Category: Lifestyle

Matsunichi review: Going green with Japanese gourmet cuisine

It’s not often that we hear about vegetarian options in Japanese cuisine. It is on this rather unchartered territory that we ventured as we started our gastronomic journey within the elegant dining space of Matsunichi, a contemporary Japanese restaurant somewhat hidden within the rather intimidating-looking Goldin Financial Global Centre in Kowloon Bay. 

Go meatless with Matsunichi’s vegetarian platter

Authenticity and an artisanal dining experience can be said to be the twin pillars of Matsunichi. Riding on the tide of authenticity, the restaurant welcomes spring with a new eight-course ‘Vegetarian Vibes’ menu (HK$600), sourced only from the freshest produce from Japan.

Our affair with ‘haute vegetarianism’ started with the Tomato Tofu, which is painstakingly crafted from three kinds of tomatoes, and is perfectly paired with a home-made vinegar jelly that was refreshingly tangy and set the right note of anticipation for the next course – the colourful Vegetarian Nigiri Sushi platter. As easy on the eye as on the palate, the sushi platter was quite an interesting change from the heavier non-vegetarian sushi that we’re more accustomed to.

Matsunichi
Assistant Executive Chef Miyasako Yukihiro cooking up a green revolution

However, the dish that won us over was the Tempura course, which only used vegetables known for their medicinal values. So there were the high-in-protein Maitake mushrooms, Butterbur buds – known for soothing migraines – and the vitamin-rich sweet potato, all coated with a crispy light batter. We particularly hearted the butterbur tempura for its soft-yet-crunchy texture.

The white peach sorbet with yellow pitahaya is perfect for warmer weather

The next course – Japanese rice with Edamame, peas, corn and Hokkaido kombu – was more tummy-filling than soul-satisfying to be honest, but best was indeed reserved for the last. The Peach Sorbet with Yellow Pitahaya (dragon fruit), with all its sweetness perfectly balanced with citrusy tanginess was a fitting finale to a meal that was as hearty as it was healthy.

Here’s to more plant power, we say!

Matsunichi, Level 2, Goldin Financial Global Centre, 17 Kai Cheung Road, Kowloon Bay, 3188 2760, www.matsunichi.com.hk

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

Ryan Reynolds: Brainless beefcake or the evolution of Hollywood?

His online confessionals have made him the most accessible of stars, but do we know the real Ryan Reynolds?

Ryan Reynolds is a social media savant

Cast as one of the most iconic figures in the superhero universe – quick-witted, handsome and mega-powered, while still battling his inner demons – success seemed all but guaranteed for Ryan Reynolds. Then just 35, the Vancouver-born actor was on the verge of becoming one of Hollywood’s biggest draws, a 21st century Tom Cruise, but with none of the Scientology baggage.

And then his movie tanked. Despite a $200 million budget, Green Lantern went on to become one of the undisputed big screen flops of 2011. The critics were not kind. The Guardian described his performance as “a slice of inert beefcake”, while the influential Rotten Tomatoes website simply begged: “Please, please, please do not make a sequel…”

Ryan Reynolds in his Deadpool persona

Fast forward five years and everything has changed. His portrayal of Deadpool, the foul-mouthed, scarred mutant mercenary from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, saw him winning awards across the board. The film also proved one of the surprise hits of the year (it was, after all, a relatively low-budget R-rated production), with the inevitable Deadpool 2 sequel hitting theatres next month.

It was an on-set encounter with one Fox Studio executive that first brought Deadpool into his life. Recalling that initial exposure to Marvel’s most maverick metahuman, Reynolds says: “I pored through the comics and realized that this character occupies a space in the comic-book universe that nobody else does. I thought you could really go places and do things with this character that you couldn’t do with any other superhero property.”

