Baldwin Ho - House Of Coco Magazine

Accessories October 18, 2023

Brandywine Valley: Visiting America’s Garden Capital

The enchanting region known as the Brandywine Valley lies in the picturesque landscape of southeastern Pennsylvania and northern Delaware. Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, rich history, and vibrant cultural offerings, the Brandywine Valley captivates visitors with its blend of natural beauty and artistic heritage. From lush rolling hills to meandering waterways, this idyllic area has long been a haven for artists, writers, and nature enthusiasts alike. Whether exploring its charming towns, immersing oneself in its renowned art museums, or simply savouring the tranquillity of its rural landscapes, the Brandywine Valley offers an unforgettable journey through a tapestry of beauty, history, and inspiration.

From botanical gardens to nature parks

Less than one hour from Philadelphia is a lush region of Pennsylvania widely regarded as America’s Garden Capital. The prime attraction is Longwood Gardens. It is one of the largest botanical gardens in the United States and draws millions of visitors each year.

With over 1,077 acres of designer gardens, open meadows and woodlands, this is a horticultural wonder of the world. The botanical garden is so vast, that it is divided into six distinct districts. My recommendation is to head there in the evenings to catch the Illuminated Fountain Performances. And focusing on the conservatory district and the main fountain garden district.

With its 19th-century architecture, the conservatory is considered the crown jewel of Longwood Gardens. You might observe delicate bonsais that have been trained to elegant shapes for over 100 years. They currently have a Chrysanthemum Festival that celebrates the arrival of fall. The dazzling arrangements would make even Marie Antoinette at the Palace of Versailles green with envy.

Their Illuminated Fountain Performances are accompanied by a varied playlist ranging from Madonna to the magic of Mozart. It is a 30-minute show that illuminates the skyline with infinite colours and energetic jets of water that pierce the night sky.

A nature park to consider visiting is Valley Forge National Historical Park. It is under 45 minutes away from Longwood Gardens. The park has over 3,500 acres of meadows and woodlands but more importantly numerous historical monuments.

It was the encampment site of the Continental Army during the winter of 1777-1778. It is widely regarded as the birthplace of the modern US Army. You can visit the headquarters of General George Washington and learn how they ultimately defeated the British army.

They have numerous hiking trails to cater for all levels. Biking or trolley tours are also options. Whilst you can even drive your car around the park on a self-guided audio tour.

Countryside culture

UK and European tourists might not have heard of John James Audubon, but a visit to the eponymous centre will enlighten you about his undoubted importance. His crowning glory was completing the book, Birds of America. It captures 453 life-sized paintings of North American birds with remarkable colours and vibrancy.

At the museum at Mill Grove, there are countless interactive displays to learn about the habitat, nest, and conservation of native birds.
You can enter a sound forest to hear bird songs in different habitats. And you can use a magnifier to examine different bird feathers up close.

You can see a treasured early edition of the Double Elephant Folio of The Birds of America. You can also view the original copper plate that Audubon used to produce his bird print.

What the museum does very well is not to shy away from the controversy of John James Audubon. There is a section explaining that he was a slave owner, spoke out against emancipation, and killed plenty of birds whilst also contributing to the conservation of birds.

One of the finest museums in the United States is the Brandywine Museum of Art. It has an unparalleled collection of Wyeth and American art. N.C. Wyeth House & Studio Tour is the best way to understand why the Wyeth family has contributed so much to American art.

You’ll learn how N.C. Wyeth found fame from his illustrations of The Last of the Mohicans (1826) and Treasure Island (1883). His son, Andrew found even greater success as a realist painter with masterpieces like Christina’s World. The studio has maintained much of its original character, as your guide will explain how the lighting and the painting ladder helped with N.C.’s work.

In the museum, you’ll find numerous fascinating non-Wyeth masterpieces such as Sugaring Off, and Maple by Grandma Moses. She is famously a self-taught artist who started her painting career at the age of 78.

The best places to dine out

Local produce is the key in this region. At Kennett Square near Longwood Gardens, they are the self-proclaimed mushroom capital of the world. Around 50% of America’s mushrooms grow in the vicinity of Kennett Square.

The best restaurant in Kennett Square is unsurprisingly called Portabellos. The restaurant has been run by husband and wife team, Brett Hulbert and Sandra Morris for the last 10 years.

Their signature roasted mushroom soup is incredibly popular with locals. The addition of Madeira wine adds extra complexity to the flavours. Local mushrooms make a guest appearance in a significant number of dishes from their lobster ravioli to their veal forestier.

Finish off your meal nearby at La Michoacana. Their popular homemade ice cream has even drawn visits from President Biden. They have unusual flavours like avocado and cotton candy.

Another restaurant to consider is Founding Farmers at King of Prussia. Their USP is they source all their ingredients and make everything from scratch. This includes their bread to their beers. They have active recycling and composting programs that divert around 90% of their waste from landfills.

The restaurant is at 6 locations on the East Coast and is majority owned by American family farmers. They offer a 5% wellness charge that ensures staff have free mental health resources, access to health insurance paid sick leave etc.

Their signature dishes include American classics like Yankee pot roast and shrimp & grits. However, their most popular offering is their decadent weekend brunch. They offer a generous carving station filled with the likes of herb-crusted roasted turkey and molasses-glazed ham. And before your meal, make sure you check out the spacious King of Prussia Mall. It is the third-largest shopping mall in the country.

