman Association on the façade, J Senses has become a living heritage where the historic and the contemporary blend harmoniously together. Come visit the complex this festive season and enjoy all the specials it has to offer.
CRUST Italian
a pasticceria (Italian pastry shop) with a restaurant and Italian street food takeaway counter. The all-day venue specialises in sfogliatelle, which are puff pastries filled with lemon-scented cream or custard; street-food style calamari or pizza fritti wrapped in a paper cone for takeaway; and seafood scialatielli served with a 14-hour ragu made with six different cuts of pork beef and veal, among many other Italian dishes. Wash it all down with a variety of cocktails made with Amalfi gins, Campari, and wines by the glass, which are all accompanied by a complimentary buffet of dishes during aperitivo hour. G/F, 66 Johnston Road Tel: 2191 0278
MW Gunpowder Indian RestoBar
Conceptualised by celebrated actor Michael Wong and the team behind Gaylord Indian Restaurant, MW Gunpowder takes inspiration from Indian, Chinese and American cuisine. It offers a number of Indian and Indo-Chinese dishes with bold flavours, including the signature “IndiSum” street favourites in Dim Sum portions. Other options include street savouries, tandoori grills, freshly baked breads and curries, all made with a modern twist that will surely tickle your taste buds. Design-wise, the restaurant boasts a long bar with a hanging shelf in copper tones and a sparkling tile inlay that brings style and sophistication. Meanwhile, the dining section is backed by full-height wine cellars and marbled high tables, highlighted with metallic pendant lights, making for a perfect spot for date night or for catching up with friends. G/F, 18 Ship Street Tel: 2827 7777
RUAM A vibrant and casual Thai garden eatery and bar set above Ship Street, Ruam is a welcoming venue that serves Thai market favourites and
Recently opened, CRUST offers a taste of Naples and the Amalfi Coast, combining
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innovative cocktails. Pronounced roo-uhm, the name is the Thai word for ‘gather’ and reflects its welcoming environment and buzzing atmosphere – a spirited bar, lush expansive terrace and intimate indoor dining area. For a twist this Christmas, head over to try out the restaurant’s Southeast Asian delights. 1/F, 18 Ship Street Tel: 3160 8535
of spiciness and explosive flavours this Christmas season. 2/F, 1-7 Ship Street Tel: 2527 7117
BO Innovation
Cheesecake made with Truffle Manchego and more. A whole roasted sucking pig and the Patxaran Royal set are also available a la carte or as add ons, or you can opt for special private catering menus. To pre-order, visit jiacatering. com. G/F, 22 Ship Street Tel: 2555 0722
Bibi and Baba
Tenzushi
Known for its modern interpretation of Japanese fine dining, the team at Tenzushi consistently surprises even its most regular guests with delightful innovations. Sporting minimalist décor and modest crockery, Tenzushi chooses to focus on its chefs’ craft and creativity, providing guests with a true omakase experience in a private and intimate setting. 2/F, 18 Ship Street whatsapp: 5533 9263
Qi – House of Sichuan
Helmed by top Sichuan chef Wong Chun Fai, Qi – House of Sichuan has been awarded One Michelin Star from 2016 to 2019 in the Hong Kong and Macau Michelin Guide. Its authentic Sichuan dishes reflect the “seven flavours of Sichuan” – spicy, aromatic, sweet, bitter, sour, peppery and salty and are not for the faint-hearted. If you’re up for the challenge, be prepared to experience a wide spectrum
Obtaining Michelin’s highest honour of three stars for three consecutive years, BO Innovation has taken discerning diners and food critics round the world by storm. Alvin Leung Jr., aka the “Demon Chef“, is the creative wizard running the astounding restaurant. Despite having no formal training, his passion for experimental cuisines and creative improvisation cannot be doubted. 1/F, 1-7 Ship Street Tel: 2850 8371
Christmas Special 22 Ships This Christmas, 22 Ships brings rustic festive flavours to the comfort of your home. The Christmas En Tu Casa menu includes a classic cold cut selection, Grilled XXXL Carabineros, Blue Lobster Salpicón, as well as the restaurant’s signature Burnt Basque
Gather with your loved ones at Bibi & Baba this season and opt for a cosy feast featuring 3 Festive Season Specials. Exclusively available for the whole month of December, the restaurant has handpicked some of its most popular dishes, such as Singaporean Chilli Crab, Sambal Stingray, and Hainanese Chicken. Spice up the feast and share a pitcher or two of classic Mulled Wine to get into the Christmas spirit. G/F, 1-7 Ship Street Tel: 2555 0628
Want more? Other restaurants at J Senses include Five Guys, LHC Coffee and Zoë.
Visit J Senses at 60A-66 Johnston Road and 1-22 Ship Street, Wan Chai and learn more about its upcoming Christmas events at jsenses.com.hk and follow its Facebook: J Senses, Instagram: @ jsenseshkg, Wechat: J Senses 香港
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Locally sourced gifts and experiences for the whole family to enjoy
LAIBA BEVERAGES
For those who love a festive tipple, LAIBA Beverages has a collection of award-winning cocktails to enjoy at home. Each cocktail is prepared by a world-class mixologist and served in some of the most prestigious hotels around the world and
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a trusted partner of Cathay Pacific. The ultimate gift set includes eight unique cocktail flavours, packaged in a beautiful gift box with a personalised handwritten note. With these classic cocktails and original creations, you’ll be sure to impress your friends and family.
