Buys - Top 10 Christmas Gift Ideas!

A ton of press releases on gift ideas have come our way, from practical to just plain frivolous. It has been a near impossible task trying to categorise them by price and function so instead I picked my top 10 favourites. If you have not thought of something that you want for yourself, loved one, close friend or boss then hopefully this list gives you some nice ideas: 


WHAT'S IN YOUR STOCKING? ...

GIFT #1 - Tickets to Perth, Western Australia for the family. Available at: Singapore Airlines Family Playtime or visit the Best of Perth Travel Deals. It may be somewhat of a warm weather welcome with Winter in reverse seasons in Australia but you can't deny the charms of this laid back city with its great outlying countryside, good wine, great food and just a lovely atmosphere that makes a retreat there so much more relaxing than spending it in bustling built up Hong Kong (at least for me). Highlight events include the East Perth Picnic in the Park, IGA Christmas Carol Pageant and the Christmas Nativity Event at Forrest Place in the City. Check event listings and dates out here.

GIFT #2 - You really do not want a gift that you can't use so I thought the 'Ta Da' Gift  was a pretty good idea. The TA DA Gift (available only in Hong Kong) is essentially a gift experience that is pegged to how much you want to spend - think HK$500 onwards. Beautifully packaged in a high quality glossy gift box, it has a gift card with a phone number to a concierge service where you can arrange to redeem the gift. 

Select from 6 different categories  of gifts for eg. a Zen gift is all about the spa, pampering and relaxation, a Life gift includes gifts like a Thai boxing class or Horseback riding experience,  a Delicious gift is all about gourmet goodies, an Excite gift spells kayaking, war games and the likes, an Escape gift lets the lucky recipient take a break from the norm, and gain a whole new perspective on Hong Kong via an outdoor camping trip or a sailing trip to an off shore island. And of course if budget is no issue, the Ultimate gift offers the crème de la crème of experiences and can go up to HK$15,000. All in all, there are over 200 different choices of activities and things to do, give and receive. See: The Ta Da List!

GIFT #3 - Holidays are the time for catching up on beauty sleep and my bedroom could use this cool gadget called the i.relax ZEN Aroma Diffuser available at all Oregon Scientific stores, SOGO and SEIBU in Hong Kong. You simply plug in your ipod or mp3 player and you get soothing music, mood effects via a a soft glowing night light and a diffuser that gives off different light fragrances, all coming together for a good night's sleep. Product details here! 

GIFT #4 - As an Apple advocate, I have to say I would not mind unwrapping this one from under the tree. We hear that iLife '11 is out as its the new OSX Lion! 


iLife '11 gives Mac users even better ways to create and share photos, movies and music. There are more slideshow templates, a chance for you to make Hollywood style movie trailers, a faster and better People Finder to locate your cast for your photo and video projects along with new templates for you to custom make your own books and cards. Available at HK$488 as an upgrade for existing users. See: Apple Store


If you liked the Snow Leopard OSX then the Lion promises to be mighty and will give you a better and louder roar. Inspired by many of the iPad's software innovations such as offering new ways to discover, install and automatically update desktop apps. It also introduces Launchpad, a new home for all of your Mac apps; system-wide support for full screen apps; and Mission Control, which unifies Exposé®, Dashboard, Spaces® and full screen apps into an innovative new view of everything running on your Mac, and allows you to instantly navigate anywhere.  Shipping next Summer, start getting into the queue! 

GIFT #5 - In the market for a phone? Vertu and BlackBerry have both launched new ones. The newest BlackBerry Bold 9780 smartphone is the first  smartphone to come with the new BlackBerry 6 operating system, that has a rich new user interface, a fast and powerful WebKit-based browser, broadly improved communications plus multimedia capabilities, and an incredibly useful Universal Search feature. It is also equipped with a high quality 5MP camera with 512 MB Flash memory and an expandable memory card slot that supports up to 32 GB of additional storage. Additional features of BlackBerry 6 include expanded messaging capabilities, a dedicated YouTube app, simplification of the management of social networking and RSS feeds (Social Feeds), and integrated access to BBM (BlackBerry Messenger), Facebook, Twitter and MySpace. 

