Adieu

A wild flower with berries that I picked
in the French campsite in 2006. 

Apart from the fact that life has been quite swell, nothing much going on at work, enjoying my weekends with people I love and care and be contented from the heart; I had just received the most devastating news that a very special someone in my life had passed away in May and it is just on Monday that I have heard about it. I once had imagined getting her a ticket to my wedding one day, and all of this, is too late.

Looking at my plate of couscous during lunch today, I remember the first bite of couscous that I had while I was in France. It was served in a Moroccan restaurant where more than six bottles of wine were consumed during a three-plus-hour lunch at the small town of Montalivet in southern France. She was the one who introduced me to a table of French, Moroccans, South Africans during the meal and it was her that made a part of who I am today.

She was the strongest women that I had ever met in my entire life and she gave me the once of a lifetime chance to spend two weeks with her in France. It was my twentieth summer, after working on a summer job for about a month and earning my fare, I departed for France just two weeks before my college applications were announced. And you know what, it was the best graduation present I have ever got.

Two weeks might be just a blink of the eye, but I will never forget each and every encounter that I had there. During the two weeks living in a tent among the country side near the Bordeaux chateaus and the southern French coastline, I learnt what courage was, how to be adventurous, how to be true to one’s heart and most important of all – carp diem.

Every morning we would wake up at around 5am to get ourselves prepared for the morning marketing, we frequently find ourselves waking up to the cold and misty dawn. A fresh cup of espresso brewed from a small gasoline stove and bread, butter and jam is taken out from the small fridge in our caravan, One of us would brew the hot and comforting coffee while the other takes out the bread. Within minutes, breakfast will be finished and we are set off to the village’s summer market. Arriving at the market, we would park at our usual space and set the stall. Then, we would stroll around the market saying hello to everyone we know. Sometimes we would get some herbal tea, or check out the market to see what we can get for lunch or just a snack. May it be a plate of fresh French oysters; a simple baguette or canneles, it was always something delicious and fulfilling that gave an additional splash of glitter to each summer day.

After the market closes at noon, we would spend our time enjoying ourselves. It would be a trip to the beach, lying in the hammock reading or taking a nap, driving to the chateaus for a slip of wine or to see the wreckages of the World War, each day I saw and felt something new.

Like most French women, she was practical, beautiful, independent, strong-minded and knows what she is doing. Above all, she was loved by those who knew her and stood up for those who she cared and needs helps. Around my mother’s age, she was the one that brought me to my first disco adventure, gave me my first joint, introduced me to French wines and gourmet, gave me the courage to travel by myself (like I practically biked for 20km on my own by the French country side without a light, helmet, nor a compass and was able to find her before the night creeps in) and gave me my first mini-plane ride which spiralled over the French coastline. She taught me not to be stingy with my hugs and kisses, that trying something new is just a process of life and there is no need to be afraid of anything as long as you know what you are doing. Be honest to yourself and other people is difficult, and it is something that not many people can accept, but it is what that makes you different from the commercial society.

Memories seems to be so close and it’s hard to believe that it was eight years ago. Flipping through my incomplete journals entries and looking at the old pictures of the trip, I cannot suppress my tears or the sadness in my heart.  I will continue to have the best of her deep down in my heart. May she rest in peace.


 Adieu my friend.

Locofama

New Year for both the Western and Chinese calendar has ended and it’s time to payback some writing “debts” of the gastronomic experiences which I have acquired during the festive season. Well, actually, during Christmas to be more precise.

Amongst the busy schedules of shopping, sleeping and just getting some time off from work, I was able to get to meet up with some of my friends and colleagues, even if it meant sleeping a few hours less, for brunch.

The first one was Locofama which was hidden in an alley, Fuk Sau Lane, in Sai Wan. It was just past 1pm on Christmas Day and we originally planned to go to Soho and crash into any place that is opened for brunch (tea or whatever). But when we got there, a lot of restaurants told us that their last order was 2pm or they close around that time. So we gave up Soho and my friend suggested going to Sai Wan and seeing if we have any luck with Locofama.

