Baldwin Ho - House Of Coco Magazine

Couples Travel May 31, 2023

Dordogne Périgord: Traversing the land of 1001 castles and beyond

There’s always been a romanticism connected with the Dordogne Périgord region. There are countless châteaus steeped in history. You will find a famous UNESCO World Heritage site. There is a garden that could be a new wonder of the world and a luxury hotel that would make King Louis XIV proud. Here, we examine why a fairytale journey to the region is at the top of most Francophiles’ wish lists. In particular, the region of Périgord noir, which is the most visited region in the Dordogne.

Charming châteaus

Are there exactly 1001 castles in the Dordogne Valley? I would guess more, but the advertising genius who came up with that slogan has sprinkled their stardust on the region. Those with a penchant for the paranormal should visit Château de Puymartin. It is widely known as the castle of the White Lady and has belonged to the same family for over 500 years. The neo-gothic style heightens the atmospheric haunted stories. The most famous is the story of the adulterous Thérèse de Saint-Clar in the 16th century, who was imprisoned in the northern tower until her death.

Another must-visit castle is Château des Milandes. Exuding feminine charm in abundance, it was the former home of renowned entertainer and civil rights activist, Joséphine Baker. She was widely credited by Angelina Jolie as an inspiration for “a model for the multiracial, multinational family”. Her art-deco bathrooms are dripping with decadence from black Murano glass tiles to real gold embellishments; her iconic costumes and her life story are on full display; whilst the stunning French garden with geometric topiary hedges and flower borders is a photographer’s paradise. The Ridley Scott 2021 film ‘The Last Duel’ was filmed at Château de Beynac. It was built in the 12th century and is one of the best preserved in France.

Prehistoric cave of Lascaux IV

The history of the region stretches back to the Palaeolithic period with the discovery of the remarkable Lascaux cave paintings. The animals depicted are of such exquisite quality, scope and sophistication, it was no surprise the site was given UNESCO World Heritage Sites status back in 1979. The original Lascaux cave was sealed off to the public in 1963 as the carbon dioxide and humidity generated by visitors were damaging the paintings. In a remarkable feat of ingenuity, they’ve recreated a complete replica of the prehistoric cave which you can visit on-site. It may be a facsimile, but it is an authentic dark and damp experience akin to the actual cave. They’ve also curated a travelling exhibition: The Cave Art of Lascaux: a Virtual Reality Experience, which will tour Bristol in the summer of 2023.

Photo courtesy of Dan Courtice

Marqueyssac gardens

Named by the BBC as one of the six extraordinary gardens in the world you must visit, the overhanging gardens of Marqueyssac are a sight to behold. With 150,000 hand-trimmed boxwoods in the shape of lollipops and balls, this is a botanical maze that will delight adults and children alike. The garden is perched 130 metres above the Dordogne River with breathtaking views of the idyllic countryside. There are 15 hectares of gardens and parkland with peacocks strutting alongside the 6 km of paths, so it’s the ideal place for picnic adventures or a romantic stroll. They frequently have temporary art exhibitions as well as offering more adventurous activities such as La Via Ferrata cliff climbing.

Domaine de Rochebois

After visiting all the fabulous châteaus, you will probably want to live the life of a marquis yourself. In that case, the only place to consider for your accommodation is Domaine de Rochebois. It is the only five-star hotel within a 200km radius. It is a family business run by the young entrepreneurs of the Pruneyrac family. They’ve brought their years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry to deliver a refined experience fit for a marquis. The location might be set amongst quaint cottages and farmland, but it’s only a short, 15-minute drive to the medieval town of Sarlat. It has an impressive Benedictine abbey and is a great place to pick up gastronomic delights such as foie gras, black truffles, and duck confits.

There are 40 rooms and suites at the hotel decorated in green, purple, black and white, representing the colours of the Périgord. Throughout the hotel, you’ll see outstanding metal artwork from renowned sculptor Pierre Treilhes. He’ll use upcycled metal to create iconic pieces like the Gallic rooster. The hotel has a NUXE spa with a sensory pool for those seeking relaxation, and a 6-hole golf course for those seeking countryside greenery.

They take pride in offering world-class food and beverage options. Their gastronomic restaurant, Le M is led by executive chef Jean-Philippe Vecco, who trained under legendary Pierre Gagnaire and Alain Ducasse. His tasting menu starts with a butter tray station where you can use various accoutrements to create your own bespoke offering for your palate. It is all about supporting local producers and using local produce. Expect dishes like shredded Périgord suckling pig and Périgord pigeon cooked in 3-ways. An award-winning bartender will serve you a classy concoction at their Le Josephine bar, named after Josephine Baker. The cocktail to try is unsurprisingly Josephine’s favourite, which consists of Remy Landier Cognac, Champagne, Sucre de Canne, bitters, and huile d’orange. All-day dining is at Brasserie Le Wedge where they offer comforting classics like chicken ballotine with creamy risotto.