LAIBA Beverages is offering a 15 percent off discount code until January 1st to all Hong Kong Living readers by using the discount code HKL15. hk.shop.laibabeverages.com
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of old shoes for over 10 years. Working with Hong Kong’s Crossroads Foundation, it helps make shoes available to those who can’t afford them.
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
From 2XU, Asics, Brooks, Garmin and Gilbert to Hammer Nutrition, Hoka One One and Vibram
Fivefingers, Escapade provides products from the world’s leading suppliers. These are just some of the names you’ll find in store. As a large corporation, the retailer also makes sure to do its part for the environment. Not only does it work with its suppliers to reduce packaging by reusing cardboard boxes and reducing the use of plastic, but it has also encouraged the donation
EMMA WALLACE Relax this holiday season with Emma Wallace’s new Christmas gift sets. Choose from different combinations from the best-selling Emma Silk collection, made up of luxury loungewear and sleepwear with matching silk accessories and twinning Baby Em baby kimono sets. Three iconic prints will be featured: the rich green Kiku print, inspired by the Japanese chrysanthemum; the Papaver print, using the wild poppy as a muse; and the Cassia print, stunning with its pretty pink hues.
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Each item from the festive collection is designed by British born, Hong Kong-based designer Emma Wallace. Drawing on her travels in Asia, Wallace’s designs blend together Western and Asian heritage, at the same time taking inspiration from the 1920s and 1970s. Fabric, colour and pattern play are also some of Wallace’s key techniques when creating her collections. Celebrities who love the brand supermodel Coco Rocha and Kimberly Wyatt. The emma Wallace store is located at No. 2 Po Hing Fong Street, Sheung Wan. emma-wallace.com For those who love to dream in decadence, the gift sets bring together pyjamas, slips, kimono gowns, eye masks and scrunches. Shopping for a mum who loves to match with their mini-me? Then the baby and adult robe set is the selfie-worthy gift their Instagram feed has been waiting for. There are no chicer gifts for babies, mums and anyone who longs to slumber in style.
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MOMOMI Give the gift of comfort this Christmas with Momomi’s Soft Touch Tatami Mat. Both baby and child-friendly, the mat is soft to touch and perfect for walking or resting on. As the International Innovative Design Award 2020, the mat is designed to be very easy to clean, non-pilling, does not shed hair and quick to dry. And best of all, it looks stylish and harmoniously blends with most floors and furniture in your home.
With a range of sizes and 11 tasteful colours, the Soft Touch Tatami Mat is not only a beautiful piece of decoration in your living space, but also for family to sit and lie on it to spend quality time together – giving you a sense of cosiness and relaxation that is perfect for Christmas. If you would like to give one to a friend or family member this season, the brand also offers gift vouchers so they can choose their ideal colour and size.
Each mat is also ethically produced. This means Momomi provides sustainable income for its female artisans and empowers them to further develop and promote their skills. The mat is coloured using only eco-friendly and non-toxic dyes that are free from AZO, making it better for the future of our planet, child-safe and pet-friendly. momomijapan.com
SodaMagic Give your drinks an upgrade with the help of SodaMagic. It offers sparkling water machines and CO2 refills, so you can make carbonated water, personalised to your taste, in the comfort of your home. The ‘Auto’ machine is perfect for individuals who want to make their own sparkling water and flavored carbonated beverages in seconds. Just push the button one time and the machine will start and stop automatically. If you’re new to the world of carbonating your own drinks, the Starter Kit includes one SodaMagic Sparkling Water Machine, one CO2 Cylinder (for up to 52 liters and one 1 Liter Plastic Carbonating Bottle. This Christmas, impress your guests and make your own carbonated drinks the way you like – with high, medium or low carbonation. There’s also no need to carry, store or dispose of heavy bottles anymore, making it an eco-friendly option. When your CO2 cylinder is empty, SodaMagic offers CO2 refills.