Where to stay

For Valley Forge, I would recommend staying at Tru by Hilton Audubon Valley Forge. It is a casual and welcoming hotel. It is within a short driving distance to key sites like Valley Forge National Historical Park and John James Audubon Center. Unusually for American hotels, they offer a complimentary breakfast too.

For Kennett Square, I would recommend staying at the Inn at Whitewing Farm. It is a charming family-run farmhouse hotel. They have 10 romantic guest rooms and suites surrounded by immaculately-maintained grounds. They are situated minutes away from Longwood Gardens.

For more information on the region, please visit –

https://www.brandywinevalley.com/

City breaks October 17, 2023

Celebrating Hauts-de-France, European Region of Gastronomy 2023

Hauts-de-France is the northernmost region of France, an area blessed with hidden gastronomic treasures. It is the most convenient area of France to reach from the UK. The most scenic route is by ferry crossing with the likes of DFDS. You can admire the iconic white cliffs of Dover. They offer links from both Dover to Calais and Dover to Dunkirk. The great news is if you ever encounter strikes at one of the ports, the other is guaranteed to be open.

The crossing takes just 2 hours. They offer fantastic duty-free opportunities. There are no baggage restrictions and they have up to 24 daily crossings. If you upgrade to the premium lounge experience, you get a glass of complimentary bubbles on arrival as well as light sandwiches and snacks.

Your first port of call (after Dunkirk) should be the gastronomic nirvana that is Château de Beaulieu. It is the brainchild of Two-Michelin starred chef, Christophe Dufossé. A stay at the château is more than just their exquisite tasting menus. You can visit their farm and see the vast array of vegetables and fruits they grow from the iconic black garlic of the region to apple orchards that supply your breakfast juices.

Photo courtesy of Catherine Barrier

A morning visit to their bakery will get your stomach juices flowing as you see the buttery treats created in front of your eyes. They have a small farmhouse filled with rescued animals from donkeys to chickens to a very gluttonous pig called Boris. You might spot very artistic photos of these animals dotted throughout the hotel taken by the wife of Christophe Dufossé, who is an avid photographer.

If you speak with the concierge team, they might be able to arrange a visit to a local farm which supplies the lamb to the restaurant. The Boulonnaise sheep is a hardy breed known for its tender pink meat and intense flavours.

The tasting menu at Château de Beaulieu is a showstopping extravaganza. Provenance is vital to Christophe, on the menu, you will find every producer and supplier listed. It is no surprise, that they’ve been awarded a green Michelin star too.

Dishes have a decadent slant from luscious foie gras to an umami-rich handpicked crabmeat topped with caviar. If you want the ultimate dining experience, book the chef’s table, where you pick the freshest market ingredients and the chefs cook based on your discerning choices.

Photo courtesy of Catherine Barrier

For more casual fare, there is the Côté Jardin brasserie with the eye-catching wood-fired outdoor barbecue area. They serve farmhouse pork chops from the local area accompanied by a homemade barbecue sauce.

Another Michelin-starred restaurant with fine accommodation to consider is One-Michelin starred, La liégeoise and Hotel Atlantic. It is based in the attractive seaside town of Wimereux. Here you can catch the most captivating of sunsets whilst admiring locals frolic on their compelling, sandy beach.

Photo courtesy of Sophie Stalnikiewicz

Whereas in British seaside towns, you might be thinking of fish and chips; here it is haute seafood. Dishes they serve include a quinoa risotto with razor clams, champignon and a charred until crispy royal sea bream.

There is an embarrassment of riches in terms of local food and drink producers to visit. You can visit Clairmarais beer brewery to sample abbey-style beers. Their beers are refreshingly light compared to their Belgian counterparts nearby. Although little remains of Clairmarais Abbey, you can still see the superb farm, which mostly dates back to the 17th century.

If you are a fan of Genièvre, you can visit Houlle distillery. It was founded in 1812 and is still run by the same family. There is a quaint, antique charm to the rustic nature of the distillery. They’ve been winning countless gin awards throughout the last few years. Although you’ll learn even though it is a juniper-flavoured traditional liquor, the taste can vary across the spectrum of gin to a whisky.

Cheese lovers should head to Les Freres Bernard. Apart from having a wide selection of local, artisan cheeses, you can visit their factory to see the production process. The recommended times to visit are Monday-Friday in the mornings. Provenance is also a key part of their process and you can see where their local cows come from.

They will be more than delighted to let you sample their offerings. The one to consider buying is the local speciality, Mimolette. It is a sharp but not overly powerful cheese with rich fruity and nutty notes. The cheese is famously banned in the US because of the presence of cheese mites.

There are numerous activities in the region which will appeal to the young and the not-so-young. A canal tour with Les Faiseurs de Bateaux along the Audomarois marshes is a must.

It is a UNESCO Biosphere reserve. They have over 200 bird species, 13 bat species, 29 fish species and close to 400 plant varieties. The incredibly rich soil has meant locals have been cultivating in the area since the Middle Ages. Garlic, onions and hemp were the most popular crops.

A canal cruise can include a meal on board and a workshop, where you visit a shipyard of the last boat makers in the Audomarois marsh before boarding a bacôve.

Finally, before sailing back to the UK, you must make time to visit the Calais Dragon. The mechanical creation is a fire-breathing, water-spouting dragon machine. It was created by the theatre company La Machine in Nantes.

