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Launched in 2015 by Harvey Law Group’s Managing Partner Jean-François Harvey, the HLG Kart Race turns 10 in November. Take a look at how the event has evolved over the years Launched in 2015 by Harvey Law Group’s Managing Partner Jean-François Harvey, the HLG Kart Race turns 10 in November. Take a look at how the event has evolved over the years The race is divided into age group categories, so the kids race against their peers. While racers can choose to construct their own karts, and compete in the freestyle category, with or without a parent riding pillion, most are provided by HLG. HLG karts are built with custom-made parts thanks to the event’s main sponsor Milwaukee. Martin Blondeau, a DB-based pilot and aviation engineer, has been a major contributor to all the technical aspects of the race – the karts and ramp – from day one. HLG consistently supports Heep Hong Society, a local charity dedicated to providing training, education and support services to children with diverse abilities – such as autism and dyslexia – and their families. Rules of Engagement! Founder Jean-François Harvey shares some race strategy and kart-handling tips ahead of the 10th HLG Kart Race in November “All the HLG karts are the same; they all have the same wheels, the same steering system. As long as you know how to drive left and right, you will be fine" “If you are making your own kart, the maximum width is 91 centimetres, and the minimum distance between the front and rear axle is 72 centimetres. Freestyle karts must be capable of being steered, they need to have a braking system and they are limited to gravity power (no propelling mechanisms)" “Parents should know that participant safety is paramount. Competitors are required to wear properly fitted bike helmets, closed-toe shoes and race shirts. They are advised to wear long trousers and gloves" “Racers are advised to keep their foot off the brake as much as they dare. Ideally, you should brake only after crossing the finish line" “Staying calm and steady is very important. It’s quite something to go down that eight-foot ramp. Then the track goes down quite fast all the way to Seabee Lane. Some courage is necessary, especially in the first heat. Self-confidence is key" “Parents make up the bulk of the race committee, and each kart is checked and serviced throughout the race. Most of the people who provide sponsorship or volunteer to help out on race day are DBers. The event is put on for the community by the community, and we rely on Hong Kong Resort Company Ltd and City Management to make it happen" "Success in this race comes down to maintaining speed and avoiding unnecessary turns. You need to steer your kart to the finish in a straight line, as much as possible. Every time you make a turn, you lose speed, so the key is to keep to a straight line" A strong turnout is expected next month – you can email kartrace@harveylawcorporation.com to book your child’s spot

Most couch-to-5K programmes are nine weeks long. Follow Andrew Spires’ advice and you’ll be running a 10K in eight PHOTOS COURTESY OF Juno Spires & Unsplash A shark could swim faster than me, but I could probably run faster than a shark. So in a triathlon, it would all come down to who is the better cyclist. I can run faster than a shark, but not much else. In a race with the tortoise and the hare, I’d finish a comfortable last. I recently attended a parent-child relay for my daughter’s sports day in the wonderful Tsing Yi sports stadium. I lined up against the other parents and quietly fancied myself in the top two, or at least a medal finisher. I came fifth out of six runners. One of the mums took a video of the race from the bleachers and sent it on. I looked like my legs were held on with pipe cleaners. It was time to do something about it, not least due to my daughter’s look of dissatisfaction. No dad wants that look… My mate Alan is a wonder. Every day, regardless of whether he’s been out until 2am drinking tequila out of another man’s belly button, he’ll wake up at 6am and go for a 5km run. Alan is a legend, so when he suggested I try an Action Asia Event’s trail race, who was I to say no? Little did I know that all I had to do was run 15km in the October heat, with a swift 3km sprint at the start, then a scramble up the Ngong Ping 360 Rescue Trail’s 550 metres of elevation. After traversing a mountainside with vertigo-inducing views, I’d head back down a 1:13 hill that ’s slippery and pushes your toenails so hard into your shoes that they fall off. The toenails, not the shoes. Obviously, I wasn’t going to undertake such an adventure without full planning. I have a wife and kids to think about, so I did the only thing any self-respecting newbie runner does. I bought some shoes. After consulting endless running blogs (I implore you not to go down that rabbit hole), I ended up with a great pair of HK$390 Asics. There is usually a deal to be had in Citygate mall if you’re willing to dig about. Next step was to get out there and make a start. This proved harder than I thought it would be. When you work from home and don’t have a helper, time becomes a valuable commodity, and there was always something that needed doing first before I could lace up the runners. Bit of a life lesson here: try to prioritise important tasks (like running) over those that are merely urgent, but not necessarily critical to long-term goals (like doing laundry). The solution? Be more like Alan. Set your alarm 20 minutes earlier. Once you sit up and put two feet on the floor, 95% of the chore of getting up is already done. You don’t need to take anything with you on your jog apart from your keys and a water bottle. Have those things ready on a table by the door the night before. Now step outside into the morning sunshine and start to walk briskly. No need to run yet. Walk quickly for 3 to 4 minutes and lean forward as you do this. Now start to morph this walk into a slow jog. Try to keep this up as long as possible. If you find it too much, slip back to the fast walk again. Once you’ve got into this routine three to five times a week, you’ll start to find the ratio of walking to jogging flips. Not only that, but the out of breath before the chorus and you can’t hit the high notes for the hook, slow down a little. Diet is one of the key ingredients to your new fitness success and thankfully I’m not talking about spinach and asparagus smoothies or three grams of creatine injected directly into your eyeballs. You might have heard of carb loading? This is just what it says on the tin. The night before you head out, make sure to include foods like dried beans, lentils, pasta, or potatoes. Balance this with protein (mushrooms, chicken, prawns or emu) and vegetables – broccoli is especially good as it contains potassium, calcium and iron which all help get your body ready for exercise. Hydration is essential. But water, not beer. Even a couple of drinks the night before a run will make your legs feel like lead and your stamina will drop off hard. Ideally give alcohol a two-day rest before a big run and you’ll thank yourself. I stupidly did a 15km run after an all-dayer at Clockenf lap. I tried to pace myself throughout the festival, but still put away about five pints and didn’t get to bed until 1am before a 7am race start. Ouch! Save the beers for after the run. Energy gels are a gift from the gods when you’re halfway through a run or race and you can feel the power draining out of you with every bead of sweat. I recommend two to three gels for a 10 to 15km run. Avoid the caf feine options as they leave you feeling like a Colombian drug lord after sampling the ‘product ’. Get yourself a ‘camel-pack’ which is a small backpack that has a special pocket that fits a water pouch. This has a long tube that you can suckle on furiously as you reconsider your life choices. I found I always put too much water in it at the start which leads to a bumpy, heavy and sloshy ride. Aim for about 1.5 litres and be sure to sip it. Baby sips are your friend. Big gulps leave you cramping and sluggish. Persistence is key. Think of running like learning a new skill. You wouldn’t sit at a piano and expect to play Flight of the Bumble Bee after your second go, so don’t expect to be hitting sub-25-minute 5km runs in your first month. Be consistent and show up, regardless of the weather. A slow run for five minutes is 100% better than no run. Make the routine of running into a habit and, I promise, you’ll eventually miss it if you skip it. I awoke at 4.30am on my 43rd birthday in a terrifying hotel with Alan. Not because we’d been out in Wanchai the night before, but because we were about to do the 10K at the Standard Chartered HK Marathon. I never thought I’d do that and I’m so proud of myself that I did. And so are my kids. Now on to the 21K...