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And of course, all of its machines are modern and trendy and fit the look and style of all kitchens. sodamagic.hk
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PLANTIN KAVIARI
cuts, Basque Country cold cuts, cheese aged in Toulouse, premium fruit juices from Alain Milliat and chilled meat and poultry flown in fresh from France. For those who appreciate the finer things in life, Plantin Kaviari is offering a range of gift hampers for the festive season. They are currently offering three unique sets with a 10 percent discount or you can custom make your own hamper with chocolate by Valrhona, signature Kristal Caviar by Kaviari and even fresh black and white truffle and truffle delicacies by Plantin. If you’re looking to spruce up your Christmas dinner, Plantin Kaviari’s fresh selection of goose, capon, turkey, foie gras, beef tenderloin, veal roti, lamb leg can be delivered by Christmas Eve if you order before 1pm on December 13. Order online at: plantinkaviari.hk Contact the team by WhatsApp: 94516412
Specialising in fine dining since 2009, Plantin Kaviari has been providing premium gourmet products to top hotels and restaurants in the city. Joining hands with a range of French producers, the online retailer delivers home Caviar from Kaviari, fresh truffles and truffle delicacies from Plantin, Foie Gras from Les Landes, Valrhona chocolates, Polmard beef
DAVISAGE Shower your loved ones with some self care items this holiday. Founded on the principles of specialised knowledge and science, DAVISAGE focuses on producing high quality anti-aging products for the face and hands. Through their luxuriously crafted products, DAVISAGE was hand-picked to become an Official Partner for the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club, Royal Edition 2021 Showcase. Their most popular products include the Face X’cercise Visager tool, the Handie Bottle and the Wrinkle Smoothers. These have all won acclaimed international awards in the beauty and wellbeing categories.
DVS Face X’cercise VISAGER $1,380
The DVS Visager, a patented design, is a unique all-in-one exercise and massage tool that uses state of the art Japanese technology to stimulate cellular renewal, boost collagen regeneration and improve skin elasticity. It goes hand in hand with the DAVISAGE Face X’cercise program, a series of stylishly made video tutorials, that focuses on the neck and face muscles.
The DVS Wrinkle Smoothers are designed specifically for the face. These anti-wrinkle tape patches address the physical element of deep lines and fine wrinkles, providing instantly noticeable results overnight. Lastly, The Handie Bottle has dual tubes–one with hand sanitizer and another with luxurious anti-aging hand cream made in France with the finest black orchid oil, which soothes and reduces fine lines. Use code HKLiving at checkout for a 15% discount and free Wrinkle Smoothers set. davisage.com
DVS Wrinkle Smoothers $880 DVS Handie Bottle $280
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MODA FLORA
Highlights from this year’s collection include the store’s Signature Mini Decorated Fresh Christmas Tree, which are available in 30cm, 40cm and 50cm sizes. They come either decorated, or if you prefer to do so yourself, Moda Flora will provide all the materials and supplies, from fairy lights and flashing LED lights to personalised wooden ornaments.
If you wish to go down the faux tree route, Moda Flora also offers the Premium Quality Pre-Lit Artificial Christmas Tree. Sizing five, six and seven feet in height, the trees are remarkably realistic with options of green and flocked trees.
Walking through Queen’s Road, Sheung Wan, Moda Flora’s shop at 235 Queen’s Road Central is sure to catch your eye. Decked and filled to the brim with Christmas goodies, Moda Flora Santa’s Workshop stocks over 300 Christmas-related essentials, such as Christmas trees, Christmas tree decorations, personalised santa sacks, stockings, ornaments, toys, hampers and even handmade Gingerbread cookies from Queensland Australia.
Lastly, children will love the Personalised Santa Sack and Stockings. Moda Flora understands that Christmas is especially important for kids and how to make this exciting and joyful time meaningful and magical. hkchristmas.com
Marks & Spencer
If you can’t decide what delicious snack to give this year, M&S has pre-made 10 hampers ranging in price and themes to give your loved ones a treat this Christmas. Shop in store or via M&S Hong Kong App https://bit.ly/HKLivingDec21 now.
No Christmas Day is complete without some M&S goodies. Their 2021 limited Christmas food and gift collections have something for everyone, from cookie gift boxes, Christmas desserts and snacks including its first-ever light-up chocolate box and light-up gins in a variety of festive flavours including Clementine, Spiced Sugar Plum and a Madagascan Vanilla Light Up Snow Globe Gin Liqueur.
Even M&S’s beloved characters have donned their festive frocks for the occasion. Percy Pig has been made into a Percy The Pig Hot Chocolate Bomb, Percy Musical Tins and Percy & Penny Vanilla Biscuits.
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DREAM CRUISES If you desire to escape Hong Kong this Christmas, Genting Dream will be transformed into a winter wonderland with gingerbread town and festive decorations. For two or three nights, you and your loved ones can indulge in a Scandinavian feast and check out the goodies at the Christmas Market onboard.
A wide variety of events await you on your cruise holiday. For the little ones, the Little Dreamers Academy at Sea will introduce the legend of St. Lucia in Swedish folklore and the mysterious story of the Icelandic Yule Lads. Meanwhile, entertain yourself with the Very Christmas, a Christmas spectacular with all the elements you love in a yuletide show – with a unique twist. And if you like arts and crafts, the Nordic Art Lab has prepared a range of activities including the Norway Northern Lights Scratch Art and Nordic Christmas Ornament Making workshops. If that’s not enough, Genting Dream has prepared a feast onboard. Dig in on roast turkey, slipper lobster, gammon ham and on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, with ginger-spiced chocolate cake, Christmas cookies, Scandinavian caramel florentine torte and more as desserts. All of this is completely free! Set sail and get ready for a white Nordic Christmas adventure this season!
