Dining in Color

While browsing Horchow's website, I was smitten by this colorful dining set.

Hong Kong High

I found myself in Hong Kong yet again. Every time I visit, I discover new places, foodie delights, and quirky shops. I also visited Macau. When I first stayed at the Venetian, it seemed like in the middle of nowhere. It had no neighbors except the Four Seasons next door and so I had no reason to venture out of this sublime cocoon of a hotel. This time, I was only on a day trip so I got to stroll around the area and saw the massive hotels being built around the block. I keep wondering, do they really get filled?

The Venetian Macao

City of Dreams in Macau

View across the Venetian Macao

Fountains outside City of Dreams in Macau

Crown Hotel in Macau

inside City of Dreams Hotel in Macau

ceiling lobby of City of Dreams Hotel in Macau

Back in Hong Kong, I discovered the delightful SoHo as I wandered to Miss B's Cakery in search of sublime cakes that tasted as good as they looked. I vowed to return to Gough Street and explore the many home decor stores.

To inject some culture to the trip, a visit to the Museum of History was in order.

 This is the clearest I have seen the view on The Peak.

For a city with no meadows to breed cows, Hong Kong truly has the best steak places. When I read about Craftsteak through Chuvaness, I just knew I had to try it the next time I was in Hong Kong. Their potato gratin was divine. Apparently, they have buy 1 take 1 promo on Mondays. Unfortunately, I visited on a Sunday. Then again, I couldn't have eaten more anyway. And no, I did not eat this alone.

32 ounces of beefy goodness bone-in prime rib

Craftsteak
29 Elgin Street, Soho,
Hong Kong
Hong Kong Museum of History
100 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui, 
Kowloon, Hong Kong
Miss B's Cakery
39 Gough Street
Central, Hong Kong

Exploring Napa Valley

Late last year, we spent a day exploring Napa Valley. I remember going there when I was young but couldn't appreciate all the wine tasting and rustic country allure that it offered. This time around, although I still can't appreciate wine in general, I fell in love with the delicious taste of moscato at Andretti Winery. Just like dessert, I love how the sweetness courses through my tongue and envelopes each taste bud.

We also went to Dean & Deluca. While I think it's modern day highway robbery, the vast selection of food and goods was simply a delight to explore. We had fun tasting cheese varieties, some with truffle, pepper, or herbs. Some were extremely foul smelling. We had to wash our hands to get rid of the stench!

Eventually, we got tired and hungry and so we ended up in Bouchon where we indulged in very sinful food - foie gras terrine, french onion soup, truffle fries, roast lamb, and of course, macaroons.

Andretti Winery
4162 Big Ranch Road
Napa, CA 94558

Bouchon
6534 Washington Street
Yountville, California 94599

Dean & Deluca
607 South St. Helena Hwy
St. Helena, CA 94574

Light to Dark

High Gloss magazine's April/May issue is out and I'm loving these gorgeous interiors - light, feminine, and super cozy.

Balmy Brisbane

I spent a few days down under in Brisbane, Queensland. It was at the tail end of summer. As the sun rose, its heat and humidity proved relentless.

These were the lovely views on either side of the Victoria Bridge:

Wheel of Brisbane

Treasury Casino on far left

Anzac Memorial

In the late afternoons, a balmy breeze was noticeable, making it more comfortable outdoors. A spot on the grass under the shade was absolutely delightful.

Riverside Receptions

A matching riverside view ensured a perfect day.

 

As the sun set, shops closed while restaurants and bars started beating with life. Brisbane is not a huge metropolitan city like Sydney or Melbourne, yet. Its night life is certainly lively but not crazy.

Wheel of Brisbane and Performing Arts Centre

Story Bridge as seen near Eagle Street Pier

I heard about a great steak place in the area called Cha Cha Char. It is located at the Plaza level of Eagle Street Pier. I booked a table for one. Annoyingly, the hostess led me to a table in the middle of couples and big groups. Nonetheless, I was resolved to enjoy a good dinner. I ordered the Wagyu rump steak (marbling 9+) with a side of Paris mash. I was imagining it would taste like the David Blackmore Wagyu steak I had at Opus in Hong Kong. Alas, it was not meant to be. The steak was medium rare instead of medium. The bloody taste overwhelmed the juicy flavors that would have otherwise melted in my mouth. I finished it off anyway. The accompanying salad complemented the meaty main dish. The mashed potatoes were velvety smooth but unexciting. With orange juice and a roll of bread, the whole meal came to AU$ 65.

How to Dress Like a Parisian

If the French woman is the fashion icon of the world, so is the Parisian woman to the French. In her upcoming book, Parisian Chic: A Style Guide,  Inès de la Fressange shares her tips:

via Lonnymag.com

Elegant Living

The March/April issue of Lonny is out and as always I found design inspirations. These interiors are elegant and glamorous but still maintain a lived-in feeling.

All images from lonnymag.com