What Domaine de Rochebois does very well is to connect you with the outdoor experiences of Périgord noir. They can arrange a truffle hunting experience at Le Domaine de Vielcroze. They can arrange a hot-air sunset balloon ride. They can arrange for tours to one of the most beautiful villages in France, La Roque Gageac along with a kayaking experience. You can also visit the troglodyte caves of La Roque Saint-Christophe. The list of options is endless and Domaine de Rochebois makes a great base for you to discover the region.

https://en.sarlat-tourisme.com/

City breaks May 31, 2023

Hong Kong: Feel the serenity of the Big Buddha

This year is the 30th anniversary of the installation of the Big Buddha in Hong Kong, officially known as the Tian Tan Buddha. It’s a must-visit destination for any tourist visiting the enclave, whether they are religious or not. Taking 12 years to plan and build by the Po Lin Monastery, its architectural magnificence has been admired the world over. It might be on the same island as the local airport and Disneyland but you get a sense of what Lantau Island is about when you visit the Big Buddha. The mountainous greenery with breathtaking hiking trails is a far cry from the shopping mecca images frequently used to portray Hong Kong.

Getting to the Big Buddha might seem like a pilgrimage, but is remarkably straightforward especially if you opt for the Ngong Ping Cable Car rather than the winding bus routes through the island. It is an adventurous 25-minute journey ride. They offer crystal cabins with a glass bottom which offer uninterrupted views of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the Big Buddha. Once you get off, it’s a 10-minute walk to the monastery.

During the walk, you pass through Ngong Ping Village, a quaint revival of traditional Cantonese villages. You can sample traditional delicacies like egg waffles. You can purchase local handy crafts like Chinese opera accessories and masks. There are multimedia and immersive experiences like the art of chocolate making and a 5-D theatre suitable for the whole family.

The Big Buddha is the second-largest seated outdoor bronze Buddha statue in the world. The statue is 34 metres tall and you’ll need to ascend 268 steps to the base of the statue for a closer inspection. It is well worth the hike as you get splendid views of the verdant scenery surrounding the iconic structure. And if you are methodical, you’ll notice many famous faces having their final resting place including famed Cantonese pop star, Anita Mui.

The Big Buddha Statue was voted as the fourth of the 10 Engineering Wonders in Hong Kong in 2000. The first three were all government works projects. Top of the list is the Lantau Link followed by the Hong Kong International Airport Passenger Terminal, and in third place is the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Extension. In terms of private projects, the Big Buddha statue came out on top.

If you want to escape the hectic city life, the monastery runs a 1-week mediation retreat held on the final week of the first lunar month. Leading monks will lead attendees on meditative walks and also there will be discussions about Zen Buddhism. It will especially help you with achieving clarity of mind if you are lacking focus or are easily distracted.

Chinese cuisine is not always known as the most vegetarian friendly but you can try exceptional Buddhist vegetarian dishes at the monastery. Dishes are designed to cleanse the body and the soul and might include steamed bean curd with olive leaf and asparagus with exotic mushrooms and cashew. There is also a snack shop next to the restaurant for those looking for a quick bite. You can sample the delights of bean curd dessert and glutinous rice dumplings filled with mango. The bean curd is made daily in-house and is known to be especially silky-smooth and inviting. Most of the items are prepared in small quantities and often do sell out.

Apart from the Big Buddha statue itself, there are plenty of other spectacles to behold such as the grand hall of ten thousand Buddhas and the main shrine hall of Buddha. Both of which are extremely busy, especially on religious days. There are plenty of garden areas for people to enjoy all the wonderful outdoor spaces such as the orchid garden and the bauhinia park. There is also the wisdom path, which is an installation of 38 wooden structures carved with the complete verses of the Heart Sutra, written by master calligrapher Jao Tsung-I.

https://plm.org.hk/eng/home.php

Brunch April 25, 2023

Lan Kwai Fong: The beating heart of Hong Kong’s nightlife scene

Lan Kwai Fong has become synonymous with the nightlife scene of Hong Kong over the years. However, this wasn’t the case until 1983 when Allan Zeman famously opened California Restaurant on a narrow alleyway in this forgotten part of the Central district. Before that time, it was dominated by flower shops and warehouses but Allan had the vision to see the potential of the area. By 1984, Allan had bought the entire block and launched his career as a property mogul and a hospitality specialist. He reportedly owns 65% of properties in the Lan Kwai Fong area. His impeccable business acumen has seen him involved in wide-ranging industries from TVB (the ITV equivalent in Hong Kong), the Airport Authority of Hong Kong and Wynn Macau. He is currently the chairman of LKF Group whilst his son, Jonathan Zemen is the CEO.