BeCandle
your own candle experience of blending your personal scent from its curated fragrance collection and hand pour your very own candle. This month, it is running a special Christmas Smells class – a sensual journey to explore your imaginations about the long awaited festival. BeCandle’s staff will guide you through the creative process and help you find inspiration from your precious Christmas stories to
create your own unique scent. Fill your home with Christmas scents this season with BeCandle’s festive collection. The Sai Kung-based homegrown brand has introduced two new 500g holiday scents for you to share with your loved ones. Tangerine Cinnamon Sweet is an enticing and spicy sensation of cinnamon whilst Pine Needle is a woody, ambery and zingy smell of the old pine tree. BeCandle also hosts workshops for you to have
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Founded in 2012, BeCandle’s creations are all handmade at their Sai Kung Factory using a blend of vegetal and soy wax, fine fragrances and essential oils from Europe, then housed in hand-blown glass vessels. @BeCandle_SaiKung www.becandle.com.hk BeCandle Shop: 18B Sai Kung Tai Street, Sai Kung BeCandle Lab: 8 Wang Street, Sai Kung T: +852 8481 7684
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M FLORIST Founded in 2017, homegrown brand M Florist specialises in online flower delivery and creating unique displays for high end fashion brands and luxury hotel groups, weddings and corporate events.
This holiday season, it has released a new bouquet theme for you and your loved ones. Named the Peppermint Parade, these Christmas flowers are strikingly red with a hint of pink, featuring vibrant, festive hues to get you into the holiday spirit. Christmas wreaths are also available. https://mflorist.hk/
2°EAST
As a bonus, for every watch sold, 2°EAST’s partner Trees for the Future plants 30 trees to help end hunger, poverty and deforestation. This is a watch that doesn’t just look and feel good – but does good too.
Give the gift of kindness this Christmas. 2°EAST is a Hong Kong-based, female-founded company that makes quality, everyday watches for men, women and children.
Hong Kong Living readers can enjoy 15 percent off with code HK15 between now and February 2022. Free shipping is available on all orders within Hong Kong and Singapore. 2degreeseast.com
The brand takes pride in creating watches that don’t cost the earth, using only high quality ecofriendly materials, ethical practices and a direct and transparent process from the manufacturer to the consumer. With 2°EAST, it’s cool to be kind again. Its products are incredibly comfortable with easily interchangeable strap options that include printed NATOs in a variety of colourful patterns (think tropical fruits, tigers and triangles), soft vegetable tanned leather and fine stainless steel or rose gold mesh.
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C
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Christmas Charity Lunch December 9th (Thurs)
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Session One: 11:45am - 1:30pm Session Two: 2:00pm - 3:45pm
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Venue: COMO Italian Restaurant & Bar
Join Us For • • • •
Three-course Festive Meal Free-flow Wine Raffle Prize Draw Exciting Christmas Quiz
Scan to get your tickets now In Support of:
Venue Sponsor:
Wine Sponsor:
Raffle Prizes:
Wicks & Co. 24 | SOUTHSIDE
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Hand poured, aromatic vegan candles.
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Stanley Plaza Chrismas Market 2017
A Wild West Adventure at Stanley Plaza’s Christmas Market Fairy lights, Christmas bites and plenty of holiday trinkets to buy SOUTHSIDE | 25
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With a picturesque promenade, a host of waterfront restaurants and a network of stores sprinkled around Stanley Market and Stanley Plaza, this quaint coastal town is a neighbourhood rich with history, a sense of community and this month, the Christmas spirit. While you might be used to this area’s budget-friendly souvenirs, local bites and convenient beaches, you can expect all that and much more for the month of December. If you’re like us, we love a Christmas market—ones that brim with fruity, spiced smells, holiday jingles and lots of festive stalls stocked with everything from handcrafted baubles to seasonal delicacies. If you’re on the hunt for holiday plans, the city will, without a doubt, have plenty
going on in the weeks to come. Though sometimes, it can be nice to branch out to the parts of Hong Kong that you don’t necessarily get to spend a leisurely amount of time in, which is a shame because these outlying neighbourhoods (particularly the ones around Southside) have a lot to offer when it comes to wholesome, family activities. If you’ve spent previous years in Hong Kong wishing for the Christmas spirit to come around but it never felt quite right, Stanley is looking to fill that gap with its own huge holiday celebration—with a twist.
That’s right, folks. It’s a Wild West Adventure Christmas Market at Stanley Plaza. Taking place on most weekends in December including Christmas Day, this open-air, 60-stall festive extravaganza certainly doesn’t stop at the makeshift shops—there’s something for everyone.
Christmas treats and trinkets for all As it is the season to be jolly, Stanley and its community have decided to make the most of it for you and your beloved (fur babies,
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cover story too!) with the first eight-day Christmas Market, bringing over 60 much-loved brands under one roof. Vendors will include Blue Bottle Coffee, French chocolatier Marquise De Sevigne, Hong Kong spirits label Perfume Trees Gin, burger chain Honbo, Instagram’s favourite café Infinity C by October, LIFETASTIC cake shop, Twenty One From Eight pantry, and the list goes on. Spend $1,000 or above at Stanley Plaza, Murray House or the Stanley Christmas Market and you’ll get a limited-edition ‘Wild Cactus’ glass (while stocks last)!
