Top places to dine with your Mum this Mother’s Day

It’s that time of year again when we celebrate the superwoman in our lives – our mums! While we think our Mums deserve appreciation everyday, Mother’s Day is the perfect excuse to pamper them and make them feel extra special. From brunches to special dinners with gifts, check out our guide to giving your mum the star treatment she deserves.

Free-flow bubbly brunches

Mercato by Jean-Georges’ new family-style brunch menu is the perfect way to enjoy the special occasion with your loved ones. Complete with hearty sharing dishes such as the Crispy Chicken Sandwich (HK$198) and Sunny Side Up, Egg House-Made Sausage Pizza (HK$188), this is a great option for large groups. If you are looking to incorporate some fizz into your celebrations, opt for the bubbly experience by adding two hours of free-flow Champagne Mumm (HK$258).

For those looking for a healthier option, Gaucho’s new revitalized brunch menu (from HK$350pp) offers the perfect balance of refreshing dishes while retaining its authentic Argentinean flavours.

Alternatively, treat Mum to a lavish brunch with the family at sophisticated Argentinian steakhouse Buenos Aires Polo Club, with a striking seafood bar, regal prime rib carving station, bountiful charcuterie and cheese boards, opulent egg station and towering selection of freshly baked pastries, breads, cakes and sweets.

Afternoon tea at Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour

Celebrate with your Mum this Mother's Day - Dr Fern's Gin Parlous

If you’re mother is a fan of gin, this is definitely not one to miss! Inspired by the Swedish tradition of ‘Fika’, or time set aside to have tea in a highly social setting, Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour launches a brand new Nordic afternoon tea (HK$498 + 10% for 2) this Mother’s Day. Each mum will receive a free upgrade to a Mother’s Day gin & tonic with the chance to surprise her with a special floral bouquet or organic tea jars crafted by Dr. Fern himself. If the idea of “pause and reset” sounds appealing, pair that with yummy treats and a live band performance for a perfect afternoon!

For more information: www.drfernshk.com, info@drfernshk.com, (852) 2111 9449

Mother’s Day at Intercontinental Hong Kong

If you are looking for something extra special this Mother’s Day, you will be spoilt for choice with an array of offerings at Intercontinental Hong Kong. The “Rosy Love” Afternoon Tea Set (HK$668 for 2) in partnership with SABON includes a luxurious gift set, complete with bodycare products and a gift card for a complimentary hand treatment.

Rech by Alain Ducasse celebrates Le French GourMay with both an Apéritif and 5-course menu (HK $1,188 per person) paying homage to Provence, this year’s showcased region and Nice, the hometown of Rech Executive Chef Stéphane Gortina. Alternatively, opt for the French seafood 4-course lunch set menu with choices of appetiser, main course and dessert, plus Rech’s famous Camembert (HK$588). Please note: All prices are subject to a 10% service charge.

If that isn’t enough to convince you, read on! All mothers enjoying the buffet or set lunch and dinner menus in the Intercontinental restaurants on May 13th will receive a gift set valued at HK$618 from “history of Whoo”, the prestigious Korean skincare brand. What’s not to love?

For more information and special offers at the Intercontinental Hong Kong, click here.

Whether you are looking for a low-key family get together or a reason to splash-out, Mother’s Day dining is a great way to spend some quality time with your loved one.

Text: Hira Desai

Events in May: 8 unmissable things happening in Hong Kong this month

May promises to be an action-packed month, with two public holidays and lots of events happening all over our fair city to book almost every day of your social calendar. But which among these are absolutely unmissable? Check out our roundup of 8 must-see-and-do events in May before you block your calendars this month.

Swan Lake
1 – 6 May

For the first time ever, the critically-acclaimed St Petersburg Ballet Theatre is coming to Hong Kong this month to perform their unique take on Swan Lake, Tchaikovsky’s immortal love story. Featuring prima ballerina Irina Kolesnikova, the ballet is a classic love story and charts the fraught romance of Prince Siegfried and the Swan Princess Odette, as well as the machinations of Rothbart, a villainous sorcerer.