September’s the perfect month to hop on a junk, and if you’re looking for pick-up and drop-off in Discovery Bay, Mervyn Black has you covered PHOTOS COURTESY OF Andrew Spires, Charter Junks HK & Fl oatudio There are many ways to see Hong Kong, but few experiences leave you fully appreciating what an extraordinary city we live in like a day on a junk. The moment the boat leaves the pier, the hustle and bustle of one of the world’s most densely populated cities is a distant memory, replaced by lapping waves, popping corks, splashing water, catchy tunes and, most importantly, good company. Junks have been setting off from piers all over Hong Kong for decades and there are any number of places you can spend an afternoon, but for Discovery Bay residents, jumping on a junk is as easy as catching the morning ferry – and far more exciting. THE LOCAL TOUCH Junk trips are synonymous with Hong Kong and for DB resident and Charter Junks HK founder Sharon McEneff, it’s easy to see why. A 10-year veteran of the junk industry, including five years running Charter Junks HK, Sharon loves getting out on the water just as much as she loves using her boats to bring joy to her customers. “I think it’s just the views. Hong Kong is around 70% greenery and there are so many pretty views,” says Sharon when asked why Hong Kong and junks are such a perfect match. “And the skyline is iconic, especially at night when the lights come on. We’ve had someone come across from Singapore and propose to his girlfriend on the junk in front of the skyline, which was just lovely.” While summer is officially behind us, there’s plenty of warm weather ahead and Sharon is quick to reassure anyone who thinks they’ve missed the chance to get out on the water in 2025. “There’s less risk of rain as the year goes on and people know it’s not as humid. Even now, you’d be surprised how cool it is on the water. You’ve generally got that little breeze as well,” she says, adding that there’s no better place to view the city’s New Year’s Eve fireworks than from a junk. Charter Junks HK stores its two boats – Kitty and Poppy – in Aberdeen but will pick up partygoers “basically wherever there is a pier”, including Aberdeen, Central, Tsim Sha Tsui and, of course, DB. Whether you fancy a day on the water somewhere off South Lantau or beyond, Sharon and her crew have you covered. “Normally we will cruise 45 minutes from DB and there are a number of really nice coves to explore,” she says. “Cruising for 45 minutes and then stopping is ideal because then you can move around and talk to people and it’s much easier to party. “When we take the junk out at night with friends we go to Lamma for a seafood dinner. Even just cruising up to the container ship port and sitting among all the boats and lights is really good fun. That’s one of my favourite spots. We also go to Clearwater Bay. It’s really pretty there.” Charter Junks HK even provides a Container Port Tour among its wide variety of offerings, which start at HK$800 per head for all-inclusive food-and-drink nighttime packages (HK$900 daytime). Boat-only options are also available, plus kids’ junks with special menus, life vests and trampolines on request. Kitty and Poppy feature high-quality sound systems with Bluetooth and loudspeakers, and there is plenty of room for a band or DJ. There’s also a good variety of food – everything from Indian to Mexican, barbecue, Thai and Chinese – plus the option to add a speedboat for wakeboarding and banana boating. “We’ve got a lot of nice floaties. We’ve got a C-shaped bench seat so you can have your feet dangling in the water with drinks in hand,” says Sharon. “We’ve got these little floating baskets that we push the drinks out in. And if you want to swim to shore, we’ve got noodles and paddle boards. “We don’t do slides – they are really dangerous – but we get a lot of kids jumping in and we’ve got nonslip mats,” Sharon adds, pointing out that customers can request extra staff to help look after the children if needed. By mooring Kitty and Poppy together Charter Junks HK can accommodate parties of up to 70 people but they are also looking into ways to cater to small groups. “We want to try and arrange a set day of the month where we do combined parties for people who can’t quite get a full party together but can get eight or so together and want to mix with another party,” Sharon explains. While Sharon admits she runs Charter Junks HK very much for the fun of it – “there’s a lot of maintenance, so what money comes in, goes out” – she’s been pleased to see an uptick in DB-based clients, with at least 25% of her business currently homegrown. And while good times are the name of the game for Sharon, there is a part of the business that is close to her hear t: “Poppy was named after the Royal British Legion. We do a lot for them and anybody who is an RBL veteran we give 5% back