Hong Kong | cheriecity.co.uk

The Best Things To Do In Hong Kong

January 3, 2014 by cheriecity

Hong Kong is full of exciting places and activities to immerse yourself in the city’s unique culture and history. Why not sample authentic Chinese food with a foodie tour or a dim sum cooking class, visit a historic temple or view Hong Kong from its highest point.

Here are some of the best things to do in Hong Kong…

Take the Tram up to The Peak

The Peak is the highest point on Hong Kong Island, boasting spectacular views over Victoria Harbour. The Peak Tram climbs the steep incline and it’s lots of fun going past the Hong Kong skyscrapers at sideways angle. The Peak Tram has served Hong Kong since 1888 and is a busy, popular tourist attraction (you have to move quickly to grab a seat).

The Peak has been Hong Kong’s most exclusive neighbourhood since colonial times, attracting Asia’s rich and famous with its lush green hills and level of privacy. The Peak Tower features the Sky Terrace 428 observation deck, where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramas.

Visit a Temple

Built in 1847, Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan is dedicated to the God of Literature (Man) and the God of War (Mo). The two gods were originally worshiped by students and scholars hoping to prosper in their exams during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

The petite, red-hued temple features statues of Chinese gods, two elaborate sedan chairs, gold pots of burning incense and large incense coils hanging from the ceiling. It’s an atmospheric, historic building and a calm haven away from bustling Hollywood Road.

Take a Foodie Tour

Hong Kong Foodie Tasting Tours are a fun way to spend an afternoon munching around Hong Kong’s affordable local eateries. Discover signature specialities at each stop such as wonton soup, dim sum, BBQ roast pork and steamed rice, sugar cane juice, Chinese tea and egg custard tarts.

The Hong Kong Foodie Tasting Tour: Central & Sheung Wan is priced at HK $690 for Grown-up Foodies (age 15 and above) and HK$490 for Young Foodies (age 5-14).

Sail Victoria Harbour by Night

See Hong Kong’s fabulous Victoria Harbour by night with an evening sail on the Aqua Luna. Operated by Aqua, the high-end Asian restaurant group, Aqua Luna is a beautifully hand-crafted ship, inspired by traditional Chinese fishing junk.

Relax on the upper deck loungers with a cocktail or two and enjoy the dazzling Symphony of Lights with a soundtrack of sultry lounge music and popular Chinese pop songs.

Take a Dim Sum Cooking Class

Spend a couple of hours learning how to make dim sum with a professional chef at Easy 123 Dining & Cooking Studio at K11 Art Mall in Tsim Sha Tsui.

We visited for a private Dim Sum Cooking Class and were taught how to make deep-fried spring rolls in a squid shape, adorable penguin dumplings and traditional shrimp dumplings.

All of the ingredients are already prepared, so you can concentrate on the fun bits. The patient, friendly chefs are on hand to correct any misshapen dim sum, so the class really is suited to all cooking abilities. Once the dim sum are cooked, you can sample your creations or take them home for later.

The Dim Sum Cooking Class costs 400 HKD per person and includes recipes, an apron, ingredients and refreshments.

Visit a Winery

The 8th Estate Winery on Ap Lei Chau Island is the first urban winery in Asia, bringing the world’s best grapes to Hong Kong. The ultra-cool winery is housed in a warehouse building with neighbouring creative brands and artist studios in an up-and-coming part of Hong Kong.

As well as heavy-duty wine producing machines, the winery also features an atmospheric barrel room for private tastings and a fabulous outdoor garden terrace for parties, events and barbecues.

To produce the wine, grapes are harvested and flash frozen, then shipped to Hong Kong and produced at the winery. The wine is then left to age in French and American oak barrels.

The 8th Estate Winery hosts special tours and a number of events throughout the year including yoga classes. When visiting, be sure to leave a few spare hours to visit the nearby Horizon Plaza designer shopping outlet – you won’t want to miss it.

For more things to do in Hong Kong, visit: www.discoverhongkong.com

Cyprus, Hong Kong, London, Newcastle, Paris, Restaurants

The Best Foodie Moments of 2013

December 31, 2013 by cheriecity

2013 has been a year of amazing foodie adventures, from low-key, local discoveries to hot Michelin-starred restaurants on the other side of the world.

My biggest highlight of the year was visiting China twice and being blown away by the incredible, authentic food there, particularly the addictive dim sum.

It’s been a year of trying new delicacies such as sea cucumber and abalone, embracing the joys of halloumi and finding some of the best burgers ever.

It’s tough to narrow them down to a small list, but here are some of my favourite foodie moments from 2013…

Temple Restaurant Beijing

Housed in a Ming Dynasty Tibetan temple with slick, contemporary interiors, Temple Restaurant Beijing is one of the coolest places to eat in Beijing. The five course Weekend Brunch is fabulous and surprisingly well-priced.

Le Castiglione Paris

Loved by Sofia Coppola and Lara Stone, Le Casti burger at Le Castiglione on rue Saint-Honoré, oozes deliciousness and is truly worthy of its legendary status.