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai. HK$445 – $995. www.hkticketing.com

Cirque de La Symphonie
11 – 12 May

Enjoy all the fun of a circus, with a soundtrack coming courtesy of a symphony orchestra, at Cirque de la Symphonie. Featuring world record holders, gold-medal winners and Olympians, every performance is a showcase for some of the world’s finest acrobats, contortionists, jugglers and dancers, alongside flawless renditions of classical masterpieces from the HK Philharmonic Orchestra. Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall, 10 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui. Kowloon. HK$120 – $680. www.urbtix.hk

Evita
11 May – 10 June

Winner of more than 20 major awards, the original West End and Broadway production of Evita, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash hit musical, comes to Hong Kong this month. Packed with many of musical theatre’s most memorable tunes, including Don’t Cry for Me Argentina and Oh What a Circus, the two-hour show tells the story of Eva Peron and her rise from poverty to becoming Argentina’s First Lady. The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai. HK$330 – $1245. www.hkticketing.com

Bruno Mars
12 – 13 May

As a Grammy Award-winning, singer-songwriter, producer and musician, Bruno Mars needs little introduction. Having sold more170 million singles and 26 million albums worldwide, Bruno Mars is one of the best-selling artists of all time. With his 24K Magic tour coming to Hong Kong later this month, fans can expect to hear such classics as Chunky, Finesse and, of course, his worldwide hit Uptown Funk, the longest-leading Billboard “Hot 100” single of the last decade. AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau. HK$988 – $2,088. www.hkticketing.com

Affordable Art Fair
18 – 20 May

The Affordable Art Fair 2018 is set to showcase fantastic works at hugely reasonable prices from 115 local and international galleries. Collectors and art enthusiasts can choose from traditional ink paintings, sculptures, eye-catching photography and far more, all at prices ranging from HK$1,000 to $100,000. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre – Hall 3DE, 1 Expo Dr, Wan Chai. HK$100 – $200. www.affordableartfair.com/fairs/hong-kong

HK International Soccer Sevens
18 – 20 May

The world’s best seven-a-side football tournament is back for its 19th edition. At this year’s HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens, fans can see the stars of tomorrow in action, as well as witness a number of true legends take to the pitch. With strong representation from the UK, Europe and Asia, soccer fans can look forward to another thrilling weekend of intense sportsmanship. Hong Kong Football Club, 3 Sports Road, Happy Valley. www.hksoccersevens.com

Cheung Chau Bun Festival
19 – 23 May

Every year, tonnes of buns, papier-mâché effigies of deities and lion dancers assemble on the small island of Cheung Chau to create one of the world’s quirkiest local festivals. According to legends, it originated after the island was plagued by an epidemic that killed thousands. The disease was only conquered when locals called for God Pak Tai’s help. Since then, he has been celebrated every year on Buddha’s Birthday. The highlight includes a Bun Scrambling Competition where participants scramble up a 60-foot bun tower to collect as many buns as possible within 3 minutes. Pak Tai Temple, Pak She St, Cheung Chau

Buddha Bathing Ceremony
22 May

The birthday of Lord Buddha remains one of the largest Buddhist festivals in Hong Kong. A highlight of the week-long celebration includes the ‘bathing of the Buddha’ ceremony at Po Lin Monastery. Escape the bustle of the city and embrace old traditions and customs of the Buddhist culture in this historical celebration. Po Lin Monastery, Ngong Ping, Lantau Island. www.plm.org.hk

Tarun Tahiliani brings Indian couture to HK with new cosmos-inspired Tarakini collection

Indian accents are strong in Tarakini Collection by Tarun Tahiliani — *Tarun Tahiliani brings his modern Indian couture to HK this Friday*

Designer Tarun Tahiliani will unveil his modern Indian haute couture collection Tarakini at the Conrad on 27 April. Ahead of the show, Gafencu spoke exclusively with him to gain some insights into the inspirations behind his beautiful creations and his personal evolution as a designer.

Indian designer Tarun Tahiliani — Indian couture designer Tarun Tahiliani

When did you find your passion for design, and how has your journey led you to create Tarun Tahiliani Design?

I have sketched fashion since I was six or seven, so design has always been my passion. I studied business at Wharton, then received an associate degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, before returning to India over two decades ago. My first challenge was to change Indian preconceptions. Indians love colour and wanted mostly shocking colours. For me that was too ‘costume’, I preferred simple but elegant tailoring. So I astutely took the best of both East and West and came up with something unique…

In 1987, I opened the multi brand shop Ensemble, which kicked off the whole idea of home-grown Indian couture. Thereafter, I founded Tarun Tahiliani Design studio in 1995. Since then my signature has evolved as a fusion of textile detail, refined luxury, and meticulous tailoring with innovative modern construct and fit.

How would you describe your design ethos?

