September 2012

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September 2012
Livin'
Vida
la
Coca
CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2012
18
20
22
24
25
26
28
39
CITY Window
eureka
muse
fighting fit
athlete
auto
yummy
cru
cheers
4
Chief Executive Officer: P.C.
Chief Operation Officer: LC Chau
Director: Italiana Granni
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Editor: Simon Cormack
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Chan, Sasa Leung
Designers: Fung Cheng, fish Yu, kaka Cheung
Publication Co-coordinator: Rain Leung, Nana CHOw
Photographer: Jan, Simon Cormack, Andrew Ingram
Cooke
Contributors
Nigel Whittaker
John Richardson
Donna Livingston
Ray Hecht
jason rey
Jeff Helmsley
Matthew Friedman
Anita Riley
Suad Cejvanovic
Andy Reeves
Victoria Lee
Cynthia G
Contact
Tel: 86 20 8365 1980 / 8365 2811
Fax: 86 20 8365 2566
Email: [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected]
Cover Story
8
arts & events
12
fortune
6
Livin'
14
jetsetter
Coca
la
Vida
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2012, by email to the following address: competition@
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city window
04
Pyramids of Dodgy
Geezers
With everyone on a health kick, it's no surprise to see yet
another group of opportunists arrive to take advantage
of your good will and loose purse strings. Thankfully,
however, they were no match for the law; Shenzhen
Bao'an police busted a criminal ring involved in
pyramid sales and arrested 20 suspects in five separate
operations last month. It would seem that the ones
getting properly conned were those who got caught up
in the idea of making money out of the bogus products.
Remember, there's no such thing as a get rich quick
scheme!
Shoot the Messenger
Shenzhen police have recently released powerful mobile
phone software called 'e-Police Workshop' to prevent
citizens from being diddled by fraudulent text messages.
The software can intercept most fraudulent messages
and upload them to police for use as evidence and clues
for investigations. The software was demonstrated last
month, and can be downloaded online. It is designed
to quickly inform mobile phone users of fraudulent
messages identified through its database, from telecom
scams to online shopping ploys, which threaten the well
being of citizen's lives and property.
Residents can download the software by logging on to
www.sznet110.gov.cn or www.ejgc.net.
Murder on the Job
A security guard in a sewage treatment plant in Shenzhen's Bao'an
District was killed whilst trying to prevent a gasoline robbery
last month. Three robbers made their way into the site to seek a
truck to steal gas from. When discovered by the victim, 48-yearold Lu Rongfu, they ignored Lu's attempts to stop their jeep and,
instead, accelerated to hit him. The poor security guard died from
his injuries, but the thieves were arrested two days later, as well
as another eight members of the professional gas-stealing gang.
Lu had worked in Shenzhen for more than six years and was
dedicated to his job, family members said. Quite despicable!
Luxury
Crossing
Jump
the Queue
How's Yer Father?
A raunchy little number is on its way to the provincial capital next
month; a sex-themed festival is scheduled to open in Guangzhou,
to showcase sex culture and disseminate sex education. In its
tenth edition, the exhibition is sure to get you hot under the collar,
whilst also promoting the importance of safe sex and awareness
for the ever-growing problem of sexually transmitted infections.
This year, it will feature two photo exhibitions of AIDS-related
subjects designed to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted
diseases. First launched in 2003, the Guangzhou Sex Culture
Festival is reportedly the largest such event in the country, having
attracted more than 3 million visitors overall, according to the
organisers.
In an attempt to help the age-old problem of long queues,
a new initiative has been made in one hospital in Shenzhen
to counteract the waiting time blues. The Shenzhen No. 4
People's Hospital has been offering treatment before payment
since June 20th, but at least 82 patients haven't paid their
medical bills since receiving treatment.
The 82 patients racked up debts totaling more than 9,700
yuan (US$1,529) during the program's first 50 days and no
preventative measure has been found, according to reports.
The problem, of course, is that taxpayers are footing the bill
for this ‘theft’ and the amounts are so negligible that even
though it is possible to track down the offenders, it would be
deemed to be a waste of hospital resources to do so. Catch 22!
Now, I don't know about you, but this one smells a
bit fishy. Who carries over 8kg of gold on a public
train? Apparently Ms. Liao, the unfortunate victim
of New China’s record larceny case, who was robbed
whilst travelling from Guangzhou to Shenzhen in
March this year, thinks it’s the safest way to travel. A
whopping 55 police officers were sent to investigate
this haul, worth over 3.7 million yuan, and they have
successfully caught two suspects alleged to have both
stolen and facilitated the sale of said gold. You should
be little more careful when carrying your bullion on
the train, if you want my opinion…
The Nanshan District Government in Shenzhen publically
admitted that it was guilty of negligence, mismanagement
and faulty operation of a footbridge that has been criticised
by netizens for its high cost and and lack of functionality.
The bridge was whacked up at the last minute before the
Universiade Games last year, at a cost of about 50 million
yuan. Netizens have recently criticized its extravagant
design and high ongoing costs, which are estimated at
2 billion yuan, along with its poor management. The
14-metre-wide overpass was designed in the shape of a
flower and has four staircases, four escalators and two
elevators - over the top by anyone’s estimation!
The
Great
Train
Robbery
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cover story
08
Livin'
by Simon Cormack
Coca
la
Vida
From soap stars to world-class strikers, and many a mogul in between, the 'White Lady' has certainly had its effect
on our society, and celebrities in particular. Government scaremongery and tabloid-tainted movie stars still don’t
appear to have had any negative influence on the most popular ‘social’ drug of them all, Cocaine. Paper takes a
quick peek into the wicked world of Bolivia’s most potent national product and its effect on the rich and famous…
O
btained from the leaves of
the fairly innocuous-sounding
coca plant, cocaine was first
introduced into modern
society, in the powdered form
that we are most familiar
with, in the early 1900s (although its discovery
dates back almost 5,000 years), and was added
to the infamous U.S. Dangerous Drug Act list of
prohibited substances in 1920. The plant is native
to the Andes mountain ranges in South America
and is controversially farmed and/or controlled by
the authorities in those areas, most significantly by
the military.
More alarmingly, it was even a seemingly
unnecessary, but at the time harmless, ingredient
in the production of our favourite soft drink, Coca
Cola, before its removal in 1903, as the public
became more aware of the associated 'dangers' of
the narcotic.
If seeing and hearing about its detrimental
properties wasn't enough to put you right off
snorting a line, the chemical process of the
powder's production should be an eye-opener.
Cocaine hydrochloride, the odourless, white
crystalline power is formed by washing the freshlypicked leaves in kerosene (petrol, basically) and
then evaporating the mixture, leaving behind
crystals of crude cocaine. Typically, the crystals
are dissolved in methyl alcohol. They are then
recrystallised and dissolved once more in sulphuric
acid. Further washing, oxidation and separation
procedures involve potassium permanganate,
benzole, and sodium carbonate.
In reality, the whole danger of the product only
proves to contribute to its popularity. Human
beings have a natural tendency to do what they
are told not to, and any sensible thoughts that an
individual may have are completely undermined
by those they see doing it and telling them of its
exciting benefits.
Cocaine is reckoned to be, by many, a vessel
to diminish your inhibitions and make you the
proverbial 'life and soul of the party'. If you
take a look at some of the washed-up glitterati
on the front pages of the trash mags, and their
hilarious blurbs on YouTube in recent years,
they undeniably provide us with engrossing
entertainment. I would, however, prefer to watch
someone else doing it, rather than being the
product of my own notoriety.
Alcohol makes me more than enough of a fool by
itself, so I certainly don’t need any helping hand on
that front. With a lot to lose, myself, I find it almost
incomprehensible why those in the limelight would
even take it into consideration. Increased paranoia,
the immediate risk of heart attacks and strokes,
never mind the possibility of having your septum
literally drop out of your beak (see Daniella
Westbrook), are not very reassuring prospects for a
night out on the town…
One of the most bizarre and amusing stories of
late was the downfall of one half of the 'Two and
a Half Men', 80s hero Charlie Sheen, although it
has been suggested that his nemesis was the turbocharged 'Crack' version of the drug. According
to Sheen, through his chronic abuse of the
substance, he has developed certain super powers
and an almost immortality-status. It does appear
to be a sentiment shared only by himself and
his misguided alter-ego from the show, Charlie
Harper.
The way Sheen portrayed himself in a series of
frankly candid interviews conducted by Andrea
Canning for ABC's Good Morning America, was
almost surreal. I can remember the guy being
in the papers whilst on his legendary binges,
flaunting hookers and cases of Cristal, and ending
up in public disturbance orders, but it was quite
alarming, and dare I say it, distressing, watching
a childhood hero of mine (Platoon) blurting
out an array of ridiculous statements about the
glorification of his adolescent behavior.
Don't get me wrong, it did 'crack me up' (for want
of a better phrase) for a while, but I found myself
disappointed and decidedly shell-shocked by the
end of it. You could blame it on the
booze, but alcoholics don't usually
turn out like that. They are, in fact,
more like slurred-speaking half-wits,
rather than adrenaline-fuelled speech
sprinters. Charlie on the 'Charlie' is so erratic that, just by watching him,
he fills you with fatigue…
Well, still not convinced about the man himself assuring us all that he
is 'bi-winning' rather than 'bi-polar', I started to think of some other
Hollywood greats who have succumbed to (but not yet bitten) the ‘dust’.
On closer inspection, there are almost too many examples to mention.
When we hear the words 'drugs' and 'sports', the first thing that springs to
mind is the Argentinian hoover, Diego Maradona.
Whether you consider his 'hand of God' or 'nose of blow', the demise
of one of the greatest footballers to ever have walked this planet was
quite a remarkable one. His battle for cocaine abuse saw him serve a
disgraceful 15-month ban from the game in the early 90s, and resulted in
his ‘ballooning’ into a rather sorry example of a human being. He is still
a source of humour for pundits and fans across the globe, despite having
a stint as the manager of the Argentina national team. He certainly won’t
go down in the history books in the same way as Pele, that's for sure…
It has even plagued the most unlikely characters of modern society. Take
Matthew Perry, the moderately comedic Chandler Bing from Friends,
for example. I don't think we would ever have attributed his hyperactive,
self-conscious eccentricity to the 'nose candy'. Yet his admission to rehab
and subsequent filling-out around the midriff, was confirmation of his
addiction to coke.
Supermodel Kate Moss is another mind-blowing sample of self-harm,
admittedly all blamed on her horrendous choice of romantic interests.
At one time idolised by teenage girls, and gawped-over by wanton males
as something of a dream girl, the gaunt-looking Londoner shocked the
press and public with her rocky road to ruin with Libertines front-man,
crackhead Pete Doherty-although now having made a 'full' recovery…
Even in the past 12 months, we have seen Bodyguard diva Whitney
Houston overdose on the 'rocks'. There seems to be a paradoxical
hypocrisy about emitting a smiley face and snorting 'okey dokey', as other
side effects include irritable personality traits, agitation, hostility and
irrational behaviour. It is more feasible to conclude that cocaine abuse is
a cry for help from people who are less than chuffed with their respective
situations. Who would blame Whitney for getting on it, after getting
(alleged) sustained beatings from 'big man' Bobby Brown - two can play
that game…
Cocaine does tie in with the lifestyles of the rich and famous, thanks to
its bloated cost, but you have to wonder about the long-term price to pay
for getting hooked on the 'gear'. Daniella Westbrook, a fairly second-rate
soap opera star from the UK, was doing so much of the ‘white stuff ’ that
she was literally 'snorting it out of the cat litter', after her kitty knocked it
off the table, according to her own adaptation of her shabby life story. I
can’t see anything glamourous about those sorts of antics!
Just last month, the traumatic death of Eva Rausing, wife of the
billionaire heir to the Tetra Pak fortune, Hans Kristian Rausing, in their
£15M Cadogan Place mansion in Central London, shocked the world.