on the booking.” THE CHEUNG CHAU CONNECTION Charter Junks HK is far from the only junk provider that offers pick-up and drop-off in DB, with Kingdom Club Yacht Chartering giving exclusive discounts to DB residents and Hong Kong Junks providing special trips around Cheung Chau and Lantau. Cheung Chau-based Floatudio, the brainchild of Sarah Yip and third-generation Cheung Chau fisherman Rex Law, is another top pick with trips focused on local waters around Cheung Chau, Lantau and Lamma. Floatudio caters for up to 37 passengers, with a full-day, boat-only junk trip starting from HK$7,800 on weekdays and HK$8,800 on weekends. Different kinds of boat rental services are on offer, such as round-the-island tours, fishing, squid fishing and private boat parties. These days, Floatudio also heads out to Tai A Chau, the largest of the Soko Islands in the far southwest of Hong Kong’s waters. On this trip, you have a good chance of spotting pink dolphins, and you can enjoy a real desert island experience on disembarking. Once home to a thriving farming community, Tai A Chau became a refugee camp for Vietnamese boatpeople in the 1990s and is now uninhabited. It’s nuggets of information like this that you gain from a trip with Floatudio – Sarah and Rex both have extensive knowledge of the outlying islands, local waters and marine life which they are more than willing to share. The couple has been actively involved in marine conservation since 2019, when they upgraded to a 60-foot wooden motor junk, and formed Eco Cheung Chau, an NGO dedicated to protecting local waters and raising awareness particularly among outlying islanders and local fishermen. They provide guided, tailor-made eco-tours, as well as specialist sea workshops where you get to handcraft fishing nets and upcycle your creations into art pieces, while learning a little bit about Hakka traditions. That being said, a trip on the Floatudio can be anything you want it to be. It’s fully equipped with everything you need for a fun day on the water – a sound system, barbecue grill, karaoke and floaties – and you can opt for the usual add-ons like kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. Jolly junk fun!

Experience the good life down under PHOTOS COURTESY OF Adobe Stock SITUATED ON THE BANKS OF THE YARRA River in south-eastern Australia, Melbourne has truly cemented itself as a world-class city. While the Central Business District grid and landmarks such as Federation Square and Flinders Street Station are an Instagram lover’s paradise, the inner suburbs and city fringe are what truly give Victoria’s capital its heart and soul. SPEAK TO ANY MELBOURNIAN , and they’ll steer you towards Fitzroy in the uber-cool inner north. Brunswick Street is home to hip cafés, vibrant street art and some great vintage shopping. You can liken the area to downtown Berlin or Seattle. After spending the afternoon visiting the many boutiques and consuming multiple lattes, eat at The Punters Club, home of cheap pizzas and late-night parties. CROSS CHURCH STREET BRIDGE and you find yourself on Melbourne’s southside, South Yarra to be precise. Home to Melbourne’s rich and famous, this chic suburb stretches 4 kilometres to the outskirts of St Kilda, where the land meets the sea. Lined with designer boutiques and not a few Ferraris, South Yarra’s Chapel Street also houses some of Melbourne’s swankiest bars and clubs. THE GENTRIFIED SUBURB OF RICHMOND is another must-see with cosy pubs, laneway cafés and some great clearance outlets along Bridge Road. Richmond is also renowned for its live music scene. The Corner is a first-rate venue, famous for hosting big-name bands, such as Pink Floyd, The White Stripes and Midnight Oil, as well as an ever-growing list of local Melbournian legends. TAKE A STROLL THROUGH the heritage-listed Royal Botanic Gardens on Birdwood Avenue. Its 38 hectares house exotic plants and animals, a beautiful lake and even gondolas – a taste of Italy down under! Visit the gardens on any day of the week to enjoy guided tours, an Aboriginal Heritage Walk and expert-led wellbeing experiences like yoga and forest bathing. THE ENTRANCE TO AUSTRALIA’S BUSIEST PORT , picturesque Port Phillip Bay is easily one of Melbourne’s most popular recreational destinations. Port Phillip is actually made up of some 16 bays, and the bustling esplanade offers up fantastic views. Head there for birdwatching, cycling, sailing, snorkelling and swimming. BANG ON THE SHORELINE , in St Kilda, there’s only one thing to do, and that’s get lost! Paired with the soundtrack of Melbourne’s busking community, it’s the perfect spot for a Sunday stroll. The sprawling streets are dotted with shops of all kinds, plus interesting cafés and bars. Luna Park is the most iconic landmark, with its magnificent entranceway and scenic rollercoaster providing a panoramic view of Port Phillip Bay and beyond.