I live by the mantra – India Modern. I grew up in Bombay, in a post-colonial, socialist India, where our traditional crafts were badly neglected. Thankfully, over time, people awakened to India’s truly great heritage and came to realise that contemporary design could give India’s rich traditions a new voice.

Fashion, for me stands for that ethos. As a brand, Tarun Tahiliani embraces the present while preserving India’s heritage of draped form and tradition of artistry. Each creation exemplifying the guiding philosophy – “all that we were and more.”

What is your proudest achievement, and why?

I do not want to sit on my achievements. Achievements are milestones of the past and that’s really over. I work more and more for the love of doing something rather than “what it might achieve for me”. I am constantly plagued by the next step. How do I reinvent myself? How do I change the design aesthetic to stay rooted to its culture yet be modern and wearable.

Can you tell us a bit about your Tarakini collection? How have you departed from more traditional design concepts here?

Tarakini, our Spring Summer 2018 collection came about because I was tired of seeing women weighed down by overtly heavy clothes. We worked to deliver top-grade fit and fashion flair without skimping on comfort, and, like you would look at the universe and the stars, in the lightness as they are floating, that’s where the origins of the name ‘Tarakini’ came in.

The collection juxtaposes astronomy motifs with Mughal-inspired floral and jewel themes, fusing the very best of India’s rich heritage of embroidery, latticework and hand-painted detailing with digital textile printing.

Your designs will be showing in Hong Kong on 27 April. What message/impression do you hope to impart?

It feels fantastic to take Indian fashion global. At the moment, everyone is into the wedding market because it’s a comfort zone; it’s where people spend maximum money. With Tarakini, the audience can an exhibition of our unique principles of fit, finish and proportion, and that are a distillation of our design sensibility.

Tarun Tahiliani’s Spring Summer 2018 collection Tarakini debut:
Date: Friday, 27 April
Time: 11am – 7pm
Venue: Bowen Room @ Conrad Hotel, Pacific Place, Admiralty

This event is co-hosted by Melange Singapore, a Singapore-based fashion platform that promotes South Asian fashion via private trunk shows, fashions shows and immersive events. For more information on Melange and Tarun show please email on singapore.melange@gmail.com or visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/2473894716168324

Leisure & Pleasure: April Events in Hong Kong

Easter festivities may be behind us, but Hong Kong’s calendar still remains packed to the brim. From the rugby mania of Hong Kong Sevens to the aerial acrobatics of Cirque du Soleil’s Kooza, here’s a round-up of April events in Hong Kong.

5 April: Ching Ming Festival

Ching Ming – literally translating as ‘clean and bright’ – is the day that Chinese people sweep the graves of their ancestors. The festival is an important day of commemoration, obliging families to weed graves, touch up headstone inscriptions and make offerings of food while lighting incense. Traditionally, many people burn paper offerings at gravesites for their ancestors to use in their afterlife. Don’t be surprised to see an exodus of residents moving from the city’s streets to the hillside graveyards on this well-observed day.

6 – 8 April: Hong Kong Sevens

Drawing in some of the world’s greatest rugby players and thousands of fans from every corner of the globe – the Hong Kong Sevens is one of the most popular annual sporting events in Asia. With fast and furious rugby action combined with a carnival atmosphere and world rugby’s largest prize purse, the 2018 Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens will be an unforgettable three days.

Hong Kong Stadium 55 Eastern Hospital Road, So Kon Po, Causeway Bay.

6 – 8 April: Songkran Hong Kong

Get ready to be drenched as the annual Thai water festival returns, once again making a splash in Lai Chi Kok. This popular festival celebrates the Thai New Year and the start of summer by spraying water on all attendees as a form of blessing. Gather your family and friends and come armed with water guns and water cannons. Complete with a traditional parade, dance performances and a beauty contest, this celebration is not one to be missed.

D2 Place, 9 Cheung Yee St, Lai Chi Kok.

13 – 16 April: Hong Kong Electronics Fair

The 14th Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition) and International ICT Expo will be held concurrently this year at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The shows provide an international platform for around 3,500 exhibitors, allowing them to showcase their latest electronic products and cutting-edge ICT solutions to global buyers.

Launched in 2017, this year will see the return of the Startup zone, which will again feature all the latest innovations from the world of consumer tech and beyond. Attracting more than 94,000 buyers from 138 countries and regions in 2017, this year’s show is one of Hong Kong’s most widely anticipated trade events.

Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai.HK$100.