Picture-perfect moments at Gold Rush Town For those who tend to go a little snap-happy during the holidays, there will be Christmas decorations strewn up everywhere at Gold Rush Town. Immerse yourself in this ‘Christmas in the Old West’ experience that’s decked with cowboy decor and log cabindesigned booths. Get in the holiday mood by dawning a cowboy outfit and posing in front of a metres-high cask and a giant hat that sits atop an ice cream parlor in the middle of the Plaza.
A Yuletide rush for gold If you’ve got the kids in tow, you’ll want to keep them busy while you and your spouse browse and sip on copious amounts of mulled wine and beer. Once again, the friendly neighbourhood market has got you covered. Bringing jolly vibes to an all time high, they’re bringing a gold rush game to these festive weekends in December. The winner gets to take home a pure gold charm of their own from justgold. Merrymakers enroute to this fun-filled destination can also soak up the Yuletide spirit with three Christmas-inspired online games to win gifts.
Chicken Nanban Burrito from KOME KUSHI (Booth 56)
Hey Candy (Booth 24) Pure Gold Charm sponsored by justgold
The holiday spirit will hit its peak with a visit from Santa Claus for the little ones at Murray House, which is the historical building that functions as one of the backdrops to this Wild West Adventure Christmas Market.
Free shuttle services with all-round health protection To facilitate travellers and residents to and from the venue, Stanley Plaza offers free land and sea shuttles between Stanley and various districts on the Island during the event period. Meanwhile, there will be no hourly parking service on the event dates.
Delicacies from King Parrot Group (Booth 55, 59, 60)
Visitors can reserve their slots in advance via the ‘Park & Dine’ mobile app on a first come, first served basis. For more details, please visit stanleyplazachristmas2021.com. Dates: 11th to 12th, 18th to 19th, 24th to 27th December 2021 (Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays in three consecutive weeks) Venue: G/F, Amphitheatre and public space, Stanley Plaza Enquiry hotline: 6508 7573
PinGift (Booth37)
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Christmas with all the trimmings Where to get your fill of festive feasts this year, from dine-in menus to delivery specials
Relish Relish, the private events and catering company in Southside, is serving up a creative spin on Christmas feasts—from bacon wrapped turkey rolls with sage and onion stuffing, and a crispy Spanish whole suckling pig with an apple and rhubarb relish, to their perfectly cooked New Zealand beef wellington. Order this Family Style Festive Feast through their online store, and have it delivered freshly baked and ready to serve to your guests. Each feast comes with Christmas crackers for that extra bit of holiday cheer. relish.com.hk
The Butchers Club The Butchers Club in Wong Chuk Hang is the perfect place to bring friends, families and colleagues for a traditional Christmas lunch. The Christmas Lunch menu is available at $300 per person every day in December and has options for tempting add-ons, including a freeflow package which includes mulled wine or apple cider. Choose between a bacon wrapped turkey medallion and a USDA angus prime and enjoy it with roast carrots and parsnips, triplecooked roast potatoes, sage & onion stuffing and creamed brussel sprouts. thebutchers.club
Rajasthan Rifles Join Rajasthan Rifles for an unrivalled festive experience at The Peak. Offering a special Christmas Eve dinner ($888 per person) featuring made-to-order chaat and special off-menu dishes, this spot showcases Angloindian flavours that are sure to impress. rajasthanrifles.com
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christmas dinner
Buenos Aires Polo Club Buenos Aires Polo Club invites you to feast upon their Festín de Navidad menu ($898 per person) that brings together South American inspired cuisine with classic festive trimmings. Start your Christmas meal with a glass of wine, before delving into the indulgent menu, featuring signature General Pico Black Angus Prime Rib accompanied by classic sides, all enjoyed family-style for a convivial holiday experience. bapoloclub.com
Feather & Bone The specially curated Christmas Sharing Menu ($598 per person) showcases signature dishes and classic festive treats. From delicate Pecan Praline with Pomegranate Salumi, House-made ‘Smoked Brisket’ Pastrami, Brussels Sprouts and FAB’s muchloved House Slaw, to Christmas Pudding and Eggnog Custard, the menu speaks for itself. For more festive spirit(s), guests can pair their Christmas feast with free-flow packages starting from $298. featherandbone.com.hk
La Rotisserie Are you looking for a cosy Christmas dinner at home with your family and friends? Avoid unnecessary stress this festive season with delectable Christmas catering from La Rotisserie. Completing the ultimate festive feast, La Rotisserie will be accompanying its French poultry with homemade gravy and cranberry sauce, sautéed French beans with sweet potatoes and chestnut, truffle parmesan mashed potatoes, homestyle festive stuffing, brussels sprouts and more. larotisserie.com.hk
smoke & barrel Smoke & Barrel is planning a Christmas Day menu ($588 per person) with a mouthwatering offering including Prawn Cocktail, Smoked Terrine, Roasted Pumpkin Salad, Smoked Turkey, Hot Smoked Salmon, Signature Smoked Platter, and a selection of sides. Combine all that with some dessert and mulled wine and you’ve got all the makings of a fantastic festive meal. smokeandbarrelhk.com