She is alleged to have overdosed on crack cocaine, both of them being
known substance-abusers, resulting in her husband not reporting the
incident and supposedly living with the corpse for up to a week after her
death. Close friends suggested the tragedy was ‘inevitable’ due to the
sheer volumes of the deadly drug the couple would consume together on
a daily basis. Crack cocaine’s most chilling property is its uncontrollable
addictiveness.
It’s breathtaking to see the way that 'Dandruff from the Andes' has
tempted those from the top to roll down the hill.
Ultimately, there is a certain responsibility that comes with stardom,
especially in the day and age of 'tabloidism' and incessant celebrity gossip.
If you expect to reap the monetary rewards of making records, starring
on the Silver Screen, or simply raking in tons of cash from business
ventures, you can't expect to do so in the privacy of your living room, at
least not without drawing the blinds and becoming a hermit (or hiring a
top-class publicist!)…
If you want to know more about cocaine (or any other drug, for that matter),
its history, medical properties and effects on the body and mind, or if you
know someone who is suffering from an addiction problem, please seek further
information from the following websites or consult a medical professional:
http://www.cocaine.org/
http://www.talktofrank.com/
http://www.narconon.org/
forture
12
Service
Companies
in Guangdong Province
G
uangdong province, particularly the Pearl River Delta, is undergoing massive
changes. Companies that came here to enjoy ready access to cheap labour, good
infrastructure and a flexible regulatory system, are lately being confronted with
rapidly rising labour costs, and strict authorities intent on ensuring compliance to
Company and Employment Law. More and more foreign-investors are ditching
the Representative Office ( 'RO' ) structure and opting instead for a Wholly
Foreign-Owned Enterprise ( 'WFOE' ) legal entity in China.
The reasons for this are quite straight-forward. Since March of 2011, (i) ROs have been obligated to undergo
annual compliance procedures before tax clearance, (ii) the tax rate has been increased to roughly 11% of
expenses (iii) authorities are more rigorous in enforcing the ROs restriction to engaging only in non-profitable
activities. Being that the next step up from an RO is a Service WFOE, this is a structure that has been
increasing in popularity here and many investors may find it suitable for the activities they wish to carry
out in China. Basically the Service WFOE is a legal company entity that allows for the provision of
intangible services within a specific industry.
Strategically speaking this method may be a good structure for operations mainly
involved in the following activities:
• Product design and development
• Quality control, quality assurance, testing
• Sourcing, procurement
• Consulting*
Some industries are still effectively restricted in China and do not allow
the involvement of majority foreign-invested enterprises. Among these
are industries such as Engineering, Architecture, Design, Environmental
Design, Construction, Telecommunications, Education, Law etc. to name
a few. Short of a joint venture, a majority foreign-invested enterprise
cannot legally participate in these areas in China. Many companies
therefore, set up a Service company and offer consulting services directed
towards the industry in which they will be involved. To take Architecture
as an example, a foreign company may choose to set up a Service WFOE
with provisions in its business scope to allow for Architectural Design
Consulting. The WFOE can then pair with local Architectural firms on
a project by project basis, invoicing for consultancy provided. Additional
provisions in the business scope to allow for related-party transfers from
Headquarters to finance the WFOEs operations should also be considered
and included to ensure adequate cash flow as the business develops.
Concerning the setup itself, a Service WFOE takes around 4-5 months,
involves the submission of a feasibility study report, the articles of
association of the company to be established, and multiple applications
thereafter to various government departments.
The feasibility report must specify two figures, the registered capital
and the total investment of the company. District authorities stipulate a
minimum amount of registered capital, usually around 100,000RMB
for a service company, however a reasonable figure should be worked out
instead based on anticipated operational costs and a preliminary budget.
Injecting only the minimum amount can leave your business cash dry
in the short term, and wiring money directly from overseas into your
company's Chinese bank account is not an option. Monetary injections
from outside the scope of the agreed upon contribution plan are assumed
to be taxable income and subject to Corporate Income Tax. Seeing to it
that your WFOE is adequately capitalized can save you a lot of costs and
headaches, any post-incorporation changes to the registered capital are
sure to be expensive and time-consuming. Likewise ensuring the full set
of provisions is written into your business scope can allow your company
more flexibility in charging its parent company for services provided on its
behalf and provide additional sources of income as the company develops.
Issues to consider:
• Business scope
• Registered capital
Getting back to the use of a service company, it is also important to specify
which activities are not permitted with this structure. For companies
looking to manufacture products, sell domestically in China, import and
export products, there are other more appropriate entity models such as
a Manufacturing WFOE or a Foreign-invested Commercial Enterprise
(FICE). For what it's worth a Service WFOE is well-suited for its purpose
as and should be the first consideration for any company looking to
upgrade from an RO, or any company looking to establish the ability to
provide and charge for services rendered in China.
Dezan Shira & Associates is a specialist foreign direct investment practice,
providing corporate establishment, business advisory, tax advisory
and compliance, accounting, payroll, due diligence and financial
review services to multinationals investing in emerging Asia. Since its
establishment in 1992, the firm has grown into one of Asia’s most versatile
full-service consultancies with operational offices across China, Hong
Kong, India, Singapore and Vietnam as well as liaison offices in Italy and
the United States.
For professional assistance in South China, please email jerome.
[email protected] or visit www.dezshira.com.
jetsetter
14
Mauritian
Magic
by Simon Cormack
Astounding scenery, blistering sunshine,
spellbinding waters and nature at its finest.
These are some of the many qualities
that you will not find in our wonderful
metropolis. You will, however, find them
in an abundance in other tropical utopias
whose main attractions aren’t dollar bills
and business prospects. Take Mauritius as
one of the best and most idyllic samples of
such bliss, I do extol.
dot in the middle of the Indian Ocean, pricewise, it certainly
isn’t. Having a multitude of leisurely activities on offer, to
cover all manner of visitors, leaves you with the demanding
task of whittling down which ones to leave out, especially
when the nippers are begging you to try them all.
And fear not; it’s far from just a family retreat. I would
totally recommend the island for romantic honeymoons or
for those looking for a way to get back in their other half ’s
good books. In fact, I have a friend who just returned from
Mauritius after tying the knot with the love of his life, and
he managed to juggle his and her wishes, and even sneaked
in a few cheeky rounds of golf without her even batting an
eyelid!
Somewhat obviously, bearing in mind the geographical
features of Mauritius, one of the most favoured of
adventures, in which to literally immerse yourself, is a spot
of diving.
M
auritius has, for quite
some time, been the
dream destination
of people looking to
have the holiday of
a lifetime; a crown
perhaps shared with other remote locations, such as the
Maldives and the Seychelles. It is a tiny island state that
is situated in the Indian Ocean, off the south east coast
of Africa, close to the Tropic of Capricorn. The capital
of Mauritius is Port Louis, which is the largest city in the
Republic. Other important towns are Curepipas, Rose hill
and Phoenix. While trade and business bring in revenue,
tourism is one of the main sources of income for the small
nation.
Although it is part of Africa, and, how can I put this, the
continent is not the first place that springs to mind when
considering personal safety, economic prosperity and civil
harmony, Mauritius is the only totally democratic nation
within its boundaries. As a contrast to depressing news
reports concerning uprisings and dire poverty, the island
seems to ooze contentment from the very pores of its
population.
And what a mixed bunch of people they are…
It's no surprise that Mauritius has acquired so many
immigrants from around the globe over the years. It has
one of the highest rates of returning tourists in the world;
the facilities and the attractions are so captivating that
visitors either keep coming back for more, or simply 'up
sticks' and move there for good...
With the official first language actually being English,
don't be surprised to hear some French, Chinese, Indian
and Dutch dialects, in addition to the popular Creole tones
that are still use for many a stage performance.
The island was, in fact, discovered by Arab sailors in the
9th century, colonised by the Dutch in 1598, claimed by
the French shortly after, then captured by the British after
a major naval battle in 1810, and all this before finally
achieving independence in 1968. It has, however, been a
Republic since 1992. That's a fairly hectic history for such
a small place-this may give a clear signal as to how soughtafter a place it truly is.
The tourism and hospitality infrastructure is managed
perfectly to offer the best experience for visitors. Holiday
crowds that wish to spend a luxurious holiday would find
a wide variety of options to choose from. Therefore, whilst
being 'A drop in the ocean', in the sense that it is merely a
The island's well-developed infrastructure and tourism
industry has a lot to do with SCUBA diving and its
underwater treasures, never mind the beautiful long white
beaches and crystal clear tropical lagoons. But you needn’t
worry about making waves with your lack of experience;
the excellent sea conditions and beautiful coral reefs make
Mauritius a perfect place to learn how to dive.
Planted on the north east coast where the lagoons and sea
are protected from the trade winds, the Grand Baie and
Trou aux Biches areas host the best tropical fish life and
coral reefs. Most chartered dive operations are serviced by
boat. This is because the barrier reefs envelope the island,
with breaks or passes in the reef through which boats can
pass to get into the open sea. To get the best out of your
diving experience in Mauritius it is advisable to dive with
one of the accredited dive centres that will take you to all
the best sites and ensure that you don't damage yourself or
the natural habitat…
Now, you could tell me that diving doesn't, puns aside,
float your boat; a sentiment that I'm forced to share
due to my asthma affliction. However, you’d certainly
better be a 'beach bandit' if you are considering a trip to
Mauritius. For the third time in its short history, the island
received the World's Best Beach and World's Leading
Island Destination trophies at the World Travel Awards in
January this year.
Being in the southern hemisphere, Mauritius enjoys a
warm and pleasant summer from November to January.
The sub-tropical climate and the clean beaches make it an
ideal tropical paradise for sun lovers, and those looking to
lay back and catch a glimpse of some well-toned volleyball
totty. There are also other slightly more exhilarating
activities to try, including surfing, water-skiing, windsurfing,
yachting, and deep-sea fishing. You can even go for a bit of
a hunt for Red October - well, not quite - submarine rides
to explore the shallow waters among the reefs close to the
shore.
Trekking, mountain biking, ATV riding, skiing, skydiving
and a plethora of other adventure activities are also
available at various locations on the island. So, I guess
the best thing for me to do is to give you as concise an
outline of Mauritius’ highlights as possible, which is not as
easy as it sounds, I hasten to add!
Nightlife
Shopping
The wildest area for nighttime frolics has to be Grand Baie.
You can find nightclubs, lounge bars, sunset hangouts and
even casinos in this rowdy enclave. Particularly popular
places include Zanzibar, Buddha and Kapu Kai.
Port Louis
Mauritius’ capital city hosts colorful Indian and Chinese
boutiques offering an unimaginable variety of household
articles; trawl through the spices, tablecloths, gold jewellery,
gems fabrics and basketwork, all at bargain prices.
Sophisticated models of ships can also be found.
Also look out for Grand Bay and Flacq Market.
http://www.mauritiustourism.org.in/nightlife.html
Quaint Hotspots
Jardin Botanique de Pamplemousses
The famous gardens of Mauritius were created by Pierre
Poivre in 1767 in the estate of the French Governor
Mahe Le Labourdonnais, and are known for their vast
species of exotic plants, which are indigenous to this
island.
Domaine Les Pailles
This is a nature park that is located south of Port Louis.
The park stretches over 3000 acres at the foot of the
Moka mountain range.
The Labourdonnais of Orchards
Tourists can view an exotic array of tropical fruit trees. In
the lush green surroundings banana, palm trees as well as
giant bamboos grow. A haven of tropical flora and a variety
of endemic and exotic plants can be seen in the orchards.
More than a thousand Nile crocodiles are bred here.
Saint Aubin and Bois CheriBois
Cheri has a tea factory with a tasting session for visitors.
It is also a magnificent view point for tropical gardens,
vanilla green houses and art galleries famous for
Mauritian artists.
The Coloured Earths of Chamarel
Among some of the oldest sites of this island are the seven
coloured dunes at Chamarel, sculpted by the weathering
of volcanic rocks. The widely contrasting layers of
the earth are just a short drive from the waterfalls of
Chamarel.