Digital marketing assistant at a Korean beauty company, Tung Chung resident Iris Mathews moonlights as a model, and has appeared in advertising campaigns for the likes of New Balance, Frites UAE and Gahsp Media. An economics and marketing graduate from HKUST, Iris enjoys the creativity of the marketing industry. Be inspired by her style… Top  Thrifted from @ wh0sthatgirl.co , Necklace Hües, Earrings Pandora, Bracelets Pandora, Phu Quoc, Rings Gucci, Lily & Roo, Bohomoon, Concealer Tarte, Foundation Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r, Blush & highlight Rare Beauty, Bronzer Kiko, Eyes Urban Decay, Lips Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Liner, Elf Lip Oil, Mascara Tarte - PHOTOGRAPHY BY Gretl Chan @grxtl Skirt  Thrifted from Mee & Gee, Bag Jacquemus, Nail Polish Sally Hansen - PHOTOGRAPHY BY  Gretl Chan @grxtl Boots Taobao - PHOTOGRAPHY BY  Gretl Chan @grxtl                 Clothes Jeans  Abercrombie & Fitch. T-shirts  Brandy Melville. Sneakers  Adidas. Underwear  Victoria Secret. Exercise gear  Lululemon. Favourite designer  Jacquemus. Go-to high street store  Edikted, NYC. Local shopping mecca Argyle Center. Beauty Shampoo & conditioner Pantene. Perfume YSL Black Opium. Toothpaste Colgate. Soap Dove. Moisturiser Clinique. Hairdresser My mom cuts my hair. Inspirations Role model My mom. Necessary extravagance Always having my nails done. Favourite place in HK Tai Hang. Dream holiday destination The Maldives. Charity Hong Kong Red Cross. Movie Corpse Bride. Hotel Alila, Bali. Favourite colour Light pink. Song in my head Pearls by Sade. Fashion Idol Elsa Hosk. Favourite photographer Gretl Chan @grxtl. Home Place of residence Tung Chung. Favourite art Anything by Monet. Go-to homeware Le Creuset. Pet Rosey, my Cavapoo puppy. Favourite flowers Lilies. Favourite drink Matcha latte. Favourite dessert Brownies. Favourite snack Hummus & pita. Kindle or print books? Print. Favourite book A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. Tech Phone iPhone 13 in pink. Instagram @irissmathews. Headphones AirPod Pro Max in green. Sound system Bose. Favourite TV shows Modern Family, New Girl, Criminal Minds. Streaming now Modern Family. Most played games NYT (especially Connections). AI go-to ChatGPT. Your next tech purchase Ferragamo heels!

REPORTING BY  Rachel Sadler PHOTOS COURTESY OF  Il Bel Paese Il Bel Paese DB opened in 2001 as Il Bel Paese Italian delicatessen with a mission to introduce Italy’s finest flavours to the community. It relaunched in July 2020 with three different concepts: Il Bel Paese Ristorante Italiano, Il Bel Paese Italian Express and Il Bel Paese Gelato Italiano. The result? An approachable, friendly and relaxing space in which to eat, shop and learn. From imported wines and specialty cheeses to handmade pastas and pizza, the popular DB venue provides a holistic Italian experience that’s all about enjoyment and relaxation. RISTORANTE ITALIANO Il Bel Paese Ristorante Italiano was redeveloped last year in May, with everything from the decor, furniture and kitchen equipment revamped. It reopened in July 2020, and it’s a welcoming space with a cosy, family-friendly atmosphere. “We tried to recreate an inviting and relaxing restaurant that focuses on providing our guests a beautiful Italian experience with traditional and authentic heart-warming Italian dishes,” says Mia Kwun, marketing assistant for Il Bel Paese, DB. “Our generous menu features an exciting range of authentic classics made directly from the heart,” Mia adds. “Our chefs use some organic local produce, most of the ingredients are imported from Italy.” Signature dishes and bestsellers include Vitello Tonnato, thinly sliced veal with tuna sauce, pickled onions and capers; Mezze Maniche and N’duja, pasta with fresh sausage and spicy N’duja sausage from Calabria; Tagliolini all’ Aragosta, lobster with homemade pasta; and Cotoletta alla Milanese, breaded veal cutlet which is a classic of Milan’s cuisine. Pizzas are another bestseller. The base is made with high quality Italian Mariani flour, which is high in fibre and naturally less refined. “Our concept is traditional authentic Italian cuisine and we want people to experience authentic Italian dishes,” says Mia. “Every now and then, we add or change menu items according to demand and guests’ feedback, while staying true to the authentic Italian concept. “We participate in HKR promotional offer programmes, for example accepting dining vouchers, and often we have special prices on selected items in our Il Bel Paese Italian Express. Because we have various outlets and are expanding with more different brands, we will be launching a membership programme soon.” GRAB-AND-GO EXPRESS Il Bel Paese Italian Express is a new brand with a grab-and-go concept. It offers a wide selection of gourmet Italian delicacies such as pasta, olive oils, vinegars and wines. Fruit and vegetables, cold cuts and cheeses are all carefully selected and imported twice a week from Italy to ensure freshness and quality. Bestsellers include Casa di Rinaldi extra virgin olive oil, tomato sauces and olives; Giovanna Pavarotti balsamic vinegar; Parmigiano Reggiano aged 24 months; Prosciutto ham aged 24 months; organic tomatoes and melons. “We are the sole importer for Asia of multiple award-winning Cedea still and sparkling water,” Mia says. “Cedea is the exclusive, world-class water of the Dolomites. The grab-and-go section also dishes up ready-to-eat meals and desserts. Bestsellers for takeaway are homemade meatballs, paninis and tiramisu, all packed in handy biodegradable containers. THE VINO For wine lovers, Il Bel Paese has an extensive selection representing the 20 regions of Italy, available in both the restaurant and grocery store. “DBers love prosecco and, at the moment, we are promoting Veneto Villa Braida Prosecco, which has fresh fruity and citrusy notes with a dry palate and moderately long finish; and Veneto Le Rughe Prosecco Rosé, which has predominant notes of red cherry and strawberry combined with tart citrus, and a tannic finish,” Mia says. “Both are perfect summer choices as aperitifs, or for pairing with salads and seafood dishes.” ITALIAN GELATO Il Bel Paese’s homemade gelato is lower in sugar (17%) and fat (7%) content than other brands and it’s made with pasteurised skimmed milk. Guests can opt for sorbet as a dairy-free option, such as passion fruit, lemon, strawberry and mango. “All our gelatos are gluten-free except for the Cookies and Cream,” says Mia. “We have a total of 18 flavours, amongst them are Mint Chocolate, Nutella and Stracciatella.” Buon appetito! Il Bel Paese in DB Plaza is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. To make a booking, call 2987 0202. To find out more, visit www.ilbelpaese.com.hk .

