WORLD AT A GLANCE
This issue, we present five culture-rich cities across seven categories of experiences.
Let this section be your mini-guide during your next big escapade
Brussels
Belgium
hong kong
china
Shanghai
china
Indulge
For a true taste of Belgium head to
Friture René, a neighbourhood
restaurant with cold Belgian beer and
bottomless Belgian frites. Notable is
the 340 gramme horse steak. Place
de la Résistance 14, 1070 Anderlecht
Guests at The Mercer Hong Kong
need not venture out for top cuisine.
Sushi Shikon boasts no less than three
Michelin stars, with fresh ingredients
flown in daily from Tokyo’s famous
Tsukiji market. sushi-shikon.com
Enjoy a multi-sensory experience
at Ultraviolet, ranked the eighth
best restaurant in the whole of
Asia. Chef Paul Pairet’s imaginative
creations will have you coming
back for more. uvbypp.cc
ON STAGE
At L’Os A Moelle you decide what
you’d like to see performed on the
stage – so the performance is unique
every night. In this evening of
improvisation, the audience becomes
the director and the actors have to
do your bidding. www.osamoelle.be
A look at the art, life and kung fu of
Bruce Lee is too good an opportunity
to miss. An exhibition staged at the
Hong Kong Heritage Museum
celebrates his life through 600 items
of fascinating memorabilia. Closed
on Tuesdays. (85-2) 2180 8188
This year Shanghai has been
selected to play host to the Laureus
World Sports Awards. This
prestigious worldwide event has
given recognition to the top sports
people from across the globe for the
last 15 years. china.laureus.com
COCKTAILS
If you’ve had your fill of beer, head for
a refreshing drink of another kind at
Archiduc where entrance is gained
through a swing door after pressing
a discreet bell located in the street.
Jazz legend Miles Davis is reputed to
have jammed here. www.archiduc.net
The award-winning bartenders at
Wyndham the 4th mix a memorable
drink. The door policy is managed
to avoid overcrowding. Phone
ahead to make a reservation
so you’re not disappointed.
48 Wyndham Street
One of Shanghai’s coolest night spots,
here you can bask in the ambient
glow of modernity. Along with
memorable cocktails, People
7 has quirky bathrooms
that are notable too. 805
Julu Lu, near Fumin Lu
Askum’s coffee is organically grown in
Ethiopia before being freshly roasted
in the Belgian capital. Whether you’re a
deep espresso drinker or like the milky
tones of a café latte, this is the place
for you. www.aksumcoffeehouse.com
Hong Kong’s first coffee
shop to offer compostable
take away cups, Zai Fe means
strong black coffee in Cantonese and
is in an environment that is beloved
by locals and visitors alike. zai-fe.com
With the best coffee beans
scouted from Yunnan
province, Sumerian has
the blend just right. Sometimes
coffee classes are on offer for caffeine
connoisseurs. sumeriancoffee.com
In February, museums all over the city
take part in Museum Night Fever.
Enjoy this contemporary twist
on the arts, all backed by a
modern soundtrack. www.
museumnightfever.be
From pop up speakeasies to secret
cinemas, Hushup have them all.
Themed film evenings across the
city are a journey for all the
senses; just make sure you
book early. hushup.hk
Tucked away in a beautiful landscaped
garden, is the 960 year old Gu Yuan
Antique Tea House. Delicious teas
can be enjoyed here, accompanied
by traditional Shaanxi snacks. 1315
Fuxing Zhong Lu, by Fenyang Lu
KIDS
There is one thing kids like
more than eating chocolate
– making it. At Zaabar they
can indulge their sweet tooth
– and take home their creations at
the end of the day. www.zaabar.com
Hop on a junk or the local
ferry (from Aberdeen or
Stanley) to Po Toi Island for
fascinating rock formations
like the renowned Turtle Rock
and Buddha’s Palm. www.td.gov.hk
Children will love watching the
age old Chinese tradition of kite
flying, marvelling at the intricate
and colourful designs. Most central
is People’s Park. 75 Nanjing Xi
Lu, near Huangpi Bei Lu.
STAY
With its indoor garden and restful
fountain, Citadines SainteCatherine Brussels is situated
on a quiet street just a stone’s
throw from the capital’s historic
Grand Place. www.citadines.com
Newly opened, the 55 apartment
The Mercer Hong Kong offers
contemporary living in the heart
of the city. As well as a Michelin
restaurant there’s a fully equipped
gym. www.citadines.com
The modern exterior of Ascott
Huai Hai Road Shanghai is a local
landmark. Its elegant apartments
are just a stone’s throw from the
entertainment and shopping centre
of Xintiandi. www.the-ascott.com
CAFFEINE
SCOOP
04 AS COTT LIVING