Grand Hyatt Hong Kong This year, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong is offering a range of festive dining options, from sumptuous buffet feast at Tiffin and Grand Cafe to share with your family, romantic steak dinner at Grand Hyatt Steakhouse, to premium seafood barbecue dinner at The Grill by the pool, the choices are plenty for your every festive celebration. On New Year’s Eve, join their Grand Masquerade Countdown Dinner, which features a dinner buffet, fantastic live entertainment, and a chance to toast to a wonderful 2022 ahead! hongkong.grand.hyattrestaurants.com
La rambla The optimist ‘Tis the season at The Optimist, where indulgent specials take you through the month of December and right through to New Year’s Eve. If roasted chicken doesn’t do it for you, there’s also suckling pig, lobster rice and seafood tower. theoptimist.hk
Serving a selection of yuletide treats right up to New Year brunch, La Rambla is killing it in the food department this winter. From roasted spring chicken, suckling pig to monkfish, lobster, clams and mussels stew, lobster paella, uni doughnut, foie gras mi cuit, canelon with truffle bechamel as well as signature sangrias and free-flow options, you’ll be spoilt for choice. larambla.hk
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BOXING DAY WALKS Where to stroll with the family to get that festive feel Trio Beach
Best for The perfect place to enjoy picnics your Christmas leftovers, Trio Beach is just a few hours walk away from Che Keng Tuk village in Sai Kung. Make your way along Hong Fu Road and you’ll end up on a trail surrounded by wild flowers and lush greenery. The trail includes some steep inclines but it’s worth it when you see the views over Hebe Haven from above. Once you reach the beach, If you don’t feel like walking back, catch a Sampan to Pak Sha Wan instead.
The Peak Circle walk
Be
st fo There’s no better place views r to be on a crisp morning than on top of The Peak overlooking Hong Kong’s stunning skyline. Not only is The Peak Circle hike one of the easiest hikes in Hong Kong, it is also one of the most popular hikes in Hong Kong due to its accessibility for all levels of hikers including children, elderly and even dogs. It might not be what you’re looking for when it comes to burning those holiday calories but you can continue your festive celebrations at one of the many restaurants in the area.
Mui Wo to Discovery Bay The Lo Fu Tau Country trail is a scenic hike which takes you from Mui Wo to Discovery Bay. We recommend starting
Best for photos
the hike from Mui Wo as you would be hiking down instead of up. The hike will take you past Silvermine Waterfall and once you’re closer to DB, you encounter large boulders called Standing Rock. These boulders are laid out on top of a hill which make for insta-worthy photos, you can even photoshop Santa’s sleigh on top of one of them!
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holiday hikes Tai Tam Family Walk
Best fo
r Perfect for families, dog Southwalkers and those wanting siders a relaxing stroll, Tai Tam Family Walk is easily accessible from Central and offers sweeping natural views. Halfway through your walk, head straight towards Violet Hill, before turning left at a dam where you will find plenty of big fish to feed. The hike will lead you towards Stanley where you can continue the festivities with a slap up lunch.
Pak Tam Chung Nature Trail
Best
for A popular trail located in history Sai Kung Country Park, lovers Pak Tam Chung Nature Trail is the perfect walk to collect your thoughts after celebrating the holidays. The trail is mostly covered providing plenty of shade throughout the day and has a range of geographical features including mudflats and mangrove beds. The trail ends up around the Sheung Yiu Folk Museum where visitors can learn about Sai Kung’s Hakka history.
Parkview to Jardine’s Lookout
Best fo natura r l views
If you’re looking for an easy hike with incredible views, this one’s for you. The hike begins at the intersection of Wilson Trail and Hong Kong Trail. Follow the sign that points towards Jardine’s Lookout and you’ll reach the top in under 30 minutes. From up high, enjoy a bird’s eye view of Victoria Harbour and the surrounding skyscrapers. If you’re up for a challenge, continue the hike to Mount Butler, which involves more stairs and will take you all the way to Quarry Bay.
Dragon’s Back A classic Hong Kong hike for Best fo r locals and visitors, Dragon’s a late Back is the perfect hike for lunch scenic views, a relaxing stroll and lunch at Big Wave Bay. The hike starts just before Shek O and after a 20-minute climb, you’ll find yourself on the Shek O Peninsula Viewing Point overlooking the beach. From here the winding trails are relatively flat with a few uphill and downhill sections inspiring the hike’s iconic name.
Lamma Island Family Trail The Lamma Island Family Best for Trail connects the two ferry strollers piers, Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan (we recommend starting at Sok Kwu Wan as the trail is quieter and ferries are more frequent from Yung Shue Wan). What’s different about this particular trail is that it is fully pathed with no steep inclines or stairs, making it perfect for strollers. The trail is the perfect boxing day out complete with sea views and snacks along the way. Once you arrive at either ferry pier, tuck into a seafood feast before heading back to Central.
