Latest Comments
In response to: Cafe Deco Bar & Grill
Made a reservation yesterday at Cafe Deco on the Peak (April 30th) around 5 pm for a table for 2 at the window, 7.15pm the same night. The young man on the phone confirmed that it wouldnt be a problem but only lower floor at the window would be available - which was fine. Upon arrival at 7.10 pm we learned from a very unfriendly person at the door that no reservation was made and with a tone that gave me and my friend the impression that she didnt belive us she said that reservations are made weeks in advance. I have very little understanding for this. Obviously communication between stuff doesnt work that well at cafe deco and even though reservation was made we made the trip to the peak for nothing. My Cafe Deco VIP membership card has made its way into the rubbish bin of course….
In response to: 5 centimetres per second
I like this movie very very very much! The director studies literature in university and this helps add many ingredients into the movie from a very different perspective.
In response to: Kyo Hachi
Wow! Lovely mountain views and food! This restaurant looks very attractive! Thought about visiting for a few times when I was up there but never did. Thanks for the review.
In response to: The French Window
Limited choice on a la carte. Small portion of food. Taste is so so. Not the French culture of fine cuisine. Over priced. I’d better go to reputable ones / hotels. Never come back unless I’m told the menu & quality are improved.
Only good thing: high ceiling.
In response to: Chez Patrick
Hi, Chez Patrick was not so bad but still very expensive!! But since the French head Chef left the restaurant in August 2008, the quality also!!! Now you should try his own Just in front, Green mouse… quality on top, big portion and less price! my favorite now and for a lot of friends…
In response to: Zeitgeist
Hi Dom, thanks for recommending this great movie! This is a great movie for fans about conspiracy theory like me!
In response to: Hong Lou Shanghainese Restaurant
Not bad choice, food was pretty decent not too oily and the prices average..a bit more expensive than crystal jade but the atmosphere was of a restaurant, better quality food and no queues!
Fairly standard menu but they have a few specialities like steamed buns, and we tried the mustard veg buns not bad, and the speciality shredded tofu skin which was nice and light but a bit pricey.
Service was ok but a bit patchy maybe cos our table was at the back.
Good alternative choice shanghainese restaurant for a quiet and decent quality dining experience.
In response to: Firenze Ristorante
I went to Firenze just yesterday and i completely disagree with your rating and will give them a round 5-star rating, go firenze!
In response to: **FULL** Travel talk: Antarctica - The last unspoiled place on earth
Please count me in. Thanks.
In response to: Hiking - Peng Chau - Sun 2 Dec 2007
I find your entry very useful and i am browsing to decide which route to take for a hiking. I like the way you rated the route, where to start and all the information i need in order to do the hiking. Very useful information, thank you!
In response to: Isola Bar and Grill
My rating: 1 Food: 2
Service: 0 Atmosphere: 2
Price: HK$ 200-300
I went to l? Isola for lunch recently and was very disappointed. I ordered a risotto which took for ever to arrived and when it finally came it was almost uncooked
As I had a limited lunch hour and could not wait any longer, I ask to pay for the small salad I had from the appetizer buffet, I was outraged to see that they charged me ? of the price of the set menu even though I only had the starter, I complaint to the manager who?s response was that this was not a fast food restaurant and that the uncooked risotto was how it was suppose to be etc?.
I know that this restaurant is famous for its bad service but to have the manager respond to a complaint with such disdain attitude was very upsetting.
I was left on an empty stomach!!
In response to: China : A Macro History
Thumbs up for this one. Having grown up outside of the Chinese soil, I didn’t really studied Chinese history at school. This book provides a rather intriguing analysis and discussion of Chinese history that’s different from the dominant discourse and methodology of studies in Chinese history. I think he really has a passion not just in studying history but also for the Chinese nation.
Read his other books too (his first one on 16th century taxation was superb!) and referred them to my grandpa, an amateur historian. He absolutely enjoyed reading it and found it exceptional. However, I have reservations to his vision of the governing of China and think it’s inflicted by the current zeitgeist of technocratic managerialism. Anyways, enjoy!
In response to: Caffe Habitu
It has nice atmosphere but having a coffee with my pasta simply doesn’t turn me on. Pasta and most other italian food calls for a nice glass of vino so I hope they will get a licence soon.
Also, why insist on a ’set’ breakfast??? I don’t want to have a stale scone and jam with my muesli. How hard is it to have these items a la carte to ensure people can pick what they want?
In response to: O Sip Hah
Dinner food is good too, yet very pricy for a small joint like this. Portions are quite small, so the three of us had to order 8 to 10 dishes to feel mildly full?I
In response to: Small Potato 薯仔屋
I had party there! Outstanding food and nice services. But hard to make reservation. I give 4 stars!