Locofama, an organic diner which was opened in August 2013, was actually infamous for its poor quality of service, despite its wonderful reputation of serving wholesome and delicious organic food. It was around 2pm when we got there with just around 10 customers seated in the 30-seat diner. With rustic furnishings, an open kitchen and a sister organic mart next door, it was perfect for the sunny Christmas Day with its windows wide opened.

 Miracle Berry

My friend heard that Locofama was famous of its organic ingredients and coconut water, so we started our orders with  Miracle Berry (goji berries, red dates and coconut water) for me and an organic soymilk for her. As a coconut fan myself, I quite enjoy my drink. It was a refreshing combination and the coconut meat inside the drink was wonderful to nibble. Additionally, as a firm believer of the benefits of food from the Oriental perspective, the goji berries are perfect for the wiry eyes from hours of looking at electronic devices while the red dates can improve blood circulation, especially ladies with cold hands and feet like me. Meanwhile, for my friend's organic soymilk, it was just ordinary, glad we didn't have much expectations. Since we were pretty stuffed up from the Christmas feasts, we ordered something light to share.

Crab and truffle puff pastry

Oolong tea soba

First it was the Oolong tea soba with black sesame cream, wild mushrooms and basil ($88). The texture of the soba was quite alright, in which many places makes its too soggy nowadays. Sesame flavor filled the palate like any other sesame dressing, but I cannot taste any Oolong in it. Luckily, the mushrooms were very fresh and gave out its own unique aroma, or else it would become another salad-like-soba you get from a Western/fusion/Japanese deli.

Next in line was the puff pastry with crab vol-au-vent (black truffle cream and Atlantic crab; $108). The fillings were wonderful with the delightful truffle and crab flavours but unfortunately, the pastry was quite hard to chew. You can’t really the bite pastry into half  without forgoing your table manners. Additionally, the fillings were too watery. Some of the sauce would drip now the pastry when you bite it, probably they didn’t drain the fillings enough.   

Salmon poached egg

By the time now, my friend was stuffed; while I was very tempted to try its truffle salmon poached egg (Norwegian chilled smoked salmon, crouton, basil olive oil ; $28). And I am so glad I did! It was the best dish! The truffle scent was wondrous while the saltiness of the salmon gave a perfect balance to the perfectly poached egg. Dipping the egg with a toast was definitely a wonderful experience. In terms of its appearance, scent and flavours, its is surely my pick from Locofama.

The rumors about the service of Locofama, I think it can be true. My experience was on a public holiday in which it was half empty, and we still have trouble getting the attention from the staff. The intervals between our dishes was quite normal. Wonder what it would be like it when it has a full-house situation. Or perhaps it would be the best decision to avoid it completely. 
To wrap it all up, Locofama's food is just what I have in mind for an organic restaurant - flavours come from the quality of ingredient that it uses; and that did add a lot of points to their dishes. But from the good reviews it has gotten from the articles I've read on the internet, I thought it would be better. Maybe perhaps it is because most of them were written when the diner first opened up or during normal working days or something. And I must say, the quality of service wasn't that bad, at least the servers were quite friendly and helpful when I do get their attention. Last, but not least, I do appreciate the positive message they try to give to diners and publicizing the benefits of eating healthily and going organic.

Food: 3/5
Value: 3.5/5
Environment: 4/5
Service: 3/5

Locofama
Address: 11 Fuk Sau Lane, 852 Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong 
Tel: 2547 7668

Next up, Sunday roast at St Betty……

2013

The few days between the Christmas and the New Year holidays are usually the period when most people feel a bit confused. First of all, unless you are taking a long holiday break, going to work one day and then off the next day and then going back to the office two days after, obviously makes you confused of the dates and which day of the week it is. Second, among all the booze, parties, recovery sleep and the cold wintery weather, sometimes you don’t know what you are doing, where you are and what time of the day it is. Third, and the most important of all, you get frustrated because you start to reflect on what you did during the past year, and how little you have achieved when there are so much stuff which you can accomplish if you haven’t got addicted to a certain TV series, game or whatever that gives you short-lived and instant pleasure.

