Models, Bottles, Trannies and Duck Tongues?

Have you ever woken up from what felt like a looong-ass dream only to realize it was the playback of the events of the night before? Bits and pieces start to piece together and you try and extract the real from the surreal and for a moment, you wonder, did I really do that? Did that really happen? Do I have all my shit with me, my purse, my keys, etc? Needless to say, weekday partying can often have that affect as the people that come out to play Mon-Thurs tend to be all together, different beasts. I'm talking models, trannies, and ping pong tables---stuff that movies are made of. I can't help but feel that I may have experienced a mini Fear and Loathing in Hong Kong minus all the psychedelic drugs.

Usually, I shy away from the Dragon-i crowd as I fall about one foot short of the minimum height requirement and starving myself is not in my job description. Nonetheless, my good friend Philip convinced me to come meet his friends that were, "very pretty, very nice, but not so smart." The close proximity of the venue and the promise of eye candy seemed like good enough reasons so I trotted along to Dragon-i only to cross the street minutes later to Tasmania Ballroom. If you have not been to Tasmania yet, I highly highly recommend it. The space is lovely: electro cave meets the library of Azure. I loved the color palate, layout of the tables and the terrace with comfy leather banquettes. Only in NYC would I expect to find this eclectic mix of spunk, funk and chic. This may be my new favorite hang-out in LKF when I'm feeling chichi.

After a couple of hours of making small talk with Philip's lovely model friends and watching the full spectrum of patrons playing ping pong (some dressed to the nines in full suit, some more casual in sweatpants), the night seemed to be coming to a close. As we were leaving Tasmania, we were accosted by a lovely woman in a body conscious black knit dress and fierce red patent heels. I looked at her bewildered and she replied quickly, "I'm PAULA! Philip's friend. You're cute, let me buy you a drink!" As if entranced by her trantastic beauty I obliged and let her drag me back upstairs. With her iron grip on my hand, she casually told me on the stairwell, "I'm a boy." In a deadpan voice I replied, "I know." Clearly I didn't get the memo on what a nice response would've been such as, "oh wow, I had no idea, you look so feminine, blah blah blah." Oops!

Several vodka tonics later, models and trannies gone wild on the ping pong tables, on the dance floor, and on the terrace, we relocated to the only place still open, Buddha Lounge. Clearly this is not one of my favorite place as they tend to pump out corny happy house/trance till the wee hours. I also unwittingly forgot that they just so happen to have a stripper pole. The models left with us (both men, both straight supposedly) were beginning to lose their inhibition as the trannies sashayed, shimmied, and cast their alcohol fueled spells on the poor boys. Having had my fair share of booze and booty shaking, it was time for me to go home before I had to witness to the thai ladyboy's fantasies unfold before my eyes.

Other colorful events transpired but I'm guessing they're most likely inappropriate to discuss in this forum;-) You'll just have to ask me what else happened next time we're out or when you're in HK!

So back to the real importance of this blog, FOOD! I finally had the opportunity to visit Hung's Delicacies on Wharf Street in North Point. My journalist friend had mentioned it on several occasions and since it did receive a Michelin Star I figured it was worth trekking out for (I only say trek b/c I do not know North Point very well; it's in fact very close to the MTR and not hard to find). I absolutely have to recommend this restaurant even with it's cramped seating and notorious long waits for a table that you'll most likely have to share. Everything was done well from their chicken feet to their Chiu Chow platter with sliced goose, chicken and tofu (you can "make-your-own" platter for those of you who want pig's intestines, etc). Their signature dry noodles with bean sprouts and XO sauce also did not disappoint. Feeling brave, we also tried their duck tongues, which were spicy and flavorful but difficult to eat. I wasn't sure what to do with the tentacle looking bits. I must commend my gui lo friend that accompanied me for being adventurous and up for trying just about anything. I know I will be back to try everything else on their menu!

Hung's Delicacies, Wharf Street, North Point
Best chicken feet I've ever had (seriously) that were tossed in a peanutty and peppery sauce. They conveniently debone these for you so if you like gnawing on the cartilage I would not recommend this dish for you.