Photo courtesy of Marion Harmel

It is handled by at least 5 machinists and you can ride on top of the dragon for a 47-minute ride through the waterfront of Calais. There are other creatures in the design phase which will accompany the dragon in the future.

You can also enjoy lunch at the Dragon Shed with suitably themed burgers and mocktails to accompany your experience.

If you are looking for a short gastronomic break away from the UK, why would you not consider Pas-de-Calais? It is extremely easy to get to by ferry with the likes of DFDS.

For more information on the region, please visit –

www.visit-pas-de-calais.com

Accessories September 13, 2023

Tai Kwun: From a former police station to the cultural heart of Hong Kong

The contrast could not be greater. Tai Kwun in Hong Kong was formerly the much-loathed Central Police Station, Magistracy and Victoria Prison. It was a symbol of the colonial times back when Great Britain ruled Hong Kong. Nowadays, it has been revitalised and reopened since 2018 as Tai Kwun. A centre of excellence for heritage and arts.

Located at 10 Hollywood Road, Central. It is mere steps away from the likes of Lan Kwai Fong and the business district. It is a minor miracle, that this prime real estate wasn’t sold off to developers but instead turned into a cultural hub for locals and tourists. Tai Kwun Contemporary is a non-profit visual arts program and they try to curate five to eight exhibitions each year to highlight socially relevant issues. This September, they will present “Killing TV”. It is a fascinating, brand-new exhibition on how modern-day artists deploy, disrupt, and deconstruct television as a medium. The different artists involved in the exhibition explore the themes of identity, consumerism, and human connection in society. This is often displayed in a tongue-in-cheek manner.

The venue is also a wonderful performing arts centre. Throughout September, they have the “Chilled Steps” concert series. In their fourth year, they previously the focus was on jazz music. However, this year, they’ve expanded to cover pop, folk, Western and Chinese music. Between September and October, they are also offering free film screenings of classic teen films from the 1950s to the 1980s. The carefully curated films show the youth of Hong Kong from a bygone era as they embrace the increasing influence of Western culture.

A significant part of the Tai Kwun experience is about the heritage of the site. The former Central Police Station compound had more than 170 years of history. This is brought back to life for the audiences of today through interactive tours, heritage storytelling areas, eclectic education programmes and focused heritage exhibitions. The guided tours are 45 minutes long, in Cantonese, English or Putonghua. It runs twice a day Monday – Friday and three times a day during the weekends. It is also free of charge. They have an insightful behind-the-scenes online section on their website where you can visit the hidden gems of the site. You can see the secret underground passage to the Central Magistracy or see how the compound was once a WWII Air Raid Shelter.

Of course, it isn’t all about education and learning. Tai Kwun is also a great venue to savour gastronomic delights, sample innovative cocktails and shop at independent boutique stores. One of the most Instagrammable restaurants in Hong Kong is based in Tai Kwun, Madame Fù Grand Café Chinois. The refined, colonial decor is matched by tantalising dishes such as sautéed diced Angus beef with Yunnan chilli and garlic. Their free-flowing dim sum offering during lunchtime Monday – Thursday is always popular with locals and tourists alike. The art noveau-inspired, Dragonfly bar offers some of the most innovative cocktails in town. Expect to sip on the likes of Hi Lazies, which contains Irish whisky, pineapple, lime, pimento liqueur, orgeat and baby spinach. It might sound peculiar but their talented mixologists know how to serve up a winning concoction.

Numerous world-class art galleries are also based at Tai Kwun such as Kwai Fung Hin Art Gallery and Ora-Ora. The former focuses on 20th-century French art and modern and contemporary art in Asia. While the latter sell groundbreaking, modern art pieces from across the globe. There are also numerous boutique shops on offer such as Pap Studio which sells handmade Turkish-inspired lamps and Touch Ceramics which sells beautifully crafted and handmade ceramics and porcelains.

Although it only opened in 2018, Tai Kwun has rapidly developed into a must-visit destination for tourists when they visit Hong Kong.

For more information on Tai Kwun, please visit –

https://www.taikwun.hk/en/

Afternoon Tea August 18, 2023

High Seas High Tea at The Landmark London

The furnishings have a mixture of vibrant greens, blues, and gold that transports you to the Jazz Age era. For those seeking a quintessentially British experience, indulge in High Tea at The Landmark London amidst this elegant setting. The grande dame of luxury 5-star hotels in London, The Landmark, has recently undergone a major £1.3m refurbishment. Part of that project is to launch a brand-new luxury Champagne Bar, nestled on a mezzanine level on their famous garden terrace. The vision of tropical palm trees and the eight-storey-high glass atrium recalls a bygone era of glamour and high society. The Champagne bar, designed by Alex Kravetz Design, is created to blend in with the luxurious surroundings, with the main bar hidden under a foliage-laden glasshouse.

Savor the Sea: High Seas High Tea at The Landmark London

Accentuating that imagery is their High Seas High Tea offering. The hotel offers a traditional afternoon tea at their famous Winter Garden Restaurant but at the Champagne Bar, it is very much seafood-focused. It is available every Saturday and Sunday between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm. You will also hear the melodic piano sounds emanating from the Victorian Winter Garden atrium. They use the term ‘sandwiches’ but what is served up at the beginning is more tartlets of umami delights from the sea. They offer a tartlet of Scottish lobster, a tartlet of poached langoustine, salmon pastrami, Cornish white crab and yellowfin tuna. Focusing on local produce, the freshness of the seafood is top-notch. The salmon and tuna exuded healthy omega-3 fattiness, whilst the shellfish had a gentle sweetness when you bite into the firm, fresh meat. Each creation has been carefully crafted to maximise the flavours of the seafood. For example, the yellowfin tuna is served with ponzu, black sesame, toasted rye, and fennel butter. The citrus notes from the ponzu are a match made in heaven with the enticing tuna.