 Well, for me it has been more absurd, as I was on shift at the work the majority of December and before I knew it, it was just a day before Christmas Eve, aka my dad’s birthday, and I just have one day to do all my Christmas errands, which does not include getting myself freshened up for the festive season. The lost and hurried December is simply an epitome of what was going on with me during the past year. If 2012 was year of changes with new challenges, 2013 is a year where the changes are settling in to give you panic attacks, obstacles and uncertainties of yourself; and that is that exact moment when you also start to laid foundations to whatever you are trying to build up.

 Being a person of words, sometimes I find myself speechless when I face the various incidents of events, especially dealing with difficult people that don’t understand you or have an ego ten times of themselves. Actions are yet stronger than words, as I mentioned in last year’s article, I didn’t have any clear resolutions for 2013, but I do have some goals in mind that I want to achieve. After 365 days, there are both success and failures; and luckily, little regrets. As the days pass by, I find the voice in my heart stronger and stronger and know that I do have the potentials do what I like and good at.

Life might not always turn out what you want to be, and there is always oppositions since no one on earth would have the exactly same thought as you. That just leads to one move – listen to your inner voice. There are no right or wrong in decisions, there are just those that make you happy or regret.

 2013 is a year in which I am blessed with those who truly care about me. Those who surrounds me with love to keep me going; to listen to me weep when I can’t control myself or the situations I am facing; and to bare with my horrific jokes or insane random ideas. Without these special people, I’m utterly lost; yet, they always know how to found me.

More on 2014 later. Hope you all will have a prosperous year ahead.

Ashes to ashes

During this busy busy month of April, I’ve experience a rollercoaster ride, both physically and emotionally. First of all, it’s my birthday month and received so much love and blessing from all my friends. Second, it’s also the month where I host a very important dinner, in which, made me have an average of 5 hours of sleep during the past two weeks. Third, I have received bad news from two friends which I treasure. All these things had drained me, physically and mentally, and has also triggered me to think about life.

One of the bad news includes a funeral. For very first time in my life, I attended a formal funeral. Though I had attended both of my grandfather’s funeral, it was when I was about 7, which I was completely ignorant and native, and did not understand what death or life truly is. And furthermore, I wasn’t that close with them as I was in Canada when I was young, thus, I hadn’t build up a strong attachment with them, nor did I see my father cry ( I’m pretty sure he did, but he just didn’t want us to see it). So, it was really the first time that I had participated and had an emotional bonding.

When I first heard the news (both bad news together in 24hrs actually), I cried immediately as I didn’t know what to do, and felt helpless that I couldn’t do anything to help my friends. All I know that things are so sudden and couldn’t think straight. I suppose as humans start to grow with wisdom and age, they really do start to understand the four stages of life, birth, aging, sickness and death.

Since I was around twelve, I had a feeling that I was going to die at around the age of 40. I even had imagined my own funeral. It would be filled with white lilies and simple, intimate and peaceful. People would either sing or make a joke for me; the only thing that bothered me a bit was who’s going to attend my funeral. This thought hasn’t’ left me since, but it didn’t really affect my life either, as I know no matter what I will live my life to the fullest or at least, try to make it fill with love and laughter.

After attending the funeral, it gave me some other thoughts. Life isn’t that simple as you think. With all different sorts of obligations, connections and bonding, each and every departure is truly a heart-breaking experience. It’s devastating, tear-jerking and exhausting. So, come to the think of it, may I be selfish enough to leave the world first, at least I know I will go with a smile.

May God bless that she rests in peace and that he can take good care of himself and recover soon.

What are you doing on New Year's Eve?

(I couldn't believe my boy can play and sing so nice =)

Not all new, just 1/5 - Chilean Nite with Vina Leyda

 For those who knows Spanish or simply knows about the lovely and subtle restaurants tucked away in Start Street might know what I am referring to from the title of the post – yes, I went to 1/5 nuevo for dinner!