Port Louis
Here one can find modern houses and old Creole houses.
Extraordinary markets, royal coconut trees, government
houses, museum, Champ de Mars and its horse races
towered by the iconic Adelaide Fort all encapsulate the
magic of this historic capital.
Balaclava Ruins
The ruins of the old Balaclava estate with the sea walls
are available for the discerning tourist to view, including a
massive crater and a radar station.
The Triolet Shivala
This massive Hindu temple is situated in one of the
longest villages found in Mauritius.
The Bird Garden of Casela
This magnificent bird garden is set between Bambous and
Tamarin in the Riviere Noire district. The Casela Bird Park
hosts some 140 of the rarest varieties of birds from all around
the world, such as the Mauritius Kestrel, Pink Pigeon and the
Echo Parakeet.
Mauritius Tours: Domaine du Chasseur
Situated in the south east of Mauritius, near Mahebourg
is the 1950 acres of land that make up this amazing
attraction. This place is a natural hunting ground for a
great variety of animals, which includes deer, monkey,
boar and others. Lovers of leafy walks can choose 5 to 15
km-long treks allowing them to admire rare kinds of trees
along with the protected species. There is a panoramic
restaurant to complement the wonderful trip.
Hotels
If you want my honest opinion, it's no good scrimping and
saving if you want to visit Mauritius. You can find modest
accommodation, such as the fully air-conditioned villas in
Mont Choisy, for less than ¥500 per night, but if you want a
holiday to remember, consult Sun Resorts Ltd. For the best
rooms money can buy (well, actually, rent!). But you could
expect to pay a nightly rate of anywhere up to ¥150,000 for a
private suite during the peak season.
http://www.lastminute.com/
http://www.sunresortshotels.com/
The Sporting Life
Golf
Several hotels offer an excellent opportunity for avid golfers
to bathe in paradise. The courses range in price from the
very accessible fairways of the Anahita, to Bernhard Langer’s
private island setting of Le Touessrok on Ile aux Cerfs - the
longest course in Mauritius. Expect to pay anything from ¥400
to ¥5,000 per round, depending on the season and choice of
course. (http://www.worldgolf.com/courses/mauritius/)
For all other sporting activities, consult
http://www.mauritiusattractions.com/
Aquatics
Deep Sea Fishing Sanctuary
The Le Morne Anglers club was founded in the year 1955
and has been a famous venue in Mauritius for big game
fishing activities for the last 40 years. Blue Marlin and other
game fish are 'employed' in unforgettable and emotional
fights. Several international tournaments take place, including
the Marlin World Cup. Mauritian anglers consider themselves
to be pioneers of big game fishing. The club presently has
more than 400 talented anglers. Famous fishermen from all
over the world visit the club for fishing in deep waters.
http://www.morneanglers.com/
The Aquarium
This aquarium hosts some 200 species of indigenous fish,
invertebrates, corals and sponges. It provides the visitor a
unique opportunity to admire the fauna and flora of the
Indian Ocean. This aquarium is situated between Pointe-auxPiments and Trou-aux-Biches.
Beaches of Mauritius
Pereybere beach
The Pereybere beach is situated in the northern region of
the island, on the coastal road between Grand Baie and Cap
Maljeureux. This beach offers deep and clear blue waters,
and is most popular with youngsters – due to its liveliness.
Grand Baie
Probably the most popular beach on the island is Grand Baie.
People from all over the world frequent this beach. Situated
about 20km from Port Louis, this beach is a safe place for
swimming, sailing, windsurfing and water skiing. From this
beach, helicopter and boat services are available to visit the
deep seas of Coin de Mire, Ile Plate and Ile Ronde. The
beach has many a restaurant and trendy
nightclub, along with apparel and craft shops
for visitors.
Mont Choisy
Situated on the northern coastline, this is one of
the best beaches in Mauritius. It is popular with
both tourists and locals alike. Locals enjoy the
sea and play soccer nearby.
Cap Malheureux
A magnificent view of some of the small islands
off the north tip of Mauritius can be enjoyed
from Cap Malheureux, which is a small fishing hamlet. Ile
Plate is famous for its lighthouse; Ile Ronde is known for
palm trees; Coin de Mire is an enormous rock of historical
importance since it was from here that the English embarked
and won the war with the French in 1810.
Troux Aux Biches
This is a small public beach situated next to one of the biggest
hotels on the island, Trou Aux Biches village hotel. Blue
waters and matching lazy filao trees are a delight to watch.
The aquarium on the beach has magnificent species of
Mauritian marine life. There is also a splendid Hindu temple
located across the beach.
Flic En Flac
This name is taken from the Dutch language meaning Free
and flat land. The beach here is a great stretch and there is a
busy holiday village that lies on its coastline. Holiday resorts
and villas are found in large numbers to cater to thronging
tourists.
Tamarin
This is the famous surfing center of Mauritius. There is a
good view across the river estuary to Montage du Rempart,
although it is only a small public beach.
Tamarin Falls
These waterfalls offer a beautiful, deep cool bath at the
bottom of a series of seven waterfalls. They lie about 3km
north of Tamarin. Although it is tough to reach the waterfall,
the hardship is truly worth it.
Blue Bay
This is a very attractive beach that can be very busy during
weekends. It is the official beach of Mahebourg.
Ile Aux Cerfs
Situated off the east of Mauritius, it is often said to be the
closest place to paradise. This island features attractive vast
beaches fringed with palm trees and clear waters, as well as
the restaurants, hotel and golf course of Le Touessrok.
Holidays Tips
There are several Airlines that fly to Mauritius from
Guangzhou, although not directly. Best of the bunch is
Emirates at around ¥8,500 round trip.
(http://www.farecompare.com/)
-Driving in Mauritius can be a costly affair as only super
grade leaded petrol is available on this island and the cost is
only slightly less than Europe. Car rental, however, is quite
reasonable - you can rent a small hatchback (Suzuki Alto 1.0)
for about ¥700/week.
( http://www.europcar.com/) - n.b. Mauritius uses the British
driving system (driving on the left).
-The Mauritian currency is the Rupee (MUR). Mauritian
Rupee does not circulate outside Mauritius and so it is
better to change money on the island. Euro and US dollars
traveller's cheques and cash can be exchanged in the local
banks and hotels.
Current Rate (approximate value): CNY 1 = 4.8 MUR
To sum up: Mauritius is synonymous with fun filled beaches,
faultless weather, clear skies, sumptuous and varied cuisine and
an aquatic overload for the senses...
It is a perfect holiday spot, not to be missed for anything in the
world!
eureka
18
Canon PowerShot SX500 IS /
SX160 IS
Canon digital camera fans have two new models to look forward to. Canon has announced
two new superzoom cameras: the SX160 IS, a successor to the SX150, and the SX500 IS,
an entirely new camera. Both of these new models include identical 16-megapixel 1/2.3inch CCD sensors, intelligent image stabilization, an ISO range of 100-800 and the ability to
capture 720p video at 25 frames-per-second. Great for all the budding David bailey’s out there!
SX500 IS £279
SX160 IS £159
http://www.canon.com.cn/
OoVoo Video Chat App
JBL Jembe Speakers
OoVoo has this week rolled out a new update to both their Android and iOS
applications, which has added support for 4-way simultaneous video chat
connections. On Apple devices the 4-way video chat is only supported on the
iPhone 4S, iPad 2 and new iPad,
and on Android its supported on
selected devices, with more being
added on a daily basis. Now you
can keep in contact with up to three
other mates at the same time - sad
thing is, most techies won't have that
many friends in the first place!
JBL has added a new pair of speakers to their range this
week in the form of the JBL Jembe Desktop Speakers,
which come in two different styles depending on your
needs. The difference between the two styles is whether
you would like your speakers wireless or wired, with
the wireless speakers being equipped with Bluetooth
technology.
http://www.oovoo.com/
US$70
http://www.jbl.com/
http://www.amazon.com/
Foxconn AT-5300 Mini PC
The new Foxconn AT-5300 Mini PC has appeared for the first time on a Russian
website revealing its details to the world this week. The Foxconn AT-5300 has been
created as an inexpensive small form factor mini PC, which Foxconn has equipped
with a 2.13 GHz Intel Atom D2700 dual core processor
with integrated graphics - expected to
be released late 2012.
Estimated Price: US$200
http://www.foxconn.com/
Stock
Breakers
A strong performance in Apple Stock has pushed Apple's value past
Microsoft's to gain it the position of the most valuable publiclytraded stock of all time. Apple shares have risen 8 percent this
month and rose 2.3 percent yesterday taking Apple stock above $665
per share. The surge in stock prices has been increase over recent
weeks with speculation growing about the imminent unveiling of the
new iPhone 5 and maybe a mini iPad.
http://www.apple.com/
iZettle Payment App
Payments provider, Square's rival iZettle has this week launched a new Android application,
specifically for Samsung smartphones and devices. However, iZettle has
stated that the Android application will become compatible with other
Android devices over the coming months. The new Android iZettle
application works in the same way as the iOS version
of the applications and provides users with
the same features, but plugs in to the
Android devices 3.5mm headphone jack.
http://www.izettle.com/
muse
BRIT BRANDS
20
MUSE
by Victoria Lee &
Cynthia G
Every person in the world was focused on England last
month, because of Olympic games, and the area of
fashion was no exception. This time, we will introduce
to you to the most classical British brands of fashion, for
those of you who can’t get enough of that archetypal
British style.
Burberry
Burberry is probably the most famous brand in British
fashion. In recently years, it has even proved to be a
recurring hit with the members of the Royal Family.
Classical gingham, distinctive cotton material, and its
elegant and natural design are all key elements that
make Burberry suitable for every kind of Brit. Amongst
the full collection of products on offer, the mac must be
considered to be the masterpiece; you may not think of
yourself as being the most fashionable person out there,
but believe you me, there is always room for a Burberry
coat in your collection!
Vivienne Westwood
Mulberry
Mulberry has a total focus on materials, and in particular,
leather. Although often considered to be a little too 'last
season' the classical look of the brand and its timeless
designs have made it a household name associated with
the highest quality of workmanship and elegance. The
product design is very unique and the material is exquisite.
Inspirations for Mulberry collections come from almost
anything you can imagine, from the Middle Ages in
Europe, to modern day Tuscany. If you desire only the
finest of finishes from your products, then you will be
helpless to resist the charm of Mulberry…!
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Sartorial cotton trench coat with cashmere and wool
college stripe border, Heritage features reference the
original Burberry trench coat, The elegant structure is
defined by traditional canvassing, Bow belt featured is
available separately, the coat is supplied with a fabric belt.
http://us.burberry.com/store
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It is the time to understand the extra-terrestrial and outerdimensional World of Westwood. In keeping with her
famous appreciation for the punk movement and her
wacky designs, Vivienne Westwood continues to attract
customers from all age groups, and is now very accessible
on the high street, too. Her 'no holds barred' approach
to fashion has thrown the rulebook out of the window;
whereas many designers focus on sexiness through their
creations, Westwood has much greater ideals, including
her anti-war promotions. All of these advanced ideas of
design have been the key for this brand and its success.
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COLLEGE STRIPE TRENCH
COAT
'You will have a much better life if you wear impressive
clothes' - Vivienne Westwood
Asprey
Asprey is as famous for jewellery as Madonna is for brassieres. The legacy
doesn't just stop there, however, with watches, leather belts and accessories, as
well as a lot more up its sleeve. Asprey represents a delicate feeling of haute
couture and excellence in quality; it's quite simply full of quintessentially
elegant British style, on both a modern and classical tip.
Diamond & Sapphire Eternity Band
US$8,700
The Diamond & Sapphire Eternity band, fitted with 11 diamonds and 11
sapphires, says all that needs to be said to the one for whom it's destined. If a big and
long lasting impression needs to be made, this lifelong band, set in platinum, will
definitely fit the bill, as long as you can pay it…
http://www.asprey.com
TOGA DRAPE DRESS RED
MONDAY TEE
£205.00
£60
New for Autumn/Winter 2012-13, Vivienne
Westwood has created the Toga Drape Dress.