The district is the place to be for all kinds of celebrations from Halloween to New Year’s Eve. Whilst people associate the countdown in New York with Times Square, locals and tourists alike gravitate towards Lan Kwai Fong on New Year’s Eve. Apart from being a major landlord in the area, they own some of the most distinguished restaurants in the area. The eclectic choices on offer have been the key to their success. In such a small radius, you’ll find the very best steakhouse in the city, the freshest sashimi dishes and restaurants with breathtaking views of the city.

In Hong Kong, it’s always been about sourcing the very best ingredients rather than local produce, being a tiny island in the South China Sea. At Porterhouse, you can savour full-blood wagyu from Mayura, Australia to extremely well-marbled, Rubia Gallega from Los Nortenos, Spain. Their legendary seafood brunch is unrivalled with unlimited oysters, Boston lobster and Irish crab. No other country executes buffets quite like Hong Kong and this is one of the most spectacular, you’ll encounter.

If you want to admire the scintillating skyline of Hong Kong, a top choice to consider is dining at Aria on the 24/F of California Tower. With floor-to-ceiling glass, an outdoor terrace and a trendy mixture of contemporary and art-deco touches, this is the place to see and be seen. You won’t be surprised to find the operatic nature of the restaurant name has inspired a menu filled with elevated Italian classics. Melanzane alla puttanesca and spaghettoni all’Amatriciana are all created from traditional family-style recipes but presented for 21st-century consumption. They have a wine club series in the coming months focusing on wines from different regions of Italy. In May, it will be Marche, in June, it will be Lazio and in July, it will be Tuscany. You’ll get to explore wineries that are hidden gems whilst dining on the finest Italian produce at this ever-popular restaurant.

Japanese food is undoubtedly still all the rage in Hong Kong. And the LKF Group have three distinguished offerings: Fumi – Japanese kaiseki, Tokio Joe – sushi & sake and Kyoto Joe – modern izakaya. Tokio Joe is particularly worthy of a mention. It is THE original Japanese restaurant of Lan Kwai Fong having been opened since 1995. It is one of the first restaurants in Hong Kong to offer an omakase menu. Their sashimi platters offer delicacies which you’ll rarely experience in Europe such as succulent Hokkaido sea urchin and akagai (red clam). They do frequently launch new products to be in tune with the times. Kyoto Joe offers an unlimited vegetarian feast which includes the likes of cauliflower tempura and yam sushi rolls. They also offer a decadent-sounding A4 Wagyu & lobster tasting menu dinner.

Lan Kwai Fong has developed into a cultural phenomenon with the likes of the Lan Kwai Fong beer and music festival. They’ve also expanded their brand into China with LKF Chengdu and LKF852 Prince Bay. They are most definitely one of the most exciting companies to have evolved in Hong Kong over the past decades and one to watch as the expansion plans are limitless.

https://www.lkfgroup.com/

Afternoon Tea April 13, 2023

Anatolian dining at Coco Grill and Lounge Tower Bridge

Nestled in Shad Thames, Coco Grill and Lounge Tower Bridge offers a romantic dining experience with iconic views of Tower Bridge. Shad Thames has been the location of choice for romantic diners wanting the iconic Tower Bridge as a backdrop to their gastronomic feast. Coco Grill & Lounge fits the bill with an expansive shisha garden terrace filled with sumptuous floral decorations. The chic interiors also deliver on the premium experience front with faux orchard trees, lush velvet banquettes and mood lighting fit for a Hollywood film set. But is it all style over substance you might ask? The answer is a definitive no.

A Culinary Delight in London

The menu is halal-friendly, and vegetarian-friendly with allergens clearly labelled. It is expansive, so if one of your guests isn’t in the mood for Anatolian cuisine, they can for a comforting plate of vegan ‘meatball’ pasta instead. You can also enjoy slow-cooked duck tacos marinated with a hoisin sauce. A highlight of the restaurant is its redemption cocktail bar menu. All the drinks are alcohol-free and they’ve worked with the best connoisseurs in the business to deliver an exceptional offering. For the classic 1920s cocktail, Bees Knee’s, they’ve only used the finest ingredients such as Sicilian lemon along with floral honey to make for a welcoming aperitif. The garnishes often include floral decorations in line with the restaurant interiors. There are zero-alcohol wines, classic mocktails and milkshakes and I would not be surprised to discover, they have the most inventive alcohol-free menu in London.