Even though going there was not a completely new experience for me as I was there around October for one of my best friend’s birthday, this time was different and new because I had new company and it was my first time trying out their wine dinners, so it justifies being 1/5 new. =P

Just happened yesterday was the “Chilean Nite with Vina Leyda”. It was a 6-course dinner with 5 courses (except desert) paired-up with 5 different wines from Viña Leyda, Leyda Valley, which lies to the west of Santiago (14km from the Pacific, meaning very nice and humid weather for harvesting the vineyards). The Viña Leyda was established in 1997 as it was recognized as the potential area for growing grapes and water has to be pumped for 8km from Maipo River for irrigation.



 Marinated Salmon, Rock Oyster and Iberico Ham

So enough with the background, back to the dinner.

First of all, I personally quite like the restaurant because my last experience there was quite nice. Last time, it was a company of 6 people and we had a few tapas and were able to try a series of different things – in which I fell for their seafood paellas. =) (which was comparable to those that I had back in Spain). Apart from the food, what I like about 1/5 nuevo is the furnishing. Those who know me know that I’m a “berry-color” person – meaning I like purples, reds & blues. 1/5 nuevo is covered with a warm blend of reds and art pieces which makes this Aries feels like home. According to my dinner date, a lovely lady from Elite Concepts, said that their boss handpicked the art pieces for the restaurants and also has put a lot of effort in the interior design of the restaurant – and apparently made me a fan.

Paella risotto with saffron
and roasted king prawn

With candles lit and wines glasses all set on the table, our dinner first began with an appetizer selection which included Marinated Salmon, Rock Oyster and Iberico Ham which is paired up with Sauvignon Blanc, Garuma, 2009. The white had a quite thick herbal note with crisp acidity and lingering feeling at the end – good enough to go with the fresh and salty appetizer selection. Always more found of sweetness than acidity, I preferred the second white wine Chardonnay, Falaris Hill, 2009 that went with Paella risotto with saffron and roasted king prawn.  Then it followed by the Pinot Noir Las Brisa, 2008 Magnum with slow cooked ox tongue and ox tail. The Pinot Noir had quite a strong character with a more prominent oaky palate and vanilla aroma, a good choice for the gents (if I remember correctly, it was fermenated in fresh oak barrels for 8 months), but might not for the ladies. Meanwhile, I really appreciate the meat! It was soft and delicious, really good textures and the flavor was rich. I only eat ox tongue during Korean BBQ and never eat pig’s tongue cause I didn't like the feeling of eating a "tongue", but it was so good that I finished it all!



Slow cooked ox tongue and tail

 Roasted pigeon with truffle sauce

Peppered lamb rack
with lime gravy

 Next up was the Roasted pigeon with truffle sauce, paired with Carmenere Talhuen, Colchagua Valley 2007. This was my favorite red among the three as it was more fruity and ample with flavor with works great with the pigeon and truffle sauce. Last main course was the Peppered lamb rack with lime gravy joined with Vintage selection Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Cabernet Franc & Merlot blend, Maipo Valley 2007. Among the different meat dishes, I like this lamb the most as it is cooked to perfection with fresh peppers and salt on the rims of the rack. Most important is that it didn’t have that flavor which I sometimes dislike in lamb, even when it got a bit cold as we chat through the dish. And the wine was in the middle between the previous two, not a bad choice if you have some new company and you don’t know which wine to serve.

Frozen raspberry meringue with fruits jelly

To finish the meal, was the frozen raspberry meringue with fruits jelly – light-weighted desert for such a satisfying dinner.

The atmosphere was good, the food and wine was excellent and the company I had was terrific. I even managed to know the Chef who was quite a gentlemen; subtle,gentle and polite, unlike most of the other Chefs I’ve meet. If it weren’t for the calls from the office, it would be a wonderful dinner. But still, it was a great evening and it is something which I appreciate during the hectic moments of work and reminds me once again, why I am doing what I am doing now.