Ryan Reynolds on the set of Deadpool

With Reynolds now evangelical about the character’s cinematic potential, he soon set about badgering 20th Century Fox, one of Hollywood’s biggest studios, into investing in his vision. Many years and some tactically leaked test footage later, the studio finally capitulated. Still wary, however, it allocated a shoestring budget of just US$58 million to the project.

It proved a shrewd investment, with Deadpool going on to gross US$783 million at the box office, making it the highest-earning R-rated film ever, while also financially outperforming far bigger budgeted superhero adventures. For his efforts, Reynolds bagged the Best Actor in a Comedy prize at the 2016 Critics’ Choice Awards.

Despite all this, there are many who dismiss Reynolds as an “accidental star”, citing his wry Twitter contributions as far outweighing his acting prowess. To be fair, he actually is one of the few Hollywood A-listers who seems to have mastered the arcane arts of social media.

Ryan Reynolds bagged Best Actor in a Comedy at the Critics' Choice Awards

His tweets – which range from the subtly sarcastic to the outrageously subversive – have, indeed, won him a massive online fanbase. Just as Deadpool, his on-screen alter ego, is forever breaking the fourth wall and addressing cinema audiences directly, Reynold’s online utterances see him shattering the traditional barricades between movie stars and their fans, becoming, arguably, the most accessible of Hollywood A-listers.

Even with his mounting acclaim, the actor remains hyper-aware of the frailty of his star status. Perhaps bearing in mind the collateral damage Green Lantern caused his career, he says: “As an actor, you’re always aware that you may never work again. You always have this lizard-brain fear that’s always just under the surface.”

Ryan Reynolds as mouthy Hannibal King

Despite his concerns, Ryan’s position in the megastar firmament now seems all but unassailable. Just two years ago he was granted that badge of true longevity, a star on the Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.

As to his own future, well, Deadpool 2 is tipped to be but the first of many sequels planned for the maverick mercenary, with Reynolds saying he is committed to playing the character for as long as he is allowed.

His next project, however, is a bit different – Clue, a cinematic rendering of Cluedo, the classic crime-solving boardgame. Given his aptitude for creating memorable characters, however, few are likely to wander away from screenings of that particular project wondering: “Whodunnit?” The unmistakable Ryan Reynolds. Of course.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay
Images: AFP

French-Asian sensation Le 39V combines haute cuisine with HK know-how

Main dining room at Le 39V
Main dining room at Le 39V

Chef Nicolas Raynal, it has to be said, is not comfortable in front of the camera. The helmsman of the new Le 39V glances uneasily at the looming videographer as he prepares yet another dish in the glare of the studio lights.

Explaining his natural inclination to shun the limelight, he says: “I chose kitchen life for a reason.” Indeed, Raynal couldn’t be further away from the new breed of epicurean mega-egos that dominate the current crop of cooking shows, including The Chef’s Table. An apparently simple Frenchman from the landlocked Clermont-Ferrand region, Raynal began his career as a restaurant junior, climbing his way up the culinary ranks until he was hand-picked by the award-winning Chef Frédéric Vardon to work in Paris’ legendary Golden Triangle.

Chef Nicolas Reynal heads Le 39V
Chef Nicolas Reynal heads Le 39V in Hong Kong

Vardon is the acknowledged visionary behind the original Le 39V, a renowned Parisian eatery that has merited a Michelin star every year since its 2012 launch. Situated on 39 George V Avenue, the restaurant prides itself on presenting neo-classical French cuisine that blends the sincere and the modest with the delicate and the contemporary.

Recalling his early years, Raynal says: “After working at Le 39V, I moved to Lausanne in Switzerland, but kept in touch with Vardon. Three years later, he called me and invited me to oversee the Far East branch of his restaurant – so here I am.”

Le 39V offers stunning views
Le 39V offers stunning views

Raynal arrived in Hong Kong in June 2017, playing a key role in the launch of Le 39V that following September. Summarising a clearly hectic few months, Raynal says: “It was my first time in Asia. I had a lot to learn and I had to do it fast.” Not least, the fastidious chef had only a few months to familiarize himself with the Cantonese palate, as heset about customising Vardon’s dishes in line with local tastes.