Opened in February this year, right opposite the bus station in DB Plaza, with stunning sea views, DBrasserie has already established itself as a go-to neighbourhood meeting point. It’s somewhere to relax with friends either indoors or on the rooftop terrace, while eating, drinking and being entertained. “We’ve prioritised community engagement,” opens co-owner Thorsten Allenstein. “DBrasserie is a remarkable establishment that encompasses multiple facets of dining, entertainment and events. In addition to our culinary and libation offerings, we host a variety of events that cater to the diverse interests of our patrons. We have regular comedy nights, and there are live music performances every Friday and Saturday.” A fully equipped live music venue, DBrasserie is by far the best place in DB for bands to showcase their talents, and it’s also the ultimate destination to catch live sports screenings. “We subscribe to all the major international sporting events, and we are showcasing the Euros in June, providing a vibrant setting for fans to come together and cheer for their favourite teams,” says Thorsten. ALL-DAY DINING Open by 6.30am Monday to Friday, and by 7.30am on the weekend, DBrasserie closes at 10pm Sunday to Thursday, and around 1am on Friday and Saturday. You can sample the eclectic Asian Fusion menu round the clock, drop in for a quick (Uncle Russ) coffee during the day, or head there for latenight drinks on your way home from work. The menu is extensive, neatly covering breakfasts, breads, snacks and salads, mains and graffiti bowls, burgers and grills, and desserts. “We specialise in American BBQ food with an Asian twist, plus a wide selection of Asian vegetarian and vegan dishes,” Thorsten says. “Our menu has been carefully curated by Meeta Nanda and Joe Campbell, two exceptionally talented chefs, who are well-known in our community. They draw on flavours from all around Asia and bring out the best of the cultures combined. “With our concept centred around sharing a meal with friends, our menu is designed to allow you to order exactly what you need and avoid wastage. Dine with us and you get affordable food your whole group will enjoy!” There are also plenty of options when it comes to parties and events. Whether you want to celebrate a special occasion in the restaurant with a group of friends, hire out the space for a larger event or arrange catering for a party at your home or office, DBrasserie’s friendly and professional staff have you covered. NEIGHBOURHOOD HANGOUT Of course, you’re also welcome to drop by just for a drink or two. Whether you’re looking to kickback on the balcony while taking in the breathtaking views, or hang out indoors and watch the live sports, there’s a tempting selection of wines and spirits on offer, plus an extensive range of craft beer. Know too that there’s a “2 for 1 Happy Hour,” Monday to Saturday from 4pm to 7pm. “As part of our commitment to excellence, we are thrilled to feature Hong Kong-brewed Young Master Craft beer on tap,” says Thorsten. “We have a wide range of styles and flavours, so beer enthusiasts are sure to find their perfect pint.” DBrasserie is also known for its exclusively brewed wheat beer, Wunderweizen. Bavarian-inspired with a fruity twist and a refreshing taste, it’s carefully crafted to suit the Hong Kong climate. This month, during the Euros, a German bitter Pilsner is being added to the roster. “We believe that our commitment to showcasing exceptional craft beer, along with our engaging events enhances the overall experience for our guests,” Thorsten concludes. “These unique offerings, coupled with our top-quality dining options, live music, sports screenings and breathtaking views, make DBrasserie a standout establishment worthy of recognition.”

Opened in April 2022, The Rink All Day Lounge is the flagship and most recent addition from Il Bel Paese Group. Well located in DB Plaza extension with a capacity of up to 120 guests, the restaurant abuts the sea on one side and DB Ice Rink on the other. It specialises in international cuisine with a Mediterranean influence, offering diners a wellness-focused journey through Southern Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean and Northern Africa. Aiming to provide an elevated dining experience for guests, The Rink boasts a classic contemporary decor, combining traditional and modern characteristics. Stand-out design features include a Swiss chalet-inspired ceiling, elegant chandeliers, rustic brick walls, a sleek ‘long’ bar and wine cellar/ wine wall. Upon entering the restaurant, diners are welcomed by an open kitchen, where they can watch the chefs at work before settling into the stylish main dining hall or spacious, pet-friendly outdoor area. At the helm of the kitchen is Executive Chef Maged Makram, an Egyptian-born chef with 30 years of experience working for renowned hotel chains across the world including Sheraton, Le Méridien and Fairmont. “Travelling helped me gain different skills and diversify my cooking skills,” opens Maged, adding that the use of spices gives his dishes a distinct character. BESTSELLERS The Rink’s menu focuses on natural and organic produce of the freshest quality, with seasonal ingredients used as much as possible. There are currently five bestsellers: the Hokkaido Scallops, Plain Hummus, Fresh Garden Vegetable Salad, Braised Angus Beef Short-Ribs and Signature Lamb Shank, each of which showcase the restaurant’s commitment to fine dining. Pan-seared and juicy, the Hokkaido scallops come with a creamy parsnip mash with spinach. “Parsnip mash has an earthy flavour that goes well with the scallops,” says Maged, adding that the use of traceable seafood contributes to the restaurant’s sustainable practices. The Rink’s homemade hummus comes in four different varieties – plain avocado, truffle and Beiruti – all served with homemade pita bread. “People love the hummus as it’s known to be very healthy, packed with essential vitamins and minerals,” Maged explains proudly. “And our cuisine is all about freshness, so instead of re-heating the pita bread, we freshly bake it as we receive an order.” Wellness-minded diners also love The Rink’s garden vegetable salad (Naxos), which combines cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, mint and parsley. “We want our food to be authentic,” Maged says, drawing attention to the salad’s refreshing and tangy pomegranate dressing. Interestingly the restaurant’s two bestselling meat dishes – the beef short-ribs and