Sometimes in life you really need some hints and pointers to encourage you, remind you and let you have certain directions and things to look forward to. This dinner was one of them and I am pretty sure the best is yet to come if I strive on to my goals, despite the challenges I'm going through.

Don’t you think? 

Lost for words

Happy Chinese New Year!!

After 4 days of holidays that involves quality time with family, friends and simply being alone, it all comes to the end when the office is opened. Despite working on some freelancing until 3am, I still managed to put a cheerful face to work, with a good cup of coffee and sweet tunes ringing in my ear (yes, I wasted a whole evening trying to put songs in my iPhone..).

The challenge finally arrives when I get back to my seat and sees the workload ahead. The first thing to do was to wrap up the Valentine’s Day features for tomorrow (technically today). I did most of it before the Chinese New Year and I was completely out of vocabulary. Love, affection, intimacy, sweet, admiration, adore…. It occurs to me that it was very ironic that a person who never officially celebrated Valentine’s Day before (ok, passing out cupcakes and Valentine’s in elementary school does not really count), needs to write so much about the occasion. Luckily, I was a girl with unlimited imagination and managed the task.

But what is Valentine’s Day? Another opportunity to spend money, make out or feel sorry for yourself and getting drunk? I might sound too sensible here, but I am definite of the fact that if you are with the right person, everyday is Valentine’s Day. Tokens of love and expressions of affection should not be solely being expressed on this day; they should be reflected through daily interactions. Actions are more concrete than words, attention and patience worth more than a diamond; and a simple kiss is sweeter than three thousand dozens of roses and chocolates.

Before lunch, I had managed to step out of Valentines, but fell into love again for another occasion – Weddings! Actually, I was excited by the topic since late November because my lovely brother is engaged and I have been receiving a lot of good news from friends! Now, it seems a bit depressing of the tight schedules and could not say anything but write, write and write.

 Diamond Romeo & Juliet Rings from Wellendorff

One thing which was able to cheer me up was the Diamond Romeo & Juliet Rings from Wellendorff (it would be better if they can drop the “W”) and also the opportunity to find out the customs and traditions of the engagement and wedding rings. I discovered the reason why we need to put the wedding ring on the fourth finger of the left hand (ring finger). According to Egyptian myths, the vein of love (“Vena amoris” in Latin) directly ran from the heart to the ring finger. And the reason why people wear rings when they are married because the ring was a symbol of the Sun and Moon God which were related to home and hearth. The endless circle showed the eternal nature of the bond, while the open in the center was meant to be a doorway to things unknown – just like marriage.  

Personally, I have a big affection for rings. I go out the door without a watch, a bracelet or a necklace, but I cannot go without a ring or else I will be playing with my fingers the whole day. I would also get myself a ring when I want to give myself a treat, now, after know about the real meaning of a ring, I’ll think again before I get one. =)

Extensions:

Men don’t need to say a lot when actions are the best testimony.

Looking forward to “The King’s Speech”, in theatres in March!

Colin Firth (the beloved Mr. Darcy – Pride & Prejudice and Bridget Jones) is another man which cannot make a good speech, but still expresses his charisma through actions and modesty.

Some rich things in life

Just two days ago, I went to the Central Pier for a product launch of a renowned watch brand. I was able to resist the temptation of a meatball sub from Subway, but I could not escape the lavishing Mocha which was calling me from Leonidas.

My first encounter with the chocolatier can be dated back during my University days when I read an article about the owning company of Leonidas, Confiserie Benji Ltd, was a social enterprise where all the revenue generated after detecting the necessary expenses will be contributed to Benji’s Centre, the first and currently the only charitable organization providing specialized one-to-one professional speech therapy to children and teenagers with communication problems, particular for those from low-income families. At first, I wanted to use the story for my broadcast journalism homework, but it lost to the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Biennale of Urbanism and Architecture at the Central Police Station compound in terms of visual impact.