Lardo, London

With the best pizzas in Hackney and tempting antipasti, Lardo is my new favourite local Italian restaurant and well worth a visit.

Ralph’s, Paris

The stylish restaurant inside the Ralph Lauren flagship store brings a touch of New England country club chic to the Left Bank. It’s a must for a juicy, American style Ralph’s Burger or a drink in the stunning courtyard.

L’Abeille at Shangri-La Paris

It was a delight to dine at two Michelin star restaurant L’Abeille and have the pleasure of meeting Executive Chef Philippe Labbé during my stay at Shangri-La Paris. There is real artistry in the food and it’s a beautifully choreographed, unforgettable dining experience.

Asiate at Mandarin Oriental New York

I adored the fun, bento brunch concept and exquisite food, matched with spectacular views over Central Park at Asiate at Mandarin Oriental New York.

The Bar at Hôtel Costes, Paris

This is the first year I’ve braved walking into Hôtel Costes and it was surprisingly relaxed and atmospheric with charming staff. The cocktails are expensive and tend not to veer far from the classics (mine was a Negroni), but it’s worth visiting at least once for a chic drink and some tasty bar plates.

Street Feast, London

2013 was the year that London street food really upped its game with more adventurous food and elaborate settings than ever. My Street Feast summer love-in was a flurry of dreamy burgers from Mother Flipper and Honest Burger, The Rib Man’s insanely tasty pulled pork rolls and lobster mac and cheese at B.O.B’s Lobster.

Night Tales, London

While Street Feast moved over to Hawker House, Night Tales kept the party going in Dalston with incredible Patty & Bun burgers, Hot Negronis, QuiQuiRiQui Mezcal cocktails, Le Petit Paris French toast and seriously delicious Soya Milk Fried Chicken and Steamed Pork Buns by BAO.

Sweet Revenge, New York

Bringing together cupcakes and booze, Sweet Revenge is one of the coolest spots in the West Village for an afternoon indulgence. I recommend the signature Sweet Revenge® cupcake with a cup of Spiked Spiced Cider.

Duddell’s, Hong Kong

The first restaurant within an art gallery in Hong Kong, Duddell’s has the feel of a private member’s club and serves superior dim sum and innovative cocktails.

Tony’s Taverna, Cyprus

I’ve been a little late to the halloumi party, but I now can’t get enough of it after trying the very best fried and baked local cheeses, alongside other delicious meze, at Tony’s Taverna and Taverna Mousikos in Cyprus.

DinTaiFung, Shanghai

The dim sum at the Asian super chain Din Tai Fung is definitely worth shouting about. It was here that I first tried Xiao Long Bao (meat or fish dumplings filled with broth) and learned how to eat them gracefully, without them exploding into a hot, soupy mess.

What was your top foodie discovery of 2013? Where are your new favourite restaurants?

All photos by Chérie City

Accessories, Designers, Fashion, Hong Kong, Shopping, Stores

The Best Places to Shop in Hong Kong

December 11, 2013 by cheriecity

My recent trip to Hong Kong was all about the food, with more dim sum than I ever thought I could devour, however there was a small window in the itinerary for a spot of shopping.

Hong Kong is a shopper’s paradise with everything from local, inexpensive Chinese markets and outlet stores to slick concept malls and designer flagship stores that can’t be found in the UK.

K11 Art Mall (Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon)

The world’s first art shopping mall in Tsim Sha Tsui is one of Kowloon’s coolest spots and the perfect place to find unique pieces and gifts. K11 works with the Hong Kong art community to showcase emerging and international artists with regular exhibitions and events. I saw some quirky, unusual artworks during my visit, including a Mona Lisa portrait made entirely of toast.

K11 Design Store features lifestyle and design products while K11 Select hosts individual designer concession stores such as Daydream Nation, Shiny Beetle and kapok TOOLS.

Fashion stores at K11 tend to be fun, young brands including Dr. Martens, Kipling, Y-3, Fiorucci, Paul & Joe Beauté and Melvita.

TIKKA (Sheung Wan, Hong Kong)

After an uphill trek in the blistering heat, I was delighted to stumble across TIKKA on hip Gough Street in Sheung Wan, just a few doors down from agnès b. cafe l.p.g. Doris Qiu’s two-floor boutique stocks international designers such as Loeffler Randall, Daydream Nation, American Retro, Minna Parikka and Monserrat de Lucca, alongside her own label Doris Q.

TIKKA’s offering is well-edited and the clothes and accessories are so eye-catching that it’s difficult to leave empty handed. There is a good range of affordable and investment pieces and the store has a young, edgy vibe.

Harbour City (Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon)

Harbour City in Kowloon is one of Hong Kong’s largest and most impressive shopping destinations, made up of three malls with over 450 shops, around 50 restaurants, three hotels and two cinemas.

Every luxury fashion brand worth its salt has a store at Harbour City, including Balenciaga, Alexander Wang, Chloe, Bottega Veneta, 3.1 Phillip Lim and Hermès. However, it’s not only about high end, as you can also find more affordable stores such as Jack Wills, Hoss Intropia, Levi’s, Muji and Superdry.

