2014 | stylebriefHongKong

Yearly Archives: 2014

The good spices are in

The wonderful aromas of fragrant spices is one of the first things you notice about Hong Kong, and styling up recipes filled with all these truly amazing ingredients is a great job. If you are looking for high-quality spices, and don’t want to buy at a supermarket, Sunit Dattani, the great-great grandson of Dayalji Purshottam Dattani who started Regency Spices in 1951, has some of the best in Hong Kong. Here, Sunit explains how it all began at Regency Spices.

When did your family start Regency Spices and why? Our family business started in 1951 by Mr. Dayalji Purshottam Dattani, my great grandfather, when he migrated back to India from East Africa. Our new consumer range was developed as we noticed there was a lack in high quality spices in the market. As spice prices have risen year by year, manufacturers/packers/grinders have had to cut costs to keep their prices affordable. With our unique knowledge in the trade from an export and manufacturing point of view, we want to bring back the traditionally available high quality spices back to consumers.

Why are your spices so fresh and unique? All our spices are naturally farmed and traditionally processed. While the same spice may grow in several different countries, we take great care to source them from their “best” origin, which we determine to be the best tasting for the season. Most of the time this is also the traditional origin of the spice from thousands of years ago, as opposed to cheaper producing nations that have only been cultivating the spice for 20-50 years. We also sell them in their whole form, which makes them infinitely fresher and tastier compared to pre-powdered. Whole spices are much harder to hide quality defects in, because flaws are easily visible. We hand select wherever possible and only the best are sold by us.

Which spices need to be refrigerated? Under normal circumstances, we recommend not refrigerating any whole spices, as they get badly affected by changes in moisture when taking them in and out of the fridge. If you have access to a vacuum sealer, that’s a different story! In which case they should all be kept refrigerated. What we do recommend, is storing spices in a dark, airtight container, in a cool place. Spices exposed to light and heat lose flavour and aroma much faster than those kept in these conditions. Some spices attract infestation – for example, nutmeg, mace, coriander, chilli, and some are especially precious – for example, saffron, cardamom, vanilla – all these, if refrigerated, are best kept in air-tight container taking care to prevent moisture from being absorbed and spoiling them.

Lee Kung Man Knitting

Lee Kung Man Knitting Factory is one of my favourite places to pick up a classic white T-shirt, and is only a few minutes’ walk from Ki Lung Street in Sham Shui Po. We’re talking a collection of undergarments for men, women and children – what I Iove is the men’s white T-shirts with jeans or under jumpers in winter. Just ask the very friendly sales assistants to find just the right style for you from an array of neatly stacked piles of beautifully packaged garments.

188 Nam Cheong Street, Kowloon. Tel +852 2777 2439

stylebrief goes shopping

Stylebrief has been out sourcing again and we think it’s time to put some of our discoveries in the shop. One of our first vintage finds (and there will be many more gems to come) are these two exquisite enamel trays found in a little store on Kowloon side. The larger tray is 50 cm and the smaller one is 45 cm. They are in top condition and this kind of shape is perfect for pre-dinner cocktails or serving coffees to brighten up the morning. International shipping is available and all prices in the shop are in USD. For any inquiries email us at admin@stylebriefhongkong.com

Imperial Yellow

Finding ceramics in Hong Kong is easy – every possible shape, size and colour is available here. A colour as bright as the sun – ‘Imperial Yellow’ – is this week’s current love. Its meaning is allied with the word ‘king’, and pieces drenched in it are a standout in their elegance. Oh, the only thing is the more luxurious price-tag: these beautiful artefacts can date back to the Ming and Ching Dynasty when they were designed for the Imperial Court. But quality stands the test of time, and now that they are available to the everyday collector, the investment is definitely worth it. A splash of sun-kissed porcelain is also a smart way to brighten up a room where there is not a lot of natural lighting. Our go to place is Friendship Commerical Building, 105-107 Hollywood Rd, Hong Kong. tel: +852 2548 3830 – David Choi is a master at ceramics and will gladly give you a quick history lesson as well.

Cloisonné

Cloisonné (circa Ming Dynasty) is the resulting effect of metalware decorated with an ancient technique which uses enamel, gemstones, coloured glass paste, and various other materials. In the late ’90’s one of the best place to find Cloisonné bowls, vases and plates in Hong Kong was a little store on the first floor of a building on Elgin Street. Sadly, this store ended up closing down, along with a cluster of great stores around it. On late-night walks I used to pick up a lot of curios and other bits and pieces from there where dust would be all over the Cloisonné. A simple wipedown with a damp cloth at home revealed an extremely beautiful object gleaming in vibrant shades in a treasure trove of designs.