With soft, contorted detailing to the left shoulder,
this dress elegantly cascades from the neckline to
then form a tube skirt. Versatile in its design, this
piece can be worn below the knee or, for a more
playful look, as a mini.
Returning for Autumn/Winter 2012-13,
Anglomania Lee has created the Monday
Tee. Beautifully sketched with a military
design, this admiral style t-shirt comes
drawn in black and mustard, delicately
finished with skull and crossbones
embroidery on the sleeve.
http://www.viviennewestwood.co.uk
http://www.viviennewestwood.co.uk
Bayswater
£2,000
The Bayswater is arguably the most iconically-styled Mulberry piece; an instantly recognisable bag
that reflects the craftsmaship and techniques Mulberry is known for. The bag sports a Postman Lock
and has a suede-lined interior for the ultimate luxuriously-crafted touch. This version, in sumptuous
leather, would make a lavish addition to any Mulberry collection.
http://www.mulberry.com
fighting fit
22
Fit
Fighting
It’s coming towards the twilight of the calendar summer, yet outside
temperatures would do little to back that up. Soaring heat and
humidity gives you plenty of reasons to cut down your calorific
intake and get outside for a fat-burning session of aerobic exercise.
That is, of course, if you are looking to keep yourself looking hot to
trot and, ultimately, fighting fit!
by Jason Rey
Best Meat in China - Buffalo
Buffalo meat is lower in fat, yet higher in protein, than beef. A 100-gram or 3.5-ounce
serving of lean, cooked buffalo steak is also higher in iron and most B vitamins than a
100 gram serving of cooked beef sirloin. What's more is that it's low in calories - you
are looking at less than 200 for a reasonable portion - rich in water soluble minerals
and vitamins, as well as being a complete source of protein, as it covers all nine major
amino acids. Don't worry about it being tough as old boots; use a little vinegar and soy
sauce as a marinade for a few hours, and the acidity will act as a natural tenderizer,
then do with it as you please!!!
Best Veg in China - Asparagus
Although it's a little pricier than your average vegetable in China, these green spears
are well worth 'chucking-in' a few extra beans for in your daily shopping allowance.
As we know, it is definitely one of the kings of the veggies, and absolutely scrumptious
when lightly fried with butter, but did you know it’s also one of the most well-balanced
of the lot, too? Full of Folate, Inulin and Fibre, asparagus promotes the body's natural
digestion process and literally ‘flushes out’ the intestines. Don’t worry, you will have
plenty of warning before the fallout occurs, unless you eat your own body weight of
the stuff.
Best Fruit in China - Grapes
You see them here. You see them there. You see them almost everywhere! No, I’m
not talking about the Scarlet Pimpernel. I'm on about the most widely used fruit on
the planet - the grape. With grapes now being produced almost everywhere around
the world, thanks to the booming wine industry, grapes are coming down in price
and up in availability. I have to say I’m a firm believer that all fruit is good for you, I
tend to go for grapes just for the flavour and succulence, especially coupled with the
convenience of the seedless varieties. They are turbo-charged with Vitamin K - one
of the most essential vitamins, committed to clotting the blood - as well as Vitamin
C (immune system booster), and a whole 'bunch' of minerals: copper, potassium,
phosphorous, magnesium, iron, manganese, calcium, zinc, selenium and fluoride.
Can't see how you can go wrong. Serving suggestions: as they come for commoners,
peeled if you have servants!!!
athlete
24
Roger the
Dodger
by Suad Cejvanovic
Open All
Y
Hours
ou know, I often wonder what some of these
world-class athletes would be doing if they weren't
excelling in sport. Wayne Rooney would definitely
be boxing or just plain street brawling; Steven
Gerrard would be riding round on his BMX, terrorizing the neighbourhood in the
search for his missing forehead; John Terry would be banged-up (the best place for
him, if you ask me); Ryan Giggs would be doing what he currently does in his spare
time - extra-marital affairs with those close to him (don't worry, the super-injunction
has passed!).
I guess this is what makes football what you might call a 'yob's pastime'. Gentlemen
tend to opt for a spot of 'rugger', a lengthy eighteen holes on the local course, or a
'best of five sets' at the local lawn tennis club.
One such person would be Roger Federer, a guy who shares exactly the same birth
date as me, although he got the raw end of the stick with the lack of talent – who
said sarcasm was the lowest form of wit…?
Yes, I admit that the world's number one is definitely more successful than yours
truly, but I'm still glad to have something in common with him.
Still reeling from his defeat to England's so-called maestro, surly Andy Murray, in
the Olympic Men’s Singles, Roger is bound to be back, firing on all cylinders. It's
not often he gets beaten in high-pressure matches, and especially not by a Brit! I
mean, the guy even has his own logo - very Tiger Woods!
Federer is commonly believed to be the greatest ever tennis players, a statement
which is very difficult to make when you take into consideration the likes of Arthur
Ashe, Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe and 'Pistol' Pete Sampras. He never seems to
break into a sweat, much the same, for me, as the legendary Eric Cantona - his
temperament and ability to draw affection from the crowd is slightly better than
Eric's, it has to be said…!
Paper welcomes its new column
concerned with the world of
sporting life and the champions
we all know and love. We reveal
some of the many facts and
figures that make these superstars
stand out from their pretenders,
and this month's focus is on the
king of the court, Roger Federer,
as we look forward to the US
Open tennis tournament in
Queens, New York.
He has been on top of
his game and on top of
the rankings since back in
2004. He is the only man
to reach the semifinals
of 23 consecutive Grand
Slam tournaments, from
the 2004 Wimbledon
Championships through
the 2010 Australian Open.
At the 2012 Wimbledon
men's championship, he
reached his 32nd Grand Slam semi-final, 33rd consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal, and seventh trophy, all records.
He has also won the most matches, 244, in men's Grand Slam tournaments.
His rivalries with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, making for a 'trivalry', are
considered some of the greatest of all time - a lot more entertaining than Agassi
and Sampras, in my opinion.
This year's tournament at the prestigious Flushing Meadows venue in Queens,
New York, promises to be as exciting an end to a summer of sport as we have ever
witnessed. Federer will be looking to make up for his 2011 semi-final loss at the
hands of Novak Djokovic, and with over US$22 million total prize money on offer,
everybody will be hungry for a slice of the American pie.
The Deco-turf surface is not considered to be the ideal arena for Federer, more
favouring a bit of grass, but you can expect other more suited players to be hot on
his heels. Big names to watch out for in the men's competition include last year's
two finalists, Djokovic and Murray, thanks to Rafael Nadal's absence through
injury. This tragedy for the game and the individual means that Federer will start as
favourite.
The same can be said for Serena Williams in the Women's, as she is still full of
beans from the Olympics and her Crip-Walk celebrations - certainly someone I
wouldn't want to meet down a dark alleyway!
It promises to be a nail-biting festival of tennis for all. I can't wait!!!
http://www.usopen.org/
http://www.rogerfederer.com/
auto
25
Sexy Lexy
Lexus GS450h
by Simon Cormack
Accused of being someone slightly in need of 'Help the Aged' for even contemplating
buying such a car, is something that blights the very being of Lexus owners and fans
alike. The fans can, however, pretend not to care about the latest offerings from Japan,
whereas the owner must live with the decision until such time as they give into the
bullying or just simply ignore the abuse.
I
heard someone say that words that are typically
associated with the brand are: 'soft', 'comfortable',
'old-mannish', 'reliable', 'tape deck' and 'dentist'.
They hardly sound like qualities or items that you would
associate with an Ibiza raver now, are they?
If you ever thought about getting one, you probably ended
up in a Mercedes, BMW or Audi showroom before taking
the plunge. Taking the socially ‘safe’ option was more than
likely the choice you made…
Lexus wants us all to take a leaf out of George Michael's
seedy little book (probably not a good read, even), and
‘listen without prejudice'. The company has created a
rather sharp looking and equally as strident performing
little number in the shape of the GS450h F-Sport. It
comes packed full of clever technology and donning one
of the most violent-looking bumper kits ever seen on a
production car.
The rest of the launch range - a non-F-Sport 450h
and a 205bhp 2.5-litre GS250 petrol V6 - are a little
less menacing to the eye, but they all get a serious
level of refreshments compared to their 'librarian-like'
predecessors. So, that means a new chassis, all-new
interiors and exteriors, in addition to revolutionised
drivetrains.
The 450h gets a new version of the Lexus Hybrid Drive,
a 3.5-litre Atkinson cycle V6 petrol engine, in tandem
with an electric motor to give 338bhp or, depending
on demand, either running solo. Nickel-Metal Hydride
batteries take care of the energy storage, and a sixspeed sequential shift E-CVT manages the transfer to
the rear wheels. It adds up to an impressively nippy (no
pun intended) saloon, and an especially fast hybrid. No
complaints thus far.
The review remains upbeat: the GS450h was always
pretty rapid. But you got the feeling that when you pushed
it to its limits, it waivered on the uncomfortable end of
its comfort zone. Now it's clearly more virile. All cars get
adaptive variable suspension, but the F-Sport gets the
one-up on the others with its Lexus Dynamic Handling,
featuring dynamic rear steering, a variable-ratio steering
rack and electric power steering. In layman’s terms, the
The innards have been jazzed up, and all. The battery
pack, although still at the back of the vehicle, is now
stacked rather than laid flat in the rear, translating into
larger boot space and improved knee room throughout
the car. The interior is more European, with the swish
dashboard overrun by a huge 12.3in screen, good-quality
knobs and dials, and everything you would ever need to
keep you comfortable, all as standard.
All this makes the GS450h F-Sport a wonderful rival to
the German tractors on every level, and with an element
of exclusivity and anonymity. It's no slouch on the drag
and has killer efficiency to boot. Pleasantly surprised?
Blown away, more like…!
For more information about the GS450h or any other
Lexus, and a full list of specifications, prices and dealership
locations, consult the website:
SPECIFICATIONS
Lexus GS450h Specifications (Petrol):
Engine:
3,456cc V6 RWD
Performance:
338BHP
Fuel Economy:
47.8MPG
Weight:
1,820KG
Miscellaneous:
155mph (top speed), 5.9secs (0-62)
rear wheels steer in the opposite direction to the fronts at
speeds of under 50mph, to give the car a noticeable level
of agility, and in the same direction at higher speed for
stability. The electric steering also changes ratio and weight
depending on demand, making the manoeuverability
distinctive and dynamic, yet over-engineered.
http://www.lexus.com.cn/
China Market:
Price:
¥975,000
yummy
26
Bocca
Rocker
by Suad Cejvanovic
When you ask people about Canton Place, many are still clueless
about where and what it is. I don't blame them, as this very unique
area is hidden behind some of the highest-priced real estate in
Guangzhou. But maybe it was designed to be this way - creating an
exclusive environment for dining and socializing.
Although it's possible that the initial impression I give you makes
you feel that is just another over-priced, 'showing face' type of area,
I assure you that this place should be considered more like a little
oasis or a hidden gem in this bustling BIG city.
Canton Place, a circular shaped infrastructure, is home to many
restaurants (offering different styles of cuisine), cafés and even a
few retail shops. A quiet area, well designed and decorated with
fountains and beautiful lights - maybe best imagined as a romantic
setting.
To me, the one place that truly represents everything that Canton
Place is about, is Bocca Kitchen and Bar. I know most are familiar
with the name, but this spot in Canton Place adds a little bit more
zest, in my humble opinion, to Guangzhou's dining and nightlife
experience.
Bocca has a very cozy feel to it, through the beautiful design and
carefully selected décor. Still serving its diverse signature menu,
at very fair price points, is maybe what excels this brand in the
Guangzhou market.