lamb shank – are both slow cooked. “Our chefs adopt a range of healthy cooking methods, for example, slow cooking,” says Maged. “Cooking at low temperatures allows the food to retain its nutrients, and at the same time flavours are evenly distributed which enhances the dish further.” The Rink also makes sure that vegetarian diners are not left out; there is an extensive selection of non-meat dishes. Then of course, there are the desserts, including Kunafeh, a delicious filo-dough pastry that is ubiquitous across the Middle East. SUSTAINABILITY The Rink understands that restaurants and sustainability now go hand in hand. Green practices include the use of energy-efficient equipment, LED lights and eco-friendly cleaning products. Recycling of glass, plastic and cans is a given, and sustainable, biodegradable food packaging is used for takeouts. Furthermore, The Rink has implemented a zero-waste policy that staff must adhere to, which includes minimising food wastage through effective sales forecasting and using an efficient inventory system. DRINKS In addition to its world-class food offerings, The Rink offers an extensive selection of wine, beer and cocktails. Wines are predominantly French and Italian, with plenty of sparkling options on offer. There’s also a good range of beer available on tap, including Heineken and Murphy’s Irish Stout. Seeking a refreshing option? Try the homemade fruity Sangria, red or white. Or the classic Smoked Negroni, which is made in-house and barrelled for up to three months to bring out the flavour. SPECIAL OCCASIONS Needless to say, The Rink has positioned itself as a place to celebrate. On Mother’s Day and Father’s Day this year, the restaurant provided complimentary specially curated cocktails and desserts for families. And there’s more to come, with plans for monthly food and wine pairing events, and special themed menus for festivals and holidays. “We are currently preparing our Halloween festivities. We will decorate the venue and welcome kids to trick-or-treat at our door,” Maged concludes with a smile. The Rink All Day Lounge, in DB Plaza extension, is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. To reserve a table, book the space for an event or order takeout, call 3709 6451.

REPORTING BY  Rachel Sadler PHOTOS BY  Richard Gordon www.richardgordonphotography.com Boasting a fabulous sea view from the ground floor of Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong, Café bord de Mer & Lounge has been a hit with residents since the hotel opened in 2013. Specialising in Western and pan-Asian cuisine, it’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a choice of buffet, set and a la carte menus. “ Café bord de Mer can seat up to 160 guests, while the outdoor terrace welcomes up to 400. It is a good place for families to enjoy food together, and we offer a lot of different international dishes ,” opens Larry Lai, Executive Chef. What’s more, the restaurant is warm and inviting – interactive cooking stations and timber finishes establish a welcoming and relaxing vibe. Full-length windows draw sunlight into the large, open-plan space and reward guests with panoramic views over the South China Sea. INTERNATIONAL BUFFET Café bord de Mer’s lunch and dinner buffets are a firm favourite with DBers – there’s a rich selection of Western and Asian dishes to choose from, and the price point is good, meaning you can enjoy a buffet any day of the week, not just on special occasions. “ Guests can enjoy a mixture of Japanese, Chinese and Western dishes; our buffets are very international,” says Larry. “Popular dishes include the roast beef (available daily) and we always have at least four Chinese dishes on offer, plus a large selection of sashimi. ” The antipasti table is another favourite with diners, offering a traditional selection of cured Italian meats, olives and cheeses. Try the mouth-watering smoked salmon toast which comes with a carefully curated selection of olive oils to drizzle over the bread. Café bord de Mer’s buffets include free-flow soft drinks, coffees and teas – and there’s always the option to dip into the hotel’s extensive wine cellar. “ We have a wealth of wines for guests’ selection, with everything from Delamotte Champagne to Maotai Chinese Wine, plus a full range of sake ,” says Larry. “ Our French Wine Promotion in December was a big success with wines like Dourthe Marquille White Bordeaux and Chateau Haute Bergerade Costieres-de-Nimes. ” CNY SPECIALS Larry and his team are already gearing up for the Chinese New Year (CNY) celebrations, which will begin at the end of the month. “It’s a big time for families to get together,” he says. “We are planning a special Chinese lunch, and we’ll also provide a traditional dinner buffet, with many different dishes to share". “ At CNY, everything we eat has a symbolic meaning, so we will serve classic chicken roll, which is said to bring riches and happiness. And we will have steamed whole fish, which is believed to bring you more prosperity. ” As in previous years, the restaurant and hotel entrance will be lavishly decorated in red and gold throughout the festive period. “ It’s the Year of the Tiger so we will follow that theme and there will also be decorative dancing lions, ” Larry says. ALFRESCO DINING Café bord de Mer’s spacious terrace seats 400, and it’s a great place to relax and unwind, while soaking up the glorious sea view. It’s as popular for romantic suppers and family gatherings, as it is for large scale receptions and events. “The terrace is great during the cooler months, as there’s a nice sea breeze for guests to enjoy,” says Larry. “You can dine there, or simply relax with a drink. We see a lot of residents enjoying a coffee on the terrace after their discounted sessions at Spa Botanica.” SET MENUS Café bord de Mer’s set lunch and dinner menus each come with a choice of appetiser, main, dessert and drink. As with the buffet and a la carte menu, the emphasis is on providing an international selection of dishes with something to appeal to all. “For set lunch, beef cheek is our bestseller,” says Larry. “Kumquat cured salmon tartar with soft quail egg and caviar is another popular dish. We marinate the salmon in kumquat jelly and we use a special kumquat olive oil dressing.” Café bord de Mer & Lounge at Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. To make a booking call 2295 8288 or visit www.aubergediscoverybay.com