Indulge in Exquisite Delights: High Tea at The Landmark London

The fruity flavours were very much in evidence with their scones and desserts. The scones were either freshly baked apple or raisin scones. All the condiments you would ever need were present from clotted cream to a plethora of jams. The options included Bergeron apricot, London marmalade, strawberry, rhubarb, redcurrant & vanilla and raspberry deluxe. Each scone was generously sized and I have no doubt, they would offer you a refill if you asked.

The desserts were exquisitely presented with a parade of appetising colours. If you are looking for something subtle and delicate, there is the tartlet of nectarine, ginger, mascarpone and raspberry gel. The nectarines were sliced with military precision and presented in an intricate rose shape. If you are looking for textural variety, there is the black cherry and pistachio bakewell. The key is all the creations were sweet without being overbearing. And they do offer boxes for you to take away anything you can’t finish. They only use the finest of ingredients from Valrhona dark chocolate in their choux to English strawberries in their Swiss rolls.

Elevate Your Tea Experience: Tea Selections and Evening Delights at The Landmark London

The tea offering also shines brightly in this regal afternoon tea experience. They have green teas, herbal teas, oolong tea and white tea. That includes very high-end options such as Snow Buds white tea. which is high-altitude-grown white tea made entirely of silver-haired tea buds. That creates an elegant, sweet-flavour profile with delicate vegetal notes.

The afternoon tea is available at £75pp or £88pp with a glass of Ruinart Champagne Brut.

If you visit in the evenings, they do still offer seafood-focused small plates, as well as heritage tomato tart and British cheese plates. They also serve a caviar selection that ranges from platinum caviar to the rare, golden osetra. They have a lengthy Champagne selection that includes on the top end, Krug, Grande Cuvée MV. They can offer a Taittinger Champagne flight, which is 100ml per glass which is great if you want to pair your glass of bubbly with your seafood.

If you want to impress friends or family with a special treat, do consider inviting them to a High Seas High Tea at The Landmark London.

To find out more about the afternoon tea, please visit

https://www.landmarklondon.co.uk/dining/champagne-bar/

Art August 17, 2023

Hong Kong Heritage Museum: Championing Cantonese culture

Hong Kong Heritage Museum has been open since the year 2000 but hasn’t always featured on the tourist maps with visitors focusing on attractions in Hong Kong Island or Kowloon. We’ve mentioned in recent articles, how Hong Kong is rapidly developing into a cultural hub of the Far East. Most of the recent openings have been at the West Kowloon Cultural District. However, if you are prepared to travel a little further afield to Sha Tin, you’ll discover a hidden cultural gem that is a mecca for the Cantonese entertainment industry.

Exploring the Vibrant Cultural Landscape of the Hong Kong Heritage Museum

The total exhibition area is around 7,500 square metres and includes five permanent galleries: the Jin Yong Gallery, the Cantonese Opera Heritage Hall, the T.T. Tsui Gallery of Chinese Art, the Chao Shao-an Gallery and the Children’s Discovery Gallery. On top of that, they have six thematic galleries that show pop-up exhibitions that highlight the diversity of Cantonese cultural offerings.

Their permanent exhibition: Hong Kong Pop 60+ is arguably one of their most popular permanent exhibitions. It highlights how the cultural melting pot that is Hong Kong has created a diverse environment for creativity to thrive. It covers iconic Hong Kong films like A Better Tomorrow and Infernal Affairs as well as Cantopop legends like Anita Mui and Leslie Cheung. The latter has his special exhibition at the moment: Miss You Much Leslie. It commemorates the 20th anniversary of the passing of superstar Leslie Cheung. The exhibition celebrates his tremendous achievement in music and film with countless stage costumes and vinyl records along with his staggering award collection.

Bruce Lee fans will be in seventh heaven with their Bruce Lee: a Timeless Classic and A Man Beyond the Ordinary: Bruce Lee pop-up exhibitions. It is the 50th anniversary of his iconic film ‘Enter the Dragon’ which made him a posthumous superstar and also his unfortunate passing away. The exhibition examines the legacy he has left behind in popular culture, whether it is in film, comics or animation. You might come across action figures based on Bruce Lee in various manifestations, his famous nunchaku or the iconic yellow jumpsuit. The exhibitions include large-scale multimedia and interactive programmes.

Immerse Yourself in the Glitz and Glamour of Hong Kong Cinema

Hong Kong film buffs will be thrilled when they visit: Out of Thin Air: Hong Kong Film Arts & Costumes Exhibition. It celebrates the golden age of the Hong Kong film industry and explores the industry both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. It focuses on the importance of art and costume design in Hong Kong films. As you stroll through the exhibition, you’ll come across memorable costumes, props, set designs, drawing manuscripts, paraphernalia, videos and reconstructed scenes of workshops. Highlights include Brigitte Lin’s smuggler lady costume in Chungking Express (1994) and the set design drawing album of Shaw Brothers Studio. The latter was the largest film production company in Hong Kong. They operated from 1925 to 2011.