Outlining the scale of the challenge, he says: “We soon realised we couldn’t just transplant Parisian recipes here. Hong Kongers want extremely hot dishes and they are only too willing to send back food that’s too salty or too rich.

Blue lobster in 'Pot au Feu' ($630)
Blue lobster in ‘Pot au Feu’ ($630)

“While in Europe, you can predict what diners want – usually more of the same thing – here in Hong Kong, you have to be more experimental, with customers always open to tasting something new.”

For us, our particular ‘something new’ began with an Amuse-bouche of curry lobster spring roll, balanced precipitously on a small glass bowl of parsnip cream – a suitable prelude to a truly French-Cantonese affair.

Appetisers came in the form of seafood, a suitable nod to Hong Kong’s coastal location and its marine heritage. The juicy Roasted Scallops from Hokkaido (HK$620) then proved most delicious, as did the accompanying black truffle shavings and artichoke Jerusalem tortellini.

Roll crab with crunchy radishes ($460)
Roll crab with crunchy radishes ($460)

The Blue lobster in ‘Pot au feu’ (HK$630) was next up, a dish notable for its novel use of bistro cooking methods (pot au feu stew), as well as its substitution of the traditional prime ingredient (beef) for a more seasonal one (a hefty portion of lobster). A consommé of the latter was poured into the bowl, dousing the appurtenant seasonal vegetables and small raviolis with its nourishing warmth. The final starter came in the form of a Roll crab with crunchy radishes (HK$460), all immersed in a saffron sauce, generous and satisfying.

Of the mains, Le 39V’s bestseller ever since it first opened its doors is its Pigeon from France (HK$620). Although not normally huge poultry fans, we were soon won over by Raynal’s roasted and smoked pigeon breast creation.

Pigeon from France ($620)
Pigeon from France ($620)

To follow was Lamb from France (HK$590), a classic option for those who want a touch of the familiar – perfect morsels of confit (slow-cooked) shoulder with eggplant, roasted rack and saddle, tastefully garnished with anchovies.

The desserts, perhaps thankfully, were decidedly on the light side – the Soufflé (HK$250) with passion fruit, creamy calamansi and yogurt sorbet was baked to light-as-a-feather perfection. On a warmer day, however, a better option might be the Iced nougat cake (HK$240), a nutty concoction fetchingly topped with hazelnuts, pistachio and chestnut honey. Topping it all off, of course, were the mignardises, fast becoming staples of all the finest Francophile saloons.

Soufflé ($250)
Soufflé ($250)

For all its pomp and circumstance – impressive eagle-eye views and perfectly executed wine displays – the Hong Kong branch of Le 39V retains the best on offer from its Parisian mothership, while ably fusing that with subtle tastes of its eastern setting.

Overall, the restaurant manages to nimbly manoeuvre its way through a series of self-set culinary challenges, emerging wholly unscathed, largely on account of the able stewardship that comes courtesy of Raynal. As both chef and manager, he is clearly far from peaking, with his future progress likely to fascinate the city’s many foodies.

Le 39V. Shop A, 101/F, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui
(852) 2977 5266. le39vhk@jcgroup.hk
www.jcgroup.hk/le-39v-hong-kong

Text: Julienne C. Raboca

Hong Kong Arts Centre’s Late-Night Programme

The Easter holiday is approaching fast and those choosing to stay in the 852 are in for a treat! The Hong Kong Arts Centre’s annual Open House is back for its 7th year on 30 March. Visitors will be taken on a one-day art journey of exploration, amusement and wonder through a range of events including exhibitions, talks, movies, music, workshops, guided tours and more.

HKAC

Celebrating its first Open House since the Centre’s refurbishment, the Centre are for the first time, offering a late-night programme. During this one-off celebration, the Centre will be open from 2pm to 2am, where art enthusiasts can enjoy offerings from different cultural organisations.

