So according to my blogging dashboard, I haven't done a post since October 2012. Now that's a long time. Shamefully I've been on a voluntary sabbatical because I've just been too lazy to write. I should rename my blog, the Lazy Kat. Terrible I know, but at least I'm being honest!
So what's been happening since October that has meant this blog has gone radio silent?
Well it's a combination of a few different things. I left my job at the end of November and went overseas (more on that later). Secondly, I started a new job in January so that's kept me busy with learning new things. And thirdly, my role at Couturing is taking more of my spare time than I had expected. Who'd have thought being a Beauty editor would be so time consuming?! Don't get me wrong, I love it but between coming up with ideas, reviewing articles written by my lovely team of writers, testing products and attending events, it's been super busy!
Well it's a combination of a few different things. I left my job at the end of November and went overseas (more on that later). Secondly, I started a new job in January so that's kept me busy with learning new things. And thirdly, my role at Couturing is taking more of my spare time than I had expected. Who'd have thought being a Beauty editor would be so time consuming?! Don't get me wrong, I love it but between coming up with ideas, reviewing articles written by my lovely team of writers, testing products and attending events, it's been super busy!
But enough of the excuses. I'm here in the now and I'm going to tell you about all the amazing food I've consumed over the last couple of months. Perhaps not in one go but I'll make a start (which is more than I can say about my entries for New York last year which failed to make it to Part 2 to mention the restaurants I loved).
So after I left my job in November, I headed overseas to attend a family wedding in Hong Kong.
I love Hong Kong - the food, the vibe, the shopping and the shopping. It's a dynamic city, with lots of people and lots of shops, and lots of food. Given the size of the place, there's not much else to do apart from shop and eat. Having said that you can wander around Hong Kong and discover places you never new existed.
I've been to Hong Kong many times before and I never realised that in the midst of the skyscrapers filled with international conglomerates, in the streets interweaving these buildings, you can find the most amazing things. In Central, on Hong Kong island, I was wandering the streets with my aunt who said she had to pick up a few bits and pieces. She led me to a fresh food market with vegetables, flowers, meats and also random stalls with freshly made tofu. It was amazing to see this amongst the tall buildings that dominate the city. The range of different root vegetables and the stalls with tofu products were really interesting (although part of me worried about the lack of refrigeration!!!)
I love Hong Kong - the food, the vibe, the shopping and the shopping. It's a dynamic city, with lots of people and lots of shops, and lots of food. Given the size of the place, there's not much else to do apart from shop and eat. Having said that you can wander around Hong Kong and discover places you never new existed.
I've been to Hong Kong many times before and I never realised that in the midst of the skyscrapers filled with international conglomerates, in the streets interweaving these buildings, you can find the most amazing things. In Central, on Hong Kong island, I was wandering the streets with my aunt who said she had to pick up a few bits and pieces. She led me to a fresh food market with vegetables, flowers, meats and also random stalls with freshly made tofu. It was amazing to see this amongst the tall buildings that dominate the city. The range of different root vegetables and the stalls with tofu products were really interesting (although part of me worried about the lack of refrigeration!!!)
One of things about eating in Hong Kong is that the range of food available is amazing. You'd be surprised that you can get a Michelin starred French meal as if you were in France. The number of Michelin starred restaurants has exploded in recent years and the restaurants that have received this coveted award do not serve Chinese food. I suppose this reflects the Chinese people's love of food. I think as a culture, we live to eat rather than eat to live.
So you can imagine my delight of being able to have a bowl of wonton noodles for breakfast, followed by yum cha for lunch and then a dinner involving the best suckling pig I've ever had. Or having dumplings for brunch followed by a warm snack from a bakery as a snack, followed by a three course menu at one of Hong Kong's restaurants with a magnificant view of the harbour.
Ok let's get down to two places I went to when I was in HK.
One of the places that we definitely visit everytime I'm back is Crystal Jade. This is a chain of restaurants that is famous for its Xiao Long Bao - those chinese dumplings that have the soup in them. They're also famous for their Lai Mein which is a type of rice flour based noodle that is a bit heavier in texture than the flat rice noodles that you can get in your Char Kway Teo.
You can stuff yourself with good quality dumplings and noodles, and throw in a good spring roll or two as well. All for less than $30.
There are a few in Hong Kong - but the ones I've been to are in IFC and the basement level of Times Square in Causeway Bay. Sorry no pics - I think I was too busy getting into my food to take any pics.
The other place I discovered this trip was Maks Noodles in Central. The last time I was in Hong Kong we tried to go here on our last day but it had closed for the day and we ended up going to the restaurant opposite it (which was actually pretty good too!).
But this trip we went when the doors opened at 11am and had a bowl of wonton noodles. The wontons are small parcels of sheer tastiness and the noodles are cooked so that they have the right amount of chewiness without being sloppy. I don't know how they do it because when I try to cook egg noodles like that at home it never works. The bowls are fairly small but for the price of less than A$5, I reckon you could afford to eat too without batting an eyelid. The other thing that this place is famous for is its Beef Brisket. For those that have never had Chinese beef brisket - you need to try it. There's something about braising beef brisket so that it comes out all soft and delicious in this gravy. It's not the most appealing looking dish but forget looks and go for what tastes good!
If you're brave you can also try Beef tendon which, to be honest, doesn't really taste like anything except the sauce that it's cooked in. The texture of the tendon is what draws people in or it makes them hate it! A personal taste really. I'm all in for beef tendon!
If you're brave you can also try Beef tendon which, to be honest, doesn't really taste like anything except the sauce that it's cooked in. The texture of the tendon is what draws people in or it makes them hate it! A personal taste really. I'm all in for beef tendon!
Accompanied by a nicely steamed/blanched plate of chinese vegetables with a soy/oil sauce - the meal is perfection.
Now I know that's only two places but it's a start. I'll dig up a few other gems in HK and post them soon...I promise!!!!
Over and out.
Meow