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pets
Ask a vet...
Dr Pauline shares her tips to avoid a visit to an ER this festive season Dr Pauline Pets Central veterinarian
Christmas treats
Decorations
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, and bleached. Upon testing, many have shown traces of arsenic, mercury, chromium and formaldehyde to name a few, certainly not ingredients to feed our pets.
Certain flowers and plants are dangerous to our pets. Lilies, all parts of them, are fatal to cats causing renal failure. 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.
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. 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.
Activities Anxious animals, who may be upset by the “extra activities” around them, may turn to objects to chew to release their stress. 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.
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horoscope
Written in the stars Letao Wang, The Kingdom Healer shares his insights on what the stars hold for you this month thehealingkingdom.com
AQUARIUS The planetary configuration will emphasize respect for personal boundaries and those of others. Try to build relationships based on tolerance and acceptance. In doing so, you will create more mature bonds that will accompany you for the rest of your life.
TAURUS You will focus your energies on material and spiritual security, Taurus. Try to consciously work on strengthening your self-esteem and overcoming old beliefs to regain abundance in your life. Certainty and confidence grow in your heart, not in the accumulation of material goods.
LEO Planetary energies propose breaking through stagnation and self-imposed limitations, Leo. Seek freedom in whatever area of your life you feel trapped. Sign up for an academic course and other expansion strategies. Have fun with your dearest friends and don’t forget to be grateful for all the blessings life has given you.
SCORPIO Trust your dreams, Scorpio, and don’t lose sight of the goal despite the obstacles. Your enthusiasm and recklessness will give you the motivation you need to accomplish what you set out to do. Don’t let impulsivity make you take shortcuts that put your goals at stake.
PISCES Your intense connection with the source of inner wisdom can lead to unexpected revelations. Therefore, pay attention to the signs that appear during this time. If you have vivid dreams, write down all their messages in a notebook. Later you will find meaning in them that will change your life.
GEMINI As long as you practice self-control and caution, it will be a very profitable time for your work affairs. So, plan for lucrative investments and ventures. Be guided by your common sense, Gemini, rather than by hunches based on superstitions.
VIRGO If you usually behave based on your emotions, now you will feel more cautious when making decisions. You will prefer practical solutions and will feel apt to participate in intellectual matters. Take advantage of this period to start a work project, as it may become a lasting way of earning a living.
SAGITTARIUS It will be a propitious time to engage in philosophical discussions, Sagittarius. Your wisdom and knowledge are vast enough to teach others. Consider giving classes in a university course. You’ll be so enthusiastic about it that you may want to make it your new profession.
ARIES Connecting with your feelings will help you to engage with the essence of your being. The planetary configuration will encourage you to link with your individuality and to affirm yourself personally. Remember that vulnerability is not a weakness, Aries.
CANCER Work demands will be hard to cope with. Your hypersensitivity will cause your emotions to fluctuate and will put more obstacles in your way. However, staying at home and not facing the real world may bring unfavorable consequences. Find the strength to get out of your bed and get your work done, Cancer.
LIBRA You may experience some difficulty expressing your feelings, Libra. Your partner or romantic interest may sense that you reject them, so try to explain what’s happening. Avoid beginning romantic relationships out of interest in material goods or to achieve a better social status.
CAPRICORN You will feel a duality and contradiction concerning different areas of your life. You will start new activities and challenges with enthusiasm, but you will lack the necessary perseverance to complete them. Do not expect to have things clear about your future at this time.
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visible
I see you, Katie Flowers
Jill Carter shares the story of an art-educator-turned-art-therapist and entrepreneur At age 59, art educator Katie Flowers made the bold decision to leave the security, safety, and salary of a job she’d loved for 14 years to venture off and start her own business. A respected art teacher at a top international school in Hong Kong, she’d grown close to her many adored students, colleagues and especially her “work-wife” Claire, whom she shared the art room with for a decade and a half. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it began a journey to her true self, following a vision that began in 2009. At the heart of Katie’s story is a theme of a woman who found her voice through creativity, curiosity, positivity, and resilience. Now as an Art Therapist and Mixed Media Artist at her Central studio, “Wild at Art Studio”, she helps others to do the same. “I don’t teach people how to paint,” she explained. “I utilise art to foster a safe community of self-expression. What art offers is a vital voice that people can’t always access otherwise. This is the gift of art. It’s the most precious journey and your art can become your own best friend.” Katie’s journey into art therapy began after her mother’s death in 2008. “I couldn’t face going back to England without my mother being there, she was my closest friend.” A solution-focused person, Katie decided she needed something else to look forward to in England, “another highlight to go back to instead of a gaping hole.” Katie took unpaid leave from work and traveled to the U.K. in 2009 to attend a 4-day art journaling retreat, “Call of the Wild Soul”. That’s when the lightbulb went off. She realised, “This is me.” Upon returning to Hong Kong, she began holding weekend art retreats for women and a weekly “Gin and Tonic Art Club” in her garden on Lamma Island. She began formulating the plan for a future creative business with a target of starting when her son Christie would go off to university. Katie’s life journey was not always easy but her vision and openness to change and support from a few cheerleaders has carried her forward. Claire calls her a “possibilitarian”. Katie’s resilience solidified at age 13, when her relatively idyllic upbringing was rocked by her mother’s announcement that she wanted a divorce. Katie’s father agreed to grant her the divorce on the condition that he
