Friday, January 30, 2015

Review: Alibi


I'm one of those people who rarely venture to Mongkok and I haven't been to Langham Place hotel in ages (mostly because I inevitably get lost inside that mall while trying to look for the hotel.) However, when my friend proposed trying out Alibi, I figured ok, let's give it a shot.

Touted as a bar and lounge, Alibi's cuisine is best labelled as international even though for some reason I was under the impression that it was Spanish tapas. I think it was the small plates concept that threw me even though they did have large plates on offer too.



We started with the Gambas- sautéed prawns, aromatic salads, crispy salad. The prawns had a South East Asian spin to it. The flavor was quite spicy and reminiscent of tom yum. Not much umami in the head though.


Bruschetta, Lardo di Calonnata - honey, thyme, truffle. When we saw the Lardo, we couldn’t resist ordering this. The white truffle powder melts into the Lardo when it enters the mouth. Together with the sweetness of honey, it was a little taste of heaven in my mouth


Duo of ox tongue- capers, raisins, rocket leaves, pearl onion and broad beans. A nice mouthful but definitely prefer the thicker cut at the bottom.


Favorite dish of the night: Bone Marrow, Braised Wagyu - crostini, fig & whisky chutney. Delicious on top of the crostini with the chutney and the marrow mixed with the beef made the dish less creamy and fatty. An easier entry into marrow for those who haven’t tried it yet although I do prefer pure marrow in general.

We ended the meal with two desserts, the steamed chocolate pudding served in a dim sum basket and a pistachio milk bar which were both yummy although we did prefer the chocolate pudding more. It was similar to a molten chocolate cake but slightly lighter.

Dinner came to $730 for the two of us where we had the above dishes, dessert and two teas which we felt was reasonable given the quality of the food.

Alibi, 5/F Langham Place, Mongkok
Phone:(852) 3552 3028

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Bag Lady: J.W.Anderson Moon Tote


Loving the bright yellow Moon Tote from J.W.Anderson. Perfect for giving an outfit a pop of colour as we wait for the arrival of Spring. Get it at Net-a-Porter for HK$9,940

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Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Geek Spy: Spreadthat!


Years and years ago, I was wildly entertained by the Unuseless Japanese Inventions book. The book recently came back to my attention given that the selfie stick was pretty much mentioned then and only came into mass consumption decades later. When I looked at the Spreadthat! butter knife, I am reminded of that book. Aside from the horrendous name, the butter knife seems like something that I really do need but also don't really have a use for. I mean, seriously, how hard is it to take out a block of butter and let it achieve room temperature before spreading? (A lot harder than it looks in our era of instant gratification to be honest.) So, for those who want a knife that uses your body heat to make it easier to spread butter, head on over to That! and buy yourself one for US$19.95 a pop.

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Monday, January 26, 2015

Beauty Notes: Bleu Lavande Lavender Shampoo


Since I've made the switch to organic shampoos, I've been discovering a wide range of new products that keeps my hair healthy and I really can't imagine doing back to shampoos with silicon products in it. Latest on my discovery list is the Lavender Shampoo from Bleu Lavande which smells absolutely heavenly. I stumbled upon it when the folks at Canada Mall sent me a sample and I'm really enjoying it so far. It's quite gentle and has even less foam than other organic shampoos but my hair is super soft after using it and the fact that I don't need conditioner is definitely a plus. And yes, Canada Mall is exactly what it sounds like, an online site that sells various Canadian products such as a ton of maple syrup related products, ice wines etc as well as beauty products.

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Friday, January 23, 2015

Bag Lady: Jason Wu Hanne


I haven't been feeling Mr Wu's bags for a while (the last Bag Lady from him was in 2012 and I wasn't even sure I liked that bag) but the Hanne is definitely making me take note. Perfect as an office bag, the light blue suede bag is going to be added to my lust list. Available at Net-a-Porter for HK$11,570.

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Thursday, January 22, 2015

Living Dead's Marvel Collection


How adorable are these Marvel inspired clothing from Australian brand Living Dead? I am loving the subtly of these items where they look like bright prints from a distance and it's only upon closer inspection (or if you're a true comic geek) that you will notice that they reference Guardians of the Galaxy (Groot! Definitely my favourite out of their collection), Agents of Shield or Captain America. Their non-Marvel items are cute too such as the gamer one with the awesome Pac-Man dress. If you are already planning your Rugby 7s costumes (and I actually do have friends who are already doing this), be sure to check out the Sailor Scout collection.

