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Hong Kong and Macau China

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Have you heard of "cupping"? It's Chinese medicine. Hurts like hell (as evidenced by my bruises). I went to Thailand a week later and the spa called in someone thinking I had a skin condition - what's common in China is totally unknown just a 2 hour flight away. It "worked", but I think it was just the endorphins.
Dim sum.
And more dim sum.
Heavenly pork. Sinful, in fact.
My experiments with Chinese medicine were inconclusive, but they showed promise. I had a rare worm concoction (after my 'cupping' therapy).
The condo boom dwarfs Miami.
Taking a high-speed hydro foil to Macau (the Chinese Las Vegas)
It's like pulling up to Las Vegas by boat. A passport stamp is required going from Hong Kong to Macau.
He found something very interesting in there and chased it for so long that I decided to take a picture.
Yes, they even have a brand new Wynn (just like Vegas).
This is inside the Wynn. Beautiful.
They have an MGM Grand, as you would suspect. Won a few thousand Hong Kong Dollars here.I went by hyrdo foil, which takes about 45 minutes, but the high-rollers go by helicopter, which is about 15 minutes. Boat is $25 or so each way. Helicopter is around $100.
The mist over the mountains was a pretty cool sight. There are many of these on the journey from Macau to Hong Kong.
Chinese medicine shops are as common as GNC in America (probably more so). Walk in, see the doctor, and get a special recipe made just for you -- like going to Starbucks, but they blend in antlers and hooves and worms.
I played this game so many times on those long flights and taxi rides.
At the top of the Peninsula is Felix - one of the most beautifully designed restaurants in the world. Great view from here for the Symphony of Lights over Victoria Harbor each night. My hotel, the Sheraton Towers, is right next door.
KFC is EVERYWHERE!
Dried oysters are a common sight (these just off a busy road with thousands of pedestrians passing per hour...I think it adds to the flavor).
Symphony of Lights in Victoria Harbor (view from my hotel suite).
Morning view from my hotel suite. Chinese "junk boat" (that's what they call them) juxtaposed against modern concrete jungle.
Squid, duck and...sausage??? (may be what you think it is).
Silk "Eye of the Tiger" robes for just $7. Tailored suits built to your body for under $200 and delivered to your hotel within 24 hours.
Jumbo Restaurant is a floating 6-story barge and is supposed to be a can't miss place to eat. Trust me, you CAN miss it.
The giant scallop was quiet good though.
Back at my hotel, I got addicted to the Peking Duck at Celestial Court. I had it for 2 meals a day for about 3 days straight. I crave it.
It is such a beautiful dish that I often dream of going back to Hong Kong just to eat Peking Duck at this restaurant. Best in the city. Hotel is owned by a billionare and he found the top guy in China for Peking Duck...this restaurant is filled with locals and is a must-see in Hong Kong.

I know, I know – SORRY for the horrific photos of my body and condition.  I am only trying to be authentic (despite the embarrassment) of what it was like to experience Hong Kong head-first.

Hong Kong is not China.  As an American I thought they were the same.  It’s like saying New York City is America or Dubai is the Middle East.  The are quite different in culture, cuisine and currency.

As an international restaurant consultant I can say with confidence that Hong Kong is one of those places anyone in the trade should see first hand.  I feel it is just scratching the surface though.  Perhaps one day Mandarin will be as common place as English.  We should all start warming up to the cuisine not just because it’s likely to be a global cuisine in 20 years but because it’s a wonderful cuisine and culture steeped in history, tradition and delightful culinary sensation.

Restaurant Consultant Aaron Allen

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This entry was posted on Friday, June 25th, 2010 at 12:52 am and is filed under Blog, Travels. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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