Contemporary Chic Cantonese, Goes With A View Too

It was a week night, but after a hard day’s work, nothing says “perfection” like an intimate boozy meal of delicious authentic Cantonese fare with a small group of friends.

But first… My Whisky and oily salted peanuts, just the way I like it.

Mandy from Hotel Icon invited a me, our Korean rockstar, Julie, with ChristingC and most importantly, HK Food Blogger extraordinaire, Dan of Hungry Hong Kong, for a chill feast at Above & Beyond, Level 28 at Hotel Icon. I got there first, but it was fine with me. If I had the time, I would spend sunset there all the time whenever I want to be surrounded by the comforts of its space, a room designed as a library by the ever so chic, Conran & Partners from London. (They also designed the other F+B destinations at the hotel like Market and GREEN.)

The venue is “way up there”. I mean that because of its location in the hotel, the quality of the food, and an unbeatable view of Hong Kong Island’s iconic urban panorama. Of course for  perfection would be jazz nights on top of the Park Hyatt in Tokyo, but the mood and atmosphere here closer to home, is just fine with me.

The menu is seasonal and excellently prepared each night by Executive Chef, Joseph Tse. Not only does Tse obviously honor tradition with his menu selection and authentic preparation, but he flies off in amazing directions with some special dishes to balance adventure with the classics.

A fatty starter.

Followed by what I have to say… is the richest, most natural tasting, and best Hot & Sour soups I’ve ever had. It makes every Hot & Sour soup I’ve had since taste so much like chemicals and added flavouring. This particular soup is the real deal. It’s all natural flavours with daily fresh ingredients.

In addition we tasted amazing Coral Crab with Glutinous Rice, which is this season’s favorite dish, the house crispy pigeon with Oolong Tea Leaves, and a selection of yummy authentic desserts.

Above & Beyond may very well be my most favorite Cantonese restaurant in Hong Kong for the higher end market, but for low end nothing can beat Ngau Kee on Gough Street in NOHO, (which is unfortunately being kicked out due to higher rent.)

They have a house sommelier that can suggest an excellent wine pairing with your meal.

Thanks so much Mandy for your hospitality and a great dinner.

Meanwhile, every time I pass by Patrick Blanc’s green wall downstairs in the lobby and at the restaurant, GREEN, I just stop and stare in awe… for a long time.

Green Walls are Cool.

EAT Above & Beyond, Level 28 Hotel Icon, No.17 Science Museum Road, TST East, Hong Kong

JJ.

A Mad Man’s New Watering Hole at the Honi Honi Tiki Cocktail Lounge

Here’s something different for urban Hong Kongites, and for my blog… it’s a new Tiki Lounge in the center of the city and let me tell you, it’s fun, fresh, sexy, and refreshing all at once. In my view the newly minted Honi Honi Tiki Cocktail Lounge is a welcome addition to this often “too serious” city that needs to teach it’s urban dwellers to have fun and relax and that good afterwork cocktail drinks can be had in cool places beyond the super pretentious members-only bars or the token Karaoke destination.

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Obamarama!

This photo and tweet was most Re-Tweeted Tweet… around the world… ever.

US President Re-elect @BarackObama announces “Four More Years” on Twitter, and as of this post has had over 810,000 RT’s (ReTweets) and almost 295K Favorites.

For those who have been following the election, and has had NYTIMES or CNNGo on re-fresh every second, probably perceived the obvious even before President Obama’s TWEET, but for some of us… ie. Shelly Hayashi, Proprietor of General Store, HK/China’s Best Americana antique store, and Me, we guessed the win about a week in advance. Call it what you will, or call it intuition, but we then got together with Moustache’s Alex and Ellis to host Hong Kong’s only Election night celebration at Salon No. 10.

Shelly in front of the American Flag.

I was beyond ecstatic at this point.

Ellis and Alex Hard at work over what turned out to be, HK’s best Mac & Cheese.

The dress code was Americana and the entrance fee was “Pot Luck Americana” of which all the guests; Artists, Creatives, Gays, and Democrats Abroad Hong Kong… brought.

American Flag Cupcakes from Katrina.

The girls from KinderU Suzuki Academy, Monica, Allison, and Proprietor  Jennifer and all their American dessert goodies.

Which included this magnificent beauty…. what ever it was.

Shelly made Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches as well as Cheesy Sandwhiches fried on a frying pan. Delish.

In attendance were Ralph Lauren’s Gierdre as a Disneyfied tourist.

Michael clad in BYOB.

Danielle of WHITESPACE with Paul from Democrats Abroad.

Bernadette, with her Beef Chili. (Im gutted I turned vegetarian a week before this.)

Moses and his friend who was there to celebrate both Voter-Approved legalization of Gay Marriage and Marjiuana in a few key states.

With Colorado Cookies…. hmmm what are they?

Also celebrating, Katrina, Nightlife Guru Johannes Pong, and Time Out HK’s Arthur Tam.

Stars and Stripes at the hip.

At the bar… Billy boy.

Artist, Adrian Wong in my favorite herringbone American Apparel pullover.

Mac brings home the pie… appropriately from the American Club.

ChristingC, Dan, and Taiwanese popstar Katie of ROOMIE stopped by as well.

Lingzi in glorious gold.

Jason with 15squarestreet’s Louise who brought a whole package of OBAMABAUMS sold at 15squarestreet and online.

Thanks David and 15squarestreet for these OBAMABAUM, Obama Air Freshners! The guests loved them.