This year’s theme is Taste Art which explores the similarities between our appetite and lust for both food and art.  Through the taste of food and expression in art, we allow ourselves to see the silver linings in our daily lives. Stimulating our senses, satisfying our body and minds and igniting our passions, both food and art make life a little bit sweeter.

Check out the full details below: 

Just Moment Salon

Situated along the Victoria Harbour, the salon offers you a space to slow down and appreciate every moment of your life. Surrounded by sparkling skyscrapers at nightfall and with the help of some light music, guests can enjoy Story Console, where playwrights Chester Wong and Santanya Li will be sharing their unique life stories, or Soundscape Diffusion where you can listen to other’s stories. Music performers KaMing & NgaYi, Hakgwai and Bou Kwan Ying will sing out their Just Moment through a series of live performances.

For tickets, please click here 

Movie Night

During this year’s special movie night session, guests will have the chance to watch Naoko Ogigami’s “Kamome Diner” (2005) and Juzo Itami’s “Tampopo” (1985). Despite their distinct styles and a 30-year time gap, both films use Japanese cuisine as a cultural backdrop to explore the dynamic relationships between chefs and diners with food and life, alluding to greater discussions on life’s simplicity, human nature for desires and devotion to one’s craft. In the age of rapid acceleration, we often need to slow down to contemplate what it means to truly live, and to delineate the difference between having an expensive meal, and savouring a simple, well-brewed tea.

For tickets, please click here 

HKAC late-night programme

Food, Life, Tasting Corner

11pm @HKAC G/F Lobby

Guests with a Just Moment Salon or Movie Night ticket can enjoy delicacies (English Style Pale Ale, American Style Pale Ale, English Style Stout, coffee, rice ball & cinnamon roll) at the Food, Life, Tasting Corner and will receive a set of souvenirs. 

So if you are wondering what to do this Easter, stop right there. Take the time to slow down and appreciate the simple yet beautiful things with this late-night programme, rounding off a month of all things Art. 

10 of the strangest superstitions from around the world

Superstitions follow us around everywhere. Whether they are old wives tales or urban legends, these are 10 of the strangest ones from around the world.

superstitions from around the world

Tuesday the 13th

In Spain and Spanish speaking countries, it is Tuesday 13th that people fear. ‘Martes’, the word ‘Tuesday’ in Spanish, comes from Mars, the Roman god of war. Adding to this, Constantinople supposedly fell on a Tuesday during the Fourth Crusade and following on, the Ottomon Turks reportedly claimed the city on a Tuesday more than 200 years later.

Toasting with water

A German superstition declares that if you toast with water you are in turn wishing death upon the people you’re drinking with. The idea stems from Greek mythology where the spirits of the dead would drink water from the river Lethe.

Knocking on wood

Have you ever knocked on wood to avoid jinxing yourself without knowing why? According to several sources, this well-known superstition derived from the pagan belief that malevolent spirits inhabited wood. If was believed that if you expressed a hope for the future, you should touch or knock on wood, to prevent the spirits from hearing and presumably preventing your wishes from coming true.

superstitions from around the world

Avoid sitting at the corner of a table

Hungarian and Russian superstitions believe that whoever chooses to sit at the corner of the table will never get married. Some say the bad luck only hangs around for seven years, but why chance it?

Trimming nails at night

A superstition in Turkey, India and South Korea believes it is bad luck to trim your finger or toenails after dark. One Japanese superstition even claims that you can have a premature death. Historically, knives or sharp cutting tools would be used to trim long nails. With a lack of medical access, darkness plus sharp objects could apparently have resulted in deadly infections.

Resting your purse or wallet on the ground

Superstitions in a number of Central and South American countries as well as the Philippines believe that resting your purse or wallet on the ground will lead to bad financial luck.