But then fate puts us back together last Spring when my colleague and I decided to give them coverage on the chocolate brand as well as their surprisingly good Belgian restaurant which was also under the same company. It during was the whole-day interview that I had tasted their hot chocolate and coffee for the very first time. Since then, every time I go by the shop, I couldn’t resist myself from getting a coffee or checking to see if my favorite chocolate of the shop – Coupe Truffle Maracuja (Passion Fruit) was back in town yet; additionally, it was also become a habit of mine to get Leonidas chocolate as treats for friends (and myself) from time to time for a good cause.

Well, after the event on Monday, instead of going to the MTR station directly, I stroll along the harbor side and walked the long flyover in 3 inch heels and cold hands just to get that MUST-HAVE mocha. (MUST-HAVE meaning it’s a Monday afternoon, coffee was out at the office and I was seriously in a holiday mood =). It was smooth, rich and aromatic as usual and made me feel warm from head to toe. What more can you ask for as for a tea break? It made my day and reminded me of one of my favorite quotes:

“Chocolate, coffee and men
– some things are better rich.”

It was a 2-in-1 experience.

Mocha with Ganache (Dark )- $36

Speaking of chocolates, with Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day packed so close against one another, I had been receiving chocolates ever since I got back to the office after the Christmas holidays (and yes, been continuously eating chocolates like I always do). A cute creature which caught my eyes was the 2011 Limited Edition chocolate rabbit from Godiva. The limited edition flavor is black tea with ginger. Wrapped up by a hard chocolate shell is a soft and silky black tea mousse with hints of ginger taste. Frankly speaking, the ginger taste is not that strong until you ate the whole piece of chocolate and you get a bit of gingery spice on your tongue. But I do quite like the crispy hard chocolate shell and the cute image which does reminds me of Easter (and my birthday). =)

Anyways, here’s the Godiva Rabbit!!
Wish you all a blissful Year of the Rabbit.


p.s.: If you are looking for something spicy and chocolaty, try Spicy Chocolate Firecraker from Starbucks;
If you are looking for something with really good tea taste and sweetness of a dessert, try Earl Grey Mousse from Café Corridor (Causewaybay).

Preface

Ever since the internet wave had hit Hong Kong when I was in my early secondary school years, I had kept a blog for my daily emotions and recordings of events. From the most primitive hkflash to xanga, my blogging experience was then forgone with the increasing popularity of facebook (roughly 4 years ago) and at that time it also occurred to me that blogging for personal purposes can be hazardous.

Not until lately, I have another thought about blogging. Being a lifestyle journalist for more a year more, I discovered that there are a lot more things going around town that I thought and yet, so less is being reported or being recognized as a lot of people are looking up upon major brand names and trends and overlooks the minor details in life which make living in Hong Kong an exciting and beautiful journey every single day.

Simultaneously, I realized I rarely had the time to really sit down and think about my own perspective towards things as I was surrounded by information from so many portals that I’ve lost my own opinion. To pick up myself out for the information bloom and adapting a more skeptical view towards things that I get in touch with, admiring and criticizing at the same time, it was a need to recover my blogging habits and really share my opinions with others. I do not ask for an recognition about my views, I just ask for an escapement for thoughts and ideas which I have and would be love to share them with those who agrees with me, and more important, those who do not.

I had this idea with me for more than 6 months, and why not officially start this before a new Lunar year arrives? (Yes, you will find me auspicious and superstitious as you read along my blog). This blog will be a bilingual blog. Posts will be written in English, Chinese or both (but the two languages might not have the same angle; i.e. not direct translations) solely base on which language I feel comfortable with regarding the topic. I will still write about the lavishing life of brands (fashion, beauty, watches, jewelry etc) dining & spirits and other things which people look up or show great interest towards to as I am in reach with them every day and they do form a part my career, but under a more to heart and honest manner which I hope my readers will enjoy. Meanwhile, also paying attention to little things which I consider worth the coverage.

Though some people will know who is writing the blog, I’d still like a certain level of mysterious, so I’ll use my old pen names. Hopefully, I will be able to update this blog as frequent as possible and you’ll be so kind to bookmark this page and spread it to your friends if you think it's worth the attention.

All the best,
Phrixus~
凌