In response to: Hiking Log: Lai Chi Woo at Tai Po on 19 Nov 2006
The scenery is nice. I was a bit tired at the end but enjoyed it in general. It was also my first time to hike at night. I will surely bring a powerful torch with me next time as the one I had was too dim in the countryside.
In response to: Epoch Coffee Bar
Went to epoch at Wing Fung Street, next to Pacific Place 3, today to try it out. Execellent coffee & music. Was really impressed with their desserts. Must try their souffles
In response to: 盛八 Shing Pak
Great place for grills. We had beef, ox-tougne and scallope.
In response to: Tuesdays with Morrie
Replied by irene.
My rating: 5
My review:
one of the best books i’ve read. simple and inspiring! i read it 2 years ago when i started thinking what i want in life. the most touching message of the book is “in a society we’re very often influenced by its culture. if we don’t stand firmly, we will easily lose ourselves and follow the flow. know who you’re and what you want to be, create your own culture”
In response to: Tuesdays with Morrie
Replied by Dominic. My rating: 5
My review:
Heard so much about it and finally got hold of a copy from a friend. A very touching book on a true story of a dying professor, how he saw life in the face of death. I particularly like “when you learn how to die, you learn how to live” and also, don’t let the so-called modern culture dictate what we want. Think hard on what we our heart really really wants. The ideas in the book are not new but people are often too busy to think about them and overlook what are truly important in life - love and family.
In response to: Tuesdays with Morrie
Replied by Vanessa.
My rating: 5
My review:
A very touching and exceptionally well written little book. Simple words were used to describe the complexity in life, in an everchanging society.
A book that I would buy for teenages and pple who are in their mid twenties. (not sure abt 30s/ 40s/50s as I have not experience that part of life as yet)
Leave it at your bedside and read one chapter a day, this will give you a little reflection about your ownself after a busy day.
I also read the other book by him called ‘five people you meet in heaven’. Interesting setting of the story. Sometimes pple around us have impact on us which we seldom realise.
In response to: The Cube
There are two different DVD versions of this available, with two different commentary tracks. Both are with the director Vincenzo Natali; the Lions Gate Signature Series edition is with him alone. He does a great job with both and is fascinating to listen to. It’s a great way to understand extremely cost-restrictive filmmaking.
This is one director to keep an eye on in the future. His other two directorial efforts were “Cypher” and “Nothing” the latter of which is by far the better, though it’s a bit unusual and goes over most people’s heads. Upcoming is his adaptation of the classic J. G. Ballard (of Empire of the Sun fame - he was the kid) scifi novel “High Rise".
In response to: Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus
Replied by Vanessa. My rating:3
My review:
Good book and pointed out the characteristics of males/ females, how to interpret behavours and enhance communications.
In response to: Hong Lou Shanghainese Restaurant
It’s quite noisy. I’ve been twice and not attractive enough to go back again, although this restaurant is OK.
In response to: Le Voyager
Food is good, but no surprise. Restaurant is a bit small, the chair is comfortable though.
In response to: Cheena
My rating: 4 Food: 4
Service: 4 Atmosphere: 3
Price: HK$ 151-200
Replied by Dominic
Review: Had dinnner again at Cheena with some ex-colleauges. Had the nicely stewed beef wrapped in a special type of grass, the beef was very tender, had vergatables in a Portuguese saurce, sweet and sour fish. And we tried the assorted dessert plate that consists of red-bean, mango, sesame jelly and lai chi cake. All pretty yummy.
In response to: Cheena
My rating: 3 Food: 3
Service: 3 Atmosphere: 3
Price: HK$ 151-200
Review: Had dim sum here for lunch before. This time we had the Master Chef’s Crab menu that included Steamed crab claws on winter melon, crab stewed in supreme soup, fried rice with seafood and bird’s nest with lotus seed and red dates. $258 for 2 people
Value for money with the good food, relatively good service and quiet dining environment. There are 3 private rooms that can be combined together for 3 tables. Good for business meal.
In response to: Suzuki Tokyo Cafe / Bistro
My rating: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3 Atmosphere: 4
Price: HK$ 101-150
Replied by irene
Special dishes: Japanese Beef Pizza, about $50. The sauce makes the pizza so yummy!
Review: As it’s a good place to enjoy a relaxing dinner, we came again. Indonesian fried rice is a bit too salty. We had sweet potato vanila cake, sounds rare, but actually good.
In response to: Crying out love in the centre of the world 在世界中心呼喚愛
Replied by Lillian. My rating:5
My review:
The movie is so great. I cried several times when I saw it. It was so touching and I like it very much. Thank you for your recommendation.