Placing shoes on a table

In Britain, placing shoes on a table is considered bad luck as it is symbolises the death of a loved one. In a long-gone era, placing someone’s shoes on a table was a way to inform their family that they passed away. Nowadays, it’s just bad etiquette.

superstitions from around the world

Whistling invites evil

Whistling indoors and at the sun are both ill-advised actions according to Russian and Norwegian superstitions, respectively. Whistling indoors supposedly leads to financial problems in Russia, while in Norway, whistling at the sun results in rain.

Knitting outside

Keep the knitting inside if you are in Iceland. The local superstition believes that doing your needlework on your doorstep will keep those temperatures icy.

Spilling water behind someone

Spilling water for luck is a Serbian folk custom. According to a Serbian superstition, spilling water behind the person who goes on a journey, or to do a job, will bring good luck, and is done so that the travel or the job will end happily. It is also practiced when going to school, on the day of an exam, for a job interview, going into the army and the like.

Chinese Kung Fu: Decoding the philosophy behind China’s time-honoured martial arts

Gafencu speaks to the experts from the Hong Kong Guoshu Association, including Albert Wong, President, and Brandon Chau, Vice President of the association.

           

Chinese Kung Fu – made popular in the Western world by the master moves of martial artist and actor, Bruce Lee, is more than just a swashbuckling self-defense technique. It’s a timeless tradition intrinsic to Chinese society, a form of meditation that makes the body and mind as fluid as water, allowing the practitioner – perhaps more fittingly called an artist – to take any shape they want.

It may seem too philosophical for a layperson to comprehend, but with growing interest among the younger generation to learn this time-honoured art, maybe it’s time to decode the hidden philosophies of kung-fu. Check out our video where we deep-dive into the mystical and myriad world of Chinese kung-fu with practitioners and experts from the Hong Kong Guoshu Association.

Top 5 Vintage Boutique Stores in Hong Kong

Whether you are an experienced collector, a new member to the vintage world or simply hunting for your next retro addition, we’ve got you covered with our roundup of Hong Kong’s top vintage boutique stores.

Label Chic

If you are looking for haute couture at a fraction of the retail price, head to Label Chic’s private showroom in Central. Owned by French-born Heloise, this boutique strives to bring French-focused fashion to Hong Kong in an eco-friendly affordable way. Visit the showroom on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11am to 6pm and Thursdays from 2:30pm to 8pm to discover everything from Maje and Sandro, to Isabel Marant, Chanel and Balmain. Alternatively, book an appointment to visit outside of normal hours to discover the rarest of gems, all in like-new condition. Short on time? Visit the website to buy directly online.

Label Chic, Gough Plaza, 33, Gough Street, 3F/A, (852) 6254 2010, www.labelchicboutique.com

vintage boutique stores_Label-Chic_

OnceStyle

OnceStyle is the ultimate treasure trove for those ready to splurge on vintage ready-to-wear or haute couture. From Chanel’s slingback heels and Dior’s asymmetrical dress to a colour blocked double-breasted jacket by Moschino, the racks are stocked with hidden gems waiting to be discovered! Home to a range of clothing, accessories, shoes and bags, the boutique store is the perfect place for vintage queens to appease their addiction. With prices ranging from as low as HK$500 to as high as tens of thousands, there is something for everyone. Be sure to call ahead before you visit.

OnceStyle, 1/F, 8 On Wo Lane, Sheung Wan, (852) 2889 3660, www.1stdibs.com/dealers/oncestyle

vintage boutique stores

Midwest Vintage

Founded in 1993, Midwest Vintage was originally established as a trading company exporting used clothing to countries throughout Asia as well as Russia and Eastern Europe. The store was established as a result of the rapid interest in vintage fashion through the 1990s and houses genuine American vintage classics sourced directly through from the U.S by Midwest-born owner John Hollander. Fashionistas will thrive in this quirky boutique filled with 90’s denim, cowboy boots and everything in between. Prices run from below HK $100 for accessories and t-shirts to thousands of dollars for authentic leather jackets. For those who wish to travel in style there is also a range of worn leather suitcases. Like what you hear? Midwest also run its own clothing label, First Edition – be sure not to miss out! 