Harbour City is also great for dining with stylish Chinese restaurants such as the two Michelin star yè shanghai and House of Jasmine, plus luxurious sweet treats at Pierre Hermé Paris, Ladurée and Jean-Paul Hévin. Be sure to take an afternoon tea pitstop at C’est La B. and relax over a pot of fine tea and a selection of exquisite, creative cakes.

IFC Mall (Central, Hong Kong)

The International Finance Centre Mall is a bright, extensive mall on the waterfront of Hong Kong’s bustling Central district. It’s ever so slightly less dazzling than Harbour City, but offers more interesting niche brands such as Tsumori Chisato, Repetto, Pomellato, Kate Spade New York, Atsuyo Tayama and Santa Maria Novella.

It’s also worth dining at IFC Mall, as there are some great eateries such as agnès b. LE PAIN GRILLÉ, Le Salon de Thé de Joël Robuchon, St. Betty and Petite Amanda patisserie.

Horizon Plaza (Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong)

After visiting The 8th Estate Winery on Ap Lei Chau (a small island just off Aberdeen), our tour guide Frank took us on a mini detour that he knew us girls would appreciate. Horizon Plaza is a discount outlet mega-store with 28th floors of designer and premium high street clothing and homeware shopping.

Brands with their own outlet stores at Horizon Plaza include Yves Saint Laurent, Ralph Lauren, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Shanghai Tang, Joyce and Hugo Boss.

Entering the Lane Crawford outlet shop is like going to fashion heaven, it really is that good. Many of the pieces are past season, but it’s fun to pick up a bargain and spot key collection pieces such as a Christopher Kane aqua gel-filled PVC clutch or the Meadham Kirchhoff sparkle pom pom platforms.

Designer gems that caught my eye were a bright yellow Proenza Schouler PS1 bag, Tabitha Simmons heels, Marni sandals, a Stella McCartney silk tuxedo jacket and a whole rail of Carven delights. There are plenty of wardrobe staples and classics to be found, but those with a fearless sense of style will be in their element at Horizon Plaza.

We had less than half an hour at Horizon Plaza (and literally had to be torn away), but on a return trip to Hong Kong, I would schedule at least half a day to explore it from top to bottom. You can even have a quick bite there at the delighted furniture store Tree with its stylish in-store cafe, or an indulgent cupcake from Sift Patisserie.

Causeway Bay

Causeway Bay is like the Oxford Circus of Hong Kong with everything from four floors of Asian youth fashion brands at the colourful Island Beverly to entry-level designer labels such as Zadig & Voltaire, Vivienne Westwood, Stefanel and Vivienne Tam at Fashion Walk. Times Square is home to a large Lane Crawford store and over 230 store in the mall, which connects conveniently to the Causeway Bay MTR station.

For more shopping ideas in Hong Kong, visit: www.discoverhongkong.com

All photos by Chérie City

Hong Kong, Hotels, Hotels - Design

A Wonderful Stay at Hotel ICON in Hong Kong

November 25, 2013 by cheriecity

Hotel ICON in Hong Kong is the most innovative, forward-thinking five star hotel that I’ve ever visited. With its cool design, thoughtful touches and enthusiastic service, it sets the benchmark for luxury design hotels.

Location

Located in vibrant Tsim Sha Tsui, Hotel ICON is well-placed for exploring Kowloon’s designer shops and restaurants and easily crossing over to Hong Kong island.

Owned by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hotel ICON also acts as a revolutionary teaching hotel, providing on-site internships for hospitality students and a research facility for professors. Many of Hotel ICON’s initiatives have been so successful that other leading hotels have adopted their methods.

Arrival

As soon as I entered Hotel ICON after an overnight flight I felt instantly revived as I walked through a blast of powerful air-conditioning and was greeted by the lively staff, who were dressed in a cool uniform of pastel yellow and light grey.

The lobby is bright and airy with a soaring ceiling, a striking vertical garden (designed by renowned botanist Patrick Blanc) and a fresh aroma.

Our check-in was organised from the comfort of the sofas at the stylish Above & Beyond club lounge on the 28th floor, designed by Conran and Partners. We were also warmly welcomed with a glass of Champagne and a selection of canapés and mini scones with jam and clotted cream.

Club level

Above & Beyond comprises a cosy lounge area, a slick bar and high end dining room. It has the feel of a private members club and offers daily complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails and canapés to club level guests.

The Room

My Club 36 City & Harbour room was large and contemporary, boasting spectacular floor to ceiling views over Victoria Harbour and Kowloon. It is designed in neutral urban colours with dark wood accents and wooden floors and a large blue and grey jigsaw pattern rug.

Room features include a 40″ HDTV with NOW TV channels, Blu-ray disc player, BOSE sound dock, free wifi, a wifi phone with free local calls, a large work desk, a comfy leather armchair and lots of wardrobe space.

Hotel ICON offers an overwhelming number of thoughtful touches. In my room was a well-stocked stationary box, a smart writing set, cool notepads, plenty of Hong Kong tourism guides and maps and a shiny new HP printer.