I also like the scene Aki playing piano in the hall. The music is wonderful. Sakutaro phoned his friends and cried; he said how could he forget Aki. I can feel the strong affection. I was deeply touched by the airport scene. Aki and Sakutaro planned to go to Australia but their flight was canceled because of typhoon. Sakutaro held Aki in his arms and cried:? Please save her!? I suddenly felt myself so lucky and I should treasure my love, cherish the day sharing with my lover. Hope all the lovers can live a happy life together.
I recommend this movie to all of my friends. It is a good movie worthwhile to appreciate.
In response to: Crying out love in the centre of the world 在世界中心呼喚愛
Replied by irene. My rating:5
My review:
Sorry, I haven’t seen this movie and I put 5 because I find the story good and trust my friend’s comments. Just to respond to Doris last point of death, what we can do it to cherish and try to live well by ourselves. It’s hard to imagine without trying it by ourselves. But there must be some happy elements missing.
In response to: Crying out love in the centre of the world 在世界中心呼喚愛
Replied by Doris. My rating:5
My review:
Well, I like this movie, but it’s not on ‘my favourite’ list.
It’s a good piece of work which contains most of those important elements - good story, acting, cinematography, music & even the chinese name of this movie has added some credits.
However, I don’t like 2 minor points. One is the story line between Sakutaro & his fiancee Ritsuko. It’s not meaningful to the core bitter-sweet love story between young Sakutaro & Aki, which is most touching for the audiences.
I was not shocked in knowing that Ritsuko was the little girl who always passed Sakutaro the cassette tape. However, Sakutaro seems has no reaction in knowing that too, & knowing even her leg was permanently damaged by the tragic accident during delivery.
Another scene which I don’t like is the ending. Don’t you think Sakutaro & Ritsuko should find out the place of that photo first before letting go of Aki’s ash? It’s Aki’s last wish to be free in “the centre of the world". I suppose they’re on the way there, they got off the car just due to car problem but then got the ‘ceremony’ done quickly. Am I right?
Anyway, it’s a good movie although I didn’t cry.
When one’s lover has been died, how the one being left should do? To survive sadly or to cherish that ‘being loved until the day he/she died.? I’m not fan of Titanic, but I really like Rose who could still live it real without Jack, & she’s never forgot what Jack had ever said until she died.
In response to: Rich Dad, Poor Dad
Replied by Vanessa. My rating:3
My review:
An easy piece of reading, a whole series of simlar books are available and this made me felt that it is very ‘commercial’.
Simple concepts, easy to say and maybe difficult to implement.
In response to: The Servant : A Simple Story About the True Essence of Leadership
Replied by Dominic. My rating:5
My review:
A great book! Highly recommended. A lesson in what it takes to become a true, great leader, the answer lies in serving other people’s need and respect other people. Gain authority by giving. The book make very logically deduction of the above conclusion and history provides the best and finest examples of leaders.
It also talks about when giving, you must give with love. Love is a verb and not merely a noun. This book has given me great insight and reinforce my belief in helping and serving other people. It reassures the idea of good person should prevail.
If you want to learn how to become a true leader with authority and respect, this is the book that you are looking for, put it into practice.
In response to: Harlan's
My rating: 4 Food: 4
Service: 4 Atmosphere: 3
Price: HK$ 400-500
Review:
Yes, I do agree the price is a bit pricy, like HK$70 for a normal cocktail and $80 for ginger favour creme brulee but it was really tasteful.
I forgot to check the price for wine.
Generally, the food is great.
In response to: Tai Ping Huo 大平伙
My rating: 4 Food: 4
Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5
Price: HK$ 301-350
Replied by Foodie (on or modified on 10/03/2006 18:35)
Review: Great place to take visitors for szechuan food. Good food, nice atmosphere, great service and the singing at the end adds something different to the usual dining experience. And it is inexpensive, so great value for what you get. I think there are 2 sittings per night, recommend to book in advance.
In response to: Petrus
My rating: 4 Food: 4
Service: 4 Atmosphere: 4
Price: HK$ >500
Replied by Foodie (on or modified on 10/03/2006 18:34)
Review: Pretty much what you would expect from a french restaurant in a 5-star hotel. Nothing exceptional, atmosphere is a little stodgy so more appropriate for business dinners more than going with a bunch of friends.
In response to: Petrus
My rating: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Price per person: HK$ >500
Posted by Dominic
Review: I had company dinner here, excellent food, I had lobster for main course and chocolate souffle. Very good atmosphere.