14 April: Spartan Race

The Hong Kong leg of the Spartan Race forms part of the world’s biggest obstacle event, comprising 240 races in 25 countries across the globe. If you are looking for a physical challenge and something to take you out of your comfort zone, this is an opportunity not to be missed. Participants should be prepared to run, climb, push, throw and crawl through walls, hills, trees and even barbed wire. Kids under 14 can take part in the junior races. Taking place across a 1.5km course, the emphasis is firmly on teamwork, fun and getting muddy.

HK$380 – $1,090.

19 April – 3 June: Cirque du Soleil’s Kooza

Cirque du Soleil returns to Hong Kong this April with Kooza, an all-new, all-thrilling big-top production. Paying tribute to the company’s roots, the show is said to combine heart-stopping acrobatic performances with the art of clowning. The project, inspired by the Sanskrit word “Koza”, meaning “chest” or “treasure”, promises impossible feats and laugh-out-loud antics, all to a live fusion soundtrack, mixing the best of jazz, funk and Bollywood beats.

Central Harbourfront Event Space, 9 Lung Wo Road, Central. HK$488 – $1,888.

24 April: The Script

Following the release of their number one album Freedom Child, Irish pop trio The Script will return to Hong Kong later this month. Having sold more than 29 million records and won three multi-platinum album awards, The Script is one of the world’s most successful bands. Fans can expect to hear classic hits such as Superheroes and Breakeven, along with Rain, the first single from their new album, which stormed into the Top 10 on iTunes UK. With tickets selling out rapidly, the group’s first appearance in the city since 2011 is one for the diary.

Kowloon Bay International Trade & Exhibition Centre, Star Hall, 1 Trademart Dr, Kowloon Bay. HK$580 – $1,280.

28 April: Women’s Five

Taking place in Aberdeen Country Park, the Women’s Five is more than just a run. The event is a celebration to mark the inspiring health and fitness journeys of women. Participants can choose to take part in the five-week health and fitness programme, finishing with the 5km run or alternatively sign up for only the run. Whatever choice you make, this event is aimed at honouring women’s strengths and weaknesses. Need more time to prepare? No problem. The Women’s Five will be back with another edition in November.

Aberdeen Country Park. HK$340 – $750.

29 April: Race Day

The Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup is the jewel among Hong Kong’s three spring race features and comes with a purse of HK$24 million. For the first time, Hong Kong will stage all three world-class events on a single day. The Champions Mile (1,600m) and the Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1,200m) will join the G1 Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup to form an exciting Group 1 triple-header. This move will create one of the most lucrative days in Asia for its many equestrian fans.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Sha Tin Racecourse Stand, Sha Tin, Hong Kong.

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 7^th 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.

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

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.

Celebrate International Women’s Day with bubbles and tidbits

With only 2 days to go until International Women’s Day, we’ve rounded up the best deals so that you can get toasting with your girl friends!

Two-For-One cocktails at Wahtiki Island Lounge

For one night only, Wahtiki Island Lounge will celebrate all things “Girl Power”. Gather your friends and enjoy the two-for-one cocktail specials along with a complimentary Tiki Tidbit to snack on from 5:30pm till late. If cocktail offers are not enough to convince you, there is more! To mark this empowering celebration, all ladies will go home with a complimentary set lunch gift voucher from Wahtiki Island Lounge, perfect for your next girly get together.

Wahtiki Island Lounge, 3/F, Seabird House, 22-28 Wyndham Street, Central. (852) 2793 0308, enquiries@wahtiki.com.

Beefbar’s Sparkling Thursdays

Beefbar has perfectly timed its new launch of Sparkling Thursdays with International Women’s Day, offering a special price for free-flow bubbles at HK$320 on 8th March only. Enjoy a revolving selection of boutique sparkling wines, starting with Bellavista Franciacorta, a chardonnay-heavy drop from Lombardia. With a live DJ and the city’s iconic towers surrounding the rooftop terrace, this couldn’t be a better way to celebrate female empowerment.

Want to make this a regular date? No problem! This sparkling offer will be available every Thursday from 5pm to 8pm, priced at HK$390 per person.

Beefbar Rooftop, 2/F, Club Lusitano, 16 Ice House St, Central www.beefbar.hk

Wine Pairing Dinner at Le Bistro Winebeast

International Women’s Day is the perfect day to toast with your girl friends. But to take it one step further, why not toast with wine from powerful women wine makers? Le Bistro Winebeast brings you just that!