What separates Bocca from some of the other establishments in
the area is its very cool and hip atmosphere. Not only does it offer
a great menu, it also shakes up some great cocktails. If you are not
one for the booze, let me make your life easier for you…ORDER
the freshly made orange & carrot juice.
There are plenty of delicious dishes to satisfy any taste requirement;
an amazing all day breakfast menu, healthy salads and a nice
choice of main dishes. If you are in the mood to just snack on
something, the butter garlic escargot appetizer is the hands-down
winner.
I know most people don't go to a restaurant of this nature to order
a sandwich or burger, but trust me, these should not be overlooked.
The Bocca Smokehouse Cheeseburger is well worth the trip to
Canton Place.
Savoury, imported ground beef patties, topped with bacon
and cheese; served between fresh Ciabatta bread and
accompanied by lettuce, tomatoes, onions and pickles.
BUT FOLKS, if you are coming to Bocca to enjoy a
burger, make sure it's on a Wednesday night.
A Fresh new concept offered every Wednesday at Bocca is 'Build
your own Burger'.
There is an array of
toppings for you to
choose from…almost
making it feel as if you
are making your own
burger, like many of
us did back home in our native countries, slightly better than
Burger King's 'Have it Your Way'.
Don't forget, this is not only a great place to eat; it's also a great
place to relax and enjoy cocktails with friends. Mojitos, daiquiries,
martini's and different bubblies fill the drink menu. Trendy décor,
dim lighting and a wise selection of music, make this the perfect
social environment. Every Friday starting at 9pm, Bocca hosts a
'Friday Night Starter' party with a live DJ (yours truly!). To make
this party even more special, ladies drink for free from 8pm-11pm.
What more can one ask for? An all day menu, great selection
of drinks (alcoholic and virgin), a cool environment and all very
reasonably priced. For me, Bocca truly is the ‘Gem’ inside Canton
'Hidden' place.
Bocca Kitchen & Bar, 110 Canton Place, Haifeng Road, Zhujiang Xin
Cheng, Tianhe District, Guangzhou.
Tel: (+86) 20 3831 9027
http://www.boccaworld.com/
Heartfelt service started
from a dark napkin
by Simon Cormack
It's the little things that make an experience unforgettable. It could
be the bouquet and confetti on your wedding day. It may well be
that welcome bottle of Champagne in your hotel bedroom, or
even some kind, heartfelt words in a birthday card. You can also
get these kinds of magical touches from your Shenzhen dining
experience, only at Four Points by Sheraton, Shenzhen.
Take the service, for example. I was quite literally moved by my
waitress for the evening. When I first sat down, there was a white
napkin at my place setting. Before I could even finish blinking, the
waitress had observed that the colour of my dress was black, and
had immediately gone to fetch a black napkin to 'colour code' my
wears.
This attention to detail boiled over into the business end of the
proceedings - the menu. I opened with a Classic Caesar Salad,
which gave me a kind of cocktail feel, as the dish is tossed and
served table-side. My partner went for the Baked Snails in
Garlic and Parsley Butter - a dish that I have to admit smelt
divine…
For mains, we went for the New Orleans Rack of Lamb - not quite
sure of the relevance of the home of Jazz and wooly animals, but I
can assure you that the lamb was super succulent and full of flavour.
We added a Mongolian Beef Tenderloin to that; surprisingly good,
considering I have only ever felt let down by locally sourced beef in
China. The Australian Wagyu was a touch on the disappointing
side, as it was bordering on being chewy, yet the marbling on the
joint was almost like artwork.
The truffle mash was a great little side to enjoy with the rich grills, as
was the roasted asparagus…
I didn’t have enough room for dessert, but we ordered the Sweet by
5 - a mixture of five randomly chosen desserts form the menu. No
complaints there, either - all washed down with a bottle or two of
Toscana Red 2010!
The Grill & Bar is divided into four main sections: the dining area
with two VIP rooms, the bar area, the gaming area and the private
karaoke room.
The rear dining section is tailored for great cuisine with a semi-open
kitchen, where you can see your selected steaks and seafood items
being grilled a la minute.
It is here that talented executive chef, Peter Liew, serves an exciting
array of steak specialties with a dash of progressive gastronomy.
High-quality ingredients and seasonally inspired dishes characterize
the restaurant. However, Liew's ingenious touch adds some extra
flair.
The Grill & Bar is a great place to go on a night out with your
friends, if you decide to give the clubbing scene a miss. For bargoers, the variety of beer, cocktails and 'ready to drink' wine
contributes to the relaxing casual atmosphere. Serving an
impressive line of drinks which are lined up against the wall, as well
as world-famous alcoholic beverages, means you’re in for a treat.
The operational hours for the grill area is from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and the
bar area from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Tel: 8358-8662
Add: 5 Guihua Road, Futian Free Trade Zone, Futian District
My Mate, Marmite!
Not to be confused with the rather salty toast topping
made from vegetable extracts, La Marmite, literally
meaning 'large earthen cooking pot' in French, is one of
the S.A.R.'s top hideouts for a bit of 'ooh la la' and a glass
of champers.
Having been open for little over a year, it is almost
impossible to feel the infancy of this restaurant. The
service, layout and décor scream out style, sophistication
and aged nobility, obviously indicating the experience of
the team involved in its conception and execution.
This authentic and classic sentiment is carried over into
the menu. The typically-French selection of meats,
game and poultry, along with seasonal catches of the
day, are enough to bamboozle even the most decisive of
characters.
I’m a total sucker for liver and pâté, so I can't see how
anyone could pass up on the rather racy Foie Gras Crème
Brûlée, with a superb blend of the two extremes of
texture. Another classic perfected for the partisan Parisian
is the Lobster Bisque, although I have to say I'm more of
a chowder man - a bit of a philistine, n'est pas…? Before I
start on the pièce de resistance for any French restaurant,
the desserts, I will give a few more pointers for the savoury
palate. The handmade gnocchi is nothing short of meltin-the-mouth, and the Smoked Salmon Rilettes were rich
in every sense of the word.
The Frog Legs in 'Poulette' Sauce, although looking quite
alarmingly yellow in colour, are tender to the point of
disbelief, yet the John Dory (usually my first choice along
with Dover Sole), which comes poached in a Mussel
Sauce, Cuttlefish, Roasted Pistachio and Steamed Potato
Mustard, is, I have to say, ruined with its topping of
seaweed - rather reminiscent of a cheap attempt at a
Chinese take-away; I was looking for the prawn crackers!
Allowing for a Chef's poetic license, I bow to his greater
knowledge and just settle for everything else on the menu,
which is frankly faultless…
As for the sweeter things in life, the Paris Brest is as good
as you could expect to find out of its home, the Apple
and Calvados Tart Tatin, topped with a dusting of
nutmeg, is sweet enough to cut through the finest vanilla
ice-cream I've ever tasted, but I was too scared to try the
Lychee and Raspberry Soup, with Rose Water Foam and
Lychee Sorbet - probably the most talked-about thing
in this section of the menu. I like my ice-cream and I’m
somewhat of a classical dessert man, so you will have to
try that yourself…
Given all this praise, it’s hard to imagine that any of the
limited choices in La Marmite would fail to live up to your
expectations. Bon apetit!
La Marmite, 46 Staunton Street, Soho, Central, Hong Kong.
Tel: (+852) 2803 7808
http://www.aqua.com.hk/
cru
28
Taste of
Rioja
Arriving at Logroño, the capital of Rioja, you will be
embraced with wine choices galore. Tempranillo, the
most
popular red here, ranks as the top of the table, because of its
easy-to-drink
character, as well as its high versatility in paring with most varied foods.
competitions. This family-owned winery was established in 1925; a result of a
successful marriage between wine merchant and wine maker. The business has passed
on to the third generation now, with the elder son Javier looking after the vine growing
and the youngest son Joseba taking care of the wine making.
Subdivided into three vine growing regions, Rioja Alta, Rioja Baja, and Rioja Alavesa,
the Rioja Alavesa varieties are known as the best in the area that produces elegant
wines with unmistakable character, something which is only possible when grape
varieties, vine-growing methods and winemaking procedures have been honed over
time.
Owning all vineyards located at the maximum altitude of Rioja Alavesa, they named
one of their labels 'Conde de Altarva', with the word 'altarva', a deriviation from
'Alavesa' as a proof and confidence of quality. With three levels – young wine, crianza
and reserva - Conde de Altarva’s tempranillo are elegant and well-balanced in their
alcohol content, colour and acidity, by having a body and structure offset perfectly, a
gentle and elegant flavour, mainly fruity in nature when young and more velvety when
aged.
With Tempranillo as its main focus, Bodegas Casado Morales stands out from
the thousands of wineries in Rioja with its award-winning tempranillo in most
Conde de Altava Tempranillo 2011
'A fruity wine with rich aroma and subtle taste, the red capsule and
label makes a great character for celebrations.'
The wine keeps its primary freshness and fruitiness, yet it has a subtle long after taste
which surpasses most young wine. This is an inexpensive, quality wine with good taste,
and it can be drank alone with cheese and nibbles, or paired with a decent meal.
Retail Price: RMB198/Bottle
September Promotion for Mid-Autumn Festival:
RMB138/Bottle; RMB500/Case (6 bottles)
Vino Castillo presents PAPER Magazine readers a special mixed case,
selecting two bottles of these three prestigious rioja wines at RMB1180/
case (6 bottles).
Free door to door delivery within main cities of the Pearl River Delta
Area when purchasing any 2 cases.
For enquiry and purchase, please contact Ming Ming @ 13570337037,
email: [email protected]
http://www.vinocastillo.com
Conde de Altava Crianza 2008
'The best tempranillo in Rioja, it is an award-winning wine by
Decanter Magazine due to its balanced style.'
With the excellent aptitude for aging in oak barrels, the wine’s virtue becomes more
prominent. Crianza has a good balance between young wine and reserva, making
it more adaptable for different tastes. With a subtle full body and elegant tannins,
the wine is well balanced with very long lingering, yet keeps the freshness from ripe
fruits.
Retail Price: RMB298/Bottle
September Promotion for Mid-Autumn Festival:
RMB208/Bottle; RMB1000/Case (6 bottles)
Conde de Altava Reserva 2004
'The mature wine has a sophisticated expression for the
exceptional mind.'
This wine spends 18 months in oak barrels and then a further 18 months in the
bottle with frequent taste control settings. This tempranillo is a quality wine with
new aromas and flavours that are integrated with wood. Its mature nature with
elegant tannins, contains a lot of expression and a lingering finish.
Retail Price: RMB398/Bottle
September Promotion for Mid-Autumn Festival:
RMB308/Bottle; RMB1500/Case (6 bottles)
Invitation
Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival
With traditional festive food and Rioja wines
A casual gathering to meet with new friends
And the beautiful Casado Morales Wines
Date: 15 September 2012
Time: 2:00-8:00pm
Location to be confirmed
Please contact ming ming to RSVP
Mobile: 13570337037;
Email: [email protected]
Chemistry Set
cheers
29
by Suad Cejvanovic
I
Let’s be honest, the core of any bar is simple…a place that serves a mix of drinks. But what differentiates
bars from one another is style and atmosphere. Pick your poison… you’re a sports’ fan: you go to the
sports’ bar; you want casual and cheap prices: you go to the local pub; you’re looking for something a little
more special: you head to a lounge bar.
come from an interior design background and work in the
furniture industry, aside from my DJ career. Without trying to
sound pompous, I appreciate style and décor. In any place I go, be
it a restaurant or bar, I always monitor my surroundings.
As a city cat from Toronto, and a frequent visitor to New York City, I confess
that I'm a huge fan of industrial décor; loft spaces, warehouse-turned-bars
or restaurants. The typical choice of decoration in southern China is shiny
whites and glittering gold; if I’m honest, a little lackluster and devoid of
character.
Xing Sheng Lu (Zhujiang Xin Cheng) seems to be the up and coming area
for lounge bars in Guangzhou. Over the past few months, this street has
transformed into a bar strip giving birth to many new establishments - and
construction continues by the minute for even more new places to kick off
an evening’s proceedings.