There is no doubt that you can't afford to lose a Vertu and their new Constellation Quest smartphone offers unparalleled luxury services and business tools with prices starting at S$9,900 onwards for the Brushed Stainless Steel with Black Leather (available early 2011) to the Yellow Gold, Sapphire keys version with Black leather at S$35,000. With the price tag comes a 24/7 Concierge service and an exclusive vertu.me email account. 

GIFT #6 - For that home party, present the host with a special collectible. Two  come to mind - the first is Mumm on Ice a.k.a G.H.Mumm Cordon Rouge, a special edition champagne launched for the holiday season that comes with a carrier tote that transforms into an ice bucket. Available in Hong Kong on 1 December at Wellcome and Jason's Market Place at HK$348. 

The next is Jacob Creek's new Sparkling Rose Moscato. I am a huge fan of muscat grapes and sweet wines, especially white. Yes, call me a peasant but I say that there is nothing lovelier than to sip icy cold moscato when you are chillin'. This one makes a good girlfriend gift not only because of looks but also quality and it has won a host of awards at the Australian wine shows. A value for money gift, available mid December from only HK$99 to HK$109 at selected outlets and retailers. Both drinks also available at selected outlets in Singapore, Beijing and Shanghai in the same period.  

GIFT #7 - I am tired of my boring old black luggage. So this release caught my eye. You are guaranteed to see your bright and bold coloured luggage come down that conveyor belt at the airport if you get any of these eye catching buys from  American Tourister this season. 

Two models, soft case Westlake (in 7 colours) and hard case F'Lite are being launched. Fully tested, these babies have passed the Drop, Jerk, Lock, Wheel and Tumble Test so whats there not to like? 

GIFT #8 - Impress that client or the boss with a trusty hamper. For lavish think H One and Sevva in Hong Kong, Cova in both Singapore and HK and The Link Home in Singapore. They have mastered the art of wowing the Taipan. 


At HK$988, this Appagamento hamper basket from H One comprising Pear Balsamic Vinegar, Black Truffle with Cheese Fonaue, Aged Parma Ham, homemade goodies including Chocolate Truffles, Cookies and Christmas Stollen, amongst others and a bottle of Prosecco, Zeta di Zardetto 2007  is not as expensive as I would have expected. Hampers go up to HK$8,888. Orders at (852) 2805 0638.  H one is at Shop 4008, Podium Level 4, ifc mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong.

At Cova in Singapore and Hong Kong, look out for 3 new cake designs, the Dolce Penguino (S$52 for 1 kg), the Chocolate and Cherries Logcake (S$48 for 1 kg) and the delightful Santa's Car (S$58 for 1kg) made from chocolate sponge mixed with butterscotch and gianduia cream.  Hampers abound at Cova where you can choose from 4 different prepacked designs or custom make your own. Prices start at only S$98. Call +65 6733 0777. 

7 beautifully packaged Hampers await at Sevva, mainly tableware gifts including French handcrafted silver and gold cutlery, napkin rings, exotic sugars, teas and honeys. Call +852 2537 1388 or go to Sevva. 

At The Link Home in Singapore, get your lovely ornaments custom packed into an elegant gift or choose from any of their exquisitely packaged hampers and gifts. 

GIFT #9 is the trusty Coffret Set. The prettiest by far this year are the ones from Crabtree and Evelyn. My favourites were the Vanity Cases (From S$85) and Hat Boxes (from S$95). The queues in Hong Kong rival the ones in LV and Chanel - just for a chance to get a whiff of the lovely smells coming from inside the store. 