would keep Katie, and her mother agreed, taking her brother and most of the furniture with her. When asked about this painful time, Katie explained, “I didn’t feel like a bargaining chip. But I became the emotional caretaker of my father, had too much freedom, and eventually went off the rails educationally, leaving school at 16.” Katie maintained her relationship with her mother, made herself a sanctuary in her self-decorated bedroom and listened to jazz with her father. Music, dancing, theatre, poetry, and art would continue to play an important role in her life through every stage. During her teaching years, Katie signed up for a yearlong intensive counseling course through the St. John’s service. One of the exercises from the workshop was to create a vision board. A single mom at the time, Katie collaged an image of a glowing, loving couple at the top of the board. A year later, attendees were asked to reunite at St. John’s with their vision boards to check in. Katie was carrying her vision board to the session when she bumped into Eric, whom she’d been introduced to previously by a friend. The chance meeting would begin their relationship, now in its 18th year, with the couple recently marrying. Fate, destiny, or the vision board? Maybe all. After her mother’s death, Katie entered a follow up counseling course, a highly cathartic experience with a small number of attendees and three counselors, who used intensive therapy and role playing to address deep issues. This allowed Katie to work through the teenage sorrow and hurt of losing her mum the first Katie Flowers time. She then chose to train in Art Therapy and this enabled her to “re-mother herself, through poetry, art and letters to my teenage self”. Katie’s role model was her godmother, Auntie Irene, who lived until age 96, and married at the age of 70. She spoke her mind and drank champagne every day. Like Katie, she was positive, full of energy, fun and loving. “It’s important to me to help people realise that we are not fixed… we’re dynamic, we have the capacity to change and heal ourselves” Katie says. Quoting Jenny Joseph’s poem “When I am Old”, Katie said, “When I am old, I shall wear purple with a red hat that doesn’t go…” Katie smiled and added, “I’m in my purple years. I’m eccentric, highly forgetful, that’s what you can expect.” Her advice? “Humor is vital… stay curious, look forward and do nice things for yourself and others. I don’t feel invisible. I’m 62 going on 15.”
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Jill Carter As a talented professional photographer in the middle of completing her Masters in Counselling, Carter uses her monthly column to touch on what it’s like to feel unseen or overlooked when women turn a certain age. She tells the amazing stories that go unnoticed because of this. jillcarterphotography.com
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zim city
Who killed the wild boars? Paul Zimmerman’s take on the recent boar kills in Hong Kong
Soon after a police officer was bitten by a wild boar in Tin Hau, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) announced its new policy whereby it will capture pigs appearing in urban areas “for humane dispatch.” A few days later, seven boars were put down at Shum Wan Road near the entrance to Ocean Park’s WaterWorld. This caused a public outcry. Aligned with ramshackle shipyards, the dead-end road can hardly be described as urban. The pigs were lured with bread before being shot with a tranquiliser to allow safe injection with a deadly poison. The harsh action appeared poorly justified by the clumsy chase of a wild pig in a car park. As with other incidents, the otherwise docile animals will attack and win when cornered. Leave them alone and they will saunter off into the vegetation. What was less known of the sounder of pigs at Shum Wan Road is that they were regularly fed. Just a few weeks earlier a local TV station broadcasted a video of an elderly lady arriving by taxi, throwing large amounts of food out of the window. The resulting feeding frenzy was a regular occurrence. From 2018 to
October of this year, the AFCD conducted 12 capture operations at the site, and relocated 35 wild pigs to remote locations and sterilised 27 of them. The feeding of feral and wild animals attracts wild pigs to gather in urban areas, as does the poor management of refuse. Garbage bins which can be easily raided by wildlife; household waste rich with leftover food deposited on the side of the road; and refuse collection points too small for the population they serve; are attracting wildlife. This nutritious garbage left by humans increases the reproduction of cats, dogs and pigs beyond the feeding capacity of our natural environment. Rather than blaming the AFCD for killing wild boars, we need to stop the misplaced do-gooders who feed wildlife. Stop the feeding and the animals will forage the abundant vegetation in our countryside. Moreover, next time you encounter a wild boar, calmly check whether the animal can easily disappear into the wild. If you do find yourself in the way of an animal’s escape route such as between fences along a footpath, step behind a
tree or fence, and wait for it to walk by. Importantly, to stop the culling of our wildlife, stop the feeding and keep refuse secure.
Paul Zimmerman is CEO of Designing Hong Kong and Vice-Chairman of the Southern District Council. He has been acting as Chairman of the Single-Use Beverage Packaging Working Group and their ‘Drink Without Waste’ initiative since 2017.
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MERRY
Christmas
& A HAPPY NEW YEAR
Season‘s Greetings from our valued suppliers
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