Since around the middle of June, there has been a new site getting knocked
into shape, boarded up and covered with a sign reading 'LAB' on the door.
The interior was well blocked off, but something was definitely brewing
inside…
On July 28th, the 'formula' was obviously finished and ready to medicate
the millions of potential 'patients' in Guangzhou.
The Grand Opening party featured the elaborate musical and showstopping charisma of the Audio Prostitute. Maybe it was a fitting choice
for a bar with such character to have an opening night DJ that is full of
uniqueness and charm, himself.
The establishment is in its infancy and is feeding its identity through musical
styling, to create the ideal nightly vibe. Something tells me that, with the
emphasis on being stylish, unique and distancing itself from its competition,
the music and atmosphere will surely follow suit.
To be honest, what I am most impressed by is the décor and conceptual
idea. I look at a place like Loft 345; a very cool spot, very artistic in nature,
but for me, maybe a little too artsy – somewhat of a student union.
LAB is a place that's ignored the stigma of typical southern Chinese design
and gone for something a little more risqué…
When you walk inside the oversized, castle-like, rustic wooden doors,
adorned with cast iron handles, next to the front windows covered with
metal wiring, and chemistry beakers, you are greeted with industrial-style
suspended ceiling lights, as well as bartenders wearing lab coats, cool trinkets
displayed on innovative shelving, coupled with a great view of the elongated
bar, which leads you into the DJ booth and seating area.- it's like being back
in a chemistry lesson (only one which you pay the utmost attention to!!!) it's like being in a chemistry lab (a lot of mess, but all carefully stored and
organized)
This may sound a little suspect, but bear with me - the downstairs
washroom also needs mentioning. An incomplete brick wall structure,
and a sink that makes you think the owners didn't have enough money to
complete the project; I assure you this is just part of the trendy industrial
facade.
A metal staircase leads you up to the second and third floors. Creative
industrial lighting decorates the wall and, with the use of red light bulbs,
provides you with an intimate feeling. There is a room filled with sofas, club
chairs and old wooden tables, creating a cozy atmosphere.
In simple terms…the place is COOL.
The purpose of any lab is to create something new, something to make
the world better. In a newly developed area like Zhujiang Xin Cheng, Lab
Bar, through its industrial design and character, might have just created the
perfect potion.
LAB, Shop 104, 7 Xing Sheng Lu, Zhujiang Xin Cheng, Tianhe District,
Guangzhou.
Crowne Plaza Science City Thank you party
Crowne Plaza Guangzhou Science City to take
advantage of their unique outdoor poolside area
held the Hawaii style "Thank You Party", over 100
elite customer attended and enjoyable that evening.
A CULINARY TOUR OF CANADA @ JW Marriott Shenzhen
Chi Heng Guangzhou Summer Camp
@ The Garden Hotel Guangzhou
The Westin Xiamen – Unveil Your
True Color StarChoice Party
Consul General in Guangzhou, Mr. Welton Epp and his Senior Trade
Commissioner and Mr. Colin Young, General Manager of JW Marriott
Shenzhen launching together of the "A Culinary Tour of Canada" the
Canadian food Festival at JW Marriott Shenzhen Jin Mao Grand Ballroom.
St. Regis Shenzhen Wedding Show
Tiger Battle of the Bands 2012
In November 2006, a huge tent was set up
in The Venice Hotel Shenzhen (Formerly
Crowne Plaza Shenzhen). The sound of
German folk songs floated out from the tent,
and the new word 'OKTOBERFEST' landed
in Shenzhen, as it immediately started to gain
its popularity throughout the city. From then
on, this magic word delights the crowd every
autumn, and, this creates the perfect reason to
party - OKTOBERFEST!
Beer plays a central role in the fair, and Shenzhen
is well aware of it. A unique Oktoberfest beer
by German brewers is brewed for this special
occasion. Slightly darker and stronger than
others, in both taste and alcohol, the beer is
freshly served in a 300ml chilled mug. With the
magic word of 'Prost' with which to greet each
other, mugs of beers are dispatched, whilst the
bubbles and laughter remain.
German Oktoberfest is held every year around
the end of October and early November, and
the event lasts for about one week. A large tent
accommodating around 600 people opens its
gates to the exotic German Oktoberfest culture
and experience - huge mugs of beer, jumbo
sausages, tasty pretzels, authentic German
gourmet, and the traditional yet humorous
comedy music show.
Prost! For Oktoberfest!
Oktoberfest 2012 will start from
November 9th to 18th
The Venice Hotel Shenzhen
Add: 9026 Shenna Road, Overseas
Chinese Town, Shenzhen
Tel: 0755 2693 6888
advertorial
Prost,
Oktoberfest!
out 'n' about
Lap of
Honour
34
Everywhere you looked there were happy
smiling faces – a situation seldom experienced
in the modern cynical society. I was overjoyed
to see the contrast between last year’s riots
and student protests, and this year’s patriotism
boosted by the Queen's Jubilee and the
Games – a right royal breath of fresh air…
On the day, I thought back to the ideas that
had been plaguing my mind; keep your wits
about you, watch out for anything suspicious,
expect long queues and prepare yourself for
airport-style security checks. But, as the fact
that I was going to be right in front of the
action dawned on me, all my apprehensions
quickly ebbed away.
The tube journey to the stadium ran just
as smoothly as it ever does. I was actually
pleasantly surprised by everything to do
with the transportation, even the notoriously
problematic London Underground.
In 1908, the Olympic games were held in
London for the first time, then again in 1948,
the year I was born (Oops, I can't lie about
my age now!!). I am, what you would call, an
'Olympic Baby', although the name does little
to offer any sense of fortune for me, as I was
obviously too young to have attended - even
if I had, I doubt I would have remembered
anything, being only 6 months old.
Imagine, then, my delight upon first hearing
that London was again chosen to hold the
games in 2012 - the only city to have ever
had that honour three times. The time since
6th July, 2005, when the announcement
was made, has been littered with the usual
doubts and carping about the eventual cost
that usually precedes all Olympics, and the
prospect of terrorist attacks. Despite the
doubters' best attempts to put us off, I could
not wait to order some tickets!
When I found that I had been successful
and had got a couple of tickets for the
evening session of athletics in the Olympic
Stadium, to say that I was overjoyed is an
understatement.
As the day neared, the excitement and
anticipation just grew exponentially.
As we reached Stratford station, we were
greeted by the army of volunteers that helped
start the day off with a bang - their spirit and
enthusiasm was truly remarkable! In total,
120,000 people applied to be part of the
team, with 70,000 chosen, and this made the
Olympics in London feel like 'the people's
games'.
Walking from the station to the Olympic Park
(around 15 minutes) was great, with many
a photo opportunity to be 'snapped up' with
fully armed policemen who also joined in
with the Olympic spirit.
The whole atmosphere in and around the
park itself was electrifying; as we waited for
people from the morning session to disperse,
we found little problem entertaining ourselves
in the plethora of attractions on offer. We
could feel that there was something magical
happening in our vicinity and it was difficult
to contain our excitement. Of course, being
British, we had to visit the pub and have and
have a beer, purely to quench our thirst, I
must add.
When we eventually went through security,
manned by a mixture of guards and British
soldiers, the same smiling faces met us, and,
although it was thorough, it was very different
to what you experience at any major airport
around the world. Gone were the surly faces
and grunts that usually plague you as you
make the intimidating walk through the
metal detectors!!! It proves it can be done
professionally and efficiently with a smile
(airport staff please note!).
Inside the park, we marvelled at the sheer
number of happy revellers, donning face
paint, huge flags, national colours and
beaming smiles. The food was well above
average, the megastore prices were well within
the limits of feasibility and the queues to get
into the stadium itself were thankfully shorter
than the ones for the gargantuan McDonalds
in the centre of the action…!
After leaving the megastore, it was time to
enter the stadium. The feeling of anticipation
as we climbed the steps to our seats and
finally catching a full view of the track and
grandstands, bathed in brilliant sunshine, was
truly mind blowing!
The last time we remembered having such a
moment was taking our first few steps on the
Great Wall - WOW!
The athletic session included the first 4 events
in the women's heptathlon (eventually won
by GB's cover girl, Jessica Ennis), the women's
10k, heats of the men’s long jump (another
GB gold!), and the final of the men's shot put.
I am trying desperately not to be jingoistic,
but appear to be failing miserably!
The journey back was as smooth as the
journey in, and, once again, I cannot speak
too highly of the army of volunteers and their
tireless positivity; they can certainly consider
themselves high on the list of people who
helped to make the experience so memorable,
as well as the athletes and organisers…
We eventually arrived home at about 1am,
exhausted and absolutely delighted in unison
- we were two of the very few lucky people
in the world to have experienced a day at the
Olympics in their home country.
Although nothing will ever match the sheer
spectacle of the Beijing Games four years
ago, I feel that in many ways, the London
2012 Olympics was on a par, especially for
spirit and group contribution.
It makes me proud to be British, not just for
our sporting performance, but more for the
way that we made everybody feel welcome
and part of our greatest sporting and
philanthropic achievement of this century, if
not ever!!!!
ter us
a
e
Gr a Foc
L
ITE Chin
F
SO
Students' Settlement
In order to cultivate a wealth of human
resource talents, Dongguan's local
government intends to build its own
University City at the Song Shan Lake
site, in collaboration with between 10
and 15 universities, over the coming
five years. With a heavy focus on
research and development, construction
preparations for 'The cooperative
innovation research institute of South
China University of Technology and
Peking University's Dongguan Institute
of Opto-electronics', as it is so longwindedly named, will soon commence.
Negotiations with domestic universities,
such as Fudan University, Tongji
University, Shanghai University, and
Wuhan University are presently under
way regarding a jointly-built research
institute. Watch this space…
One for the Road
One for the Road is the only traditional
English pub in Dongguan offering
everything you would expect from a true
British 'booza'; live sports on satellite, pool,
darts, golf, a comprehensive bar menu
that fills a gap, and even an outdoor beer
garden.
IEO Dynatown, Building 2, Ground Floor,
Dongecheng East Road, Dongcheng
District
Tel: (+86) 0769 2203 0001/2
http://www.onefortheroad.cn/
SOFITEL Greater China Focus - Competition
Here we go with Round 1 of the SOFITEL Greater China Focus Competition! Two lucky readers can each win two night's stay, including complimentary daily breakfast for two, in either the
Sofitel Dongguan Humen Oriental or the Sofitel Dongguan Royal Lagoon.
You can only win if you enter... You know what to do - just answer the following questions:
1) How many Sofitel hotels are there in Dongguan?
2) What are the names of the Japanese restaurants in the Sofitel Dongguan Humen Oriental and the Sofitel Dongguan Royal Lagoon?
All answers should be submitted before 18th September, 2012, by email to the following address: [email protected]
35
Dongguan Bar Street
Located between the middle section of Dongcheng
East Road and Dongcheng South Road, at the foot
of Qifeng Hill, is a cluster forming the essence of bar
culture in Dongguan, with an atmosphere of serenity
& convenience, and fashionable customs. Well, it can
get slightly less than serene at the weekends, as it gets
injected with a little work-free adrenalin…!
Dongcheng South Road, Dongcheng District,
Dongguan.
Millionaires Paradise
According to the 'Hurun Wealth Report' for 2011,
released on 31st July this year, there were more
than 1,200 000 mainland Chinese with more than
10 million RMB in the bank. This was a 6.3% rise
compared to figures for 2010 and the first time it has
broken the 1-million mark. The report showed that
Dongguan has 18,000 individual multi-millionaires
and marks the first time Dongguan has been ranked
among Hurun's top 10 multi-millionaires in China.