24k Gold Champagne at London’s Premier Dining Destination

The eye-catcher on the menu is their 35-day aged Tomahawk steak served with truffle Parmigiano mayo with the option to wrap it in gold for £50. This pairs with their Espora 24k Gold Champagne (de-alcoholised), which contains 24-karat gold flakes. They are not items I would personally order normally, but you can appreciate they are targeting the Salt Bae audience.

Exquisite Black Cod and Irresistible Mixed Coco Shish at London’s Premier Dining Haven

The less flashy dishes had greater appeal with the silky, smooth black cod a particular highlight. It was well-marinated with kaffir lime and miso and cooked delicately so the freshness was retained with the flavours well-infused. Their incarnation of the dish is arguably superior to the original served up at Nobu. Mixed Coco Shish is always a moreish crowd-pleaser. Their version consists of marinated lamb and chicken served with tzatziki and chilli sauce. It is elegantly presented with Tetris-like neatness, unlike versions you’ll see in more casual establishments where you’re often presented with an Everest of indiscernible meat. Their main course portion sizes tend to be more restrained which is ideal if you want to pair it with side dishes and enjoy a dessert. For an indulgent treat, opt for their messy wedges. The potatoes are topped with caramelised mushrooms, sriracha mayo, turkey bacon and spring onions and topped with copious amounts of Gruyère.

Presentation is everything at Coco Grill & Lounge. You’ll often see the use of dry ice to deliver a more impactful presentation such as their crispy spiced shrimp starter. But even if you take away the edible flowers, and the mysterious smoke, the quality of the ingredients genuinely shines through. For example, with their cheese and spinach pide, they only use baby spinach as they are more tender and the finest of Mozzarella cheese.

We didn’t have any stomach space left during our visit for dessert but we are looking forward to returning soon and trying their signature Turkish baklava and the underrated Kunafa. It is a baked kataifi pastry filled with cheese and topped with vanilla. It does take 20 minutes to prepare so do order before you’ve finished your main courses.

https://www.coco-restaurants.com/coco-index.html

Accessories March 27, 2023

Hong Kong is Art Central

There is nothing that quite says “Hong Kong is back” like the flurry of international exhibitions that has been hitting the town in recent months. The biggest of which is Art Central, a key cornerstone of Hong Kong Art Week that is happening at the end of March. This showcase event is in its eighth year and on display are the next generation of artists from the brightest and the best of Asia. It is also their largest gallery lineup since 2019.

Discover the Unparalleled Artistic Offerings at Art Central

There will be 37 cutting-edge galleries from Hong Kong including the likes of Contemporary by Angela Li and Square Street Gallery, 60 renowned galleries from Asia such as 021gallery (Daegu) and K Gallery (Chendu), and 12 galleries handpicked from the rest of the world including MARC STRAUS (New York), VETA by Fer Francés (Madrid), and Guns & Rain (Johannesburg).

There are large-scale, immersive installations like Glows in the Night by Yang Yongliang. It will be a video artwork to be presented on an eye-catching scaled LED installation of 18 metres. Yang has a background in Chinese paintings, so he will use his knowledge to reconstruct and recompose urban images in the style of historic Chinese paintings. Ecological issues caused by urbanisation, commercialisation and consumerism are raised in a thought-provoking manner.

There is a ground-breaking group exhibition, Blue Throat – Start the Churning. It places the spotlight on sixteen Hong Kong artists. They articulate through their work the relationship between the individual and the collective, self and the modern world through the lens of art in the contemporary society of Hong Kong.

Exploring Themes of Displacement, Discovery, and Survival

A significant portion of Art Central is devoted to performance art. Three performance artists will deliver a series of intimate flows of movement that focuses on the themes of displacement, personal discovery, and survival. For example, Kensa Hung and Kiwi Chan will be exploring the theme of homelessness with their piece, Pack/Unpack. They will play out a contrasting performance of opposing actions in a journey of what it means to pack and unpack. Particularly poignant is the work of Natasha Cheung who draws from her overseas background living as part of the Chinese diaspora in She Taut. She highlights key elements of her identity that have built up over the years in her survival as a queer, Chinese woman. Themes that are touched on in the recent Oscar-winning film, Everything Everywhere all at once.

Nurturing Future Artists

Central to the philosophy of Art Central is inspiring the artists of the future so they have a wide-ranging educational programme that engages all ages during the fair. There will be educational tours, talks and workshops that are free of charge to Art Central ticketholders. The activities vary from workshops that are suitable for children from 4 to in-depth one-hour talks from featured artists which are aimed at university students. Art Central’s Children’s Education Partner, Art Loop, will be offering a unique hour-long immersion course with an art workshop and guided tour aimed at children aged 4 to 12 years old. Whilst the fair’s talk programme, not only includes artists but also collectors, academia, and leaders at art institutions. Art Central will be running small guided tours of the fair twice daily on a first-come first served basis.