My king-size bed was heavenly and luxurious, covered in crisp, fine linen. At each evening turndown there was a new treat to be enjoyed – during my stay I was given hand-made chocolates, macarons and chocolate dipped strawberries. I also loved the welcome jars of iced gems and haw strips to nibble on.

To make sure guests are never peckish or thirsty in their rooms, Hotel ICON offers a free mini bar filled with Diet Coke, San Pellegrino, Heineken and bottled mineral water, plus snacks including Pringles, mini Snickers and Twix bars and healthy cereal bars, replenished daily.

As if that wasn’t enough, another welcome home comfort is a Nespresso machine and kettle with a selection of Taylor’s of Harrogate teas.

The slick, expansive charcoal and white bathroom features a deep soaking bathtub with TV and a separate walk-in rainshower. There are plenty of fluffy towels, bathrobe and slippers, plus a handy washbag filled with grooming essentials.

The only thing that didn’t impress was the set of Leonard Paris Eau Fabuleuse bathroom products. I found the quality and scent unappealing and can’t help thinking that such a hip, design-led room warrants a more luxurious brand like (MALIN+GOETZ), L’Occitane or Shanghai Tang.

During my stay, I made use of the complimentary HK100 dry clean/laundry credit, which is a usually over-priced service that I rarely use in hotels. Housekeeping came to pick up my dress in the morning and it was ready hanging in the closet freshly dry cleaned when I returned that evening.

Vivienne Tam Suite

Hotel ICON is made even cooler with its very own ‘fashion suite’ by designer and Hong Kong Polytechnic University alumni, Vivienne Tam. Inspired by her New York apartment, the Designer Suite by Vivienne Tam features smooth wood interiors, floor to ceiling panoramic windows and statement furniture such as a vibrant red sofa and a writing desk carved out of Japanese cherry wood. The suite is filled with Chinese artwork, most notably a portrait of ‘Opera Girl’ made entirely of Swarovski crystals.

Breakfast

Complimentary breakfast for club guests is served in Above & Beyond or The Market on the second floor. I enjoyed waffles and pancakes and yoghurt from the buffet while taking in morning views over the harbour in Above & Beyond.

The breakfast buffet at The Market is impressively extensive and chefs are on hand to cook eggs and hot dishes to order. It’s worth visiting both restaurants for variety, however I did personally like the tranquility, panoramic views and table service at Above & Beyond.

Lunch at Above & Beyond

We were lucky enough to also enjoy a leisurely Sunday Dim Sum lunch at Above & Beyond during our stay. Even though the restaurant is on the club level, it is open to non-residential guests for lunch and dinner.

We feasted on Pan-fried Lobster with Egg White and Black Truffles, Steamed Shrimp Dumplings, Shrimp Siu Mai, BBQ Kagoshima Pork, Crispy Taro Cake with Whole Abalone, Bejing BBQ Duck and my favourite Shanghai-style Xiao Long Bao dumplings.

Executive Chef Joseph Tse invited us into the kitchen to see his team and work and demonstrated how to cook Pork in Sweet and Sour Sauce – a classic dish with his own unique flair.

Another place to dine at Hotel ICON is Green, the inviting ground floor cafe that leads on the from lobby. It’s a bright and airy space where guests can enjoy afternoon tea, light bites or a glass of wine.

Pool & Spa

A real highlight of staying at Hotel ICON is the fabulous outdoor heated pool with its expansive sun deck, pool bar and spectacular skyline views. Our Hong Kong itinerary was jam-packed, but on the last day, we spent a late-afternoon swimming before enjoying a enjoying a spa treatment at the hotel’s stylish Angsana Spa by Banyan Tree.

My wonderful therapist Krishna gave me a such a relaxing Hydrating Facial that I almost drifted off. It was the perfect way to end the trip and unwind before our evening flight.

An innovative feature at Hotel ICON is the private Timeless Lounge, which guests can use before their room is ready or once they have checked out. The comfortable lounge features complimentary Nespresso coffee, Taylors of Harrogate teas, soft drinks, magazines, newspapers and free wifi. It’s even possible to use the swimming pool and spa facilities, so you can stay relaxed and refreshed.

Hotel ICON is without a doubt one of the world’s best design hotels and a stay there is sure to be luxurious and memorable. It’s a fresh, modern take on the hotel experience and one of the most exciting places to stay in Hong Kong.

For more information and booking, visit: www.hotel-icon.com

Cathay Pacific flies five times daily to Hong Kong from London Heathrow. Fly to Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific from £589. To book your flights, visit: www.cathaypacific.co.uk.

Chérie City was a guest of Hotel ICON and Hong Kong Tourism Board

Photos by Chérie City and Hotel ICON

Hong Kong, Tours

Great Reasons to Book a Hong Kong Food Tour

October 28, 2013 by cheriecity

When travelling, it can be difficult to find really good, reputable spots to enjoy tasty, authentic local food. Hong Kong Foodie Tasting Tours are a great way to find these hidden gems and sample signature dishes, without the research, hassle or getting lost along the way.