Virtually Versailles Exhibition at Hong Kong Heritage Museum

However, not all their exhibitions are Hong Kong-focused. They recently held the blockbuster: Virtually Versailles exhibitions. Using cutting-edge digital technology, the exhibition transported you to the famed Hall of Mirrors. And they also had immersive bike installations where you can cycle around the scenic gardens of Versailles. Visitors got to virtually visit Marie-Antoinette’s bedchamber and discover the splendid history of the Palace. The exhibition was a roaring success and particularly popular with locals who were still cautious about travelling abroad post-COVID but still wanted a taste of foreign adventures.

They run public guided tours of the various exhibitions free of charge throughout the week. Most are presented in Cantonese but some are offered in English and Mandarin. They also have online programmes that let you experience snippets of the museum without having to head out to Sha Tin. This is a must-visit experience for those who are keen to learn more about Cantonese culture.

To find out more about the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, please visit

https://hk.heritage.museum/en/web/hm/highlights.html

Accessories July 5, 2023

Hong Kong Palace Museum: Discovering the treasures of the Forbidden City and beyond

The cultural scene in Hong Kong is thriving at the moment. That is in no small part due to the likes of the West Kowloon Cultural District. One of their latest museums to open is arguably its finest: Hong Kong Palace Museum. They house over 900 invaluable artefacts from The Palace Museum in Beijing. Many priceless pieces have never left the capital city or even been shown to the public. They have seven thematic galleries focusing on these items, general Chinese art and modern reinterpretation of Palace Museum culture. There are two galleries with temporary exhibitions showcasing art and treasures from other parts of the world. Currently, they have the blockbuster, Cartier and Women exhibition as well as Radiance: Ancient Gold from the Hong Kong Palace Museum Collection and the Mengdiexuan Collection.

The state-of-the-art building has been designed by Rocco Design Architects Associates Limited. With an exhibition space of 7,800 square metres, it has been designed to offer abundant rest areas both inside and outside the galleries. The facilities are barrier-free and particularly spacious, capable of handling substantial crowds during the holidays periods. You can observe throughout the building, they’ve used contemporary interpretations of traditional aesthetics. They’ve taken inspiration from the architecture of the Forbidden City but also taken care to blend in with Hong Kong’s urban skyline.

The themes of galleries are very well construed. For example, in gallery two, they have “From Dawn to Dusk: life in the Forbidden City”. You can follow the noteworthy events in the daily life of an emperor and other staff members in the palace. You will encounter what the emperor might be wearing on different occasions.

They don’t shy away from using modern technology in portraying the historical details of the period. Expect to see state-of-the-art video walls that will transport you back to the time of the Qing Dynasty. In gallery four, you’ll encounter very impressive portraits of Qing Emperors and Empresses. They’ve also created helpful timelines, where you can follow the imperial lineage. Even the main thematic galleries from one to seven are not expected to be permanent exhibitions and they will likely be rotated out after being on display for over a year.

Hong Kong locals will be particularly fascinated by gallery six, which explores “Private to Public: the history of Chinese art collecting in Hong Kong”. It explores the philanthropy of Hong Kong donors who have chosen to donate artwork they’ve privately collected, so the public can enjoy the beauty of these pieces. Often this has been to help promote Chinese culture at home and abroad. With each display, there is a handy note explaining the original owner of the artwork. For example, there is a wonderful oil on canvas painting of The Matilde moored in Hong Kong Harbour from the Anthony Hardy Collection.

Despite the historical nature of most of the artefacts, the museum is a very forward-thinking and progressive institution. This is very much in evidence in gallery seven “No boundaries: reinterpreting Palace Museum culture”. In this gallery space, they’ve asked six Hong Kong-based multimedia and interdisciplinary artists to create fresh and bespoke pieces of art installations for the museum which takes a fresh interpretation of the art and culture of the Forbidden City. The most impressive installation is without a doubt “A grandiose fanfare” by GayBird. The artwork fuses the atmosphere of Qing court music with modern festive performances through 31 audio channels and kinetic installations. It even includes a special sound installation performance every half an hour.

No modern-day museum is complete these days without world-class dining options and a well-stocked gift shop. Hong Kong Palace Museum has numerous options from the high-end King Lung Heen offering fine dining Cantonese cuisine to the very accessible Chinese teahouse, Xia. Their gift shop, ART EXPRESS by The Commercial Press is a treasure trove of Chinese cultural gift ideas from ornamental trinkets to coffee table books.

https://www.hkpm.org.hk/en/home

Accessories July 5, 2023

Corpus Christi and Port Aransas: Traversing the Undiscovered Texas Coastline

Ask your average international tourist about the American coastline and the majority are going to mention California and Florida. However, if you question the well-travelled Americanophile, you are likely to hear mentions of Corpus Christi and Port Aransas on the Texas coastline. The breezy excitement of the former is the perfect foil for the laid-back island lifestyle of the latter.

Corpus Christi

A Texan city where you can enjoy the best of both worlds: a diverse city life and idyllic beaches that transport you to another world such as Padre Island National Seashore nearby which includes 70 miles of untouched beaches and wildlife habitat.

Experiencing the Texan coastal life

The city has played host to the Windsurfing World Championships due to the windy nature of the locality. This is ideal during the warmer months when you can enjoy a cooling breeze on a sunset cruise with the likes of Texas Tease. You can enjoy a leisurely cruise around Corpus Christi Bay on a 74-foot sightseeing boat. They can serve up high-quality dinner fare with local shrimp and oyster Rockefeller.