Harvey Law Group outlines the new and improved active investor plus program for wannabe Kiwis New Zealand is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, clean environment and high standard of living. But beyond the scenery, it is also one of the most politically stable, safe and transparent countries in the world, making it an ideal place to live, work and invest. Through the Active Investor Plus (AIP) Program, New Zealand welcomes investors seeking permanent residency. The newly improved program has no language, education or professional background requirement. The AIP Program leads to permanent residency at the end of an investment period which can be as short as three years, and the investor (and his/ her dependents) are free to live, study and work in New Zealand right away, even before their permanent residency is issued. The main applicant can include his/ her partner, and dependent children up to 24 years old. Children who are yet to be born will also qualify for residency through their parent’s permanent resident status. Investors can opt for either the Growth Category or the Balanced Category. Under the Growth Category, a minimum investment of NZD5 million in direct investments and/ or managed funds is required to be maintained over a three-year investment period (with a minimum physical presence of only 21 days in aggregate over the investment period). The Balanced Category requires a minimum investment of NZD10 million to be maintained over a five-year investment period (with a minimum physical presence of 105 days in aggregate over the investment period). The physical presence requirement can be reduced to 63 days with a larger investment. Under the Balanced Category, investments can be made in diverse products including bonds, listed equities, philanthropy and proper ty development (new residential or new/ existing commercial or industrial). An interesting fact about this program is that the modest physical presence requirement only applies to the main applicant, not his/ her dependents. Five years after obtaining permanent residency, the investor and family members are eligible to apply for New Zealand citizenship, provided that certain conditions are met. Requirements include basic English language skills and having lived in New Zealand for at least five years as a resident (i.e. at least 240 days per year for five years and at least 1,350 days in total). New Zealand allows dual citizenship so new citizens do not need to surrender other nationalities to enjoy the benefits of a New Zealand passport (i.e. automatic permanent residency rights and a pathway to citizenship in Australia). Some applicants are drawn to New Zealand for its breathtaking landscape, fresh air and laid-back lifestyle, while others are focused on its strong education system, excellent healthcare and political stability. For many individuals and families in Hong Kong, New Zealand offers an appealing balance of quality of life, future security and global mobility. If you are considering the AIP Program, you may contact Harvey Law Group for advice. We have over 32 years of experience in investment residency and citizenship programmes all over the world. 5-DAY ITINERARY: NEW ZEALAND Five days barely scratch the surface of New Zealand’s wild beauty, so here’s an action-packed introduction to the North Island Day 1 ⇢ Coromandel Peninsula & Hot Water Beach Land in Auckland early and pick up a rental car. Head east through sleepy farmlands to the lush, tropical hills of the Coromandel Peninsula. Expect pristine beaches, misty forests and a laidback vibe Visit Hot Water Beach at low tide and you get to dig your own natural hot pool in the sand, just metres from the Pacific Ocean. The long sandy beach extends from the hot-spring area with plenty of secluded spots for sunbathing Overnight at Cooks Beach in windy Whitianga. Enjoy seafood risotto at Go Vino: drink local wine and listen to the waves just outside your window Day 2 ⇢ Cathedral Cove & Auckland City Stroll Start the day with a short drive to Hahei and a 2.5km hike to Cathedral Cove. The sculpted coastline is straight out of a movie set (The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian) with a picture-perfect archway framing a stunning beach Grab lunch in Hahei, then drive back to Auckland via scenic coastal roads. Be sure to stop off at Mt Eden (196m) for panoramic views and a peek into the dormant volcanic crater Walk Queen Street to the harbour, then over to Parnell to soak up the city’s colonial charm. Stumble into a street festival or lantern-lit park party in Auckland Domain, if the timing’s right Day 3 ⇢ Kiwis & Glowworms Drive south to Otorohanga and visit the Kiwi House to spot New Zealand’s elusive nocturnal icon; over 20 species are housed in specialised moonlit houses, and there are daily keeper talks Continue to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves for a surreal, subterranean boat ride. As your eyes grow accustomed to the dark, you’ll see a ‘Milky Way’ of little blue lights – this is bioluminescence emitted by the glowworms Drive to Turangi, a little town just south of Lake Taupo – check into a lakeside Airbnb. Fall asleep under clear skies and plan for an early start Day 4 ⇢ Tongariro Alpine Crossing Take a shuttle to the filming location for Mordor in the Lord of the Rings movies. Trek 19.4km past red craters, steaming vents and neon-green lakes Day 5 ⇢ Thermal Pools & Geysers Drive north to Rotorua, known for its geothermal energy, bubbling mud pools and strong Māori culture. Soak sore muscles at the Polynesian Spa, overlooking Lake Rotorua. (Mineral pools + lake breeze = perfection.) Sample a Hāngi, with meat and veggies cooked the traditional way in an underground oven. If time permits, stop by Te Puia to catch a geyser eruption and learn more about Māori traditions