Explore Contemporary Art from Anywhere in the World

You can take part even if you are not visiting Hong Kong this month through their exclusive online partner, Artsy. It is the largest global online marketplace for buying, selling and discovering art by preeminent artists. The commercial digital platform will feature handpicked works from each exhibiting gallery, thus they can showcase their virtual booths to a global audience.

Since its inaugural edition in 2015, Art Central has been growing from strength to strength. It is constantly pushing the boundaries of contemporary art, especially for the Chinese market. It is universally recognised as the place to visit for collectors and curators representing private, corporate, and institutional collections worldwide.

Home

City breaks March 1, 2023

Dine like royalty at 1932 Restaurant, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor

If you want to dine like Khmer kings and queens in Cambodia, there are only two establishments in the country that offer such cuisine. One is at 1932 Restaurant, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor. The other is at their sister hotel in Phnom Penh. The recipes have been passed on by royal decree from the king’s kitchen directly to both hotels. You might wonder why the restaurant is named ‘1932’. It was the year this fabulous hotel opened in Cambodia and has been the place to see and be seen in Siem Reap ever since.

There is a timeless elegance to the design of the restaurant. Ceiling fans and rattan chairs are synonymous with the Indochina region. There are gentle hints of the local culture from the ornate metal holder for the glasses to the elegant lotus flowers that adorn every table. The dining space is welcoming, understated and refined.

The menu is a joyous exploration of Khmer cuisine. It’s generally regarded as subtler than Thai cuisine. The flavours are vibrant without ever being overpowering. The culinary team has developed a menu that adapts traditional Khmer recipes for the modern palate. The presentation of their dishes are as immaculate as the King’s royal palace gardens in Phnom Penh.

Signature dishes include their Chay Yor Bampong which is a deconstructed take on the humble spring rolls. The exciting flavours will dance on your taste buds with a spicy plum sauce as well as a chilli sauce. We opted for an authentic local classic in the form of sweet pomelo salad with fresh water prawn and smoked Kes fish. It had a fine balance between sweet and savoury flavours. The fine seafood is sourced locally from the Mekong and Tonlé Sap River regions. For their fragrant herbs and spices, they have their hotel gardens to help minimise the carbon footprint.

The main course was in the form of soft like butter, braised Wagyu beef cheeks with ma-om infusion (an aromatic local herb), quail egg, green tomato puree and baby carrots. Beef dishes are surprisingly popular in Khmer cuisine but sometimes the quality of the meat can be variable. That is most definitely not the case with the premium Wagyu on offer at 1932 restaurant. They have carefully crafted vegetarian options too like their crusted tofu with slow-cooked sweet potato, French beans and melon along with Som Lor Kari & coconut foam. It has a gentle heat along with a moreish sweetness.

They can offer a Royal Khmer cuisine tasting menu at USD 70 per person or a signature tasting menu at USD 62 per person. They also offer wine pairings along with your meal courtesy of their talented sommelier, Ms Sum Socheata. I am often dubious about wine pairings along with Asian food, but she delivers on the wine suggestions. Often, it is contrasting flavours that help to bring out the complexities of a dish. Her Charles Mignon Premium Reserve Brut pairing with their dessert course is both bold and innovative.

The freshness of the Champagne helped to bring out the fruitiness of the signature pumpkin custard tart dessert. It was also served with mango salsa, hand-grated coconut and pandan sauce. If you ever wanted to have a taste of Cambodia on a plate, this was it. A refreshing, light dessert to end a truly magnificent feast.

The Elephant Bar nearby is a great way to enjoy an aperitif or a digestif pre or post-dinner. They have their famous version of the Singapore Sling, the Grand Hotel d’Angkor Sling which utilises galangal and ginger. The hotel also has a luxury array of boutique shops as well as occasional exhibitions like the “When the Buddha smiles” during our visit. Make sure you allocate plenty of time when you plan your Khmer feast at the wonderful 1932 restaurant.

1932

City breaks February 28, 2023

Ocean Park: the grande dame of Hong Kong theme parks continues to innovate

Ocean Park holds a very dear place in the hearts of most Hong Kong locals and tourists who have visited the magical marine park. For some it’s a theme park, for others it’s a conservation or education centre. The mesmerising location in the Southern District of Hong Kong with spectacular sea views makes it one of the top tourist attractions in Southeast Asia. Although it’s been having a tough time due to competition from the likes of Hong Kong Disneyland and COVID-induced lockdowns. However, with the indomitable Hong Kong entrepreneurial spirit, they’ve come back with bigger and better products that will secure their legendary status for decades to come.