GIFT #10 - And finally ... If you have not already bought the all in one latest Nespresso Latissima that we earlier recommended then this is definitely THE time! And to top it off three new limited edition flavours join the ever growing cache of gourmet tastes. Gift a few tubes of Vanilla Variation with its rich and velvety aromas of vanilla and the mellow flavour of the Livanto Grand Cru,  Caramel Variation, that evokes the creaminess of soft toffee and Almond Variation, a melt-in-the-mouth blend that evokes the mellow taste of Amaretti biscuits.


- Elaine

Continue reading...

Binge - Get Ruffled and Truffled!

Can you smell it? The distinct scent of wild garlic with earthy undertones in the air?

Yes, Truffles are back in season at US$2,000 a pound or more at auction and the big boys in the restaurant business in Hong Kong have their stash all ready for the tables. 

It is essential not to cook this delicacy, but only to use it raw, shaved or grated onto a hot dish. So, get ruffled, hot under the collar and follow your nose to:

WHISK on the 5F of The Mira Hong Kong in Tsim Sha Tsui where Singapore's Chef Justin Quek is back for a five-day stint from 13th to 17th October to unveil the Alba White Truffle having just returned from Piedmont, Italy from his annual pilgrimage to hunt down this delicacy. 

Try the Maine Lobster Salad Vinaigrette; Egg Royale with Goose Foie Gras and White Truffle Shavings; Tagliatelle in White Truffle Cream with White truffle Shavings; Pan-roasted Beef Rib Eye, Autumn Vegetables and Natural Jus; White Truffle Ice Cream, Praline, Caramel Roasted Nuts; Coffee, Tea and Petits Fours for HK$1380 +10% service charge, with additional shavings for the true truffle aficionado, at HK$60 per gram. Reservations at: (852) 2368 1111.

H one, at Shop 4008, Podium 4 at IFC Mall in Central also boasts a stash of white truffles from Alba. From now till 30 November, try their starters including the Beef Carpaccio with Celery Heart, Shavings of Parmesan Cheese with White Truffle (3gms - HK$498, 5gms -HK$658), Cream of St.Georges Mushrooms, 62 C Bio Egg, Burrata Cheese, Herbs Infused Oil and white Truffle (2gms-HK$298), Bruschetta with Soft Scrambled Free Range Eggs and White Truffle (3gms - HK$ 418). The creamy egg yolks from the Maran eggs complement well with the soft white truffle and the quail eggs on top bring in extra smoothness to this delicately prepared white truffle starter. For mains, go with the Vialone Nano creamy Risotto with Parmesan Cheese, Meat Juice and White Truffle of Alba (3gms - HK$ 588, 5gms - HK$ 788), Homemade Ravioli filled with Potato, Mascarpone and Egg Yolk with White Truffle (3gms - HK$ 588, 5gms - HK$ 788) or the "Tajarin" from Piemonte with Occelli Butter and White Truffle (3gms-HK$588, 5gms-HK$788). 

Have you had Truffle Ice cream - apparently it tastes and smells heavenly! Reservations at: (852) 2805 0638.

Domani at Level 4, Pacific Place, Admiralty serves up in October, a Risotto allo Zafferano con Crudité di Scampi- a saffron risotto with raw scampi (HK$160), Quail breast stuffed with stewed prunes 24 month aged parmigiano reggiano fondue, maderia sauce and honey (HK$240) and also a white truffle cream and honey duck egg (HK$100) for dessert. Reservations at (852) 2111 1197.

St George's at Hullet House in Tsim Sha Tsui serves up nine spectacular Alba white truffle dishes from 25th October to the end of November. Michelin-star Executive Chef Philippe Orrico has segmented the menu into four styles - 'Traditional', 'Classical', 'Creative' and 'Modern'. In the "Traditional" section, try Risotto Carnoroli with Alba White Truffle, the dish of choice for Italian wedding banquets. In the 'Classical' try the Veal Banquette, Pearl Onion and Alba White Truffle. In the 'Creative' section, try the Roasted Scallops, Risotto Rice Cream with garlic and Parmesan, Apple with Cinnamon and Squid with Alba White Truffle and in the 'Modern' section, get a bite of his mouth-watering dessert, White Chocolate Feuillantine and White Truffle Ice Cream. All Alba White Truffle dishes start from HK$368, plus 10% service charge. Reservations: (852) 3988 0000.