Midwest Vintage, Shop 58, G/F, Victoria Centre, 15 Watson Road, Tin Hau, (852) 2802 6886, www.midwest-vintage.com

vintage boutique stores_Midwest-Vintage

Vintage 1961

Hidden in a quiet corner of Causeway Bay, Vintage1961 offers a beautiful collection of hand-picked antiques dating as far back as 1880s to 1980s. Customers longing for the elegant good times can easily while away a few hours in this vintage trove, housing timeless products from around the world. From Italian silk scarves from to old handbags from West Germany, you name it, Vintage 1961 has got it. For those looking to explore vintage design from Hong Kong, the newly launched clothing line, Femme Libérée, will not disappoint. Prefer to shop from your couch? The easy-to-navigate online shop provides new stock every week and with worldwide delivery, shares the passion for fashion across the globe.

Vintage 1961, 1302, 13/F, Radio City, 505-511 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, (852) 5588 8339, www.vintage1961.me

vintage boutique stores_Vintage-1961_

Bang Bang 70s

Dominated by disco worthy studs, florals and wild prints, this soho-based boutique store rings true to its name. Offering a wide range of 70s nostalgia, Bang Bang 70s is home to a selection of pre-loved designer bags and shoes sourced from Europe, Japan and Australia as well as some groovy garments. Prices can rise into the thousands but rest assured these products are as authentic as they get. Dig deep and you shall find treasure!

Bang Bang 70s, 1/F, 16A Aberdeen Street, Central, 6461 7448, www.facebook.com/bangbang70s

vintage boutique stores_Bang-Bang-70s

So there you have it – our ultimate list of the best vintage finds in Hong Kong! Good luck with your hunt!

Text: Hira Desai 

Oscars 2018: Beautiful dresses & dazzling designs on the red carpet

Right in time for Women’s Day, we’re delving into the dazzling dresses on the Oscars 2018 red carpet, and the powerful women. Without further adieu, let’s dive in to Part Two of our red carpet coverage!

Hollywood's power ladies hit the Oscars 2018 red carpet last Sunday
Hollywood’s power ladies on the Oscars 2018 red carpet

Hollywood’s power ladies showed up dressed to impress last Sunday. Leading the charge was Jane Fonda, who channeled her inner Boss with a strong-shouldered white Balmain gown. Robbie Margo, a Best Actress Nominee was also clad in white, opting for an elegant off-shoulder dress by Chanel. Fellow nominee Saoirse Ronan looked pretty in pink in a sleeveless Ralph Lauren creation.

Bold colours also dominated the Oscars 2018 red carpet. Allison Janney, winner of Best Supporting Actress, was the epitome of class in a flowing red number by Reem Acra. Not to be outdone, Nicole Kidman put her best foot forward in a high-slitted royal blue Armani Prive design.

Shimmering threads were also in abundance, with Wonder Woman actress Gal Gadot shining bright in a silver Givenchy dress. Meanwhile, Nupita Nyong’o of Black Panther fame glowed in a golden Atelier Versace number.

Best Actress winner Frances McDormand wore a shimmering gold-on-black gown
Best Actress winner Frances McDormand paid tribute to her fellow nominees in a moving acceptance speech

Frances McDormand, who won Best Actress for her role in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, raised some eyebrows in a rather drab gold-on-black outfit. But she won everyone over with a moving acceptance speech, which saw her acknowledge and pay homage to all her fellow nominees. The inspirational move reminded attendees and viewers alike of the need to treasure bonds of sisterhood among all women. Happy Women’s Day!

To see our top picks for best-dressed men, check out Part One of our Oscars 2018 coverage.