On the top of the list of recent improvements is the opening of Water World Ocean Park at the back end of 2021. It is Asia’s first all-weather, year-round seaside water park. They have 27 indoor and outdoor attractions spread across five zones. The varying levels of difficulties range from a kid fun zone to a fearless fun zone for those adrenaline-seeking junkies. They have the first-ever indoor surf simulator in Hong Kong and an infinity pool at their Riptide area which has majestic ocean views.

They’ve launched a starry double feature Friday at the beginning of this year where you can enjoy Hollywood blockbusters on floating tubes at their state-of-the-art aquatic theatre or from beach chairs at the shore. It is priced at HK$88 and you can enjoy both the movie and exceptional rides on a Friday evening.

Their “Get Closer to the Animals” programme is another side of their business which successfully marries conservation work with entertaining education. You can visit delightful red pandas inside its living enclosure but also understand the daily husbandry work of the park’s keepers. And what is the best way to conserve them in the wild.

They are also offering starry summit glamping at the moment. The focus is on glamorous camping with an air-conditioned tent, and private showers and all necessities are taken care of by the staff. A Thai feast is served at Ginger Grill whilst breakfast is served at Bayview restaurant. The whole stay includes special programs such as Sunrise Moment, South Pole Spectacular Night Tour, and Sea Lion Meet and Greet.

There is the Island South Discovery programme supported by the Tourism Commission where you are offered unique itineraries to learn more about the Southern District of Hong Kong, the fishing traditions and the ecological landscape of the surrounding area. It is extremely child-friendly and shows the importance of the educational work which often happens behind the scenes. It is all part of their Ocean Park Academy which opened in 2004 and aims to foster greater learning and understanding of the subjects of nature and conservation.

They are closely linked with two of the best hotels in Hong Kong: Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel and The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong. They are both only a short walk from the marine park and have numerous world-class dining options from sumptuous buffets to authentic Singaporean cuisine. With the latter, it is the first Fullerton resort worldwide and all 425 well-sized guest rooms have breathtaking ocean views overlooking the South China Sea.

What about the future of the park? They are not resting on their laurels. They have three new zones in development. The lower park will be a major new hub for retail, dining and entertainment. Whilst at the summit of the park will be an adventure and a wellness zone. Unbelievably, the park is a mere 6 minutes away by underground from the city centre. With their lofty goals set for the coming years, they will certainly remain a major resort and leisure destination with a strong focus on conservation and education in Southeast Asia.

All-day packages are currently: Adult ticket at HK$360; Child ticket at HK$216. Do check their website for the latest information on what special events they are offering.

https://www.oceanpark.com.hk/en

Food & Drink February 25, 2023

Wiltons: the most famous restaurant in London you’ve probably never heard of

Rules is generally regarded as the oldest restaurant in London and a popular dining spot for eager tourists seeking the silver service they might assume everyone enjoys in the UK from watching shows like Downton Abbey. However, local Londoners who are food connoisseurs know if they want a truly traditional restaurant that has been charming diners since 1742, they need to head to Wiltons.

Celebrities and commoners alike have passed through the famous doors of Wiltons for centuries enjoying their celebrated oysters, wild fish, and game. During our lunch, Lord Heseltine was sitting quietly in a discrete corner and there is no doubt, the establishment likes to dine here because the only journalists/photographers they will see are restaurant reviewers like myself.

You can sing the praises of every dish on their menu, such is the endurability of their classics. Their Dover sole is widely regarded as the best in town whether it is grilled, in goujons or à la meunière. It is all carefully deboned for you and easily their most popular dish on the menu; they serve about 200 each week. Even if you are not normally a fan of fish skin like myself, you will be readily devouring this given how well-flavoured it is and adds a slightly crunchier texture to the dish.

Remember to also ask for their daily specials from the carving trolley; you can count the number of restaurants in London that still offer a carving trolley on one hand. They offer this Monday – Friday lunchtimes as well as most evenings. During, our Tuesday lunch visit, we tried an extremely well-executed rack of free-range Blythburgh pork with crackling and apple sauce. The meat was superbly tender whilst the crackling was suitably crunchy; you normally get one or the other but rarely both.

It’s great to see how Daniel Kent, the head chef of Wiltons supports smaller, independent producers that value quality and things like animal welfare before profits. For example, Blythburgh pigs are genuinely reared free-range (only 3% in the UK are reared in this way). The smoked salmon I tried was from Secret Smokehouse and ‘London-cured’; they only work with the most renowned Scottish sustainable producers and are always RSPCA high welfare certified. They never use frozen fish, sugar, colouring agents, etc. Their ethos might be to use high-quality ingredients that are simply prepared but the presentation is always impeccable. A case in point is their dressed crab which has the individual parts carefully separated from the white meat to the mustard of the crab. You will struggle to find a better-presented dressed crab anywhere else in London.