- Elaine

Continue reading...

BINGE Hong Kong - Fathers' Day from Beef and BBQ to Buffets

Fathers' Day (20th June) dining options are aplenty in Hong Kong so the trick is to pick and book early! Heed our suggestions for a great day out in Stanley, Central or the Wan Chai area:

Head out to Stanley ... where you will find Rocksalt in leisurely laid back setting with beautiful views of Stanley Bay and a 3 course set lunch at HK$238 per person or a 3 course dinner at HK$328 per person. 

Expect items like Forrest Mushroom Soup served with porcini dust and a splash of fresh cream, a Rocksalt Salad of salt cured salmon served with beetroot, cucumber and crumbed quail eggs. For mains, think Char Grilled Sirloin steak served with steamed vegetables and potato gratin in a red wine sauce, succulent Char Grilled Lamb Chops served with steamed vegetables and potato gratin in a red wine sauce or the beautiful Father’s Catch with paperbark cod with cherry tomatoes, wild mushrooms, baby fennel. Tiramisu for dessert and special kid's menus available. If thats not enough, Dad's get a free takeaway - a stubby holder and a free round of drinks for himself and 3 buddies on his next visit to the restaurant. Rocksalt is at 25 Stanley Market Road, Stanley, T: +852 2899 0818

Saigon, also at Stanley also offers three special sets priced at $388 for two people, HK$788 for four and HK$988 for six. 

Expect simple delicious Vietnamese flavours served in a sultry colonial era atmosphere amidst gentle rattan fans, soothing celadon tones and grand French doors opening onto an outdoor veranda with panoramic views over the South China Sea. Tuck into Vietnamese favourites like Fresh Rice Paper Rolls with choice of Pork and Prawn, Soft Shell Crab or Duck Breast, Saigon Spring Rolls with pork and shrimp and Shrimp Mousse on sugarcane. The mains include items like the Wok-Braised Beef Tenderloin with Black Pepper and Fresh Herbs, Lemongrass Curry, Southern Vietnamese Fried Noodles with Pork, and Crab Meat Fried Rice. For Dessert, there are items like the Sago with Pomelo and Mango in Coconut Soup or Lemongrass flavoured Panna Cotta. Saigon is at 1/F, Murray House, Stanley. T: +852 2899 0999

For something meatier (and more in Central), check out the newly opened Blue Smoke Bar-B-Que, in Lan Kwai Fong. 

Step back into time into the old South into a unique ambience of antique timber panels, rust iron, concrete slabs and old-style benches which the restaurant owners have actually salvaged construction materials from Tennessee factories and dilapidated farmhouses. 

This is definitely a sit and share kind of place with big plate items like their ‘secret recipe’ spicy ribs to even a whole suckling pig. True to the theme, there are a whole lot of bar-b-que dishes - think ‘Budweiser Beer Can’ smoked USA chicken and unique bar-b-que platters with dishes like bar-b-que turkey! 

Kids will love the nachos and if you like good ol' American fare you will not be dissapointed by the Texas red beef chili, Texas brisket, pulled pork, lamb rib, and hot links – with traditional side dishes of coleslaw, baked beans, corn bread, mac ‘n’ cheese and classic homemade American pies. A good drinks menu awaits with a good selection of American beer, signature 14oz frozen Margaritas, bourbon cocktails, lemonade by the pitcher and iced tea. Blue Smoke Bar-B-Que is at 3/F Grand Progress Building, 15-16 Lan Kwai Fong, Central. Tel: +852 2816 9018.