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Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Geek Peek: Ben Heine



For this Geek Peek, we talk to Belgian multi-disciplinary digital artist Ben Heine who creates awesome artwork that combines photography and illustration to give us a bit of a mind bend by blurring the boundaries of virtual and reality. In town for the annual Chocolate Trail at Harbour City, Ben is showing his latest series of his “Pencil vs Camera” artwork called “From Cocoa to Choco – taking you through the journey of Love” at the Gallery by the Harbour at Ocean Centre and giving a performance of “Flesh and Acrylic” series from today to the 26th at the gallery. Read on to learn his secret ambition where he hints at moving on to conquer the music world and his worst nightmare.

Hong Kong Fashion Geek: What’s your favourite thing about Hong Kong?
Ben Heine: I really like the buildings and the skyline in Hong Kong. I think there is a visionary, even futuristic architecture here and the buildings are always colourful and luminous. All these beautiful urban shapes have a big impact on me.

HKFG: Tell us your secret ambition.
BH: I want to surprise people around me so I'm always trying to find new innovative paths. My next destination could be music creation.

HKFG: What’s the song that you sing in the shower?
BH: I'd maybe sing a big mix of different things together. Let's say it would sound like a good old "organic pop progressive electronic reggae underground" tune, haha.

HKFG: The celebrity you would most like to be/trade places with is...? Why?
BH: Jean Dujardin, he is funny.

HKFG: What was your first big investment purchase?
BH: My current house in the Belgian countryside.

HKFG: What’s your worst nightmare?
BH: I don't want people to think I'm a person that I'm not.

HKFG: Last thing you think about before going to sleep?
BH: Thinking about my son and wife and doing a small briefing about the things I've done and planning the things I'll do the next day.

HKFG: What’s your favourite phone app?
BH: Instagram as a social network and Airwings as a game.

“From Cocoa to Choco – taking you through the journey of Love” Art Exhibition
Date: Jan 23rd 2015 – Mar 1st 2015
Time: 11:00 – 22:00
Venue: Gallery by the Harbour, 207, Level 2, Ocean Centre, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui

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Monday, January 19, 2015

Harvey Nichols’ Exclusive Private Sale

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Geek Spy: Eco Pot


I stumbled upon this lovely design from Ukrainian designer Julia Kononenko that is just so simple yet something I want! I love having a bit of greenery around me and now that I'm back with a day job after my sabbatical, I'm looking to add some plants to my office. Doesn't this look like the perfect item? <3

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Friday, January 16, 2015

Bag Lady: Loewe Puzzle Bag


Loving Loewe's new Puzzle Bag! It's one of Jonathan Anderson’s first creations since taking over the label in 2014 and he totally nailed it. This structural bag can be folded flat and has the soft supple leather characteristic of Loewe's bags. It can also be carried multiple ways from a shoulder hobo to clutch. Available in two sizes and a range of colours, leathers and skins.

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Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Anya Hindmarch Afternoon Tea


Remember those awesome leather stickers that customises your bag from Anya Hindmarch that I was raving about? The Landmark Mandarin Oriental has launched an edible version of it for the month of January that includes traditional Parkin & White Chocolate resembling her signature Bathurst bag; a Cherry Mini Cupcake carrying a “Slip it to Me” speech bubble and a “Have a Nice Tea” Creamy Black Berry Jelly garnished with the iconic Anya Hindmarch happy smiley face as well as savouries such as Turkey Stuffing and Cranberry Cracker, and Smoked Scottish Salmon Bag.

The tea is priced at HK$338 from Mondays to Fridays and comprises a three-tier tea set, five pastries and a choice of JING tea or coffee and HK$358 on the weekends where there is also a dessert buffet.

Afternoon tea is served from 3 to 5:30 p.m. from Mondays to Friday and 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sundays. Reservations are recommended and guests can book on +852 2132 0077 or via email at lmhkg-mobar@mohg.com.

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Tuesday, January 13, 2015

YSL Beaute Google Glass Experience


How's this for a cute application of Google Glass? YSL Beaute will be launching a new digital makeup experience where you can visit their counters for a makeup tutorial and the whole experience is filmed from the viewpoint of the makeup artist using Google Glass. The video will then be sent back to you allowing you to recreate your looks.

The YSL Beaute Google Glass experience will be touring around Asia and in Hong Kong, the sessions will be held at Lane Crawford at the below times:

Dates
Locations
Time
January 29, 2015
Lane Crawford Times Square

7:00pm - 7:30pm
January 30 to February 1, 2015
Lane Crawford Canton Road


January 30, 2015 7:00pm - 7:30pm
January 31 & February 1, 2015 3:00pm - 3:30pm

February 2, 2015
Lane Crawford ifc mall

*by appointment only

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Monday, January 12, 2015

Alice + Olivia x Starbucks Crossover


I know an inordinate amount of people who like buying Starbucks mugs and I always wonder what they end up doing with the mugs. Are they used? Are they collected? Where do you find the space for them? Regardless, I find myself wanting to jump on the bandwagon what with the launch of Starbuck's first designer collaboration across China & Asia-Pacific whereby Alice + Olivia has joint forces with the brand to bring us a double wall ceramic mug. The limited edition mug is available instore in Hong Kong and Macau from now until Feb 24th and is priced at HK$230.