Desserts are not an afterthought at Wilton’s and not-to-be-missed. I’ve never rated bread and butter pudding with custard as often I find the dish quite dense and heavy but Daniel’s version is soft and sponge-like, readily soaking up the custard goodness. And their chocolate fondant is an undeniable classic with rich aromas due to the fact they’ve used high-quality 70% Amedei chocolate and there is a pleasing textural variety with the addition of peanuts. I suspect Wiltons has one of the highest returning customer ratios in London and it’s not hard to see why based on all the fantastic food we tried.

www.wiltons.co.uk

City breaks February 1, 2023

Hawker food – the culinary cauldrons that are uniting Singaporeans

What is a hawker centre you might be wondering? They are typically open-air community buildings found in South-east Asia that hosts a vast array of food stalls selling eclectic street food dishes. In Singapore, there are over 100 hawker centres and you could conceivably spend your whole vacation feasting like a king without visiting an actual restaurant.

Why are they so popular in Singapore? Much like the ubiquitous pubs in the United Kingdom, they are seen as community gathering hotspots. They are often connected to housing estates and seen by the government as crucial to social cohesion. Singapore has been renowned as a cultural melting pot since its independence from Malaysia in 1965. Ethnic Chinese makes up 75.9% of the population, followed by ethnic Malays at 15% and ethnic Indians at 7.5%. This is reflected in the thrilling diversity of gastronomic delights on offer at hawker centres. It was no surprise to see hawker culture awarded UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020.

The largest hawker centre is the Chinatown market with over 700 stalls (including non-food stalls). It has the famous original Hawker Chan food stall, which was the only Michelin-starred food stall until 2021 when it sadly lost its star but it still retained its Bib Gourmand recognition. Queues persist every day for the maestro’s world-famous soy sauce chicken. The buddha tooth relic temple next door is a sight to behold even if you are not religious by nature. Apart from the majestic nature of the building, there are numerous artifacts of great historical significance.

If you want to sample the delights of Indian cuisine, then the place to visit is Tekka Centre, right by thriving Little India. For those who claim Singapore is too sterile and too clinical, a little trip to this area will dispel those myths. With hip graffiti artwork, vibrant traders and a happening atmosphere, this is the beating heart of Singapore. Here, you must visit Haji Johan to try the Temasek Indian Rojak. Their colourful fritters include cow lungs, cuttlefish, fish cakes and the ever-popular prawns. It isn’t reheated in a microwave for you but re-fried behind the scenes and presented with onions, cucumbers and chilli. Don’t forget to order the iconic teh tarik (pulled tea) from a nearby stall, which offers a much fuller flavour compared to conventional tea.

For Malay food, look no further than Joo Chiat Complex. The local area is the focal point of the Malay community and here you can experience the authentic sights, sounds and smells of Singapore. A visit to Pondok Ambeng is a must with their impressive Indonesian sharing platters. It might be casual food stalls, but their ambeng daging and ambeng ayam are immaculately arranged. They are essentially rice platters that feed up to 4 people surrounded by classic meat or vegetarian dishes. At this food complex, all dishes are halal.

Others to consider visiting include the spacious Tiong Bahru Market. It opened in 1951 as a town centre for public meetings and political rallies. There is something for everyone with their vast array of options. You can try the famous Singapore “carrot” cake. It is a dish of stirred-fried radish cakes. It doesn’t contain any carrots, but the misnomer arose due to loose English from the Hokkien translation of radish pastry. There is also Chwee kueh, steamed rice cakes served with preserved radish and prawn mee, which are noodles filled with an umami-rich broth. The latter is around $5 whilst the other dishes are even cheaper.

Rounding off our hawker food guide is Lau Pa Sat which is centrally located in a historic building with a Victorian rooftop. Everything is ultra-clean and accessible (there is no wet market on site). You can satisfy your sweet cravings with classic Singaporean desserts like ice-shaved assorted bubur chacha which has flavoured ice, konnyaku jelly, sweet potatoes and yam.

Finally, countless Singaporean restaurants do offer hawker-style food whilst not being housed officially in a hawker centre. One of my favourites is Keng Eng Kee. They are one of the best zi char (a mish-mash of local dishes cooked in a communal setting) restaurants in the country and were Michelin-plated from 2016-2021. Their take on the iconic Singapore chilli crab is less spicy than other versions on the island and perhaps more palatable for western tastes. Their coffee pork ribs are a genius creation whilst the signature moonlight hor fun is silky smooth thanks to the addition of the raw egg yolk on top.