Oscars 2018: The best-dressed men on the Academy Awards red carpet

Traditional tuxedos. Velour suits. Monochrome ensembles. In Part One of our Oscars 2018 red carpet coverage, we highlight the fashion trends and best-dressed men at the 90th Academy Awards.

Oscars 2018 - Best Dressed Men

Traditional tuxedos never go out of style, as Gary Oldman proves. The actor, who won Best Actor for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour, looked extremely sharp in a black tuxedo with a matching bowtie. Sam Rockwell, nominee for Best Supporting Actor, looked equally chic in a black Prada tux.

Meanwhile, Black Panther stars Chadwick Boseman and Winston Duke’s outfits were a touch more modern. Boseman wore a long coat all-black ensemble by Givenchy Haute Couture, while Duke’s black Etro suit was jazzed up with some silver tassels.

Jordan Peele, winner of Best Original Screenplay, switched things up by opting for a white Calvin Klein dinner jacket. Not to be outdone, young star Timothée Chalamet shined bright in all-white Berluti outfit.

Velour was also a popular choice for the evening, with Armie Hammer turning up in a burgundy velvet two-piece by Giorgio Armani. Get Out actor Daniel Kaluuya, on the other hand, looked suave in an unusual black-and-brown outfit by Brunello Cucinelli.

From traditional black tuxedos and monochrome outfits to unusual velour pieces, the Oscars 2018 red carpet proved to be a visual delight for male fashionistas looking on.

Check out Part Two to get a glimpse of the delightful dresses worn by the ladies of Hollywood.

Leisure & Pleasure: Events in Hong Kong this March

Chinese New Year may be behind us, but there’s still plenty to see and do in our fair city this March. Check out our list of must-see events in Hong Kong this month:

HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show

Hong Kong International Jewellery Show

Buyers from around the world will find only the finest of gems at the 35th edition of the HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, known for its showcase of fine and fashionable pieces. For the ultimate joaillerie devotee, the concurrent Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show is sure to get you spending. To see what’s coming, click this link.

Hong Kong International Jewellery Show
Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai
1-5 March. HK$100
http://hktdc.com/

Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show
AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau
Until 3 March. HK$100
http://hktdc.com/

Lunar New Year Lantern Carnival

Lantern Carnival

Held in various districts and featuring a spectacular display of colours and lights amongst folk songs and dances, the Lunar New Year Lantern Carnival is a much-awaited event this time of year. Try your hand at traditional crafts such as lantern-making or Chinese painting, witness auspicious dragon parades and play some lantern riddle games at this fun-filled cultural event, free of charge.

2-4 March, 7:30pm-10pm
Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tung Chung North Park, 20 Tat Tung Road,Tung Chung
Hong Kong Velodrome Park, 105-107 Po Hong Road, Tseung Kwan O
lcsd.gov.hk/en/eo/

IRIS: Your Escape

IRIS

Hong Kong’s largest outdoor health and wellness festival is making its final call for enrolment to over 70 yoga and fitness classes this weekend at the scenic West Kowloon waterfront. The 2-day event will feature DIY beauty workshops and interactive game booths, plus a Marketplace hauling 60 health and wellness exhibitors to cater to 6,000 health-conscious attendees. Activities range from Zumba and Hypno-Meditation to DJ Performances (MISSKT!) and family yoga. So what will it be, energy crew? HIIT, Mat Core Pilates or Bollywood Dance? The choice is yours!

3-4 March
12pm-8:30pm on Saturday and 9am-6pm on Sunday
Nursery Park, West Kowloon Cultural District. HK$200-$250
www.irisyourescape.com

Tai Kok Tsui Temple Fair

Tai Kok Tsui Temple

For the 14th year, the Tai Kok Tsui Temple Fair returns with its colourful celebrations dedicated to Hung Shing, the God of the Sea. Immerse yourself in a day of traditional Chinese arts and culture, starting in the morning with a grand parade packed with glittery costumes, skillful acrobats and plenty of drumming. Later, attendees will be treated to the well-anticipated “18 dancing lions” performance, and those who stick around until evening will have the chance to watch a 500- foot-long luminous dragon dancing through the streets.