In response to: Dozo
My rating: 3 Food: 3
Service: 3 Atmosphere: 4
Price: HK$ >500
Replied by Foodie (on or modified on 10/03/2006 18:37)
Review: Average sushi, chefs act more like workers in a production line (who stand in the middle of the revolving sushi bar) as opposed to proper *itamae-san*. Any requests to the chef is consequently directed to the waiter! Ordered softshell crab temaki, and the crab was already pre-made and served COLD in a handroll. This place is for people who are looking for a quick bite in a trendy-looking restaurant that is centrally located - NOT for people who want proper sushi. And be careful not to trip over the raised platform near the entrance - the whole place is either red or black!
In response to: Dozo
My rating: 3 Food: 3
Service: 3 Atmosphere: 3
Price: HK$ <50
Replied by irene (on or modified on 11/09/2005 21:15)
Review: Set lunch is a good deal, but they don’t accept booking.
In response to: Stonegrill - Soho
My rating: 4 Food: 4
Service: 3 Atmosphere: 3
Price: HK$ 351-400
Replied by Foodie (on or modified on 10/03/2006 18:32)
Review: Tasty, but the steak keeps cooking as it is placed on the stone grill while you eat - so better eat quickly! Not particularly expensive, but makes me wonder why they charge average steak prices when I am cooking it myself…
In response to: Harlan's
My rating: 4 Food: 4
Service: 4 Atmosphere: 3
Price: HK$ >500
Replied by Foodie (on or modified on 10/03/2006 18:31)
Review: Steaks are good, but not the best as I have heard some people say. They should do something about the layout - other people are in your face and so close.
In response to: Harlan's
My rating: 4 Food: 4
Service: 4 Atmosphere: 4
Price: HK$ 401-500
Replied by irene (on or modified on 05/09/2005 09:14)
Review: Good food, but I expect more privacy for this price range. It’s a bit noisy. The tables are too close to each other. I think it’s good to have group dinner because they have a few function rooms.
In response to: Lung Chinese Fusion
My rating: 4 Food: 4
Service: 4 Atmosphere: 3
Price: HK$ <50
Replied by jerry (on or modified on 10/04/2006 20:36)
Review: I agree, but we should try more food! :p
In response to: Myung Ga Korean Restaurant 名家韓國餐廳
My rating: 5 Food: 4
Service: 3 Atmosphere: 3
Price: HK$ 401-500
Replied by Foodie (on or modified on 10/07/2006 21:01)
Review: Good Korean BBQ, was recommended by a Korean friend - Kimchee, Kalbi and Yuke are all very good. Atmosphere of the restaurant is whatever, but who cares about atmosphere for BBQ!
In response to: Chuk Yuen Seafood 竹園
My rating: 4 Food: 4
Service: 3 Atmosphere: 3
Price: HK$ 401-500
Replied by Foodie (on or modified on 10/07/2006 21:01)
Review: Live seafood at the entrance to choose from - good chinese seafood without going all the way to Lamma. Great cheese-lobster, steamed baby abalone with spring onion, stir-fried clams with black beans, list goes on. The all-you-can-drink beer is fantastic.
In response to: Hunan Garden
My rating: 3 Food: 3
Service: 2 Atmosphere: 3
Price: HK$ 151-200
Replied by Dominic (on or modified on 11/19/2004 09:00)
Review: We tried the minced chicken soup that served in individual containers and we were told that it is good for our health. We had a few chicken dishes, fish with minced meat. young bamboo shoot, stew beef bowl etc. It was easy to find a table on Friday evening.
In response to: Hunan Garden
My rating: 5 Food: 5
Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5
Price: HK$ 301-350
Replied by meao meao (on or modified on 06/07/2004 21:17)
Review: We had our wedding banquet dinner there and everybody just loved the food and service.
I was rather impressed with how flavourful every dish is. I assume it is because everyone has a small portion for every dish and therefor we get to try each dish at it’s best rather than stuffing ourselves silly.
In response to: Isola Bar and Grill
My rating: 3 Food: 3
Service: 3 Atmosphere: 3
Price: HK$ 251-300
Replied by irene (on or modified on 10/15/2006 20:02)
Review: Went there for lunch coz it’s difficult to find a table in IFC without advance booking. Quite noisy. There is a salad / dessert bar, but dessert is standard one, no surprise.
In response to: Isola Bar and Grill
My rating: 4 Food: 4
Service: 3 Atmosphere: 4
Price: HK$ >500
Replied by Foodie (on or modified on 10/03/2006 18:36)
Review: I have had both good and bad experiences here. Good: the truffle pizza is very good - the flavour really comes out. I think the calamari is pretty good here too. Bad: had a live caterpillar in my salad, which managed to walk off my plate and across the table. Thank god I didnt eat it! When I complained, they told me that it was because the salad is organic and didnt even apologise! I forget if they didnt charge me for the salad or gave me a free coffee, but I do remember that they didnt do much and that left a bad impression of the place for me.