For the joint foodie and wine lover, opt for the Wine Pairing Dinner at Le Bistro Winebeast. Working alongside Hong Kong Madame, the teams have prepared a delicious four course menu (HK$458 + 10% service charge) to perfectly compliment the wines of Ayana Misawa from Grace Winery (Japan) and Amélie d’Hurlaborde from Mas d’Amile (France). What’s more, they have collaborated with John Masters Organic Hong Kong & Macau to treat all diners with a surprise gift to take home.

Le Bistro Winebeast, G/F & 1/F Tai Yip Bldg, 141 Thomson Road, Wanchai. Get your tickets now!

Beef & Liberty’s Oreo Shot

Beef & Liberty will mark the occasion by donating the total sales of all Oreo Shot desserts sold during the 8th March (lunch & dinner) from all locations, to The Women’s Foundation HK. So grab your squad and treat yourself to somethin’ sweet – the perfect ending to a momentous day.

Various locations. Visit www.beef-liberty.com/hk for more information

8 Films to see in Hong Kong cinemas this March

What’s on the table for a March full of movies in the 852? Childhood favourites meet sci-fi, kickass female figures, video game worlds and… The Bible?!

A Wrinkle in Time vs. Goodbye Christopher Robin

Bring your: Kids / nephews / nieces!

It only took half a century for Disney to finally bring this childhood favourite to life. The science fantasy adventure follows the journey of Meg Murry and her brother who travel across the universe to save their astrophysicist father, Alex.

Fun fact: Mrs. Which is played by none other than Oprah Winfrey, our featured celebrity on the March 2018 print issue!

Release date: 8 March 2018

If you prefer period dramas to other planets, however, get tickets to Goodbye Christopher Robin instead. The biographical drama takes us back to WWII in 1940s England where Winnie-the-Pooh creator A. A. Milne wrote his first comics in a country house with wooded acreage.

Fun Fact: Australian actress and film producer Margot Robbie (The Wolf of Wall Street, Suicide Squad) stars as Milne’s wife Daphne. The blonde was named in Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world last year and part of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list.

Release date: 15 March 2018

Red Sparrow vs. Tomb Raider

Bring your: Girlfriend(s)!

After a dearth of seriously awesome kickass female leads following the retirement of Angeline Jolie as Lara Croft in 2001, it looks like Gal Gadot (aka Wonderwoman) has propelled Hollywood into a revival of female powerhouses. And this month, we’re getting not one but TWO alpha-female showcases: Red Sparrow starring Jennifer Lawrence and a new Tomb Raider starring Alicia Vikander (Tulip Fever, The Man from U.N.C.L.E.).

Release date: 1 March 2018

In Red Sparrow, Lawrence plays a Russian ballerina-turned-spy who targets the CIA but obviously cannot help but fall in love with someone from Team America. Meanwhile, the latest installment of Tomb Raider takes us to Cape Town where Lara Croft (not unlike Meg Murry) tries to solve the mystery of her father’s disappearance.

Release date: 15 March 2018

Ready Player One

Bring your: Fellow dorks!

If Tomb Raider is based on a 2013 video game but happens in real life, Ready Player One is based on a 2011 novel but happens in a video game. Specifically, in an interconnected virtual space called the OASIS. Warner Bros. and Steven Spielberg partner up once again to bring viewers into a fantastical world: a near-future dystopian Earth in which people interact via virtual reality. A teenager battles an evil cyber corporation and, well, you know how the story goes…

Release date: 29 March 2018

Game Night

Bring your: Date!

Yep, more players and more games in yet another Warner Bros. production. This one stars Rachel McAdams whose friends’ interactive role-playing mystery game suddenly becomes too real to handle.

Release date: 15 March 2018

Den of Thieves

Bring your: Lads!

It looks like the gents won’t quite let the ladies do all the ass-kicking on the big screen this month. Gerard Butler carries the torch for man-kind in this heist film set in Los Angeles. L.A.P.D. blah blah team of robbers blah blah Federal Reserve blah blah shootout, strippers blah blah… but this time, Butler is American Irish (O’Brien), not just Irish (P.S. I Love You)…

Fun Fact: Curtis Jackson (as in, “In da Club” 50 Cent) plays robber Levi Enson Levoux

Release date: 22 March 2018

Mary Magdalene

Bring your: Church friends!

For those in the fold – the Church fold, that is – the end of March signifies the end of Lent for Catholics, and Easter for Christians in general. That means, time for a biblical drama film starring Joaquin Phoenix (Her, Reservation Road) as Jesus Christ. Reviews were quite unforgiving but hey, it might serve as a worthy substitute for Sunday School that week…

Release date: 29 March 2018

Words: Julienne C. Raboca

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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