The report showed that Guangdong Province had
167,000 multi-millionaires, ranking Guangdong
second in China's rich list. Beijing was ranked
first, and Shanghai third. The Guangdong multimillionaires are mainly from Guangzhou, Shenzhen
and Dongguan, amassing 55,000 and 52,000
respectively. I doesn't take a rocket scientist to notice
that there are so many filthy rich citizens around
here, now does it?
EDO Japanese Cuisine @
Sofitel Dongguan Humen
Oriental
This traditional Japanese restaurant in a stylish and
contemporary setting, specializing in sushi, sashimi,
and teppanyaki, has six private dining rooms,
presenting all you can eat lunch or dinner services.
You have many choices of sashimi, sushi, hand roll,
deep fried dishes/Tempura, grilled dishes, homemade
dishes, teppanyaki beef and seafood. The desserts are
also most impressive, like the smooth and rich Durian
Ice-Cream…
Price: Lunch (11:30-14:00) RMB 138/per++
Dinner (17:30-22:00) RMB 188/per++
Sofitel Dongguan Humen Oriental, Huanghe
Commercial Tower, Humen Avenue, Humen Town,
Dongguan.
Tel: (+86) 769 8288 8888
SUGI Japanese
Restaurant @ Sofitel
Dongguan Royal Lagoon
The restaurant's decoration is simple but elegant. Straight from
the deep blue sea to the dining table, the sea urchin is really
fresh and literally still breathing. You can't find a nicer sea
urchin anywhere in this part of the world, not even in HK. It’s
healthy, low in calories and is rich in omega 3 and fatty acids.
The sea eel and avocado roll is really yummy, too.
Sofitel Dongguan Royal Lagoon, 8 Ying Bin Road, Dongcheng
District, Dongguan.
Tel: (+86) 769 2269 6666
Delicious Abalone
Upon arrival, you will be attracted by the eight
3-metre-high wine bottles at the entrance of the door.
The decoration, furniture, tableware and dishes are
very special. It's a very stylish private club, founded
in 2009. They are selling the top red wines from
around world on the first floor. Some of the wines are
as rare as they are priceless. You will find traditional
Cantonese cuisine on the second floor. But, as they
only have private rooms, you will need to book before
you go. However, members of the public are welcome
as this is not a members only venue…!.
51-53 Yu Jing Tai, New World Garden, Dongcheng
District, Dongguan.
Tel: (+86) 769 2360 2288
The Venice Hotel Shenzhen Focus
38
HONGKONG
destination SHENZHEN
Dance Drama 'A Palmful of Wild Jujubes'
(Saturday 22nd September & Sunday 23rd
September, 2012)
'A Palmful of Wild Jujubes' was performed to a full house in Beijing's Poly
Theatre, and is the first dance that has been composed and produced by a roster
of choreographers of national stature; it is also the first dance that is based on the
love life of Shanxi merchants as its dramatic thread and that has been performed
entirely by faculty members and students of a vocational art school. With an
imposing cast of over 300 dancers and a large number of realistic stage settings, it is
a grand show of teaching strength for the college. Come and show your support!
Shenzhen Poly Theatre, Hou Hai Bin Lu, Nanshan District, Shenzhen.
Tel: (+86) 755 8637 1698
Time: 20:00
Price: ¥80, ¥180, ¥280, ¥380, ¥480, ¥580
http://www.polytheatresz.com/
A Septet Concert Led by Richard
Galliano (Sunday 23rd September, 2012)
Richard Galliano (born December 12, 1950, Cannes, Alpes-Maritimes) is a French
accordionist, who was drawn to music at an early age, starting with the accordion
when he was 4. He has been strongly influenced by his father Lucien, an accordionist
originally from Italy. He has worked with some of the greatest in the business and is
sure to set the stage alight with his harmony and tone. He was also a key member of
Claude Nougaro's band for several years as a pianist and accordionist.
Shenzhen Concert Hall Symphony Halll, 2016 Fu Zhong Yi Lu, Futian District, Shenzhen.
Tel: (+86) 755 8284 1888 (09:00-20:00)
Time: 20:00
Price: ¥380, ¥280, ¥180, ¥100
http://www.shenzhenconcerthall.com/
Potted Potter - The
Unauthorized Harry
Experience (Tuesday 18th
September - Sunday 30th
September, 2012)
Restaurant & Bar Hong Kong
(Tuesday 11th September Thursday 13th September, 2012)
This marks the 10th anniversary of
Restaurant and Bar Hong Kong,
which experienced a record-breaking
attendance of 12,107 last year. Owners
and F&B Directors of the most prominent
restaurants, hotels, clubs, bars, cafés, as
well as executive chefs, sommeliers and
wine buyers attended over the three days
of the event. You can expect more of the
same this year, as lovers of the industry
come together to meet, share ideas, source
new products and be inspired to produce
even better restaurant experiences for their
diners. Members of the public are also
most welcome!
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre,
1 Expo Drive, Wanchai, Hong Kong.
Tel: (+ 852) 3105 3970
Price: Free Admission
e-mail: [email protected]
http://www.restaurantandbarhk.com/
Playing to sold out houses all over
the world, POTTED POTTER, a
parody penned by double Olivier
Award Best Entertainment nominees
Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson
Turner, takes on the ultimate
challenge of condensing all seven
Harry Potter books (and a real life
game of Quidditch) into seventy
hilarious minutes. This fantastically
funny show features all your favourite characters, a special appearance from a
fire-breathing dragon, endless costumes, brilliant songs, ridiculous props and a
generous helping of Howgarts magic!
Date & Time:
18 Sep 2012 (Tue) at 7:30pm; 19 Sep 2012 (Wed) at 7:30pm;
20 Sep 2012 (Thu) at 7:30pm;
21 Sep 2012 (Fri) at 4:30pm & 7:30pm;
22 Sep 2012 (Sat) at 2pm, 4:30pm & 7:30pm;
23 Sep 2012 (Sun) at 2pm, 4:30pm; 25 Sep 2012 (Tue) at 7:30pm;
26 Sep 2012 (Wed) at 7:30pm;
27 Sep 2012 (Thu) at 7:30pm;
28 Sep 2012 (Fri) at 4:30pm & 7:30pm;
29 Sep 2012 (Sat) at 2pm, 4:30pm & 7:30pm;
30 Sep 2012 (Sun) at 2pm, 4:30pm.
Drama Theatre, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Road,
Wanchai, Hong Kong.
Tel: (+852) 8203 0299
Price: HK$550, $495, $395
http://www.hongkongticketing.com/
Air-Raising
Fashion Access
(Thursday 27th September - Saturday 29th
September, 2012)
FASHION ACCESS is the must-attend international fashion
fair for high quality, affordable bags and footwear, plus small
leather goods, lifestyle accessories, garments and much more.
Happening twice a year, the March fair showcases collections for
the upcoming autumn-winter season, while the September fair
focuses on spring-summer offerings. So, if you want to get ahead
of the game for next year, then this is surely the place to do so…
Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wanchai,
Hong Kong.
Tel: (+852) 2827 6211
Time: 09:00-18:00 daily
Price: Trade ONLY. Badge registration is required.
e-mail: [email protected]
http://www.fashionaccess.aplf.com/
Passenger traffic and aircraft movements at Hong Kong
International Airport set new monthly records in July, as
it handled more than five million passengers and 29,880
aircraft movements. This figure is not far off the world's
busiest airport, Heathrow in London, and the jump in
activity has been attributed to traffic for the Olympics, as
well as improved sales in holiday packages to places like
Taiwan and Japan. Airport Authority Chief Executive
Officer Stanley Hui said that both passenger and air traffic
movements have once again set records, and he believes the
growth trend will continue in the coming months. I’m not
sure whether this is good news for passengers, however…!
Beihuan Mayhem
Police responded over the weekend to public concerns about reported
increases in traffic violations on Beihuan Boulevard, where new
monitoring equipment has recently been installed. It would seem that
these new measures are not enough to alleviate public concern, although
the authorities insist that the equipment has actually cut violations on
the road in half. The 20-kilometer Beihuan Boulevard runs from east to
west through Shenzhen, from Luohu to Nanshan. The most common
violations on Beihuan throughout the monitoring have been speeding,
illegal lane changes, drifting across lane lines and illegal U-turns. Police
also have installed 12 LED screens along the road, to post traffic alerts,
remind drivers of safety concerns and potentially post updated lists
of violations by drivers as a deterrent for traffic offenses. Some people
might say 'too little, too late'!
Jou Hisaishi Movie Music Gala
(Saturday 22nd September, 2012)
Joe Hisaishi, born December 6th, 1950, is a composer
and director responsible for over 100 soundtracks and
conventional albums dating back to 1981 (the year I was
born!!!). He is best-known for his work with animator Hayao
Miyazaki, including the soundtracks to Spirited Away (2001),
Howl's Moving Castle (2004), Princess Mononoke (1997),
My Neighbour Totoro (1988), and Nausica of the Valley
of the Wind (1983). He is also famed for his work with
filmmaker Takeshi Kitano, including soundtracks for Dolls
(2002), Kikujiro (1999), Hana-Bi (1997), Kids Return (1996),
and Sonatine (1993). That's quite a resume…!
Shenzhen Concert Hall Symphony Hall, 2016 Fu Zhong Yi Lu,
Futian District, Shenzhen.
Tel: (+86) 755 8284 1888 (09:00-20:00)
Time: 20:00
Price: ¥380, ¥280, ¥180, ¥120
http://www.szyyt.com/
supremos
40
Son,
First
Second
by Simon Cormack
Rights
With a lot hanging in the balance for a bright young
thing from Merseyside, It’s no wonder to see how
John Heckle has grabbed the attention of many a
mogul in the industry of late. After being snapped up
for a record contract last year, on the back of some
friendly prompts and Dutch courage leading him to
send a demo to one of his heroes, Jamal Moss, it’s all
systems go for the 23-year-old DJ and producer.
Just two years ago, he was over in China for a few months, on a tour of
the land in which his brother, Bill, was then living. His journeys around
the country no doubt contributed to his flamboyant creativity, but his
family's undeniable love of music is the driving force behind the Heckle
musical empire.
His father, also named Bill, is the co-owner of the legendary Cavern
Club in Liverpool, the birthplace of The Beatles, one of the most
famous music venues the industry has to bequeath. Bill Heckle (senior)
is also responsible for Beatle Week, Europe’s largest free concert. His
brother is also a talented DJ and promoter, having been involved in
numerous successful nights and residencies in Liverpool in the last
decade, one of which being the renowned Lemon Lounge.
It’s no wonder that all this pedigree has rubbed off on the youngest of
the clan, and, it would seem that John is about to eclipse all of his peers,
as he is now flying all over Europe to fulfill countless club bookings and
the odd festival for good measure. He is also in the studio working on
his eagerly anticipated second album.
Through the odd bit of string pulling and his own gracious agreement,
we managed to collar John for a quick interview to see what makes him
somewhat of a raw talent.
What first got you into house music?
My brother Bill taking me to raves in my early teens, to nights like
Bugged Out. He has had a lot to do with the course of my influential
years and has a lot to do with the kind of music I listen to nowadays…
What do you think differentiates UK and US electronic
music, and why do you think Chicago and Detroit
seem to standout?
Not everything from those cities is great. I think people tend to like
some of the output just because it's from those cities. I like the earlier
aesthetic, the rough and ready DIY style stuff. The music can be from
anywhere in the world, however. It's not about the place, rather the
people who make it.
What was the turning point in your early stages that
made you realise this was a viable career path?
The first release on Mathematics, the Life of Titan EP, garnered a lot
of attention, which gave me the push to take music more seriously.
After that, I had much more confidence to push new ideas and sounds
through my first album, Second Son.
How did it feel to be signed up by Mathematics
imprint and release your first big recording?
Jamal Moss was my favorite artist, so it was a big honour to be
recognized by him on his label. It was after seeing him play with
Surgeon in Antwerp that I realised the scope for originality in the club
arena.
Having spent some time in Guangzhou, how do you rate
the music/club scene compared to back home?