A couple of good places to find Cloisonné around Hong Kong today are:

The Sum Ngai Brass Factory in Kam Tin, New Territories, has a huge collection of Cloisonné out, and for well-priced vases and Christmas decorations this is a good place to shop. Ornamental and oversized bowls are available as well as splendid statement-making urns. Pop into Friendship Trading Company, 105-107 Hollywood Rd, Central, for even more affordable gifts – the pencil holders and vases are just two examples of lovely Cloisonné staples.

Little and lovely

Those lovely small snuff bottles all began during the Qing Dynasty (1644- 1911). Precious powdered tobacco was held in them, along with some herbs and spices, and the snuff was used as a remedy for colds and illnesses. Some bottles still have a little spoon attached to the stopper. Each of the tiny bottles are delicately illustrated with a scene or image that has a symbolic meaning. There are cranes, lotus flowers, dragonflies, and some are believed to boost health, focus, or determination.

Designed to fit into the palm of the user’s hand, the exquisite bottles can be made out of jade, agate, glass, wood, ivory, sterling silver, porcelain, or turquoise or ruby. The price varies – the collector’s pieces can be much sought-after. Half a dozen or so, organised prettily, will add whimsy to any dressing table.

Pick up some snuff bottles at the Jade Market, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon; and a friendly history lesson while viewing the displays at the Friendship Trading Company, 105-107 Hollywood Rd, Central adds an adventuresome touch and for some fun fossicking head to True Arts & Curios, 89-91 Hollywood Rd, Central.

Noodles

Noodles are so synonymous with Hong Kong and what better way to enjoy them than to cook your own. Head to Kang Kee Noodles Ltd, G/F 4 Tai Wo Street, Wan Chai, for a fresh and wholesome selection. They really understand flavours and they get it right. Abalone, scallop, shrimp, fish, buckwheat, spinach and sesame are just some of what is on offer. Apparently the egg ones are best for frying. They also have fresh dumpling skins which you can use with our own recipe here. For delicious noodles and dumplings on the go head to Mak’s Noodle, G/ F 77 Wellington Street, Central, or Tsim Chai Kee Noodle, 98 Wellington Street, Central. Every time I go there after midday there’s a queue, so mornings are best to beat the rush.

Around and about Tai Ping Shan Street

Just a minute walk off Hollywood Road heading up the hill are Tai Ping Shan Street and Sai Street in Sheung Wan. Sin Sin Man’s atelier and fine art gallery space, 52 Sai Street, Sheung Wan, has some of the most covetable jewellery, both contemporary and historical – she is considered a pioneer of this bustling area. Her exhibition space is located right opposite her boutique and always has great installations and things going on.

Authentiques

A new section on the home page celebrates the lives and careers of expatriates living in Asia. A series of interviews will detail the lifestyles and work of people living away from their homes who have become known for their style, from fashion designers and artists, to others founding successful businesses. The first interview is with Melbourne-born owner of Authentiques, Kate Davies. Kate has lived in Hong Kong for over 17 years – she came in the late-90s to work as a television reporter before moving into the finance sector – and even though she still consults, her main focus is planning and carefully considering the beautiful 18th and 19th century antiques she imports from the United Kingdom and Europe. There is an exquisite sofa upholstered in blue Italian velvet, circa 1910, at her atelier in Sheung Wan, Central which Stylebrief is currently coveting – the arms and back lift off, making it a perfect bed for a guest room. Read on at The Expats…

Where are you from originally?
Born and bred in Melbourne, Australia.

How long have you lived in Hong Kong?
Seventeen fast years, since 1997.