For a more delicate and luxe take on beef, cross over to IFC Mall and check out H One where 12 imaginatively prepared Beef dishes await, showcasing high quality beef from around the world from US Angus Beef, USDA Prime Dry Aged Beef, Australian Wagyu Beef, Italian Beef to Japanese Kobe Beef. 

Their USDA Prime Dry Aged Sirloin is aged for 14-28 days for a more intense flavor and there is even Wagyu beef tongue and beef cheek on the menu, both rarely available in Hong Kong. Some of the starters include a Slow Cooked Prime US Beef Carpaccio, Parsnip, Black Truffle and Walnut Vinaigrette, Char-Grilled Wagyu Beef Tongue, Watercress Leaves and Horseradish Cream, Kobe Beef Tartar, Sunny Side Up Quail Egg and Brioche Bread and a Wagyu Beef Cheek Ravioli, Foie Gras and Light Truffle Sauce. Mains include favourites like the Charcoal Grilled Black Angus Rib Eye, Asparagus, Rosemary Potatoes and Thyme Jus, Bollito Misto of Beef with Salsa Verde (brisket, tongue, rib) or a Pan Fried Wagyu Beef Tenderloin, Broccolini, Garlic Mashed Potato and Shallot Red Wine Jus. H one is at Shop 4008, Podium Level 4, ifc mall, 8 Finance Street, Central. Tel: +852 2805-0638.

In the Wan Chai area, head to the award winning Cepage, opened by Singapore's Les Amis Group. They are serving up a special menu celebrating their new ranking among the world’s top 100 restaurants and their accomplished achievement of bagging a Michelin star within a year of their opening in Hong Kong. 

At HK$488 per person or HK$678 with a wine pairing, the menu is served every Saturday. Appetiser choices include a Boston lobster salad with green apple gelée and crème fraiche, or Wagyu beef carpaccio with marinated white asparagus, aged parmesan and summer truffle. This starter is paired with Palmer Champagne. For a second course try their hearty and classic bouillabaisse seafood stew in puff pastry. Mains are a choice between pan-seared, line-caught snapper and crunchy tête de veau, layered with baguette, eggplant caviar and datterino tomato-pinenut dressing, or a serving for two of roasted premier French free range chicken, Coquelet de Bresse, with lemon confit and rosemary, roasted pearl onion, new potato and courgette. Both are paired with the light and tasty - Misha "The High Note" Pinot Noir, 2008. Dessert is a mascarpone mousse with marinated strawberry and elderflower sorbet, complemented by La Spinetta Moscato d’ Asti, Quaglia 2009. Great value if you ask me! CEPAGE is at 23 Wing Fung Street in Wanchai. Tel: +852 2861 3130.

In the Harbour Road area at The Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, Buffet is the word and their 3 most popular restaurants Tiffin, Grissini and Kaetsu all have grand buffet options. For reservations, call: +852 2584 7722.

Tiffin well known for European-style delicacies serves a wonderful Sunday Brunch spread at HK$638 or HK$698 with free flow Moet Chandon Rose Champagne, kids pay only HK$319. If its an Afternoon Tea affair, then the buffet spread is only HK$258 for adults and HK$129 for kids. The Dinner Buffet spread is at HK$538 for adults and HK$269 for kids.

Grissini also brings out their Italiano best with a lunch buffet spread of authentic Italian feast with antipasti, homemade pastas, carving station, cheese table and sensational desserts and a complimentary glass of Italian sparkling wine for each guest. Adults HK$485 and Kids HK$243.

Japanese Kaetsu's buffets present a wide range of traditional Japanese delights including sea urchin and fresh prime tuna at the sashimi station, a la minute tempura prepared from the kitchen and pan-fried Japanese Wagyu beef at HK$680 for Adults and HK$340 for Kids for Lunch. The Dinner Buffet is HK$780 per adult and HK$390 for kids.

- Elaine

Continue reading...