We took a foodie tour of Central and Sheung Wan on our first full day in Hong Kong, immersing ourselves in the sights, sounds and smells of the districts.

Our excellent tour guide Silvana showed us how to eat like locals, introducing small independent, family-run eateries that aren’t on the tourist trail.

We arrived to meet the tour group at The L Place at 2.15pm, having just enjoyed a Dim Sum lunch at Duddell’s in Central. With already full stomachs, we were daunted by the prospect of more food, but luckily the taster dishes were spread over 3 hours 45 minutes with plenty of walking in between. The amount of food offered at each stop is generous, so you can make the tour a late lunch or have a light snack before.

Tsim Chai Kee Noodle

Our first stop was the nearby Tsim Chai Kee Noodle for a hearty bowl of King Prawn Wonton Noodle. This informal, subterranean canteen is known for its excellent, budget wonton noodles and it attracts a queue everyday for lunch. It was recommended in the 2010 Michelin Guide and focuses on just six house dishes, including Fish Ball Noodle and Fresh Sliced Beef Noodle.

We were served a large bowl of steamed, silky king prawn wontons and slim noodles in a perfectly seasoned, comforting broth. It was one of the best wonton noodles I’ve ever tasted and an unbelievable bargain at just HK $20 (around £1.60). I recommend making Tsim Chai Kee Noodle part of your itinerary for a light and affordable lunch that will leave you with enough spending money for evening cocktails.

Lung Kee Restaurant

After a short walk uphill, we visited Lung Kee Restaurant for their house speciality, Barbecued Pork Rice. The tiny, no-frills restaurant is attached to a speciality meat shop, where barbecued duck, goose and pork are sold. Lung Kee also produces barbecued meat for a number of restaurants in Hong Kong, who favour its slow-cooked, fatty meats.

Lung Kee’s barbecue pork is succulent and juicy, with a honeyed sweetness on the edges and the plain steamed rice lets the flavours of the pork stand out. It’s a great place for a quick barbecued meat fix when in Central.

Gage Street Market

On the way to our next stop, Silvana talked us through the fresh produce at the open market on Gage Street, introducing us to Asian vegetables such as winter melon and locally-popular fish. We also stopped outside a shop with a rather pungent aroma, selling dried seafood such as scallops, oysters, abalone and even shark fin.

Kung Lee Sugar Cane Juice

By now, we were ready to cool down at Kung Lee Sugar Cane Juice. Opened in 1948, the old-fashioned, family-run shop serves sugar cane juice fresh from the press and is also known for its turtle herbal jelly. Sugar cane juice is refreshing, light and very sweet, plus it has an impressive number of health benefits, from aiding digestion to warding off flu.

Tea Studio

Feeling revived from the sugar cane juice, we headed to Sheung Wan and walked past Man Mo Temple and the many independent boutiques and cafes. We visited Tea Studio, a haven for tea-lovers that could easily be missed from the busy street.

Tea master Ivan Chiu offered us a welcome drink of green tea before we had a tasting of different kinds of tea. He explained the origins and character of different teas and how Chinese people select a tea depending on their body’s needs. He told us that green tea cools the body, while Oolong is good for digestion and white tea benefits the skin.

He answered all of our tea-related questions and then performed a traditional tea ceremony, which we were all invited to try ourselves. It was a fun, educational part of the tour and all foodie tour guests are offered 20% off all purchases. I bought some exquisite Iron Buddha Oolong tea to take home and it came presented in a red box and little canvas tote bag – perfect as a souvenir or gift.

Dim Sum Square

It was then time to indulge again at nearby Dim Sum Square. We tried a selection of Dim Sum including Har Gao (shrimp dumplings), Siu Mai (pork dumplings), Jaa Chun Guen (spring rolls) and Char Siu Bao (crispy BBQ pork bun). The Dim Sim was pretty good for a cheap lunch on the go, but I found the sugar-dusted Char Siu Bao a little too sweet.

Hei Lee Cake Shop

For a light dessert, we headed on to Hei Lee Cake Shop for a delicious Daan Taat (egg tart), warm and fresh from the oven. This petite Chinese pastry shop also offers savoury and sweet buns, biscuits and filled pastries that are baked daily on the premises.

The Hong Kong Foodie Tasting Tour is a fun, active way to discover Hong Kong’s foodie spots. The tour leaflet also includes a list of recommended restaurants serving authentic Chinese food to visit at leisure.

The Hong Kong Foodie Tasting Tour: Central & Sheung Wan is priced at HK $690 for Grown-up Foodies (age 15 and above) and HK$490 for Young Foodies (age 5-14). For more information and booking, visit: www.hongkongfoodietours.com

Chérie City was a guest of Hong Kong Tourism Board

All photos by Chérie City

Afternoon tea, Cafes, Hong Kong, Patisserie

A Great Afternoon Tea at C’est La B in Hong Kong

October 8, 2013 by cheriecity

A highlight of my recent trip to Hong Kong was afternoon tea at the newly-opened branch of C’est La B in Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui.

Founded by lifestyle guru Bonnae Gokson, C’est La B is a stylish, whimsical cafe-bar where the cakes are just as colourful as the interiors.