What were you doing that brought you to HK?
I was a TV news reporter with the Seven Network in Melbourne. I knew Melbourne like the back of my hand and wanted to spread my wings and live in another city. I flew home from a European holiday via Hong Kong and fell in love with Hong Kong’s energy. I asked Seven if they could send me to Hong Kong to report on the Handover of Hong Kong in 1997 but they wouldn’t commit and always sent men on the overseas stories so I thought it was best I didn’t wait around to be rejected and miss out all together so I left and moved on my own to Hong Kong and started working with the Nine Network’s bureau in Hong Kong, plus I called in to a radio station 3AW with updates of the imminent Handover and the changes that were taking place in preparation, like the red post office letter boxes with the Queen’s emblem being replaced by plain Hong Kong ones, the “royal” being removed from the titles of clubs and associations, their signs were taken down and replaced. It was an amazing experience to see the Queen’s Yacht Britannia set sail from Victoria Harbour with Prince Charles on board, collecting the Governor, Chris Patten and his wife and daughters. Thinking about it gives me the tingles. After that I switched in to public relations and then moved in-house to ABN Amro to run their events and marketing team.

Why Authentiques now?
In my thirteenth year in banking/equities the business I was with, Samsung Securities, was shut-down. Two years earlier my husband Steve died unexpectedly when our daughter was only ten months old. The abrupt end to my job gave me a chance to sit back and look at my life and reassess my options. The banking world was in a downward spiral, people were working harder for less reward and I wanted to see if I could step back from it and find another business that allowed me to travel less, see my daughter daily and have the flexibility to juggle my responsibilities better. I noticed that there were no European antiques available in Hong Kong and was reading that the Chinese in China had an increasing interest in them. I grew up with parents who bought antiques and mixed them well with contemporary art and furniture and felt comfortable with my level of knowledge, enough to look in to it as a commercial business idea. I opened the doors in July 2013.

What were the challenges?
There were plenty. I had never run a small business before so I have had to surround myself with very good advisors. I have a business coach who firstly was given the task of keeping me from taking tempting roles in other banks. Giving up a salary was hard, I had become very institutionalized so every time I put my hand in my pocket, I think more than twice. My priorities changed, we go without certain luxuries but I have gained the luxury of freedom to explore on so many levels. Staying positive was another challenge in the first year and my coach has helped me there too, showing me that I am fulfilling my objectives which are very different to those of many of my friends and competitors. I bought in to a block of time that is a highly formative period of my daughter’s life (she is now five) so as well as building a business, I am also supporting her growth and trying to be the best role model I can as a single mother and that’s a constant work in progress. I have an investor as well who I have worked with for ten years. She is very supportive so I can bounce ideas around and know that the advice is sound and sensible.

What was one piece of advice someone gave you that really inspired you to open Authentiques?
Choose something that is scalable without adding much to your cost centre. Selling more furniture doesn’t mean we need to add more staff, it requires better systems, suppliers and organization but not salaries and the HR issues that staff bring. In comparison, opening a restaurant or setting up a consulting company on the other hand requires a team of staff and if that business grows bigger, more staff must be hired, and if the business gets smaller or goes through quiet patches, those staff still need to be paid or let go. I didn’t want to rely on an in-house team. I like shopping around for the best supplier at the time within my budget whether it be the buyers sourcing pieces for the business in Europe or the web designer. There is a lot of freedom in the business model to change as we learn more about the market.

What has been the highlight since opening Authentiques?
Buying the furniture in England and Belgium was a rush. Going from dealer to dealer, learning so much more and being surrounded by shedloads of the most beautiful furniture I have ever seen was like a dream. I met wonderful people who have vast knowledge to pass on to future generations. Antique furniture is very practical. Every piece had a purpose so there are wonderful stories and visuals surrounding each piece. The entire experience has reactivated a creative spirit in me and I get a lot of personal reward from that regularly. Essentially we are all creative but often we repress the need to express ourselves. Facebook and Instagram are two amazing examples of how creative the world is. Everyday people posting phenomenal pictures and observations. We are learning so much more about our friends and other people by what they notice and post.

Amber

I am currently obsessed with amber again. I love the way it looks with denim. I remember discovering it when I was backpacking around Europe in the late 80’s in the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. I was recently cleaning out my jewellery and re-discovered some of my amber but realised you need a few pieces to make it work. One lonely string just doesn’t look right. When wearing beads I think you have to layer and have at least three different lengths of the same one around your neck. The wrong beads can ruin any outfit so you have to be careful with how you wear them. You don’t want to end up looking like you have off-loaded your entire jewellery box to around your neck and it’s your first outing for the year. For amber we suggest you head to Pak Kwok Hung’s shop, 428, Jade Market, Yaumatei, Kowloon. He really does have some lovely pieces. You have to remember to use your bargaining tools. I always love this about the Jade Market in Hong Kong. Remember less is more does not apply to amber.

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Yearly Archives: 2014

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