If you want to pilot your vessel innovatively, then you should consider Glow Row. It is a night-time kayaking experience guided by glowing lights which surround your transparent kayak. Their North Padre Island – Sunset Island route is ideal for beginners as the waters are very shallow there and it is relatively easy to spot some marine life.

Sightseeing ideas

There are a multitude of varied offerings in Corpus Christi. If you didn’t spot any aquatic creatures during your kayaking, you will at The Texas State Aquarium, the largest of its kind in Texas. They have an interactive stingray lagoon. You can spot reef sharks in their eye-catching curved aquarium with a 68-foot-long acrylic window, which is the longest in North America. You can enjoy an acrobatic show at Dolphin Bay. And the most fulfilling part is learning about their conservation work at their newly opened wildlife rescue centre.

Nearby is the USS Lexington, which is a former WWII aircraft carrier and currently a naval museum. The most popular part is the flight deck with 20 historic aircraft on board with the centrepiece being Maverick’s F-14 Tomcat jet from the original Top Gun film. There is plenty to experience below deck too from a flight operations tour to a fascinating late-night paranormal investigation.

You can savour the cowboy lifestyle by going on a visit to King Ranch. It is the largest ranch in the United States, bigger than the country of Luxembourg. You can go on a ranch tour where they explain the modern-day workings of their business. You can visit King Ranch Museum to appreciate the history of the brand and purchase the finest leather goods and outdoor gear at their saddle shop.

Where to eat

A visit to the institution, Water Street Oyster Bar is a must. They’ve been serving Corpus Christi since 1983. They’ve recently expanded to oyster farming in Copano Bay nearby. Their menu is a seafood lover’s paradise with everything from wood-grilled oysters to shrimp picayune. Their sister restaurant, Elizabeth’s at the iconic Art Museum of South Texas is equally worth a visit. Their Mediterranean-inspired menu includes shakshuka and Italian torte for brunch. Whilst the museum houses fascinating temporary exhibitions such as the blockbuster, Collidoscope: De La Torre Brothers retro-perspective.

Port Aransas

Affectionately known as Port A by the locals. It is all about island life in this part of Texas, especially as the town has a population of less than 3,500.

Cruising to carting

You can also enjoy a cruising experience at Port A, but their offering is more geared towards the family with Red Dragon Pirate Cruise. There are interactive games on board but it is more about dolphin watching and admiring the scenic coastline. Another mode of transport that is popular with locals and tourists alike is the golf carts that are ubiquitous all over town. Visit at the right time of the year and you might spot their iconic Christmas golf cart parade, their Mardi Gras parade, their pirate parade or even their graduation parade. It is a great way to see the town highlights including Horace Caldwell Pier, its jetties and Roberts Point Park.

Embracing the wildlife

For bird-watchers, a visit to Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center is sheer heaven. You can observe hundreds of local and migratory birds in this wetland area. There are sheltered observation towers along with a 700-foot boardwalk. You can observe waterfowl, grebes, shorebirds and flaming pink Roseate Spoonbills, which is the Port A city bird. If you are lucky, you might even spot their resident alligator “Boots”. If you visit on certain days, they have free guided tours with binoculars provided for loan.

You get a feel of the passion locals have for their marine ecosystem by visiting the newly renovated Patton Education Center and Wetlands. There are interactive displays that help you understand the local marine life. Along with the Amos Rehabilitation Keep, which is all part of the campus of the University of Texas Marine Science Institute, you feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude that there might be hope for our seas. Rescued sea turtles are a major part of their project as the Gulf of Mexico is home to 5 of the 7 sea turtle species. You might spot the likes of Kemp’s ridley sea turtles or loggerhead sea turtles.

Dining the island life way

Fresh-from-the-sea ingredients in a laid-back environment are what you can expect at Port A. Fin’s Grill and Icehouse, which is a sister restaurant to the cruise company serves up classics from the region like a crispy shrimp PoBoy to unique creations like crab-stuffed gulf fish. They can all be washed down with a wide selection of margaritas. They have an elevated version that uses Dobel tequila and Gran Gala.

If you walked into Trout Street Bar & Grill, you might think fishing is a religion on the island. The menu offers everything from snapper to redfish to steelhead trout, all can be cooked in a variety of ways. There are historic photos of blue and white marlin being caught in the state and they offer you catch ’em we cook ’em service, which is also available at Fin’s Grill.

Finally, what better way to end your Texas coastal experience, than savouring a beachside shrimp boil around a bonfire, which can all be arranged with minimal fuss by the likes of Rollin’ Tide. Enjoying an authentic low country shrimp boil whilst admiring the sunset over Mustang Island with your feet in the sand is one of those little joys of life that will linger long in the memory.

https://www.visitcorpuschristi.com/

https://www.portaransas.org/

City breaks June 22, 2023

Lai Ching Heen: Is this the best Cantonese restaurant in Hong Kong?

Regent Hong Kong Hotel recently reopened after their most extensive renovations in three decades. Their prime location on the Victoria Harbour waterfront has always meant it is a beloved institution by locals and tourists alike. It is the perfect location to catch the daily light and sound show, ‘A Symphony of Lights’ or the New Year’s Eve fireworks. It was always regarded as one of the big three hotels in Hong Kong along with The Peninsula and Mandarin Oriental.