Spicy duck tongues anyone?



These noodles were done in a dry style but were still evenly coated in XO sauce and generously tossed with bean sprouts. Even the side of soup that came with it was a tasty chicken broth that was not your typical msg-water.




The best sliced goose I have had in Hong Kong to date! Not too salty and perfectly tender and moist.

Resurfacing...

After a stressful couple of months of application filling, "career discussions" over coffee, recruiting events, and a few rounds of interviewing, I can proudly say that I have a summer vacation placement (aka summer associate position) with Skadden's HK office. Not only am I thrilled to have the opportunity to work at such a great firm but I'm super-duper relieved that I'm not going to be unemployed! I was seriously worrying about my chances of getting a good job due to my less than stellar Mandarin speaking ability and kindergarten level of Chinese literacy. Looks like a I got a pass card this time by signing myself up for Mandarin class! Now I just have midterms to worry about which will entail lots of reading to catch up on!

Work and studies aside, my Mom has been visiting me for over a month now. I've really enjoyed having her here and although it's been trying at times with the tight accommodations and constant eating extravaganza, I feel blessed to have such a caring Mummy who is supportive and only crazy 20% of the time ;-) (this may be a deflated value haha). My little sister, Alyssa, also just arrived this week. She is on spring break and we've been doing the requisite shopping, relative visiting, and of course, lots and lots of eating! I know after they leave I will have some semblance of my former schedule back and my productivity will shoot sky high but I will be sad --- just thinking about it makes me teary : (

I know I am very long over due on dining updates so below are a few quick reviews of some of the places I've been to (sorry for repeat FB picture posts!)

Wah Fung: Located on 112 Wellington St, Central
Nothing beats a roasted goose/roasted pork, egg white fried rice with ham, and daily soup combo for $50HKD (talk about full-spread for the Central area) Their roasted goose is better than Yung Kee's in my opinion and when the roast pork is fresh, it has the perfect ratio of crunchy/crispy skin to fatty meat. They also have a number of small dishes that go well with rice and even afternoon tea and breakfast options. Wah Fung recently went through an extensive renovation so the seating is good and toilets are clean (bonus points!!!)



Cafe Gray at the Upperhouse in Admiralty
I'm so happy that Café Gray moved their flagship restaurant from NYC to HK. I really enjoyed their famous braised short ribs over a bed of creamy polenta. They have a very economical lunch time prix fixe. It has only been open for 3 months though so reservations are hard to come by. I wasn't particularly impressed by their steak tartar starter but I did like their quail and beet salad. The ambience, views, and delicious (albeit unorthodoxly delicious flavor combos) really made this one of my favorite restaurants in HK. For a full belly and coffee/dessert (no wine) expect to pay $350-400 per head.

Lei Garden: IFC, Central

Classy Canto Cuisine (CCC!) is served here. It's a chic setting for top notch Chinese food; they have multiple locations including Wan Chai and IFC, Central. All of their dishes are done well although generally speaking, are at a higher price point. This is definitely a place for the expense account or a fancy family affair with hard to please relatives. Dishes to try include their golden yoke shrimp, sweet and tangy spareribs served with fried buns, soup of the day or sharkfin soups if you've got the $$$.

Budaoweng Hot Pot in Food Forum (11th floor), Times Sq, Causeway Bay

I will have to admit that I am a hot pot snob. I do not particularly like the all-you-can-eat for $100HKD and much prefer a more quality experience (especially when Mom is paying!). I really like the consistent produce, meat, and service at Budaoweng, which is conveniently located in Times Sq and in Jordan (literally two steps from the MTR). I highly recommend the geoduck and the large "bamboo flower" shrimp as sashimi and to add into the hot pot. They will even stir fry the heads and extra bits for you at no extra cost (Salt and pepper shrimp heads anyone?). Their signature hand formed mixed balls, veggie platters, and ostrich are also great choices. Their soup bases are delicious as well---tom yum is my favorite even if it is a bit on the saltier side. Expect to pay around $300-500 HKD per head.