USMEF Oktoberfest in Central Market – 29 October, 2024

Oktoberfest is one of those fun festivals that has been adopted globally. And just as Songkran encourages us to soak others in water, Oktoberfest is an ‘excuse’ for people around the world to have fun and dance on the table…

The US Meat Export Federation hosted a night at Oktoberfest in Central Market on 29 October. The open centre of the market has been converted into a Hong Kong style German Beer Hall including a stage where traditional German music from the Notenhobler’s sets the mood.

There’s a range of traditional German dishes: pork knuckle, pretzels, sauerkraut, apple strudel and some delicious US pork ribs.

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After dinner, while enjoying your beer, you can blow the big horn and start the party with some fun games.

 

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Click here for the full gallery of images

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All images copyright bc magazine/ Simon Durrant – all rights reserved

The Hong Kong Photo Contest 2024

The Hong Kong Photo Contest 2024, organised by National Geographic, is open for entries for photos taken in Hong Kong before 3 December 2024.

This year’s six categories: City; Wildlife; Landscape; People; Mobile and Sports.

Winners will be chosen in March 2025, with the winner’s photograph in each category being published in National Geographic magazine (Traditional Chinese edition).

Submission guidelines can be found here

Elaine Chow: 14 March, 1986 – 27 October, 2005 – Gone, but Never Forgotten!

In loving memory of Elaine Chow our friend and colleague who in the early hours of the 27 October 2005 committed suicide by stepping off a building. Gone, but never forgotten!

Elaine was a wonderful, vibrant young woman, who brought joy to everyone she met. Our memories of her remain so strong and clear, that beaming smiling face still brings a big smile to my face and a warm glow to my heart even in the darkest of days.

The pain of her death never seems to fade.

RIP Elaine you are deeply missed.

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Almost 3 people a day, on average, commit suicide in Hong Kong, it’s the unseen killer, if you know someone who’s talking (even jokingly) of it get them help/talk to them. 

Suicide is not the answer.
HongKongers help each other, reach out and talk to someone…please!

If you’re thinking of committing suicide, you are not alone – talk to someone first. Suicide scars and destroys those you leave behind.
Samaritans Hong Kong: 2896 0000 www.samaritans.org.hk

Choices, Choices, Choices…

Choices, choices, choices… The HKTB‘s Wine & Dine Festival is back with over 300 booths full of food and drink to explore savour and hopefully enjoy.

Everyone will have their own preferences and ideas as to how to explore the festival. My approach is what can I do and taste here which I probably can’t/wouldn’t away from the festival. And that mostly means food! There are so many wine and spirits shops in Hong Kong that you can buy a bottle of pretty much anything you want to sample away from the festival.

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The Cutest drink

Honestly, to tease and please your tastebuds head to the Culinary Stars area first to sample dishes from some of Hong Kong’s finest restaurants including The Aubery, Fisholic, Hong Kong CuisineAn ChoiThe Baker and The Bottleman and The Grand HK which is showcasing their new Bakery.

Where Wine and Dine Shines…

When you go out to a restaurant you can enjoy one version of a dish. At the festival, several restaurants are, for example, offering Siu Mai – so you can buy from several booths and taste and compare them at the same time. Exploring how each chef views and thinks of such a basic staple and much-loved Hong Kong dish. The different flavours and textures are profound, surprising and delicious and will spoil you for your basic everyday version.

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What Not to Miss!

The Vietnamese egg coffee at An Choi – as good, if not better than you’ll find on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City.

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To the left of the entrance is the ‘hotel zone’ where some of Hong Kong fancy hotels are showcasing the favourite dishes from their restaurants. It’s also one of the areas where you can find vegetarian food.

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There’s US and Argentinan Beef to enjoy.

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Near the Star Fery entrance is the French zone with some lovely cheeses – a nice way to start or something to enjoy later with a glass of wine or a cocktail.

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Don’t forget to take pictures of your food

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There are two live music stages, both of which have chairs, when you a rest.

Cheers and Enjoy!

Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival
Date: 23-27 October, 2024
Venue: Central Harbourfront Event Space
Tickets: $400, $290, $240
Notes:
23 October 2024 (Wednesday), 7:30–11pm
24–25 October 2024 (Thursday – Friday), 4–11pm
26–27 October 2024 (Saturday – Sunday), 12–11pm

All images copyright bc magazine / simon durrant – all rights reserved

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