Their in-house Cantonese restaurant which stayed open during the renovation, Lai Ching Heen is a world-class institution that has been showered with countless accolades from two Michelin stars to two diamonds in the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide. The dishes they offer are often Cantonese culinary treasures given a contemporary update. The decor is the definition of refined elegance. There are touches of gold and jade throughout the restaurant down to your place settings but the designs are never garish or forceful. Most guests will be more distracted by the floor-to-ceiling window showcasing a dynamic view of Victoria Harbour.

Executive Chef Lau Yiu Fai has over three decades of experience working with the hotel. Whilst head chef, Cheng Man Sang has worked with the executive chef for over two decades. What you get with their kitchen team is expertise married with innovation. The hotel has given them the platform to evolve the cuisine and always bring new ideas to the dining table.

Their ‘Premier Delicacy’ dinner menu is the showcase offering where you can taste their greatest hits and the immense variety of Cantonese cuisine. You’ll get to try Hokkaido scallops which are very much akin to their Orkney counterpart known for their clean, sweet taste. Their barbecue pork ‘char siu’ with honey is arguably the best version you’ll find in Hong Kong with the perfect ratio of meat to fat served up with an irresistible sweetness. Their clear Chinese soup offering is something you rarely encounter in the UK or Europe. Double-boiled fish maw with sea whelk and russula mushroom soup might sound exotic, but the ingredients provide countless benefits. For example, russula is used in Chinese medicine to treat liver and eye conditions.

The eye-catchers on their menu are undoubtedly the steamed lobster with tofu and crabmeat roe and braised whole abalone in oyster jus. The former is one of the most perfectly executed dishes on their menu. The tender, firm, succulent lobster meat injects the silky smooth tofu with both sweet and umami flavours. Any element that is over or undercooked would significantly impact the dish. Abalone is the definition of luxury in Cantonese restaurants and it’s still very much a delicacy waiting to be discovered by the Western world. Their version at the restaurant is a Japanese fresh abalone that has been braised and served in an oyster jus.

At Lai Ching Heen, you get to sample the finest of wagyu beef. Their set menu offers beef from Kagoshima, which produces more wagyu than any other prefecture in Japan. It is the epicentre of the country’s beef industry. Their wok-fried Kagoshima wagyu has a firm appearance on the outside, but a buttery soft tenderness on the inside. It is presented with an onion ring, peppers, lily bulbs and garlic. It is ideally paired with their fried rice wrapped in a lotus leaf to offer extra fragrant aromas.

Cantonese desserts are a hugely underrated gem. When executed well, they are more than a match with the finest crème brûlées and pastel de natas of this world. Their baked sago and custard cream pudding is similar to a rice pudding but littered with addictively chewy sago pearls. And their taro paste with black and white sesame roll is the perfect way to end a meal with subtle nuttiness and sweetness that will send you away from the restaurant with a satisfied grin.

Please note, they do have a dress code – smart elegant: closed-toed shoes, sleeved shirts and long trousers are required for gentlemen.

Lai Ching Heen

Adventures June 8, 2023

Dive into the unspoiled beauty of Dominica

Dominica is justifiably called the Nature Island because of its soaring cliffs and lush vegetation. With a local population of under 75,000, this is your dream escape to be far from the maddening crowds. It was one of the last islands in the Caribbean to open up to tourism and has managed to follow an ecotourism model which encourages sustainable development.

Where to stay

The ideal base to start your adventures is at Fort Young Hotel and Dive Resort. It is situated in the capital, Roseau which makes a convenient base to explore the rest of the island. There are no chain hotels or large-scale resorts on the island, just hotels like Fort Young which oozes character in abundance. The hotel is on the site of a military fort dating back to the 17th century and was subsequently used as a police station. They are currently undergoing extension works to add 60 rooms in the autumn. They will also be displaying many of the original features of the building including a centuries-old bread oven and historic walls.

The rooms are extremely spacious and incredibly affordable from $190 per night and $255 per night if you opt for all-inclusive. If you are looking for a regal experience, upgrade yourself to one of their oceanfront suites. The names of these suites are named after prominent Dominican historical figures. They are larger than most people’s flats with a heavenly King bed, living room, dining room, kitchenette, and two bathrooms, which feature a whirlpool tub and shower. The best part is the expansive balcony for you to gaze into the tempting Caribbean Sea.

Dining out

Looking for dining options in Roseau can be a tricky affair. Some restaurants don’t open for lunch. Some don’t cater for dietary requirements such as vegetarian food. The best restaurant we discovered is The Palisades Restaurant at the hotel. You can enjoy al fresco dining at the only seaside restaurant in Roseau. The restaurant has a winning formula of offering local flavours with the likes of jerk pork served with provision pie along with comforting classics like luxuriously creamy shrimp a la king pasta. Their attentive staff do consider requests. With pleasure, they can offer more vegetarian options or lactose-free options, if you feel choices are lacking on the menu.

Spa

Visiting Dominica is often about revitalising and recharging oneself. Their Zemi Spa is just the space to achieve these goals. You’ll get to enjoy signature treatments with the mesmerising sound of the Caribbean waves in the background. They only use locally sourced ingredients and will cater the experience to your personal needs.

To-Do

The island is one of the top 10 diving destinations in the world. And the hotel must be at the heart of the operations, considering the non-stop flow of divers streaming in and out of the harbour which you can observe from The Palisades Restaurant. They have an equipment shop along with expert guides, so can cater from beginner level to advanced. Champagne Reef, with bubbles appearing through the sand due to underwater hot springs, is a must-visit for any diver.