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Friday, January 9, 2015

Bag Lady: Alexander McQueen Legend


It's been quiet on the Alexander McQueen bag front where nothing's really caught my eye since the Heroine and even then I wasn't sure if I liked it or not. Right before the end of last year, the brand launched the Legend and the shape is reminiscent of the Celine Trapeze to my dismay. (If you read my comment on the Heroine, then you'll understand why.) It's a nice bag and all but I miss the punk chic that has been a trademark of the brand for years. Don't get me wrong, they are still doing awesome collections and I still lust after their older iconic bags which get updated every season, it just seems that the brand has taken a direction towards a more grown up aesthetic, for lack of a better description.

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Thursday, January 8, 2015

Review: Arcane



I've been meaning to write this post for ages but what with the onset of the holidays, it had completely slipped my mind so apologies if this is brief because since this meal, I've become a glutton many times over so it's a bit hard to completely recall my experience. So Arcane, hot on the foodies' lists given that Shane Osborn has a decent fan base here since he revamped St Betty's and turned it around a couple years ago. His new restaurant is on On Lan Street and when I first went in, cosy was the first thought I had as it's a small place with quite a number of tables squished into it. I definitely was conscious of my giant bag and had to make sure I didn't inadvertently whack someone across the face.


That aside though, the food was quite good. My friend started with a scallop that she deemed fresh (I couldn't try it out due to allergies.) While I had the pepper seared tuna with warm crushed potatoes, marinated shallots, black olives and water crest. The potatoes were super buttery, almost overwhelmingly so when paired with the tuna but the combination made for a yummy mouthful nonetheless.


Steamed Hokkaido cod, butternut squash ravioli, choi sum, sage and among brown butter. I love cod and this dish didn’t disappoint. The butternut squash ravioli was a nice touch to the dish but the choi sum was a tad overcooked for my taste. But that’s due to my personal preference of liking choi sum with crunch which might be too Canto style for a western dish.


Roast breast of guinea fowl, snow peas, new season onions, bacon and thyme jus. The breast was perfectly done. I am generally wary of poultry breasts as it’s so easy to turn it into a rubbery texture but this was lovely. Also appreciated Shane Osborn’s use of veggies that I associate with Chinese dishes in his mains. Lovely touch


Manjari chocolate tart with Guiness ice cream and shaved macadamia nuts. If you’re a fan of chocolate then get this dessert. Super yums and in particular loved the crunch of the nuts!

I can't quite remember how much dinner for the two of us cost but I think it was around HK$1500?

Arcane is located at 3/F, 18 On Lan Street Central

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Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Geek Spy: Misfit's Swarvoski Shine Collection


I can't count the number of times I've heard my girlfriends say that their Fitbit, Jawbone etc is an unwieldy sight for the eyes and it's not something they care to wear on a night out. Misfit, known for fitness and sleeping gadgets, has obviously heard the same complaints and announced at CES that they are partnering with Swarvoski for two new wearable items and nine glittering accessories (bracelets, wristbands and pendants in black, white and grey.)For those unfamiliar with CES, it's the annual Consumer Electronics Show which elicits squees from me every year when I read about cool new gadgets being launched.

The accessories all work with existing Shine trackers (available at Apple stores) but the new two Shine products are even prettier; one has a crystal face while the other has a solar-powered purple design that apparently will allow you never to have to plug in your tracker to charge ever again. Aren't they gorgeous? These babies will be available via Misfit.com and Swarovski retail locations this spring in the U.S., Hong Kong and China. Pre-orders are being taken now online here.

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Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Burt's Bees Wild Recipes



Did everyone have a wonderful New Year's? Here's hoping that 2015 will be a kickass year for you all! One of my resolutions this year is to eat more healthily and to cook at home more so when I saw that Burt's Bees is coming out with a cookbook, I was quite intrigued. Published as a way to raise awareness about the plight of bees, the dishes uses many items that are pollinated by honey bees such as sweet potatoes, nuts, veggies etc and all the proceeds (without deducting cost) will be contributed to the partnership with existing roof top farms for the installation of beehives on commercial buildings to create a thriving bee habitat in Hong Kong. Priced at HK$78, it will be available at Burt Bee's shops and and their counters at department stores in a couple weeks. Sound like just the thing I need to pick up!

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