Flight tickets might be expensive at the moment to the Far East due to limited flight schedules, but Singapore has proven to be incredibly affordable and has the diversity and breadth of cuisine to impress the most demanding food connoisseurs.

https://www.visitsingapore.com/en/

Adventures January 30, 2023

Discover the winter wonderland of North Karelia in Finland

If you are looking for a holiday in an area of pristine, stunning natural beauty, somewhere with a slower pace of life and incredible food traditions then North Karelia is just the place for you. It is in the easternmost part of Finland with over 2,200 lakes and around 24,000-holiday cottages. This is where local Finns escape for their staycations.

Discover Karelian roots in Lakeland Bomba

If you want to appreciate Karelian architecture and tradition, your first stop should be Bomba House in Bomba, Nurmes. The ornate house is a replica of a famous building in Russian Karelia and now houses unique exhibitions of Karelian culture. The whole village consists of numerous buildings including hotels, restaurants and chapel along with breathtaking views of Lake Pielinen. The lake is the 4th largest in Finland and a diverse fishing destination. You can attend a Karelian pastry-making workshop in the local area with the likes of Äksyt Ämmät, who not only provide cookery classes but also eco-friendly sporting adventures like guesthouse biking tours.

A musical genius at work

The awe-inspiring scenery in this region is a catalyst for many artists’ greatest triumphs. Hence, it is no surprise you’ll find celebrated cellist, Jussi Makkonen living in Nurmes. One of the most unique experiences is enjoying a private concert in his cultural home. He’s performed in the finest of auditoriums across the globe but there is nothing quite like tuning into his melodic sounds in the comfort of his living room. And enjoying breakfast cakes and pastries lovingly prepared by his wife. Check his website to see when he’s running these regular monthly concerts.

Be inspired by nature at Koli National Park

Jussi specialises in playing music from Jean Sibelius, widely regarded as Finland’s greatest composer. The fourth symphony of Sibelius was inspired by the composer’s hikes through Koli National Park. The Tolkienesque scenery with rolling hills, snow-capped trees and blissful serenity always instils a sense of amazement every time you visit. You can go snowshoeing and hiking up the peak to enjoy uninterrupted views of the remarkable landscape. You can live the traditional Finnish countryside lifestyle by visiting Korvenkoda, which is literally in the middle of nowhere in the national park. Here you can experience an authentic Finnish smoked sauna and then go for an icy dip into Lake Pielinen. Dinner is courtesy of freshly caught pike perch from the lake, which is cooked over a wood fire and in a candle-lit setting. There is no electricity on-site for this back-to-basics experience.

Biathlon – one of the fastest-growing sports in the Nordic region

If you are up for more thrills than just a sedate hike, then head down to Kontiolahti Biathlon Stadium. Biathlon is a winter sport that combines the endurance of cross-country skiing and the precision of rifle shooting. It is a hugely popular and rapidly growing sport in the Nordic countries. And even as a tourist, you can experience the joys of biathlon. Alternatively, you can partake in each component separately or take part in other active sports like cross-country fat-biking. The stadium is surrounded by impressive pine trees, rivers and lakes and is a haven for outdoor recreation enthusiasts.

Botania – a tropical garden in the forest capital of Europe

Who would expect a luscious tropical garden in Finland this far away from the equator? Well, this has all been made possible but the quirky genius that is Kari Kola. When he is not busy being a light artist across the globe over major historic monuments like Stonehenge, he can be found in Botania. Currently, he’s launched his winter garden special exhibition consisting of life-size Easter island statues created on a 1-1 scale. There is a remarkable exhibition space with butterfly-themed ice sculptures. And his tropical greenhouse consists of exotic plants like banana plants which you would never normally spot in Finland.

Where to stay

Sokos Hotels is the leading hotel brand in Finland and they reliably have outposts in both Bomba and Koli. The Break Sokos Hotel Bomba is particularly impressive with exceptional spa facilities including outdoor jacuzzis where you can admire the snowy scenery. They have 3 types of saunas: Karelian, Finnish and steam. Restaurant Bomba serves exceptional seasonal cuisine sourced from the surrounding regions. They are planning to offer a tasting menu with berry wine pairing courtesy of Valamo monastery nearby. Dishes make fine use of local ingredients including the likes of sunroots with crayfish and sugar-salted pike perch. Whilst their hotel in Koli is right in the heart of the national park and makes the perfect base to explore the unspoiled countryside.

In Joensuu, you should consider booking into Lietsu Boutique Aparthotel. This charming accommodation is like a home away from home. Each room is uniquely decorated and celebrates Karalian culture. Whilst their buffet breakfast is filled with local offerings like different types of Karalian pastries. The rooms are equipped with a fridge, cooktop, dishwasher and washing machine so you can feel very much at home when you stay at Lietsu.

https://www.visitkarelia.fi/en/