The resort offers an “all-inclusive island-included” experience. It truly takes out the hassle from tourists having to arrange their excursions. Top of the list should be a visit to Titou Gorge. It will be a scenic swim through emerald waters to a waterfall surrounded by cliff walls. The entrancing light that filters through the gorge creates an ethereal atmosphere and it is no surprise, many Hollywood films have been shot at the gorge including Pirates of the Caribbean.

It is often combined with a trip to Trafalgar Falls. Set amongst the verdant mountainside are twin majestic waterfalls. One offers a cold-water pool whilst the other offers hot-spring water. The scenery looks like a film set from Avatar except the wildlife you will see will be adorable land crabs rather than Jurassic-type beasts. And close to this popular site is the River Rock Cafe, which reputedly serves the finest rum punch on the island (and probably the strongest).

Finally, a visit to Dominica isn’t complete without checking out the world-famous thermal springs. Ti Gwen Glo Sho is one I would recommend for the tranquillity and variety it offers. There are 2 separate hot springs with varying degrees of heat. The sulphur water is therapeutic as well as soothing. It’s nestled amongst various exotic flowers and rainforest cover and you are more than likely to encounter the endangered Lesser Antillean iguana.

If you want an off-the-beaten-track experience in the Caribbean, make sure you consider Dominica for your next holiday.

https://www.fortyounghotel.com/

City breaks June 6, 2023

An insider’s guide to the best of Florence

As we approach the summer season, one of the most popular destinations in Italy to consider visiting is Florence. We will examine the best places to stay, eat and enjoy immersive experiences so you can sample the very finest from the picturesque city.

Latest hotel opening

The most recent hotel opening in Florence is the distinctive 5-star La Gemma boutique hotel. The location could not be more central, steps away from Piazza della Repubblica. You are minutes away from designer boutiques and the most well-known monuments. It is situated in the former Palazzo Paoletti built in 1895 and then was subsequently used by the guild of hoteliers. The owners have painstakingly restored the interiors of the building and given it a funky art Deco vibe. The prominent green and pink palettes in the hotel reflect the similar colours used in the Duomo di Firenze. The alluring geometric shapes found throughout the hotel add a sense of whimsicality to your stay. Their Allure Spa offers personalised treatments in conjunction with Biologique Recherche to make sure the necessities of your skin come first. They will also offer a Turkish bath, hydro-massage bath, and ice shower along with their two therapy rooms.

The hottest restaurants and bars in town

You can enjoy a tour de Force fine dining experience at LUCA’s by Paolo Airaudo at La Gemma. The world-renowned chef runs countless famous restaurants across the globe, the most sought-after being his two Michelin-starred, Amelia in San Sebastian. Here, he offers elevated Tuscan cuisine in a refined yet relaxed environment. Despite the limited space, they have a very impressive wine cellar along with a bar that creates very hip cocktails with a Britpop theme. An alternative bar to sample world-class cocktails is Harry’s Bar The Garden at Sina Villa Medici Hotel. They serve classic cocktails using the finest ingredients and you get splendid views of the pool and garden of the hotel.

Another restaurant to consider is Gunè San Frediano. They specialise in Tuscan and Lucanian cuisine. They offer a 5 or 7-course tasting menu and expect to see delights such as a rabbit stuffed with foie gras and a tart served with white, milk and extra dark chocolate. The restaurant pays particular homage to the important women in our lives with post-modern paintings of iconic women commissioned with a local artist. If you want a casual venue populated by locals, then Trattoria Marione is a must-visit. You’ll enjoy comforting pasta dishes there such as pappardelle alla chinatigiana.

Food and aperitivo tours

I’ve always said the best way to explore a city and understand its culture is by doing a food tour. If you book with Curious Appetite Travel, that’s exactly what you’ll get as you discover the hidden gems of the city. Their historic food lover’s tour includes 5 gourmet tasting pit stops and you are guided by an experienced local who intersperses quirky historical facts in between the tastings. You’ll learn about the famous wine windows of Florence. You can sample local delicacies like budini di riso, which are Florentine rice pudding tarts. For those who are more into savoury dishes, you’ll get to try coccoli caldi and panini tartufati. The former is a deep-fried dough ball often stuffed with prosciutto ham and stracchino, whilst the latter is a truffle pâté roll. Particularly impressive is meeting local artisans such as visiting a farm-to-table deli, where the meat is from a farm a mere 11km away from the shop and run by the same family.

Italy Customized runs highly bespoke tours that cater to all requirements. They don’t just operate in Tuscany but throughout the country. With their aperitivo tour, you get to visit one of the most impressive wine stores in Florence. You can have a wine-tasting experience paired with cured meats and local cheese. And if you are very lucky and have the very personable owner, Linda take the tour; she can help you pick out the unique gems to buy as a holiday gift for friends or family. During the walking tour, you’ll pass very trendy street art from the likes of Andrea Roggi. During the tour, they might take you to hip neighbourhood wine bars where you can try a spritz cynar. The drink is well-known to aid digestion and is the ideal aperitif option.

Creating your bespoke perfume

Being the perfume capital of Italy, it’s not surprising you can find immersive experiences in the city where you can create your perfume. Visiting the master perfumer’s laboratory at Sileno Cheloni is like a journey into Hogwarts. With countless potions, you are guided by Sileno to discover what scents you are attracted to and learn the process of perfume-making. He also offers incense rituals and sensory dinners that arouse more than just your olfactory senses.

https://lagemmahotel.com/