Bonnae Gokson

A popular style icon in Asia, Bonnae Gokson began her career in luxury fashion retail working with her older sister Joyce Ma, founder of the pioneering designer boutique group Joyce. Bonnae can also be credited with bringing brands such as Armani, Prada and Chanel to Asia and putting her stamp on W and Ritz-Carlton hotel groups.

Moving seamlessly between fashion and cake, Bonnae’s sweet empire includes two other C’est la B outlets, Ms B’s Cakery on Sheung Wan’s Gough Street and the ultra-chic SEVVA rooftop bar.

Location

The newest C’est la B cafe is located in Hong Kong’s high end shopping mall Harbour City and counts designer brands such as Alexander Wang, Coach, Lanvin and Fendi as neighbours. It’s the perfect place for a chic afternoon indulgence after a spot of shopping.

The sleek black exterior and a wall of butterflies lead to a petite cafe designed in bold monochrome stripes and vibrant jewel tones. We were seated and ordered from a selection of teas while the friendly staff talked us through the full range of eye-catching cakes and desserts.

The Cakes

This season’s quirky cakes take inspiration from nature, with stunning checkerboard and layered chiffon cakes finished with exquisite sugar butterflies and flowers. While the cakes look impossibly vivid, they are in fact coloured using only natural ingredients such as beetroot and taro.

We ordered a selection to share and they came beautifully-presented on a special ‘B’ cakestand and patterned china plates.

I particularly enjoyed the Lady in Red (raspberry mirror with lychee cream and berry sponge), Madame Butterfly (beetroot, pistachio and chocolate layered chiffon with apricot compote and fresh cream) and the cheekily-named Better Than Sex (chocolate fudge cake with choc-coated caramel crunch and salted caramel toffee).

All of the cakes we tried were surprisingly light and not overly sweet, plus there are even gluten and sugar-free cakes, including the brilliant OMG! cake.

I accompanied the cakes with a pot of fine Earl Grey Tea, however wine and Champagne are also available, to make it even more luxurious.

While C’est La B is renowned for its creative cakes, it also offers savoury dishes such as rainbow club sandwiches, pot pies, pasta and salads. Just be sure to leave some room for dessert!

For more information, visit: www.msbscakery.hk

Chérie City was a guest of Hong Kong Tourism Board

Photos by Chérie City (Bonnae Gokson by Tatler)

Hong Kong, Restaurants

Amazing Places to Eat Out in Hong Kong

September 27, 2013 by cheriecity

Hong Kong’s dining scene is a truly thrilling part of any visit, from endless baskets of mouth-watering Dim Sum to innovative modern Chinese cuisine and starry celebrity chef restaurants. Here are some fabulous places to eat in Hong Kong…

Nanhai No. 1 – Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

Nanhai No.1 is a contemporary Chinese restaurant that boasts one Michelin star and impressive panoramas over Victoria Harbour, where you can watch the Symphony of Lights from the Eye Bar outdoor deck. Located on the 30th floor of Tsim Tsa Tsui’s bright and shiny entertainment complex iSQUARE, Nanhai No.1 attracts a well-heeled crowd of locals and in-the-know visitors.

Interestingly, Nanhai No.1 is named after the Chinese naval explorer Zheng He’s 15th-century treasure ship and references his exploration of the South China sea region. The restaurant is features various maritime artefacts and the staff even wear cool nautical striped jersey tops and designer jeans.

Executive Chef Tsang Wai Kiu’s menu offers classic Chinese dishes with a modern, inventive twist. Unlike some high end Hong Kong restaurants that try to impress by importing much of their produce, the fresh daily catch at Nanhai No.1 is sourced from local waters.

We enjoyed a steady succession of mouth-watering dishes such as Crispy Shredded Yam, Marinated Yam, Deep-Fried Crispy Squid, Corn and Fresh Crab Meat Soup and Jasmine Tea Smoked Chicken.

I was particularly impressed with the enormous Pan-Fried Giant Scallop, the spicy and fragrant King Prawn in Bang Sauce with Fried Mantou and the restaurant’s famous Crispy and Steamed Rice served in Lobster Consommé. Many of the dishes we tried were fried or very rich, so be prepared to indulge.

I would recommend Nanhai No.1 as a perfect first dinner in Hong Kong to start your trip in style and marvel at the harbour’s light show, or on your last evening as a memorable farewell.

Duddell’s – Central, Hong Kong Island

Duddell’s is Hong Kong’s first restaurant within a gallery, located on the upper floors of the marble-covered Shanghai Tang Mansion in Central.

Duddell’s serves exceptional Dim Sum and Cantonese dishes, created by Executive Chef Siu Hin Chi (former Michelin star chef at The Langham’s T’ang Court), in an elegant dining room and upstairs salon with a charming outdoor terrace.

Behind Duddell’s is a trio of Hong Kong’s young hospitality elite – Alan Lo, Yenn Wong and Paulo Pong. Their combined ventures include The Press Room, The Pawn, JIA boutique hotels, 208 Duecento Otto and Jason Atherton’s 22 Ships.