I only went to a few clubs, to be honest, and that was when friends were
playing. So, in that sense, the music wasn't any different from home in my
own experience, but maybe the crowd was a bit more subdued!
With track names like ‘Red Defender’ and ‘Hard
Sleeper’, I can see a definite link between your
experiences/passions and your music. How closely
blended are the two, with regards to taking inspiration
from your life and translating that into your
productions?
Sometimes I'll try to make a piece of music reflect an experience, but
mostly the track names are added as an afterthought. The process in
which I make records is hardly ever structured in order to produce a
sound based around a theme. That is something I would like to do to a
greater extent eventually, but at the moment I am happy playing around
with sounds and making my music as varied as possible.
What can we expect next from John Heckle?
Lots of releases and remixes completed for the coming months, and I am
working on a second album.
Do you have any plans to return to China?
Not in the foreseeable future, but I would love to go back and see some
friends who are still out there. I enjoyed my time there, but I'm totally
focused on what’s ahead.
Have you ever had to deal with any hecklers? (excuse
the pun)
Only our Bill. He has been known to get rowdy on occasion…
QUICK FIRE (say the first thing that comes into your head)
Best rave? Rehab, Liverpool
Desert island track? Baltimora ‘Tarzan Boy’
DJ idol? Jeff Mills
Marmite/peanut butter? Peanut Butter
Most influential radio station? I don’t listen to the radio enough.
Proudest moment? First Mathematics EP
Favourite tipple? Guinness
First feature on the list for plastic surgery? Cauliflower ear
Least favourite genre? Romcom
John Heckle is currently DJing all around Europe. For a full
biography, tour dates, downloadable podcasts and everything
else you need to know about the Scouse prodigy, check out his
website…
http://www.johnheckle.com/
bulletin
Symphony of Seafood
'Sake Pairing' at Robata Grill & Bar
Passionate Pineapple, Marvellous Mango
Accompanying the intoxicating panoramic views of the 'Pearl
River New City', The Market Café invites you to join an
overwhelming dinner buffet with freshly imported oysters,
sumptuous Australian lobsters,a mélange of stunning seafood and
globally inspired dishes.
Chef ITO creates an inspiring SAKE pairing menu, with
authentic regional Japanese dishes, to be enjoyed in one of
Guangzhou's classiest restaurants.
Rejuvenate and refresh yourself with light Afternoon Tea sets,
featuring fresh seasonal fruits, including lychee, mango and
pineapple.
Offer valid throughout September, 2012
Daily from 2 to 5:30 p.m. throughout September
CNY208 +15% per set
Advanced booking is requested. Terms and conditions apply.
Every Monday & Tuesday night, 'Oysters Theme' dinner buffet
at CNY388
Valid: 2012.7.9 - 10.11
Reservations: (+86) 20 3819 0898
Address: Robata Grill & Bar, 6F, Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich, 988
Guangzhou Da Dao Zhong, Tianhe District, Guangzhou.
Every Wednesday & Thursday night, 'Lobsters Theme' dinner
buffet at CNY438
Valid: 2012.9.5 - 10.11
Reservations: (+86) 20 3813 6888
[email protected].
Address: The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou, 3 Xing An Road, Pearl River New
City, Tianhe District, Guangzhou.
The price above is subject to 15% service charge
Reservations: (+86) 20 8550 8025/8550 8026r
Address: Grand Hyatt Guangzhou, 12 Zhujiang West Road, Pearl River
New City, Tianhe District, Guangzhou
Mid-autumn Festival Treats with Sui Xuan Moon Cake
Chimelong Moon Cake
Mid-autumn Festival is the reunion season. Delicate moon cakes
are available in Sui Xuan, our Chinese restaurant. Choose from
our large offerings of our classic tasty moon cakes, a special gift
for your friends and family.
Validity Period: Aug 1,2012 to Sep 30,2012
Premier Mooncake ￥288/box
Luxury Mooncake ￥258/box
Traditional Mooncake ￥228/box
Mini Mooncake ￥208/box
Chimelong Hotel offers moon cake gift boxes in various
flavours, enjoy these good tastes with friends and family in
Mid-autumn Festival. Free delivery service is available for
purchases of 100 boxes or above.(Only for Guangzhou and
Panyu area)
Validity Period: 15 August - 25 September 2012
Four Flavours Moon Cake ￥198/box
The box contains moon cakes in four flavours, including
double and single salty egg yolk with lotus paste, nuts paste
with ham, nuts with red bean-paste.
Reservations: (+86) 20 6683 9999
Address: Hilton Guangzhou Tianhe, 215 Linhe Xi Heng Road, Tianhe
District, Guangzhou.
Reservations: (+86) 20 8478 6838
Address: Chimelong Hotel Panyu Avenue, Panyu District, Guangzhou.
High Tea at Oakroom Restaurant & Bar
Enjoy High Tea at Oakroom Restaurant & Bar, from 2:00pm
to 5:00 pm every day, ranging from fresh Sandwiches,
Assorted Sweeties and a Selection of Tea or Coffee at the
low price of CNY158 net for 2 persons. Upgrade to 'The
Royal Tea' for only RMB 60 per person which includes a
glass of wine.
Offer valid until 30th September, 2012.
Reservations: (+86) 20 3883 2828
Address:16F, Oakwood Premier Guangzhou, 28 Tiyu Dong Road,
Tianhe District, Guangzhou.
Sheraton 75th Anniversary Package
Chef's Recommendation
Cantonese Cuisine is one of eight subdivisions of Chinese
cuisine, and is the most popular style outside China,
originating from the region around Canton (Guangzhou)
in southern China's Guangdong province. Canal Luna
Chef Kenny and his culinary team present the authentic
Cantonese cuisine to treat your taste buds.
Deep Fried Chicken, CNY98*/each
Braised Chicken Wings with Carrot, Mushroom and
Bamboo Shoot, CNY68*/3 pieces
Stewed Frogs with Dried Scallop and Pear, CNY58*/
person
Offer valid throughout September, 2012
Lunch: 11:00 to 14:30
Dinner: 17:30 to 22:00
* Plus 15% surcharge
Reservations: (+86) 757 8620 9006
Address: Canal Luna Chinese Restaurant, 3/F, InterContinental
Foshan, 20 Denghu East Road, Nanhai District, Foshan.
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Sheraton brand, we
invite you to experience our amazing accommodation package.
The Package includes 1 Deluxe City View Room, two breakfasts,
CNY75 F&B coupon and a Lucky draw for SPG members. Don't
hesitate to taste traditional Shunde delicacies, enjoy the Sheraton
signature Sweet Sleeper Bed, the unique round bathtub, rain forest
shower and much more.
Offer vaild from 1st September to 14th November, 2012.
CNY750+15% service charge
Reservations: (+86) 757 2888 8888
Address: Sheraton Shunde Hotel, 11 Desheng Road, Daliang, Shunde
District, Foshan.
bulletin
Offers National Day Refreshing Package For An Extra One CNY
Valid from 28th September to 7th October, 2012, the National Day Refreshing
Package is available from CNY988 for a superior room. Just add CNY1, and
you can enjoy amazing benefits, including:
•CNY500 Food & Beverage credit per stay (not applicable for in-room dining or
banquet).
•Complimentary upgrade to next room category.
•Complimentary transportation from / to Luohu Port (advanced reservation is
required).
•50% discount for Spa treatment (not applicable for caviar and pear anti-aging
facial, advanced reservation is required).
•Complimentary welcome fruit.
•Late check out until 4pm, subject to availability.
The rate quoted is subject to a 15% service charge and terms and conditions
apply.
Italian Culinary Journey
Taste Restaurant at Four Points by Sheraton Shenzhen, is offering
a rare opportunity to sample a specially created Italian Journey
from Chef Massimiliano, Italian Chef at the group’s acclaimed
sister hotel, The Westin Guangzhou. Chef Massimiliano’s culinary
style has been developed over 10 years, and his dishes for Taste
focus on his passion for creating traditional and authentic Italian
cuisine, showcasing the pizza & pasta live show for guests – truly
an irresistible experience
Offer valid from August 28th to September 16th, 2012.
CNY268+15%/person
Reservations: (+86) 755 8358 8668
Address:3F, Taste Signature Restaurant, Four Points by Sheraton Shenzhen,
5 Guihua Road, Futian Free Trade Zone, Shenzhen.
Reservations: (+86) 755 8217 2288
[email protected]
Address: Crowne Plaza Hotel & Suites Landmark Shenzhen, No.3018, Nanhu Road,
Shenzhen
National Day Holiday at OCT East Theme Hotel Cluster
From September 30th to October 7th, 2012, 1 night accommodation
at the Interlaken OCT Hotel starts from CNY1500; 1 night
accommodation at Mahayana OCT Boutique Hotel/Otique
Aqua Hotel/Oasis O·City Hotel/Parkview O·City Hotel starts
from CNY430; 1 night accommodation at Cargo Hostel starts from
CNY350. In-house guests can enjoy swimming for free at Parkview
O·City Hotel & Oasis O·City Hotel by showing their room key, SPA
ticket at CNY100/guest & theme parks ticket at CNY210/guest.
Reservations: (+86) 755 8888 3333 or toll-free number 400 860 1388.
Address: Interlaken OCT Hotel, OCT East, Dameisha, Yantian District,
Shenzhen.
Executive Offer
Located on the 40th-42nd floor, the Executive Lounge officially
launches on August 1st, 2012. In addition to the panoramic view of
Xiamen city, the Yuandang Lake and Xinyue Mountains, the lounge
provides personalised services, such as express check-in, shoe shining,
XBOX game entertainment, Internet access, cocktail hours and many
more. The boardroom, on the 42nd floor, serves as an exclusive venue
for business meetings. Executive Room - CNY1,288 + 15% Service Charge + 4%
Government Tax
Grand Executive Room - CNY1,388 + 15% Service Charge + 4%
Government Tax
Offer valid until 29th September, 2012
Reservations: (+86) 592 337 8888 Address: The Westin Xiamen, No. 398 Xianyue Road, Xiamen.
Mid-Autumn Festival
The Westin Shenzhen Nanshan, has prepared an exquisite
selection of moon cakes with exotic fillings, ranging from
traditional dates to western-style char-baked coffee flavour,
and also Chiuchow crispy style. These pastries come in a
variety of specially designed boxes to take home, or give as
gifts.
Offer valid from 1st to 31st September, 2012.
Difference prices for each variety of moon cake.
Reservations: (+86) 755 2698 8888
Address: The Westin Shenzhen Nanshan, 9028-2, Shennan Road,
Nanshan District, Shenzhen.
Korean Food Festival
The renowned taste of Korea is
coming to Spices of Sofitel Forebase
Chongqing, from 8th September to
23rd September, 2012. During the
food festival, you can enjoy free flow
of soft drinks. It's the best opportunity
to experience traditional and authentic
Korean cuisine including different
types of kimchi, Korean barbecue, hot
pots, and Korean honey citron teas - all
healthy and tasty.
Reservations: (+86) 23 6863 9999 ext: 6333
Address: Spices Western Restaurant, Sofitel
Forebase Chongqing, 137, Ke Yuan Er road,
Jiu Long Po District, Chongqing.
The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou welcomes newrooms
executive assistant manager, Mr. Christopher W. Sommers,
who will be in overall charge of ROOM division.
Mr.Denny Ma
Mr.Nicholas Smith
Mr. Davide Pesenato
was recently appointed
as Hotel Manager of
The Westin Shenzhen,
Nanshan.
Mr. Emil Leung, general manager of Futian Shangri-La,
Shenzhen, is pleased to announce the appointment of
new members of staff to the hotel’s Executive Committee:
Nicholas Smith as Resident Manager, and Denny Ma as
Director of Sales and Marketing.
Mr. David Chan, general manager of Grand Hyatt
Guangzhou, is pleased to announce the new appointment
of Mr. Dohmeier Ralf as Executive Chef of Grand Hyatt
Guangzhou, who was born and raised in Germany.