Chengdu native Maverick Wang is committed to a life in Discovery Bay, and that includes providing us with a signature homegrown brew. Elizabeth Kerr reports PHOTOGRAPHY BY Andrew Spires "Beer is very local, and every town, or village or community should have its own beer,” opens Maverick Wang Hengyi, owner, head brewer, marketing chief, finance officer, sanitation crew and master of any other job that needs doing at two-year-old DB Brew. Maverick is parked at a long table at Coffee Academics: he’s wearing shorts, sunglasses on his head, tee-shirt and backwards baseball cap, looking a fraction of his 43 years. It’s hard to know what it is that keeps him looking so spry. Maybe it’s the running. Or the skiing. Or the mountaineering. Or maybe it’s the beer. Sitting on the table are four cans of DB Brew and a glass, some of the gear the three-year Discovery Bay resident has carted along from the brewery floor – aka his kitchen. “Yes, right now I’m doing everything myself. I have a partner in Shenzhen but he’s not really doing the beer part. When we moved here, I decided to try something I really wanted to do. I enjoy a beer and I thought, ‘Where’s the local brew?’ So I decided to star t a brewer y from my home.” Maverick landed in Hong Kong in 2022 via Beijing, Shanghai (where he met his wife), Shenzhen and Chengdu. The couple lived on Hong Kong Island for a stretch upon arrival, but moved to DB almost right away. “I like the diversity; it feels like a real neighbourhood, and now it ’s easy with a two-year-old.” It ’s almost as if Maverick were destined to colour outside the lines, finding it easy to live up to the ‘unorthodox’ name he picked up in university. “One of my professors explained what it meant and for whatever reason he thought it suited me. I do like it now,” he says. Maverick started his work life on a more traditional finance track, before detouring into app development. He created the app Hua Bei (still available) as a way to combine two of his personal interests, skiing and photography – kind of like Vivino for wine drinkers or Letterboxd for film buffs. As a matter of fact, Maverick’s not long back from his latest ski adventure in Aspen. On the alpine climbing front, he’s completed the north face of both Eiger and Matterhorn – and yes Grandes Jorasses is on his bucket list. “Climbing is going to have to take a break for a while though,” Maverick admits. “I have a young son now, so I’m less tempted to do dangerous things.” Maverick still runs, however – he’s a UTMB and UTMR finisher – and while he hasn’t made an app for it, he’s tapping the local running community with beer runs (held on the last Thursday of every month), each of which ends with a cold, convivial DB Brew. “We meet at around 6.30pm and do a 500m lap of Tai Pak Beach,” Maverick explains. “Our community is full of people who love life, enjoy running and embrace every moment. The DB Brew Beer Run combines the thrill of running with the joy of craft beer.” At last count, Hong Kong had upwards of 30 microbreweries in operation, among them the high-profile Young Master, Moonzen, Black Kite and Gweilo, and Maverick’s adding DB Brew (www.dbbrewbeer.com) to that roster. Despite limited quantities (he can produce 30 to 40 litres in one go) it’s a regular sell-out when he lugs a few kegs down to the DB Sunday Market. “Selling out is great, because obviously people are choosing it over more commercial brands,” he says with a wide grin. “It also means I don’t have to carry full kegs back up the hill.” DB Brew comes in standard 355-millilitre cans, and handy 3-litre party kegs, and despite the boutique operation, Maverick’s not price-gouging: a can will run you HK$50. “Will you pay more for better?” he asks. Yes, I will. He seems relieved. As it stands, Maverick has a stable of regular brews he cooks up, but kind of like a winemaker, he can’t guarantee they’ll be identical each time. He has his basic ideas, but depending on where he gets his hops, or what extra local ingredients catch his eye on any given day the profiles can change. It doesn’t get more crafty than that. “I select different hops – sourced from countries like New Zealand and the US – based on the distinct flavour profiles I aim to achieve in each beer,” Maverick explains. “Local ingredients also play a big part. For instance, when brewing my Lychee Sea Salt Gose, I forage wild lychees from DB, at a secret spot few people know about. “Some batches are seasonal releases, some are crowd-pleasers, back by popular demand,” he adds, starting with a breakdown of the popular (for good reason) Hong Kong Sister double hazy IPA. “It’s unfiltered and it’s hazy because of the extra hops. This one is very popular because it’s refreshing, perfect for the city’s sweltering summer nights.” It’s among his bestsellers, alongside what may be DB Brew’s signature Harvest Pumpkin Ale: clear, golden and loaded with autumn spices. As is evident in the name, it was supposed to be a Halloween one-off that’s now a regular thanks to widespread interest. Maverick’s meaty Chungking Express stout has all the richness of Coffee Stout, the citrusy Pier Belgian Witbier – a spicy wheat beer and his wife’s favourite – is an elegant sipper for the terrace, and a pair of all-purpose IPAs in the light Tai Pak Beach and its stronger cousin TGH Sunset complete the current stable. Hong Kong Sister and Chunking Express each won a prize in the Home Brew section at the 2025 Talos- Master Cup China Beer Tournament in March. Sister won 4th Place in the Hazy IPA category and Chungking took Bronze in the Medium Dark Ale group. Maverick can go on at length about hops – how mixing up the ratio of New Zealand, American or Czech varieties changes his beer profiles – and about how temperature control is his biggest hurdle. He’d prefer to work closer to home, but he’s on his way to a meeting in Shenzhen to see about a larger space to use as a proper factory. “There’s only so much I can make on my own in my kitchen, and having a toddler around isn’t ideal, for him,” he says. “I’ve been looking around DB and Hong Kong but the right space is still hard to find. A bigger space means I can produce more regularly, then I can offer it to restaurants and shops. This is my career now, so that’s the goal.” Maverick is also actively exploring retail spaces in DB: “I’m hoping to establish a permanent home where our community can easily find us,” he says. “This will allow me to consistently serve high-quality craft beer but it all hinges on finding landlords who value local brands and offer reasonable rents. After all, great beer deserves a welcoming space, and supportive landlords make that possible.” If all goes to plan Maverick will be able to enter DB Brew in the Professional section at Talos-Master Cup one day, but for now he’s concentrating on building the brand. Of course, he’s got a digital inventory tracker that tells buyers if their six-pack is available, and if you don’t feel like picking up Maverick delivers – within reason. “Well like I said, I’m just one guy right now, so I can only deliver around DB,” he finishes, adding with a cheeky grin, “but if you order enough 3-litre kegs I might make an exception.”

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