Beautifully designed by Ilse Crawford (Soho House NY, Cecconi’s and Babington House), it has the feel of a discreet private member’s club, however, the only member’s space is the library. The cultural programme at Duddell’s features well-curated Asian and international art exhibitions, alongside talks, performances and film screenings.

We were treated to a Dim Sum lunch of Steamed Kurobuta Pork Dumplings with Crab Roe, Steamed Shrimp Dumpling with Bird’s Nest, Steamed Barbecue Pork Bun, Shrimp Spring Roll with Garlic and Crispy Noodles with Prawn.

Desserts were a velvety Avocado and Chocolate Sago Cream and Osmanthus and Red Bean Jelly.

The tea menu at Duddell’s is a tassophile’s dream with an impressive selection of rare and aged teas. Our petite cups of robust Yunnan Pu-Erh tea were constantly refilled and we were well looked after.

The artisan Asian-influenced cocktails by award-winning mixologist Alexandre Chattéand are beautifully-presented and definitely worth trying. Signature drinks include the Gong Bi Mary, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Reviver and the 5 Spice Margarita.

Duddell’s has recently launched its tempting Saturday Salon Brunch with unlimited Dim Sum and Cantonese dishes and free-flowing Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut Champagne, served in the salon and garden terrace.

Above & Beyond – Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

While staying at the innovative, design-led Hotel ICON, I was delighted that we had the chance to try its fine dining restaurant, Above & Beyond.

Designed by Conran and Partners, Above & Beyond marries slick design with a calm atmosphere and stunning floor to ceiling views from the 28th floor. At the helm is Executive Chef Joseph Tse (formerly Chef de Cuisine at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong and The Aberdeen Marina Club’s Horizon), whose classic Chinese dishes from a variety of regions are simply exquisite.

We relaxed over a traditional Dim Sum lunch including Pan-fried Lobster with Egg White and Black Truffles, Steamed Shrimp Dumplings, Shrimp Siu Mai, BBQ Kagoshima Pork, Crispy Taro Cake with Whole Abalone and my favourite Shanghai-style Xiao Long Bao dumplings.

We just about managed to leave some room after the Dim Sum for the magnificent Beijing BBQ Duck served with light, airy pancakes, spring onion, cucumber and hoi sin sauce. Everything was washed down with Summer Iced Tea and cups of Oolong tea. Then it was off to the kitchen to watch Chef Joseph Tse prepare a dish.

The kitchen was curiously calm yet full of theatre, with flaming stoves roaring with boiling water and puffs of billowing steam.

Chef Joseph demonstrated how to prepare Pork in a Sweet and Sour Sauce, talking us through each stage. The meticulously finished dish not only looked tempting, but it was the perfect balance of tender and crispy.

Xi Yan Sweets – Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island

Xi Yan Sweets is the petite contemporary Chinese restaurant of celebrity chef Jacky Yu. Making his name with the immensely popular Xi Yan private kitchen restaurant, Jacky Yu now has Xi Yan restaurants in Hong Kong and one in Singapore.

Based in Wan Chai’s Starstreet cultural complex, Xi Yan Sweets is small and intimate, with bright red walls, light wood furniture and artwork adorning the walls.

The menu features an interesting selection of Chinese fusion dishes such as Shaoxing Wine Marinated Chicken Wings with Sour Plum, shredded jelly fish and cucumber in wasabi sesame sauce, greenhouse tomatoes in wasabi sesame sauce, Cold Tofu and Pickled Sauce, Sichuan Spicy Chicken and Grandma’s Braised Beef.

The dishes at Xi Yan Sweets taste healthy and light, however a few of the cold dishes failed to excite. It’s worth visiting if you’re a fan of Jacky Yu, or have a sweet tooth for the extensive dessert menu.

agnès b. cafe l.p.g – Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island

Fashion lovers will be delighted to discover the immense popularity of French lifestyle brand agnès b in Hong Kong. The agnès b. group includes the chic French restaurant agnès b. le pain grillé, the more casual agnès b. cafe l.p.g and agnès b. branded cake shops, high end florists and art galleries.

After a long weekend of indulgent, rich food, I stopped by for a simple bowl of French Onion Soup and an Iced Tea at the beautifully-designed agnès b. cafe l.p.g tucked away on Gough Street in hip Sheung Wan.

The soup was light, well-seasoned and comforting with a tasty Gruyère crouton. My Mariage Frères Iced Tea was served in a take-out clear cup and I was given a bottle of gomme syrup to sweeten.

The filled baguettes and large salads looked tempting and I regret delaying my sugar fix and not trying one of the pretty little cakes. I also loved the in-store florist filled with stunning roses and wish there could be an agnès b. cafe and florist closer to home.

For more exciting dining experiences in Hong Kong, look out for the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, from 31 October to 3 November.

Chérie City was a guest of Hong Kong Tourism Board.

Photos by Chérie City (except interior shots by Nanhai No.1, Duddells and Above & Beyond).