4 March, 10am
Fuk Tsun Street, Tai Kok Tsui, Kowloon
tkttemplefair.org.hk/index_en.htm

John Legend

John Legend

Multi-platinum-selling singer/songwriter John Legend returns to Hong Kong this month as part of his Darkness and Light world tour. The 10-time Grammy Award winner will perform chart-topping singles from his latest album – which was streamed over 12 million times in the first week of its release – such as Love Me Now and Penthouse Floor. Loyal fans can also expect to hear Legend perform his popular classics, All of Me and Ordinary People. Accompanied by his full live band, this superstar is sure to put on a show-stopping performance. Grab your tickets while they last!

10 March, 8pm
Hall 10, AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau
HK$480-$1,280
hkticketing.com

Hong Kong Flower Show

Hong Kong Flower Show

Promoting cultivation and gardening, the annual Hong Kong Flower Show is a unique opportunity for locals and horticulture enthusiasts to enjoy the beauty of nature while sharing tips and tricks for growing flowers. The dahlia – a striking blossom that comes in a range of bold colours and forms – was the flower chosen to represent this year’s theme of Joy in Bloom. Adults can browse through beautiful flower arrangements and plants, while children enjoy the music and cultural performances, floral art demonstrations and much more.

16-25 March, 9am-9pm
Victoria Park
lcsd.gov.hk/en/eo/

SÓNAR

Sonar Hong Kong

Considered to be one of the world’s most respected electronic music and arts festivals, Sónar returns to Hong Kong for a second edition. With its unique blend of electronic beats, creativity and technology, this legendary transplant from Barcelona is not your average music festival. It features established artists alongside emerging talents, as well as technology-centred activities such as workshops, talks, virtual reality and new media, made available through the Sónar D+ programme. If you are looking for something a little off the beaten track or an opportunity to meet new people in a fun and inspiring environment, Sónar is the place to be.

17-18 March, 11am-3am
Hong Kong Science Park, 2 Science Park West Avenue, Sha Tin, New Territories
sonarhongkong.com

Taste of Hong Kong

Taste of Hong Kong

Let your inner gourmand run wild at Taste of Hong Kong’s four-day culinary playground, offering a peek into Asia’s finest food and beverage suppliers. Choose from over 60 delicious dishes from a line-up of 20 restaurants including popular eateries such as Caprice, Little Bao and Pici, plus a number of newcomers such as Black Salt and New Punjab Club. Watch world-class chefs cook up a storm during live demonstrations, or join a number of interactive master classes and tastings. Still sticking to your 2018 diet resolution? Fret not – live music performances set against the stunning harbourfront backdrop are sure to suit everyone’s tastes.

22-25 March
Central Harbourfront Event Space. 9 Lung Wo Road, Central
HK$96-$678
tasteofhongkong.com

Asia Contemporary Art Show

Asia Contemporary Art Show

March is the ultimate month for art lovers. For one, the 12th edition of the Asia Contemporary Art Show will be returning to Hong Kong. The Spring 2018 iteration will take place at the Conrad Hong Kong, where displays of more than 2,500 exclusive pieces of art – including original paintings, limited editions, sculptures and photography – will span four floors. Don’t forget to check out the fun HK Liquor Store Art Night on 24 March.

23-26 March
Conrad Hong Kong, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty. HK$250.
asiacontemporaryart.com

Art Basel

Art Basel

Asia’s premier art fair is back and will showcase an array of cutting-edge works by both established and up-and- coming artists. Gallery owners, collectors, artists and curators from all over the world flock to this prestigious three-day event. Fancy yourself as an art enthusiast? Whether you are drawn to paintings or film, digital art or sculptures, this is definitely one for the diary.

29-31 March
Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai
artbasel.com/hong-kong