We ended the night re-watching the speech…

The decor by General Store at Salon No.10 was amazing. It felt like Election night in the 60s.

After the speech it was time to turn down the lights to watch some William Belli doing a Wilson Phillips drag impression about Chick-fil-A. Why? Because we CAN.

Thank you Salon No.10 Gang!

SHOP General Store / PARTY Salon No.10 / SMELL FRESH OBAMABAUM

JJ.

Travel Notes: Boracay Beach Reveries

Since Chinese New Year, I realized that I haven’t had a proper vacation from Hong Kong, that’s why when I had the opportunity to spend a few days with family in Boracay Island in the Philippines, I took it.

Walking on White Beach in Hill Menswear Trousers, TOM’s, and Ralph Lauren. Photo by my friend, Dan.

With a bit of space opening up between architectural projects as well as needing a break after most of the month of May was spent towards planning and executing coverage of this year’s ART HK12 as the official online supporting partner, getting the opportunity to have a beach break was well… just the ticket… the only ticket… we needed.

As an added bonus, friends Christing C. of the Fashion Hedonism Blog and her husband Dan were looking to get away from the city for two weeks to celebrate their anniversary. After hardly any convincing, they decided to go as well!

Coming back to Boracay is like coming home. I remember kicking back and enjoying its sandy white beaches as a young kid, which makes me spoiled. And i’m proud of it.

Outfit Posting. It’s More Fun In The Philippines. See the picture here.

Now every time I  go to any beach in the world, I would always unfairly compare them to Boracay’s white soft sands and clean calm warm waters that feel like you’re sitting in a heated swimming pool.

Things have obviously changed since I was a child. These days, Boracay White Beach always makes it to the World’s Top 10 Lists every year. And while I enjoyed staying in beach side huts in the old days, now the only option is to stay in nice hotels if one wanted beach front property. Progress is controlled for the most part, so it can still feel like a real getaway. There’s a small town, not really a city, parallel to the waterfront and you need a boat to get to the island, so the feeling is still raw. Modern amenities and places to eat and shop are available as needed, with a collection of some of the best bars and restaurants on offer in the region. That said, i’ve had luxe friends who paid thousands a night to stay at the Shangri-La or paid as low as 20USD a night for a super nice cabana. As a plus, it’s really a family destination… ie. no questionable coupling walking hand in hand in the beach… which is a good thing.

Dan’s Havaianas, and my Missoni printed versions.

2-for-1 Daquiris at Fridays. We ordered every fruit flavour available.

The BEST Long Island Iced Teas i’ve ever tasted at the Boracay Regency.

Beyond the drinks, Boracay really shines with it’s foodie offerings. Dan took it upon himself to research restaurants before getting to the island so we wouldn’t miss the best of everything. Like this one-pound burger at Bite Club in D’Mall.

Sliced four ways…

True Food Indian Cuisine. Still the best Indian food i’ve tasted in my life. Ive been eating here for years.

We sat on pillows upstairs with a view of the sunset. Superb.

A full selection of Indian AND Middle Eastern choices.

Dan’s favorite dessert, Honey Soaked Dough Balls.

Other places to eat… Italian, Beach Style at Aria. Fresh calamari below…

And their famous 3-Flavour Pizza.

Other things we liked to do… Sunset Drinks anywhere on White Beach.

Or at Nami…

Shopping at Night Markets.

And night drinks while listening to live acoustic music sessions…

At Bom Bom Bar.

Or at Charlh’s Acoustic Bar, Christing’s favorite.

Anyway, as a whole… great in general to get away from Hong Kong and to get a bit of distance. Family helps…

Friends as well. (Thanks for showing us Beach Hut Bar, Cathy!)

Perfect Weather. Trashy Magazines.

Good Times.

Before getting back to Hong Kong, I had to make a stop-over at Ayala Cebu to pick up a few things. I’m always in awe of Malls in the Philippines. They tend to allocate most of of a mall’s given site area to the outdoor public place, creating great catchment while making people want to stay there for longer periods of time.

They even design these plazas around old ancient trees. It’s great.

At night, there are always events happening here. It’s funny how cities now rely on private developers to make public spaces. Cebu is no different.

I was tempted to get this for my friend Denise.

I also want to thank Havaianas HK at Harbour City for outfitting me with a pair of their DIY’s before jetting to the airport!

I probably shouldnt have had this before I left for the beach… oh well.

If only they had these Batman versions for adults. :)

Good Times.

I even made my own #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines Memes! That’s how great that trip was.

+ Eat

ARIA / Beachfront, D’Mall, Station 2 / FACEBOOK

BITE CLUB BURGER / Beachfront, D’Mall, Station 2

NAMI / Diniwid Beach, Boracay

TRUE FOOD / White Beach, Station 2

+ Drink

BEACH HUT BAR / White Beach, Station 1 / FACEBOOK

BOM BOM BAR / White Beach, Station 2

CHARLH’S ACOUSTIC BAR / White Beach, Station 3

FRIDAY’S / White Beach, Station 1

+ Shop

AYALA CEBU / Cebu Business Park, Cebu City / FACEBOOK

HAVAIANAS PHILIPPINES @ ALL FLIP FLOPS / White Beach Station 1 / ONLINE

HAVAIANAS HONG KONG / Shop OTG031, Ocean Terminal Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui / FACEBOOK

+ Fly

Cebu Pacific Airlines / ONLINE

JJ.