Bars, Hong Kong

The Best Bars in Hong Kong

September 18, 2013 by cheriecity

On a humid, balmy evening in Hong Kong, there can be nothing better than enjoying spectacular views over Victoria Harbour at one of the city’s stylish rooftop bars.

Of course, there is more to the Hong Kong bar scene than view-boasting open-air drinking (usually the higher up, the better) – the city also offers a number of innovative, design-led bars and fabulous, fiercely air-conditioned luxury hotel bars.

Here are five cool Hong Kong bars that are sure to impress….

OZONE at Ritz Carlton Hong Kong – Kowloon

For stylish cocktails close to the clouds, find a seat on the open-air terrace of OZONE. Perched on the 118th floor of the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, an impressive 490m above sea-level, OZONE is officially the highest bar in the world.

Designed by Masamichi Katayama’s hip design company Wonderwall, the geometric, neon-flooded bar has a futuristic, clubby feel but it’s the outdoor terrace that draws in the crowds for unrivalled sunset views over the city and Victoria Harbour.

OZONE’s international and Asian-inspired cocktails are expertly-mixed and well-presented and there is a tempting menu of Asian tapas dishes to accompany drinks. For something more exciting than a classic glass of Champagne, try the delicate and refreshing Lychee Royale – lychee juice, lychee liqueur, rose syrup, lemon juice and Champagne.

Felix at The Peninsula – Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

Opened in 1928, Hong Kong landmark hotel The Peninsula is steeped in elegance and colonial grandeur. The gilded white marble lobby filled with palm trees is the destination in Hong Kong for a refined afternoon tea, however we visited Felix, the hotel’s contemporary restaurant and bar for a Sunday nightcap.

Felix’s unmistakable Philippe Starck design is a striking contrast to the old world charm of the lobby. Spectacular floor-to-ceiling views of the twinkling skyline are matched with Starck’s signature design features such as floating white curtains, long communal tables and white chairs printed with the faces of long-time employees.

We sat at The Long Table and ordered cocktails and rose tea, served with a platter of almonds, olives and pastry puffs. Service is surprisingly laid-back and discreet, so we were left in peace to discuss the day and relax after our visit to the bustling night markets.

Before leaving, take in the atmosphere and history of the hotel in the luxurious lobby and look out for the large fleet of Rolls Royces outside, painted in the signature ‘Peninsula green’.

The Pawn – Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island

The Pawn is a cool British-influenced bar and restaurant located in buzzing Wan Chai, equally popular with expats and locals. Housed in a Chinese heritage building dating back to the late 1800s, The Pawn is named after its original life as the famous Woo Cheong Pawn Shop.

The four-floor complex features a charming botanical Rooftop Garden, The Dining Room serving innovative British dishes and The Living Room cocktail lounge with narrow outdoor terrace. As the rooftop bar was closed that evening, we visited The Living Room for cocktails. The Pawn specialises in superior cocktails and we loved the sophisticated Roasted Orange Negroni and Cigar Rum Old Fashioned. It even offers a selection of vintage cigars to be smoked on the terrace.

Designed by local artist Stanley Wong, the refined, clubhouse decor of Chesterfield sofas and restored tiled floors is offset by a hip house music soundtrack. However, the atmosphere is far from stuffy – in fact, guests from one of the two engagement parties in private rooms made an impromptu conga line through the bar, to everyone’s delight.

Wooloomooloo Rooftop Bar – Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island

It would be easy to overlook a steakhouse in Hong Kong with all of the delicious Dim Sum on offer, however, the views from the rooftop bar of Wooloomooloo Steakhouse at the top of Wan Chai’s Hennessy Building are not to be missed. The stylish open-air terrace features plush sofas to sit and marvel at the views over Happy Valley and Victoria Harbour, or you can watch the slick bartenders at work at the central bar.

The limited selection of classic cocktails aren’t particularly exciting, but the panoramic views and smart urban crowd of locals and expats make it a great spot for early evening sundowners.

Aqua Luna – Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon/Central, Hong Kong Island

Who said cool bars can only be found on dry land? Evening cocktails on board the Aqua Luna are the most stylish way to see Hong Kong’s fabulous harbour, boasting front row seats for the dazzling Symphony of Lights. Operated by Aqua, the high-end Asian restaurant group, Aqua Luna is a beautifully hand-crafted ship, inspired by traditional Chinese fishing junk.

Hop on at Tsim Sha Tsui or Central, chill out with a drink on the upper deck sofa beds and enjoy the ride while listening to a mix of sultry lounge music and Chinese pop songs. After a long flight and a restorative dinner, it’s a fun and glam way to ease into Hong Kong.

It was difficult to squeeze in every bar on my list during my whirlwind three-night trip to Hong Kong, but if you have a little longer in the city, why not also try Cafe Gray Bar at The Upper House, lifestyle guru Bonnae Gokson’s plush SEVVA rooftop bar, Honi Honi Tiki Cocktail Lounge and the chic Armani/Privé rooftop bar.

For more tips on where to drink in Hong Kong, visit: www.discoverhongkong.com

Chérie City was a guest of Hong Kong Tourism Board

All photos by Chérie City (except Wooloomooloo exterior and The Pawn interior)